Where you go, I'll follow (no matter how far) pt 2
summary: pazzi evolution of 2018, with a sprinkle of fiction
part 1: here
word count: 10.6k
if you see any spelling or grammar mistakes, no you didn't
“I’m playing basketball till I break” Paige uttered into the air above her, watching the specific cloud she was observing shift from basketball shaped to more frying pan. It was easier to focus on the clouds, instead of the thumb tracing circles on her hand.
“Your health should be more important than basketball Paige.” The girl beside her softly exhaled, her warm breath tickling the side of Paige’s face.
They were laying in the Fudd’s back yard, Paige staying with the family to take part in the capital classic all star game for high schoolers which coincidentally was being played at Azzi’s school.
“I’m not saying I’m gonna overplay and damage myself, just that I’m playing till I physically can’t any more.” Paige shifted slightly, placing her free hand behind her head, turning it a little left to look at Azzi.
“What about after?” The brunette whispered into the space between them, curious and gentle.
“After basketball. What do you want your life to look like?”
Paige snorted, “What are you, my guidance counsellor?” In all honesty, Paige hasn’t really got that far. As said, the guidance counsellor at Hopkins who also acted as the college and career advisor had urged her to look past basketball, tried to prepare her for the possibility that it may not happen how she wants to but Paige had no time for him. She knew she would make it purely because she had to. Basketball was all she had, and if she didn’t, she wasn’t Paige. The thought of not making it pro was so scary she didn’t even want to entertain the idea of it not happening. So it’s all she let herself think about.
The hand that was delicately caressing her own shifted upwards, a slight shove to her upper arm, “Paige I’m serious.” Azzi whined.
Paige sighed, turning her vision back to the sky “I don’t know Az. Maybe coaching or something. What about you?” She asked desperate to take the attention off her, for once.
It was the perfect distraction, because the younger girl groaned and flopped down to look up at the clouds also. Paige had learnt a lot about Azzi in their almost a year of friendship, one of them being her incredible indecisiveness. The brunette couldn’t decide anything if her life depended on it, “I don’t know either. If I make it pro, I’ll probably just retire afterwards. The idea of not working sounds nice.” Azzi said, causing both girls to chuckle lightly.
A heavy silence lingered, not tense, but charged, daring one of them to break it. Azzi took up the onus, voice lowering, shifting again to be looking at Paige. “What about family?”
“Family?” Paige quirked an eyebrow, not finding the confidence in this moment to turn her head to look at Azzi.
“Yeah like, would you ever want kids?” Azzi asked, her voice light but carrying a weight Paige couldn’t quite place.
“Azzi, we are kids ourselves, I haven’t really thought about it.” Paige scoffed, deflecting. But god had she thought about it. For eleven months straight, her crush on the girl beside her had only grown, infecting every inch of her heart. She tried not to, didn’t want to let herself have a vision of the future that would never happen. But there were always moments of weakness.
Like that one late night during midterms, where both of them were on FaceTime, books open but ignored. Azzi was in her room, sprawled on her stomach, hair tied up messily, glasses slipping down her nose as she half-heartedly highlighted a passage. Paige had been watching her more than she’d been studying, lulled by the steady rhythm of Azzi’s voice reading notes aloud. Somewhere between midnight and two a.m, Paige’s mind had wandered. She’d pictured this same scene years from now, not exams, but maybe bills or grocery lists. Azzi still beside her, still effortlessly hers in the quiet. The thought had been so sharp, so real, that Paige’s chest had squeezed with equal parts fear and longing.
Or earlier that spring, Paige had gone with Azzi to one of her brother’s AAU tournaments. Between games, a teammate’s little sister had tripped on the bleachers and burst into tears, clutching her elbow. Before the adults even moved, Azzi had knelt down, brushing hair gently out of the girl’s face, soothing her with quiet words until the crying hiccups slowed. She’d even dug through her backpack for a spare granola bar, holding it out like it was treasure. Watching from a few feet away, Paige had felt her throat go dry. It wasn’t just that Azzi was good with kids, it was the instinct, the patience, the way she made the girl feel safe. For one terrifying heartbeat, Paige had imagined a future where that same patience was turned toward their own child.
Paige thought it was evil and disloyal, the way her brain worked. She didn’t want to let herself hope, to want at all. Not when it came to Azzi. As much as her heart begged her to let go of her fear as Makayla had advised, to take a chance, her head pulled her back, grounding herself. Told herself that the risk of losing Azzi far outweighed the slim possibility that someone like Azzi could like someone like Paige.
From beside her, Paige heard Azzi sigh. “I’ve thought about it a bit. It kinda scares me, like my parents are so good at it. The idea of measuring up to them? I don't know. If I ever did have kids, I’d want to be just like them.” Azzi admits.
Paige’s heart clenched. She wanted to say something easy, to joke it off the way she always did, but the words slipped out too honest, too bare. “Any kid would be lucky to have you as a mom.”
The second it left her mouth, she wished she could grab it back. What she said was casual enough, but it was how she said it, with devoted conviction and sincerity, that made it heavier than what it was.
Azzi turned toward her, face startled at first, then softening as if Paige had handed her something fragile and real. The small smile that tugged at her mouth wasn’t the easy grin she gave to teammates or the polite one she used around strangers. This was quieter, almost private, like Paige had cracked open a part of her no one else got to see.
“Thanks,” Azzi murmured, the word so gentle it almost dissolved into the air between them. Her thumb picked up its rhythm again, slow circles against Paige’s skin, though now it felt different, like she was drawing meaning into her palm.
Then she let out the faintest huff of a laugh, eyes still on Paige. “I don’t know, though. If you ever had kids, they’d probably live off mac and cheese and never learn to fold laundry.”
Paige blinked, caught between relief and exasperation. “Excuse me? I’d be an amazing mom.”
Azzi’s grin widened, soft but mischievous. “Amazing at making sure your kids get cavities, sure. But at getting them balanced meals? Eh.”
Paige scoffed, propping herself up on her elbow so she could glare properly. “First of all, mac and cheese is balanced. Carbs, dairy, protein-”
“Powdered cheese doesn’t count as protein,” Azzi interrupted, laughing now, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
Paige’s heart tripped at the sound, but she forced her face into mock indignation. “You’d probably be one of those moms who cuts sandwiches into heart shapes and sneaks spinach into brownies.”
“And when my kids are stronger than yours because I’m getting them their right nutrients, I’m sure they won't mind.” Azzi said, already sounding smug.
Paige flopped back down on the grass with a dramatic groan. “Fine. Your kids can be the poster children for kale. Mine will at least know what joy tastes like.”
“Kraft mac and cheese and uncrustables are anything but joy but alright.” Azzi giggles, then shifts her body laying perpendicular to Paige so she can rest her head on the older girl's stomach. If it was the first time Azzi had used Paige to get comfier, Paige may have made a comment on it, but the brunette so frequently did so, that it's just a part of their routine now.
The laughter faded, and with it the banter settled into something softer. Azzi had taken Paige’s hand, again, and placed it on her chest, drawing patterns with her fingers. Then, out of nowhere, she asked, “Do you believe in soulmates?”
Paige huffed, rolling her head back; Azzi was actually trying to kill her. “Bro, what is with all these philosophical questions?”
Azzi didn't laugh, didn't let up, gently tapping Paige’s hand, “It’s just… something I've been thinking about. Just answer the question Paige.” She commanded.
And when Azzi said jump, Paige had always known how high, “Yeah, I think I do.” She answered slowly, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
Azzi mused, nodding her head slightly. “Me too. I don’t know… it just makes me feel better, thinking there’s someone out there you’re supposed to find.”
Paige’s heart hammered. She wanted to say, I think I already found mine, but all she managed was a nod, her gaze darting back to the clouds before her feelings betrayed her. She could feel Azzi staring at her, watching her, as if waiting for Paige to say something in response, but Paige didn’t trust her voice right now. If she spoke now, she may say something she could never take back.
So instead, they stayed like that until a cooler evening breeze began to coax them inside. Azzi shifted first, reluctantly peeling herself from Paige’s stomach and stretching her arms overhead with a soft groan.
Paige’s body immediately missed the weight and warmth. She sat up too, brushing stray blades of grass from her shorts. “Guess that’s our cue.”
Azzi tilted her head, a teasing smile tugging at her mouth. “What, you don’t wanna freeze out here and wake up covered in bug bites?”
Paige smirked, grateful for the return of banter to ease the weight of their earlier conversation. “I could take the cold. I’m built different.”
Azzi rolled her eyes but bumped her shoulder against Paige’s as they walked toward the back door. “Yeah, okay. I’ll remember that the next time you complain about the Hopkins gym being too drafty.”
Paige opened her mouth to argue, then shut it, knowing Azzi wasn’t wrong. Instead, she shoved her hands into her hoodie pocket and let herself fall into step beside her. The silence between them wasn’t heavy anymore, it was easy, threaded with the comfort of routine.
From her left, Azzi nudged her again, "Hey, wanna raid the kitchen before my mom notices?”
The corner of Paige’s mouth tilts upwards, “Azzi Fudd, I thought you would never ask.”
They say God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers, which is nice when going through tough times like injuries or family problems, but they never prepare you for the battle of an overly affectionate best friend. It’s a constant battle, one that Paige isn’t sure she’s winning. She also wasn't sure she was losing either.
It’s May time in Belarus, and to no one’s surprise Paige and Azzi were both selected for the FIBA U17 Team USA for the basketball world cup.
It turned out that not being assigned as roommates didn’t matter much at all. Paige and Azzi had sulked about it for all of thirty seconds before realizing they were spending every free hour together anyway. By the third night in Minsk, Azzi’s stuff was scattered across Paige’s floor, her hoodie hanging off the chair, her socks shoved into the corner like she’d claimed the place by right.
Paige’s actual roommate, Jordan Horston, had tried to join in with them at first. She’d sit on the edge of her own bed, laughing politely when Azzi teased Paige or chiming in when they argued about music or ranked their favorite fast food chains. But it never stuck. Their rhythm was too quick, too private, the kind of shorthand built from too many late nights FaceTiming and hours spent together.
Jordan eventually learned to take the hint. She’d pop her head in, exchange a smile, and then disappear to hang out with some of the other girls on the team. Paige felt bad, a little, but not bad enough to change anything. Because right now, Azzi was laying on Paige’s arm, the only lighting in the room coming from Paige’s iPad, an episode of criminal minds playing.
Paige had lost feeling in her left arm three episodes ago, but how could she possibly disturb the girl beside her, when she looked so comfortable, so content.
Paige’s eyes flicked from the iPad to Azzi, then back, then back again, like she was trying to trick herself into paying attention to the episode. She caught maybe three words of dialogue. Something about a suspect profile. Whatever. The real crime was how unfair it was for Azzi to look that peaceful while Paige couldn’t stop overthinking.
Azzi shifted again, closer this time, her temple bumping against Paige’s jaw. A soft, muffled hum slipped out of her, half-asleep and unaware of the damage she was doing. Paige swallowed hard, fighting the urge to freeze completely, like stillness might mask the way her pulse was sprinting.
She considered saying something. A joke. A complaint about her arm being dead. Anything to cut through the thick quiet pressing in around them. But then Azzi let out a sigh, small and steady, and Paige’s chest tightened. She’d never admit it out loud, but she’d lose circulation every day for the rest of her life if it meant keeping this exact moment.
The credits rolled, and Netflix asked if they were still watching. Paige didn’t move. Couldn’t. Because God help her, she wanted the answer to always be yes.
Azzi shifted again, wiggling closer until her head tucked neatly against Paige’s shoulder, her hair brushing against Paige’s chin like it belonged there.
Paige let out a quiet huff, trying for teasing even though her chest was a riot of nerves. “You know, you’re real clingy when you’re tired.”
Azzi didn’t flinch or pull back. Instead, she tilted her head just enough to look up at Paige with a grin that was both mischievous and accusing. “Is that a problem?”
The words were playful, but something about the way she asked them made Paige’s throat go dry. She forced her voice to stay even. “No. Not a problem.”
“Good.” Azzi sighed contentedly, snuggling even closer, her hand absently curling against Paige’s hoodie. “’Cause I like it right here.”
Paige’s heart stuttered. She wanted to say something back, something equally easy and casual, but the lump in her throat made words impossible. All she could do was let her arm go completely numb under Azzi’s weight, silently praying the girl couldn’t feel how fast her heart was racing.
It could’ve meant nothing. It could’ve meant everything. Paige tried to force it into the “just comfortable” category, shove it into the same mental drawer where she kept every other time Azzi leaned into her, touched her, or looked at her too long. But the drawer was overflowing, jammed so tight it wouldn’t close anymore.
Azzi shifted again, her hand brushing lightly against Paige’s stomach, casual in a way that was anything but casual. Paige swallowed hard, her voice coming out rougher than she intended. “You’re gonna make my arm fall off, you know.”
Azzi’s chuckle rumbled against her side, low and warm. “Guess you’ll just have to suffer, then.” She tilted her head back a little, giving Paige that look, the one that always made her feel like she was being studied, seen through, unraveled. “Besides… you’re not exactly pushing me away.”
Heat rushed to Paige’s cheeks before she could stop it. She turned her head back toward the screen too quickly, hoping the dim light was enough to hide the flush. “Only because I know you’d whine and sulk about it if I did.”
Azzi let out a soft, almost lazy laugh, her eyes half-lidded as she stayed pressed against Paige’s side. “Hm, so I’m just too charming to push away, huh?” Her tone was calm, teasing, like she was enjoying the little victory she’d just scored.
Paige’s cheeks warmed at the remark, and she shifted slightly, pretending to adjust her arm while secretly wishing she could just freeze time. “You wish.”
Azzi hummed, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Maybe I do. Don’t lie, you like it when I’m right here.”
Paige blinked, caught off guard by how soft the statement sounded beneath the teasing edge. She opened her mouth to deflect, but no words came out, just a tiny, tense laugh.
“See?” Azzi murmured, cheek resting against Paige’s arm. “I knew it.”
Paige swallowed, her heart thundering in her chest, and tried to focus back on the show playing in front of them, though the dim glow barely registered. Azzi’s presence, warm and teasing and impossibly close, had entirely stolen her attention.
Paige wasn’t sure when it happened, when Azzi had gone from the shy, timid girl who barely spoke a word to Paige all tournament last year, to the confident tease she was now, seemingly lapping Paige in poised charisma. Paige reckoned she could count on one hand the amount of times she was left speechless before she met Azzi. But now, it felt like every interaction she had with her rendered her so.
Yep, she was definitely losing the battle.
The opening game of the tournament was two days away, and the weight of it pressed on everyone’s shoulders the second their sneakers squeaked across the hardwood.
The squad was a very similar one to the Team USA of the AmeriCup last year, so the fuel of winning gold then was clearly carried over to now. Equally, last U17’s world cup had been an upset for USA, having come third instead of their usual first, so the desire to return the silverware back to its rightful place was strong.
It meant everyone on the practice court looked dangerous. The first few days had given space to get acquainted and to allow the teens to have fun, but without even a conversation needing to be had, everyone turned on business mode.
None more than Azzi. A year younger than everyone else but you would never be able to tell. There wasn't a gap in skill or ability, in actual fact, she was playing better ball than some of the girls her senior.
With pristine precision, Azzi made more threes than she didn’t and Paige smiled proudly every time. Azzi moved like she had a sixth sense, reading the defense, anticipating passes, finding seams where none seemed to exist. Paige had spent years honing her own instincts, and yet here she was, learning from the younger girl’s timing and rhythm in real time.
The coaches barked out plays, rotations, and corrections, but Paige and Azzi were in a bubble of their own. Quick glances, subtle nods, a slight tap on the hip, the unspoken language of teammates who understood each other instinctively. They still joked, brief smirks exchanged after a slick assist or a perfect defensive rotation, but it was fleeting. Every second mattered, every drill sharpened them closer to peak performance.
During a scrimmage, Paige dribbled up the court, defenders collapsing on her, only to find Azzi cutting across the lane at exactly the right moment. Paige fed her the ball without thinking, and Azzi’s jumper swished cleanly. Paige’s chest swelled, not just with pride, but with a quiet awe at how the younger girl could control the game so effortlessly.
And yet, underneath all the seriousness, there was a spark, a reminder of their off-court selves. Azzi would toss a smiling glance when Paige executed a perfect crossover, Paige would throw back a proud grin when Azzi nailed a contested three. The chemistry was electric, a fearful combination for anyone on the opposing team.
By the end of practice, sweat-soaked and breathing hard, the message was clear: this team, these two in particular, were here to win. And if anyone doubted that, they only had to watch Azzi’s smirk as she stole the ball mid-dribble, or Paige’s satisfied chuckle after a perfectly assisted dime.
The gymnasium filtered out quickly after that practice, the girls eager to shower and relax. Some of the other girls had suggested a group hang in one of their rooms, which Paige politely declined. She loves hanging around her teammates, don't get her wrong, but as much as she liked that, she likes winning more. So with their first game against Italy only two days away, Paige knew there was more she could be doing.
There wasn't much footage she could find on the Italian team, resorting to low quality iphone recordings of high school games that only just barely exist, but her evening plans were to try and learn as much about this team as she could. She had their stats pulled up if they had it, for school, club and country. If only she could put this much effort into school work, she heard her guidance counsellor say.
As she declined the invitation, she noticed Azzi pout a little. It was clear the younger girl wanted them both to go, as while her shyness had completely dissolved around Paige, her introvertedness came to the forefront when the blonde wasn't beside her.
“Not even for a bit?” Azzi tried, wide eyes pleading. It wasn’t very often Paige was able to resist the brunette when she asked for something, but this routine was sacred to Paige.
“Az, I’m sorry but not today.” Then leaning in closer so the other girls can’t hear her, she whispered, “If you’re not enjoying it after a bit come join me, but go have fun.” Paige leaned back smiling comfortingly at Azzi, relief rushing through her when she received a smile back and a slight nod.
“Fine, but you owe me a back rub later.” Azzi spoke pointedly, and Paige could swear she saw a small bit of pink in her cheeks.
Paige snorted, she apparently always owed Azzi something whenever she didn’t do exactly as the other girl wanted. Shaking her head, she laughed out, “Of course Princess.” and deliberately ignored the snickers from some of the other girls in the elevator.
They finally arrived at their floor at the hotel, and the few that were hanging out went their way to one of their rooms, while Paige and a couple others went the other way. Fran Belibi, one of the forwards on the team slid up to Paige once they rounded a corner.
“Hey, how long have you and Azzi been dating?”
Paige’s heart stilled. Then beat a million times.
“Wha- We- No. We aren’t dating.” Paige sputtered, blush rising to her cheeks now.
“Oh you're not? Sorry, we all just thought.” Fran shrugged, like she hadn’t just opened a can of worms.
“What? Why?” Paige felt immediately self-conscious. It was a stupid question really, Paige knew why, but she had hoped she was more discreet to others. This was the very thing she was trying to avoid. She didn’t want to make Azzi’s life harder.
“You guys are just always together, and you just kind of act like you're dating. My bad though.” She answered unhelpfully before entering her room.
Paige was frozen in motion for a moment. She didn’t know whether to cry or laugh or just shut down all together. Automatically she made her way into her hotel room, moving robotically as she pulled up film tape of the Italian team. But she was hardly watching.
Two hours had passed and she had made zero analysis. Had learnt nothing about any of the Italian players. Because whenever she would try and focus on the game, her thoughts drifted. Nothing felt important right now. Did Azzi know this? Was Paige unknowingly crossing a barrier of friendship and the younger girl felt too shy to let her know? Was Azzi weirded out, but was being too kind to bring it up?
No, surely not. Paige was being overly self critical. She knew her best friend, knew she would tell Paige if something was bothering her. She would say something, Paige knew it.
But did she? Paige hasn’t told Azzi about her own feelings. Paige had been keeping secrets. Azzi was more than capable of keeping hers if she wanted to.
Paige groaned loudly. Fear and anger and panic came over in waves, leaving her shaky and restless. Her skin was clammy and uncomfortably warm, and her heart felt thunderous. She felt sick.
Then, her head snapped to the sound of the door knocking. A quiet, gentle knock. She knew who was behind the door, it would only be one person. Paige couldn’t move though, her feet routed in place. Although it would be impossible for the girl behind the door to hear it, Paige held her breath hoping if she simply didn’t make a sound, the person behind the door would just walk away. No such luck.
“Paaigee.” She called. Paige didn’t move. “Paige, open the door.” She knocked again. Paige is still a statue. “Paige please.” Azzi said a little louder. It was quiet for a moment, and Paige almost thought the younger girl had left, but then the knocking grew rapid and loud, and without pause.
Paige rushed forward to the door, if nothing else other than to stop the noise, opening the door just slightly, preventing the brunette from entering. “Azzi, not right now.” She uttered out, trying to sound as fine as possible.
Azzi, who had just been smiling, immediately frowned as she caught a glimpse of half of Paige’s face behind the door. “Hey, are you okay? You don’t look great.” She noted bluntly.
Paige hadn’t had the strength to look at herself, but she assumed the description was accurate. “I’m just tired. Please Az.”
Though, Paige hadn’t closed the door yet, and Azzi took that as a sign to continue pleading her case, “Paige, what's going on?” Clearly sensing something was wrong. Paige shouldn’t be surprised, standing across from her was the one person in the world who knew everything about her. Which is why it made it so much harder.
“Nothing Az, I just want to go to bed.” Paige lied. What she really wanted to do was fly several thousand miles away, create a fake name, and stay hidden for the rest of her life. But alas.
“Azzi!” Paige snapped, not loudly, just sternly. A tone she had never taken with her before. A tone she never wanted to take. Guilt lit a fire inside her when she saw the shocked and hurt expression on Azzi’s face. “Please.” She begged desperately, voice shaky. She was seconds away from breaking, and with how pitiful Azzi was staring at her, she knew the other girl knew so too.
It looked like leaving was at the top of the list for the last thing Azzi wanted to do right now, but with a tight lipped smile and sad eyes, she nodded, and muttered “Okay. Goodnight Paige.”
The regret felt instant. Paige never wanted to make Azzi look at her the way she was right now. It only added to her upset, to her anger. With a choked sob Paige just about uttered back “Night Azzi. I’m sorry.” and she wasn’t quite sure what she was apologising for.
For snapping just now, for lying, for not hanging out with her, for getting too close and catching feelings when she knows she shouldn't have, for being the worst best friend in the world. For all of it.
Azzi didn’t move, didn’t look away, bringing the responsibility to Paige to shut her out. Paige wished she would just walk away, to turn and never look back, but Azzi never liked to give Paige easy.
She had to shut her eyes as she shut the door, couldn't bear to see Azzi’s sad doe like eyes as they watched Paige deny her. The door clicked shut, softly, despite the echo it appeared to give. The blonde collapsed forward gently, forehead resting on the door and whispered a discrete ‘I’m sorry.’ repeating her apology. Unbeknownst to her, the brunette was doing the very same on the other side of the wood.
Paige stayed there for a long time, forehead pressed to the cool wood, fists curled at her sides. Her chest rose and fell in uneven breaths, the quiet of the hotel room pressing down on her like a weight. She thought she might’ve imagined it, the faint, almost imperceptible sound of a sigh mirroring her own on the other side of the door. But she didn’t dare open it again, didn’t trust herself not to crumble completely if she saw Azzi’s face.
Minutes stretched, then an hour. Her laptop screen dimmed and went black, the frozen game tape nothing more than a taunt at her failed focus. Paige lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, every sound in the hallway amplified, the ding of the elevator, muffled laughter from down the hall, doors opening and closing. None of them belonged to Azzi.
Jordan had returned later in the evening, immediately clocking the lingering tension in the room. Paige had been too slow to pretend she was asleep already and sighed, knowing questions were coming. She dragged a hand over her face in preparation, covering her tear stained face.
“Yo, what happened?” Jordan queried, confused. It was almost laughable that the honest answer was practically nothing had happened.
“Nothing Jordan, I’m going to bed.” She said pulling her covers up like a shield.
“Ok, well if you wanna talk I’m here.” Jordan added before switching off the lights and climbing into her own bed. It was a kind offer, but there was only one person Paige wanted to talk about deep stuff these days, and she had just shooed that girl away.
Paige woke up feeling like she hadn’t slept at all. Her head was heavy, her eyes gritty, her body sluggish. It was as if she’d spent the whole night running drills in her mind instead of closing her eyes. Every time she tried, Azzi’s face appeared, hurt and confused.
She trudged herself to the bathroom, noting she looked paler than usual, her eyes a little redder than normal. It wasn’t obviously noticeable, not at a casual glance, but enough to know she hadn’t had a peaceful night's sleep. She splashed cold water over her face several times in an attempt to wash away her struggle, as if the water had magical powers, but of course she wouldn't be so lucky.
Heavy feet made their way to the hotel dining hall, as Paige joined the rest of her team for breakfast. Tried to slot herself into the excitement and thrill of the approaching tournament her peers were buzzing with but she didn’t have the strength, only finding the strength for a half-hearted smile.
“How was film last night?” Paige tensed at the sound of the voice. It wasn’t like she wasn’t anticipating her to be here, of course she would be here, it's just her presence reminded Paige of her failure.
“Fine, good, didn’t learn much.” She shrugged, trying to seem casual. Which didn’t quite work because Paige was very rarely casual.
Azzi slid onto the chair across from her, tray in hand, wearing that easy smile Paige had grown addicted to. “Well, maybe that’s a good thing. Means they don’t have much worth scouting, right?” She was trying, Paige could tell, to smooth over what had happened last night.
Paige stabbed at the bacon on her plate, her throat tightening. She wanted to smile back, to nod along like nothing had happened, but her brain wouldn’t let her. “Yeah. Maybe.”
Azzi’s smile faltered, just barely, but she recovered fast. She leaned forward, chin propped on her palm. “You okay? You look tired.”
Paige forced a yawn, hoping it would sell the lie. “Didn’t sleep much. That’s all.” She reached for her juice, eyes fixed on the glass instead of Azzi.
Azzi studied her, unblinking, the way she always did when she knew Paige was holding something back. “Mm. Well, we’ve got a shoot-around this morning. Maybe it’ll wake you up.”
Paige nodded curtly, already standing, leaving half her plate untouched.
Practice hadn't been too extreme considering their first game was tomorrow, was mostly just shooting and running through set plays. Despite this, it was brutal. Not because they were pushed hard, no, because of Azzi.
Every time Paige caught her eye, Azzi was smiling, or waiting for a response, or just being there, and every time, Paige shut her down. She passed too quickly, avoided jokes, ignored the gentle nudges on her hip during rotations. She told herself it was for the best, that distance was safer. But each dismissal twisted like a knife in her stomach.
It was self destructive, it was dumb, but it was safe. Because maybe, if she let the hurt happen now, she wouldn’t have to hurt worse later.
By the time they filed out of the film room later that day, Paige’s nerves were frayed raw. When they were dismissed, Paige made a beeline for the door, hoping the shuffle of teammates would give her cover. It didn’t. A hand clamped around her wrist, firm and unyielding.
“Azzi-” Paige tried to yank free, but the shorter girl’s grip was iron. Determined. Azzi didn’t say a word, just dragged her down the hallway, past the stairwell, and shoved open the side door that led behind the building.
Azzi planted herself in front of her, blocking the escape route. Her chest rose and fell quickly, not from exertion but from anger, from frustration. Her dark eyes locked onto Paige’s like twin spotlights. “You’ve been avoiding me all day. You snapped at me last night. And now you’re trying to act like nothing’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong.” The lie cracked in Paige’s throat the second it left her mouth. She dropped her gaze, shoving her hands into her pockets to stop them from shaking.
“Paige.” Azzi’s voice softened, but it didn’t lose its edge. “You think I don’t know you? You think I can’t tell when something’s up with you?”
Paige swallowed hard, her lips parting, then sealing again. “I’m just tired, okay? That’s all.”
Azzi stepped closer, closing the gap between them. “Bull.” Her voice was quiet, but steady. “You can lie to everyone else, but not me. So stop running.”
The words hit Paige like a punch. She felt her resolve splintering, panic clawing at her chest. If she said it, if she admitted what was really happening, there was no going back. She’d lose everything if the girl across from her reacted badly.
Azzi’s voice snapped, sharp and urgent. “Did I do something? Are you mad at me? Because if I-”
“I like you!” Paige blurted, cutting her off before she could finish.
The words hung in the air between them, raw and jagged, like she’d ripped them straight from her chest. Azzi froze, mouth slightly open, and for a second, neither of them breathed.
For a heartbeat, there was silence, then a flicker of hurt passed over Azzi’s face, sharp and undeniable.
Paige opened her mouth, trying to explain, to soften it, but Azzi didn’t wait. Without a word, she turned sharply and walked away, her steps echoing on the concrete as she disappeared towards the hotel, leaving Paige frozen outside, the faint breeze only adding to Paige’s chills.
The silence pressed in around Paige, drowning her. The piercing ringing you can only get when there's no noise around blasted in her ears. Paige’s heart ached, guilt and embarrassment and fear and dismay twisted through her, and for the first time, she felt the full weight of what she’d done. She had spoken her heart, and now, she feared she had ruined the greatest friendship she’d ever had.
So much for honesty. Look where that had got her.
With a trembling sigh, Paige sank to the floor, head resting against her knees as she collapsed in on herself. The outside felt empty, cold, and endless. She hadn’t just confessed, she had potentially lost Azzi forever.
She heard the sound of adult voices nearby, probably her coaches, and in fear of being spotted and no doubt asked a million questions, she quickly collected herself, making her own way to her hotel room.
When she opened the door to her room, Jordan was sprawled across her bed, scrolling on her phone. She barely looked up.
Paige mumbled something that wasn’t a greeting, didn’t matter what, before heading straight for the bathroom. She shut the door quietly, locking it, and leaned back against the wood for a moment, her chest caving in.
The shower knobs squeaked as she twisted them on. The rush of water filled the small space, masking the sound of her first sob. She pressed a hand over her mouth, but the tears came anyway, hot and painful and unrelenting.
She slid down to the cool tile floor, knees tucked to her chest, letting the steam swallow her whole.
In that moment, Paige mourned it all, the late-night laughs, the teasing banter, the quiet comfort of Azzi pressed against her side. She mourned the friendship she thought was unbreakable. And she hated herself for being the one to break it. Hated her heart for running away from her, for letting herself catch feelings. She finally found someone who let her be fully Paige, not some social demonstration of herself, but her real authentic self.
And she ruined it. Of course she did. Why would anything good happen to her?
When Paige finally exited the bathroom, the soft European sun had begun to lower, kissing the horizon, cloaking the room in a gentle orange glow. It could have been comforting, if Paige wasn’t living through one of the worst days of her life.
If Jordan had heard any of Paige’s sobs, or noticed the puffy redness around her eyes, she didn't mention anything, which Paige was grateful for. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about her feelings. In fact she never wanted to talk about her feelings ever again.
She climbed into bed, opening her phone onto social media. Let herself doom scroll, in a weak attempt to mentally remove herself from reality.
The sound of a knock at the door tore her away from her phone, thumb frozen mid scroll. Jordan glanced at her, concern flickering across her face, but Paige’s expression was still stone, uninviting.
“I’ll get it,” Jordan muttered, padding to the door.
Paige shut her eyes. Prayed it wasn’t who she thought it was. Prayed that it was.
“Hey Jordan.” Her sweet, melodic voice drifted into the room. Paige dared not move.
“Hey Azzi, you need something?” Jordan asked back, their conversation just loud enough for Paige to hear.
There was a pause, then “Could you give us a minute?”
A second pause, all Paige could hear was her heart. “Sure thing.” Jordan replied carefully before moving back to her bed, picking up her phone then back to the door. “I’ll be back later.” She told both of them and exited the room, leaving only the two of them.
It took absolutely all her strength, but she pushed herself up, off the bed. Mentally prepared herself. She was certain this was goodbye, that the brunette was here to formally cut ties. Paige didn’t blame her, she wished she could cut ties with herself too.
What she hadn’t expected was what actually came out of the other girl’s mouth,
Paige picked her head up quickly, finally looking at Azzi. Gone was the hurt expression on her face, replaced with a simmering frustration, eyebrows pulled back.
She’d braced herself for silence, for cold distance, for anything but this.
Azzi’s glare didn’t soften. She took a step closer, arms folded tight across her chest. “You heard me. You’re an asshole.”
Paige blinked, confusion burning in her chest. “I don’t- Azzi, I don’t understand.”
“Yes, you do,” Azzi snapped, her voice steady, laced with heat. “You think I haven’t known? You think I couldn’t tell?” She huffed, shaking her head. “Paige, I’ve known you liked me. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to push or rush you, I didn’t want to make it harder for you to admit it. So instead, I’ve been dropping hints, trying to make it easier, trying to let you know I like you back without scaring you off.”
The room tilted. Paige’s heart lurched into her throat. “You… you what?”
Azzi’s eyes flashed, but her voice cracked with the force of it. “And instead of just talking to me- like we always do, like we’ve done with literally everything else- you tried to push me away. You tried to shut me out. I don't even know what happened to make you do it but that's what you chose to do. Do you have any idea how much that pissed me off?”
Paige’s breath stuttered. Her chest rose and fell too quickly, the weight of it pressing down until she could barely stand. She’d spent the entire day convinced she’d ruined everything, convinced Azzi would never look at her the same again. And now…
Now Azzi was standing here, furious, admitting she liked her back.
Her lips parted, but the words tangled uselessly in her throat. She could only stare, overwhelmed.
Azzi uncrossed her arms, letting them fall to her sides, still bristling but softer now, her eyes burning into Paige’s. “So, yeah. You’re an asshole. Because something clearly happened for you to react like that but instead of trusting me, you shut me out.”
Paige’s throat worked, but no sound came out at first. Her brain scrambled, a mess of panic and disbelief, until finally something slipped past her lips in a hopeless, broken whisper.
The words were small, almost childlike, but they carried every ounce of shock rattling through her.
Azzi groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Yes, Paige. Despite my better judgment, yes.”
Paige’s breath caught, a flood of relief crashing into her chest so hard it almost hurt. “I didn’t want- I didn’t think you’d like me back. I didn’t want to ruin anything, to make you uncomfortable.”
Azzi shook her head, frustration flashing in her eyes. She stepped closer, folding her arms again, but now her voice shifted, stern, steady, cutting through Paige’s panic.
“What’s my favorite color?”
Paige blinked, thrown. “What? Why are you-”
“Just answer me,” Azzi said firmly.
“Pink, mostly light or hot pink.” She answered without needing a second thought.
Azzi’s lips twitched, almost imperceptibly. “What was the last book I read?”
Paige frowned, trying to follow, but the answer was immediate. “The Hate U Give. You cried like every other time you picked up the book.”
Azzi’s arms tightened across her chest, her gaze softening even as she kept the interrogation going. “And in Monopoly. What piece do I always play?”
Paige rolled her eyes without meaning to, not sure where this was going but humouring Azzi anyway. “The dog. You literally won’t play if someone else takes it first.”
There was a long pause, the air humming between them. Then Azzi let her arms drop, exhaling through her nose.
“See?” she said quietly, almost fiercely. “You know me, Paige. Better than anyone in the world. I tell you everything about myself, things I don’t tell anyone else. If you ever made me uncomfortable, I would’ve told you. You should’ve trusted me. Trusted us.”
Paige’s lips parted, trembling. She knew this. God, she’d repeated it to herself a hundred times over. But the fear had been louder. It had eaten her alive. And now, standing in front of Azzi’s steady, unflinching gaze, all she felt was shame.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, voice breaking, tears burning behind her eyes though they didn’t fall. “Azzi, I’m so, so sorry.”
Paige’s eyes stayed fixed on the carpet, shame burning hot under her skin. She couldn’t bring herself to face Azzi, she felt as if even though her once thought unrequited feelings weren't so unrequited, she still had betrayed her friendship with her deceit.
“Paige,” Azzi said softly but firmly, stepping closer. “Look at me. Please.”
Paige squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself not to move, but she couldn’t fight it. She never could, not when it came to Azzi. Slowly, reluctantly, her gaze lifted.
Azzi’s expression had lost its sharp edges. There was still fire there, still frustration, but underneath it was something gentler, something like understanding. And because she understood, because she really saw Paige, she picked up on the quiver in her lip. The shake in her knees. The glisten in her eyes.
She crossed the room, closing the distance, securing the taller girl into a steadying hug, keeping Paige standing. She squeezed into the hug, as if attempting to transfer her strength. “Please, never push me away again.” Azzi whispered onto Paige’s shoulder.
Paige pulled back slightly, to look at Azzi, take in her face. Saw the comforting smile on her face, overwhelming Paige with support.
In tandem, both of their heads leaned forward so their foreheads rested against each other. “I won't, I promise.” Paige vowed in that moment, a vow she intended on keeping as long as she lived.
They stayed like for who knows long, their breaths merging as one, eyes shut. As far as they knew, the only things that existed in the world were each other.
The confirmation of mutual feelings brought back even the slightest sliver of Paige’s bravery, though her voice was small and hesitant when she asked, “C-Can I… kiss you?”
Azzi leaned back just enough to meet her eyes, and then a slow, soft smile tugged at her lips. She nodded once.
Paige’s heart nearly stopped. Swallowing hard, she leaned forward, timid at first, and pressed her lips to Azzi’s. Gentle, cautious, almost reverent, like she was scared the world would shatter if she pushed too hard.
It didn’t. It was steady, and warm, and real.
When they eventually pulled back from each other, Paige’s lips tingled as if electrified. She was breathless, from the situation and from the kiss.
“Stay. Tonight, stay here, please.” Paige asked desperately. She wasn’t one who was usually so needy, but she had thought she may have lost Azzi forever, she needed to feel how lucky she was to have thought wrong.
“Okay.” Azzi had nodded, and the pair made their way to Paige’s bed, hand in hand, both refusing to let the other go. Their actions mirrored each other; they clung together as if holding onto life support.
They settled side by side, shoes kicked off in messy heaps at the foot of the bed. Paige lay on her side facing Azzi, their hands still laced, thumbs brushing against each other like they couldn’t stop reminding themselves this was real.
For a long stretch, they just breathed. Paige’s chest rose and fell, her heartbeat slowing for the first time all day, syncing with Azzi’s steady rhythm.
“I thought I lost you,” Paige whispered finally, voice cracked with honesty.
Azzi’s brows softened, her thumb sweeping over Paige’s knuckle then up to her face, affectionately caressing the blonde’s pale cheek. “You almost did. But not because you liked me. Because you wouldn’t let me in.” Guilt pricked at Paige’s skin, but before she could look away, Azzi shifted closer, pressing their foreheads together again. “Don’t shut me out anymore. That’s all I ask.”
Paige leaned into the contact, relishing in the warmth, kicking herself for the fact she nearly let this go forever. “I don't wanna be anywhere but here.” Paige answered.
“Good. Because I like it right here.” Azzi smirked, repeating yesterday's phrase, and immediately the tone was lighter, less tense, breathable.
They just held each other, soft whispers, and frequent smiles. Nothing overly intimate, just delicate. Eleven months of longing squeezed into one embrace.
When Jordan eventually returned, much later than evening, Paige had heard a light scoff, no doubt at the sight of them. If she picked up on how their embrace seemed far closer than any of the previous days, she kept those thoughts to herself.
Brushing some fallen curls away from the half asleep girl in front of her, Paige whispered, “You ready to win ourselves another gold medal?”
Though her eyes were closed, Azzi smiled, teeth just poking out from her lips “I’ve been ready.”
And win gold they did, sweeping the competition easily. A second gold secured in as many years. The team all rushed into a collective huddle the moment the last buzzer sounded, celebrating each other.
Confetti rained down on the court, as the girls rushed over to the sidelines, proud parents eager to take pictures of their kids. Paige looked over the mass of people, above the noise, over at Azzi, grinning wider than possible when she saw the shorter girl was already watching her. They had done it together. Again.
Together as something a little more than best friends, an unspoken agreement to just live in the space between, for right now.
Her dad pulled her in, endlessly proud. “So proud of you Paige.” He beamed down at his daughter. “You did you out there kid.” And Paige held him back. Hugged all the people that came over to support her. Including the family she’d been taken in by.
“I know you’re not trying to avoid some Fudd hugs Paige.” Tim Fudd called over to her as she made her way down the stands.
“Never Tim, come on now.” She laughed, sliding her way over to the man who had non stop blown the push horn someone had made the mistake of giving him all game. She envelopes the Fudd parents as they congratulate her, hearing from behind her Azzi doing the same with the Bueckers.
As they broke, the two girls stood next to each other, surrounded by family and confetti and good vibes. The best vibes.
“See I told you,” Paige had started, her arm slung over Azzi’s shoulder, “Coldest duo in the nation.”
It felt only right, with how the Fudd’s practically housed her all of last August, and several other weeks throughout this year, that Paige repaid the favor. So, when her family were booking rooms for their summer vacation this year, a week and a half long cruise around Mexico, Paige sheepishly asked if Azzi could join them this year.
Since parting, only two weeks ago, the two girls had basically talked non stop, as usual, their screen times crazy high.
“Az, we are going for 10 days, you actually don’t need five bikinis.” Paige laughed on FaceTime as Azzi was stressing about packing. The brunette currently has more clothes than her suitcase allowed her to carry and was having to make some (not so) hard cuts.
“You don’t know that Paige.” The younger girl whined exasperated, hands on her head and pouting as she looked at the mass of clothes surrounding her. It was adorable, Paige thought.
“I do. I promise you’ll need like two, three max. Save the space for outfits.” She advised, smirking at her best friend.
Azzi groaned dramatically, tossing one of the bikinis across the room like it had personally offended her, “You say that as if I don't have too many outfits here too.”
Paige chuckled, mentally agreeing with the fact that Azzi had maybe a month’s supply of outfits out for less than a two week trip. “You’re packing like we’re moving to Mexico permanently.”
Azzi shook her head staring pointedly at her phone to Paige, “What if I wanna look nice? Is that a crime?”
Paige tilted her head, grinning. “You already look nice. Like, stupid nice. Half the time I don’t even know why you try so hard.”
Azzi rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the little smile tugging at her lips. “You’re biased.”
“Maybe,” Paige shot back. “But I’m also right. Ok look, how about all the clothes to your left you pack and if you really want something from the right pile, swap it.” Paige suggested, in an attempt to get the packing started at the very least.
“Fine, I’ll try that.” Azzi mused after a moment and began her packing, shooting the blonde an unimpressed look when she heard a muttered ‘thank god’ through the phone speaker.
“Hey look, we may get you packed before midnight.” Paige laughed, given the fact they have been here since 8 o’clock.
“Shut up Bueckers, you’re lucky I’m coming.” Azzi retorted.
“Paige, hurry up, the boat’s going to leave without us.” Azzi beckoned Paige as they ran as hard as they could towards the dock, weaving through crowds of tourists on the busy marina.
“Easy for you to say, you aren't carrying all these bags.” Paige shot back, taking a second to readjust her grip on the one too many bags she was holding for both herself and Azzi. Turns out chivalry does have a cost, if the indents in her skin from the bag handles were anything to go off. “And they wouldn’t leave without us.”
Azzi kept yanking Paige forward regardless. “They've done it to people before, I’ve seen it. Come on, let's go.” Leaving no room for argument as they paced up the dock towards their cruise ship, just one worker standing by the ramp to let them on when they arrived.
“You ladies are lucky, we nearly left without ya.” He said, but not unfriendly as he helped them back onto the boat.
“Told you.” Azzi turned around, narrowing her eyes at Paige.
Paige scoffed exasperated, “The way you’re acting like it's my fault is crazy considering you were the one who was taking forever shopping.”
“You took just as long looking at sneakers Paige, don't act like it was all my fault.” The pair bickered as they climbed up into the ship, back towards their rooms, now pretty exhausted.
The weightless argument had died down long before they got to their door, Azzi opening the door for them both, allowing Paige to step through first and dump the bags down.
“I could have taken some bags, y'know.” Azzi smiled softly, replacing Paige’s hand with her own as she soothed the grooves left from the bags.
“Nah, I had them. You tryna say I aint strong enough or something?” Paige lifted her lips, flexing her arms.
“Well… not to your face.” Azzi replied, in that deadpan way Paige knew she was joking.
“You wound me, woman.” Paige moved away slightly, flopping onto their shared bed. The distance lasted for only a second before Azzi joined her, laying against Paige.
It was difficult to say where the two stood. They had both non vocally agreed to not speak about it, dancing the line between best friend and something more. They crossed the line, several times, a few kisses here and there, lingering hugs, longing glances but they hadn’t put a word to what they were.
Best friend wasn’t enough anymore, but anything further felt scary, too formal. At least to Paige. She wanted nothing more than to call Azzi her girlfriend, that wasn’t the issue, it was just as soon as they were, it would make things far more serious. It came with different expectations, different circumstances, and Paige didn’t want to fall short. She wanted to be everything Azzi deserved and more.
So, Paige had planned it all out. Wanted to make tonight perfect. Instead of dining with the rest of her family, she booked a table just for the two of them, one that was tucked right against the wide glass window so the ocean looked endlessly infinite beside them. After that, there was the mini golf course neither of them had tried yet, which for two very competitive people, could only ever be a fun time. Then she would take them to the deck, passing by the ice cream stand towards the sunset, and as the sun dipped on the day, that's when Paige would ask.
In her head the plan had no flaws, and absolutely nothing could go wrong. Though her head had clearly not communicated this to the rest of her body, nerves rampant, her hands clammy and her stomach was amassed with butterflies.
“We aren’t sitting with your family?” Azzi’s brows furrowed, as they separated from the other Bueckers towards a table for two.
Paige cleared her throat, inconspicuous as ever, “Nah, I thought it might be nice for it to just be the two of us, if that's okay?” She said, trying to sound more chill than what she was.
Azzi shrugged, it wasn't the first time they had eaten on their own, “Yeah sure.” And followed Paige to their table.
They passed light conversation until they ordered their meals, Paige scrunching her nose up and shaking her head at the shorter girl's order, “Shrimp is so nasty.”
“Paige you really can't be criticising anyone's taste in food when you just order chicken tenders and fries everytime.” Azzi shot back.
“I know what I like, why would I order anything else?” Paige defended smirking. She knew the exact buttons to push on Azzi to trigger their light hearted debates. It was an environment both enjoyed, had enjoyed since their first time hanging out, on that fateful plane journey.
“Because it's boring otherwise. Like, be adventurous for once. You might end up trying something and really liking it.”
“I’m plenty adventurous. Just not with food. And I always know what I like.” Paige smirked wider, saying that last part lower, pointedly, just for Azzi.
Azzi just shook her head and smiled but Paige didn't miss the small pink in her cheeks, “Shut up.”
Their food eventually came after a few more bickering conversations had passed, the shrimp linguine for Azzi and as said chicken tenders and fries for Paige. The meal was perfect for the both of them, and together they slowly transitioned towards the mini gold area.
It was fun for sure, especially with how competitive the pair were, however with how many tries it took them each to put the ball, a future as a professional golfer was definitely off the cards. Neither were any good, and there were a few calls of sabotage and cheating from both of them during the game, but despite this, Paige and Azzi left smiling, which meant Paige could count that as another success.
Though that win felt smaller and smaller as they made their way up onto the deck, and her pride was replaced with building nerves.
“Hey can we go up on the deck for a bit? One of the ship's crew said the sunset was supposed to be really pretty tonight.” Paige asked, a little more vulnerable than usual.
“Since when did Paige Bueckers care about sunsets?” Azzi teased, which admittedly was true, but Paige was set on her plan and she would be damned if she didn’t follow it.
“I care about pretty things. Clearly.” Paige responded in equal jest causing the younger girl to scoff.
“You actually need to stop.” Azzi laughed but followed regardless. And because Paige knew her so well, she knew the ice cream stand, just before the viewing deck, would take her attention.
“Wait, can we stop for ice cream, please?” Azzi pulled on Paige’s sleeve, already pulling her over to it before she could even answer.
Paige ordered them both an ice cream, mint chocolate for herself, cookie dough for Azzi, getting some stick for her choice in ice cream flavor. “First of all, it doesn’t even taste like toothpaste so you just sound silly. Second, ice cream is supposed to be refreshing and the mint does exactly that so I don't know what you're talking about.” Paige defended her ice cream choice as she led Azzi up to the area of the deck she had scoped out earlier.
“Ice cream is supposed to be tasty and mint is nice for things like gum or as I said toothpaste, but not ice cream.” Azzi argued, but the debate died as they approached the edge of the deck, looking over at the ocean.
The lowering sun had cast an orange glow into the sky, dancing with shades of pink and blue. The surface of the ocean glistened, making each of the pairs pupils shine as they looked out.
“It’s so pretty.” Azzi said, looking out.
“Yeah it is.” Paige said, looking at Azzi. The prettiest of views.
The box in her shorts felt heavy as the moment got closer, and Paige decided that if it didn’t happen now, it never would. This was as perfect as she could get.
“Hey so I got you something today.” Paige started as she pulled the box out of her pocket, not yet opening it, but drawing the attention of the brunette.
“Was that when you literally walked off for like 30 minutes and wouldn’t let me follow you?” Azzi smiled though her eyes softened when they locked onto the box, and the fact that the hand carrying it was shaking slightly.
Paige, who was determined to get through this, to say what she wanted to just shook her head with a smile. “Most definitely. Gotta have some surprises. Anyways, yeah I wanted to get you something.” She said and gently opened up the box, revealing a silver necklace, with a heart charm in the middle.
“I know we haven’t really spoken about… well us I guess, but my life has been a million times better ever since you’ve been in it. I’ve never met someone I can be both my social side and private side with in the way I can with you. I really like you Azzi, and if you give me the chance, I’d really love to be able to call you both my best friend and girlfriend.” Paige spoke, and just like that a huge weight was off her shoulders. She’d been wanting to ask Azzi this for a long time, even before she had admitted her feelings. She waited with bated breath for her reply.
“Paige…” Azzi exhaled as she looked down at the necklace, then back up to Paige. Her heart stilled with worry when she saw Azzi’s eyes water slightly, but it was quashed quickly when she was pulled into a tight, bone crushing hug.
“Hey, careful.” Paige warned as she balanced the necklace in its box to stop it from tipping over, but was grinning widely already. She was almost certain Azzi wouldn't react badly but it was nice to be proven correct.
“Sorry, sorry.” Azzi said, beaming still as she looked back at the necklace again, picking up the chain carefully and inspecting it. “It’s beautiful Paige.” She spoke fondly. “Put it on for me?” She asked, extending the metal towards Paige and turning around, lifting her hair up.
Luckily Paige’s hands had stopped shaking, and was able to relatively easily clasp the necklace around Azzi’s neck. “I’m assuming this means you'll give me a chance?”
Azzi turned back around, picking up the charm to inspect it once again, rubbing her thumb over the heart, before smirking and looking back up to Paige. “Yes Paige Bueckers, I’ll give you your chance.”
