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[ella-aaa]

Here’s part of the clip with court out of no where moves the camera when Paige’s crew come in. Ain’t no way Paige wasn’t by the door/in the hallway.

Court going from mad excited to seeing the first couple people then to suddenly wanting to change the camera angle shows that she was trying to protect their privacy and let them leave together

P.s this is just fully based on the interaction on stream. Don’t got no time for the crazies

[ella-aaa]

So I was the only one who caught court say turn that camera away as soon as Paige’s crew came in the room. Ain’t no way she wasn’t with them.

It’s def giving that Paige got in to their room with the crew and left with Azzi LMAOOO

[ella-aaa]

Someone post the clip if u have it

[ella-aaa]

So I was the only one who caught court say turn that camera away as soon as Paige’s crew came in the room. Ain’t no way she wasn’t with them.

It’s def giving that Paige got in to their room with the crew and left with Azzi LMAOOO

[ella-aaa]

You can really tell on these apps who’s an actual UConn fan 💀 go take the time to watch pressers of geno after stewie left. Geno says shit like that every time a generational caliber player leaves UConn. Yall also just prove time and time again that u don’t know genos humor. The way geno motivates his players is by throw shots at the players so that they can prove him wrong. Yall ain’t see that clip of geno telling freshman year Paige that she was half the defender that nika is…??? Bffr

[bananaspazzifavs]

Pazzi One Shot Favorites

This list is non-exhaustive!! Just a list of fics I really liked.

@pbaz7

An all-time Pazzi fic GOAT!!! Read their entire masterlist

sick fic

silly post-senior night smut

P takes care of pregnant A (slight smut)

@luvergirl-535

One of my long-time favs!!

P takes Care of Drunk Azzi

P is nervous to be intimate with A (established relationship)

A Cries During Sex (P comforts her)

Domestic Pazzi fluff

@worldmeetswbb

Deactivated account with really cute, silly stories.

bikini fic (fluff mostly)

silly pregnant paige rumor (silly fluff)

azzi dreams of paiges betrayal (silly fluff)

pazzi gay awakening (cute fluff)

P obsessed with A's body (suggestive fluff - blurb)

jersey fic (dom P)

needy Azzi (A strap-warming P)

needy paige (mommy azzi / sub P)

P wears a chain (A can't control herself)

public bathroom sex (sub A)

national champs (mommy azzi / sub P)

A strapping P (not super sub P)

ASW in public (domish P)

Lazy morning (smut)

@hcneymooners

Make sure you're locked in when reading because the details are everything. This author is a true blessing to our community!!

Extreme Sub!P

Free Use Fic w/ Obsessive P (power bottom Azzi)

Knight!Paige x Princess!Azzi

Sick fic

@manycolouredglass

Azzi is a Ghost in Paige's Apartment (this is actually my favorite fic of all time...SO underrated. fluffy)

@lemonglowseason

Deactivated account with amazing storytelling. Fics have been reblogged.

list of reblogged fics

Girl Won't You Listen

@girliblue

I LOVE this author's writing...it's fluffy in a non-boring way. Read their masterlist!!

Paige Surprises Azzi for Xmas (fluff)

When You Know You Know (P realizing she's in love w A)

@teamfueckers

Insane Pazzi smut lol. Read their masterlist!!

Saying Grace (P prays before eating A out...seriously love this one)

Azzi Bday (Dom P, strapping)

Pazzi First Time (during never have I ever)

@basketball-lesbians

OG Pazzi writer that inspired lots of Pazzi writing.

Stiff (P strapping A)

Ease (Pazzi Phone Sex)

@hearts4pbaz

This author has really cute stuff and great writing skill!!

Azzi Straps Paige

Azzi's Tampon is Stuck - Paige Helps (LOL)

@lilirae00

Also read their 'Still Here' series!!

A has a wet dream and wakes up P (there's a part 2 as well)

Pazzi hard launch aftermath

@33lol

I loveeeeeeeee this author, really cute stuff and sweet smut!!

First time (Pazzi practicing sex -> A reading while P eats her out)

P Teaches A how to Masturbate

P takes care of A on her period

Pazzi first time (P taking care of A, P walks in on A touching herself)

@ineedpaigebuckets

Lot's of first time cutesy stuff in their old masterlist!!

Put that Pussy on Me (Pazzi smut)

Paige Walks Azzi Thru Her first time

First time - bad at it together

@azzinator

Famous for their slice of life fics. Go read the whole thing!!

Toxic Praise Kink Smut

Campus Legends (silly fic that highlights the meaning of Pazzi)

Hands On (marriage smut)

A Study in Want (I think it's the 4th or 5th slice I liked)

Camping Argument (smut)

Power Bottom Azzi

P cumming from touching A

@bu3ck3r

Another fire author!!!

Domestic Weed Sex

FWB who love each other smut

@azzibuckets

Lots of goodies! Read their masterlist

We're not strangers

@elleaitch22

Great fluffy smut

Paige Mommy Kink (Kinkmas Series)

Pregnant Azzi (Kinkmas Series)

Miscellaneous Smut Fics

A wears a remote control vibrator to dinner (fireeee)

Sub!P x Mommy!A

Pazzi Getting Caught

Paige has to cover hickeys for a game

Strangers AU - Model!A x WNBA!Paige (smut)

Pazzi Firsts

Pazzi First Time (AO3 link)

Another Pazzi first time (sub!P in a hotel room)

Miscellaneous Non-Smut Fics

FWB to dating fic

Azzi is Drunk and Horny (same trope as one below)

P Picks A Up Drunk From the Bar

P has hickeys and A's parents find out about them

Paige Takes Care of Drunk Azzi (AO3 link)

Spiderman AU

FWB to dating fic

@readreaderreadings - other fic lists

list of Pazzi as Parents fics

list of freaky Pazzi fics

Non-Pazzi Sub Paige

Halloween Party Smut

Paige Thigh Grinding

Toxic Smut

Semi-public Nasty Fic

Nerd Paige

P gets strapped for the first time

P rides her GF strap

Reader struggles to ride Paige

[ella-aaa]

I fear that since Paige and azzi went public, some of yall have forgotten that Paige has always been mad annoying towards azzi. She has always tries constantly to get under azzis skin, and that’s just her love language to azzi. 🤣🤣🤣

[pocketglasses2]

Covered (up)

wc: ~5k

a/n: i haven’t posted in so long so here’s this to hopefully make up for it. literally never even tried to write smut before so this is the best it’s gonna get for now i guess. feedback is always appreciated plsplspls

warnings: porn with plot, missing your other half so bad it hurts, lowkey public humiliation, explicit sexual content, overstimulation, lowkey pain kink tbh

based on this ask- thank you ily

okay enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

it had been more than a month since they had seen each other. over a month of morning facetimes, texted lunch reviews, short and unprompted “i love you” voice notes, late night phones on pillows and fingers elsewhere, and missing each other with every ounce of their beings. it had become utterly too much for both of them.

azzis move-in date inched closer every day they didn’t see each other, and although paige’s need to win flowed in every vein, she was tired and their playoff chances were over.

-

p💗: 11:32am

p💗: terminal b

p💗: *apple wallet link*

p💗: *screenshot*

p💗: see you tomorrow baby

-

when the sun was barely visible over the skyline and only the faintest rays were kissing brown skin, azzi blinked awake to her alarm. her bag was packed for three days and two nights and sitting ready on her coffee table, she had set out her morning outfit and keys, and she had showered before crawling into bed for the night three hours earlier than normal. she needed only to tuck her charger and phone into a pocket of her backpack and leave her apartment. this had been intentional. azzi wanted to be awake for the least amount of time possible before seeing her girlfriend, like how a child sleeps on christmas eve.

the airport was busy and loud and every sound was an uncomfortable pain behind azzis eyes. truthfully, she had barely slept, having only tossed and turned thinking about the next day. missing paige had been like waking up every day missing your lungs. her body didn’t feel complete without it next to paige’s, and there was a hole behind her ribs that could only be filled by the one thing in the world that could make her truly exhale. she had been holding her breath for a month and couldn’t wait to breathe again.

she came up for air several hours later. she hurried quickly through baggage claim, passing the belts with all she needed slung over her shoulders. she slipped unnoticed through the gate and emerged at the base of the airport. large doors spilled natural light across the floor ahead of her and she stuck her hand in her sweatpants pocket for her phone. before her fingers closed around the electronic, her eyes found the only thing in the world and her body was moving before her mind could catch up. paige was moving equally as fast, bodies closing in together in seconds. they clung to each other with the weight of so much time between their last embrace folding around and between them. paige’s body was warm and she smelled so much like herself it made azzis head spin. each inhale of paige’s shampoo flooded relief through her body and her muscles were more relaxed than they had been in weeks when they pulled apart. paige was whispering “i love you”s and “i missed you”s over and over into brown hair, eyes glassy and arms holding on for dear life. they shifted so their foreheads were touching and they could see each others faces clearly. paige was still whispering and azzi was whispering “i know baby”s and “i missed you too”s back at her.

a single tear escaped from a blue eye and slipped down the cheek below it. a brown thumb swiped it across the cheek and the hand attached slid its way down to find another.

they made their way to paige’s car hand in hand and in silence. there was too much buzzing in between their bodies and the intensity of seeing each other for the first time after so long took a lot from both of them.

paige opened the passenger door to her car with a smile and received a small one in return. she made her way to the other side while azzi slid into the seat. she pressed her head against the glass and let her eyes flutter shut as the car engine came to life. she felt paige’s hand slip into hers and squeeze, and she let herself fall into her first peaceful sleep in a month.

-

she woke up to sheets drenched in her favorite smell in the world. paige’s arm was around her back, hand holding her close against her side. azzis arm was draped gently across her stomach in return. she inhaled the blonde hair above her and where paige’s hairline met her neck.

it was only mid-afternoon in dallas and the warm southern sun streaked across their bodies, casting a golden glow and heat.

paige’s gaze turned from where her phone sat in her hand to where azzi was beginning to wake up against her. a smile tugged at her lips as she spoke.

“good morning, sleepyhead”

azzis lips turned upwards completely against paige’s neck and she grumbled sleepily in response.

“you hungry?”

azzi hadn’t eaten all day, and it would be close to dinner time in connecticut by now, but the more she breathed in paige’s scent, the more her body warmed and pushed further in towards it.

“no”.

a faint chuckle began to leave paige’s throat, but it weakened considerably when azzi suddenly placed a firm kiss to her neck where she had been breathing. she turned her head with the intention of protesting and trying to fill azzis stomach, but anything that could have come out dissapeared on her tounge as azzi licked an even firmer stripe up the length of paige’s throat. her breath hitched and she couldn’t catch it now because azzi was sucking hard at a place she knew paige was particularly sensitive.

azzi didn’t remove her lips from her throat as she swung her leg over paige’s hips to fully sit on top of her. she pushed her hips down against paige’s stomach and licked across her neck to suck at the nape of it. paige was reeling. azzis mind was only in one place. she needed simply to taste and smell as much of paige as she could. there was no other option.

she dragged her teeth down the length of paige’s neck and felt as her body arched fully into her own. she lifted her hand to the neck of her tank and yanked it to the side to expose her collarbone. paige gasped at the cold and her hands shot to the back of azzis thighs. she let her fingers spread across them and knead the skin beneath. azzi felt a warmth begin to bubble at the base of her stomach and seep through her entire body. she sucked at the newly exposed skin with the hunger the warmth released. she sucked until the vessels in the skin beneath allowed the blood inside to pool against the skin and press at the surface. paige’s breath in her ear becoming more and more ragged by the second was euphoric for azzi. god she missed this.

she dragged her tongue up again as paige kneaded harder into her thighs. she nipped and sucked again until she found a spot that made paige’s breath catch and back arch against azzis stomach. her lips pulled tighter on the same spot and coaxed another hickey to appear. when they finally released with a pop, paige nearly whimpered.

she let her teeth graze against the spot gently and felt paige tense and buck her hips the slightest amount against her. she tested the waters again as she let the edges of her top teeth drag down against the spot, this time with more intention. paige’s head pushed back against the pillow and her back arched impossibly further. the smallest whimper fought itself from her lips. it was the most beautiful thing azzi had heard in a long time.

she pushed her hips down into paige’s abs in response and spread her fingers across her chest to hold her down. the way paige felt like putty in her hands and under her mouth was intoxicating. she ground her hips forward against her abs and felt how paige’s breath caught again and her thighs came up to press against azzis and the hands still working there. it made her mind spin how responsive paige was being, and she wanted to drink it all from her.

she dragged her teeth against the spot another time to hear her breath catch again, but then, she suddenly pushed the hand against paige’s chest down hard and bit the spot on her neck. a gutteral moan punched out from the back of paige’s throat and her hands were sent flying to azzis hips. she squeezed them hard and frantically began to grind them down against her abs again to try to relieve some of the pressure in her core. a high pitched moan spilled from azzis lips at the sudden friction and the hand on paige’s chest fell against the bed. but she regained her mind when she inhaled again, mind reeling from the scent, and she shifted her hips down to press herself against paige, still covered by her sweatpants and paige’s shorts. even still, paige threw her head back at the contact and azzis name flew from her lips. azzis tounge lapped against the spot she bit and then moved to another spot, lower this time.

“azzi. azzi. azzi.” was all that could come from the lips below her, and it filled her with a new hunger, hearing her name being clutched to like it was the only thing that could possibly ground paige now. she bit down again to hear another moan force itself from paiges mouth. it was matched by the high pitched moan that came from azzis throat as she ground down again and paige’s hand gripped tighter to her waist than ever before. she felt the fingers press tight enough to bruise when she ground down again and sucked the new spot, before licking it clean.

paige was a mess now, hips bucking up and azzis name climbing higher in pitch in her desperation. when azzi ground down again, faster and harder, her clothed clit pressed against paige’s, and a new, high pitched moan released itself from paige’s lips. azzis eyes grew wide against her throat and she wanted nothing more in the entire world than to make it happen again. she pushed down again and again until paige’s back was arching off of the bed and her eyes were rolling into her head. she then forced herself up from paige’s grip and off her body and watched as paige’s entire body chased her. paige’s groan would have made azzi giggle had she not been so worked up too.

“azzi, baby, no. come back. need it so bad. miss you so bad” came tumbling out and paige looked like she could cry as azzi rolled completely off of her.

“don’t worry baby i’m coming back. just want to make you feel good” was all she said as she sat up next to her and started to slowly peel her sweatshirt and shirt up and over her head.

“azzi, baby, no no no no. i did feel good. fuck. oh my god, baby i did feel good” she was literally pushing herself back at azzi, desperate for anything more, and still coming down from almost coming from dry humping. but she immediately quieted down when azzi unhooked her bra and let it fall as she moved to push her sweatpants down, pulling her underwear down with them. when she glanced back at a still reeling paige, she lifted her eyebrows and looked at her fully.

“what are you doing baby? strip.”

like it was the most obvious thing in the world. paige’s eyes went wide and she stopped breathing.

“fuck. yes. sorry baby. fuck.” she breathed and she hurriedly ripped her shirt and bra off in one go and frantically hooked the waistband of her shorts and boxers.

“god, paige. you want me so bad it’s embarrassing” azzi mused, watching her, but there was no real bite to it.

“fuck. yes baby. azzi i need you so bad” she choked out as she finally ripped her shorts off. she literally started to crawl towards azzi, needing to feel her skin on her own. azzi stopped her from fully pulling herself up from where she was laying by pushing her hand against her chest again and swinging her leg over her body again.

“good. because i need you so bad too, paige” was all she said before she leaned back against paige’s upward thighs and sunk her now soaked core against paige’s. paige literally whined as her head pressed back again and her eyes squeezed shut. azzi could only look at how fucked out paige looked already and forced herself to speak.

“paige, look at me.”

paige’s eyes shot open and she visibly forced them to focus enough to meet azzis.

“you’re so good baby” she coo’d at the effort paige was putting into meeting her every request.

“fuck azzi, please” paige managed to get out before she cut herself off with another high pitched moan when azzi began to move herself against her again. she moaned again, louder, when azzi pushed further back and found where their clits brushed against each other every time she ground into her. it was all consuming for the both of them, paige’s hips moved by themself as they bucked up into azzis and her breath came heavier and shorter, and the name falling from her lips was growing in pitch and volume again. she couldn’t help it when her eyes rolled back into her head as her thighs began to shake and azzis name became unintelligible.

“come baby, come for me, paige” azzi pushed out, chasing her own high.

paige’s orgasm crashed over her in waves as her thighs tried to clamp shut and it rolled through her again and again. azzi did not let up, if anything, she doubled down.

“baby please, i can’t, fuck, oh my god” paige cried towards the ceiling, trying to will her eyes to meet azzis. her hands found azzis hips and tried to push her off, but the hand on her chest moved faster up to her throat, pushed upwards against her jaw, and squeezed.

“no, baby, i know you can give me another. please give me another baby i want it”

paige’s fingers gripped the hardest they had and her head nodded quickly against the fingers below it. she began to help azzi try to reach her release faster. paige’s vision went white and still her grip on her waist tightened and pushed azzi harder and faster against her. she wasn’t making sense now and her moans were high pitched and short. every time another spilled from her lips, azzi felt it push though her and light her on fire. she was chasing not only her own orgasm, but the need to make paige feel incredible.

“you’re so good baby, you feel so good” paige choked out as azzis head threw back in pleasure. she pushed her hands up to azzis tits and massages the fat there desperately. when she pinched at azzis nipples, her moan shot out of her and her thighs stuttered. paige needed to make her girl feel good, even though she was fighting an oncoming soul-shattering orgasm. she forced her hands back to her hips again and rolled them harder into her, pushing up her own to meet her halfway. azzi was reeling, chasing and chasing. her tits bounced up and down, and when she practically screamed paige’s name, paige couldn’t take it anymore. her orgasm ripped through her hard, hot and white and her mouth jutted open crooked to the side as she came with a silent scream. fluids rushed out of her over both of them and onto her sheets and she was reeling from the unstopping stimulation as azzi chased her orgasm. the sight of watching paige fight to hold on so hard and keep herself in place as her orgasm ripped her almost in half just to make sure azzi got her own pushed her devastatingly off the edge. she came with another scream and her head was back as far as possible as her back arched hard to push their clits as close together as possible. paige was crying now, tears streaming heavily down her face as she held herself there to help azzi ride her orgasm out. azzi crumped on top of her and pushed her chest against paige’s.

paige’s arms were immediately wrapped around azzis body and she absolutely reveled in having her skin against hers. the tears coming from her eyes turned into overwhelming love and she began to tremble more as they came quicker.

“thank you baby. you’re amazing. i love you so much” azzi babbled, running her fingers across paige’s face now, soothing her tears and feeling so grateful for her girl’s commitment to helping her finish. paige was still coming down, but the tears slowed almost as fast as they came, and only the intensity of all she was feeling was left. paige opened her eyes and met azzis, searching hard. she decided one wasn’t enough for azzi and that she had to feel as good as she did. she choked through heaves, not caring how it sounded or how blunt it was, “sit on my face. please, please, please baby. i need to taste you. i need you to come again. please baby.”

azzi looked at her, watching how desperate she was, and decided to mercy her. she kissed her softly on the lips and ran her fingers up and down her arms, soothing. “i love you, paige” she whispered softly against her lips, kissing her again and again, helping her come down fully.

when paige’s eyes could fully focus and she could bring her hands up to splay across azzis back, she met her gaze and said again, with finality, but still a silent plea underneath, “i wanna make you come again.”

it was blunt and ugly but it was real. sincere.

azzi smiled against her lips and kissed her again. she shifted her hips up and paige pulled herself further down the bed to meet her halfway.

“you sure?” azzi asked again, not just to verify this was not going to kill paige, but to hear it come from her mouth how good she wanted to make her feel.

“yes, yes, baby. fuck. yes. come here. please.” she babbled out and didn’t let azzi second guess. the hands on her hips tightened again and pulled her down onto her lips and azzi jolted in surprise. the tension didn’t last long though, and she immediately relaxed and allowed paige’s tounge to lap against her, sucking and flicking and swirling around her clit fluidly. azzi was absolutely soaked. she was fighting not to come again immediately. when paige stuck her tongue inside her, however, she pushed down and moaned, loudly. she gasped when paige pulled her down even harder, tongue fully inside her as far as it could go, searching and trying to taste everything. her thighs shook and she came again, smaller this time, priming her for what was to come. she breathed hard and fast, moaning and grinding down. paige’s tongue never let up, just thrusted into her, searching for the spot that drove azzi insane. she knew she found it when azzi whimpered and almost crushed paige’s head between her thighs. paige picked her up with the hands on her waist, only and inch, tongue not even leaving the inside of azzi, but she thrusted it upwards and slammed her back down onto her full tongue. azzi screamed. she put her hands on the headboard and used them to pick herself up and slam her hips back down herself. she was reeling. her orgasm creeped up her back, warm, as she did this, and it tiptoed up further when paige brought one of her hands down to circle her clit as azzi kept her hips moving.

it was the final push over the edge when paige flicked her tongue quickly and firmly several times inside her as azzis hips rolled, finding the gummy spot just inside her. her eyes rolled back and she rode paige’s tongue through her entire orgasm, back arching, eyes watering, toes curling, jaw slack, and letting out a final, guttural moan, shooting fire directly from her core to out of her mouth. she was completely and utterly finished.

she fell backwards against paige and her head landed almost directly onto the soaked area between paige’s legs. she thought she felt that paige was wet again. but paige yelled and pushed quickly out from under her, breathing heavy. azzi glanced up at where she was sitting against the headboard and raised her eyebrow in a mock question. she knew what had happened. she knew paige knew she knew. she just wanted to hear her say it.

“where are you going baby? want me to get you?” she almost teased, but laced her voice with enough sincerity to make paige’s cheeks burn.

“no, no baby i’m okay”

azzi lifted an eyebrow.

“i. um. well. i came again.” she muttered quietly, forcing her gaze anywhere but on azzis eyes.

azzi just laughed. it came from the base of her back and punched out of her and kept coming, more and more. paige was bewildered.

“what???”

that made azzi laugh even more. she rolled directly into the fluids paige had released earlier in her laughter, and when she felt the warm wetness against her cheek, she nearly cried laughing.

paige looked almost sad, she was so lost. azzi looked at her face and immediately crawled to her, cupping her cheeks and kissing her sweetly.

“i know, baby. i just love you so much. i love that you came just from eating me out”

paige’s cheeks flushed a brighter shade of pink and she looked away.

“you make it sound so-”

“paige, you literally squirted and then came again” azzi mused with a shit-eating grin.

“you love me baaaaaaaddd” she sang out, teasing, eyes bright. paige was so embarrassed. she groaned and covered her face with her hands. azzi wasn’t having it. she pried her fingers off of her face and cupped her cheeks again, kissing her one more time.

“you don’t need to be embarrassed”, she punctuated with a kiss and continued when paige’s eyes met hers, “that was the hottest thing i’ve ever seen.” she giggled out.

paige’s lips finally cracked into a smile and she giggled with her. their giggles turned to laughs, and soon they were both doubled over, cackling and brushing tears from their eyes.

azzi collapsed on paige, still laughing, and curled up against her, feeling paige’s body push into hers, stomach still tensing, relaxing, and tensing again in laughter. she closed her eyes and felt so grateful for the wonderful life she was blessed with, to have someone who would beg to make her come and then cry laughing with her within the same hour. when they finally settled down from laughter, they just breathed each other in, basking in having each other back after so long.

-

the sun was beginning to finally change into an orange and sink below the skyline, darkening the room and urging paige to fall into a comfortable sleep for the night, with azzi by her side. but azzi began to shift beside her, pushing upwards with one hand and moving to get out of bed. paige groaned in displeasure, not wanting to move and not wanting azzi to go even more.

“come on, baby. let’s go clean up” she whispered. paige groaned again in response, but she opened her eyes and pushed herself up, lifting her legs off the side of the bed and steadying herself when she swayed. she turned and extended her palm face up to azzi, giving her support when she lifted her body off of the bed too. they clung to each other as they made their way to the bathroom, and never left each others skin as they made a bath and sunk inside of it.

-

it wasn’t until the next morning, when they were brushing their teeth and bumping hips by the sink, when azzi saw it. them.

littered everywhere across paige’s neck and collar were dark blotches of purple, blue, and pink shades.

her eyes widened and her palm flew to her mouth. she moved it down enough to choke out a few words.

“oh my god. paige. your neck.”

their eyes connected in the mirror and azzi saw paige’s soul leave her body. her hands were on her neck in an instant, pressing and pushing, trying to will them away. she turned to azzi, horrified,

“what am i gonna do?? i have a game in like 6 hours”

panic shot through azzis body and her face matched paige’s horror tenfold. she brought her hands to her scalp and tugged at her hair as if she could pull and idea of what to do from it.

“would nai know what to do?” she asked, hopeful and equally mortified.

paige looked at her and almost laughed. “you want to show my teammates that you’re a vampire in disguise?? they would actually never let me live it down. or you. god we’re so fucked”

paige turned back to the mirror to look again, fingers still toying with the largest of the bunch, a deep purple patch just under her jaw. azzi pressed her head into paige’s shoulder and muttered, “i miss when this shit couldn’t be traced back to me.”

paige smirked and tilted her head to rest on azzis. “babe i think it always could be. all of uconn knew i was yours.”

at that, azzi snaked her hands around paige’s waist and hummed.

“good.”

she paused and then sighed, turning to meet paige’s gaze in the mirror again. she let one hand come up and trace a blotch lightly, admiring her work. appreciating having paige marked as hers while she could.

paige watched her and smiled. she turned in azzis arms to face her, planted a small kiss on her lips, and whispered, “the world knows i’m yours without them. always yours azzi.”

she leaned in and kissed her again, breathing her in. she felt azzi smile against her lips and sigh again. “i’m yours too. forever.”

she put her head onto paige’s shoulder and felt paige do the same. they just stood there and hugged for what felt like a taste of forever. until azzi stirred and let herself grumble, “okay actually, what the fuck are we gonna do about this.”

-

an hour later, dijonai, nalyssa, and zaza were doubled over laughing outside of paige’s apartment door, where they had been for several minutes. an unimpressed paige and mortified azzi stood inside, watching.

“are yall done? we’ve got work to do.”

the three of them burst into another round of laughter and nai lifted her head enough to wipe an eye and manage out, “p, you don’t have any work to do other than sit there and look pretty.”

zaza perked up. “not too pretty tho, azzis still here.” this sent them all into another round of laughter. azzis face was now buried in her hands and pressed into paige.

“okay, okay, please guys let’s just go.”

paige stepped aside to let the three in. when she passed her, nalyssa grinned ear to ear and teased,

“whatever you say p.”

they made their way to the couch and got to work. azzi sat next to paige, her body against her own the only thing keeping her from dying in mortification. she didn’t know how paige wasn’t.

conversation drifted from the obvious thing, to the game, to the food they would get post-game. thankfully, they made it almost entirely to being finished with minimal teasing. it wasn’t until nai put her brush down and sighed in content when they gave her reason to tease again. azzi had been mid yawn and stretch, hands in a knot above her head and shirt riding up. she was startled by a scream of laughter from the woman in front of her.

“good lord p, she’s not going anywhere.” nalyssa cackled, pointing at azzis stomach and grasping zaza’s knee for support. azzi looked at paige’s face in confusion and saw the same mortification she, herself, had worn before. she followed her gaze down to her exposed stomach and there. black, blue, and bruising, were two clear handprints wrapped low around her waist, exactly where paige had gripped for dear life the night before.

she couldn’t help but double over laughing too, absolutely mortified but so absolutely in love.

-

@/overtimewbb: azzi fudd shows out in full paige bueckers gear at the last home game of the dallas wings season 💗

@/azzifuddfanclub: my favorite part of the game tonight was paige wiping her neck at the timeout at the end of Q4 #iykyk

@/p4igebucketss: you guys saw that hickey too right?? *image attachment*

—> @/wbblover: damn azzi she’s all yours

[lyricii]

falling into her

pairing: azzi fudd x paige bueckers

wc: 6.7k (oops yall it’s was supposed to 3.5k words)

requested: y/n

anon said: can you do pazzi

summary: two athletes discover love in fleeting moments on and off the court, falling for each other again and again until they finally surrender to it.

1. the first pass

the practice gym hummed with life, a constant, low pulse of energy. the squeak of sneakers against polished hardwood, the soft thud of basketballs hitting the floor, and the occasional sharp whistle of a coach blended into a rhythm that paige had always found comforting. it was chaotic, loud, alive—and yet somehow, in the middle of it all, she felt herself noticing things differently today. things like azzi.

paige dribbled at the top of the key, feeling the ball move almost like an extension of her arm. defenders shifted instinctively around her, and for a moment, she felt the old familiar thrill—the one that came when everything clicked perfectly, when timing and instinct aligned like clockwork. but this time, her attention wasn’t just on the play. it was on azzi, standing on the wing, ready and waiting. her posture was relaxed, almost casual, but there was an intensity in her eyes that made paige’s stomach twist.

without thinking, without even glancing, paige flicked the ball toward her. it spun through the air in a perfect arc, and she held her breath, heart racing as if the outcome mattered far more than it should have.

swish.

the sound echoed in her ears, crisp and satisfying. she turned just in time to see azzi’s hands rise, catching the ball with effortless grace, lowering it smoothly before flicking her wrist for the shot. there was a calm certainty in her movements, a quiet confidence that made everything else—the game, the defenders, the crowd of teammates—fade away for a heartbeat. paige’s chest tightened, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with exercise or adrenaline.

“nice pass,” azzi said casually, jogging back on defense, a faint, knowing glint in her eyes.

paige forced a laugh, trying to mask the sudden flutter in her chest. “nice shot,” she replied, but even as the words left her mouth, they sounded hollow, inadequate. they could never capture the way her heart had leapt, the way her stomach had flipped, the way her chest had suddenly felt both light and heavy at the same time.

it wasn’t just a pass. it wasn’t just a shot. it was seamless, perfect, like the universe had conspired to make this one moment happen. the subtle curve of azzi’s smile, the way her eyes sparkled with concentration, the quiet intensity in the tilt of her head—it all made paige ache in ways she hadn’t expected. she felt as if every nerve ending in her body had come alive, as if she could feel azzi’s heartbeat from across the court.

paige found herself watching azzi’s movements with a strange mixture of admiration and something deeper, something unnameable. every pivot, every step, every subtle adjustment of her hands felt electric. she realized she wanted to watch azzi forever—not just play basketball, but move, breathe, exist in that effortless, glowing way that made the world feel brighter.

her fingers itched to throw the ball again, not for the play, not for the points, but just to see azzi catch it again, to see that spark light up her eyes, to hear her quiet, amused “nice pass” one more time. she knew, deep down, that this was more than admiration, more than friendship. it was something that made her heart pound and her stomach twist and her thoughts scatter all at once. it was falling, in a way she hadn’t realized she could fall, and she didn’t want to stop.

the gym roared with other activity around her, teammates calling, balls bouncing, coaches barking instructions—but paige was lost in azzi. every other sound, every other movement faded into the background. she only saw azzi, only felt the pull of that invisible thread connecting them across the court. she wanted more than anything to keep throwing her the ball, to keep sharing this silent, electric conversation that didn’t need words.

and in that single, fleeting moment, paige knew it: she was falling. she didn’t know how fast, how far, or if she could stop, but she wanted it to last forever.

2. the bus ride

the team bus rumbled softly along the highway, its engine vibrating through the floor and into paige’s legs. the hum of tires on asphalt mixed with muffled conversations, occasional laughter, and the soft whir of the air conditioning. most of the team were either asleep, their heads tilted against the windows or seatbacks, or absorbed in their phones, thumbs scrolling endlessly over feeds, videos, messages. the world outside the bus blurred past, streetlights and passing cars melting into streaks of gold and white.

paige had her hoodie pulled up, earbuds in, pretending to scroll through playlists, but her attention wandered. her fingers idly flicked through song titles, skipping tracks she wasn’t really listening to. she thought she was alone in her quiet bubble of music and movement, until a soft, almost hesitant sound pulled her gaze to azzi.

she was sitting beside her, head resting lightly against the window, eyes half-closed, quietly humming along to a song slipping out from her headphones. it was soft, unpolished, intimate, the kind of thing you wouldn’t expect to hear outside of a bedroom late at night. the sound made paige’s chest tighten in a way she didn’t entirely understand. the bus felt smaller all at once, the world shrinking so that it was just her and azzi.

without thinking, paige slid one earbud out, leaning closer, careful not to make it obvious that she was listening. the notes wrapped around her, warm and vulnerable, and she realized her pulse was racing—not from the music, but from the quiet closeness of azzi.

“didn’t know you could sing,” she whispered, her voice softer than intended, almost afraid it would break the fragile intimacy of the moment.

azzi cracked one eye open, a faint smile tugging at her lips, eyes catching paige’s in a look that felt both amused and knowing. “didn’t know you were listening,” she said, her voice low, teasing, yet tinged with something tender that made paige’s stomach flip.

paige’s chest thudded violently. she pressed her hand against her hoodie, trying to still the warmth spreading through her, the heat creeping up her neck. “can’t help it,” she murmured, voice barely above a whisper, words unpracticed, sincere.

azzi chuckled, light and musical, and reached over to offer one headphone to paige. their shoulders brushed as paige leaned slightly closer, and in that tiny contact, a spark traveled up her arm and settled in her chest. she could feel the subtle rhythm of azzi’s breathing, steady and calm, and every inhale and exhale seemed impossibly intimate.

the bus hummed on, the faint music and engine noise wrapping around them like a cocoon. paige didn’t pay attention to the lyrics, didn’t need to. she was memorizing azzi: the tilt of her head as she listened, the soft curve of her lips, the faint crinkle of her brow when a note hit just right. her fingers itched to reach out, to tuck a strand of hair behind azzi’s ear, but she stayed frozen in the moment, savoring the closeness, letting it linger.

she realized, with a mixture of awe and fear, that these small, ordinary moments—the quiet, the shared music, the brush of shoulders, the soft smiles exchanged in a half-lit bus—mattered more than any win, any highlight, any applause she had ever experienced on the court. it was simple, fleeting, fragile—but it carried weight she hadn’t expected. it carried something like love.

as the lights of the highway flickered across azzi’s face, paige felt a strange combination of comfort and urgency, as if she could memorize every detail forever. she wanted to stay in this bubble of quiet warmth, where time seemed suspended and the rest of the world didn’t exist. the soft rhythm of azzi’s breathing, the quiet music between them, and the gentle proximity created a space where paige’s thoughts unraveled, revealing feelings she had kept tucked away.

she realized she had fallen a little, right there, in the hum of the bus, leaning close to azzi, letting herself exist in the gravity of her presence. she wanted to stay there, indefinitely, in the quiet intimacy of two people sharing a song, a laugh, a breath, without needing words to define it. and she knew, somewhere deep in her chest, that this—this tiny, ordinary, perfect moment—was unforgettable.

3. the injury

the gym went silent the moment azzi went down. one second there was the chaos of bouncing balls, squeaking sneakers, and the shouts of teammates; the next, it was as if the noise had been sucked out of the room. time seemed to stretch. paige’s stomach dropped, a heavy, twisting sensation that made her knees feel weak. her heart hammered in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears as if warning her something had gone terribly wrong.

she sprinted across the court, sneakers squeaking sharply against the polished wood, ignoring the shocked calls of her teammates behind her. “azzi, hey, you good?” her voice cracked, trembling despite her effort to sound calm.

azzi pressed a hand against her knee, wincing sharply. “i’m fine,” she muttered, her voice tight, controlled—but paige saw through it. the flicker in her eyes, the faint tremor in her fingers, the way her jaw clenched—pain, frustration, fear—all of it reflected back at paige like a mirror.

paige knelt beside her, heart aching. “you’re not fine,” she said softly, gently resting a hand on azzi’s shoulder. “it’s okay to say it. it’s okay to be hurt.”

azzi looked at her, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. she tried to smile, to brush it off, but paige could see the truth hiding behind the mask—the panic, the frustration, the helplessness of not being able to control her own body the way she always had. paige swallowed the lump in her throat and simply stayed. she didn’t try to fix it; she didn’t try to tell azzi to “toughen up.” she just stayed, unwavering, grounding her with her presence.

from that moment on, paige became a quiet shadow. she followed azzi through every grueling step of recovery: long hours in the training room with ice packs and stretches that burned and pulled, endless repetitions of careful movements designed to rebuild strength, the frustration of being forced to sit on the sidelines, the longing in azzi’s eyes as she watched her teammates play while she could only observe.

paige sat through late nights with her, watching azzi stare at the ceiling, tracing the shadows of the lights with her eyes, wondering if she would ever feel like herself again. she listened to her complaints, her fears, her occasional outbursts of anger or tears, offering no solutions, no platitudes—just her presence.

one evening, the locker room was silent except for the distant hum of the air conditioner. paige slid onto the bench beside azzi, careful not to crowd her, careful to just be there. she reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from azzi’s forehead, her fingers lingering just a moment too long.

“you’ll get back,” she whispered, voice barely audible, almost as if she were speaking to herself. “i know you will. and i’ll be right here when you do.”

azzi met her gaze, eyes glimmering with tears she refused to let fall. paige’s hand itched to reach out, to take azzi’s, to hold her and make the hurt disappear—but she restrained herself. she simply stayed, loyal, constant, unwavering. she let her presence speak for her love, let her steadiness be an anchor in the storm of azzi’s doubt and fear.

paige felt the ache of watching her friend struggle like nothing she had ever felt before: a blend of helplessness, longing, and an undeniable, fierce love that bloomed quietly in the pit of her chest. she realized then, with a clarity that made her catch her breath, that love wasn’t just laughter, or stolen glances, or easy moments of joy. it was this: choosing someone every single day, even when it hurt, even when it was hard, even when all she could do was sit beside them in silence.

and in that quiet, aching moment, paige’s heart swelled with a fierce, unshakable certainty: she loved azzi, completely, deeply, without question, and she would choose her again and again, no matter what.

4. the laughter

they were supposed to be watching film. the room was dim, the lights low, and the hum of the projector cast flickering shadows across the walls. paige sat perched on the edge of her chair, notebook in hand, trying desperately to focus on the defensive rotations, the plays, the numbers that meant so much to winning. she pointed, she gestured, she spoke in measured tones, but her eyes kept slipping—inevitably, repeatedly—to azzi.

azzi was leaning back in her chair, legs stretched out, arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. she seemed almost immune to the formality of the session, relaxed in a way that made paige’s chest tighten. there was a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, the kind that hinted she was thinking something silly, something playful, something dangerous—at least for paige’s carefully contained composure.

and then, as if on cue, azzi paused the footage, leaned forward, and grinned. “look at this,” she said, voice playful, teasing, “your arm’s all crooked—like a grandma heaving a bowling ball.”

paige gasped, clutching her chest, as if azzi had physically poked a hole right through her composure. “excuse me? this is elite form!” she sputtered, cheeks heating up, both from embarrassment and an inexplicable, flaring warmth she felt just being near her.

azzi threw her arms out, mimicking paige’s motion with such dramatic exaggeration that she nearly toppled off the chair. her head flopped to one side, knees bent at an awkward angle, and she let out a ridiculous, over-the-top grunt as if struggling under the “weight” of the imaginary ball.

paige couldn’t hold it. laughter ripped from her chest, uncontrollable and raw, echoing in the small room. she clutched her stomach, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, her body shaking with joy. it was loud and messy, a sound that felt entirely unlike her usual composure, and yet she couldn’t stop.

and then azzi joined in, her own laughter ringing out, bright and musical, wrapping around paige like sunlight in the middle of winter. it was infectious, unstoppable, and for a few minutes, they both collapsed into a tangle of sound and movement, utterly unrestrained. the world outside—the coach, the team, the pressures of games and practice—faded entirely. it was just them, lost in this moment, laughing until their lungs burned and their cheeks ached.

when they finally quieted, panting and flushed, paige looked at azzi, really looked at her, and her heart swelled. azzi’s eyes were shining with delight, cheeks glowing, lips curved into a mischievous, triumphant smile. the room felt impossibly small, impossibly intimate, like it had shrunk around them and left only space for the two of them.

“don’t ever stop laughing like that,” paige said softly, almost a whisper, almost a promise. her voice trembled just slightly, betraying how much she meant it.

azzi tilted her head, still smiling, eyes sparkling with that dangerous, playful light. “only if you promise not to stop making me,” she said, the teasing note in her voice melting into something warmer, softer, more personal.

paige felt a tether tighten in her chest, invisible but real, pulling her closer. it wasn’t just the laughter, or the shared amusement, or even the ridiculousness of the imitation—it was everything. the shared glances, the small touches of their hands as they adjusted positions, the way azzi’s presence seemed to fill every corner of the room, quietly, irresistibly.

paige realized, with a sudden, sharp clarity, that she was falling again. deeper this time. more completely. and it terrified her even as it thrilled her. she wanted to hold onto the laughter, the warmth, the light in azzi’s eyes, forever. she wanted to be near her, to make her smile like that, to be the reason for that bright, irrepressible joy.

in that small, flickering room, with shadows dancing across the walls and their hearts still racing, paige understood something undeniable: it wasn’t just friendship, it wasn’t just fun. it was more. it was love quietly threading its way through them, tying them together with laughter, warmth, and something utterly unspoken. and she wanted to see just how far it could take them.

5. the hug

the final buzzer sounded, and the arena erupted into a roaring wave of sound. cheers, shouts, and applause crashed around paige like a tide she had no choice but to ride. uconn had won, the scoreboard reflecting their hard-fought victory in bright, glaring numbers. teammates screamed, jumped, and hugged each other, a chaotic ballet of triumph and exhaustion. confetti rained from above, floating in lazy spirals that caught the lights like tiny sparks of fire.

paige’s legs moved before her mind could catch up. she scanned the chaos, heart hammering, eyes darting past celebrating teammates, past journalists snapping pictures, past the swirl of fans waving banners and phones. she was searching for one person. and then she saw her—azzi, standing a few feet away, arms wide, eyes bright and shining with joy, a smile that lit up everything around her.

without thinking, paige broke into a run, weaving between bodies, ignoring the prying eyes and loud voices. her chest ached, adrenaline and emotion combining into a fierce, overwhelming force. every step toward azzi made her heart race faster, the heat in her cheeks spreading down to her fingertips.

and then she was there.

she threw herself into azzi’s embrace with a force she hadn’t realized she’d been holding back. for a heartbeat, the world disappeared. the arena, the cheering fans, the flashing lights—all of it vanished into nothingness. there was only azzi, holding her, grounding her, safe and solid in a way that made everything else feel distant and irrelevant.

paige buried her face in azzi’s shoulder, inhaling the faint scent of her shampoo, the warmth radiating from her body, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat under her ear. she clung just a little too tightly, not ready to let go, afraid that if she did, the magic of this moment would vanish.

“paige…” azzi murmured softly, voice almost lost in the chaos around them, but it was enough to send shivers down paige’s spine. the tone was tender, a little breathless, as if she had been holding in her own wave of emotion. paige lifted her head slightly just to catch a glimpse of her eyes, shining with unshed tears and unspoken words.

they stood there for what felt like an eternity, wrapped around each other, a cocoon of warmth and safety in the midst of roaring chaos. paige felt every emotion she had been trying to ignore, trying to control, crash over her: the admiration, the longing, the worry, the love she couldn’t contain any longer. and in that embrace, it all made sense.

and then, as they pulled back just slightly, paige let herself notice the small things—the way azzi’s fingers lingered against hers for a moment longer than necessary, the way her eyes searched paige’s face, the subtle tremor in her shoulders as if the weight of everything she felt was finally safe to release.

and in that instant, paige realized something with crystal clarity: this was the fifth time she had fallen. but this time, it was different. she wasn’t just falling into affection, into admiration, into fleeting crushes. she was falling completely, hopelessly, beautifully, irreversibly in love.

she didn’t try to resist. she didn’t try to reason, to pull away, to measure the moment. she simply let herself exist in azzi’s arms, letting every beat of her heart, every flutter of emotion, every whisper of desire anchor her to the undeniable truth she had been feeling for months: azzi was hers, and she wanted to be hers completely.

for the first time, paige felt not just love, but surrender, trust, and certainty all at once. and in azzi’s embrace, with the roar of the crowd fading to a distant hum, paige knew she had found something she would never let go of.

the one time azzi realized

it was just another night game, the arena alive with energy. the crowd roared like a living wave, bodies rising and falling with every bounce of the ball, the echo of shoes squeaking on the court, the shrill of whistles, the chants that blended into a pulsating rhythm. the smell of sweat, popcorn, and the faint tang of polished wood filled the air, a heady mixture that made every nerve in azzi’s body hum with intensity.

paige was everywhere at once. she dove for a loose ball, reckless and unrestrained, hair plastered to her forehead, sweat dripping down her temples. her movements were chaotic yet precise, fearless and raw, each leap, twist, and sprint electrifying the court. when she popped back up, grin plastered across her face, eyes sparkling with determination and joy, azzi froze.

it wasn’t new. paige had always been fearless. she had always shone brightest in chaos, always moved with that impossible confidence that drew everyone’s eyes—and admiration—toward her. but this time, something inside azzi shifted. something inside her chest twisted and tightened. her heartbeat wasn’t just racing from the game; it was racing because of paige.

her breath caught. the thundering in her chest was erratic, chaotic, alive. she could feel her pulse in her temples, her fingers, even in the small, quiet spaces between each shout of the crowd. her stomach fluttered, light and heavy all at once. and it hit her, clear and terrifying and exhilarating:

i’m in love with her.

the thought washed over her like a wave, crushing and freeing in the same instant. the realization made her chest ache in a delicious, almost painful way. every late-night conversation they’d shared, every bus ride spent leaning shoulder-to-shoulder, every shared laugh, every quiet hug after a tough practice, every unspoken glance—it all clicked into place, forming a pattern she couldn’t ignore. it had always been there; she just hadn’t admitted it to herself until now.

her lips curved into a smile before she even realized it, soft and involuntary, her eyes glued to paige as if she were seeing her for the very first time. she noticed everything: the way her hair stuck to her forehead, the slight smudge of sweat on her cheek, the fierce determination and joy that radiated from her like heat from the sun. every movement made her heart lurch. every word, every breath paige took, anchored itself deeper into azzi’s chest.

paige caught her gaze mid-play, her familiar grin lighting up her face. for a moment, the world shrank. the noise of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers, the referee’s whistle—all of it became background static. all that mattered was paige, and the fire in her eyes, and the inexplicable pull azzi felt in her chest.

the game ended eventually, but for azzi, time had slowed. in the locker room, the hum of the lights and the quiet murmur of teammates packing up filled the space, but it all faded into the background. paige nudged her gently, brushing her fingers against azzi’s hand in a small, electric touch. azzi’s heart leapt, pounding against her ribcage like it wanted to escape entirely.

“so… i think we should try this,” paige said softly, almost shy, almost hopeful, her voice barely more than a whisper, yet it carried a weight that made azzi’s knees weak. her gaze stayed locked on azzi, searching, vulnerable, open.

azzi’s chest tightened further, and for a heartbeat, she couldn’t speak. then, slowly, a smile spread across her face, softening her features, making her feel exposed and safe at the same time. her eyes shimmered, reflecting the overhead fluorescent lights, the exhaustion, the adrenaline, and the sudden, powerful rush of emotion.

“i was hoping you’d say that,” she whispered, voice low, trembling with relief and exhilaration, almost breaking into laughter from the intensity of feeling.

paige’s fingers tightened around hers, and azzi felt herself relax into the contact, a wave of warmth spreading from her chest down to her toes. the air between them felt thick, charged, alive. they lingered there, in the quiet aftermath of the game, letting the hum of the locker room and the faint rustle of bags fade into nothing. it was just them, suspended in a perfect, fragile bubble of possibility and love.

and then, gently, naturally, they leaned closer, foreheads almost touching, breaths mingling. laughter bubbled up from the depths of exhaustion and joy, soft, intimate, shared, until it became impossible to separate them from it. in that moment, amidst the sweat, the adrenaline, the quiet confessions, they started dating.

falling together, for the first time, without fear, without doubt, completely and utterly in love. it was terrifying and exhilarating and perfect. the future didn’t matter. nothing did except the warmth of their hands entwined, the spark of their eyes meeting, and the knowledge that, finally, they were falling into something real—together.

[bu3ck3r]

trust in me (i’ll give you all of me)

paige bueckers x azzi fudd

warning: sexual content

wc: 9.7k

summary: technically fwb. but like not really. definitely not casual. azzi is paige’s whole world. they cant hide their feelings for shit. basically a couple but not. yet. we’re not dating but also kind of are energy. a little complicated. very playful. possessive. only slightly messy cause they’re wayyyy too into each other.

a/n: hi hi hi i’m wayy too excited for uconn hoops, like actually counting down the days. anyways. hope y’all have as much fun as i did writing it. any feedback would be appreciated of course. thank you for even taking the time to read <333 ilyy

paige never really meant for it to happen like this, but then again, nothing about her life had ever really followed the kind of logical, linear plan people liked to draw up when they were young and convinced the world could be organized neatly into lists and bullet points, because paige’s entire existence was a bit of a contradiction, a chaos disguised under that easy grin and that casual, careless kind of confidence that made people think she never had to try, like everything just fell into place for her, but if you looked closely, if you watched the way her shoulders would tense before games or the way she would bite down on her lip when she thought no one was paying attention, you’d see that she was always working, always holding something, always carrying more than she admitted, and maybe that’s why when azzi came to uconn, it felt so inevitable that they’d fall into each other, because azzi wasn’t just talented or pretty or sharp-witted in that way that made you laugh before you realized she was actually right, she was steady, she was grounding, she was a mirror and a storm all at once, and paige, for all her stubbornness, couldn’t resist orbiting her.

it started simple, just time together that turned into more time, late night study sessions that turned into movie nights, movie nights that turned into paige sprawling across azzi’s lap, her hair brushing against azzi’s thighs as if she belonged there, and azzi not moving her, not saying a word, just letting it happen with that quiet little smile that paige pretended not to notice but absolutely did, and then one night, after some stupid drinking game that neither of them were taking seriously, after laughing too hard at something that wasn’t even funny, after their friends had stumbled home or passed out in someone else’s room, it was just them, sitting on the couch, too close, eyes lingering too long, and paige kissed her like it was the most natural thing in the world.

they said it didn’t mean anything. they said they were just messing around. they said they didn’t want to deal with the complications of being teammates in an actual relationship, because god, that would be a mess, but somehow deciding to be casual wasn’t a mess? the logic was thin, laughable even, but neither of them cared because it gave them the excuse to keep kissing, keep touching, keep crossing lines they had already blurred into oblivion.

and that was how they ended up like this: a situationship without definition, two best friends who slept in the same bed almost every night, who cooked for each other, who said “i love you”, but who would laugh if anyone suggested they were together, because technically, they weren’t.

technically.

the night was one of those long ones that stretched endlessly. paige’s living room was dim, shadows stretched across the floor, the glow of her phone screen abandoned on the couch, because she was too busy with the way azzi’s lips tasted against hers, the way their mouths moved together with an easy hunger that wasn’t frantic but wasn’t exactly tame either.

thirty minutes of making out had left their lips swollen and their breathing uneven, and when azzi finally pulled back, paige groaned softly in protest, flopping against the couch like a child denied candy. “what’re you doing?” paige asked, her voice rougher than she meant it to be, watching azzi stand and stretch.

“getting water.” azzi replied, casual as ever, like she hadn’t just been kissing paige like she’d been waiting all week for it. paige sat up, her blonde hair falling into her face as she tracked azzi’s movements. when azzi walked behind the couch, paige threw her head back dramatically, grinning up at her. “gimme one last kiss, pretty.”

azzi laughed, shaking her head, but she leaned down anyway, pressing a quick peck to paige’s lips. paige frowned instantly, unsatisfied. “damn, that’s all i’m getting? kinda crazy if you ask me.”

“paige,” azzi said, rolling her eyes fondly, “we just finished making out for like half an hour. you’ll be fine.” paige tilted her head, smirking with that shameless honesty that always got under azzi’s skin. “alright, but you know i can’t get enough of you. i could do this forever.”

and azzi, despite herself, softened, her voice gentle when she replied, “i know, baby. i’ll be back, just give me a second. i need to get something to drink real quick.” paige sighed theatrically, collapsing back against the couch like she was dying. “i’ll be waiting.”

she lasted ten seconds. then she got up, padded across the floor, and caught azzi by the waist, pressing her head against her shoulder.

“jesus christ, paige!” azzi yelped, nearly spilling the glass of water she had just filled. “you scared the shit outta me.”

paige laughed into her skin, unbothered. “sorry, i just missed you.”

“bro. you’re so unserious.” azzi muttered, shaking her head but already fighting a smile.

paige hummed against her, lips brushing azzi’s neck. “mmm, keep talking, baby.”

“you’re stupid. ” azzi laughed, turning around to face her.

“and yet, you still love me.” paige teased before kissing her, deeper this time, her tongue sliding against azzi’s with an urgency that made azzi forget she was supposed to be annoyed. she lifted her easily onto the counter, her hands sliding high on azzi’s thighs, pressing, rubbing slow circles while their mouths stayed locked, heat simmering low between them. azzi tugged her closer, her fingers curling into paige’s shirt like she was trying to hold onto something more than just the moment. the kitchen air was thick, quiet except for the soft sound of their mouths and the low hums slipping between them, and paige thought, not for the first time, that she could live in this exact feeling forever.

paige had always been reckless with her affection, the kind of person who gave it away freely without ever worrying about whether she’d run out, like love was something she could print out in endless copies, and with azzi it was worse, or maybe better, because she couldn’t seem to help herself, couldn’t stop reaching, touching, kissing, like every second without contact was a waste, and that’s why she had her pressed onto the counter now, her palms spread high on azzi’s thighs as if she was anchoring them both to the moment, rubbing slow circles that started out lazy but grew firmer, more insistent, the warmth of her hands bleeding into azzi’s skin until she shivered against her.

the kiss had gone from sweet to greedy in the span of a breath. paige leaning forward like she could never get close enough, her lips moving against azzi’s with a need that burned with both hunger and devotion, a wanting that demanded more with every touch, and azzi met her right there, fingers tangling into blonde hair and tugging her closer, her nails grazing lightly paige’s scalp until it drew a sound out of her throat that was half groan, half laugh.

“you’re insane.” azzi whispered against her mouth, though her tone was soft, fond, like she was secretly charmed by it.

“mhmm, yeah,” paige murmured back, lips brushing against azzi’s as she spoke, “but i’m your kind of insane, right?” azzi didn’t answer with words, just pulled her closer, kissing her harder, her tongue sliding into paige’s mouth with a sudden insistence that flipped the power between them for a second, paige letting out a startled moan that azzi swallowed greedily.

the countertop was cool beneath azzi’s thighs, a sharp contrast to the heat blooming everywhere else, her body arching forward instinctively as paige’s hands slid further up, pushing her shorts higher, fingertips grazing dangerously close to where azzi wanted her most, and the teasing was enough to make her breath catch in her throat. paige broke the kiss for just a moment, resting her forehead against azzi’s, her breath ragged, eyes bright in the low light. “fuck, you taste so good.” she whispered, and it wasn’t meant to be poetic or anything, but it came out with the kind of honesty that made azzi’s chest tighten anyway.

“dude.” azzi whispered, though her smile betrayed her, her voice shaky as paige’s thumbs pressed into the soft skin of her inner thighs.

“yeah. whatever.” paige shot back, grinning before kissing her again, slower this time, drawing it out like she had all the time in the world.

so the kiss deepened again, lips parting and teeth grazing until both of them were dizzy, and paige let her hands wander further, sliding up and pressing against the waistband of azzi’s shorts, testing, waiting for any sign to pull back, but azzi shifted forward instead, pressing herself against paige’s palms with an impatience that made her laugh softly into the kiss.

“needy as hell.” paige teased, voice breathless, her grin against azzi’s lips enough to make her want to roll her eyes, except paige chose that exact moment to squeeze gently, her touch deliberate, and the sound that slipped out of azzi’s throat was enough to make paige’s smile falter into something darker.

“shut up.” azzi muttered, breath catching as paige’s fingers toyed at the hem of her shorts, slipping just underneath, warm against bare skin.

“don’t tell me to shut up,” paige said softly, her lips dragging across azzi’s jawline, kissing down toward her neck. “you love when i talk.”

and it was true. annoyingly true. because azzi’s head tilted back almost unconsciously as paige’s mouth found that spot just beneath her ear. the soft suck of lips there sending sparks down her spine, her hands clutching at paige’s shoulders like she could hold herself together that way.

“you’re–” azzi started, but her words broke into a shaky breath as paige bit down gently, her tongue soothing over the spot immediately after.

“mhmm.” paige whispered against her skin, her hands still working higher, her thumbs brushing just where azzi wanted them most but refusing to give in fully.

“so mean.” azzi managed, though her voice was trembling, breaking in a way that betrayed the composure she was trying to hold.

“sure i am.” paige replied smoothly, her words muffled into azzi’s neck before she kissed her again, slow and wet, the tension was unbearable, deliciously unbearable, and paige seemed content to stretch it out, her hands tracing lazy paths along azzi’s thighs, pressing firmly but not giving in, her mouth moving from her neck to her collarbone, sucking softly just enough to make azzi’s breath stutter.

“you’re torturing me.” azzi whispered, her voice sharp with impatience even as her body betrayed her, arching into paige’s touch, begging without words. paige laughed low in her throat, pulling back just far enough to meet her eyes, her grin wicked and fond all at once. “oh i know, baby. i like it when you’re desperate for me.”

“you’re such an asshole.” azzi shot back, though her lips parted with a soft gasp as paige finally slid her fingers more firmly against her, the pressure making her moan before she could stop it.

“whatever you say, beautiful.” paige said with a smirk, and then she kissed her again, swallowing every sound azzi made, every shaky breath, like she couldn’t get enough, like she needed to prove she was the only one who got to see her like this.

paige loved control, but not in the traditional way that people usually imagined when they thought about dominance, because hers wasn’t cold or calculated, it was playful, selfish even, a kind of greedy need to be the one who had azzi unraveling under her hands, to be the one who got to hear those little noises slip from her throat, to be the one who could make her lose her composure, and right now, with azzi perched on the counter, her shorts pushed halfway up, thighs parted under paige’s insistent grip, paige felt that familiar rush of satisfaction coil through her chest like lightning caught and held still. the kiss was sloppy now, all tongue and breath and teeth, the kind of kiss that wasn’t particularly about technique but about hunger, about trying to swallow the other whole, and azzi was meeting her there, tugging at paige’s hair, pulling her closer like she couldn’t get enough either, the sound of their mouths filling the quiet kitchen in a way that felt both obscene and perfect.

paige’s hands slid further, finally slipping under the thin fabric of azzi’s shorts, fingers pressing against her through the damp heat of her underwear, and the way azzi gasped into her mouth made paige groan low in her throat, her hips pressing forward unconsciously as if she couldn’t stop herself from chasing that sound again.

“fuck, you’re already so wet for me baby” paige murmured against her lips, her tone more wonder than mockery, though the grin tugging at her mouth betrayed the smugness beneath it.

“shut up, paige.” azzi whispered, her cheeks flushing even as her hips rolled forward into paige’s palm, her hands clutching desperately at her shoulders like she couldn’t find enough to hold onto.

“nah.” paige whispered back, kissing her again, her fingers sliding under the edge of her underwear now, slipping against slick heat that made both of them moan, azzi’s thighs tightening instinctively around paige’s waist. the rhythm was slow at first, paige dragging her fingers lazily through the mess she found there, teasing more than giving, and azzi’s head fell back against the cabinet, her lips parting as she let out a shaky exhale, the sound sending a thrill down paige’s spine.

“paige…” azzi breathed, and there was something in the way she said her name that was half plea, half warning, like she couldn’t decide whether to beg or scold her, and that alone nearly undid paige.

“wassup?” paige replied, her voice sweet and infuriatingly calm as her fingers traced circles around where azzi needed her most, never quite giving in.

“don’t. don’t tease. please.” azzi managed, her hips jerking forward helplessly.

“mm, but you’re so pretty when i do that.” paige said, her grin widening as she finally pressed two fingers inside, slow, deliberate, savoring the way azzi’s whole body tensed around her, the sharp gasp that broke into a moan spilling out before azzi could swallow it down. paige kissed her again, her tongue sliding against azzi’s as her fingers set a steady rhythm, pumping in and out with an ease born of knowing exactly how to touch her, exactly how to unravel her, and azzi clung to her desperately, nails digging into her shoulders, her breath coming quicker with every thrust. the pace picked up, paige curling her fingers just right, her thumb pressing against azzi’s clit with firm, slow circles that made her cry out, the sound muffled into paige’s mouth but still loud enough to make her pulse race with satisfaction.

“that’s it, baby,” paige murmured against her lips, her voice low, coaxing. “let me hear you.”

azzi tried to roll her eyes, tried to keep her composure, but it was slipping fast, every thrust pulling her further from control, every touch sparking fire low in her belly until she was trembling against paige, her thighs tightening helplessly.

“fuck–you’re–” azzi stammered, her words breaking into a whimper as paige’s pace quickened, her fingers moving faster now, her thumb relentless, the combination enough to have azzi arching forward, her forehead pressing against paige’s shoulder as her breath came out in ragged gasps.

“tell me pretty,” paige whispered, her voice sharp with want. “tell me who’s making you feel this good.”

“you–” azzi gasped, her nails digging into paige’s back. “fuck. you are.”

“that’s right,” paige said with a grin, kissing her temple before nipping at her jaw, her fingers driving deeper, faster, curling until she felt azzi clench around her with a sharp cry. “only me, baby.”

“only you.” azzi choked out, her voice breaking as her whole body tensed, the heat building unbearably until it snapped, her release hitting her hard and sudden, ripping a moan from her lips that paige swallowed eagerly, kissing her through it as her fingers worked her steadily, drawing it out until azzi was trembling, whimpering against her shoulder.

paige finally slowed, easing her fingers out, her lips pressing soft, soothing kisses along azzi’s jaw, her neck, her cheek, as if to balance the intensity with tenderness. “you’re so fucking perfect.” she whispered, her voice low now, reverent.

azzi let out a shaky laugh, still catching her breath. “i love you, p.”

“i love you too, princess.” paige said easily, her grin lazy but her eyes soft, and though the words should’ve been terrifying, they both knew it wasn’t the first time they’d said them, and it definitely wouldn’t be the last.

azzi kissed her then, fingers brushing paige’s cheek, grounding her, and in that quiet moment, with the taste of each other still on their tongues and the air thick with heat, they didn’t feel like just friends. they felt like something more, something neither of them wanted to name but both of them already knew.

it’s late enough that the hallway outside is quiet, most of the dorm lights already dark, and the air in azzi’s room still clings to her, that faint sweetness of cocoa butter and the trace of vanilla that never really fades, the smell paige has come to know better than her own. they’re lying there the way they always do after practice, stretched out sideways on the bed that’s too small for two but somehow always fits them, and azzi’s head is tucked right under paige’s chin, her arm heavy across paige’s stomach, her leg hooked lazily over her hip like it belongs there. paige has one hand resting against the curve of azzi’s back, thumb brushing slow over the fabric of her shirt, an easy touch she doesn’t even think about anymore. azzi hums every so often, not words, just a low sound in her throat that tells paige she’s comfortable, maybe not even fully awake, and paige feels her chest swell at the idea that she gets to be the one azzi melts against like this, the one she chooses to lay down with when the day finally runs out.

some show runs quietly on the tv, subtitles drifting along the bottom, nothing either of them is paying attention to. the light flickers across the walls, across azzi’s face when she tilts slightly, and paige catches herself staring. it’s not intentional at first, just the angle of her jaw, the way her lashes rest against her cheeks, the shine of lip balm catching in the lamplight, but soon she’s fully gone, her eyes locked on azzi like she might miss something if she looks away even for a second. she tells herself to stop, that staring this long will make it obvious, but she can’t, because azzi is right there, warm and steady and soft in her arms, and paige feels like if she doesn’t memorize her in this exact moment she’ll regret it.

azzi doesn’t move, doesn’t even open her eyes, but there’s the faintest curl of a smile at the corner of her mouth, and paige knows she’s caught.

“you really think i don’t notice when you do that?” azzi’s voice comes out low, teasing, almost like she’s talking in her sleep.

paige shifts slightly under her, caught between embarrassment and amusement, her hand stilling against azzi’s back. “do what?”

“look at me like you’re trying to figure out how many freckles i have,” azzi murmurs, finally opening her eyes, and they’re glassy from being half asleep but sharp enough to pin paige where she is.

paige huffs out a laugh, but she doesn’t deny it. “you make it hard not to, y’know.”

that gets azzi to lift her head just enough to see her better, their faces close now, noses only inches apart. she props her chin on paige’s chest, studying her with that quiet intensity that always makes paige feel both exposed and wanted, like azzi can read every thought she’s tried to bury.

“you’re annoying,” azzi says finally, though her mouth is twitching like she’s fighting a smile.

“yeah, maybe a little,” paige answers, her voice softer now, her hand finding the back of azzi’s neck, brushing over the small curls of hair there.

they don’t move right away. it’s just the two of them staring, faces so close that paige can feel the warmth of azzi’s breath against her cheek, close enough that she doesn’t even need to blink because she’s caught there, locked in the dark shine of azzi’s eyes. the room around them has gone still but none of it matters, because paige’s whole world has narrowed to the weight of azzi stretched against her chest, the rise and fall of her breathing syncing with her own. when azzi leans in it doesn’t feel like something she thought about. there’s nothing rehearsed about it. no hesitation either. like her body decided before her mind could catch up. it just feels like the most natural shift in the world, like gravity pulling her forward, and when her lips finally press softly against paige’s, there’s no sharpness to it, just an inevitability that makes paige’s whole body go soft and tense at the same time.

the kiss is slow, unhurried. azzi tastes like the faint sweetness of her lip balm, and it makes paige’s chest ache in a way she doesn’t have words for. paige tilts her head to deepen it just enough, careful but greedy, and her fingers tighten against azzi’s back like she’s afraid she might slip away. azzi makes a small sound against her mouth and it lands heavy in paige’s stomach, spreading heat everywhere at once. they stay like that, mouths brushing, parting, pulling back just enough to breathe, only to find each other again, brushing lips over lips until it feels like they’ve been kissing forever. azzi’s fingers curl into the fabric of paige’s shirt, grounding herself, while paige runs her thumb in small circles at the base of her spine, needing to keep her close, needing to touch in as many ways as she can.

when azzi finally pulls back an inch, paige almost chases her without thinking. azzi’s lips are a little swollen, her cheeks flushed, and she’s looking at paige like she just discovered something she’ll never let go of. their foreheads falling together, lips still so close that paige feels every word when azzi whispers, “hi.” paige can’t help the laugh that slips out, her chest tightening as she pulls azzi even closer. “hi.” she answers back, voice low and soft, like it belongs only to her.

azzi looks at her, lips parted like she’s holding back another kiss, or maybe a hundred of them. and paige, with her hand still at her back and her forehead pressed to hers, thinks she wouldn’t mind if this moment stretched forever.

“you always hold me like you don’t wanna let go.” azzi whispers, her voice so soft it might not carry beyond the inch between them, but paige hears every word and a smile comes without thinking, not the cocky grin she usually gives in practice, not the smirk she tosses around at parties, but something heavier, something that feels like it comes from her chest instead of her mouth. “maybe i don’t.” she murmurs, her voice quiet but certain.

azzi exhales and settles back down against her, tucking her face into the space between paige’s neck and shoulder, her arm tightening across her waist. and paige just holds her, fingers tracing lazy lines again, her lips pressing a small kiss to azzi’s hair, and the quiet fills in all the spaces words can’t.

azzi doesn’t fall asleep. not really. even though paige can feel the weight of her settling deeper against her chest, her breathing slowing into something that almost passes for sleep. but every so often azzi shifts, the drag of her thigh moving against paige’s hip, the brush of her breath against her collarbone, and paige knows she’s awake.

she doesn’t say anything about it. she just keeps holding her, her fingers skimming along azzi’s spine, and the longer she does, the more she feels azzi’s body reacting, subtle at first, the faint hitch of breath, the way her hand flexes against paige’s stomach. paige smiles to herself, her eyes half closed, her chin resting against the top of azzi’s head. “bro, you’re restless.” she murmurs, not accusing, more like she’s just stating what’s already obvious between them.

“maybe it’s your fault.” azzi says quietly, her voice muffled by the fabric of paige’s shirt, but there’s a spark in it, teasing, pulling. paige tilts her head, pressing her lips to the shell of azzi’s ear, letting her words fall warm there. “yeah? how’s it my fault?”

azzi shifts again, lifting her face just enough so she can look at her, her mouth inches away, her eyes dark even in the soft lamplight. “you’re too much.” she says simply, and then she kisses her, hard enough this time that paige can feel her own pulse jump in her throat.

the kiss stretches, deepens, azzi climbing further on top of her until she’s straddling her waist, her hands braced against paige’s shoulders. paige groans softly into her mouth, her fingers slipping under the hem of azzi’s shirt, finding the warm skin of her back, and the sound that escapes azzi when she feels her touch there is enough to make paige’s grip tighten.

“fuck.” paige breathes against her lips, and azzi only smiles, tilting her hips just slightly, enough to make paige’s breath catch again.

“what?” azzi teases, her voice softer now, but her body pressing down with intent.

“you’re–” paige cuts herself off with another kiss, her hands sliding higher up azzi’s back, fingertips grazing the band of her sports bra. “–you’re driving me crazy.”

azzi laughs. but she doesn’t stop. doesn’t ease up. she leans down, her lips brushing paige’s jaw, her neck, and paige’s eyes flutter closed at the warmth of it, her hand slipping around to grip azzi’s waist, dragging her even closer.

“say please.” azzi whispers suddenly, the words so unexpected that paige’s eyes snap open, meeting hers again.

paige stares at her, caught off guard, then smirks, shaking her head. “you’re crazy.” she says, her voice low, almost a growl, and then she flips them, rolling so azzi is pinned beneath her now, their bodies flush together. azzi gasps, her hands flying to paige’s shoulders, nails digging in just slightly. “not fair.” she says, but the smile tugging at her lips betrays her, her chest rising fast against paige’s.

“life’s not fair.” paige murmurs, pressing her mouth to hers again, slower this time, deeper, letting the kiss build until azzi’s hips are shifting under her, uneasy and needy.

paige pulls back just barely, her lips brushing over azzi’s jaw, her breath hot against her skin. “you wanna keep teasing me, huh?”

azzi exhales shakily, her hands sliding down to grip paige’s sides. “maybe.” she says, though her voice cracks just enough to give her away.

“yeah?” paige says again, her hand trailing down azzi’s stomach, stopping right at the waistband of her shorts. “or maybe you just want me to touch you.”

azzi swallows hard, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment, her back arching just slightly off the bed. “paige…”

“tell me, baby.” paige whispers, her lips brushing azzi’s neck now, her hand pressing just a little firmer at her hip.

“i want you.” azzi admits finally, her voice breaking in the quiet room, and the sound of it makes paige’s whole body heat, makes her fingers slip beneath the fabric of her shorts without another thought. azzi gasps when paige’s hand meets skin, her eyes flying open again, and paige kisses her through it, swallowing every sound, every word, until all that’s left is the steady rhythm of their bodies pressed close, the room filled with the sound of their breathing, the quiet thrum of something neither of them wants to stop.

paige’s hand is already warm against azzi’s stomach, the heel of her palm pressing just above the waistband of her shorts, her fingers teasing lower but not giving in yet, and it makes azzi whimper, a sound she clearly doesn’t mean to let out, her head tipping back against the pillow. paige smirks against her neck, biting gently at the skin there before pulling back just enough to see her face, the way her lips part, the way her eyes are fluttering half shut like she’s already halfway gone.

“you sound so pretty, baby.” paige says softly, her thumb tracing the line of azzi’s hipbone. “you know that?”

azzi shifts under her, her nails digging a little harder into paige’s shoulders. “stop talking and–”

“and what?” paige interrupts, leaning down to kiss her again, her hand pressing a little firmer against her waist but still not sliding down. “you’re the one who wanted this. use your words.”

“god, you’re insufferable.” azzi breathes, but she’s smiling, her chest heaving, her hips lifting just slightly against paige’s hand like her body’s betraying her.

“uh huh.” paige dips her head lower, kissing along azzi’s jaw, her collarbone, down the line of her chest, her other hand bracing on the mattress so she can trail her mouth across her skin, unhurried. “tell me you want me, beautiful.”

“i already did.”

“say it again for me.” paige murmurs, her lips brushing over the edge of azzi’s shirt as her hand finally slips beneath the waistband of her shorts, fingers skating low enough to make azzi choke on her next breath.

“i want you so bad, baby.” azzi gasps, her back arching, and paige grins against her skin like it’s the only answer she needed. she drags her hand lower, fingers sliding over the thin fabric of azzi’s panties, already damp, and she lets out a low groan of her own. “fuck, azzi,” she whispers, her mouth hovering just above azzi’s stomach now, kissing the soft skin there, her tongue dipping briefly against the tiny bar of the belly button piercing she’s always loved. “you’re soaked for me already.”

azzi laughs breathlessly, trying to hide the sound of her moan in it, but it breaks anyway, spilling into the quiet room. “shut up.”

“make me.” paige presses her fingers harder against her through the fabric, slow circles that make azzi’s hips jerk up, and she tilts her head to look at her, hair falling into her face, her eyes dark. “mm you can’t, can you?”

azzi groans, tossing her head back, one hand flying up to grip the pillow above her head. “fuck, paige, stop being such an ass and–”

paige cuts her off by sliding her fingers beneath the fabric finally, skin against skin, and the gasp that rips out of azzi’s throat is sharp enough to make paige’s whole body ache.

“better?” paige teases, her voice hushed but rough now, her fingers sliding slow and deliberate through the slick heat of her.

“fuck you.” azzi says, but her hips are moving with her touch, chasing it, desperate, and paige laughs low, kissing her stomach again before sliding lower, pulling her shorts down inch by inch until they’re bunched around her thighs. she doesn’t rush. she kisses the inside of azzi’s knee, then the soft skin higher, the muscle of her thigh, each kiss slower, deeper, until azzi’s hips are lifting off the mattress again, her breath coming in short, uneven pulls.

“please.” azzi finally whispers, her voice raw, her hand reaching down to grab at paige’s hair, tugging her closer. paige grins, letting herself be pulled, settling between her thighs, her mouth hovering just above where azzi needs her most. “i like it when you beg.”

and then she gives in, her tongue dragging slow and steady, savoring the taste of her, the way azzi’s entire body jolts, the way her thighs tighten around paige’s shoulders. she moans into her, the sound vibrating against her, and azzi cries out, her hands tightening in her hair, pulling her closer, closer. paige doesn’t let up. she moves with precision, with patience, building the rhythm, edging her without mercy. every time azzi’s hips buck, every time she gets close enough that her breath breaks into something wild and desperate, paige slows, pulling back just enough to make her whine.

“paige–” azzi’s voice is cracking now, her chest rising fast, sweat beading at her temple. “please, don’t stop, i can’t–”

“shh,” paige whispers against her, her lips brushing over her, her fingers sliding in now, slow enough that azzi gasps, her whole body arching off the mattress. paige curls them just right, knuckles brushing, and her other hand comes up to hold her hip down, forcing her to take it. “you can take it, baby. i know you can.”

azzi’s whole body arches, her heels digging into the mattress, her hands clutching at paige like she’s the only thing keeping her tethered. “fuck, p–” .

“look at you,” paige says softly, her eyes fixed on her face, the way her mouth falls open, the sweat shining on her collarbone. “you’re so fucking gorgeous like this.”

she starts to move her hand, slow thrusts that hit deep, curling every time to drag against that spot that makes azzi cry out. her thumb finds her clit, rubbing small, tight circles, and azzi’s back arches again, her head falling back into the pillow, hair sticking to her damp skin.

“paige–oh my god–”

“that’s it,” paige coaxes, her voice low, steady, like she’s guiding her through it. “let me hear you. don’t hold it back.”

azzi doesn’t. she can’t. the room fills with the sound of her moans, sharp and desperate, the wet slide of paige’s fingers inside her, the creak of the bed under them. every time azzi tries to lift her hips, paige presses her down harder, keeping her right where she wants her.

“you feel so good,” paige whispers, leaning down to kiss her again, swallowing the next moan as her tongue slides against hers. “so fucking good around my fingers, baby.”

azzi’s whole body is trembling now, her thighs quivering, her stomach clenching under paige’s hand. she grabs at paige’s wrist, not to stop her, but like she needs something to hold onto, like she’ll fly apart without it.

“please,” she gasps, her voice raw. “please don’t stop.”

“come for me, mama.” paige says, her voice rough, muffled, relentless. and azzi does, with a sound that tears out of her throat, her body shaking, her hips stuttering against paige’s mouth as she unravels, everything pulling tight and then breaking all at once. paige doesn’t stop right away. she keeps moving, drawing it out, licking into her mouth as azzi moans against her lips, overstimulated and wrecked. finally, when azzi’s pushing weakly at her shoulder, whining, paige finally slows, pressing soft kisses against the inside of her thigh, then her stomach again, working her way back up her body until she’s hovering over her, her lips brushing azzi’s jaw, her cheek. azzi’s chest is still heaving, her skin flushed, her eyes glassy as she stares up at her, and paige can’t help but smile, her thumb brushing her swollen bottom lip.

“you are unreal.” azzi whispers, her voice hoarse, still shaky.

paige laughs softly, pressing a kiss to her mouth, tender now, nothing like the frenzy from before. “so are you.”

azzi exhales, curling into her, pulling her close like she’s the only thing she wants to hold onto, and paige lets herself be wrapped up, tucking her face into the crook of her neck, her hand still smoothing lazy circles over her stomach. the room is quiet again, but it’s a different kind of quiet now, the kind that makes everything feel right. they lie there for a while like that, their breathing evening out, azzi shifts so she’s half draped over paige, her head on her chest, her hand tucked against her stomach, and paige feels her heartbeat slow in tandem with hers, the kind of synchronicity that should scare her but instead feels grounding.

“you ever think about how ridiculous this is?” azzi asks suddenly, her voice low, almost thoughtful.

“what, us?” paige teases, but there’s a catch in her tone, like she’s scared of the answer.

“yeah,” azzi says simply, her thumb brushing over the small scar on paige’s hip she always plays with when they’re tangled up like this. “teammates, best friends, whatever the fuck. this is. it’s like…the dumbest idea ever. and yet…” she trails off, kissing paige’s collarbone softly, “…i wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

paige swallows hard, her chest tightening, and she almost blurts it–the thing that’s been sitting heavy on her tongue for months, maybe years–but instead she just kisses the top of azzi’s head, her lips lingering there longer than necessary. “yeah,” she whispers. “me too.”

the silence that follows isn’t awkward. it’s heavy but warm, thick with everything unspoken. then azzi shifts again, propping herself up on one elbow, and paige immediately knows that look in her eye, the one that’s playful and dangerous at once, the one that always means trouble.

“what.” paige warns, but her voice is already breaking into a smile.

“i’m not done yet.” azzi says, grinning, and before paige can even respond, she leans down and presses an open-mouthed kiss to her stomach, just above the waistband of her shorts, her teeth grazing lightly.

paige jolts, grabbing at the sheets, her whole body sparking back to life. “oh my god–”

“round two?” azzi asks, her voice muffled against her skin, but the smirk is obvious. paige groans, already tugging her back up for a kiss, desperate and messy. “fuck, you’re gonna kill me.” she whispers again, but she’s smiling when she says it, because she knows she’d let azzi do it a thousand times over.

the thing about parties at uconn was that they were all the same and somehow always different, the same overcrowded living rooms stuffed with sweaty bodies and music too loud for anyone to actually talk, the same sticky floors and cheap beer and too sweet juice in questionable plastic coolers, but each one carried its own little disaster waiting to happen, and tonight’s disaster was already unfolding in slow motion, paige watching it from across the room with a smile that was more teeth than joy.

it had started fine, better than fine, really, because they’d come together, azzi looking unfairly good in the kind of fitted jeans that made paige openly stare when she walked into the room, and paige hadn’t even bothered to hide it, whistling low enough to make azzi roll her eyes and mutter something about how she should behave for once, but her lips had betrayed her with the twitch of a smile, and that was enough to keep paige grinning the whole drive over. and maybe it was the drinks, maybe it was the mood, but for the first hour or so, everything was easy–azzi tucked against the wall with a red cup in hand, paige drifting around the room but always orbiting back to her, stealing little touches that looked casual to anyone else but carried a heat both of them felt, paige’s fingers brushing azzi’s waist as she passed, azzi’s hand tugging paige down by the collar when she leaned too close not to kiss her.

but then someone else came into the picture–some guy paige didn’t even know, some tall, broad-shouldered asshole who clearly thought he was charming–and suddenly paige’s night tilted.

he was standing too close to azzi, leaning in to talk, his hand brushing her arm in a way that made paige’s stomach knot. and azzi wasn’t flirting, not really, she was just being polite, laughing at something he said, but the sound of her laugh aimed at someone else, at him, felt like a betrayal even though paige knew logically it wasn’t.

she drained her cup too fast, the burn in her throat sharp, and set it down harder than she meant to, her eyes locked on them like she could burn a hole through his head if she stared long enough.

“damn paige, relax.” aubrey muttered, passing her with a laugh, but paige ignored it, already making her way across the room with the kind of determined, careless swagger that came out stronger when she was drinking.

“hey, pretty.” paige drawled as she slid in beside azzi, her arm looping around her shoulders like it belonged there. (because it did. in her mind. even if no one else knew it. except that they actually did).

azzi’s eyes flicked to her, something unreadable flashing there before she smoothed it away. “paige.” her tone was neutral, but her body leaned into her automatically, betraying her.

“who’s this?” paige asked, her smile sharp as she glanced at the guy.

he opened his mouth, but paige didn’t really care, didn’t wait for him to answer before continuing, “cool, awesome, doesn’t matter. az, you wanna dance?”

azzi’s brow furrowed. “you don’t dance.”

“i dance when it’s you.” paige shot back easily, tugging her cup from her hand before she could argue, setting it down on the table beside them. the guy looked like he wanted to say something, but azzi just gave him a polite smile before letting paige pull her toward the crowd of bodies moving to the music.

once they were in the middle of it, paige’s hands slid to azzi’s hips without hesitation, pulling her back against her. “you looked like you were having fun.” paige said into her ear, her voice low, teasing.

“he was just talking” azzi replied, her tone calm, body still swaying against paige’s like she couldn’t help it.

“hmmm, didn’t like the way he was looking at you.” paige admitted, her grip tightening just slightly.

“you’re drunk.” azzi said, though her own voice cracked a little at the end, giving her away.

“yeah, and?” paige grinned against her neck, her lips brushing there in a way that made azzi shiver despite herself. “doesn’t mean i’m wrong.”

azzi turned her head, catching paige’s eyes over her shoulder, their faces so close it made the rest of the room blur. “we’re not–” she started, but her words faltered.

“not what?” paige pressed, her grin slipping into something softer, something more dangerous.

“we’re not together.” azzi said finally, though it came out like a question, like she didn’t believe it herself. paige’s hands slid higher on her waist, pulling her flush against her. “could’ve fooled me.” she murmured, kissing the corner of her jaw, not caring who saw, not caring that the whole room could burn down around them as long as azzi stayed right here. and the truth was, azzi didn’t push her away. she never did.

the rest of the party blurred in the way nights like that always did, a haze of too loud music and people pushing past them, paige’s arm still around azzi, and azzi not pulling away even though she should have, even though her chest was tight with something she didn’t want to name.

paige was already very affectionate when she was sober, but drunk, she was even worse– hands everywhere, mouth everywhere, laughing too loud, saying things that were too honest to be passed off as jokes. she kissed azzi’s cheek, her jaw, the shell of her ear, murmuring things that made azzi’s pulse spike, things she wanted to hear but couldn’t let herself believe. and azzi let her, because she always let her. but by the time they stumbled back to paige’s apartment, the edges of everything were frayed, the warmth of alcohol giving way to that sharp clarity that always came after, and the silence between them felt heavier than the noise of the party had.

paige kicked her shoes off, dropping onto the couch with a dramatic groan. “my feet are killing me.” she said, stretching out, her head tilted back, hair a mess around her face.

azzi lingered near the door, crossing her arms. “you were crazy tonight.”

paige cracked one eye open, smirking. “oh yeah, i know.”

“paige.” azzi’s tone was sharp, enough to make paige sit up a little straighter, though her grin didn’t fade.

“what?” she asked, like she genuinely didn’t understand.

“you can’t just–” azzi broke off, shaking her head, searching for the words. “you can’t just act like that in public. like–like we’re–”

“like we’re what?” paige pressed, her smile faltering finally, though her voice stayed light.

“like we’re together.” azzi said, the words coming out harsher than she intended, but the second they were in the air, they stuck there, heavy, impossible to pull back.

paige leaned forward, elbows on her knees, her eyes locked on azzi with a seriousness that cut through the haze of alcohol. “and what if we are?” she asked quietly.

azzi’s breath caught, her stomach flipping, but she forced herself to hold steady. “we’re not.”

“says who?” paige shot back, the edge creeping into her voice now. “you? because last i checked, we spend practically every night in the same bed, we kiss like we’re addicted, we–” she broke off, running a hand through her hair, frustrated. “what the fuck do you call that if not being together?”

“friends,” azzi said, her voice breaking slightly on the word. “i don’t know. a little more than friends. friends with benefits. that’s what we agreed on.”

“yeah, well, agreements change,” paige muttered, standing now, pacing like she couldn’t sit still. “feelings change.”

the room went quiet after that. azzi’s chest tightened, her nails digging into her arms where they were crossed. “you’re drunk,” she said finally, her voice softer now, almost pleading. “you don’t mean that.”

paige stopped pacing, turning to face her, and the look in her eyes made azzi’s throat close. “i always mean it when it’s about you, azzi.”

the silence stretched, unbearable. azzi looked away first, her jaw tight. “this is exactly why i didn’t want–” she stopped herself, biting the inside of her cheek, but paige caught it anyway.

“didn’t want what?” paige asked, stepping closer, her voice sharper now. “didn’t want me? didn’t want this?”

“didn’t want to ruin us.” azzi said finally, her voice low, cracking under the weight of it.

paige froze, her expression softening in an instant. “baby…” she started, reaching out, but azzi flinched back like the touch would undo her completely.

“you don’t get it,” azzi whispered, her eyes shining with something she refused to let fall. “if we cross that line, if we call it what it is, and it falls apart, i lose you. and i can’t–” her voice broke, and she swallowed hard, shaking her head. “i can’t lose you.”

paige’s chest ached, her own bravado slipping. “you think i’d ever let you lose me?” she asked softly, almost desperately.

“you don’t know that.” azzi said, her voice barely audible, and the truth of it hung between them, raw and heavy. for a moment, neither of them moved, the air thick with everything they weren’t saying. finally, paige let out a shaky laugh, running a hand over her face. “we’re so fucking dumb.” azzi let out a humorless laugh of her own, sinking onto the edge of the couch. “yeah.” paige sat beside her, close but not touching, the space between them louder than any fight.

after a long beat, paige leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “you know i’m never gonna stop loving you, right?” she said casually, like it was nothing, like it didn’t just split azzi’s chest open.

azzi closed her eyes, exhaling slowly. “stop saying that.”

“can’t,” paige replied, her grin returning, though it didn’t reach her eyes this time. “it’s the only thing i’m actually serious about.”

the silence after paige’s last words stretched out so long it stopped feeling like silence and started feeling like something heavier, like a third presence in the room pressing against both of them, filling up the space between their bodies where there should have been touch. azzi kept her arms crossed, staring down at the floor like if she looked at paige for even a second, everything inside her would come spilling out, and paige leaned back into the couch cushions like she was trying to disappear into them, her jaw tight, her eyes trained on the ceiling like maybe the answer was written up there. and it could’ve stayed like that–it almost did–but paige was never good at sitting in discomfort, never good at shutting up, and even worse when she cared, and god, she cared too much.

so after what felt like forever, she shifted, turning her head just enough to look at azzi. “you know i hate it when you sit all the way over there like you don’t wanna touch me,” she said softly, no teasing in her tone this time, just honesty.

azzi’s throat tightened, but she didn’t move. “i don’t know if i should.” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

paige’s chest ached at that, but she didn’t push, didn’t joke, didn’t make light of it. instead, she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, her hands dangling between them. “i’m sorry,” she said, the words rough, unpolished. “for the party. for being…me. i just–i can’t stand watching somebody else look at you like that. i know i don’t get to say that, but–” she broke off, shaking her head. “fuck. i don’t know.”

azzi finally looked at her then, and the sight of paige–shoulders slumped, eyes tired, that cocky grin nowhere to be found–made her chest twist. she sighed, uncrossing her arms slowly. “you can’t just keep saying things you don’t really mean.” she whispered.

“but i do mean it,” paige said quickly, her eyes finding hers, sharp with urgency. “i always mean it, azzi..”

the room went quiet again, but softer this time, less sharp. azzi stared at her for a long beat, then shook her head faintly, a sad little smile tugging at her lips. “you drive me crazy.”

paige grinned weakly, some of her usual bravado slipping back in. “but i’m your kind of crazy though, right?” her voice gentler now, almost tentative.

and this time, azzi didn’t argue. she just let out a tired laugh, the sound breaking the tension in her chest, and without another word, she shifted closer, curling into paige’s side like it was second nature. paige let out a quiet breath of relief, her arm coming around her automatically, pulling her in tight. she pressed her lips to azzi’s hair, lingering there, and whispered, “i’m never gonna let you lose me. not in a million years.”

azzi closed her eyes, her body relaxing against her despite everything, despite the mess and the fear. “you promise?” she asked softly, almost childlike.

“i promise,” paige said without hesitation, her voice steady, certain. “cross my heart, hope to die, all that shit.”

and they stayed like that for a long time, tangled on the couch, the world outside irrelevant, the fight already fading into the background because at the end of the day, no matter how messy it got, no matter how many times they pretended it wasn’t love, this was where they always ended up–pressed into each other, unwilling to let go. eventually, paige pulled the blanket off the back of the couch, draping it over both of them. she tucked it around azzi’s shoulders, then tilted her head down to kiss her temple. “go to sleep, pretty,” she murmured. “i got you.”

and for once, azzi didn’t overthink, didn’t try to put words to something that was already too big for them. she just let herself believe it, if only for the night.

the morning crept in through the blinds in thin strips of gold, catching on the edges of the couch where they’d crashed hours earlier. paige woke up first–she always did, no matter how late they’d been up or how many drinks she’d had the night before, her body wired to catch the first sound, the first shift of light. at first, she stayed still, breathing slow, listening to the soft rhythm of azzi’s breathing against her chest. it grounded her in a way nothing else could. her hand, still resting on azzi’s back from the night before, flexed lazily, fingertips brushing over the hem of her shirt, not even thinking about it–like her body just needed the reassurance that azzi was still there.

she tilted her head slightly to look down, and the sight almost undid her. azzi’s hair was messy, falling into her face, her lips parted just a little, one arm draped across paige’s waist possessively even in unconsciousness. paige bit her lip, trying not to smile too wide, because it was ridiculous how much she loved moments like this, how much it scared her to realize there wasn’t anything casual about them at all. eventually, she shifted carefully, sliding out from under azzi with the kind of practiced ease that came from doing this a hundred times before. azzi mumbled at the loss of warmth but didn’t wake, just pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders. paige stood there for a second, watching, rubbing at her face, before heading toward the kitchen.

she didn’t know why she started cooking–maybe because she couldn’t sit still, maybe because she wanted something to do with her hands, maybe because the air felt too heavy after last night. she dug around in the cabinets, pulling out eggs and bread and whatever else she could find. cooking wasn’t exactly her thing. she wasn’t bad, but she wasn’t azzi either, who somehow made every meal taste like it belonged in a restaurant. still, she liked trying, especially when it was for her. by the time the smell of scrambled eggs and toast filled the small dorm kitchen, azzi appeared. rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand, drowning in one of paige’s sweatshirts that looked two sizes too big on her. she leaned against the doorframe, eyes still half shut.

“look at you, princess, dragging yourself out of bed for me,” paige teased, flipping the eggs with exaggerated confidence. “don’t worry, no fire hazards today.”

“since when do you cook?” azzi leaned against the counter, watching her with that sleepy half smile that always made paige’s stomach flip.

paige glanced over her shoulder. “since five minutes ago.”

“brave.”

“you doubt me?” paige asked, flicking the pan like she actually knew what she was doing.

“constantly.” azzi said, moving closer, sliding her arms around paige’s waist from behind. she rested her face against her shoulder blade, humming like the smell alone was enough to keep her there.

paige smirked, but her voice came out quieter than usual. “don’t distract the chef, you might ruin your breakfast.”

“worth the risk. smells good though.” she murmured, voice muffled against her shirt.

paige leaned back into the touch instinctively, her grin softening into something quieter. “yeah? maybe i’ll keep you around so you can gas me up every time i make eggs.”

“hmmm, maybe i’ll stay around because you let me steal all your sweatshirts.” azzi countered, tugging at the hem of the one she was wearing.

paige turned her head, smirking. “you mean our sweatshirts at this point. i haven’t seen half of mine in months.”

“finders keepers.” azzi said simply, pressing a light kiss to her shoulder.

when paige finished cooking they ate at the small table, legs knocking under the surface more out of habit than intention. azzi poked at the eggs with her fork, then gave paige a look.

“they’re fine.” paige said quickly, defensive.

“i didn’t say anything.”

“you were about to.”

azzi chewed, swallowed, then shrugged. “they’re not terrible.”

“wow. nice review.”

a corner of azzi’s mouth tugged upward. “they’re good, paige. seriously.”

paige narrowed her eyes like she didn’t fully believe her but let it go, focusing on her toast. the silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable–it just was, the kind that came from knowing each other too well to need to fill it.

after breakfast, they ended up back on the couch, azzi stretched out with her head in paige’s lap, scrolling through her phone while paige absentmindedly played with her hair. the sun was higher now, the room warmer, and for a while, there was nothing but quiet, not the heavy kind from last night, but the easy kind that felt like safety.

“you always wake up before me,” azzi said suddenly.

“can’t help it,” paige said. “light’s too loud.”

azzi huffed a quiet laugh, closing her eyes. “that doesn’t even make sense.”

“doesn’t have to.” paige answered, still combing her fingers through her hair.

“you know,” azzi murmured, not looking up from her screen, “friends don’t usually make each other breakfast in the morning.”

paige arched an eyebrow, though azzi couldn’t see it. “oh yeah? what do they do, then?”

“i dunno. not this.” azzi murmured, her tone softer now, almost hesitant.

paige’s fingers stilled in her hair for a second, then resumed. “maybe we’re just better friends than everyone else.” she said lightly, though the weight behind it was undeniable.

azzi finally looked up at her, eyes searching, and paige met her gaze. for a long moment, it felt like they were teetering on the edge of something bigger, something they kept pretending not to see. but azzi just smiled faintly, turning back to her phone, and paige let out a quiet breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

the quiet settled again, heavy but soft, and if anyone had walked in right then, they would’ve called it what it was–domestic, intimate, a little too much for something that was supposedly casual. but neither of them said anything.

not yet.

[clairescity]

Pain, Then Pleasure - P.B

𐃯— Paige Bueckers x Reader

𐃯— After a brutal week of exams, two friends go to the local bar to celebrate. The drinks flow and you can’t ignore the way strangers eyes fall onto Uconn’s golden girl, Paige Bueckers. Jealousy builds in you as the night goes on. All whilst Paige grows drunk and clingy. not being able to keep her hands off you in a way that would blur every line of friendship. When a girl hits on Paige and shattered glass leaves her a bleeding finger, you pull her into a dark corner of the bar protective and possessive instinct tipping into something heated. Her finger wasn’t the only thing you kissed better that night. One drunken kiss turns into another, and before the night is gone, you’re walking Paige back to her dorm where all that tension finally shatters. The glass wasn’t the only thing that shattered that night.

𐃯—Word count: 6.8k

𐃯— Content warnings: drinking. smut. sub!p slight spit kink. semi!public sex. fingering. slight!overstim (p!receiving) exhibitionism. oral (p!receiving). scissoring. slapping. degrading. praise. edging. crying. aftercare.

༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚ ༝༚༝༚

The bass from the local bar moved through the sticky floor and up your body, the whole bar vibrating with all of UConn students drunk on finals weekend freedom. Shouts, laughter, and awful singing that was really just yelling mixed with the sharp smell of vodka and spilled beer. Swaying behind you, her arm wrapped around your waist loosely like it was the most natural thing in the world to her, was none other than UConn’s golden girl, Paige Bueckers.

She glowed like she always did tall, slim figure, golden locs, pale skin kissed by the glowy orange lights, her smile pretty and a little tipsy. Her eyes were drunk and sparkling, and you’d both admit you had maybe one too many shots. You hadn’t even wanted to come out tonight. Finals were over, yeah, but your plan was to sit at home in your sweats and perhaps binge the new season of whatever Netflix show Paige had already bullied you into watching. But Paige had other plans. You could still see her leaning against her dorm doorframe earlier, hooking one finger through your belt loop, giving it a sharp, small tug that made your stomach flip.

“C’mon,” she’d whined, leaning in close enough that her breath tickled your face, looking down at you. “You’re not bailing on me. I need my favorite girl out there right by my side tonight,” she muttered.

One look into her pleading eyes with that knowing grin and your resistance had crumbled. And now here you were, swept away into the crowded heat of the bar with her attached to you like a second skin.

Heat pooled in your stomach as her chest brushed your back, her cologne cutting sharp through the mist of sweat and beer. And you hated how easy she made it how a single teasing look could leave your cheeks pink with your pulse jumping.

You tilted your head back toward her over your shoulder, making eye contact, your faces so close. “I can’t believe I let you drag me here,” you mumbled, though your tone held no real bitterness. You toyed with the silver rings around her slim fingers that were grazing the skin on your stomach. Even tipsy, she clung to you like she belonged there.

Paige only grinned, dragging her hands along your exposed tummy, your white crop top doing nothing to shield you from the chill of her rings, which caused you to shiver. She gave your hips a little squeeze, like she was testing how much she could get away with.

“Oh, please. You know damn full and well you’d be bored in your room shoving ice cream down your throat watching that lame ass show.” Her lips brushed your ear as she leaned in over the bass.

“Maybe that’s my type of celebration, and you practically begged me to watch that show!” you huffed.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. You love it when I make you come out with me. Don’t lie.”

You could only hum at that, closing your eyes and turning your head back as the alcohol sank heavy and warm into your system. Your hand fell over hers after toying with her jewelry, and you gave her soft hand a light squeeze, and she immediately went still against your back, breath catching. Especially drunk, she was easy to guide, easy to hold, your golden girl who pretended to run the night, yet every single little touch from you made her instantly melt.

Over time at UConn, being around Paige like this had taught you who she truly was. Paige wasn’t always the confident, in control girl the world believed she was. That was the version she gave the public eye. The one who ran the show. But with you, that act slipped. Drunk Paige was the clearest example bratty, whiny, and completely different from the poised girl everyone else saw.

Tonight, she was slipping into that side completely soft, clingy, and almost obedient under your hands. Or so you hoped.

You snapped out of your haze when you felt Paige’s warm hands slowly slide off your skin, leaving goosebumps in their absence.

“Baby, I’m gonna go get me a Dirty Shirley,” she slurred, her voice playful as she slid in front of you. Her cheeks were flushed from heat and alcohol, blonde hair clinging to the side of her neck in soft waves.

“Paige,” you scolded, raising your brows as she turned on her heel away from you. Your voice was low and sharp. Your hand shot out, grabbing her wrist and yanking her body back toward you. “Haven’t you had enough, P? You can barely walk,” you said. Paige definitely was more of a lightweight.

She stumbled into your chest with a soft huff, catching herself with a grip on your waist, and looked down at you with that knowing little pout that always made your stomach churn.

“Pretty please?” she whined, dragging her hands down your arms in a featherlight touch, her fingers automatically intertwining with yours like it was instinct. “Last one. Promise.” She tilted her head, giving you those stupidly cute, big, glassy puppy eyes.

You rolled your eyes, pulse quickening, part irritation, part something warmer that had been simmering all night. She had no idea what she did to you when she got like this—needy and completely at your mercy.

“Fine,” you mumbled, your tone unamused.

Paige’s face lit up, her toothy smile blooming instantly. “Knew you’d say yes,” she teased.

“Yeah? Say that again and you’re not allowed.” You tightened your grip on her hands.

Paige gasped, immediately pleading. “No! I’m sor-”

“Go,” you cut her off.

She gleamed at that, slipping away before you could say another word. You shook your head, watching her every move as she drifted toward the bar. The crowd seemed to part for her like it always did, the orange lights catching on her hair and the curve of her bare shoulder. God, she was wearing your favorite outfit tonight that white top that showed off her toned arms, her pretty abs, her hips under those low rise black pants.

Your eyes stayed locked on her the sway of her hips, the way strangers glanced at her like she was a prize. Your stomach twisted with that familiar, possessive heat. Only you got to look at her like that.

She leaned against the bar for balance, hair spilling over her shoulder, cheeks flushed. You watched her wave the bartender over, flashing that perfect smile as she ordered.

And then, just like always, someone moved in.

A girl slid up beside her, looking just like you, which only infuriated you more. She leaned down, her mouth nearly brushing Paige’s ear, and your jaw clenched. You couldn’t hear a word over the music, but the way her fingers brushed Paige’s shoulder was enough to make heat curl low in your stomach. Paige didn’t move away. If anything, she giggled, tipping her head slightly to listen.

Of course she did.

You were already moving through the crowd before the next bass drop hit. Someone muttered when your shoulder bumped theirs, but all you could see was Paige.

Then, before you knew it, her elbow caught the base of a tall glass on the bar. Typical Paige.

The crash was instant shards skittering across the floor. Paige gasped and instinctively crouched, laughing it off as she reached for the pieces like a drunken idiot. “Oops…” Paige mumbled.

“Paige!” you snapped, shoving through the crowd. She froze halfway to the floor but still reached for a shard.

“Don’t touch that!”

Too late. She hissed, jerking her hand back with a whimper, a thin line of red blooming across her fingertip. Her big, glassy eyes shot up to yours, soft and startled.

The girl beside her reached out. “I can-”

“I’ve got it,” you interrupted, rolling your eyes. You’d never be so rude, but alcohol just brought out a different you.

“…Ow,” Paige whimpered, oblivious to the tension, holding her hand out to you like you could fix everything. Her lip trembled, her eyes glossy, and all the noise of the bar faded under the rush of possessive heat in your chest.

You crouched down, wrapping an arm around her middle and pulling her up. She leaned into you, mumbling incoherently as you guided her away from the glass and through the many bodies, ignoring the stares.

You let your hold fall down to gripping her wrist, dragging her toward the back. Her steps were uneven, a soft stumble every few seconds, and each time she tripped, she let out a little whine that went straight to your chest.

“Slow down…” she slurred.

“You can keep up,” you said sharply, glancing back. Her cheeks were flushed, lips parted, and the moment your eyes met, she ducked her head, bashful despite the alcohol.

You found a shadowed corner near the back, half hidden by a jukebox and some old posters. Pressing her back against the wall earned a little yelp to leave her lips. You released her wrist only to catch her chin, tilting her face to yours, seeing her eyes wide and confused.

“Look at me,” you said softly.

She obeyed instantly, big glassy eyes locking onto yours. Her lip caught between her teeth like she didn’t know what to do with herself.

“You’ve been driving me insane all night, you know that?” you murmured, the alcohol giving you every ounce of confidence. “Clinging on me, whining for drinks, letting everyone eye fuck you like you’re theirs. Leaning into that girl when you know who you belong to.”

Paige shook her head quickly, hair brushing your chin. “No,” she whispered, voice hoarse. “I’m yours.” If only you knew Paige had orchestrated this entire night for this exact moment.

A low hum of satisfaction curled in your chest. Your hands slid to her waist. She melted, almost begging, her hips subtly leaning into you.

“That’s right, baby. Look how smart you are.”

You pressed into her, pinning her lightly against the wall. Her fingers clutched your shoulders, a needy whimper spilling from her lips. Her mouth opened like she wanted to speak, then shut again, eyes hazy with want.

“Nuh uh,” you murmured, grip tightening. “Spit it out. What is it? Use your words,” you said slowly.

She squirmed under your gaze, chest rising and falling. When she finally spoke, it was a whisper, raw and desperate.

“Show me I’m yours.”

That snapped something deep inside you.

Your hand grabbed the side of her face, your other hand yanking her hips, pushing her flush against you. You crashed your lips to hers, heated and hungry. Paige gasped, kissing you back, fingers tangling in your hair and tugging.

The kiss turned messy, teeth and all, until a soft whimper from her throat made you suddenly slow, savoring her. Tasting her. Your hands stayed firm on her, keeping her where you wanted, and she followed your lead without hesitation.

Paige’s lips parted, a soft sigh slipping past her lips. You didn’t waste the invitation, tongue brushing hers slow and deliberate. Paige tasted of strawberry chapstick, Dirty Shirley, and something purely her enough to make you throb.

She melted, pinned to the wall, her hands digging into your waist, then your hair, tugging until you groaned. You deepened the kiss, claiming every shuddering, soft sound she made.

When you pulled back, a slick string of spit connected your lips. Paige’s eyes were glazed, chest heaving like you’d stolen her air.

“Y/n…” she whispered. “You-”

You couldn’t contain yourself and swallowed her words with another rough kiss, your tongue sliding against hers. A muffled whine left her throat, her hips pressing closer instinctively.

“Gonna let me claim you in a room full of people?” you murmured, pulling away just barely.

Paige nodded eagerly, breathless.

“Words, baby,” you said, patting her thigh, stern enough to make her shiver. “Beg.”

Her voice was ragged, whiny. “Please. Please, please, pretty fucking please claim me,” Paige said without hesitation.

A slow, dangerous smile curved your lips. “Oh, you sweet thing,” you murmured, brushing her bottom lip. “If only you knew what you just got yourself into.”

Your lips met hers again, slower this time, then trailed to the corner of her mouth, dragging softly along her jaw and down to her neck. She whimpered, tipping her head back.

Your teeth sank into her skin just enough to make her yelp, and the sound went straight to your core. You soothed the bite with your tongue, then sucked hard enough to make her eyes roll back.

Her hands fisted in your shirt, knees wobbling.

“Mine,” you rasped.

She nodded weakly with a tiny whimper.

You turned your head, locking eyes with the girl hitting on Paige earlier. You knew she was there. She froze, caught. Without looking away, you reached for Paige’s jeans, fingers fiddling with her buttons.

The zipper sounded deafening. Your gaze returned to Paige’s flushed face. “This okay, sweet girl?”

“Yes.. please,” she begged. A slow smile spread across your lips as your eyes trailed down her body. Your fingertips brushed her stomach, barely there, making her tremble. When you reached the band of her boxers, you tugged lightly, then let the elastic snap back against her skin. She jolted with a shuddering gasp.

Your hands slipped lower, sliding into her boxers, and you couldn’t hold back your own sharp breath. “Oh, fuck…” you murmured, already drunk on her pussy. “Is this all for me?”

Paige whimpered, her head tipping back. You let two fingers glide between her folds, savoring every slick curve until you found her clit and circled it just right. Her soft moan sent a pulse through your body as her brows knit together, desperate eyes meeting yours. Paige began to rock her hips against your fingers, desperate and needy, making a deep chuckle slip from your throat. Man, who would’ve thought Paige Bueckers, the girl who could command any room, make every head turn with a single smirk, would be here… whimpering, begging, riding your fingers like she couldn’t get enough?

You exhaled a soft sigh of pleasure just from watching her come undone. “Such a needy little thing, huh?” you murmured, your voice low and taunting.

When you pulled away from her clit, she let out a frustrated puff of air. You only tsked softly before letting your fingers slide lower, pushing inside her with a slow, deliberate thrust. The tight heat of her walls made you moan under your breath as her body instinctively clenched around you. Warm slickness coated your fingers, gushing against your knuckles with every movement.

You glanced up and took her in. Her eyes fluttered shut, her teeth catching her lip in a desperate attempt to keep quiet.

“None of that,” you said sharply, your free hand grabbing her jaw and tilting her head down until her eyes snapped open to meet yours. “I want to hear you… and so does she.”

Your head tilted toward the crowd. Sure enough, the girl was still watching, frozen and wide eyed. Paige followed your gaze, her head turning, and when her eyes locked with the girl’s, her breath caught, her pupils blown wide.

That was when you drove your fingers into her harder, faster an unrelenting rhythm that had her gasping. Her head fell back with a sharp, helpless moan.

“B-baby, please…” she managed to whimper, mouth falling open as she chased the feeling.

You quickened your pace, watching the way she started to crack, her hips rolling down to meet every thrust. Paige’s walls clenched greedily around your fingers, and the sound of your breath hitched, the wet drag of her pussy only spurring you on.

“That’s it,” you murmured, utterly transfixed by the sight of her losing control and herself.

Just as you felt her on the edge, you grabbed her jaw again and turned her face toward the girl. Paige’s eyes widened, gasping at the sudden force.

“W-what are you-”

She couldn’t finish. Her words replaced with a high, broken moan as your thumb found her clit, circling it with merciless precision.

“Cum for me, Paige,” you growled, your voice thick with nothing but command. “Let her watch you fall apart.”

Paige’s hips snapped, rolling against your fingers desperately. “Oh, fuck!” she cried, eyes locked on the girl as you worked her over. Her lip was caught so tight between her teeth you almost thought it would bleed.

And then she broke her body shuddering, riding her high, walls fluttering around your fingers. You felt her pussy gush, making you moan.

“There you go. Such a good girl for me.”

The girl in the crowd looked flushed, her cheeks blooming pink as her eyes darted away. You caught the subtle bob of her throat as she swallowed hard, and a satisfied smirk tugged at your lips.

“So good for me,” you purred.

When you turned back to Paige, the sight nearly made your chest ache with pride. She was completely wrecked hair messy, lips swollen, her chest rising and falling in uneven short breaths. Her pupils were blown wide, and that lazy, fucked out grin on her face was proof she was all yours.

Paige hummed weakly at your praise, and you couldn’t resist a low chuckle as your fingers began to circle her clit in a slow, deliberate tease. She jolted and let out a soft, broken whine, both hands flying to your wrist in a feeble attempt to stop you.

“No?” you asked, tilting your head, your tone dripping with mocking sweetness. “I thought this is what you wanted, baby.”

“S’… too much… please.” she whimpered, her grip tightening around your wrist, her thighs trembling from oversensitivity.

You let her suffer for just a moment longer before easing your fingers out of her, savoring the way her body sighed at the sudden emptiness. Your fingers trailed along her slick folds one last time, committing every curve and texture to memory before sliding free.

A low hum of satisfaction left you as you admired your hand your fingers glistening, coated in her sweet release. A grin spread across your face as you lifted them toward her lips, tapping lightly against her mouth.

“Open,” you commanded, your voice leaving no room for question.

Paige obeyed without hesitation, lips parting as a soft, needy sound escaped her. You dragged your coated fingers slowly across her tongue, and her eyes fluttered shut as she tasted herself, sucking gently, hollowing her cheeks.

The sight had your stomach tightening with a surge of heat. Without warning, you pushed your fingers deeper, pressing past her tongue until you felt the brief choke of her throat around them. Paige gagged softly, her eyes snapping open, glassy and submissive, as drool slicked her lip.

The sight alone could’ve undone you. Well, it almost did.

Your fingers slid out her mouth with a pop, it almost looking like she leaned forward wanting more. “Don’t worry, my girl. Wait til I get you home,” you mumbled, lightly patting her cheek. You leaned in and pressed a slow, tender kiss to the side of her neck, inhaling deeply. Her scent hit you instantly sweet cologne, and the faint tang of alcohol and sugar clinging to her skin. A sigh slipped from your lips as you let yourself savor her for just a heartbeat, your nose brushing along her jaw.

Paige’s fingers twitching like she wanted to grab you again. Instead, you reached for her hand, intertwining your fingers slowly, deliberately, letting your thumb trace circles against her knuckles. She followed without hesitation, her steps clumsy but eager as you tugged her gently toward the back exit.

“Let’s go,” you said softly, your tone leaving no room for argument.

The two of you stumbled out into the cool night, the noise of the bar fading away behind the slam of the heavy door. Paige pressed herself into your side, as you led her through the quiet empty streets. Her hands never left you, fingers brushing your hip, tracing the waistband of your jeans, occasionally sneaking up under your top for warmth or maybe just for you.

You couldn’t even remember every step of the walk; the world had narrowed down to her touches, her soft giggles, the heat of her body pressed against yours. Every time she moved into you, that same familiar fire sparking lower in your chest each time.

By the time you reached her dorm, Paige was practically draped across you, her lips brushing the skin on your shoulder as she fished for her keys. She handed them over with a little huff, her pout so adorable it made you want to ruin her all over again. Which you were, to be clear.

The moment the door clicked open, instinct took over. You pushed her inside, kicking the door shut with your heel, the sound echoing in the small dorm room. Paige barely had a second to gasp before her back hit the wood, your hand sliding up to cradle her jaw as your lips crashed onto hers.

She let out a soft, needy moan into your mouth, her fingers flying to your waist like she couldn’t hold on tight enough, tugging you to her. The kiss was messy, heated, all teeth and tongue and the faint taste of strawberry and sugar on her lips. Her body arched into yours desperately. You forced yourself to pull away as you both kicked your shoes off. You dragged her into her room, pushing her onto the bed, climbing on top of her, straddling her. Her lazy smile deepened as her hands slid to your hips, fingertips tracing little circles into your skin. You let your palms sprawl across her warm stomach, leaning down to press slow, teasing kisses along her jaw.

“Too damn pretty for your own good,” you murmured against her skin, the words buzzing against her neck.

Your fingers found the hem of her top, playing with it for a moment, and you glanced up, silently asking for permission. She gave a small nod, her eyes hazy and trusting. You peeled her top upward, letting your knuckles skim her soft skin, and she lifted her arms to help. The shirt was tossed somewhere behind you, forgotten.

You froze for just a second to admire her. Paige in a fitted black Nike sports bra, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. A grin tugged at your lips before you leaned down, kissing down her neck, her collarbone, and every inch of her chest, savoring the way she squirmed beneath the attention.

“Paige,” you whispered, looking up at her through your lashes.

She hummed in response, already breathless.

“Can I?” you asked, snapping the band of her sports bra lightly against her skin.

Her soft whimper was followed by a meek, “Yes.”

You grinned as you slowly peeled the bra up, shimmying her out of it. The moment the fabric left her body, your smile shifted into something darker, your eyes locked on her exposed chest. Her nipples hardened under the cool air, and your voice dropped to a low murmur.

“Oh, baby…”

Your hands rose instinctively, cupping her breasts and kneading them slowly, your thumbs brushing over the sensitive peaks. Paige’s breath hitched, and she let out a soft whine, her body writhing under your touch.

“Want… your mouth,” she mumbled, twirling a loose strand of your hair between her fingers.

You lifted a brow, pausing just long enough to make her squirm.

“Please,” she added, a desperate little whisper.

“There she is,” you teased, your voice like velvet.

You dipped down, wrapping your lips around one of her nipples, your tongue flicking against the sensitive bud while your free hand teased the other. Her fingers immediately buried in your hair, gripping tight as a shaky moan left her lips. She arched into your mouth, her back bowing slightly, seeking more.

You pulled back with a soft pop, letting your lips trace a wet, lazy path across her chest to the other breast. Your mouth closed over her other nipple, tongue swirling as you sucked gently. Paige’s fingers stayed tangled in your hair, holding you there like she never wanted you to leave.

Her soft sounds filled the room, and you could feel her thighs squeeze together beneath you as you worked her over, every flick of your tongue making her tremble. After a minute, you let your lips leave her breast, now kissing down her stomach, your tongue slowly dragging across her skin. Paige’s grip on your hair finally loosened, her arms falling above her head, fingers curling into the sheets as she let out a soft sigh. She was completely at your mercy now.

You pressed a lingering kiss just above the button of her jeans, looking up through your lashes. Her chest rose and fell quickly, and all she could do was nod, desperate and pliant under your gaze.

You didn’t waste another second. Your fingers popped the button, dragging the zipper down slowly, savoring the way her body squirmed in anticipation. You peeled the denim down her legs, letting your fingertips trail against her skin, and tossed the jeans somewhere behind you.

A satisfied hum slipped from your throat at the sight of her now, left only in a pair of snug black boxers that did nothing to hide the heat between her thighs.

“God…” you murmured, your voice low and warm, “look at you.”

You knelt between her legs, slowly parting them, and your own thighs pressed together instinctively at the sight of her. Paige shifted under your gaze, a blush blooming into her cheeks, with the neediness in her eyes.

“Look so pretty for me, angel,” you whispered, letting the reassurance sink in.

You bent down, letting your lips ghost along the smooth skin of her inner thigh, leaving a soft trail of kisses that grew slower, more deliberate, the closer you got to where she wanted you. A playful nibble made her twitch, and her soft, frustrated whine filled the air.

Before she could beg, your palm landed in a firm slap on the inside of her thigh, making her jolt.

“Patience,” you murmured, your voice firm but gentle, and she instantly went quiet.

Finally, you were level with her clothed cunt, her boxers damp with arousal. You pressed a feather light kiss against the wet fabric, and Paige let out a sharp little breath. Your nose brushed against her clit as you inhaled her scent, groaning softly into the fabric.

She couldn’t take it, her fingers tangled in your hair, pushing your head forward, trying to pull you closer.

You pulled back immediately, delivering a slap to her covered pussy.

Paige gasped, eyes wide, a blush creeping down to her neck.

“Uh-uh,” you warned softly, a smirk curling your lips.

Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, you hooked your fingers into her waistband and dragged her boxers down her thighs. She instinctively snapped her legs closed, heat radiating from her core.

“Hey…” you cooed, voice reassuring and soft as your hands slid along her thighs, “don’t be shy. It’s just me.”

After a moment’s hesitation, her legs fell open again.

The sight stole your breath. Her slick folds glistened in the low light, her arousal pooling onto her inner thighs. A groan slipped out before you could stop it, your head tipping forward for a second as if the sight alone could knock you out.

“Fuck… Paige,” you muttered, eyes roaming over her body before meeting her gaze. “So fucking beautiful. How could you hide this from me all this time?”

She squirmed, blushing even harder under your dark stare.

You couldn’t tease her anymore. Not when your own desire coiled tight within you. You leaned down, lips brushing her soaked pussy in the faintest kiss. Her legs immediately spread wider, a wordless invitation, and your hands slipped under her knees to keep her open for you.

Your first slow lick traced every curve of her pussy, tasting her fully, and your eyes fluttered shut as you moaned against her. Paige sighed, her hips jerking with a stutter, already falling apart under your first touch.

When your lips wrapped around her clit, sucking softly, the sound that tore from her chest was almost sinful. She gripped the sheets, knuckles white, her moans filling the room. You hollowed your cheeks, letting your tongue flick and swirl before lapping at her wetter, messier, each movement dragging a louder sound from her.

The wet sounds of her pussy and of your mouth on her and your own muffled groans filled the room, mixing with the soft creak of the bed as Paige’s hips trembled beneath you. You let your tongue trail lower, teasing the entrance of her slick heat, and she whined your name, thighs quivering.

Her voice broke into little incoherent sounds, her whole body shivering with pleasure. She was already gone.

You shook your head against her pussy, tongue working faster, greedier, desperate to taste every drop of her as she came undone. You let your tongue find her clit again, and you watched as Paige began to lose control of her body, her hips rocking, legs shaking, a moaning mess.

“Gonna- gonna cum! Please!” Paige begged, her voice breaking as her body trembled and arched under your mouth.

And really, who the hell were you to deny an angel like this the release she craved?

“Give it to me,” you mumbled against her soaked pussy, tongue working her relentlessly. “Be the good girl I know you can be…”

Paige’s fingers twisted tight in the sheets, knuckles white, and her hips snapped up with a loud, desperate cry of your name. Her release hit hard, hot and messy against your tongue as she gushed, and you swore you felt your eyes roll back, greedily lapping up every drop she had to give you.

She rode out the waves of her orgasm, hips jerking as her legs shook around your head. But the pleasure quickly became too much, her soft whines and shaky hands tried to push you away.

“I know, baby… I know,” you murmured, but your mouth lingered, savoring her, needing to taste her completely before you finally pulled back.

You kissed her throbbing, sensitive pussy softly, one last farewell, then dragged yourself up her body, chin and lips glistening with her cum.

The sight of her nearly undid you. Paige sprawled out beneath you, hair messy against the pillow, chest heaving, cheeks flushed, her eyes glazed with bliss. Her legs were still trembling, and her pussy glistened, dripping with the evidence of her release.

You were soaked yourself, just from watching her come apart for you.

Sliding up to straddle her waist, you fisted a hand gently in the back of her hair, tilting her face up toward you. “Need you to see how sweet you taste,” you whispered, your voice low and warm.

Your lips claimed hers in a slow, deep kiss. Paige moaned into your mouth, tasting herself on your tongue, her hands finding your thighs as if she needed to hold onto something solid.

“Think you got another one in you?” you murmured against her lips, teasing.

Paige shook her head weakly, a soft whine escaping her as she tried to clamp her legs together.

“I think you do,” you said with a knowing smirk, watching her body betray her even in its sensitivity.

Her head shook again on the pillow, her lips pouting in protest.

“Please, baby? I wanna cum too…” you whispered, leaning down close to her ear. Your breath was hot against her skin as you brushed a stray strand of hair back and pressed a kiss under her jaw. “Need to feel my pussy against yours…”

Paige’s breath hitched hard, and her fingers fisted into your shirt, tugging insistently.

“Go ahead,” you murmured, giving her permission.

She wasted no time your top was stripped off in an instant, and her shaky hands went straight for your bra clasp. Her eyes flicked up to yours, that little spark of asking still there, even wrecked and needy.

“May I?” she asked, voice soft and reverent.

“Since you asked so nicely…” you said, smoothing your palm over the top of her head.

Her tongue peeked out at the corner of her mouth as she focused, and you couldn’t help but smile down at her. The clasp popped open, and your bra slid off your body, leaving you completely bare above her.

Paige gasped, her eyes darting from your breasts up to your face, awe and hunger swirling together. Her hands instinctively gripped your hips tighter, holding you like she might never let go.

Then, in a sudden rush, she grabbed your face and smashed her lips against yours, kissing you with a desperate passion, like if she stopped for even a second, you might disappear. Her mouth moved against yours, teeth clashing softly as her hands slid down your body, fumbling with the button of your jeans.

You let her take some control, shivering at the feeling of her fingers brushing against your stomach. The two of you worked in sync, hurried and impatient, until your pants were gone and you were left in nothing but your panties.

Paige let out a soft, needy moan at the sight of you, her hand immediately cupping your clothed cunt. Her lip caught between her teeth as she felt just how soaked you were.

A smirk played at your lips before you slipped off of her, plopping down beside her on the bed. Paige turned her head toward you, confused, until you patted your stomach.

“C’mon, baby. You didn’t think I was gonna miss the chance to watch you ride my pussy, did you?”

Paige whimpered, that submissive haze washing over her again as she crawled on top of you. You peeled off your panties, baring yourself completely to her. Paige’s mouth dropped as she took in your naked figure, eyes drinking in every curve.

You gave your hips a teasing little thrust to snap her out of her daze. Slowly, you opened your legs for her, your glistening pussy catching the soft light. Paige’s eyes went wide, and she reached out with trembling fingers to touch you.

You smacked her hand gently.

“Nuh-uh,” you chided softly. “This is about you.”

She gulped, uncertainty flickering across her face, but you only smiled and reached for her hips.

“Sweet girl, it’s okay. Just open your legs for me.”

Paige obeyed, leaning down until her legs were spread wide over you. The first brush of your soaked pussies together made both of you whine, your hips jerking instinctively at the delicious friction.

It was too much for Paige; she was already lost. Her hips began to rock almost immediately, desperate and messy. You threw your head back, your back arching off the bed as the sensation rolled through you. Your hands clamped down on her hips, guiding her movements, helping her find the perfect rhythm.

Paige’s hands slid up to toy with her own nipples, her back arching, her eyes locked on your face the entire time. You moaned her name, chest heaving, watching her ride your pussy with a hunger you’d been holding back all night.

“My best girl,” you breathed, voice breaking.

You could tell Paige wasn’t going to last, and honestly, neither were you. The slow burn of edging yourself all night just from watching her unravel had left you trembling under her.

“M’ not gonna last,” she cried, her voice high and broken, falling forward to brace herself with her hands on either side of your head. Her hair spilled forward around your face, soft and warm.

“I know, Paige,” you whispered, gripping her hips tighter. “Need you to cum with me.”

She whimpered, her hips stuttering as her clit rubbed perfectly against yours.

“Please, please, can’t hold it,” she cried, and that was when you felt it a warm tear falling onto your chest. Your breath caught in your throat.

Oh, fuck. She was crying. Pleasurable tears.

The sight sent you over the edge.

“I’m gonna cum, come on, baby, cum with me,” you urged, rocking her hips faster, chasing the high together.

Paige’s whole body shook as she broke apart, a loud, shattering cry of your name tearing from her throat. Her orgasm hit so hard she sobbed through it, and her words tumbled out without thought.

“Fuck. I love you,” she gasped, voice breaking.

The raw confession stole your breath. You gasped, staring up at her as your own orgasm crashed into you, your body clenching and shaking beneath her, riding the waves of pleasure until neither of you could move.

The room was filled with the sound of your shuddering breaths, wet skin, and the fading echoes of your moans. Paige finally collapsed against you, her chest pressed to yours, her breath warm and uneven against your ear.

“Holy fuck,” you mumbled, still trembling, feeling your own slick drip against her.

Paige sniffled softly, and your instincts kicked in immediately. You wrapped your arms around her, holding her tight, your nails lightly scratching her back.

“Did so good for me,” you whispered against her temple, kissing the side of her head. “M’ so proud of you, my perfect girl.”

She stayed quiet for a long moment, just catching her breath, lazily kissing your neck between soft sniffles.

You finally pulled her up enough to see her face.

“Look at me,” you whispered, voice soft but firm.

Her bleary eyes met yours. “Hi…” she mumbled, shy now, cheeks pink.

Your lips curled into a small, warm smile. “Hi, pretty baby.”

“Legs hurt,” she whined softly, her voice rasping.

“I know,” you said, brushing your thumb along her cheek. “How’s a bubble bath sound?”

Her lips curved into a sleepy smile at that.

She pushed herself up, still straddling your waist, and glanced down between your bodies. Her thumb grazed your dripping cunt, and she popped it into her mouth with a soft moan at your taste.

You watched her with a fond smile, until you caught sight of her finger a thin red line across it.

The memory of the shattered glass from earlier came rushing back. You had been so worried about claiming Paige back, you had forgotten about her little cut. Your heart skipped.

“Oh, my poor baby… how could I forget?” you gasped, gently grabbing her hand and pulling her thumb from her mouth. Paige blinked in surprise, eyes wide.

You peppered soft kisses over her cut finger, murmuring against her skin.

Paige let out a soft hum at the attention.

“Let’s go fix my girl up,” you whispered, kissing her knuckle once more. “Need to kiss you all better.”

And this time, Paige only smiled shyly, letting you guide her off the bed, still trembling but safe in your arms. You led Paige carefully into the bathroom, her legs still slightly shaky. Sitting her down gently on the closed toilet lid, you turned to the tub, twisting the handles until warm water filled the bath. The soft hiss of the faucet and the rising steam filled the quiet room. You poured in the bubbles, watching them bloom and swell across the surface, the faint scent of vanilla and honey filling the air.

Once the bath was ready, you crouched down in front of her. She looked adorably drowsy, her hair messy around her flushed face. You took her injured hand, bringing her finger to your lips for a gentle kiss before leaning up to press another against her cheek. Paige gave you a sleepy smile, her eyes soft and full of trust.

You stood to grab the small first-aid kit from the cabinet above the mirror. Pulling out a single bandaid, you crouched down again, wrapping it carefully around her cut finger. Then you kissed the bandaged fingertip, letting your lips linger for a second.

“All better,” you said softly.

“Thank you…” Paige whispered, her voice heavy with exhaustion, almost like a child being tucked in after a long day.

You smiled, threading your fingers through hers as you stood. “C’mon, pretty girl.”

Guiding her carefully, you helped Paige step into the warm bath. She let out a soft sigh as the heat wrapped around her, bubbles clinging to her skin. Once she settled in, you slipped in behind her, the water lapping gently at your waist as you pulled her back against your chest.

A content hum left your throat as you felt her warm, soft skin against yours. Her head leaned back against your shoulder, and you let your hands wander lazily, cupping bubbles to wash over her body in slow, tender motions. Your lips brushed her shoulder in a gentle kiss, then trailed to the side of her neck.

Paige exhaled a soft, content sigh, melting against you completely, her muscles finally relaxing after the intensity of the night. The soft splashes of water and the faint smell of vanilla bubbles were the only sounds for a moment, peaceful and warm. Paige held onto your legs.

Breaking the quiet, you murmured against her damp skin, “For the record… I love you more.”

[azzinator]

can you do a fluffy fic of whenever Paige turned 18 and she makes fun of azzi for being such a baby cause shes still 16 (only for another month), squeezing her cheeks, and azzis just blushing the whole time

All the ways you call me "baby"

Words: 4k Tags: Slice of life, Fluff, Friends to lovers, Angst, Parenting

Summary: A soft, slice-of-life collection of moments between Paige and Azzi about all the meanings behind one word, and how “baby” has followed them through every stage of their story, until it finally belongs to someone else, too.

2017

The cafeteria was loud in that way gyms always were.

There were sneakers squeaking somewhere down the hall as Azzi sat cross-legged on the ground with her back against the wall, plastic salad bowl balanced in one hand, fork dangling from the other. Paige was next to her, slouched like she’d never learned what posture was, a McDonald’s bag spread open between her sneakers like an offering. 

The smell of fries hung between them, almost offensive.

Azzi stabbed another forkful of lettuce and shook her head. “I still can’t believe you’re eating that right now,” she muttered, watching Paige dunk a nugget in barbecue sauce. “We have practice after this, Paige. You’re going to die.”

Paige didn’t even look up. “I’d rather die happy bro,” she said around a mouthful of nugget, voice muffled but smug.

“That’s not happy, that’s greasy.” Azzi sighed and popped a tomato into her mouth, chewing with exaggerated calm just to annoy her. “You’re clogging your arteries in real time. Do you ever think about the future?”

Paige glanced at her finally, blue eyes sharp but amused, like Azzi was some harmless kind of ridiculous. “Do you ever think about enjoying life?” she shot back, waving a fry like a tiny sword. “You’re out here eating grass like a rabbit, Azzi”

Azzi rolled her eyes, even though her cheeks burned a little. 

She didn’t know why Paige always made her feel like that. “This is literally a basic salad,” she said flatly, stabbing another piece of cucumber. “You should try it sometime.”

Paige leaned in, conspiratorial, lowering her voice like she was about to share classified information. “You know what I think? I think one day, when you’re old, you’re gonna regret every salad you’ve ever eaten.”

Azzi arched one brow at her, trying to look unimpressed even though Paige’s proximity made it harder than it should’ve been. “Old,” she echoed. “Paige, you’re fifteen.”

“Exactly.” Paige grinned like that explained everything, like age gave her seniority in life wisdom. “But you? You’re fourteen, a literal baby.”

Azzi scowled, fork pausing midair. “I’m not a baby.”

“You are, though.” Paige nudged her shoulder gently, just enough to make Azzi’s salad bowl wobble. “Look at you. Eating your greens. Baby behavior.”

Azzi set the fork down and stared at her, “Whatever, good luck dying young P.”

Paige didn’t break eye contact either, but her mouth curved into this slow, dangerous smile that Azzi was starting to learn meant trouble. 

Then Paige tipped her head slightly, “Baby, I’m gonna live forever.”

The word hit harder than it should’ve. 

Baby. It was stupid, completely unserious, just another one of Paige’s throwaway jokes , but Azzi felt it land.

She kept her face neutral, because that was what she did best, but her ears betrayed her, heating instantly. “Don’t call me that,” she said, quieter than intended.

Paige smirked, clearly hearing the shift in tone, clearly noticing the flush Azzi tried to hide. 

“Why not?” she teased softly, leaning back on her hands like this was the easiest thing in the world.

“Because I said so,” Azzi muttered, picking up her fork again just for something to do with her hands.

Paige hummed like she was considering it, but her eyes never left her, and then, with the kind of reckless ease Paige seemed born with, she reached out and poked Azzi’s knee. “You’re still a baby,” she said, grinning wider when Azzi swatted her hand away.

“Paige, you can be so annoying, don’t call me that.”

“Fine” Paige grinned, unbothered, tossing another fry into her mouth. “Whatever you want, baby.”

Azzi hated that she didn’t have a comeback, hated that her throat felt warm and tight and stupid. 

Hated most of all that she didn’t actually hate being called that.

2019

Minnesota felt louder than Azzi expected.

She wasn’t sure if it was Paige’s friends, the music, or just Paige herself, always somehow occupying more space than anyone else in the room. Azzi stood half in the doorway, pressed into the corner where the wall met the bookshelf, clutching the condensation-wet bottle of water Paige had shoved into her hand earlier. 

The house smelled like vanilla candles and something sweet baking in the oven, probably one of Paige’s mom’s cakes.

It was Paige’s 18th birthday party and everyone else seemed to know each other, but Azzi didn’t. 

Paige was across the room when Azzi first noticed her, laughing at something one of her teammates said. Paige was magnetic in that way she didn’t even try to be, all long limbs and wild energy, slipping easily between conversations like she belonged everywhere.

Azzi…didn’t, she wasn’t built for rooms like this.

Paige knew that, that’s why, a few minutes later, Paige broke away from her group and walked straight toward her, grin wide, expression softening the second their eyes met. Without even asking, Paige hooked an arm through hers, tugging Azzi close until their shoulders brushed.

“There you are,” Paige said, warm and casual like she hadn’t just abandoned a circle of ten people mid-laugh. “Thought you disappeared on me.”

Azzi managed a small smile, tugging at the hem of her sweater. “I’m here.”

“Yeah,” Paige said, leaning closer, lowering her voice so it didn’t carry. “You look like you’re plotting your escape.”

“I’m not,” Azzi lied.

Paige studied her for a beat longer than necessary, then gave her arm a little squeeze before turning them both toward the kitchen. 

Wherever Paige went, Azzi went — like Paige decided she belonged and that was that.

Later, when the cake had been cut and the noise of the party blurred into background, they found themselves sitting on the floor behind the couch  out of sight but not really hidden. Paige’s knees were drawn up, elbows draped casually over them, while Azzi sat cross-legged, fiddling with the cap of her bottle.

“You’re quiet,” Paige said softly, not looking at her, eyes fixed on the flickering candle centerpiece on the coffee table.

“I’m always quiet,” Azzi reminded her, voice low, because they both knew it was true.

Paige hummed, finally glancing at her with a grin that was smaller than usual. “Yeah, but you’re quieter than usual.”

Azzi shrugged, trying to seem unbothered. “I don’t really know your friends.”

“They’re just my teammates,” Paige said easily, brushing it off. “They’re loud, yeah, but you don’t have to know them. You just have to know me.”

Before she could think of a response, Paige caught her staring and smirked. “What?”

“Nothing,” Azzi said quickly, looking away, pretending to be fascinated by the pattern on the rug.

The room pulsed faintly with bass from the other side of the house. Paige leaned back on her palms, stretching her legs out, sneakers nudging Azzi’s knee until she looked up.

Paige’s grin widened, “You’re sixteen,” the blonde said suddenly, like she’d just remembered, like it was hilarious.

Azzi frowned. “And?”

Paige shook her head, pretending to be scandalized. “I can’t believe I’m dating a sixteen-year-old. Feels illegal.”

Azzi choked on a laugh, shoving at her shoulder. “Shut up, we’re, like, one year apart.”

“That’s still one year older,” Paige pointed out, like she’d won something.

“You’re so annoying.”

“You’re so young.” Paige’s voice was deliberately dramatic now, hand pressed to her chest like she was in mourning. “Look at you, a baby.”

“Paige.”

“What?” Paige tilted her head, unapologetic. “It’s a compliment.”

“It 's not.”

“Sure it is,” Paige said, and before Azzi could react, Paige reached out and caught her chin gently, tilting her face up into the warm light spilling from the kitchen. “Look at you,” she murmured, quieter now, like the joke had dissolved into something softer without her meaning to. “My baby.”

Azzi’s breath caught, heat crawling up her neck. “Stop,” she whispered, eyes darting toward the rest of the party where Paige’s friends were probably watching, though when she checked, nobody was looking at them.

“Why?” Paige’s grin was small now, private.

Azzi shook her head, because she didn’t have an answer that didn’t sound like a confession. “Just… stop.”

And for a second, Paige went quiet and that was always dangerous.

Then, without warning, Paige leaned in and cupped Azzi’s cheeks in both hands, squishing them gently until her lips puckered. “You’re so dramatic,” Paige said, grinning like she’d just won something, and before Azzi could protest, Paige leaned forward and pressed the quickest kiss against her lips — barely there — but enough to send Azzi’s brain spiraling.

Azzi froze, blinking, cheeks flaming instantly, gaze darting around to see if anyone had noticed. 

“I’m never gonna stop calling you baby,” Paige said, matter-of-fact, letting go of her face. “Sorry, Azzi.” She shrugged, completely unbothered. “Guess you’re just gonna have to deal with me being annoying.”

Azzi blushed and punched her in the arm.

2020

Paige was terrible at staying still.

Even when the whole world shut down her body still buzzed like she’d just stepped off the court in overtime. Her dad kept telling her to take the break, “learn to relax,” like that was a thing Paige Bueckers knew how to do.

She couldn’t, but she’d found her favorite distraction: Azzi.

Azzi Fudd, sprawled out across the carpet, drowning in one of Paige’s oversized gray hoodies, legs folded underneath her, a messy bun at the top of her head, bare thighs peeking out beneath soft black shorts, the sunlight from the half-open blinds painting her in stripes of gold. 

She looked ridiculous, Paige thought, it was ridiculous for someone to be so impossibly pretty.

She noticed the way Azzi’s lashes caught the light when she looked down at the cards in her hands and the subtle crease between her brows when she concentrated. 

Paige was supposed to be focusing on the game, instead, she was cataloging all the reasons Azzi Fudd made her heart stutter.

But, don’t get it twisted, Paige was also winning.

God, she was winning so badly it was almost embarrassing.

“Damn, baby,” Paige said, slapping her card onto the carpet with a flourish. “That’s… tragic.”

Azzi blinked at the card, unimpressed. “It’s one round.”

“It’s the eighth round,” Paige corrected, she smirked, leaning back on one hand as she flicked her ponytail over her shoulder. “Eight straight bro, that’s not just bad luck, that’s skill issues. You’re getting cooked.”

Azzi sighed through her nose, refusing to look at her.

Paige threw her hands up innocently. “I’m just saying, but if this keeps up…” She leaned in, dropping her voice dramatically, “…I’m getting the ick.”

Azzi froze, hoodie sleeve halfway to her face. “The what?”

“The ick,” Paige repeated, savoring the words. “You know, when you suddenly get less into someone ‘cause they’re…” She gestured vaguely at Azzi’s defeated pile of cards. “…tragically untalented.”

Azzi narrowed her eyes, slow and dangerous. “…You’re unbelievable.”

“I know,” Paige said brightly, like it was a compliment. She threw another card down with unnecessary flair. “It’s honestly shocking how lucky you are to date me.”

Azzi didn’t even hesitate, she hurled a throw pillow straight at her head.

Paige caught it midair, laughing, and whipped it right back. “Oh, now you’re playing defense! Where was that three rounds ago?”

And just like that, the game dissolved into chaos. 

Cards scattered across the carpet, pillows flew, Paige ducked behind the bed and tackled Azzi in a flurry of laughter. 

Azzi’s laugh, God, spilling out of her like she wasn’t used to giving herself away like that. Paige would’ve recorded it if it wouldn’t ruin the moment.

Finally, breathless and flushed, Paige scrambled back to her spot and slapped her final card down with the kind of smugness only a lifelong competitor could pull off.

She leaned back on her palms, grinning wide, eyes locked on Azzi’s face. “Your turn Fudd.”

Azzi just sat there, cross-legged in Paige’s hoodie, one knee drawn up, fingers picking at the hem of her shorts, her lips pursed slightly in defeat. She blinked down at the card like she couldn’t believe she’d lost again, and then she whined — soft and frustrated — “Babyyyy.”

Paige froze.

She blinked at Azzi, her heart thudding hard against her ribs, because no, Azzi didn’t say “Baby”. Not casually, not like Paige did every time the thought crossed her mind. 

Azzi glanced up, noticed the way Paige was staring, and frowned. “…What?”

Paige just stared for a beat longer, before a slow, ridiculous grin spread across her face. “You just called me baby.”

Azzi’s brows furrowed, confused. “Yeah? So?”

“So?” Paige’s voice cracked like she was thirteen again, she leaned forward, grin so wide her cheeks ached. “You called me baby, cause you wanted to”

Azzi rolled her eyes, looking away, her ears going pink anyway. “You call me that every five seconds.”

“Yeah,” Paige said, quiet now, almost serious, “but you don’t call me that.” She leaned a little closer, eyes soft. “Not usually.”

Azzi hesitated, shifting under the weight of Paige’s gaze. “…Do you mind if I do?”

Paige didn’t even hesitate, she shoved the scattered deck of cards aside, crawled forward on her knees until they were face-to-face, and cupped Azzi’s cheeks in both hands. 

Her thumbs brushed the warm skin beneath her jaw, and Azzi’s lashes fluttered like she didn’t know where to look.

“Mind?” Paige whispered, leaning in until their foreheads touched. “Call me that every single day.”

And then she kissed her like the only thing she wanted — the only thing she ever wanted — was Azzi Fudd sitting cross-legged in front of her, wearing her hoodie, calling her baby.

2028

Paige didn’t even look at her, she couldn’t, not because she didn’t want to, but because right now, she was angry and the thing about Paige is that she didn’t know how to be angry at Azzi without breaking herself in half.

Azzi had six points. Six damn points and all of them came in the fourth quarter when the game was already slipping away. 

The Lynx were now down 0–2 in the Finals, one loss away from letting it all fall apart, and Paige had spent the whole night clawing at her lungs on defense, hitting shots, dragging them through every possession she could and Azzi… Azzi had looked lost.

Paige hated even thinking about it, it felt like treason inside her own chest.

By the time they got home, the tension had hardened into something sharp. Paige barely said a word as she dropped her bag by the door. 

She showered first, letting the scalding water hit her skin, hoping it would wash the frustration away. It didn’t.

When she came out, towel around her shoulders, Azzi was sitting on the edge of their bed, legs crossed, still in her shirt and shorts, hair tied up messily, scrolling through her phone. Paige’s shirt, of course, Azzi always stole them after games, like clockwork. 

Normally Paige would’ve smiled at the sight, normally, she would’ve crawled into her lap and kissed her stupid until her dimples showed up.

But tonight, all Paige felt was annoyance.

Azzi looked up when she heard her footsteps. “You okay?” Her voice was soft, hesitant.

Paige hesitated. “Just… stressed.”

Azzi blinked, searching her face. “Paige.”

Paige turned away, busying herself by folding her towel even though it didn’t need folding. “I said I’m fine.”

Azzi frowned but didn’t push — at first. She let the silence drag on for a few beats before speaking again, softer this time. “Did I… do something?”

That made Paige’s chest tighten, she hated this.

Paige ran a hand through her damp hair. “No, you didn’t… It’s not—” She stopped, exhaled hard. “It’s just the game.”

Azzi tilted her head. “What about it?”

And that’s when Paige cracked.

She didn’t mean to, she didn’t mean for the words to come out the way they did, sharper than they should’ve been. “I just… I feel like you weren’t there tonight.”

Azzi blinked, sitting up straighter. “…What?”

Paige sat on the edge of the dresser, elbows on her knees, staring at the floor. “You were… fumbling bro, missing reads, shots weren’t falling, fine, that happens, but it was like you weren’t locked in until the fourth, and that’s not how we’re winning a ring.”

Azzi stared at her, confusion giving way to defensiveness. “You think I wasn’t trying?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“That’s exactly what you’re saying,” Azzi countered, voice rising slightly.

Paige dragged a hand down her face, frustration bubbling higher. “I’m saying it looked like you weren’t locked in, that’s how it felt out there.”

Azzi shook her head, eyes narrowing just a little. “You weren’t perfect either, Paige. You didn’t exactly set the court on fire until the third quarter.”

That hit harder than it should’ve. Paige looked up sharply. “Yeah, but at least I was playing defense the whole damn game. You know what? Whatever, I just don’t really wanna look at my team’s shooting guard right now”

Azzi blinked at her, shoulders stiffening, lips parting slightly like she couldn’t believe Paige had just said that.

“Wow,” Azzi finally said, voice flat.

“I didn’t—”

“No, it’s fine,” she cut in, standing abruptly. “I get it, you don’t want to look at me right now.”

And then she walked out.

Paige stayed frozen on the dresser, hands digging into her knees, her stomach twisting like someone had just reached inside and twisted it.

She hated herself instantly.

Because it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t fair to put this on Azzi when Paige knew damn well what this was really about. She wasn’t mad at her girlfriend, she was mad at the game.

Fuck, mad at herself, mad at losing, mad at everything that came with being this competitive, this driven, this desperate to win.

And she’d just taken it out on the one person she loved most.

She found Azzi in the kitchen twenty minutes later, leaning against the counter, spooning yogurt into a bowl like it was the most aggressive act in the world.

Paige approached quietly, barefoot on the hardwood, hands shoved into her sweatshirt pockets. She hesitated in the doorway, then finally walked up behind her and slid her arms around her waist, resting her chin on Azzi’s shoulder.

Azzi stiffened instantly. “Not now,” she said, curt and clipped.

Paige pressed a soft kiss to the side of her neck anyway, whispering, “I’m sorry.”

“Paige”

“I am,” she insisted, voice quiet but certain. “I shouldn’t have said any of that. I shouldn’t have made you feel like that. I don’t… I don’t get to treat you like you’re just my teammate, that’s not fair.”

Azzi set the spoon down, finally turning in Paige’s arms so they were face-to-face. Her expression was unreadable, but her big brown eyes were steady on hers.

“You said you didn’t want to look at me,” she murmured, and there was no anger in it now,  just quiet hurt.

Paige’s chest squeezed so tight it almost hurt, she cupped Azzi’s face in both hands, thumbs brushing softly across her cheeks. “I didn’t mean it,” she whispered, almost pleading. “I meant the game version of you, the player version. Not you-you, never you.”

For a beat, Azzi just stared at her. And then, softly, almost reluctantly, she whispered:

“Baby, that really hurt.”

Paige’s breath caught instantly. Azzi didn’t use pet names often, and when she did, it felt like Paige’s heart was being pulled straight out of her chest.

Paige leaned in, forehead pressing against Azzi’s, closing her eyes like she was grounding herself there. “I’m so sorry,” she murmured. “I hate that I hurt you. I love you so much, I fucked it up.”

Azzi sighed, finally letting herself melt into Paige’s arms, her hands sliding up to rest on her shoulders. “I forgive you,” she said softly. “But we can’t… we can’t do this, Paige. We can’t drag the game into us.”

Paige nodded against her, whispering, “We won’t. I promise.”

And they didn’t, after that night, no matter what happened on the court — good game, bad game, career-high, career-low — they never let it bleed into them again.

Some things were more important than basketball to Paige, and Azzi was one of them.

2038

By thirty-seven, Paige thought she’d have life figured out

The road trip was supposed to be simple and easy. One weekend away with Azzi and their daughter before Paige had to dive back into the grind of the WNBA season. It was supposed to be about slowing down, breathing a little, and to Paige, most importantly, being the “cool mom.”

Somewhere between Target and the gas station, though, Paige realized her definition of “cool mom” and Azzi’s definition of “responsible adult” were very different things.

“Paige.”

Paige didn’t even look up from where she was shoving snacks into a tote bag. “Hm?”

Azzi’s voice came from behind her, low and already carrying that edge Paige knew too well. “What is this?”

Paige turned, holding a bag of neon-green sour gummy worms in one hand and two tubes of Pringles in the other. “Snacks?”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, holding up the grocery bag Paige had packed earlier like it was evidence in court. “Snacks,” she repeated slowly. “Snacks, Paige, or a sugar induced hospital visit? Because I’m counting six bags of Skittles, four kinds of Doritos, and… oh my God, why twelve Pop-Tarts?”

Paige shrugged. “Kids love Pop-Tarts.”

Azzi stared at her. “We have one kid, Paige.”

“Yeah, well, Maya loves Pop-Tarts.”

“This,” Azzi said, holding the box up like a prosecutor presenting her closing argument, “is enough junk food to sustain a small college dorm.”

Paige rolled her eyes, dropping the Pringles into the bag with a thud. “Okay, but listen, Azzi I barely get to see Maya during the season. I want to have fun with her, let her have some fun. Is that a crime?”

Azzi folded her arms, hoodie sleeves pushed to her elbows, looking entirely unimpressed. “Buying our nine-year-old three pounds of sugar is not my definition of mother-daughter fun time.”

Paige grinned wider, crossing the kitchen and deliberately lowering her voice like she was letting Azzi in on a secret. “Okay, fine. You have a point.” She leaned closer, almost conspiratorial. “But keep the attitude, though. I like when you’re bossy. Very… UConn's Assistant Coach energy.”

Azzi exhaled slowly, pretending she wasn’t flustered, and shoved a box of Cheez-Its into Paige’s chest. “Go get the rest of the groceries before I bench you.”

Paige saluted her mock-seriously and headed outside, her sneakers crunching on the driveway.

And then she froze, because right there, peeking out of one of the grocery bags, was the bottle: Cherry-flavored vodka.

“Oh, my God.”

Paige grabbed it instantly, staring at the bright red label in disbelief. She hadn’t even realized she’d tossed it into the cart earlier, half distracted and half on autopilot, and now the absurdity of it hit her like a truck. A family road trip, with a nine-year-old, and she’d bought vodka.

Okay, okay, calm down, she told herself, shoving it deep into the bag before Azzi spotted it. You’ll just… hide it somewhere. Azzi never has to know. This is fine.

Just as she was about to head back inside, she heard it:

“Baby?”

Paige’s head snapped up instantly. Azzi’s voice, coming from the kitchen.

She panicked, half-convinced Azzi had somehow discovered the vodka already. She jogged back in, breathless. “Okay, first of all, whatever I did, it’s not what it looks like—”

Azzi blinked at her. “…What are you talking about?”

“I heard you call me.”

Azzi blinked at her like she’d lost her mind. “I wasn’t talking to you.”

From behind her, Maya’s little voice piped up and immediately launched into rapid-fire self-defense: “I didn’t break the mixer, mom, I swear!”

Azzi frowned, thrown off. “…The mixer?”

And then Paige remembered — the smoothie she made that morning, the way the blender broke halfway through. “Oh, shit,” she muttered, stepping into the kitchen. “Okay, hold up, I didn’t break the mixer either.”

Maya gasped dramatically, pointing at her. “Are you blaming me?!”

Paige flailed her hands. “I didn’t say that!”

Azzi turned, finally inserting herself into the escalating chaos. “…What mixer?”

Paige and Maya said in unison, “The one in the kitchen!”

Azzi blinked, clearly lost. “I didn’t even know the mixer was broken. I called Maya in here to ask if she packed her inhaler.”

Paige and Maya froze, slowly turning to look at each other.

Paige coughed once, straightening. “…Right. Okay, forget the mixer, I’ll buy a new one.” She turned to Maya, gently steering her toward the door. “C’mon, let’s grab your inhaler.”

They’d barely made it into the hallway before Maya narrowed her eyes at her mother. “So you accused me for no reason.”

Paige clutched her chest theatrically. “Don’t act so innocently. I know you’re capable of blender related crimes.”

Maya didn’t flinch, instead, she leaned in lowering her voice like she’d been preparing this moment for years. “I know you broke the mixer. I saw you this morning.”

Paige stopped in her tracks. “…Excuse me?”

“But don’t worry,” Maya whispered, curls bouncing as she tilted her head up with smug precision. God, she looked so much like Azzi it was almost funny, and had the same ability to win an argument before it even started. “I can keep your little secret… for a price.”

Paige arched a brow, amused. “How much?”

Maya considered, tapping her chin like a criminal mastermind. “Ten bucks, and Pop-Tarts in the car.”

Paige scoffed. “I can’t do Pop-Tarts, your mom would kill me.”

“Then twenty.”

“Twenty?!” Paige said awestruck

Maya crossed her arms, stone-cold. “Take it or leave it.”

Paige crouched down to her level, smirking. “…Fifteen.”

Maya grinned “Deal.”

They shook hands, sealing their little alliance and as Maya skipped down the hall toward her inhaler, Paige called after her, “By the way, you should’ve held out for twenty. I would’ve taken it.”

Without missing a beat, Maya yelled back, “And I would’ve closed at five!”

Paige laughed, shaking her head, amused by the sight in front of her. The face was pure Fudd — the same sharp curls, the same stubborn little frown — but there was no denying it: that girl was undeniably a Bueckers.

When she made it back into the kitchen, Azzi was finishing up Maya’s bag, double-checking snacks and neatly packing. Paige leaned against the doorway, watching her for a moment.

“When you said ‘baby’ earlier,” Paige started, softly this time, “I thought you were talking to me.”

Azzi glanced up, pausing mid-zipper. “…Oh.” Her lips curved faintly. 

Paige smiled, stepping closer until she was right behind her, chin resting gently on Azzi’s shoulder. “We really do have a baby, huh?”

Azzi’s voice softened too. “Yeah, we do.”

Paige kissed the side of her neck lightly, letting the quiet linger for a moment. “Funny thing is,” she murmured, “you used to call me baby when it was just us.”

Azzi smiled without looking at her. “…I still do.”

And Paige thought about it, about the nine-year-old girl with Azzi’s curls and Paige's sass, and somehow, she decided:

That's her happy ending, sharing that precious little word, with her most precious little person.

[urmothersgyal]

Where you go, I'll follow (no matter how far)

summary: the beginnings of paige and azzi

notes: literally my first post on tumblr lol, hopefully ts isn't complete ass

wc: 10.3k

It was instant for Paige, the spark, the connection. That’s the thing she remembers the most. Seeing her, radiant and glowing like the angels written about in her bible, and knowing she had to be at the very least friends with the guard across from her. It was hard to look away from her, especially when the younger girl had one of the prettiest jump shots Paige had ever seen. It was tantalising. She was tantalising. 

Which made it the sole reason Paige was thrown off. Paige knew she could be annoying at times, relentless in her endeavours, but she had honest to god tried to tone it down. Especially around all these new people she was trying to impress. Granted she hadn’t changed much, still running her mouth in practice and cracking jokes between drills, but she hadn’t been the usual pest she is back in Minnesota. 

So why the younger guard brushed her off any time Paige had tried to speak with her had been mind boggling. From the sheer amount of side eyes she'd received, one might assume Paige had done something to offend the girl. The hopeful side of Paige thought maybe it was because the coaches had moved the younger girl over to more of a shooting guard position than her intended point guard position, doing so to let Paige stay as the point. Maybe the other girl was just annoyed at the coaches and was simply taking it out on her. If her hopeful side was wrong though, it left her utterly confused.

She was usually able to squeeze easily into many social situations and therefore friendships, so the closed off reaction she got from the guard shooting 3’s like free throws made it both incredibly frustrating and increasingly intriguing. Though no matter how much avoiding the light skinned girl gave her off the court she couldn’t deny how easily they clicked on the court. 

While they hadn’t talked much off the court, you would never be able to tell from the way they constantly found each other on it. It was their first game against Columbia, with both of them coming off the bench into the game 5 minutes into the first quarter. Paige knew they were better than this other team the minute she started dribbling the ball. 6 minutes had gone and Paige just picked up her first board, striding across her half of the court. She had only needed to lift her head up a fraction to know the other girl was pacing her way to the net. Using both hands she sent a dime of a pass across half the court to the number 6 shirt and to the surprise of no one the brunette recorded her first layup of the tournament. Paige’s first assist. Funny how their first play of their first official game together would be a testament to the rest of their careers. 

The rest of the game had come easy to the team. Despite starting on the bench, both girls had logged some of the highest minutes of the game. Paige had had a pretty efficient shooting game if she could say so herself, making five of her seven shots. The game was a blowout, USA scoring 91 to Columbia’s 33. 

The rest of the tournament had followed a similar theme, blowout after blowout, their lowest point differential of the tournament being 45 in the final against Canada. Though no win had felt bigger than the slow win of Azzi’s guard lowering the more time they’d spent together. With the way the team’s formation ran, Paige and Azzi came on and off the court pretty much at the same time, so it meant most of their time spent on the bench was with each other. So, no matter how much Azzi had brushed Paige off at practice, the younger girl was forced to listen to the ramblings of Paige during games. To Paige’s credit though, it seemed as if it was working. The once tight lipped smile with a polite nod slowly turned into a genuine one, teeth and all, and if she was lucky a stupid joke was meant with an eyeroll and a playful shove with the other girl's elbow or knee. 

Paige really had tried not to smile too hard during the medal ceremony after the game. But in her defence, could you really blame her? In her first tournament representing her country, they had won gold, staying undefeated the whole time. Not only that but now she was standing in a line holding hands with the pretty girl she had been mesmerised with since day one. Sue her if all 32 teeth were showing, she had every reason to smile.

And she continued to smile, when they both headed to the same gate at the airport, one bound for Minnesota. “I thought you lived in Virginia?” The blonde had asked as they both made their way over to the airport seats.

“My grandparents live in Minnesota, my family and I usually stay with them over summer vacation. They have a cabin by the lake we stay at.” This was probably the longest sentence Azzi had spoken to Paige. The success fueled her,

“Damn lake side cabin, okay bougie.” Paige chuckled, nudging the shorter girl with her elbow earning her an eye roll she'd seen more and more of recently.

“It's barely bougie, they've had it since before I was born.” Azzi refuted as they both took a seat outside their terminal, waiting to board. “Besides, since when was a cabin bougie?” 

Paige smiled and shrugged “Having a place you stay for vacation that isn’t your own home is bougie, don't play.” Paige antagonised constantly pushing back. The best part of getting to know new people is that they haven't learnt to not argue back with Paige, because even if Paige is wrong, she’ll keep arguing till you give up. 

Azzi obviously hadn’t learnt that yet, though just as she opened her mouth to retort, her dad made his way over to the pair, “Hey girls, let me get a picture of y’all with your medals.” He said phone already in hand. Azzi groaned from beside her, muttering a brief ‘so embarrassing’ but both girls reached into their bags and pulled out their gold medals and putting it around their necks. 

Paige didn’t need to be told to smile by the man behind the camera, in fact she wasn't sure she had stopped smiling since the day they won the final. As the first picture was taken, Paige lightly elbowed Azzi, turning to face her, “Wait lets do the biting thing.” She suggested.

“That's so corny” Azzi had responded despite her smile, and the fact she was already pulling the medal up to her teeth. Paige smiled in response following suit, the duo taking what would be the first of many medal celebration photos. 

They were finally boarding the plane, shuffling down the aisle to their seats. As they were making their way down, Paige came to the realisation that this might be the last time she sees Azzi until they are undoubtedly selected for the next USA tournament, and that realisation makes her decide she doesn't want it to end so quickly. Turning around to face the girl behind her, walking backwards slowly she asks “Hey, would you want to sit next to each other for the flight? My dad likes to snore and I’d like to avoid that if I can.”

Azzi smiles once again, looking back to her parents quickly before replying “I’ll ask my parents, but if they say yes then sure. Your dad could take my seat and I'll take his?” She suggests.

“Sounds like a plan”. With that the pair went off to their respective parents to put the plan into motion. Paige had mentioned it to her dad, bar the snoring part, who ruffled her hair much to Paige's dismay and shuffled out his row to find the Fudd’s who were only a few rows in front. 

Not a few seconds later, Azzi made her way over to Paige’s row and slotted herself beside the blonde into the middle seat. Paige smiled welcomingly at the girl, and a comforting warmth ran through her body when their legs rested against each other. There was an awkward silence between the two during take off. Paige wasn’t sure if it was nerves from the plane or proximity. It didn’t take her long after though to start rambling.

The pair’s conversations thus far had mostly been basketball related, moments from the tournament they had just played in and various wnba and nba tidbits, but a 12 hour flight will have you talking about anything and everything. Paige took up most of the talking role for the first part of the journey, telling Azzi about her life back in Minnesota, her team in Hopkins, her siblings. She was proud of her life, what she was doing with it and the people around her, so it made it easy to share. Even easier when the recipient listened with that transfixing smile that made Paige never want to stop speaking so she could keep on seeing it. 

They were somewhere over the Atlantic when the conversation shifted slightly, “How do you play basketball, but you've never watched love and basketball?” Paige questioned, almost offended. They had been talking about their favourite movies, and when Azzi had mentioned she had never seen Paige’s favourite, it had shocked the older girl. 

“Just because I play basketball, doesn't mean I need to consume every piece of media about it.” Azzi responded laughing lightly at just how animated this had made Paige.

“First of all I do. Second of all, love and basketball isn’t just any basketball film, it's the best basketball film.” Paige replied, turning more in her seat to properly face Azzi, trying to not to focus too hard on the heat in her knee that was pressed up against the other girl.

“I don't know how that can be possible when there are basketball films like air bud and like mike.” Azzi had said, shaking her head, and if Paige didn’t know any better, she could have sworn Azzi was just saying this to wind her up.

“Ok, you are actually tripping now.” It was Paige's turn to roll her eyes, “I’ll have to show it to you some time.” She said, ignoring all the implications that came with that. 

“I’d like that.” Paige silently prayed hard that the heat in her cheeks wasn't visible to Azzi at the girl's response. Paige wasn’t someone that got flustered, not usually. She was known for her confidence and her ability to be unrattled. Yet, this one girl sitting beside her now, was able to rid Paige of all her confidence, of her swagger. It was foreign to the blonde, which only increased her nerves next to the girl. 

Clearing her throat, hoping her fluster wasn’t noticeable, Paige attempted to bring her charisma back. She pulled her phone out of her pocket accompanied with her signature smirk, and opened her contacts. “Guess that means you’ve got to give me your number so we can figure out when I can show it to you then.”

Azzi smirked back, raising one eyebrow “Oh really? Well I guess if I have to then.” 

“Only if you want to watch the greatest movie ever made.” Ok now Paige knew she was exaggerating but it was worth it to see Azzi roll her eyes and chuckle at her nonsense. Anytime she made Azzi laugh felt worth the air it took to do so. 

Azzi typed in her number wordlessly, adding her contact name and taking a quick selfie then and there, pouting her lips a little. Even the most repressed part of Paige could admit how cute it was. Though any response Paige had to the action died on her lips when she saw the contact name. ‘Azzi 💗’. It shouldn’t have felt like a big deal, but the addition of the heart brought Paige pause. Cue fluster.

It appeared as if Azzi caught the fluster this time as well, noticing how Paige’s eyes hadn’t left the part of the phone where her name and the heart lay, as she spoke up “Pink’s my favorite color. So you know it's me then.” She explained simply. Paige felt the need to say she was unlikely ever going to meet another person called Azzi, and even if she did it she was hardly going to mix up the girl next to her with anyone else but it felt so obvious to Paige that she didn’t even bother. 

Since that point, Azzi seemed to be more willing to join in, and the roles switched from Paige being the talker to now the listener. Azzi told her about her life in Virginia, her high school, her brothers, her dog.  Paige soaked it all up, the details, the rhythm of Azzi’s voice, the way her eyes lit up when she mentioned her family. Somewhere between stories about embarrassing AAU tournaments and favorite ice cream flavors, Paige realized she wasn’t just intrigued anymore, she was hooked.

The hours flew by, most of the cabin around them falling asleep, but both girls were too engrossed in their conversations and each other. As the hours passed by, their proximity to each other increased, their shoulders and arms both squeezed together on the same arm rest. 

The topic had shifted from telling each other personal facts from home to a game of would you rather. Though with how often they would differ in their answers it was more like a debate than a game. 

“No shot you are winning against a horse sized duck. Nuh uh.” Paige shook her head in disbelief at Azzi’s answer. 

“No, listen, it's just one opponent. It wouldn't be an easy fight, I never said that, but at least I wouldn't get overwhelmed. Plus I'm strong, I’d be able to win eventually. You absolutely aren’t winning against a hundred duck sized horses. I’d give you ten maybe, but Paige you aren't taking a hundred.” Azzi defends adamantly, an amusing seriousness to her answer.

“Bro, what are you gonna do when a big ass beak comes snapping at you? Nothing cuz there is nothing you can do except accept your fate. Now, a hundred tiny horses, I got options. I could kick them away, trap some under things like blankets and boxes. Or I could befriend them and form an army of tiny horses.” Paige argues with an identical passion, both girls dead set on thinking they are correct. 

Azzi chuckles, earning a few dirty looks from people trying to sleep around them, but the two teammates are too wrapped up in each other to even notice. “How are you going to befriend them when they are trying to kill you? You’d never even get the chance.”

“Easy, give me like 10 apples to give them and between that and my pure dominant aura would let them know what's what.” Paige shot back without missing a beat. “I’d have a whole stampede at my command when I’m done. Good luck guarding me when me and them pull up to the game.” 

Shaking her head incredulously, Azzi pushed Paige away lightly. “It’s them and I and you are actually ridiculous.”

“Ok grammar queen, you’re just jealous of me and my new gang. Have fun getting eaten alive by your big bird.” 

Safe to say neither agreed and likely never would. Once they both came to this conclusion, only after an excruciating 10 minutes to those still awake around them, a few more scenarios got passed between them. They picked the same option more often than not, but when they didn’t, they really didn’t. It was fascinating to Paige, to find they clicked so much in a way that was contrasted from how she is with most of her other friends. They shared similarities of course, but they were very different people. It felt refreshing, finally getting the chance to properly hang out with Azzi. And as hour nine of twelve approached, and the brunette’s head slumped onto Paige’s shoulder, her cheek pressed against the blonde’s collarbone despite adamantly saying it was impossible for her to fall asleep on planes, Paige hoped she'd continue to get the chance to be around the girl.

They were walking through MSP Airport together, their parents following close behind, talking about their summer plans. Azzi had already told Paige about the family cabin, but when Azzi asked the taller girl walking beside her and just received a shrug as a response, Tim Fudd stepped in. “Y’all are more than welcome to join us if you want. We’d love to have you.” He had said to Paige and her dad while picking up their luggage from the conveyer. 

Paige’s mood since they arrived at the airport had dimmed slightly, knowing that their time together would soon be up, but the invitation picked her spirits right back up. “Seriously? I wouldn’t want to crash your family vacation though?” Paige responded before her dad, not wanting to get too excited just yet.

“Nah, you wouldn’t be, it's a family and friends event. Besides, you just won a gold medal with my daughter, we should celebrate together.” The Fudd father insists. Turning swiftly to face her dad, Paige asks the question silently.

Smiling at his daughter’s excitement, Bob Bueckers replies, “If it's alright with you guys. We have family coming in July but if y’all are still there in August, it sounds great.” As the adults turned to exchange details and formalities, Paige found herself sliding up to the brunette shooter, slinging an arm around her shoulder.

“Guess you aren’t getting rid of me so easily Fudd.” Paige grinned.

“Lucky me.” Azzi replied sarcastically, but it held none of its weight, Paige smiling even more.

“Someone had to be there to whoop your butt at waterskiing.” Paige spoke, remembering Azzi telling her all the activities that the Fudd’s do at the cabin.

“Do you have to turn everything into a competition?” Azzi rolled her eyes.

“Always.” And she meant it.

“For three!” Paige cheered, hands in the air as she and the Fudd siblings watched Jon’s shot fly. She had drawn in Azzi and Jose with a skillful drive towards the basket, leaving the older of the Fudd brothers alone on the perimeter. The ball hit the back board, dancing around the rim, and it almost looked as if it may tip the wrong way, when it trickled into the net.

“Ayyy let’s go Jon” Paige hopped over to the boy batting her chest. “That’s game, that’s game!” Taking Jon into a mini huddle, arm round his shoulder.

“You guys cheated.” The Fudd girl pouts, “you absolutely fouled me on that last shot.” Azzi points a finger over at Paige.

Paige, still grinning and walking over to the two losers with Jon beside her, shakes her head “Nope, there was no contact, I don’t know what you're talking about.” Paige fully did, her hand had knocked against the younger girl's wrist but she kept playing regardless, brushing off the calls of a foul from the shooter. 

It was the middle of August, and Paige had been at the cabin for nearly two weeks now. Her dad and younger brother Drew had come with her, staying for a few days themselves, but they had since gone back home. Paige was supposed to go with them, however the four days she had been there hadn’t felt like enough. So when the idea got passed around that Paige could stay with the Fudd’s while her dad and Drew went back home, she jumped at the opportunity to say yes. Which resulted in Paige still being here, terrorising the cabin folks with her antics. 

The current mayhem being the 2v2 game of 21 herself and the Fudd children were playing. With Jon’s three point shot, it brought the game to an end, the score being 21-19. “That last shot was all luck, it barely went in.” Jose protested mirroring his sister’s disappointment.

“Doesn’t matter, still dropped.” Jon teased, giving Paige a high five.

“Damn straight.” The oldest of the four chuckled, sticking her tongue out at Azzi, who was still glaring at her. “Didn’t realise we were playing with such sore losers Jon.” 

“Whatever, I’m going to get some food.” Jose mumbled and began to walk inside.

“Aww tired of losing?” Paige relentlessly probed.

“Tired of playing against cheaters.” He responded, sulking inside. Maybe Paige should have felt a little bad, but with school being out and the basketball season still on break, she revelled in any chance she got in playing, and winning meant a lot to her. It was all she wanted to do, whether it be an international tournament final, or a practice shoot around between friends. 

Jon mentioned something about joining his brother, leaving the two girls on the outside court by themselves. Paige dribbled the ball from hand to hand to fill the silence, still smirking at the annoyed expression on Azzi’s face. “Don’t worry Fudd, maybe you’ll beat me one day.” She teased.

What met her was one of the most deadpan faces she’d ever seen. “Really? Want to play another game of horse?” After 12 (and a half that Paige abandoned) games of horse, Paige still hadn’t won one. 

The blonde face immediately dropped, a sore subject hit. If it were anyone else, literally anyone, Paige absolutely would have dominated a game of horse. That was her game. Trick shots, long range, under pressure, she could do it. In her sleep probably. But against Azzi? Fumbled doesn’t even begin to describe how she played. She missed easy shots because she was too distracted, tried to make ones that were just too tricky in an attempt to show off, or simply was just out-skilled by the younger girl. Not that she would ever admit that. 

“Nah I’m not playing that with you anymore, you’re clearly cheating.” Paige brushed her off, shooting lackadaisically at the rim.

Azzi shook her head laughing incredulously, “Oh you do not want to talk about cheating Paige. How do I cheat?” 

A small grin made its way to Paige’s lips “You obviously are using some voodoo magic or something to throw me off my game.”

“Or maybe I’m just better than you.” Azzi retorted.

Paige scoffed, no one was better than her. “Not possible Fudd. I got a better middy, better layup, better handles, more efficient. Plus I’m faster” Paige continued to be an annoyance, dribbling dramatically around the brunette.

With an eyebrow raised and disbelief in her voice Azzi responded, “I might let you have those other things, but you are definitely not faster than me Paige.”

“Am too.” Paige smirked knowing that would get under her skin. 

“I’m literally on the track team at school.” Azzi defended. 

Paige looked behind her, saw the open field, saw the glittering lake. It didn't take her long to form her plan. Jogging backwards at first, all she said to the other girl was “Prove it.” Before turning around and booking it, sprinting towards the lake.

“Paige I’m not going to- ugh” She heard Azzi groan from behind her, and the sound of fast footsteps following her. 

Now, Paige knew she wasn’t faster than Azzi. Maybe long distance, Paige could take the win, but Azzi had a very quick sprint. Luckily, the head start gave Paige the distance she needed, legging it as fast as she could to the dock. 

It wasn’t until they reached near the end when Azzi eventually passed Paige, a grin on the younger girl's face. Turning round to face Paige, Azzi celebrated, “See I told you I’m faster than you.” 

Paige put her hands up in defeat, “Ok, ok, fine I guess you’re faster than me. But you know what you’re not?” 

Azzi tilts her head, suspiciously “what?”

“Dryer than me.”

“Wha-“ Azzi doesn’t even have time to react before Paige shoves Azzi square in the shoulders. Azzi’s question is cut off with a shriek as she stumbles backwards, arm’s flailing, then splashes into the lake. 

Paige threw her head back, laughing so hard she had to brace her hands on her knees.

Azzi resurfaced with a sharp gasp, dark curls plastered to the side of her face, water dripping from the ends. She rubbed her eyes, fixing Paige with a powerful, unamused look.

“Oh man, Azzi you should have seen your face.” Paige wheezed, wiping a tear from her eye. 

Azzi slicked her dripping hair back, then reached up with one hand upwards to the dock, “Help me up.” she commanded. 

Paige literally laughed in her face, shaking her head, “No way I’m not stupid, you’re just going to drag me in.”

Azzi glared even more, “Paige please. I’m not going to drag you in. I just want to get out. It’s literally the least you could do.”

Paige’s smirk faltered seeing the expression on Azzi’s face. Even with all her previous annoying behaviour and teasing, she had never seen this face. One of seriousness, a touch of anger, a hint of sadness. The guilt was instant. Her stomach dipped, did she take it too far this time?

With an urgency she hadn’t had unless on the court, she stepped forward, closer to the edge of the dock. She intertwined her hand with the girl below her, an apology forming on her lips. Though she never got the opportunity to apologise, because gone was the pout on Azzi’s face, a victorious grin now adorned. With a shocking degree of force, Paige was pulled forward, colliding with the cool lake water, head over feet, water rushing up her nose. 

The first thing she heard when she emerged was the mischievous giggle from the girl across from her, one so pure it made it impossible for Paige to be mad at the deception. Didn’t stop her from trying to appear as such though. 

“Oh you’re so dead.” She chuckles, sending a wave of water Azzi’s way.

“You started it!” The brunette yelped, shooting an even bigger thrust of water back. 

Paige lunged forward, placing her hands on Azzi’s shoulders in an attempt to dunk the girl, though her effort was fruitless. The stronger girl pushed Paige’s hands away, leading to Paige falling back down into the water. 

When she appeared back above the surface though, she noticed the distance between them had been cut dramatically, faces inches apart. If the lake water hadn’t already given Paige chills, she certainly had them now. Even more so as Azzi seemed unphased, lips upturned. Paige felt transfixed for a moment, unable to move, losing herself in the brown eyes opposite her. It took her a moment to collect herself, but Paige eventually came to and pushed Azzi backwards in the water.

The brunette laughed as she steadied herself in the water, closing the distance again, her grin softening and voice coming out a little softer than before, 

“You’re so annoying,” she said but her words had no bite, just this light affectionate warmth that slipped right past Paige’s guard. 

Normally, Paige would have just grinned cockily and taken it as a badge of honor. But something about the way Azzi said it, soft and smiling, like she meant it in the best sense, made Paige’s chest ache in a whole new way. For a second, she just stared, dizzy with the thought that she could spend forever chasing that smile and those words.

A shout from the cabin broke her trance, “Girls, get your butts out the lake and inside before you catch a cold!” Katie Fudd called out to them. The girls stared at each other for a moment before breaking out into giggles, and wordlessly started to leave the lake, playfully shoving each other forward on the way.

The minute they stepped out the lake, the cool evening air met their wet skin, goosebumps surfacing and they quickened their pace towards the cabin. They were greeted by an unimpressed looking Katie, who was standing at the door with two towels in hand. “Now who’s smart idea was it to go swimming in their clothes?” She questioned the girls.

“Blame Paige she pushed me in.” Azzi immediately snitched as she wrapped the towel around her shivering body.

“I mean, I would say I lightly tapped you, but I'm just so strong that you went flying in. Not really my fault,” Paige said as seriously as she could, despite the wry smile on her face. “You tricked me and dragged me in.” Paige accused back.

“Or maybe you're not as strong as you think, and just failed to pull me up?” Azzi used Paige’s own logic against her.

Katie let out a loud, long sigh, “You’re both impossible, just go and get out of those wet rags.” She shooed the girls away, rubbing the bridge of her nose as she left the girls where they stood. The girls chuckled to each other, while annoying each other was something they both loved and took oh so seriously, there was something satisfying about coming together to annoy others. Wordlessly, they made their way to Azzi’s room, which after two weeks felt more like Azzi’s and Paige’s room. 

The room was dim when they walked in, the fading evening light spilling through the window in pale orange streaks. Paige made her way around to the air mattress they had blown up for her, flopping onto the bed.  “You can take the first shower.” She tells Azzi

Azzi peeled off her damp socks with a grimace, then tossed them toward the corner. “How generous of you, to offer me my own shower, after you pushed me in the lake.” She muttered with a pointed look, grabbing a change of clothes from her dresser.

Paige stretched out on the air mattress, hands behind her head like she had no cares in the world. “What can I say? I’m basically a saint,” she shot back with a smug little shrug.

Azzi scoffed, “A saint who nearly drowned me today.”

Paige waved her off, “Details details. And for the record, I never would have let you drown, because who else am I supposed to annoy for eternity?”

“That's the only reason you're keeping me around?” Azzi questioned with a mirthful smirk.

“One of several.” Paige grinned back. 

The girl above her just shook her head and collected a small pile of clothes in her arms, and disappeared into the bathroom.

Left in the quiet, Paige reached for her iPad, propping it up on her knees as she scrolled aimlessly through a game. The sound of running water carried faintly through the walls, a steady reminder of the girl who’d just left the room. She tried to ignore it, focusing on tapping at the screen, though her thoughts kept drifting. Thoughts Paige did not want to be happening, thoughts that confused Paige. It was entirely just too much and she welcomes the distraction of her games, choosing the bliss of ignorance, at least just for right now. In a different place, on her own, with the subject of her conflict miles away, it should be easier. If thinking about this anywhere could be easy at all.

Around ten minutes had passed, not that Paige was counting, by the time she heard the water switch off. A few minutes more went on before the bathroom door opened, and out stepped a fresh faced Azzi, adorned in loose PJ shorts and a soft tee. The casualness of it, how natural she looked, how effortlessly she filled the room, made Paige’s chest tighten before she could stop herself. Since she met Azzi, she kept finding herself unable to look away from the younger girl, and now even in the simpleness of the pjs, Paige felt stuck. Stuck until her vision went dark.

A towel was thrown at her head without warning, and she hadn't had the sense to clock it before it was already on her face. Paige pulled it off her swiftly, watched as Azzi slumped onto her own bed, picking up her phone,

“Your turn,” Azzi said, a small smirk tugging at her mouth. “Go shower before you stink up my room.”

“I never stink, I always be smelling nice.” Paige retorts as she stands, grabbing the towel and her pjs. “Try not to miss me too much.” She jokes as she begins to make her way out the room, hearing a scoff from behind her.

Paige took her shower, making it quick, not wanting to be alone inside her own head too long. When she entered the bedroom again, the curtain had been pulled properly, and the main light switched off, the only lighting being a warm glow of Azzi’s bedside lamp.

Paige slipped into her bed, and the pair started their bedtime routine which had been almost constant these two weeks. Both girls scrolled through their phones, swapping pictures and funny videos, laughing at whatever caught their eye. The conversation ran easily, as it always seemed to, a steady stream that only slowed as their eyes grew heavier with each passing minute. Tonight, Paige was the one to finally call it, deciding Azzi’s fourth yawn in a single sentence was proof enough that it was time to sleep.

“Goodnight Azzi.” Paige smiled into the darkness as she switched her phone off.

“Night Paige.” Azzi responded, and even though Paige couldn't see her, she knew Azzi was smiling back.

Here's the thing, Paige knew she was gay. It came natural, the sky was blue, grass was green, and Paige liked girls. Her first crush had been her 5th grade ‘buddy’ that 1st graders are assigned when they start school. The older girl was tall, and kind, and pretty in a way that shone and Paige had been attached to her hip that year. It wasn’t until she got slightly older when she realised love like that wasn’t normal, wasn't socially accepted. The first time she ever heard the word gay was when it was used as an insult.

“Don’t be so gay.” A boy had told his friend who he had just pushed to the ground in gym class and was now whining about it. 

The reaction was immediate, "Don't call me that.” The boy responded, getting up in his friend's face angrily, injured knee forgotten.

Paige hadn’t known in that moment what gay meant, but the pure disgust in being called such a thing let Paige know it wasn’t something she wanted to be. So, when she had searched the word up later that night and saw the definition, she was completely confused. A type of love could be an insult? It didn't make much sense, but the pure joy of the internet quickly clued her in. It was a specific type of sting when she learnt it was her own religion, something that was at the core of herself, something she took great pride in, was at the center of the hate. 

It was an emotional night, one filled with learning all types of new hateful words, tear inducing internet tests to see if she was what she thought she was and frantic bible searching to find a verse that justified her heart. She had cried herself to sleep that night, confused and annoyed and ashamed. She woke up the next morning early, before the sun had risen, too restless to get a full night sleep. Paige did the only thing knew what to do in times of trouble, she prayed. She prayed and prayed, for a different thing each time. She prayed to God to change her, make her how she's supposed to be, for the tests to be wrong, for guidance, a show of acceptance, a man to change her, a woman to love her. Nothing she prayed for felt right. Nothing at all felt right anymore. She didn’t feel like herself. 

Didn’t feel like herself for quite a few years, not until her freshman year of high school. Naturally even as a freshman, she was selected for her school's varsity basketball team. She’d been playing at varsity since middle school, and she already knew quite a few of the players. She’d always be grateful for this team, everything they'd done for her, everything they’d taught her. This team was the first place she’d learnt acceptance.

It was a usual Saturday and they had been hanging out as a team, going to the movies and then bowling. It was at the movie theatre Paige had noticed it first. Two of the girls, both juniors, stood close together in the line for the tickets, whispering and giggling together. Paige hadn’t thought they were that good of friends, with the way they acted together at school, but it was a different side of them here. Paige tried not to be nosy but a curious side of her couldn't help but to keep glancing over. She saw as the cover of darkness in the movie theater allowed the girls to slide their hands into each other halfway through the movie, and noticed the way they had looked at each other when the love interests on the screen kissed. 

Of course ever since that fateful night when she learnt about all this, she knew gay couples existed, but this was the first time potentially seeing one in real life. It made it more real, more scary. She looked around to see if anyone was noticing them as well, out of fear for them but also that they might clock Paige for simply just being associated, but no one cared. If her other teammates noticed, they didn’t say anything, and no one arrived with pitchforks and fire when the two girls were still holding hands walking out of the movie and back into the world.

At the bowling alley, Paige hadn’t been herself. She didn’t usually get in her own head about stuff, had learnt to just brush off the hard stuff and focus on the present, but she was having a much harder time right now. Everything she had shoved down for years, had denied, was being brought up to the surface and it was scary. 

“You this quiet cuz you’re losing freshie, or is something up?” Makayla, one of the juniors, one of the girls from the supposed couple, slides up to Paige, who as mentioned had been playing one of the worst games of bowling of her life. 

Paige bit her lip, unsure what to say. There was so much she wanted to ask, to get clarity on, but that would risk exposing herself. “I’m good.” She shrugged, sipping on the icy pepsi, staring holes into the bubbles of the drink.

Unfortunately for Paige, Makayla wasn't having that, “Paige normally we can’t get you to shut up. Come on, what’s going on?” The older girl persisted, a friendly concern on her face as she lowered her voice, trying not to draw attention to the rest of the team, which Paige appreciated.

Paige sighed heavily, opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to carefully pick the right words. After the silence grew too long, but the girl beside her hadn’t relented, hadn't moved, had instead waited patiently for her, Paige just decided to go for it. 

“Are- are you and Sienna dating?” She asked, lowering her voice to a very low whisper, hesitating on the word dating.

The question clearly shocked the upperclassman, eyebrows raised, looking at Paige curiously. Paige didn’t dare look anywhere but at her hands, picking at the skin around her nails.

“If we were, would that be a problem?” Makayla responded, her tone not being one of accusing more so just apprehension.

“No, not at all.” Paige had answered quickly, a little louder than she intended but was relieved when no one else took notice of them. Lowering her voice again she added, “I saw you and her holding hands at the movies.”

In her peripherals, Paige saw Makayla nod and smile. “Right okay. Yeah, Sienna and I have been dating about a year now.” Was all she said, not wanting to push anything.

The answer surprised Paige, this wasn’t their first team hang out, and she's known these girls a while, but today was the first time she clocked it. Perhaps looking back with the confirmation, some signs were there, like how those two always left practice together, how they would usually sit next to each other on the team bus, how they always lingered beside each other when they would hang outside of school. Actually looking back, it should have been obvious but the repression in Paige clearly just chose not to see it until now. 

“How did you know?” The question was asked so quietly, Paige was almost certain Makayla hadn’t heard her, especially after the silence after it. Paige didn’t have the confidence to expand on her question, didn’t have the strength to clarify, but luckily she didn’t have to as then Makayla’s reply came,

“It wasn’t one specific moment.” Makayla said after a long pause, voice low and careful. “I used to think it had to be, you know? Like one day I’d wake up and just..  know. But it didn’t work like that for me. It was a hundred little things. Getting nervous around certain people for reasons I didn’t want to admit. Catching myself staring too long. Feeling something click when I was around Sienna, and trying so hard to call it friendship, to convince myself that’s all it was.” She let out a small, self-conscious laugh, shaking her head.

Her tone turned softer, steadier. “And for a while, I hated it. I prayed it wasn’t true, tried to bury it deep down and pretend it wasn’t there. Because the idea of being different, especially in a town like this, it scared me. But the thing is, pretending didn’t make it go away. It just made me miserable. I felt like I was fighting myself every second of every day. And I don’t know, one day I just got tired of fighting.”

Makayla glanced over at Sienna across the lanes, laughing as she lined up her shot, and the look in her eyes was warm, sure of itself. “When I stopped denying it, when I let myself just… be, it didn’t feel so heavy anymore. Like I could finally breathe again.”

Paige nodded slowly, chewing on the inside of her cheek as if the motion could keep all the tangled feelings from spilling out. The words sat heavy in her chest, echoing louder than the clatter of pins down the lane. It was scary, terrifying, even, to hear her own fears spoken aloud by someone else. Scary because it made them feel real.

Makayla must have noticed the way Paige kept her eyes glued to her lap, because her voice softened impossibly so, though the weight of it pressed close. “You know, the part that almost broke me wasn’t figuring myself out,” she said carefully. “It was walking into school every day, wondering what people would say if they knew. Wondering if my friends would still want me around, or if my family would look at me different. I didn’t want one small, basically insignificant part of myself, to be a reason I lose the people I love.”

She tapped her fingers against her cup, gaze flicking briefly to Sienna across the lanes before settling back with a quiet certainty. “But the truth is, people are always gonna have opinions. That’s just what people do. The real freedom came when I stopped letting their voices drown out mine. When I stopped giving them all the power over how I saw myself.”

A small smile tugged at her mouth, not quite playful but not heavy either. “It’s not that the fear disappears. It’s that it stops running the show. And when you let that happen, sometimes you get lucky enough to find something pretty cool as a result.” She finishes by smiling lovingly across at her girl, who was goofily celebrating a strike someone had just hit.

Paige dared a glance up, and Makayla’s expression was calm, steady, not prying. Just safe.

Makayla leaned back against the seat, stretching her legs out like the conversation was over, like she hadn’t just handed Paige a lifeline. “Now quit stalling, freshie. It’s your turn, and I wanna see if you can break sixty before I lap you twice.” She said as she stood, gently hitting the younger girl’s knee, and made her way back over to the team. 

She nodded again, more to herself this time, and took a long sip of Pepsi just to have something to do with her hands. When she set it down, she forced herself to stand, ball in hand, and jog back to the lane. She lined up her shot, rolled, and managed to knock over seven pins. Not a strike, not even close, but better than the last gutterball. She heard a few cheers from her teammates anyway, laughter carrying over the music, and for the first time today, maybe even the past few weeks, she let herself smile without overthinking it.

She was always grateful for the mentorship that formed from that day on. Makayla continued to gift Paige with advice and support until she graduated, moving out of state to go to college with Sienna. Going into her junior year herself now, this would be her first year without Makayla, and not having that rock beside her was a little daunting. However, the older girl assured Paige that she was only ever a text away. 

Which Paige appreciated because she's never needed advice like she did right now. It was early December, but the chill of a Minnesota winter had been building for a few weeks now, leaving her nose and cheeks raw red after every practice, and the sun seemed to vanish before the day had even begun. It made the evenings stretch longer, emptier, and Paige found herself filling every spare second with Azzi.

Texts flying back and forth during classes, late-night calls that ended only when one of them drifted off mid-sentence. Paige would wake up with her phone in her hand, screen still lit with Azzi’s name. It hadn’t even been that many months since they’d met, but it didn’t matter, Azzi had slipped into her life like she’d always been there. Every time Paige’s phone buzzed with her name, her chest lit up. Every minute she wasn’t talking to her felt wasted.

Paige knew it was a crush at Team USA, Azzi was pretty and Paige liked pretty girls. That was a no brainer, Paige had eyes and saw the obvious. But it was an entirely new ball game once they started to get closer. It had started really on the plane journey home and only continued to build, from the time they spent at the cabin, to the endless hours on the phone.

Azzi wasn’t just some teammate she thought was cute. She was the first thing Paige thought about in the morning, the last thing she thought about before bed. It was overwhelming. Consuming, even.

And terrifying.

Because what if she was the only one feeling this way? What if she ruined one of the closest friendships she’d ever had? The thought alone made her chest ache, twisting her excitement into panic.

That’s what had her lying in bed that night, blanket pulled up to her chin, phone balanced on her chest as her thumb hovered over Azzi’s name. The little typing bubble in their text thread blinked on and off; Azzi was still awake. Normally Paige would dive right in, send some half-baked joke or random thought just to keep the conversation going. Tonight, though, her pulse was too loud in her ears, her heart too restless.

She locked her phone. Unlocked it again. Scrolled past Azzi’s name and stopped on another. Makayla.

For a second, Paige almost locked the phone again. But then she thought of Makayla’s voice at that bowling alley, the way her honesty had cracked something open in Paige when nothing else could. If there was one person she could ask, one person who’d understand, it was her.

Still, her fingers shook as she typed.

Paige: can I ask you something?

The text bubble appeared almost instantly

Makayla: you better not be texting me at 11:56 for homework help P

Paige honestly hadn’t even realised it was that late, minutes pass by quickly when you spend most of your evening overthinking. She felt a twinge of guilt, not meaning to text at such a late time, especially when the older girl would likely have to be up early for her college classes tomorrow.

Paige: nvm not important

A reply came back almost immediately.

Makayla: nope. not letting you get away with that.

Makayla: you don’t throw out a “can i ask you something” like a cliffhanger and then dip. 

Paige chewed on her lip, typing and deleting three different versions of the question before finally settling on the simplest one.

Paige: how did you tell sienna you liked her?

The three little dots popped up, then disappeared. Came back again. Vanished. Paige’s stomach twisted. She knew Makayla had seen it, but the silence stretched long enough that she wondered if she’d made a mistake sending it.

Finally, her phone buzzed.

Makayla: hey, you good?

Paige stared at the words, thumb hovering over the keyboard. 

Paige: yeah just curious i guess

A full minute passed this time before Makayla answered.

Makayla: okay. so that wasn’t easy for me. not even close.

Makayla: i went back and forth a million times, telling myself i’d be fine if i just kept quiet. she was my best friend, and i didn’t want to lose her.

Makayla: but keeping it in felt like i was carrying this huge secret around my neck. like i wasn’t showing her all of me.

Another message followed quickly.

Makayla: honesty was always a big for us, even when we were just friends, and keeping in my feelings felt dishonest to her. keeping it in also affected our friendship. when i realised i had a crush on her, i tried to distance myself in hopes the crush would go away, but it never did. i realised i might lose her either way, so i might as well just be honest.

Makayla: i was scared shitless i wont lie becuase sienna is the best thing that ever happened to me and the thought that me telling her might push her away forever was terrifying.

Paige stared at the messages, her fingers hovering over the keyboard, heart thumping in her chest. She hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath.

Makayla: but here’s the thing, i had to trust her. trust that she’d care about me for me, and not just some label or moment of awkwardness. i had to trust that our friendship was strong enough to survive the truth, no matter what.

Makayla: i’m not saying it was easy. it took guts, it took timing, and yeah, it could’ve gone wrong. but in the end, i couldn’t keep hiding. and i promise you, whatever happens, whatever you feel, being honest with yourself first is always the first step. everything else will fall into place, or it won’t, but at least you won’t be lying to yourself.

Paige exhaled slowly, trying to let the words sink in, pressing the palm of her hand into her left eye, trying to massage the growing headache. A self destructive part of herself wished Makayla was about to tell her that she wished she kept her feelings inside, told Paige the best thing would be to keep it all hidden, that it's easier that way. 

Paige: okay thanks. really.

Makayla: anytime, P. seriously. now go get some sleep, cant have you ruining that hopkins ball reputation i left with your gayass overthinking. you can text me tomorrow if your brain doesn’t shut up.

Paige smiled softly at the message, rolling her eyes and shut her phone off. She felt simultaneously lighter and heavier in a way that was inexplicably discomforting. Though, as Makayla said, she really should sleep if she wanted to stay awake during her classes tomorrow. 

Paige was just about to fall asleep when the ring of a text message echoed through her room. She huffed frustratedly, realising too late she hadn’t turned the ringer off and reached round for her phone, staring at the screen.

A single message lit up her face. Zero prizes on guessing from who. It read,

“Ik you're probably asleep by now, but I missed speaking to you tonight. Sleep well paige 💗”

Paige pulled her covers up more, covering the blush on her face, even though no one was here to witness it. Azzi always had this effect on her even through text. Looking a little longer at the heart Azzi loved to throw onto the end of her texts, she eventually turned her phone off, expelling a large volume of air out of her chest before drifting off.

The faint sounds of Christmas songs lingered in the Bueckers household. It wasn’t a holiday Paige massively cared about, especially since she got older, but she liked the family aspect of it, of seeing the joy on her younger brother's face at all the new presents. 

Her family didn’t do much for the holiday, went to church in the morning, then came home and enjoyed a meal together later in the evening. It was nice, simple enough for Paige and besides, being with her family was the most important thing. 

She hadn’t asked for much this year, letting her brothers take the limelight, her main gift being a pair of new Kobe’s. She laced them up early in the afternoon, breaking them in on her driveway, shooting some hoops, not stopping till she hit 20 free throws in a row. 

She had FaceTimed her mom and brother and sister in Montana, a growing ache of separation as they told her everything they’d been up to today. She was spending new years with them, but the worst part about divorced parents was always that she would be missing out on hanging with her siblings regardless of the house she was at. 

She mostly floated about during the day, not dissociation, but heart not fully in it. She knew why. It was because she had five text messages sent to a certain someone left on delivered. She knew Azzi was going to be busy today. They had talked about their plans for today for the past week or so and not only were all of Azzi’s family super close, they also loved Christmas. From six in the morning till the late evening, they had events planned, which of course meant Azzi was too occupied to text her back. 

Hence, when her phone started ringing showing Azzi was face timing her, she leapt off the sofa, where she was half watching a movie with her family saying she’d be back down later. Sprinting up to her room, she jumped on her bed, flattening her hair slightly, and answered the phone.

Her screen immediately lit up with Azzi’s smiling face, the brunette framed by twinkling Christmas lights in the background. She looked cozy in a red sweatshirt, hair pulled back in a messy bun, cheeks still flushed from what Paige assumed was hours of family chaos.

“Merry Christmas, Paige!” she beamed, her voice carrying that familiar mix of excitement and comfort. She angled the phone away for a moment, showing a packed living room where relatives bustled around, some laughing, others shouting over a game.

Paige laughed, curling up on her bed, tucking one leg beneath her. Just the sight of Azzi, even pixelated on a screen, unclenched something in her chest. “Looks insane over there.”

“Insane doesn't even do today’s chaos justice. We’ve had like five rounds of food, two and a half different gift exchanges, and my grandma keeps trying to sneak cookies into my hands like she’s running a black-market operation. I swear, I’m two bites away from a food coma.”

Paige giggled softly, chin resting on her knee. “Sounds a lot more hectic than my day. We just went to church this morning and then kind of hung out watching movies. I got some Kobes, though.”

Azzi’s eyes lit up instantly. “No way. Which ones?”

“The 10’s,” Paige said, holding back a little smile, trying not to seem too eager. “Broke them in already. Shot till I hit twenty in a row.”

“Of course you did.” Azzi smirked knowingly. “I should’ve guessed. Most people relax on Christmas, but nope, Paige Bueckers is out there grinding.”

Paige shrugged, though her grin betrayed her. “Greatness doesn’t take a day off Az.”. Azzi laughed, a warm, full sound that made Paige’s heart skip. “I missed this. Missed you today.” The words slipped out before Paige could stop them, quiet and a little unsteady.

Azzi’s smile softened, eyes flicking to the side for a second like she was caught off guard. “Paige, it’s literally been, what? Twenty hours since we last talked?”

“Too long,” Paige said simply, her voice so low it was almost a whisper.

Azzi went quiet for a beat, her expression tender, a smile tugging at her mouth. She didn’t tease, didn’t joke. Just held Paige’s gaze like the screen between them didn’t exist. “Yeah,” she said softly. “Too long.”

The background noise broke the moment, someone yelling Azzi’s name. She rolled her eyes and held up a hand to Paige, mouthing one sec. When she came back into frame, she was holding a small box wrapped in glittery gold paper with a bow that looked like it had been put on in a hurry.

“Okay, so I won this in white elephant,” Azzi said proudly, tugging the bow off with one hand. She pulled out the gift: a mug shaped like a snowman, complete with a carrot nose and scarf painted around the rim. “Behold, my prize. Everyone else fought over gift cards and headphones, but I walked away with this beauty.”

Paige laughed, hand over her mouth. “That’s… definitely a win.”

“Right? I’m gonna use it every day just to spite them,” Azzi said, eyes sparkling. “Hot chocolate tastes better when it comes out of a snowman mug. That’s science.”

“I’m actually shaking with jealousy over here, what’s a girl gotta do to get a mug like that.” Paige chuckled as Azzi spun the mug around in a 360, showing it off proudly.

“Maybe if you’re lucky, I'll feel generous enough to share it when you come to visit in February.” Azzi smirked. 

Placing a hand on her chest and nodding, Paige responded “What an honor.”

There was some shouting in the background, a celebration of some kind. Azzi rolled her eyes at her family's antics as she stood and walked a little further away from the noise. “I also need you here so we can dethrone my parents at monopoly again. They’ve forgotten who kicked everyone's butts when we teamed up.” Azzi shakes her head in the direction the noise came from.

“They don’t know what's coming. They don't call us the coldest duo in the nation for nothing.” Paige chuckled.

“P, literally no one calls us that apart from you.” Azzi smiled fondly.

“Not yet, but they will.” Paige responded, cockily but also with a firmness, with certainty. The pair just smiled at each other for a moment, only broken by Azzi’s name being called louder than before. 

 She groaned, tipping her head back. “Ugh. They’re rounding us up for one last family photo.” Her eyes found Paige’s again, softening. “I should go, but I’ll talk to you tomorrow, yeah?”

Paige’s fingers tightened around her phone, but she nodded, her voice gentle. “Yeah. Tomorrow. Merry Christmas, Azzi.”

“Merry Christmas, Paige.” Azzi lingered for just a beat longer, then the screen went dark.

Paige sat in the quiet, staring at her reflection in the blank phone screen before finally slipping off her bed. She padded back downstairs, where the glow of the TV painted her family in soft light. Sliding onto the couch, she tucked her feet beneath a blanket, trying to blend back into the warmth of the room.

Her phone buzzed once in her lap.

When she opened the message, she was met with a selfie of Azzi, Christmas tree lights giving her an ethereal glow as she posed with pouty lips and closed eyes, holding up a peace sign.

Paige’s grin spread before she could stop it, wide and goofy, the kind that made her cheeks ache. She stared far too long, thumb hovering but never swiping away, just drinking in the image like it was something precious.

A nudge broke her trance. She blinked up to see her dad looking at her, a knowing smile tugging at his mouth. “What’s on that phone that’s got you grinning like that?” he asked lightly, half-teasing.

Paige’s eyes widened. She fumbled, clicking her phone dark and setting it face down in her lap. “Nothing,” she said a little too fast, forcing a shrug. 

“Uh-huh.” Her dad chuckled but didn’t press, turning his attention back to the movie.

Paige let herself do the same, leaning into the cushions, exhaling heavily as she let herself be dragged into the movie, the fifth rewatch of home alone this holiday. Though no movie, no distraction could fully pull her away from Azzi, the girl always in the back of her mind. She wasn’t completely useless, she could have gone the day without speaking to her if she had to, but every time they did get the chance to talk, Paige always left feeling lighter, more complete.

She could receive all the presents in the world on Christmas, but Paige was certain none of them could hold a candle to the gift that was the bond she forged this year with Azzi Fudd. And despite how close they already were, Paige knew, knew like she knew water was wet, that it was only the beginning. 

[azzibuckets535]

Almost Caught pt.2

Warnings: fluff, smut

a/n: OKAY YALL SHES HERE forgive me for edging yall clearly this is a lot longer than i intended it to be, hence why it was super late, but i hope yall enjoy it, i tbh really like it but maybe thats just me. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME WRITING SMUT so ntm on me. as always feedback is appreciated and requests are open. enjoy 💗

wc: 7.2k

———————————————————————————

Azzi got up to lock the door faster than Paige had ever seen her move.

“C’mere baby,” Paige said, watching Azzi as she moved her way across the room.

Azzi walked back over to Paige and settled herself right back on her lap, wrapping her arms around the back of Paige’s neck as the older girl’s hands came around to rest on her ass.

The second Paige’s hands landed on Azzi, she kissed her again, that same hungry kiss they’d shared earlier, all teeth, tongue and spit.

Azzi’s fingers sunk into Paige’s hair, pulling just hard enough to get a sound out of the blonde. Meanwhile Paige helped Azzi roll her hips again. And again.

Azzi moaned into the kiss, and Paige’s whole body buzzed, heart beating so fast she was sure Azzi could hear it. Her usual bright blue eyes were almost black as she flipped them over so the younger girl was beneath her.

“Mmm, Paige.. Please” Azzi whined as Paige started planting kisses down her neck and let her hands explore everywhere, stomach, hips, thighs, waist.

Azzi was squirming at this point, hands tangled in Paige’s hair, cheeks flushed and eyes already a little hazy as Paige sucked on a spot just behind her best friend’s ear. “I know Az, be patient f’me okay?”

Paige slid her hands into Azzi’s sleep shirt (the oversized one that was actually Paige’s) and moved them up, bringing the shirt with her as she kissed along Azzi’s collarbone. She knew Azzi didn’t wear bras to bed so she went slow, giving the younger girl the opportunity to back out at any second.

When Paige reached just under the swell of her breasts, she paused her movements and detached herself from Azzi’s neck to look at her, silently asking if this was okay.

When Azzi nodded and Paige saw nothing but want in her eyes, she pushed the shirt up all the way and looked down at Azzi’s hardened nipples and the swell of her breasts.

“Fuck Az, you’re so beautiful,” Paige said as she kissed the space right inbetween Azzi’s tits and moved her hands to cup Azzi’s breasts, rolling her nipples between her fingers.

“Paige… Mmm feels so good” Azzi gasped as she tilted her head back into the pillows from the feeling of pleasure and pain washing over her all at once.

“Yeah mama? You like that?” Paige questioned as she pinched one of Azzi’s nipples.

Azzi tried to say yes, to say “Yes Paige, it feels so good”. But she choked on a moan instead, loud and needy.

“Eyes on me, ma” Paige said as she leaned down slowly to take one of Azzi’s tits into her mouth and sucking gently, teasing one nipple while she sucked on the other. Azzi looked down, and she felt like just the sight alone could’ve undid her— Paige’s hair was splayed over Azzi’s chest as her hands and mouth worked on her perky tits.

Azzi was still watching Paige as she carefully started to kiss down her stomach, leaving her exposed stomach glistening with spit.

Paige could taste the salt of Azzi’s skin and she loved it, she sucked and licked like she hadn’t tasted anything better in her life. Her hands began to wander, down Azzi’s ribs then over her hips, and finally settling right above her waistband.

Azzi’s chest was rising and falling quickly with each breath. Paige stopped again, looking up at Azzi. The sight of her best friend alone made her dizzy; Her cheeks flushed a pink color and her eyes were darker than they usually were. Her lips parted slightly as her messy curls were laid across the pillows behind her. Paige swears she could’ve orgasmed just from seeing her best friend like that, knowing she was the reason she looked like that.

“Is it okay if I take your shorts off, Az?” Paige asked carefully as she hooked her fingers into her waistband.

Azzi nodded eagerly “Please..” she asked, “But be gentle,” she added, even though she knew Paige would treat her like she was precious treasure anyway.

“Of course, ma. Just tell me if you get uncomfortable alright?” The blonde said softly, dragging her shorts and underwear down her thighs. Azzi watched as the fabric pooled at her ankles, and then she watched as Paige’s eyes went wide, her chest heaving and breath coming out uneven at the sight of the younger girl beneath her.

Paige lifted her hand slowly before letting two of her fingers make contact with Azzi’s clit, and she immediately met with Azzi’s slick coating her fingers.

“Fuck Az, you’re so wet f’me. Is this all for me mama?” She asked while she made eye contact with the girl beneath her and slowly started moving her fingers in circles around Azzi’s clit.

Azzi whimpered at the sensation. Her breathing was becoming uneven and she could feel her cheeks burning. “Yes, P. Yes it’s all for you mmmm” she managed through ragged breaths, “Please P…”

Paige continued her ministrations, rubbing slow circles over Azzi’s bud, spreading slick all over her pussy. And then she added pressure, just a little bit but it was there, and her movements hurried.

Azzi moaned louder than she expected to, arm grabbing at Paige’s bicep that was resting next to her head as her head fell back again.

“Try not to be too loud f’me aight mama? Don’t want us to actually get caught,” Paige reasoned as she looked up to meet Azzi’s eyes.

Azzi nodded and looked down to where Paige’s fingers met her clit, she could see the shineness on them from where she was laying.

Paige leaned down again and closed her lips around Azzi’s other nipple, sucking, licking, carefully biting.

It was getting to be too much for Azzi, in the very best way.

She squeezed her eyes shut tight as Paige nibbled on her nipple before bringing her head back up to look down at her fingers. She moved them down, right above Azzi’s entrance and then she paused again, eyes looking up to meet Azzi’s who’s were completely blown and hazy.

Azzi nodded but Paige still waited, “Words, baby,” she said softly while she teased Azzi’s entrance

“Please, Paige. I- fuck I need you in me so badly baby, please.”

And that did it for Paige. She pushed her fingers into Azzi’s cunt, sharp but gentle as Azzi tensed under her, jaw falling slack as involuntary whimpers and moans fell from her mouth. The stretch shocked her for a second, but it was quickly covered up by the feeling of being so full with Paige’s fingers deep inside her.

“Paige! Mm fuck yes!” Azzi said, maybe a little too loudly but she was far too gone to care what was coming out of her mouth, let alone what volume it was coming out at.

“Mm I know it feels good baby, you're so tight around my fingers. Look here okay, mama? Ima make you feel so full okay. Can I taste you mami?”

Azzi looked down to see the point where Paige’s fingers were getting eaten up by her pussy with each thrust. “Y-yes Paige, ple- fuck mm please taste me,” She whined.

Paige quickened her fingers that were pumping in and out of Azzi. She didn’t slow down as she leaned down to lick a stripe up Azzi’s clit before planting a kiss there, closing her lips around her already swollen bud.

“Oh my God Paige! Fuck!” Azzi yelled. Paige was almost positive anyone who was in the same hall as them could hear Azzi through the walls, let alone KK and whoever else was in the dorm. But she didn’t care because the way Azzi tasted? The way her pussy clenched around Paige’s fingers? The way her moans were the prettiest sounds ever (besides her laugh)? It was too good for Paige to tell her to be quieter.

Paige intensified her movements, pumping in and out of Azzi at a somewhat crazy pace as she licked and sucked on Azzi’s clit, slick running down her chin and wrist.

Azzi’s grip on Paige’s bicep tightened as her back arched off the bed. She was getting close, and Paige felt it too. Azzi’s other hand gripped at Paige’s hair as Paige started rubbing her thumb on Azzi’s clit, only adding to the pleasure. Paige was about to do everything to make sure Azzi came hard.

“Paige! I-I’m gonna, fuck! Yes right there Paige!” Azzi was dazed, she barely even registered the words before they came out of her mouth in between moans and whines and whimpers. Her breathing was uneven, heart racing in her chest, eyes blurry. She was about to come.

Paige groaned against her as she sucked on Azzi’s bud. That’s when Azzi came, hard and fast all over Paige’s fingers and face while she screamed Paige’s name.

Paige didn’t stop her thrusts but she slowed until Azzi was pushing her hands away, things shaking.

“Was that good mama?” Paige asked with a smug smirk as she licked her lips and fingers. “Fuck you tatsed like heaven mami, could eat you all day,” She added.

Azzi was breathless and definitely not able to speak at the moment, so all she gave was a small nod.

Paige kissed her forehead before laying down and pulling her onto her chest, scratching her back until she came down from her high.

“You did so good, Az,” She whispered while planting a kiss on her hairline.

“That was amazing Paige, thank you, you always take such good care of me” Azzi finally answered with a small smile.

Paige softened as she heard Azzi’s quiet, wrecked whisper. “‘Course mama, anything for my nosy girl,” she teased.

“Paigeeeee” she whined, “Shut up.” she added as she weakly smacked Paige’s arm.

Paige chuckled softly, “I’m just playing, you know that, let’s get you cleaned up yeah?” she offered.

Azzi’s grip tightened around her waist “5 more minutes,” she insisted.

10 minutes later Paige was finally in the bathroom getting a warm washcloth despite Azzi’s whines of “you're too comfy” and “wow you’re gonna leave me after that”.

She returned quietly, sitting on the edge of the bed to help Azzi clean up.

“Can you spread for me, ma?” she questioned gently.

Azzi’s legs fell open as Paige carefully wiped the slick from the inside of her thighs, still mindful of her sensitiveness.

“There you go, my love” she whispered as she pressed a kiss to Azzi’s inner thigh before setting the cloth on the bedside table and getting up to get Azzi a new tee and boxers.

After they’d both changed and cleaned up they laid back in bed, Azzi laying softly on Paige’s chest as her hand weakly grabbed at Paige’s shirt.

After a couple beats of silence Azzi spoke up, “Did we really just fuck?” she asked, sounding half-surprised half-amused.

“Yeah. Yeah we really just fucked.” Paige responded.

“Goodnight nosy girl,” Paige teased one last time.

“Paige!” Azzi shrieked with fake annoyance.

“Okok! Just kiddin’, goodnight mami, don’t forget about team breakfast tomorrow.

— next morning —

Paige stirred first, the orange sunlit cutting through the blinds like a knife.

The first thing she registered was warmth, not summer warmth.

Azzi warmth.

She looked down to see the younger girl resting quietly on top of her.

Her lips tugged upward in awe while she just admired her for a while.

That didn’t last too long though because Azzi could somehow always tell when Paige was awake and she woke only a couple minutes after.

“Morning gorgeous” Paige said immediately as Azzi stirred.

Azzi grinned as she huffed, “Morning, my legs feel tingly..” she murmured into Paige’s chest.

Paige raised her eyebrows in mock-confusion “Oh really? Why’s that?” She jokingly questioned.

Azzi just shot her a glare before closing her eyes with a sigh, nuzzling closer into Paige’s side.

Paige was seriously thinking about going back to bed right there on the spot, but decided against it because she knew that if they did skip the team breakfast, speculations would rise and the teasing would be endless.

So she rubbed Azzi’s hips and said “You look so cute right now baby, but we do have a team breakfast to attend. And if we skip it, you’ll end up being my breakfast so let’s go superstar.

Azzi peeked an eye open at that and smirked wickedly. “Is that supposed to be a threat? ‘Cause that just sounds tempting,” she replied.

“Azzi Fudd do not tempt me right now. C’mon lets go” She said tapping her hip.

Reluctantly, Azzi got up with a groan “I’m convinced you hate me” She had said before she actually got up, which Paige just replied with a laugh and a shake of her head.

—

When they were dressed and ready they left Paige’s dorm, honestly thankful KK had already left for breakfast.

When they got to the dining hall they immediately spotted the team who just stared at them awkwardly for a second.

“Why the fuck are they all staring at us?” Azzi whispered to Paige.

Paige just chuckled again, “It’s alright, baby they're just being weird like usual.” She said while she guided Azzi to get some breakfast.

Paige made a face when she saw Azzi reach for some salad. “Ew.” she had said “Who decidedly chooses to have salad for breakfast?” She asked.

Azzi turned around and raised her eyebrows with a smirk, “You don’t like anything healthy so I don’t wanna hear it.” She said and turned around to grab eggs and walk over to the table.

Paige followed behind her and playfully smacked her ass before they reached the table.

“Paige!” Azzi whisper-yelled.

Paige just wiggled her eyebrows before sitting down at the table, patting the spot beside her for Azzi.

Everyone was eating and talking about stuff. School, practice, homework.

Paige and Azzi didn’t engage, they just looked at each other and smiled, a small blush creeping up Azzi’s neck.

She tried to take a bite of her food before anyone noticed but of course KK noticed, because she’s KK and what doesn’t she notice at this point?

And what was KK’s favourite thing to do? Tease Paige and Azzi. So naturally, she smirked and spoke up. “Yall look.. different,” She said, not loud enough for anyone else to hear but loud enough for Paige and Azzi to hear across from her, eyes flicking across Paige’s smug grin and Azzi’s very-obvious-not-very-hidden blush.

Paige raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Different how, KK?”

“I dunno…” She shrugged while a smirk tugged at her lips. “Y’all are just, like, smiley, and Paige has barely touched her eggs, which is sus.”

“Uhhhh, w-what is that supposed to mean?” Azzi asked awkwardly.

“Mmhm” She shrugged again, sipping her orange juice this time, “Just sayin”

Azzi glanced at Paige, who was just sitting at the table with a smug smile pulling at her lips.

Paige also picked up her orange juice and KK added “Funny how y’all also locked the door last night…” She said before raising her eyebrows and taking another bite of her eggs.

Azzi froze for a second, eyes wide and her cheeks tinged with a now very obvious blush.

Paige just snorted into her drink.

They only lasted max 1 minute before Nika decided she wanted to jump in too, “Y’know, now that you mention it KK, I didn’t see Azzi come back last night,” She added.

“No way, that’s weird ‘cause I thought I heard something from Paige’s room but I thought it was just her sleep talking or falling off the bed. Weird.” She said, smirking at them. “Oh yeah, not to mention what I saw last nig-“

“Okay KK! Thank you for your intel! You can be done now!” Azzi interrupted.

Azzi was completely red now, jaw slightly agape.

Paige was smirking, acting like she was completely unfazed by this. “Ion know what y’all talkin’ bout. We were just having a sleepover like normal best friends do.” She shrugged nonchalantly.

Azzi groaned and leaned her head on Paige’s shoulder.

Nika and KK glanced at each other and smirked, they didn’t tease them for the rest of breakfast but Azzi was flustered the whole time.

—

Once breakfast was over they both returned to Paige’s dorm to get ready for practice.

“That was literal hell.” Azzi groaned the second they entered Paige’s room.

“It wasn’t that bad, they were just teasing ma, they don’t actually know anything” Paige said, opening her arms for Azzi.

“Paige. They definitely know something, especially KK! She probably heard everything.” She said as she crossed the room and wrapped her arms around Paige’s shoulders.

“Well, you were kinda loud,” She teased, wrapping her arms around Azzi’s waist.

“Paige! Seriously?” She tried to push Paige away but her grip stayed tight around Azzi’s waist. “It wasn’t even my fault.” She muttered under her breath.

“Oh yeah? Whose fault was it then baby?” Paige questioned as she looked down at Azzi with a raised eyebrow.

“Yours obviously, bighead. You were the one who made me make those sounds.” She said with mock-annoyance.

“Mmm right. Okay I’ll take the blame this time but now we gotta go to practice before we get teased again.”

—

Geno and CD had told them it was going to be a hard practice, the season was approaching and they needed to lock in, he had said.

And he was not lying he made them do sprints and suicides for way longer than usual without a water break.

When they finally did get a water break Paige walked over to Azzi and tilted her chin up with her fingers.

“You okay?” She asked.

“Yeah just super tired already, not to mention how my legs were already sore to begin with,” Azzi teased.

Paige just winked and wiped some sweat off of Azzi’s face with her jersey.

Azzi blushed and looked up at Paige.

“You really gonna get me all flustered at practice?” Azzi smirked.

“Just helping out a teammate,” Paige replied before running back to the court. Behind her she heard Nika groan and KK make exaggerated gagging noises.

Azzi rolled her eyes with a laugh and jogged back on court. She tried dribbling the ball, but her legs felt more wobbly than usual and her mind kept drifting back to Paige— her eyes too.

She was running a play and was about to make a pass to Aaliyah on the wing, but her finger slipped and the ball bounced out of bounds.

“Fudge!” Azzi exclaimed as she sprinted after the ball. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

“Fudd! Tighten up what was that!?” Geno exclaimed, “You got butter on your fingers or something? Lock in!” he said.

Azzi was even more embarrassed now. “I know! Sorry coach, it won't happen again.”

Paige was already at the ball, picking it up and holding it just out of Azzi’s reach. “Careful there, superstar,” she teased, smirking as Azzi reached for the ball.

“Paige! Give it!” She groaned, half exhausted, half amused.

“Just sayin.. maybe keep your eyes on the ball next time, and not me. Same with your head,” She winked and tossed the ball back.

Azzi rolled her eyes and laughed at herself. Behind them KK was gagging again and almost everyone was looking at them at this point but neither Paige or Azzi seemed to care.

A little while later they were running scrimmages. Azzi caught the ball on a backdoor cut and was going for the reverse lay when Sarah came up from behind and swatted it a little too hard. Azzi fell to the floor. It wasn’t intentional by any means, and it definitely did no harm, just a little shock. But Paige didn’t care.

“Yo! Watch what your doin Sarah!” She yelled from the bench, running on court to help Azzi up.

“Bro it was an accident, chill.” Sarah had responded while she went to go get water with everyone else.

“You good, Az?” She asked while she held her hands out to Azzi.

“Yeah, P. She didn’t do it on purpose,” She said while grabbing Paige’s hands and standing up and wiping her hands on her shorts.

“I know that but still, Ion like seeing you on the floor. You know that.” Paige replied like it was nothing, like it wasn’t her own teammate at practice.

“I know, P, but I’m alright okay? Just calm down a lil,” Azzi reassured.

“Yo, P! She’s fine! Stop being so whipped bro!” Nika called from the bleachers.

Paige rolled her eyes and gave Nika the middle finger.

—

Paige and Azzi were chilling in Paige’s living room on the couch. Paige laid down with her head propped up on the head rest. Azzi was sprawled on top of her like a koala, arms wrapped around her neck and legs wrapped around her waist, completely caging her in.

Paige was scratching Azzi’s back absentmindedly with one hand as she scrolled on her phone with the other. Azzi’s breathing was even and Paige knew she needed a good nap right now so she decided not to move an inch until Azzi woke up.

Unfortunately that idea had been somewhat interrupted when her phone buzzed with a text

The ballers 🏀🐺🍾

KK: Hey girly pops, we needa like bond sooo.. Movie night in mine in Paige’s dorm in 20!

Jana: Bet see you there

Nika: Are P and A gon be decent while we’re there?

Aaliyah: 🤣🤣🤣

Caroline: Lmao me and sarah will be there

Paige: okay KK how about you ask before you plan stuff in our dorm?

Paige: and no one is coming over Azzi’s sleeping right now

Nika: Bro you are so whipped.

KK: well she gonna have to wake up cause we need to bond as a team

KK: ima come in that living room and take a photo of yall if you don’t get decent by the time everyone comes

Paige: bro no one cares?

Paige: whatever .

Aaliyah: Paige bro, just wake your girl up and we can all chill tg

Paige: shes not my girl and i’m tryna wake her up but yall keep texting

Nika: Okay bye simp see you in 20 mins

*hearted by KK, Aaliyah, And Jana*

Paige looked down at Azzi and felt so bad. How could the team be so heartless?

“Az,” she nudged her softly.

“mmm.” She groaned, tightening her legs around Paige’s waist and hiding her face in her neck. “No,” she said simply.

“I know, ma, but everyone’s coming over so you gotta get up.”

“Paigeeee.” She whined, “I don’t wanna. ‘M sleepy,” she pouted.

“I know we can go to my room early if you want but cmon,” she said tapping her butt gently.

“Uhgggg, fine. But only ‘cause I wanna spend time with you,” She said, lifting herself from Paige and stretching on her lap.

Paige saw her exposed stomach and decided to tickle Azzi.

“Paige! Get off!” she said, swatting her hands away and laughing.

Just then KK emerged from her room, one hand covering her eyes, the other out in front of her to guide herself.

“Are yall cool?” She asked dramatically.

Paige and Azzi both laughed at their teammates' antics. “KK you’re so dramatic” They said in unison through laughter.

She peeked through her fingers. “Oh my Gosh!” She quickly covered your eyes again. “That’s nasty! I’ve already been traumatized twice! Like seriously!” She exclaimed as she started excessively gagging again.

Paige and Azzi had tears in their eyes from laughing so hard. “KK,” Paige wheezed, “Nothing’s even happening” She managed as she was laughing.

“She’s sitting on you! That’s gross!” She said, “And that’s exactly what you said last time and then I heard..” She shivered, “I never wanna relive those sounds. So please Azzi, my dearest third roommate, please get off Paigey’s lap.” She begged.

They were both wiping tears as they sat up. “First off, you're so unintentionally funny KK,” Azzi wheezed, “Secondly it’s not weird to sit on your friends,” She took a breath as she stopped laughing, "Lastly, we have no idea what you’re talking about,” She ended, while glancing over at Paige who was clearly holding back another laugh.

“No, I heard Azz-“

Knock. Knock.

They both shot KK a glare before Paige got up and opened the door where she was met with all of her teammates’ wonderful faces.

“Hey y’all, come in,” she said, moving out of the way so they could all move past her. She saw someone with Tru Fru, someone with coolers and someone with popcorn, she was honestly too tired to look at their faces.

“HEY GIRLY POPS!!” KK shouted as everyone walked in, “So we’ll all get food then pick a movie.” She directed, and everyone listened as they moved their way to the kitchen.

Paige and Azzi were somehow, very uncoincidentally, at the back of the line so no one was watching them.

Paige wrapped her arms around Azzi’s hands from behind and rested her chin on her shoulder, pressing a kiss to her neck secretly and backing away. Azzi just stood there blushing as kept her gaze forward.

Finally it was Paige and Azzi’s turn to get food, Paige grabbed a bowl of popcorn and Azzi grabbed a bowl of Tru Fru as they both grabbed a cooler.

When they returned to the living room Paige scanned the room to find a seat for them, as she scanned she realized that there was only one spot left on the couch. A wicked grin spread across her face and she turned around to whisper to Azzi, “Follow me,” and then she turned and walked to the open spot on the couch.

Azzi raised an eyebrow at first, clearly unaware of what Paige was about to say. She watched as Paige settled on the couch between Caroline and Nika, setting her food and drink on the table.

Paige looked up at Azzi and grinned “C’mere, mama,” She said, patting her lap.

Azzi was stunned at first, eyes widening, but then she smirked and sat down on Paige’s lap. Paige wrapped one arm around Azzi’s waist and settled it on her thigh before she grabbed the popcorn bucket with the other.

Azzi turned around so she could feed Paige a Tru Fru. Paige bit it while she held eye contact with Azzi. It definitely might’ve been a little excessive considering the environment they were in, but when did they ever hold back?

Nika snorted beside them, but decided upon teasing them right now. KK on the other hand, lost it.

“WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!” She yelled, standing up and pointing at Paige and Azzi, “AND WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?” She gestured her hands wildly toward them. She started gagging yet again and this time she clutched her stomach like she was actually about to be sick.

“Nah bro. Listen man yall are gonna give me permanent trauma. I can’t keep doing this.” She said excessively while wiping at her imaginary tears.

“KK chill, I mean it’s weird, but they're just sitting. Plus there’s nowhere else for Azzi to sit anyway.” Nika added. But then she turned to Paige and Azzi, “But please keep it PG-13” she added.

“Nah Nika, you don’t understand what I had to go through. What I had to see. What I had to hear.” KK replied.

Paige turned red before she spoke up “Okay KK! Thank you for sharing with the class once again.” She said, “We get it, we’ll be chill alright it’s honestly just ‘cause there were no more available seats but we’ll keep it PG-13! I think you’re okay to stop talking now.”

Azzi just sat there, she was the one looking amused this time.

KK slumped in her seat in defeat “Can’t believe this bro,” she muttered under her breath.

Paige and Azzi chuckled to themselves before relaxing and watching the movie.

Quite frankly, Paige and Azzi found the movie to be very boring, but everyone else seemed to be very locked into the movie. Perfect. That’s what thought was going through Paige’s mind. She knew Azzi wasn’t paying attention because she was squirming, moving around on Paige’s lap, picking at her nails.

So Paige decided to entertain her. She kept her eyes on the movie, but she moved her hand subtly towards Azzi’s inner thigh. She moved just barely, so no one would notice. But Azzi noticed immediately, her cheeks flushed and she pressed her lips into a thin line.

Paige could see her out of her peripheral vision, she could see she was struggling. She decided to test the waters and move her hand up higher, under Azzi’s sleep shorts. Azzi clamped her thighs together tight and fast and Paige returned her hand back to its original spot on her thigh. Nika noticed that.

“You okay, Az?” She asked curiously, eyebrows raised as she looked at the flustered Azzi and smug Paige.

“Uh what? Me? Oh yeah, no, I’m good, great actually. But y’know I think I have to go to the washroom actually!” She scrambled out of Paige’s hold and rushed to the washroom.

Paige laughed under her breath, but then someone paused the movie. Before Paige could speculate who it was, Nika spoke up.

“Alright, twin, you know I love you but seriously. What is going on with you and Azzi? Yall been acting weird than usual lately, like whenever KK says she heard something you both get reallll defensive” She

questioned.

Aaliyah leaned in next, “Yeah no I agree. And today at practice you guys kept looking at each other and smirking and like, eye fucking each other basically.” Aaliyah added.

KK spoke next, “Yeah, not to mention my rather traumatic experiences, seriously what’s going on?”

“Okay okay jeez calm down detectives. Nothing happened, she just came over for some team bonding last night, we may’ve kissed or something, but it was nothing but friendliness, seriously!” Paige defended.

“Yeah ‘team bonding’ alright. Let me just say it was more than just a kiss.” KK said quickly before Paige could interrupt.

“KK!” Paige yelled. “Okay everyone, chill. Yes, maybe something happened, maybe something didn’t, I dunno. But I do know that I feel very unsafe right now and I think my best friend needs help so, if you’ll excuse me, me and Azzi need to go have some more team bonding, alone.” She said with a smug smirk as she walked away. Behind her she heard her teammates all leave the dorm with things like “AYO WHAT THE FUCK!” and “EW GET ME OUT OF HERE IMMEDIATELY!” and she definitely heard KK’s voice yelling, “NIKA IM SLEEPING WITH YOU TONIGHT I DO NOT WANNA RELIVE THAT” Paige just laughed as she walked towards her bedroom where Azzi was.

Paige had successfully gotten everyone to leave the dorm, and now team bonding was about to get real serious.

[slutzforbueckers]

masterlist— paige bueckers

SMUT ONESHOTS :

twenty nights- based on the song twenty nights by nobu woods. you and paige are sneaky links because for 1. she doesn’t do relationships(being the face of UCONN’s Wbb and all) and 2. you already had a girlfriend. twenty nights pt2- viola went through your phone while you were asleep and found that you had been cheating on her.

let loose- paige comes home from a tiring game and you make it your mission to help her relax.

vacation- you and some of the team go on a week long vacation together to start off the first week of summer, and finally the tension between you and paige couldn’t get any thicker. vacation pt2– the morning after you and paige confessed your feelings for each other.

something new- paige had mentioned wanting to try the strap and the day has finally come.

glasses stay on- making paige keep her glasses on while you eat her out. (inspired by that tt of her and kk at the soccer game

date nights- the start and ending of a date night with paige.

you belong to somebody else- when paige’s girlfriend can’t do it right, her best friend is always there to pick up the slack.

obsessed with it- paige is obsessed with your piercing… and eating you out.

can i?- paige is obsessed with riding your thigh and your obsessed with letting her.

i wouldn't fuck it up- turns out getting humiliated by your boyfriend can end better than you would think.

all you gotta do- when paige is having a bad day and being a brat, it’s your job to correct her.

date nights- the start and ending of a date night with paige.

one more- a quickie before bed turns into more.

missed you— while paige was away you decided to send her risky messages, making her needy for you when she got home.

worst behavior - you and paige are exes that can’t stay away from each other, always ending up in each others beds no matter how many times you said you were done. based on worst behavior by kwn.

take a ride- paige riding your strap— or, fucking paige on your strap.

she can switch- paige is the biggest tease, but so are you.

netflix and chill- inviting paige over to chill but it’s never really just chilling.

do it again- paige making you squirt for the first time after taking you back to her hotel room from her afterparty.

morning light- a glimpse of what it’s like being married to paige.

once in a lifetime- paige takes a liking to you after you join the team, slowly but surely.

kiss land- you were a stripper and paige had her eyes on you—just her luck, you had your eyes on her.

look at me- basically just fingering paige.

all night long- you and paige take the viral honey packets—as a joke, of course— and you doubted its authenticity until you both couldn’t keep your hands off of each other.

quiet- paige dragging you away from the rest of the team so you can fuck her, but she’s gotta stay quiet because they can’t find out you’re fucking the rookie.

fresh cut trance- coming home from getting your hair cut and the reaction from paige was not what you were expecting.

keep talking to me- after paige’s game you have your routine facetime call, only this time paige starts something you can’t go back from.

late night desires- when a hot dream wakes you up in the middle of the night, horny and a wreck, you wake paige up so she can take care of you.

keep it a secret- sneaking around with your brothers best friend and almost getting caught.

you get me so high- when the mood is set and the weed it hitting, one thing leds to another.

don't make me wait- you’re out with your friends and paige is home alone… you can imagine how that turns out.

keep you warm- paige is taking too long to come to bed so, you take thing into your own hands.

when things change- when things change between you and paige on a random friday evening.

can't wait anymore- when you got back from a school trip all you wanted to do was have alone time with your girlfriend but your friends had other plans, leaving paige to take things into her own hands.

take a ride- paige switches things up and paiges you ride her, you find it to be harder than you thought.

oopsies- you and paige were in the middle of sexting when she got a message from the team groupchat… she accidentally sent the wrong message to the wrong chat.

good luck charm- making sure you get your good luck charm before a game.

tie me down, don't leave my side- paige just wants to be tied down and who are you to deny her that.

don't suffocate- sub paige riding your face for the first time.

you take me so well- telling paige she takes it well?

a reason to stay- paige doesn’t want to leave home so she makes sure she won’t.

FLUFF ONESHOTS:

friends do this...right?- sleepovers with paige have always been interesting, this one in particular happened to open a new chapter in your lives.

distance means nothing- long distance turns out the be harder than you thought and paige hates to see her girl upset so she gets you on the next flight out.

mini star- a cute moment where you get to be a part of paige coaching your daughter into becoming a mini basketball star.

you make it better- paige was having a bad day until she came home to her favorite girls.

no. 1 pick- sharing a moment with paige after being drafted.

running into you- what happens when you run into paige bueckers? literally.

interruption- kk burst into a romantic moment between you and paige to tell you about her latest crush.

we'll never have sex- when going live with paige turns into your singing to her in front of thousands of people.

team effort- after losing a game, one of the reporters at the press conference tried to pin the loss on you. paige wasn’t having it.

such a softie- after you and paige make things official, your first thought is to call your best friend and spill the news. the only problem is that you can’t find your phone and when you reach for paige’s phone you see something you weren’t meant to see.

someday- exploring downtown dallas, you find yourself in a vintage thrift store where you find the cute set baby clothes and spark the topic of kids.

breath out...so i can breath you in- trying a new tiktok trend with paige

how the time flies- time flies when you're with the person you love.

still the prettiest- paige is in love and can’t help but take care of you wherever you’re sick.

HEADCANNONS:

baby lets get stoned- headcanons for paige x stoner!reader

whipped- head canons for paige being an obsessed girlfriend.

rapper!gf- head canons for paige x rapper!gf

ANGST ONESHOTS:

sidelines- in which paige works her way into your life and you have a hard time letting her in. based on sidelines by phoebe bridgers.

dear april- what happens when two people— two very different people— meet and fall in love?

over the summer- you and paige are best friends but she’s been away for basketball summer camp and your parents are arguing more, the day she comes back is the day you’re moving away.

TEXT IMAGINES:

surprise?

forgive me

*monkey covering eye emoji*

[ella-aaa]

Pls watch this FULL I repeat FULLLL video and stop with the think pieces already. No one is defending Chris Browns actions in any way but yall seriously gotta go and touch some grass with the whole “holding Paige accountable” argument.

Edit: if u chose not to follow Paige after this then that is completely up fine and ur welcome to do that, BUT if ur looking for an apology from Paige I can guarantee you that is not gonna happen 🤷🏽‍♀️

[teamfueckers]

Okay this might be too freaky haha but one shot idea: what if like as a birthday present Azzi decides to cook for Paige without clothes on while Paige watches and gets turned on and then you know things ensue…

Wrapped In Nothing

a/n: loved this request and i added a fun little plot idea that came from one of my favorite songs right now, Not Fair by Leon Thomas. Hope you enjoy it :)

wc: 3.4k+

warnings: smut, MINORS DNI

It wasn’t often Paige and Azzi fought for more than a few hours. They were annoyingly good at conflict resolution. One of them always caved. Usually Paige, because she couldn’t handle the sound of her own silence. But sometimes Azzi would too because Paige would wear her down with relentless, stupid, golden retriever-level optimism. But this time? This time it was serious.

It was about the dog.

Which, sure, probably didn’t sound like a big deal to anyone else. But they’d been circling this conversation for months. Since Paige got drafted to the Wings and had immediately fallen in love with every curly-haired golden doodle she saw on the street, on TikTok, in her dreams, she’d been manifesting this dog like her career depended on it. 

She had links to breeders, shelter profiles, screenshots, saved posts—the whole nine.

Azzi had been the practical one. “You’re literally playing 35 minutes a night and want to adopt a toddler with fur,” she would remind her anytime her girlfriend brought it up. She kept pushing back, saying let’s get through your rookie season first, and let’s wait until we live together full-time, and let’s find a place with a yard, and now, let’s wait until after unrivaled, like the excuses were on a loop and she was cycling through them alphabetically.

But Paige was done with the excuses. Because by now? They’d checked off every box Azzi had ever put on the list. They were living together in a beautiful new home—one Paige bought the minute Azzi got drafted to the Wings. It had a fenced-in backyard, ready for a four-legged friend to play fetch. They’d finished a full season, even made it to the second round of the playoffs. What was left to wait for?

Paige’s birthday was three days away, and all she wanted was a puppy. A small, squishable, fully hypoallergenic, wiggly little guy to love.

But Azzi said, “I think we need to agree on a name first.”

And that was the last straw for Paige. Because what the hell does that even mean? Who says no to a puppy because of a NAME? You don’t name the baby before you meet the baby. Paige was sure of it now. This wasn’t about the name. This was about Azzi stalling. Again. And she wasn’t sure why she was being so difficult about the whole thing.

So Paige got petty. She knew that she was being a bit of a brat, but she couldn’t help it. She said something stupid about Azzi being a fun sponge who hated joy. Azzi snapped back something low about being too impulsive. 

Paige flinched. Azzi shut down. 

And just like that, the living room was quiet in that very loud way where two people are trying very hard not to cry or punch a wall.

On day two of the Cold War, Paige was pretending to watch TV, but mostly she was glaring at the wall in silent protest. Azzi had gone on three separate jogs in 24 hours, which was basically a code red. Their friends had started texting both of them—you good?—after they bailed on plans and sent back matching yeah all good just tired texts. Which, obviously, meant no one was good and everyone was lying.

Paige was so close to going online and picking out a dog herself—name, breed, everything, damn the consequences. But the truth was, she didn’t want to do it without Azzi. Even if she was still pissed, even if the fight still sat like a bruise in her chest, she didn’t want their first pet to be born out of spite. That wasn’t how she wanted to remember it.

What Paige didn’t know was that Azzi had already made an appointment at a golden doodle shelter with a brand-new litter. She’d been planning the whole surprise for Paige’s birthday… but, of course, she had to go and ruin it by being her usual stubborn, infuriating self.

Azzi just had to hold out a little longer—even if every part of her wanted to blow the whole surprise just to make pouty Paigey go away. The plan was set. Appointment booked. Puppy basically gift-wrapped and ready to waddle straight into Paige’s arms.

The problem was that Paige was still mad. Not in a dramatic, storming-off kind of way—just the slow-burn, emotionally chilly version, where she said, “I’m fine,” as if it were a threat.

And Azzi was starting to worry that Paige might be too mad to leave the house on her birthday.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

So the next morning, Azzi got bold. No more passive-aggressive standoffs. No more stewing in separate rooms.

She knew her girlfriend. She knew how to break that pout wide open. She knew what buttons to push, which switches to flip, and—when it really mattered—how to short-circuit every last one of Paige’s defenses.

And if that meant syrup, seduction, and a little birthday sin? So be it.

She woke up early.

She had decided to make pancakes from scratch. The real kind, not the mix. She even added chocolate chips, because Paige said it tasted like “love.” She was already cooking in the kitchen by the time Paige shuffled out of the bedroom mid-yawn, hair a mess, still in her pajamas, and stopped dead in her tracks just past the hallway.

Azzi didn’t turn at first. She stood at the stove like she had all the time in the world, flipping a pancake with infuriating grace—as if she weren’t perfectly aware of how exposed she was. Every shift of her shoulders made the muscles of her back flex and roll, a slow, casual display that was anything but accidental.

“Morning,” she said, voice lazy, unhurried. Like two days of cold silence hadn’t happened. Like she wasn’t deliberately standing there naked, knowing Paige’s eyes would betray her.

Paige swallowed hard. “What… what are you doing?”

Azzi tilted her head, hair falling over one shoulder, the smallest smirk tugging her lips. “Making breakfast.”

“…Like that?”

“Like what?”

“You’re not wearing any clothes.”

“It’s hot in here,” Azzi said, completely flat, though the subtle curl at the edge of her mouth betrayed her. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Paige folded her arms tight across her chest, trying not to stare, trying not to break. Azzi was cheating, weaponizing every line of her body. “I’m still not talking to you,” Paige snapped, but there was no real bite to her words.

That finally got her. Azzi turned just slightly, enough to glance over her shoulder—and Paige’s pulse spiked.

She was naked, bare skin against cool granite, completely unbothered, casually flipping a pancake with one hand like this was a fully clothed, emotionally neutral morning.

Because of course she’d do that. What a menace. Paige stared, heart thudding, and thought, Yep. That’s it. I’m done. There go my last three brain cells.

Her defenses didn’t just crack—they evaporated.

She swallowed hard, tried to act normal, failed spectacularly. Her singular thought was interrupted by Azzi’s voice.

“Then don’t talk,” Azzi murmured, eyes locking on hers. “It’s your birthday. Just sit while I finish cooking breakfast.”

The words hit harder than Paige expected. Her chest tightened, her throat catching. She forgot what day it was. 

She nodded, barely.

Then, slowly, she moved to one of the kitchen stools and sat down—quiet, blinking, hands folded in her lap like she didn’t know what else to do with them.

And Azzi just… kept cooking.

Completely naked. Calm. Focused. She moved around the kitchen like nothing had happened—like she hadn’t just knocked the wind out of Paige with a few soft words and a spatula. Hair still messy from sleep, pulled up in a high bun with curls framing her face, she was totally at ease, flipping pancakes as if it were just any other morning.

Paige tried to look away. She really did. But her eyes kept drifting back—tracking every curve, every flex, every unbothered little movement. It wasn’t even about sex. It was something better. Something softer.

She was making breakfast for her because it was her birthday. And because—despite the argument—they still loved each other like it was automatic.

She needed to do something—anything—before she melted right off the stool.

So she stood and stepped forward, reaching for the plate Azzi had just finished putting together, trying to play it cool. But Azzi pulled it back just an inch, teasing. Their bodies nearly touched, warmth sparking between them. Paige froze, caught in the trap, and Azzi’s smirk deepened, softening at the edges.

Paige didn’t reach again.

Instead, she leaned in—slow, cautious—and wrapped her arms around Azzi’s waist. Her cheek pressed to bare skin, and for a moment she just stood there, breathing her in.

“I don’t want to fight, okay?” she asked quietly, holding the plate just out of reach. “Happy birthday, baby.”

Paige’s resolve cracked, the pout she’d been clinging to slipping fast. It wasn’t fair. None of this was fair. Azzi was impossible to fight like this.

“Thanks, babe. I’m sorry for being so pushy.”

“It’s okay, I’m sorry too.”

“Let’s just press pause on the whole dog thing. Wanna enjoy today with you.”

Azzi replied, “Sounds good to me.” She gave Paige kisses along her cheek, jawline, and neck before stepping out of the embrace to finish cooking. 

Paige held the plate herself now, but she wasn’t looking at it anymore. Her eyes dragged down Azzi’s body, unapologetic now, following the smooth slope of her shoulders, the subtle definition of her abs, the curve of her perky breasts, and the way every movement seemed engineered to make Paige ache. Heat coiled low in her stomach, sharp and unrelenting.

Azzi finished making her own plate before setting it aside on the counter. She closed the gap between them. She moved as if she were still cooking, still in control, but her hand slid along Paige’s wrist, coaxing her to set the plate she had been holding onto down. Azzi’s fingers lingered, deliberate, tracing the sensitive inside of her arm before gliding lower.

Paige shivered, her jaw clenched tight to hide the reaction. Azzi leaned in, lips brushing her ear, breath hot enough to make Paige’s knees wobble.

“So tell me,” Azzi murmured, wicked amusement threading through her voice, “do you want pancakes first… or me?”

Paige’s throat worked, the answer punching out before her brain could catch it. “Both,” she whispered, raw and needy.

Azzi’s laugh was low and dangerous, the kind that promised trouble. “Greedy girl.” She didn’t sound disapproving. If anything, she sounded thrilled.

Before Paige could blink, Azzi had the syrup bottle in hand, her gaze locked like she was daring Paige to stop her. She tilted it slowly, letting a glossy amber line trail down the curve of her chest, dripping across her hardened nipples and down the dip of her stomach. Paige’s eyes went wide, breath catching.

“Ready for a taste,” Azzi said, voice velvet and sharp all at once.

She licked slow at first, savoring it, dragging her tongue over the swell of Azzi’s breast, circling a nipple until Azzi’s fingers fisted tight in her hair. Paige smiled against her skin, then sucked hard—just to hear her moan.

Azzi’s legs shifted beneath her, thighs parting slightly, the tension in her body spiraling higher with every pass of Paige’s mouth. Syrup was moving lower now, clinging to the ridges of Azzi’s hips, and Paige dropped to her knees on the kitchen tile, sticky and flushed, dragging her tongue down the last of the syrup trail. Then she looked up, eyes dark, lips shining.

“Taste’s so good, ma,” she murmured, voice thick with heat. “Sweet all over.”

Azzi let out a low, broken laugh, her hand already in Paige’s hair, tightening. “Fuck—P. Feels like my birthday.” 

Paige grinned, kissed the inside of her thigh, then licked higher, just enough to make Azzi twitch.

“Nah, you know this is my favorite place to be,” she whispered. “Best birthday gift I could ask for.

Her tongue dragged slow and deliberate, tasting every inch of her, savoring every soft gasp that spilled from Azzi’s mouth.

Azzi moaned, fingers sinking harder into Paige’s hair. “Well, consider this your first present of many today.”

“Yeah?” Paige looked up, lips slick, eyes dark with intent. She let her fingers trail slowly up the inside of Azzi’s thigh, featherlight, maddening. “You want me to make a mess of you right here?” she whispered. “On the kitchen counter? Legs spread, dripping for me—syrup, spit, all of it?”

Azzi bit her bottom lip, hard.

Paige leaned in closer, her mouth brushing just shy of where Azzi was wet and waiting.

“Fuck yes,” Azzi breathed. “Do it. I’m yours. Fucking eat.”

She stood suddenly, hands gripping Azzi’s thighs, and with one smooth, determined motion, lifted her up and onto the kitchen counter. Azzi let out a breathy gasp, heels knocking lightly against the cabinet doors as Paige stepped in between her legs.

“Spread,” Paige said, voice low, steady. Azzi obeyed without a word, hands braced behind her, thighs parting wide as the cool granite met her bare skin. The contrast made her shiver—cold countertop, warm air, Paige’s hot breath ghosting over where she needed her most.

“Jesus,” Paige groaned, almost to herself. “You’re so fucking perfect like this.”

Then, she dropped to her knees again, her hands sliding up Azzi’s calves, then gripping just above her knees. She looked up, lips parted, eyes locked in—hungry.

Then she leaned in.

Tongue first—slow, deliberate, licking through the slick mess between Azzi’s legs like she had all the time in the world. Her lips closed around her clit in a slow suck, then she did it again, rougher this time, more pressure, her rhythm precise and merciless. Azzi gasped, back arching, one hand flying forward to clutch at Paige’s hair.

Paige moaned into her, the vibration shooting straight through Azzi’s core.

“Fuck, you’re soaked,” Paige rasped. “Been thinking about this all morning, haven’t you?”

Azzi nodded, breathless, hips rolling forward. “Fuck—yes. Don’t stop.”

Paige pulled back just enough to speak, her mouth slick, her voice a low growl. “Say please.”

Azzi’s fingers tightened in her hair, her voice catching. “Please.”

Paige smirked, licking a slow stripe up the inside of her thigh before meeting her eyes. “Good girl.” And then her mouth was already back on her. One hand slid up, fingers digging into Azzi’s hip to anchor her, hold her still. The other drifted higher, thumb circling, adding just enough pressure to make Azzi cry out.

Every sound Azzi made just spurred her on—each gasp, each broken curse, each helpless moan echoing off the tile. Paige kept going, deeper, messier, fucking her with her mouth like she had something to prove.

Azzi was shaking now, head tipped back, thighs trembling around Paige’s shoulders. Her orgasm hit fast and hard—hips jerking, breath catching, voice cracking on Paige’s name like a prayer.

But Paige didn’t stop.

She didn’t even slow down.

Because it was her birthday. And Azzi? Azzi was the gift that kept on giving.

She kissed her way back up Azzi’s stomach, chasing the last streaks of syrup like a woman starved, until Azzi caught her under the chin and pulled her up into a kiss that was all tongue, all hunger, no patience.

“Jesus,” Azzi breathed against her mouth, tasting herself on Paige’s lips. “Remind me to cook for you naked more often.”

Paige huffed. “You’ll win every fight then.”

“Exactly,” she murmured, nuzzling into Paige’s shoulder. “Now you get your pancakes.”

Paige laughed, breath still catching in her throat. “After all that? You think I have the strength to chew?”

“You’re gonna eat every bite,” Azzi said, kissing her collarbone. “Birthday rules.”

They moved slowly, giggly and clumsy, stealing kisses as they moved to the dining table. Azzi reheated the pancakes on the skillet, humming off-key, still wearing nothing but a few smudges of syrup and the world’s most satisfied smile.

Paige sat in one of the chairs watching her. Her heart was full—still pounding, still wild—but soft around the edges now. That golden, quiet heat after the fire.

When Azzi set the plate down in front of her—towering, buttery, drowned in syrup—Paige moaned dramatically.

“Oh my God. I love you.”

Azzi smirked, sitting down beside her. “I know.”

They dug in, sharing bites, licking syrup off each other’s fingers, occasionally feeding each other strawberries just for the excuse to kiss again. The morning had tipped into afternoon, and neither of them cared. This was exactly where Paige wanted to be. 

Then Azzi leaned back in her chair, fork dangling, and gave her a suspiciously casual look.

“So,” she said. “What do you say we go for a little drive?”

Paige narrowed her eyes. “A drive?”

“Just a quick one. Twenty minutes, tops.”

“Where you wanna go, ma?”

Azzi smiled too wide. “It’s a surprise.”

They finished breakfast, Paige still questioning her but too content to press, and within the hour they were in the car—windows down, music low, Paige driving them to an unknown location, only getting directions from Azzi on where to turn next.

She didn’t realize where they were going until they pulled into the gravel lot.

Her eyes went wide.

“Azzi… is this—?”

“Yup,” Azzi said, cutting the engine. “Animal rescue shelter. And yes, before you ask—I already talked to them. They’re expecting us.”

Paige turned to her, mouth open. “You’re kidding.”

Azzi reached into her purse and pulled out a little collar—lavender purple with a tiny golden tag that read Birthday Girl’s Pup.

“I’ve had this planned for months,” Azzi said, suddenly a little shy. “I was just trying to keep it a surprise.”

Paige blinked hard. “Well, now I feel like a dick.”

“Don’t, baby—it’s okay. I know you’ve been patiently or not so patiently… waiting for me to be on board. And I have been, I just wanted to surprise you.”

Paige’s eyes went glassy. “I’m gonna cry.”

Azzi leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth, soft and lingering. “You’re allowed. But let’s go meet your birthday girl first.”

The bell above the shelter door jingled as they stepped inside, hand in hand, Paige clutching the little lavender collar like it might disappear if she let go. The woman at the front desk smiled knowingly the second she saw them.

“You must be Paige and Azzi. Come on back—he’s waiting for you.”

Paige made a broken noise. Azzi squeezed her hand tighter.

They followed her into a side room, quieter than the rest of the shelter, with a handful of gated pens set up on padded flooring. And there—center pen, already at the gate—was him.

Golden curls. Big brown eyes. Floppy ears. His tail was a blur, wagging so hard his whole back end was dancing. And when he saw them, he let out a tiny bark and threw his whole little body against the gate like he’d just spotted his people.

Paige dropped to her knees.

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “That’s him. That’s our son.”

Azzi chuckled, undoing the latch. “Go ahead. He’s yours.”

The moment the gate opened, the puppy barrelled straight into Paige’s lap and immediately started licking her face like he’d been waiting weeks to do it. Paige laughed and cried at the same time, cradling his wiggling, squirming body against her chest.

“He’s perfect,” she whispered. “Az, you’re perfect.”

The puppy gave one happy yip and then, true to form, immediately tried to eat Paige’s hoodie string. The shelter worker smiled and handed Azzi a clipboard. “We’ll just need a few signatures. And you can take him home today.”

Paige turned, eyes wide. “Today-today?”

Azzi nodded. “You think I’d bring you here just to look? He’s coming home with us. He’s already yours.”

Paige threw herself into Azzi’s arms again, nearly squashing the dog between them. “I love you so much, baby.”

Azzi kissed her temple. “I love you too, P. Happy birthday.”

The puppy barked again, just to make sure he was included in the moment, and then flopped dramatically across both of their laps.

Paige stared down at him. “Okay, now we have to name him. Something good. Something iconic.”

Azzi smirked. “Don’t even try to pretend like you don’t already have a name in mind.”

Paige looked down at the puppy, a smile forming knowingly.

“I was thinking… Kai.”

Azzi looked at the puppy, who had now wrapped his paws around Paige’s wrist and was attempting to nibble her sleeve like it owed him money.

“Kai it is.”

The puppy let out a proud bark, like he agreed.

[michaelsfirstwife]

stop that is not a 5 necklace

ok .....