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my own guide

#ongoing - fics i am following that are ongoing

#pazzi rec - my recommended fics, my faves, my baes, my comfort (completed fics unless stated otherwise)

#donezo - fics ive finished reading (i only tag completed fics)

#other recs - rec list from other users that i want to go through

#other masterlist - masterlist of authors i plan to read

#my spotlight - spotlight of fics!

#this tag is for asks - answer to asks

#prompt mode - my prompts

p.s. i do read all tropes so please heed the tags put by the authors. mdni.

I do not read x reader fics guys. Not my cup of tea.

#pazzi fics

it’s this one https://www.tumblr.com/anonity/784372009902702592/loser

Thank you! 🫶🏼

hey im wondering if you know the fic where paige was letting azzi win, i think it was fortnite and they were playing with kk and ice and they realize it

tysm

Not ringing a bell but I will put this on the tags because I also want to read this lol

EDIT: an anon found it. Ty anon https://www.tumblr.com/anonity/784372009902702592/loser

💬 2 🔁 12 ❤️ 242 · loser · i'm not doing the banners at the top anymore simply because i just realized i don't actually have to.. (it's com

#pazzi fics #pazzi fic #pazzi au

azzidefender

ⓘ UNEXPECTED GAME 4

wnba! paige bueckers x model! azzi fudd — 6.1k wc

Paige Bueckers is the franchise star player of the Dallas Wings. She's known to be this generational talent both in basketball and in... women, apparently. Azzi Fudd, one of the most known names in the model industry. doesn't care about basketball nor this 'Paige Bueckers' that her best friend has been fawning over. So, when her best friend got her courtside season tickets to the game, she's forced to attend. From the moment she locks eyes with the star player, she knew Paige was nothing but trouble.

Girl code exists for a reason. Azzi knows better than to cross that line. Well, the only problem is... she wants to. and Paige seems more than willing to break them with her.

first quarter being mostly text scripts! happy ready everyone and tell me your thoughts 💭

read chapter one, two & three here. thank you for all the love!unexpected game's playlist here!! ❤️‍🔥

—。 Presented and written by, azzidefender.

═════════════════════

chapter four : move four

unknown : hey

unknown : just wanted to check up on u

unknown : you good? you were pretty wasted last night princess.

brynnsdreams

breathtaking — a short smut blurb

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Azzi Fudd

synopsis: everything was fine until Paige walked into the bedroom looking… delicious. Azzi just couldn’t help herself; she had to get her hands on paige.

content warnings: smut with no plot, sexual content: strap warming, markings, dirty talk, teasing, a little finger sucking. dominant paige, submissive azzi. streamer! Paige is in this if you squint.

wc: 3k

leanahluvspazzi

The semester we fell

Chapter one wc: 9740

au: barista azzi x nerd paige

a/n: First chapter! Pretty boring so far please send feedback I would love to know you guys feel about this!

—

By the second Tuesday of October, Paige Bueckers had color-coded herself into a corner.

Pink meant chemistry, blue meant political science, green meant biology, and yellow meant deadlines that would inevitably ruin her week if she forgot about them. but unfortunately for Paige every square in her planner had at least three colors.

She sighed, pressing the cap back onto her highlighter before rubbing her eyes. The university library buzzed with the familiar sounds of midterm season—keyboards clacking, whispered conversations, pages turning, chairs scraping across the floor.

Usually, she loved it, usually, the library felt like home.

But today? Not so much.

Every table was full. A study group in the corner had somehow turned a review session into a comedy show. Someone behind her was chewing gum loud enough to qualify as psychological warfare, and the student across from her had been tapping a mechanical pencil for the last fifteen minutes.

Tap.

Paige drew in a slow breath through her nose, counting to four the way she always did whenever the world around her started feeling just a little too loud. The inhale filled her lungs, but it didn't settle the knot tightening between her shoulders. If anything, it only made her more aware of the constant stream of noises bouncing around the library.

Someone's keyboard clacked relentlessly a few tables away, a chair scraped against the floor, pages rustled, whispers drifted through the aisles despite the large Quiet Study Area sign hanging on the wall.

Stay calm, she reminded herself.

Her gaze dropped to the neat row of supplies spread across the table in front of her. Every notebook sat perfectly aligned. Every highlighter rested in color order. The familiar organization usually helped.

Today, it wasn't enough.

She reached for her green highlighter, rolling it between her fingers before popping the cap off with her thumb.

Tap.

The plastic cap hit the tabletop softly. Her eyes flicked toward the student across the room still tapping his pencil. Without realizing it, Paige slid the cap back onto the highlighter.

Tap.

The tiny sound barely registered beneath the growing chaos around her. She stared at her notes for another few seconds, willing herself to focus on the highlighted vocabulary words swimming together on the page. But she couldn't. Her shoulders sagged and a quiet breath escaped her lips as she let the highlighter fall onto the notebook.

"I can't do this."

Across the table, Nika finally looked up from her laptop. One earbud slipped from her ear as she paused whatever she'd been watching. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard before she slowly lowered the screen enough to get a better look at Paige.

Her eyebrows pulled together. "Do what?"

Paige looked up with an exhausted expression, then lifted one hand in a vague gesture toward the library around them. "The existing part."

She motioned again, this time more emphatically. "In this building."

Nika followed her hand, glancing around the room. Nothing looked particularly unusual, students studied, someone flipped through a textbook, and another person quietly typed an essay. Then Nika noticed Paige’s eyes lock onto a guy several tables away. He was absentmindedly bouncing the eraser of his pencil against his notebook.

Tap.

Nika couldn't help the smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "You've been glaring at that guy with the pencil for like ten minutes."

Paige didn't even pretend to deny it. Her gaze stayed fixed on him, her mouth flattening into a thin line. "He knows what he's doing."

Nika turned to look at the student again. He looked completely oblivious, scribbling something in the margin of his notebook without so much as glancing around.

She looked back at Paige. A laugh escaped before she could stop it. "I promise he doesn't."

Paige finally tore her eyes away from the pencil-tapper just long enough to meet Nika's gaze. Her expression remained completely serious. "He absolutely does."

Nika bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing harder. She closed her laptop with a soft click and folded her hands on top of it.

"Okay," she said, leaning forward across the table with the unmistakable look of someone who had already come up with a solution. "Hear me out."

The second those words left Nika’s mouth, Paige narrowed her eyes. She'd seen that expression before, It almost always ended with Nika convincing her to do something she'd already decided against.

"I don't like that sentence." Paige said.

Nika ignored the warning, her grin only widened. "There's a café across campus."

The answer came so quickly Nika barely finished speaking.

"No." The blonde said immediately.

Nika blinked. "You didn't even let me finish."

Paige folded her arms tightly across her chest, settling deeper into her chair as if physically anchoring herself to it. "I know where this is going."

Nika tilted her head. "They have good coffee."

Paige’s nose wrinkled almost immediately. "I don't drink coffee."

Although Nika didn't miss a beat. "They have tea."

Paige gave her a patient look, the kind usually reserved for explaining obvious facts. "I have tea."

Nika nodded thoughtfully, pretending to consider that point before lifting a finger. "They have pastries."

Paige reached into the side pocket of her backpack, pulled out a granola bar, and held it up like courtroom evidence. "I have granola bars."

Nika stared at the wrapper for a second before letting out the most dramatic sigh Paige had heard all week.

Nika’s shoulders slumped as she threw her head back. "You're impossible."

Paige quietly slid the granola bar back into her bag. "I've been told."

Nika rubbed both hands down her face before sitting up again. "Okay," she said, refusing to surrender. "Counterpoint."

Paige sighed.

Mike pointed toward the overcrowded library around them. "They also have actual empty tables."

That almost made Paige crack. She hesitated, her confidence faltered just enough for Nika to notice.

Slowly, Paige turned in her chair and scanned the room again. Not one chair had opened since they'd arrived, every table was full, the pencil was still tapping, and a student nearby had apparently decided headphones were optional and was now watching a video loud enough for three surrounding tables to hear.

Someone hissed, "Can you turn that down?"

The student either didn't hear them or pretended not to.

As if the universe wanted to make Nika’s oint even stronger, another group across the room launched into a surprisingly passionate debate.

"No, seriously," one voice insisted. "Pluto should still count."

"It literally doesn't!"

"It should!"

Paige slowly closed her eyes. Her fingers pinched the bridge of her nose.

I cannot believe this is happening she thought.

She stayed like that for a long moment, silently weighing her options.

Study here...

Or admit Nika had a point.

She disliked both.

Finally, she exhaled through her nose. "Fine."

Nika’s smile appeared instantly, bright and thoroughly self-satisfied. "I knew you'd cave."

Paige opened one eye just enough to glare at her. "I'm not caving."

Nika rested her chin in her palm, looking thoroughly entertained. "No?"

Paige straightened in her chair and reached for her laptop with careful, practiced movements.

"I'm..." she began, sliding it into its padded sleeve before zipping the compartment closed, "uh, relocating."

Nika nodded solemnly. "Mhm."

The blonde gathered the stack of notebooks she'd arranged so meticulously earlier, tapping their edges together until they lined up perfectly. "For academic purposes."

"Of course." Nika replied, her voice was so innocent it was almost borderline offensive.

Paige ignored her and reached for the rest of her things, muttering under her breath as she mentally checked each item off her list.

Planner.

Water bottle.

Pencil pouch.

Headphones.

Charger.

Highlighters.

She paused and counted them. Then grabbed two she'd almost forgotten.

"And if it's loud..." She finally looked up.

Nika didn't even let her finish already knowing what her twin was going to say. "You'll come back."

Paige pursed her lips. She couldn't argue with that. Instead, she hoisted her backpack onto one shoulder, nearly tipping sideways under the weight before correcting herself.

Nika’s eyes slowly traveled from Paige’s face...to the overloaded backpack...to the armful of notebooks...to the planner tucked against her side...and finally to the handful of highlighters she was somehow still carrying.

She blinked once then twice. "Do you own anything that isn't in your backpack?"

Paige glanced down at herself as though genuinely considering the question. After a thoughtful pause, she looked back up. "No."

Nika laughed, pushing herself to her feet. "You pack like you're leaving civilization."

Paige adjusted the backpack strap digging into her shoulder before giving a small shrug. "You never know."

Nika slipped her laptop into her own bag, which looked suspiciously light by comparison, and stared at Paige with open disbelief. "For what?"

The blonde frowned thoughtfully, she honestly didn't know. That was the problem. But after a beat, she answered with complete sincerity. "I don't know."

Nika shook her head, unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips as she headed toward the library doors. "Exactly."

—

The walk across campus was colder than Paige expected. October had finally decided to act like October. Leaves drifted across the brick sidewalks, painting them shades of orange and gold. Students hurried between buildings with scarves wrapped around their necks and warm drinks in their hands.

Paige adjusted the strap of her backpack, she had almost turned around twice because studying in a café sounded inefficient. Coffee machines were loud, people talked, and music played. How was she supposed to focus? She quickly pushed that thought out of her head because anything had to be better than the mayhem in the library today.

She reached the corner of a quiet street where a little café labeled “Stors Sips” sat tucked between the campus bookstore and a flower shop. A chalkboard sign rested outside.

Today's Special: Maple Cinnamon Latte 🍁

Beneath it someone had doodled a smiling coffee cup. Paige smiled before she realized she was smiling. The soft chime above the café door announced Paige’s arrival the second she stepped inside. Warm air wrapped around her almost immediately, carrying the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee, vanilla syrup, and pastries that had probably come out of the oven not long ago. It was quieter than the library—still busy, but the sounds blended together instead of fighting for her attention. Low conversations drifted between tables, the espresso machine hissed rhythmically behind the counter, and somewhere in the corner, soft acoustic music played just loud enough to fill the silence without interrupting it.

Paige paused just inside the entrance. The tightness she'd been carrying in her shoulders since leaving the library loosened a fraction.

This was better.

She adjusted the strap of her backpack higher onto her shoulder before shifting the stack of notebooks tucked beneath her arm. Her planner threatened to slide free, so she nudged it back into place with her elbow and joined the short line at the register.

There was only one customer ahead of her, good.

She could order, find a table, and finally study somewhere that didn't involve pencil tapping or impromptu astronomy debates.

The elderly man at the register accepted his drink with both hands, smiling warmly at the barista across the counter.

Before Paige even had a chance to glance at the menu, a bright, familiar-sounding voice carried across the café.

"See you tomorrow, Mr. Collins!"

Paige looked up automatically. The barista leaned across the counter just enough to wave as the older man started toward the door, her smile so genuine it reached her eyes.

Mr. Collins laughed, pointing playfully at her with his cup. "Same time?"

She rested one hand against the counter, the other still holding a steaming pitcher of milk. "You know it."

The laugh that followed came easily, completely unforced, and somehow managed to make the entire café feel warmer. Mr. Collins chuckled to himself before heading toward the exit, as he passed Paige, he tipped his cup in a small goodbye.

Paige barely noticed. Her attention had settled somewhere else entirely. Behind the espresso machine stood the prettiest girl she'd ever seen.

Dark hair had been pulled back into a loose ponytail that somehow looked intentionally effortless. A few curly wisps framed her face, softening features that were already unfairly beautiful. A brown apron dusted lightly with flour was tied neatly around her waist, and a thin silver necklace caught the warm overhead lights each time she moved.

She worked with practiced ease. One hand set another cup beneath the espresso machine while the other reached for a clean towel without looking.

Nothing about her movements seemed rushed, nor did they seem forced. She looked like she belonged here. Paige quickly realized she'd been staring. She should probably stop doing that, she didn't.

The barista looked back toward the register, expecting the next customer. Instead, she found Paige frozen in place. For the briefest second, curiosity flickered across her face before her smile softened. "Hi."

The greeting was warm and easy, offered without hesitation.

Paige’s stomach immediately tied itself into a knot. She opened her mouth but nothing came out.

Say something.

Anything.

The silence stretched one beat too long. The barista's smile never disappeared, though one eyebrow lifted just slightly in gentle amusement.

"...Hi?" She murmured.

The second greeting finally jolted Paige back to reality. She blinked hard. "Oh."

The word escaped before she had time to think. The moment she heard herself, she wanted to disappear.

Seriously?

'Oh?'

That's the best you could come up with?

She resisted the urge to hide behind the stack of notebooks still tucked awkwardly against her side.

The barista didn't seem bothered in the slightest. If anything, her smile became a little brighter. She rested both hands lightly on the counter, giving Paige her full attention despite the drinks waiting behind her. "What can I get started for you?"

Grateful for the excuse to stop making eye contact, Paige quickly looked up at the menu overhead.

Which she instantly regretted. Her eyes swept across line after line of unfamiliar drinks.

Espresso.

Americano.

Latte.

Macchiato.

Flat White.

Cortado.

Mocha.

Cold Brew.

The list kept going. Then came flavor options.

Milk choices.

Extra shots.

Foam.

Whipped cream.

Half of the words might as well have been written in another language.

Why are there so many? She thought

She'd walked in expecting to choose between coffee or tea. Not decipher an advanced coffee textbook.

"I..." Her voice caught before the sentence had a chance to begin. She kept staring at the menu, hoping one option would somehow stand out.

None of them did.

The silence felt longer with every passing second. She also became painfully aware that Azzi was still waiting and so was the customer behind her.

Heat crept steadily into her cheeks. Finally, she tore her eyes away from the menu and looked back at the barista with an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry," she admitted with a quiet laugh that was more embarrassing than amusing. "What do you recommend?"

The barista didn't answer immediately. Instead, she tilted her head ever so slightly, studying Paige with open curiosity.

Not judgment, curiosity.

Her eyes flicked briefly from Paige’s face to the menu overhead before returning again.

"If you don't like coffee?" She questioned.

Paige frowned before she could stop herself. She hugged her notebooks a little closer against her chest. "Is it that obvious?"

The corners of the barista's mouth curved upward. She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head just a little. "You looked terrified when you saw the espresso menu."

Paige’s face immediately grew warmer. She let out a quiet groan under her breath before glancing back at the menu as if maybe it had betrayed her.

"I wasn't..." She stopped herself because there wasn't much point denying it.

She looked back at Azzi and laughed quietly at her own expense. "Okay, maybe a little."

Azzi laughed with her, not at her, and somehow the distinction made all the difference. The knot in Paige’s stomach loosened just enough for her to breathe normally again.

"I just..." Paige shifted the notebooks slipping against her arm before continuing. "I don't know what any of these words mean bro."

Understanding immediately Azzi softened her expression. "No worries."

The reassurance came so naturally that Paige believed her without question. Azzi rested one forearm lightly against the counter. "What do you usually drink?"

Paige answered almost immediately, relieved to finally have a question she actually knew the answer to.

"Tea."

Azzi nodded once, thoughtful. "Hot or iced?"

"Hot." Paige answered without hesitation before realizing how quickly she'd replied.

She smiled sheepishly. "Always hot."

Another nod. "Sweet?" Azzi questioned.

Paige thought about it for a second, unconsciously tracing the edge of one notebook with her thumb.

"A little."

Azzi smiled as though she'd already decided exactly what Paige needed. "I've got you."

Something about the certainty in Azzi’s voice settled Paige almost instantly.

The anxious grip she'd kept on her notebooks since walking into the café loosened, and she felt the tension she'd been carrying all afternoon slip from her shoulders. She wasn't entirely sure why she trusted this complete stranger so easily.

She just did.

A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth before she could stop it. "Okay."

Azzi caught the smile and answered with one of her own. It was easy and genuine, the kind that didn't seem practiced even though she probably smiled at hundreds of customers every day. Reaching for a paper cup with one hand, she uncapped the marker tucked behind the register with the other.

"Name?" The curly girl asked.

Paige shifted the stack of notebooks higher against her hip before answering.

"Paige."

Azzi glanced up just long enough to meet her eyes again.

"I'm Azzi."

There was something strangely comforting about finally putting a name to the face.

Paige watched as Azzi lowered the marker to the side of the cup, her handwriting flowing across the paper in neat, looping letters that somehow looked as effortless as everything else she did.

She capped the marker with a soft click before sliding the cup toward the espresso machine. "There you go."

"Thank you," Paige said quietly, her voice steadier than it had been a minute ago.

She stepped away from the register, carefully balancing the notebooks beneath one arm while adjusting the strap of her backpack with the other.

Okay.

That wasn't so bad.

Maybe Nika had been—

Something shifted.

Paige felt the pencil pouch she'd wedged between her notebooks begin to slide.

Her eyes widened.

No.

She reached for it.

Too late.

One green highlighter escaped first. It bounced once against the hardwood floor, then another followed, and another. Within seconds, nearly half her collection exploded from the pouch, plastic cylinders ricocheting across the café in every direction.

Pink rolled beneath an empty chair, blue spun toward the pastry display, and orange bounced off someone's boot before continuing across the floor. The clattering seemed impossibly loud. Every colorful piece felt like another announcement to the room that she existed.

Paige froze.

She stared down at the rainbow scattered around her feet. Her stomach dropped.

"...No." The word came out barely above a whisper. She squeezed her eyes shut for the briefest second before opening them again, as though maybe the mess would have disappeared.

It hadn't.

Her shoulders sagged. "...Not again."

Before she could kneel down, movement caught her attention.

Azzi had already pushed through the swinging gate at the end of the counter. Without a trace of hesitation, she walked over and crouched beside the runaway highlighters, reaching for the blue one before it rolled beneath another table.

"I've got the escape artists."

Paige’s head snapped up. "You don't have to—"

Azzi looked over at her, still smiling as she picked up another highlighter. "It's okay."

There wasn't the slightest hint of annoyance in her voice. If anything she sounded amused.

Paige let out a quiet breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and carefully knelt on the opposite side of the colorful disaster, setting her notebooks beside her before reaching for the nearest highlighter.

"I'm so sorry," she mumbled, ducking her head as she gathered another handful. "This keeps happening."

Azzi leaned farther beneath a neighboring table, stretching until her fingertips caught a pink highlighter that had almost escaped.

When she sat back, she held it up between two fingers with a small grin. "You own more highlighters than we own syrups."

Paige couldn't help it. A laugh escaped before she had the chance to stop it. It was quiet, surprising, and completely involuntary.

"I like being organized," she admitted, stacking the recovered highlighters neatly against her notebooks before immediately straightening them into a perfect pile.

Azzi noticed.

The grin on her face widened. "I can tell."

She reached for the final runaway highlighter resting near the leg of a chair before standing. Walking the last step toward Paige, she held it out in the palm of her hand. "Our first impression is going great."

Paige accepted the highlighter with a groan. She covered her face with one hand, wishing just briefly that the floor might open up beneath her.

"I'm usually much cooler than this." She protested.

Azzi crossed her arms loosely, looking down at Paige with an expression that said she didn't believe a single word. "Mhm."

Paige peeked at her through her fingers. "I am."

Azzi nodded with exaggerated seriousness. "I believe you."

Paige lowered her hand completely, narrowing her eyes just enough to make Azzi laugh. "You don't."

Azzi’s bunny smile turned openly teasing. "I absolutely don't."

For a second, Paige simply looked at her. Then another laugh slipped free, a real one this time. The embarrassment was still there, and her cheeks were still warm.

She'd still just scattered enough stationery across the café floor to stock a middle-school classroom. But somehow it didn't feel like the end of the world anymore.

Azzi smiled once more before collecting the empty cup she'd set aside. "I should probably get your drink started."

Paige nodded, hugging her recovered notebooks a little tighter against her chest.

"Probably."

With one last amused glance in Paige’s direction, Azzi turned and disappeared back behind the espresso machine, already greeting the next customer before she'd even tied her apron back into place.

Paige watched her for a second longer than she meant to.

Okay.

Maybe stop staring now.

She looked away before Azzi could catch her again and made her way toward the pickup counter, clutching her supplies a little more carefully this time.

She lingered there, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Partly because she genuinely wasn't sure where customers were supposed to wait.

And partly because she was still mentally replaying the last three minutes, each one somehow more embarrassing than the one before.

She let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head at herself. "So much for making a normal first impression," she muttered under her breath.

Paige adjusted the stack of textbooks against her hip before finally leaving the pickup counter, tightening her grip on the pencil pouch tucked beneath her arm.

Maybe let's not throw your entire stationery collection across the café a second time.

She shifted the pouch higher against the notebooks until she was satisfied nothing else could escape. Only then did she let herself look around for somewhere to sit.

Her eyes landed on a table near the front windows. It was tucked into the corner, just far enough away from the register that she wouldn't feel like she was standing in everyone's way, but close enough that she could still watch the quiet rhythm of the café if she happened to look up from her work.

Perfect.

She made her way over, weaving carefully between occupied tables. As she reached the chair, she set her things down with far more caution than necessary, making sure nothing rolled, tipped, or fell before finally pulling the chair out and sitting.

Sunlight streamed through the windows beside her, warming one side of the worn wooden tabletop. Tiny scratches crisscrossed the surface, along with faint rings left behind by years of coffee mugs and students who had probably claimed this very table for the exact same reason she had. To study.

Paige rested both hands on the edge of the table for a moment before glancing outside.

Students crossed the street in small groups, scarves wrapped around their necks against the cool afternoon air. A gust of wind chased orange and yellow leaves across the sidewalk, sending them tumbling around hurried footsteps before they settled again.

Inside, everything felt different. Not silent, she didn't think she'd actually wanted silence. Silence could be uncomfortable but this? This was comfortable.

Conversations blended together into a soft murmur that never demanded her attention. Every so often the espresso machine hissed behind the counter before settling again, followed by the familiar clink of ceramic mugs meeting saucers. Quiet music drifted through the speakers overhead, soft enough that she couldn't quite make out the lyrics, but steady enough to fill the empty spaces between conversations.

She listened for a moment. Nobody was tapping pencils, nobody was arguing about Pluto, and nobody was watching videos at full volume.

A small smile appeared before she realized it.

I can work with this.

The thought barely settled before another followed.

Nika was right.

Paige’s smile immediately faded into a skeptical frown.

Let's not get carried away.

Admitting Nika had been right once was dangerous enough.

If she found out Paige wasn't sure she'd ever hear the end of it. She let out a quiet breath through her nose before reaching for her backpack.

"Okay," she murmured to herself, more out of habit than necessity. "Let's actually study."

She unzipped the largest pocket and began unpacking her things one at a time, placing each item in its usual spot.

Her laptop came out first. She centered it carefully with the edge of the table before opening the screen.

Next came her planner, she placed it to the left. Her biology textbook followed, then the notebook she'd need for today's lecture.

Finally, she reached for her pencil pouch.

Her hand paused, she looked at it suspiciously. After everything that had happened five minutes ago she wasn't taking chances. Slowly, she unzipped it, the colorful tops of dozens of highlighters peeked back at her.

Paige nodded once to herself. "Roll call."

She picked up the first one.

"One..."

She set it neatly beside her notebook, then reached for another.

"Two..."

Another joined the row. She continued counting under her breath, lining them up by color as she went.

"Three..."

"Four..."

By the time she reached the final highlighter, she placed it at the end of the line with a small, satisfied nod.

"All present." She let out the tiniest breath of relief.

Good, no casualties.

"Good to know." The unfamiliar voice made Paige jump just enough that she nearly dropped the last highlighter she'd been holding.

Her head snapped up. Azzi stood beside the table, balancing a ceramic mug in one hand while a small tray rested against her hip.

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as her gaze drifted from Paige to the perfectly organised rainbow lined across the table.

"I was worried we'd have another emergency." Azzi joked.

Heat crept into Paige’s cheeks all over again. She glanced down at the row of highlighters before looking back up with an embarrassed smile. "They're fragile."

Azzi’s eyebrows lifted. "The highlighters?"

Paige shook her head with a quiet laugh. "The situation."

For just a second, Azzi stared at her. Then she laughed, not loudly. Just enough to make the smile in her eyes grow a little brighter.

"I'll keep that in mind." She said still smiling, she leaned forward and carefully placed the ceramic mug in front of Paige before straightening again.

"I made you something."

Paige’s attention dropped immediately to the drink before lifting back to Azzi.

"You did?"

Azzi nodded once, resting her hands lightly behind her back. "I figured since you trusted me with your order," she said, her smile softening almost imperceptibly, "I should at least make sure it was actually something you'd like."

Paige looked back down at the mug. Warm steam curled lazily toward the ceiling and resting on top of the creamy foam was a carefully poured leaf design, so neat it almost looked painted instead of poured.

She hesitated. It looked, too pretty. Almost too pretty to touch.

Her fingers wrapped carefully around the mug, welcoming the warmth against her palms.

"You made this?" Paige questioned.

Azzi’s smile widened just a fraction, and she gave a small nod. "I did."

Paige looked back down at the mug, studying it again as if seeing it from a different angle might explain how someone could make a drink look like artwork.

"It's.." She paused, searching for the right word before looking back up. "really pretty."

just like you Paige thought.

Azzi’s smile softened. "I'm glad you think so."

She nodded toward the mug still resting between Paige’s hands. "Technically, it's not coffee." She lifted one shoulder in an easy shrug. "It's a honey vanilla chamomile latte."

Paige’s eyebrows rose. She looked down at the drink again, then back at Azzi. "That's a thing?"

Azzi laughed quietly at the disbelief on Paige’s face.

"Apparently." She murmured, grinning.

Paige tilted her head, still trying to decide whether that sounded made up. "Interesting."

Azzi leaned against the back of the empty chair across from Paige's table, folding her hands loosely over the top of it. "Think of it as tea pretending to be coffee."

The description caught Paige off guard. A laugh escaped before she could stop it. "I think that's something I can handle."

"I was hoping." The brunette replied, a faint blush on her cheeks.

A comfortable silence settled between them for a moment. Paige looked back down at the mug, watching the steam curl lazily into the air. The little foam leaf sat perfectly in the center untouched.

She frowned ever so slightly. "It looks too nice to drink."

Azzi followed her gaze to the foam art before looking back at Paige.

One corner of her mouth lifted. "Don't worry." She waved a dismissive hand with an easy smile. "I won't be offended when you destroy my artwork."

Paige’s fingers tightened just a little around the mug. "I might be."

Azzi blinked, amused. "Why?"

Paige glanced down at the foam leaf again before answering. "Because now I feel responsible for the tiny foam leaf."

For a second, Azzi just looked at her.

Then another laugh escaped, warm and effortless enough that Paige felt herself smiling again without meaning to.

"I think you'll survive."

Paige pretended to consider that. Her eyes drifted thoughtfully toward the ceiling before returning to Azzi.

"That's a bold assumption." She added.

Azzi crossed her arms loosely, the smile never leaving her face. "I have faith in you."

The words were simple, casual. Probably something Azzi said without giving it much thought. But Paige felt them land somewhere she couldn't quite explain.

She looked up. And for just a second, the sounds of the café seemed to fade into the background.

Azzi wasn't teasing. She wasn't rushing to greet another customer. She was just looking at Paige, waiting.

The blonde cleared her throat, suddenly very aware she'd been holding Azzi’s gaze longer than she intended.

"Well..." She wrapped both hands around the mug again before lifting it carefully from the table. "I'll let you know if it lives up to the expectations."

Azzi took a small step backward toward the counter, her smile returning to its usual playful shape. "I'll be waiting for the review."

She started walking back toward the espresso machine, weaving easily between occupied tables. Halfway there, she slowed, then stopped. Turning back over her shoulder, she found Paige already watching her.

A grin spread across her face. "And Paige?"

Paige looked up immediately. "Yeah?"

Azzi’s eyes drifted toward the perfectly straight line of highlighters sitting beside Paige's notebook.

The corners of her mouth twitched. "Don't let the highlighters distract you from actually studying."

Paige instinctively looked down at them. Without realizing it, she'd already arranged them into a flawless rainbow.

She let out a quiet, embarrassed laugh. "No promises."

Azzi shook her head as if she'd expected exactly that answer.

"I had a feeling you'd say that." With one last smile, she turned and disappeared behind the espresso machine, greeting another customer before Paige had time to say anything else.

Paige watched her go. She watched a second longer than she probably should have. Only when Azzi disappeared behind the crowd gathering near the register did Paige blink and look back down at the table.

The mug still rested in front of her, steam continued curling from the surface, and the foam leaf remained perfectly intact.

She smiled to herself. Then she reached for the mug with both hands.

"Okay," she whispered under her breath, giving herself a small nod before opening her laptop.

"Focus."

She took one sip. The warmth spread through her almost instantly, her eyes widened.

"...Okay," she murmured, this time to the drink instead of herself. "Nika was definitely right."

A beat passed.

She sighed dramatically.

"I am never telling her that."

Paige opened her biology textbook and for the first time all afternoon, the words on the page actually held her attention.

For the next hour, she managed to get more work done than she had all week. Not because the café was silent, because it wasn’t. And not because there weren't distractions. (There definitely were.)

But something about the atmosphere made it easier to breathe. She wasn't trapped in the library fighting against every little sound, and she wasn't staring at the same paragraph over and over again. She was just comfortable.

Every once in a while, she noticed Azzi moving behind the counter. Not because she was trying to. At least, that's what Paige told herself. She noticed because Azzi was impossible not to notice.

The way she remembered people's names, the way she smiled at regular customers, the way she made every interaction feel personal instead of rushed. It was different. Paige had worked a customer service job once in high school, and she had spent most of her shifts counting down the minutes until she could leave.

But Azzi looked like she belonged there. Like the café wasn't just somewhere she worked. It was somewhere she was part of.

Paige caught herself watching the counter again and immediately looked back down at her notes.

"Absolutely not," she whispered.

She picked up her green highlighter. "You're here to study." She reminded herself.

Her phone buzzed, she glanced down.

Twin🇭🇷🦈: So?

Paige stared at the message.

Paige: So what?

The response came almost immediately.

Twin🇭🇷🦈: How's the café?

Paige looked around at the warm lights, the quiet tables, and also at drink beside her and, unfortunately, the barista who had somehow made her first day there memorable.

Paige typed back.

Paige : It's actually really nice.

Twin🇭🇷🦈: "Nice" nice or actually nice?

Paige frowned.

Paige: What does that mean bro?

Twin🇭🇷🦈: You know exactly what that means.

Paige rolled her eyes.

Paige: I'm studying.

Twin🇭🇷🦈: Are you?

Paige looked down at her textbook. Then at the notes she'd actually completed.

Paige : yes.

A pause.

Nika🇭🇷🦈: Are any of the baristas cute😏?

Paige froze. How the fuck would Nika know?

She looked around the café instinctively, even though Nika was nowhere near her.

Paige: I'm hanging up this conversation.

Twin🇭🇷🦈: You didn't answer.

Paige locked her phone. She absolutely did not need to answer because the answer was obvious. And that was exactly the problem.

She returned her attention to her textbook, determined to prove herself wrong. Unfortunately, the small smile she couldn't quite get rid of made that difficult.

By the time Paige finally looked up from her laptop, the light outside the café windows had shifted. The bright afternoon sun had softened into a warm golden glow, the kind that made the leaves outside look like they were glowing instead of simply falling.

She blinked. Then she looked at the clock above the pastry case.

5:42 p.m.

Her eyebrows lifted. "No way."

She glanced back down at her notebook. Somehow, she had actually gotten work done, not everything. And also definitely not enough to stop worrying about midterms, but enough.

Her biology notes were filled with organized sections, important terms highlighted, and questions written neatly in the margins for her to review later.

It was progress, actual progress. And that was surprising, because when she first walked in, she had been convinced a café was the worst possible place to study. Too many distractions, too much noise, and too many people.

Yet somehow, she'd spent nearly four hours there and hadn't regretted it once. Paige started packing up her things.

Laptop first.

Charger tucked away.

Planner.

Notebook.

Textbook.

Water bottle.

Then her eyes landed on the row of highlighters beside her notebook. For a moment, she simply stared at them. A small smile pulled at the corner of her mouth.

After the chaos they had caused earlier, seeing them all accounted for felt strangely satisfying. She reached over and picked them up one by one, carefully sliding them back into her pencil pouch.

"Still here," she murmured quietly, shaking her head with a small laugh.

The highlighters disappeared into the pouch, and she zipped it closed with a quiet sound.

"Perfect." The word had barely left her mouth when another voice came from beside the table.

"Happy to hear there were no more incidents."

Paige looked up.

Azzi stood beside her with an empty tray balanced in one hand. She looked like she had been moving nonstop since the last time they spoke—hair slightly looser, apron still dusted with tiny traces of flour, and a few strands falling around her face.

Yet somehow, she still carried the same calm energy she had when Paige first walked in. Like nothing ever truly overwhelmed her. Paige glanced down at her neatly packed belongings before looking back up at Azzi.

"Thank you for checking."

Azzi’s expression turned slightly more serious, though the amusement in her eyes remained. "I was concerned."

Paige paused. The way Azzi said it made the statement sound much more dramatic than it probably was.

Her eyebrows lifted slightly. "About my safety?"

The question came out with just enough seriousness that Azzi’s smile immediately grew. For a second, she looked like she was considering whether to play along.

Then she admitted the truth. "About the highlighters."

Paige stared at her, a beat passed. Then she slowly nodded, accepting the answer like it was completely reasonable."Understandable."

Azzi laughed softly. The sound made Paige smile before she could stop herself. There was something about the way Azzi laughed that made everything feel lighter.

The barista shifted the tray to her other hand, her eyes moving briefly toward Paige’s notebook.

"So..." she started, drawing out the word slightly as if she already knew she was interrupting a very serious study session. "How was the studying?"

Paige followed Azzi’s gaze down to her notes. The pages were filled, more filled than she expected, actually. She ran her thumb lightly along the edge of the notebook before answering. "Better than expected."

Azzi’s eyebrows lifted. "Really?"

Paige nodded, closing the notebook and placing it on top of her textbook. "Yeah."

She looked at the stack of completed work, a small sense of accomplishment settling in. "I actually got a lot done."

Azzi smiled, looking pleased with herself even though she had technically done very little besides make a drink and provide a quieter place to sit.

"See?" She gestured around the café with her free hand. "The café passed the test."

Paige glanced around. The warm lights, the quiet conversations, the comfortable hum of people coming and going. She had to admit it had passed the test.

"I guess it did." The small smile that appeared on her face felt natural.

Azzi noticed, and for some reason, that made Paige suddenly aware of it.

"I was nervous." The confession caught Paige off guard.

She looked back at Azzi . The barista reached up, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face before tucking it behind her ear.

"You were?" The blonde asked.

Azzi nodded like it was obvious. "Of course."

Paige tilted her head slightly. "Why?"

Azzi leaned lightly against the edge of the nearby chair, thinking for a second before answering.

"Because if you hated it..." she explained, her expression turning playfully thoughtful, "I'd have to question my entire understanding of what makes a good study environment."

The ridiculous seriousness of the statement caught Paige by surprise. A laugh escaped before she could hold it back, a real one.

Azzi smiled, clearly pleased she had managed to get it out of her.

"I think you'll survive."

Azzi placed a hand over her chest in exaggerated relief. "Good."

She nodded solemnly. "I was worried."

Paige shook her head, still smiling. She wasn't used to conversations like this. Usually, conversations had a purpose, class discussions, presentations, or debates. Things where she knew exactly what was expected of her. There were rules, there were answers, and there were ways to prepare. But casual conversations? Those were different. Those required instinct, they required knowing when to speak, when to joke, when to stop.

And somehow, with Azzi, Paige didn't feel like she had to mentally rehearse every response before saying it. She just talked.

Which was unusual, and honestly, a little concerning. Because Paige liked being prepared. She liked knowing what came next. But Azzi made that harder,not in a bad way. Just in a way Paige wasn't used to.

She glanced toward the clock above the counter and realized more time had passed than she expected.

"I should probably get going." The words came out reluctantly.

She stood, sliding her backpack onto one shoulder and adjusting the strap until it sat comfortably. Azzi straightened from where she had been leaning.

"Early morning?" She asked

Paige nodded. "Eight o'clock class."

Azzi immediately made a sympathetic face. The reaction was so genuine that Paige almost laughed. "That's rough."

"Trust I know." The blonde huffed.

The simple agreement made Azzi smile. "Do you have coffee?"

Paige turned toward her with immediate disbelief. Her eyebrows rose, "I told you."

She pointed lightly toward herself. "I don't drink coffee."

Azzi’s eyes widened slightly as if remembering. "Right."

A small smile tugged at her mouth. "Tea person."

Paige nodded."Exactly."

Azzi smiled. "Then I hope tomorrow's tea is better than today's."

—

She walked towards the door, the bell chiming above her as she stepped outside. The cold October air hit her immediately. Paige tucked her hands into her jacket pockets and started walking back across campus.

She told herself she was thinking about the tea, the quiet atmosphere, the comfortable table by the window, and the fact that she had actually been productive. Those were all valid reasons to return, completely logical reasons.

The barista definitely had nothing to do with it, absolutely nothing.

Except… Paige couldn't stop thinking about the way Azzi remembered people's names, the way she laughed, and the way she made a random café feel familiar after only a few hours. She shook her head. "This is ridiculous."

A student walking past glanced at her, Paige immediately looked away.

Great. Now she was talking to herself on campus.

Nika was going to have a field day.

—

When Paige opened the apartment door, the first thing that greeted her was the sound of the television playing from the living room. A sitcom laugh track echoed softly through the apartment, followed by the familiar glow of the screen spilling across the room.

Paige stepped inside, already reaching for the strap of her backpack to pull it off her shoulder. She barely made it two steps, Nika looked up from the couch. The second her eyes landed on Paige’s face, her expression changed.

Her eyebrows lifted, then narrowed. A slow, knowing smile appeared. Paige immediately stopped, she knew that look and she already hated it.

"Oh no." Nika’s voice held far too much confidence.

Paige tightened her grip on her backpack strap. "What?"

Instead of answering, Nika grabbed the remote and muted the television. The sudden quiet made Paige feel like she had just walked into an interrogation.

Nika leaned forward, studying her. "You have a look."

Paige stared at her. "A look?"

She glanced down at herself, briefly wondering if something was wrong with her clothes or if she had somehow walked home with something embarrassing on her face.

Then she looked back at Nika. "I do not."

Nika didn't even blink."You do."

Paige sighed, dropping her backpack beside the door. She should have known Nika would notice something.

Nika always noticed something, they were “twins” after all.

"I went to study." Paige defended.

Nika hummed, clearly unconvinced. "Mhm."

Paige slipped off her shoes and walked farther into the apartment. "I did."

Another hum. "Mhm."

She looked over her shoulder. "It was productive."

Nika’s expression softened into the exact kind of smile Paige didn't trust. The one that meant she was waiting for Paige to realize she had already given herself away.

"And?" Nika questioned.

Paige turned back around. "And what?"

The Croatian girl smiled. "There it is."

Paige frowned, and she crossed her arms. "There what is?"

"The part where you're pretending I don't know exactly what's going on." Nika explained.

Paige immediately rolled her eyes. "Nothing is going on."

Nika leaned back against the couch, completely relaxed. "Okay."

Paige stared at her. "Okay."

Neither of them moved, and neither of them spoke. Paige refused to give Nika the satisfaction.

Although Nika looked perfectly happy waiting all night. But unfortunately, Paige knew her best friend and roommate. Nika was more stubborn than anyone Paige had ever met.

Finally, Nika sighed and gave up pretending she wasn't curious. "So..."

She watched Paige carefully. "How was the barista?"

The reaction was immediate, Paige looked away. Only for a second, but it was enough.

Nika caught it, of course she caught it.

Paige cleared her throat, suddenly very interested in adjusting the sleeve of her jacket. "I don't know what you're talking about."

The brunette smile widened. "Sure."

Paige shook her head. "She was just nice."

Nika repeated the word slowly. "Nice?"

Paige looked back at her. "Yes."

Nika tilted her head. "The kind of nice where you come home and immediately have a suspicious expression?"

Paige opened her mouth, then closed it. Because that was annoyingly accurate. “I did not mention her." She defended.

Nika pointed toward Paige’s backpack. "The tea."

Paige glanced at the bag. She already knew exactly where this conversation was going.

"You mentioned the tea." Nika added.

Paige shrugged, trying to sound casual. "The tea was good."

Nika nodded slowly. "Uh-huh."

Paige crossed her arms tighter. "It was."

But even as she said it, her mind betrayed her. Because yes, the tea had been good. The café had been comfortable, and she had gotten work done. Those were the reasons she was thinking about going back.

Obviously.

Completely obvious reasons.

Except… Her brain immediately supplied an image of Azzi standing behind the counter. The way she smiled when she greeted people, the way she laughed, and the way her whole face softened when she was joking.

Paige quickly pushed the thought away.

No.

Absolutely not, she was not doing this. She was not sitting here thinking about a girl she had known for one afternoon. Especially not a girl she had met while embarrassing herself with a highlighter explosion.

Nika pointed toward the planner sticking out of Paige’s bag. "Open it."

Paige immediately looked at her. The request was suspicious, very suspicious.

"Why?" She asked.

Nika shrugged. "Just open it."

Paige narrowed her eyes. She knew better than to blindly follow Nika’s instructions, but curiosity got the better of her.

With a quiet sigh, she pulled the planner from her bag and flipped it open to the next day. Her schedule stared back at her. Classes, assignments, a three-hour gap between lectures, and an empty space. Which meant a perfect opportunity.

Before she could stop herself, her fingers were already reaching for the pen tucked into the planner.

The movement was automatic.

She wrote:

Study — Storrs sips Cafe.

The second the ink touched the page, Paige froze. She stared at the words and Nika stared at Paige. Neither of them said anything because they both knew.

Paige looked back down at the planner. This was a normal decision, a quiet logical decision, a good study choice. That was all.

Except the small, annoying part of her brain immediately pictured Azzi looking up when she walked through the café door.

That smile, that little surprised expression. And the way she would probably say her name.

Paige frowned. This was getting ridiculous.

Finally, Nika broke the silence. A slow smile spread across her face. "You're going back."

Paige snapped the planner shut. "Because it's a good study place."

Nika nodded. "Of course."

"It is." She protested.

"Sure." Nika said, not sounding convinced at all.

Paige shoved the planner back into her bag, ignoring the heat creeping into her cheeks. She turned toward the hallway

“It’s just a good study place!!” She yelled, defending herself one more time before she disappeared into her room and closed the door behind her.

A few seconds later, Nika laughed quietly from the living room, not loudly. Just enough to prove she had already figured everything out.

"Whatever you say." She yelled back.

Inside her room, Paige leaned against the closed door. She let out a long breath, Nika was wrong. She had to be. She was only going back because the café was comfortable, because she could actually focus there, because the tea was good, and because she got more done than she expected.

That was it. Those were the reasons, nothing else.

Except Paige walked over to her desk and dropped her planner beside her laptop and immediately thought about Azzi again.

Which was becoming a problem because Azzi was not just nice.

She was...Paige paused.

No.

She wasn't finishing that sentence, she already knew where it was going.

Azzi was cute, annoyingly cute. The kind of cute that made Paige notice tiny things she had no reason to remember. Like the way she tucked her hair behind her ear, like the way she smiled when she laughed, or like the way she looked completely comfortable behind the counter, like she belonged there.

Paige covered her face with both hands. "Seriously?" She had known this girl for one singular afternoon.

And somehow she was already acting like a complete simp. For a barista, A very pretty, and kind barista who had made her a drink with a tiny foam leaf who somehow made Paige feel less awkward and being awkward.

That was the dangerous part. It wasn't just that Azzi was pretty. It was that Paige liked being around her. Now usually Paige knew how to handle everything with a clear purpose, but with Azzi it was different. She just let herself exist. Which was honestly more concerning than the fact she thought Azzi was cute. Paige set her alarm for the next morning and placed her phone on the nightstand.

She told herself she wasn't excited. She also told herself tomorrow was just another study day. A normal afternoon, a normal trip to a café. Nothing more, nothing at all.

Except when she closed her eyes, the first thing she thought about was tomorrow afternoon.

And the possibility of seeing Azzi again.

AZZIS POV:

The last few customers had finally left.

Azzi stood behind the counter, wiping down the espresso machine as the café settled into its nighttime quiet. Without the constant movement of orders being called out, cups being placed on trays, and conversations filling every corner, the space felt completely different. Almost peaceful.

She emptied the last bit of milk from the pitcher, rinsed it out, and placed it upside down on the drying rack.

Another closing shift finished, well almost.

The soft scrape of a chair moving across the floor caught her attention. Her manager, Caroline , was flipping the chairs onto the tables near the front windows, getting the café ready to close for the night.

"You know," Caroline said casually, not looking up from the chair she was lifting, "I don't think I've seen you smile that much during a shift in a while."

Azzi paused, only for a second. But long enough for Caroline to notice.

Azzi continued wiping the counter, pretending she suddenly found a very interesting spot that needed cleaning.

"I smile all the time." She said.

Caroline looked over. The expression on her face made it obvious she didn't believe that for a second.

"Do you?" She questioned

Azzi glanced up. "Yes."

Caroline hummed,clearly unconvinced. "Interesting."

Azzi narrowed her eyes slightly, she knew that tone.

"What?" She asked, not getting at what Caroline was saying.

Caroline finished placing the chair on the table before turning around. "The girl from earlier."

Azzi immediately knew who she meant. Which was probably the problem, her mind didn't even have to search. The girl with the stack of notebooks, the girl who looked like she had prepared for every possible academic emergency, the girl who had stared at the menu like it was written in another language, and specifically the girl who had dropped half her highlighters across the café floor.

A small smile tugged at Azzi’s mouth before she could stop it.

Caroline caught it instantly. "There it is."

Azzi looked away. "There is what?"

"That smile." Caroline said.

Azzi began to get flush, "There is no smile."

Caroline laughed quietly. "Azzi."

Azzi grabbed a clean towel and folded it carefully, mostly to give her hands something to do. "She was just a customer." She explained.

"Right." Caroline said, her voice carrying the exact amount of teasing Azzi expected.

Azzi looked over. "She has a name."

Caroline’s eyebrows lifted. "Oh?"

Azzi immediately realized what she had just admitted. She sighed, “Paige." The name came out easily, too easily.

Caroline smiled. "Paige." She repeated.

Azzi looked down, continuing to wipe the counter. "Yes."

"The highlighter girl?" Caroline added.

Azzi tried not to laugh, but it didn't work. A small smile escaped. "She has a name, remember?"

Caroline grinned. "Apparently one you remember."

Azzi opened her mouth to argue, then stopped. Because she did remember, not just Paige’s name, but everything else too.

The way Paige had walked into the café like she was prepared to battle the entire menu.

The way she had looked genuinely overwhelmed by the coffee options.

The way she had tried so hard to pretend she wasn't embarrassed when she froze at the register.

The way her face had turned slightly pink every time she realized she was overthinking something.

And the highlighters, specifically the highlighters.

Azzi shook her head slightly. She still couldn't believe how many there had been. Twenty?, Maybe more.

Paige had looked absolutely horrified when they scattered across the floor. Like the highlighters had betrayed her personally. But somehow, even while panicking, she had been polite. Apologising, trying to pick everything up herself, and worried she was causing trouble.

Azzi had found that strangely adorable. Not the dropping things part. Well...Maybe a little. But mostly the way Paige cared so much.

Everything about her seemed intentional. The organized notebooks, the planner, the color-coded highlighters, and the careful way she answered questions. Like she wanted to make sure she was doing everything correctly.

Except every once in a while, that carefulness slipped and Azzi got to see the person underneath it. The person who laughed at herself, the person who made jokes when she was embarrassed, and the person who looked genuinely surprised when someone was kind to her.

"You like her."

Caroline’s voice pulled Azzi out of her thoughts.

Azzi looked up quickly. "What?"

Caroline leaned against the counter, amused. "You heard me."

Azzi shook her head immediately. "No." The answer came too fast.

Caroline’s smile widened. "That was convincing."

Azzi rolled her eyes. "She was nice."

"Mhm."

"She was." Azzi insisted.

"I didn't say she wasn't." Caroline added.

Azzi looked down at the counter again. Because that was the problem, Caroline wasn't wrong that Paige was memorable. But it wasn't because Paige was trying to be. That was what made it different.

Paige wasn't the type of person who walked into a room wanting attention. If anything, she seemed like she was constantly trying not to have any, and somehow, she still managed to.

Azzi remembered the way Paige had laughed when they were picking up the highlighters. It had been a little surprising. Like she hadn't expected herself to laugh, like she had forgotten for a moment that she was supposed to be embarrassed.

Azzi smiled faintly, she liked that. She liked making Paige laugh. Which was probably something she shouldn't be thinking about after meeting someone once.

But still. There was something charming about her. The awkwardness, the nervousness, yhe way she tried so hard to seem composed while very obviously being anything but. It was cute, really cute. Azzi shook her head at herself.

"You're smiling again."

She looked up. Caroline was watching her with an entertained expression.

Azzi immediately went back to wiping the counter. "I am closing the café."

"That wasn't a denial." Her manager teased.

Azzi ignored her, because unfortunately she couldn't even argue. Paige had been awkward, she had been clumsy, she had been completely overwhelmed by a drink menu, she also had dropped an impressive amount of stationery.

And somehow Azzi had found all of it adorable.

She finished wiping down the counter and turned off the last row of lights. The café grew dimmer, the warm glow disappearing one section at a time.

Tomorrow, Paige might come back, orr she might not. Azzi had no idea, but for some reason, she found herself hoping she would.

Because she was curious about the girl with the notebooks. The girl with the highlighters, the girl who looked like she had everything planned out. Except for the way she made Azzi smile.

readreaderreadings

Im oddly attached to the highlighters now

azzidefender

ⓘ UNEXPECTED GAME 3

wnba! paige bueckers x model! azzi fudd — 5.7k wc

Girl code exists for a reason. Azzi knows better than to cross that line. Well, the only problem is... she wants to. and Paige seems more than willing to break them with her.

read chapter one & two here. thank you for all the love ❤️‍🔥unexpected game's playlist here!!

—。 Presented and written by, azzidefender. (unedited.)

═════════════════════

chapter three : move three

“your partner was paige?!” julia exclaimed a little too loudly, her voice carrying through the crowded café where they were having their usual brunch.

azzi immediately glanced around before leaning forward. “can you keep it down, jules? we’re literally in public. what if someone recognizes us?” she hushed.

the redhead had called her three times back-to-back the second the calvin klein pride campaign dropped. azzi hadn’t answered, she’d been in the middle of her workout. but judging by julia’s expression now, waiting had only made things worse.

“why didn’t you tell me?” julia demanded, throwing her hands in the air. “you know i literally have a crush on—ugh, why didn’t you tell me?”

azzi blinked at her, genuinely confused by the reaction. sure, julia had a thing for paige, but what exactly was she supposed to do about it? she hadn’t even known paige was going to be her partner until she walked onto set.

“i didn’t know i was shooting with her,” azzi replied, brows knitting together. “besides, what’s the big deal, jules? it was just a photoshoot.”

julia let out an irritated groan, tossing her napkin onto the table. “it is a big deal, az! at least to me. you know i like her.”

azzi stared at her for a second, almost in disbelief.“over a thirst trap edit?” she asked flatly.

“that doesn’t matter!” julia shot back. “i like her, and you went and did a whole campaign with her without even telling me.”

azzi sighed, setting her fork down with a soft clink against the plate before reaching for her wine. she took a small sip, hoping it’d somehow make this conversation make more sense.

“and if i had told you?” she asked calmly. “what would’ve changed? i still would’ve had to do the shoot. i wasn’t exactly gonna decline it because you have a stupid crush on her.”

she shook her head, “but that’s not even the point. i didn’t know it was paige until i got there. if i had known beforehand, i would’ve told you, obviously.”

julia scoffed. “stupid? so now you’re calling my interest in women stupid?” azzi’s brows immediately pinched together. “what? no—”

“must’ve been nice, huh?”

“jules…” azzi sighed. “you know that’s not what i meant.”

“no, seriously.” julia let out a humorless laugh, forcing a smile that never quite reached her eyes. “getting paired with your best friend’s celebrity crush? that’s actually insane.”

azzi parted her lips, but julia wasn’t finished. “and now everyone’s losing their minds over your chemistry online.”

“there is no chemistry, jules.”

lie.

“i literally can’t stand her.”

well, that was true.

julia studied her for a few seconds, her breath slowly steadied, she was still searching azzi’s face for any hint that she was lying. “…really?”

azzi nodded without hesitation. “really.” after a few minutes of silence, the tension sitting between them eased, only by a little. azzi let out a quiet breath before looking down at her plate. “..i’m sorry, jules. i really didn’t mean to.”

julia’s expression finally calmed. “i know you didn’t mean to,” she said, giving a small shrug. “just… tell me next time, okay? even if you find out last minute.”

“i will.”

“promise?”

“promise.”

julia finally smiled, faint but genuine. “okay,” she reached for her fork again. “apology accepted.” azzi smiled back, relieved the conversation had finally drifted away from the argument, which was about paige, a questionable argument to begin with.

for all of three seconds before julia started again. “…so.”

azzi narrowed her eyes, “what?”

julia rested her chin on her hand, trying—and failing to hide the grin creeping onto her face. “well… what was it like?”

azzi blinked, “what was what like?”

“azzi.” julia looked at her as though she’d just asked the dumbest question imaginable. “sitting on paige’s lap, obviously.” she groaned dramatically, dragging out the last word. “ugh, i wish i were you.”

azzi’s face scrunched up almost instantly.

“ew.”

julia laughed, “i’m serious!”

“well, it wasn’t all that, trust me.” azzi stabbed at a piece of avocado with unnecessary force. “she’s annoying, she’s irritating, and she made us retake, like— a million shots.”

“because she kept messing up?”

because she kept staring at my boobs.

“because she wouldn’t stop talking.” azzi instead, said.

“that sounds adorable.”

the younger raised her eyebrows, “it was exhausting.”

julia sighed dreamily, absentmindedly poking at the untouched chicken sitting on top of her salad. “i don’t know,” she murmured. “she looked really hot in that shoot.”

azzi stared at her best friend with genuine concern.“your taste in women genuinely worries me sometimes.”

“my taste is excellent.”

“your taste needs professional help.”

julia gasped, placing a hand over her chest. “that’s so rude.”

azzi only shook her head. sure… paige looked good. i mean, objectively speaking, she was well above average, there was no denying that. but looks could only carry someone so far. because the second she opened her mouth, azzi was reminded exactly why she couldn’t stand her.

cocky, irritating, and impossibly smug. it was like that insufferable smirk had been glued to her face. azzi thinks she might’ve been born with that. she was the kind of person who somehow managed to get under azzi’s skin within minutes of meeting her.

“anyways, i’m over that paige talk. wanna go to paris together tomorrow?” azzi asked, taking another bite of her poke bowl.

julia winced. it was brief and barely there, but azzi caught it. “oh right. sorry, az.” she rubbed the palm of her hand. “i completely forgot to tell you.”

azzi tilted her head, “tell me what?”

“i’m actually going to cabo tomorrow.”

azzi blinked, “wait… you’re not going to fashion week?” she asked, confusion lacing her voice. “i thought we were going together.”

they always went together.

julia gave an absent-minded shrug, pushing her salad around with her fork, taking another bite. “just like you said,” she replied. “we can’t expect to do everything together.”

azzi’s lips parted, though no words came out.

“i got booked for a frankies bikinis campaign,” julia continued, the excitement quickly returning to her face. “can you believe it? i’m finally gonna be the face of the new line, az!”

oh.

“that’s… amazing.”

and it really was. azzi smiled, this time without forcing it. “i’m really happy for you, jules.”

she meant every word. julia had been modeling for frankies for over a year now. azzi had worked with the brand once herself, so she knew exactly how much this meant. becoming the face of a collection wasn’t just another campaign, it was something julia had quietly hoped for ever since signing with them.

julia’s face softened. “thank you, az. i knew you’d understand, babe.” she reached over and squeezed azzi’s hand before pulling away.

“have fun in paris, though.” she chuckled. “i’m kinda over it, honestly. three years in a row? nothing ever happens.”

…

okay, ouch.

azzi’s smile faltered for the smallest fraction of a second. she quickly hid it behind another bite of food.

because, really?

she’d always thought fashion week was fun. not just because of the shows or the parties or getting dressed up. but because it had become their thing. every year, the two of them would fly out together, coordinate matching outfits for at least one event, spend way too much money at cafés between shows, and complain about sore feet by the end of the week.

azzi had always assumed julia loved the tradition just as much as she did.

i guess, the jokes on her.

═════════════════════

“you goin’ to paris, pb?”

zaza asked as she bent down to untie her game shoes. the game had just ended only a few minutes ago, and the locker room was beginning to empty, teammates filtering in and out with tired conversations echoing off the walls.

paige, meanwhile, had just rushed out of the facility showers. her blonde hair was still damp, droplets clinging to the ends as she quickly towel-dried it for what felt like the hundredth time. she still felt gross. the kind of gross that came from showering anywhere that wasn’t your own bathroom.

“yeah,” paige replied, shoving the last of her toiletries into her backpack. “gotta catch a flight.”

her suitcase had already been loaded into the car by her manager earlier that afternoon, leaving only her and her backpack.

zaza nodded knowingly.

“fashion week?”

“mhm.”

“for work or for fun?” arike teased, butting into the conversation.

“hopefully a lil’ bit of both.” paige smirked.

“she’s hoping she’ll run into…” jess chimed in from across the locker room, pausing dramatically before fake coughing into her fist. “ahem. you know who.”

paige looked up from stuffing the last t-shirt into her backpack, her brows knitting together despite the smile tugging at her lips.

“shut up, bro.” she laughed, “you’re making her sound like she’s voldemort.”

the locker room erupted into quiet chuckles. paige rolled her eyes before adding, “and no, i’m not expecting to see her there.” she zipped up her backpack.

“why would i, we hardly know each other...” the confidence in her voice faded just enough for the sentence to trail off.

jess’s grin widened and arike slowly turned to look at zaza, zaza looked right back at arike. then, almost in sync, both of them shifted their gaze to jess. the three exchanged the exact same knowing look.

“what?” paige asked suspiciously, looking between them.

zaza’s lips thinned into a straight line. “you don’t gotta know the person to fuck her, pb.”

the blonde raised her eyebrows at the sudden bluntness. “woaah, pause. who said anything about fuckin’?”

jess laughed. “you act like you don’t want to. it’s azzi fudd, bro. shit, i would too, if i could.”

paige halted for half a second. somehow, that comment made her skin crawl and not in a good way. her jaw tensed just slightly before she brushed it off with a forced chuckle. “man, it’s not like that. sure, she’s hot, but we’re basically coworkers. you know i don’t do that shit with people i work with.”

that got a full eyeroll from zaza. “you worked with her once— and what about lia?” paige’s brow furrowed. “who?” her mind was a total blank.

“one of your unrivaled staff, ring any bells?”

realization finally crossed the blonde’s face. “ooh, her.” light dawns, and paige clicked her tongue. “bro, that was a one-time thing and i was in miami.”

as if being in miami somehow justified sleeping with a staff member.

“okay,” arike cut in, “then what about claudia?” paige furrowed her brow again, prompting arike to facepalm.

“our wings cheerleader? the one who quit three months ago because you ghosted her?”

paige simply shrugged. “okay maybe two time-thing. plus, it wasn’t my fault she thought it was serious.”

“when are you ever serious?” jess questioned lightly, that earned a chorus of snickers around the room. “facts,” arike nodded. “the day paige bueckers settles down is the day the world ends.”

“nah,” zaza cut in, “hell would’ve frozen over before that happens, pb commits to one woman? yeah right.”

“y’all done?”

arike smirked, “we’re just waiting for the impossible.”

“keep waitin’.” paige slung the bag over her shoulder before turning towards the door.

“i’m out, later.”

“don’t fall in love!” zaza called after her.

without looking back, paige lifted her middle finger as a farewell.

another round of laughter followed as she disappeared down the hallway, the locker room door swinging shut behind her. despite the teasing fading into the background, one thought lingered longer than she’d care to admit.

azzi fudd.

she clicked her tongue to herself.

will she be there?

…not that she cares, obviously.

═════════════════════

the second the brunette stepped out of the car, she was met with the familiar chorus of camera shutters firing from every direction.

“azzi!”

“over here!”

“one more ms.fudd!”

“off the shoulder!”

flashes lit up the entrance in rapid succession as photographers called her name over one another, hoping to steal a glance or better yet, a smile.

azzi wasn’t new to any of this.

she’d attended paris fashion week for years now, but every season somehow managed to feel a little different. this time especially, since julia wasn’t here.

this wasn’t a single brand event where guests arrived exclusively for one designer’s show. paris fashion week was a whirlwind. brands, editors, athletes, actors, musicians, and models all moved through the same city, attending different shows while representing the fashion houses they were partnered with.

and this year, azzi was there as one of dolce & gabbana’s invited muses. the category : suited for you. the italian fashion house had sent over a custom look weeks in advance.

a tailored tan suit with matching dress pants that sat low enough to reveal the waistband of blue and white boxers peeking just above them. beneath the open blazer was nothing but a simple black bralette, striking the perfect balance between structured tailoring and effortless confidence. a tiny coffee brown shoulder bag completed the look, custom made to complement the suit down to the smallest detail.

her dark curls were left loose, cascading effortlessly past her shoulders in soft, glossy waves. it was a rare change from the curly up-do she often wore, and one that dolce & gabbana’s creative team had insisted on the moment they saw her.

she adjusted the cuff of her blazer before offering the cameras a small smile, turning just enough for them to capture every angle.

click. click. click.

she’d gotten used to it years ago, the lights no longer made her flinch and the shouting barely registered anymore. instead, she slipped effortlessly into the version of herself the public expected. poised, elegant, and quietly confident beneath the sea of flashing cameras. the princess, they would say.

after a few moments, azzi gave one final wave before following a staff member through the venue’s entrance, leaving the flashes behind as quickly as they’d found her.

“you did good, azzi. this look’s definitely gonna break the internet.”

“oh, i know.” azzi replied with a small, knowing smile. mackenzie, her manager, walked beside her while her security team guided them through the crowded venue.

the moment azzi stepped inside, she felt the switch. heads turned almost instantly. she could feel eyes following her every move, not just because of the custom look she was wearing, but because it was her. cameras subtly shifted in her direction, conversations quieted for a beat before picking back up, and flashes began chasing her path across the room.

it hadn’t always been easy.

when she first stepped into the modeling industry, she hated being the center of attention. every stare made her second-guess herself, every camera felt intrusive. she never craved the spotlight and she still didn’t.

but somewhere along the way, she learned how to wear confidence like a second skin. she stood taller, smiled easier, and carried herself with a quiet certainty that people mistook as effortless.

she knew she was beautiful. she knew she photographed well. she was proud of the body she’d worked tirelessly for and comfortable in the skin she lived in.

“right this way, ms. fudd.”

azzi followed the event coordinator through the venue, politely smiling at the occasional familiar face she passed and photographers lingered near the entrance, waiting for the next celebrity arrival.

she’d barely taken another step when—

thump.

“oh—i’m so sorry.” azzi apologized instinctively, taking a step back.

“careful, princess.”

azzi looked up, already knowing exactly who calls her that by a singular nickname and who she’d bumped into.

“you, again?”

the blonde’s lips curled into an annoyingly satisfied grin. “me, again?” she raised her brows, placing a hand against her chest. “’s that how you greet your friends, beautiful?”

azzi snorted, “us? friends?” she deadpanned. since when were they ever friends. “please. we’ve seen each other twice, bueckers.”

“twice is practically a lifelong friendship.”

“in what universe?”

“mine.”

“well, i can tell your universe is filled with fake friendships then.”

paige laughed, unbothered. while azzi just glared at the other, she decided to actually look at the other’s appearance, which turned out to be a terrible (hot) mistake.

the older was wearing a tailored deep burgundy suit that fit her frame almost unfairly well. saint laurent, azzi guesses. a crisp white striped button-up sat neatly beneath it, while a dark brown silk tie pulled the entire look together without trying too hard. her blonde hair was slicked back into a bun, every strand perfectly in place. she looked irritatingly attractive for her liking. and her jaw—

“done?”

azzi blinked, “huh?”

paige’s grin stretched even wider. “you finished checking me out?”

“get that stupid grin off your face.”

“i’ll take that as a yes.”

“whatever.”

paige chuckled as they continued walking. after a few steps, azzi noticed the blonde was still beside her. she frowned, “…can you stop following me?”

paige looked genuinely confused, “following you?” her hands shoved into the pocket of her tailored pants.

“yes. it’s getting weird.”

paige let out another laugh, “i know you’ve got a big head sweetheart,” she reached the front row before pointing at the seating cards resting atop two adjacent chairs.

“but my seat’s right here.”

azzi looked where she was pointing.

PAIGE BUECKERS.

directly beside,

AZZI FUDD.

of course. azzi stared at the name cards for a beat longer than necessary. surely, the universe had to be playing some kind of practical joke, was bumping into her the second time, not enough.

she cleared her throat awkwardly, without another word, she quietly took her seat. paige raised an amused eyebrow, clearly enjoying every second of azzi realizing she’d been completely wrong.

“nothing else to accuse me of?”

azzi refused to acknowledge the question. instead, she dramatically turned her entire upper body away from paige and toward the guest seated on her left side.

thankfully, someone she actually knew.

azzi greeted a little too enthusiastically for her usual demeanor, immediately striking up a conversation as though the blonde beside her had ceased to exist. the older watched the whole performance unfold before shaking her head with a quiet chuckle, taking a seat right besides her.

azzi didn’t seem to realize she was pouting.

nor did she seem to realize that somehow, against all reason, paige found the whole display ridiculously adorable.

“can you move your leg?” azzi whisper-shouted the moment the lights dimmed and the first model stepped onto the runway.

paige glanced down, then back at her. “what?”

“your leg.”

azzi subtly pointed toward the space between them. or rather… the lack of it. paige was sitting with her knees spread just enough that one of them had wandered far too close to azzi’s thigh.

what annoyed her even more was that her other leg had plenty of room on the opposite side. “you’re literally invading my space.”

paige looked down again, inspecting the situation with exaggerated seriousness. then she looked back at azzi, “there’s not exactly much room for me to move, princess.” she gestured toward the front-row seats as if the answer were painfully obvious.

azzi followed the gesture, then slowly turned her head toward paige’s other side. the blonde’s right leg had an unreasonable amount of space.

“seriously?”

paige blinked innocently while azzi pointed towards the empty space beside paige’s right leg. paige glanced over to direction the other was pointing to. with a sigh, she slid her leg back into her own space.

“happy?”

“very.” azzi replied flatly, finally settling back into her seat. for a blissful few seconds, neither of them spoke.

then… azzi felt it.

a knee brushing against hers. she slowly turned her head, the player was staring straight ahead at the runway as though she hadn’t moved an inch.

“really?” azzi whispered.

“hm?”

“your leg, bueckers.”

paige looked down with an innocent frown.

“oh.” she shifted it away again.

azzi narrowed her eyes and directed her focus back on the show. another few seconds passed, the runway lights danced across the room as another model stepped out, azzi was beginning to be drawn in by the pieces.

then, ever so slowly, paige’s knee began drifting back. one inch, and another. until it was once again pressed just inside azzi’s again. this time, the younger didn’t even look. she could practically feel the smug smile growing beside her.

paige stole a glance and the brunette was still focusing on the runway, pretending the blonde didn’t exist.

well, that’s no fun.

paige nudged her knee a tiniest bit closer until a deep sigh escaped azzi’s nose. still, she wasn’t willing to give the blonde the attention. paige’s grin only widened when the younger closed her eyes, determined to keep her peace intact.

she acts like a fucking eleven year old boy, azzi thought.

“paige.” she finally said, in a dangerously yet calming tone.

a warning.

paige bit the inside of her cheek, already fighting a laugh. “okay, okay.” she finally pulled her leg back for good, lifting both hands slightly in surrender.

“i’m done, f’real.”

azzi gave a single nod, eyes never leaving the runway “good girl.”

the blonde smiled to herself, seemingly pleased by the comment.

the bass was thumping through the floorboards, but paige had made it her personal mission to provide a full-length runway commentary rather than actually watching the show silently.

“shit, that must be heavy.” she leaned over and muttered directly into azzi’s ear as a model treading down the runway wore a structured, sculpted armor piece.

azzi didn’t even blink, target-locked on the fashion ahead. “and that...” paige whispered a note louder, index finger jabbing against her own knee as the next look came by. a sheer, draped gown topped off with lethal stilettos. “i’d trip wearin’ that within like— three seconds.”

azzi’s lips stiffened, she stared straight ahead for three full seconds. “oh, you for sure would trip.” she highlighted the word for sure, imagining the blonde in those heals.

paige’s head snapped towards her, “excuse me?”

azzi kept her eyes on the runway, the smallest hint of satisfaction tugging at her lips. “you heard me.”

paige looked thoroughly unimpressed. “you act like you could do it.” that finally made azzi turn, “did you forget i’m a model?”

“you’re a print model, there’s a difference.”

okay now that, offended her. azzi gasped softly,“excuse you.”

“have you ever walked a runway in heels that tall?”

“yes.”

“without tripping?”

“yes.”

paige squinted, unbelieving. “…prove it.”

azzi let out a bewildered laugh. “you want me to hijack the show?”

“just sayin’. wouldn’t believe it ‘till i see it.”

“you’re impossible.”

“shhhh!”

a loud, sharp, and extremely audible sound came straight from the attendee sitting directly to paige’s right. both of them absolutely winced, their shoulders shrugging up in the same split second.

“see what you did?” paige said, silently moving her lips.

“what i did?” azzi hissed back. “you started it.”

“did not.”

“did too.”

“did not.”

“did too—”

“shhhh!”

the second one was much louder and more direct. paige actually shrunked back to her seat this time, leaning slightly away from the brunette and muttering a quick, “…sorry, my bad.” to the person next to her.

a few seconds of uneasy silence passed. then, out of a sudden— azzi let out a short snort, she absolutely could not hold it in.

paige turned her head slowly to catch her chuckling. “bro. not funny.” she muttered, though the corners of her own mouth twitched and broke into a grin.

azzi was still biting her lip, her grin spreading wide as she shoved her arm against paige’s, nudging her lightly. “shut up, and pay attention bueckers.”

paige lingered on her dimples for a couple of seconds, a soft, mischievous smirk anchoring on her face.

“alright, princess.”

and for the rest of the show, the blonde really stayed put and focused.

for the most part.

═════════════════════

the after party was held in a dimly lit, high-end lounge downtown, the heavy bass from the runway show replaced by a smooth, low tempo beat.

azzi was sitting alone at the marble bar, taking a quiet breather from the group of friends she’d been hanging out with earlier. she’d swapped her runway front look for a mini skirt and an off the shoulder black top, her hair pinned up in a loose, effortless updo with a few soft curls framing her face. she was slightly tipsy, the subtle hum of the alcohol making the ambient lights bleed together in a warm haze.

she was minding her own business, idly spinning the straw in her glass, when some guy slid into the stool next to her. he immediately launched into a pitch about who he was some self-proclaimed influencer and despite azzi giving the bare minimum one-word replies, he just kept pushing, leaning a little too close into her personal space.

“hey sexy—”

“sorry,” azzi smiled politely. “i don’t think we’ve met.”

“i’m an influencer.”

“…okay?”

“you’ve probably seen me.”

“can’t say i have.” he laughed as if she’d told a joke.

she hadn’t.

“let me buy you a drink.”

“i’m good.” azzi declined politely.

“come on.”

“really, i’m okay.”

“just one.”

azzi forced another smile, “i said i’m—”

“she said she’s good.”

the voice came from beside them, they both turned. the guy blinked, looking up at paige, who was standing there with her hands resting casually in her pockets, giving him a flat, unbothered look that made it very clear he should move along. after a brief beat, he got the message, muttered something under his breath, and backed off into the crowd.

“thanks.” azzi said, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.

the older shrugged, “‘course.”

she nodded toward the empty stool beside azzi. “this seat taken?”

it must’ve been the alcohol, azzi thought, because instead of giving her a hard time like she usually would, she just shook her head. “no.” paige smiled before sliding onto the stool beside her.

azzi took a quick second to look her over. paige had changed into something way more casual than her earlier front row fit. just a black long-sleeve sweatshirt and relaxed pants. she looked…comfy.

“what?” paige caught her.

“nothing.” she quickly, replied.

“you survived the rest of the show without getting us kicked out, i see.” azzi said, her voice softer now, a fond edge replacing her usual sharpness.

paige let out a quiet laugh, turning on her stool to face her. “hey, once i was silenced by row one authority, i was on my absolute best behavior. you were the one who broke first, by the way. that sudden laugh almost got us exiled princess.”

“i couldn't help it, the way you flinched and immediately went 'sorry, my bad' was ridiculous.” azzi admitted, a real, bright laugh escaping her lips this time.

“i had to save us bro!” paige argued, grinning as she leaned her elbow on the bar, resting her chin in her hand.

“so, can i buy you a drink princess?”

azzi lifted the nearly full glass in her hand. “already have one.”

paige looked at it, “that’s almost empty.”

azzi frowned, sadly. “…is it?”

paige laughed, “how many have you had, pretty?”

the younger glared playfully, “that’s between me and the bartender.”

“so, more than two?”

“nu-uh.”

“okay, more than three.”

azzi pouted, “you’re acting like my dad.”

which only earned paige a playful smirk. “i could be somethin’ close to that… if you wanted.” azzi stared at her for a beat before letting out an incredulous laugh.

“you’re actually disgusting.”

“that’s not a no.”

“that’s absolutely a no.”

paige chuckled, “worth a shot.”

azzi shook her head, unable to stop the giggle that escaped anyway. okay, she was definitely tipsy.

“there it is.”

“what?”

“your real laugh.”

“i laugh.”

“not around me.”

“maybe you’re just not funny.”

“ouch, princess.”

“truth hurts, bueckers.” azzi grinned into something softer.

as the night went on, the usual back and forth competitive banter melted away into something surprisingly easy. they lost track of time just cracking jokes, leaning into each other’s shoulders when something was too funny, and sharing quiet stories away from the noise of the main room.

the alcohol, the warmth of the lounge, and the sheer comfort between them slowly dissolved the space between their stools. neither of them really noticed the exact moment it happened, but by the time the lounge was starting to empty out, they were turned completely toward each other.

azzi’s knee was resting right against paige’s leg, their clothes practically brushed together, and their faces were settled just inches apart. paige had one arm resting on the back of azzi’s stool, her fingers casually playing with a stray curl that had fallen from azzi’s updo, while azzi’s head was tilted in, resting slightly too close to the older’s shoulder for it to be considered just casual.

“you know,” paige whispered, her voice dropping into a low, warm register as she looked down at her, “you're a lot less trouble when you're not trying to argue with me.”

“don’t get used to it,” azzi murmured, a small, sleepy smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

she made no effort to pull away. if anything, she drifted the slightest bit closer without even realizing it.

paige noticed. the blonde’s gaze flickered down for the briefest moment, lingering on azzi’s lips before catching herself.

when her eyes met azzi’s again, there was a flicker of something unreadable behind the teasing grin she’d been wearing all night.

“azzi—

“azzi!”

the voice snapped both of them out of whatever had settled between them. azzi blinked, turning her head toward the familiar voice.

“…kenz?”

mackenzie stood a few feet away, one hand on her hip, the other clutching her phone. she let out the deepest sigh of relief she’d had all night.

“oh, thank god.”

azzi frowned, “what?”

“what?” mackenzie repeated incredulously. “i’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

azzi looked genuinely confused, pouting. “you have?”

“yes, you menace.” mackenzie walked over, gently grabbing azzi by the wrist. “i turned around for five minutes and you disappeared.”

azzi frowned thoughtfully.

“…i did?”

paige couldn’t help to let out a chuckle that escaped her. mackenzie finally looked over at the blonde.

“oh,” she smiled apologetically. “you must be paige. the basketball player, right?”

paige nodded, “that’s me.”

“mackenzie, azzi’s manager.” the shorter woman offered her free hand as to shake it, which the blonde quickly complied to. “seriously, thank you for looking after her.”

“i was fine…” azzi mumbled drowsyly.

“you’re literally a baby when you're drunk azzi, sit up.” mackenzie gently scolded, grabbing azzi's clutch off the bar counter and slipping her hand under azzi's arm to help her off the stool. “i am so sorry about her, paige. she gets so clingy when she's had a couple drinks.”

“i do not.” azzi again, grumbled.

“you let a stranger sit next to you.”

azzi pointed at paige, “she’s not a stranger.”

the blonde paused. “…that’s actually progress.” paige chuckled, “i’ll take it.”

paige just grinned softly, stepping back slightly to let mackenzie pull azzi upright, though her hand lingered near azzi's waist for a second just to make sure she was steady on her feet. “don’t worry ‘bout it, mackenzie. she was good company.”

“right… well, bedtime for the model.” mackenzie said firmly, wrapping an arm around azzi to drag her towards the elevator.

“come on. hotel.”

“already?”

“yes, already.”

“but i’m talking.”

“you can talk tomorrow.”

“that’s kinda controlling.”

“and you’re kinda drunk.”

azzi lets out a buff and lets herself be pulled to her feet before looking back at paige. “bye, bueckers.”

paige smiled, “night, princess.”

azzi rolled her eyes, though there wasn’t much conviction behind it anymore. “don’t call me that.”

“see you around.”

“hopefully not.”

paige laughed, “you don’t mean that.”

the drunken brunette opened her mouth to argue, but somehow the only thing that slipped out was “…goodnight.”

the older smiled, softer this time. “goodnight, az.”

mackenzie didn’t miss the way azzi failed to protest the nickname. she simply shook her head to herself as she led the younger woman toward the elevators, heading down to the lobby.

“you’re smiling,” mackenzie pointed out.

“am not.”

“you literally are.”

“it’s the alcohol.”

“sure.”

“it is.”

“whatever you say girl.”

their voices gradually disappeared into the tiny leftover crowd. paige remained seated at the bar, her drink untouched.

the player looked towards the elevators just in time to catch azzi glancing back over her shoulder for the briefest second before the doors closed.

well, this took an unexpected turn.

═════════════════════

the next morning, azzi woke up to her pulse ringing in her head as a brutal hangover kicked in, her memories of the night before nothing more than a blurry haze. groaning against the sunlight, she blindly reached for her phone on the nightstand, only to freeze when a single notification lit up her screen from the last person she ever expected.

@ paigebueckers started following you!

oh, fuck. what did she do.

═════════════════════

for p & a’s visualizer and looks this chapter : click here.

azzidefender

ⓘ UNEXPECTED GAME 2

wnba! paige bueckers x model! azzi fudd — 2.9k wc

Girl code exists for a reason. Azzi knows better than to cross that line. Well, the only problem is... she wants to. and Paige seems more than willing to break them with her.

read chapter one here. thank you for all the love ❤️🫠 updated! unexpected game’s playlist here.

—。 Presented and written by, azzidefender.

═════════════════════

chapter two : move two

“okay, i’m gonna head out now, jules.” azzi called as she hurried to the kitchen, grabbing the protein shake she’d made earlier from the fridge. balancing on one foot, she shoved on her shoe, her damp hair and fresh clothes a testament to the lightning-fast shower she’d taken after the gym.

julia’s red head popped up from behind the couch. “what? where?” she frowned, “i thought our meeting was at two.”

“yeah, but i’ve got a shoot before that, i thought i already told you.” azzi barely looked up as she continued pacing around their shared penthouse, patting down countertops and side tables in search of her keys.

“what shoot?” jules asked, her curiosity piqued.

azzi shrugged, “calvin’s.”

julia’s head whipped around. “calvin klein?”

“mhm.” azzi answered distractedly, still searching every countertop for her damn car keys. “hey, have you seen my—

“why didn’t i get an offer?” julia cut in, sounding genuinely offended.

azzi sighed, not this again.

“we can’t expect to get the same offers every time, jules. you booked jacquemus last week, and i was nothing but happy for you. can’t you just be happy for me?”

julia immediately shook her head. “no—no, i am happy for you, az.” she hesitated before adding, “it’s just… weird that you got the offer and i didn’t.”

azzi finally stopped pacing, turning to look at her. “how is that weird?”

for a split second, julia’s expression faltered before she let out a light, dismissive laugh. “never mind.” she waved it off. “what’s the shoot for, anyway?”

azzi held her gaze for another moment, unconvinced. “…it’s for a pride month campaign.”

julia’s eyebrows shot up, “so… you’re gonna be shooting with a girl?” azzi shrugged for what felt like the second time that morning, “i guess? i don’t know.”

julia let out another laugh, though this one sounded just a touch awkward. “since when do you like shooting with girls?”

finally spotting her keys on the entryway table, azzi grabbed them and arched a brow. “did you forget i’m bi?” she reminded her best friend. “besides, work is work. i don’t really care who i’m shooting with.”

“…right,” julia murmured. “aren’t you gonna take joe? i know you hate driving.”

joe was their personal driver.

azzi pulled the front door open. “no, you can take him. i know you’re grabbing matcha with your friends later.” she glanced at the time on her phone, “i really gotta go now. see you, jules.”

“oh, okay. see you, az. love you!”

a small smile tugged at azzi’s lips as she stepped into the hallway, “love you too.”

with that, she pulled the door shut behind her.

═════════════════════

“you’ve got to be kidding me.”

remember when azzi said she didn’t care who she was gonna shoot with approximately forty minutes ago? well, she cares now.

“what are you doing here?” azzi asked, her brows furrowing as she came face-to-face with the blonde, who was scrolling through her phone, already camera ready.

paige looked up at the sound of her voice. the star player was dressed in a white tank top layered beneath a denim jacket, matching denim jeans, and the signature calvin waistband peeking just above them.

fuck, she looked hot. azzi thought.

“oh, hey princess. finally decided to show up?” paige drawled, not looking the least bit surprised to see azzi. she leaned back in her chair, lazily chewing a piece of gum with the hint of a smug grin tugging at her lips.

azzi had the overwhelming urge to knock that smug expression clean off paige’s face.

“you didn’t answer my question, bueckers.” azzi crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow.

paige only spread her hands with an amused smile, wordlessly inviting azzi to look around before motioning to herself and her outfit, it should’ve been pretty obvious.

“use your context clues, princess.”

azzi stared back at her blankly. “let me rephrase that.” she tilted her head, “what are you doing in this shoot? …are you an extra?”

paige’s jaw dropped. she let out the most exaggerated gasp azzi had ever heard before placing a hand over her chest.

“how dare you.”

“an extra?” paige repeated, batting her eyelashes dramatically. “i didn’t know the princess was such a big head.”

azzi immediately furrowed her brows, “am not.”

“are too.” paige mocked.

“am not.”

“are too.”

“yo! paige, azzi!” damon, the photographer, called out, drawing both of their attention away from their childish bickering. “you two know each other already?”

“no.”

“yeah.”

azzi shot paige a look while damon laughed, “so which one is it?”

“we don’t know each other.”

“we know each other.”

they answered at the exact same time, earning an amused chuckle from the photographer. he pulled azzi into a quick hug before making his way over to paige, greeting her with a dap.

“okay…” he drawled, stretching out the o. “azzi what’chu doin’ girl? we’re starting in thirty. go get your hair and makeup done.”

“yeah, go get your hair and makeup done, bighead. don’t want us commoners waitin’ on you.” paige piled on, arching an eyebrow.

azzi glared at paige. god, she’d never met anyone so aggravating. she let out a heavy exhale through her nose before marching towards the dressing room without so much as another glance.

the blonde smirked to herself, clearly satisfied with the reaction she’d managed to get out of azzi. poor damon, on the other hand, looked completely lost with his camera hanging around his neck.

“what was that about?” he asked, watching azzi disappear into the dressing room. “she on her period?”

paige let out a laugh before patting him on the shoulder. “oh, damon,” she said, shaking her head with a grin. “never ask a woman that. ever.”

then, still chewing her gum, paige sauntered off, leaving damon standing in the middle of the bustling studio.

“…y’all are mad weird.”

═════════════════════

“can we bring that key light up a little?”

“we’re getting glare on the jacket!”

“touch-up!”

the studio buzzed with overlapping voices as paige’s hairstylist fussed over the last few strands of her wavy hair, styled loose around her shoulders. they were about to start shooting.

paige hissed as hairspray found its way straight into her eye. "oh my god—sorry!" her hairstylist apologetically uttered.

"you're good." paige assured her through gritted teeth.

god damn, that burns like hell.

once she was alone again, she blinked furiously, waving a hand in front of her watering eye in a hopeless attempt to ease the sting.

“where’s azzi?! we need to start!” one of the crew shouted.

as if right on cue, azzi walked in. and in that moment. paige thought, fuck her and her life, because damn.

paige’s throat went bone-dry in an instant. her eyes locked onto azzi and completely refused to track anything else in the room.

azzi carried herself with an effortless, casual confidence that made paige’s heart do a violent, erratic thud against her ribs. the same way it did at the game, last week. her hair fell in the softest, most luscious curls the blonde had ever laid eyes on, and all paige could think about was what it would feel like to wrap her fingers through them, pulling azzi just a little bit closer.

azzi wore a simple bralette that barely managed to hold the soft, heavy curve of her breasts, leaving her smooth, honey-brown skin glowing beneath the studio lights. the thin fabric strained slightly against her full shape, offering a glimpse of shadow and cleavage that made paige’s chest tight. it was torture.

her gaze traced the way her breasts shifted subtly with every breath, down to the dip of her collarbone, and then further down to a silver belly button piercing that caught the light every time she moved, drawing paige’s eyes right to her waist.

a pair of light-wash denim jeans sat low on her hips, mirroring paige’s look, except instead of a boxer waistband peeking through, the signature calvin klein band of her underwear rested perfectly above the denim.

the older swallowed hard, a sudden, heavy heat pooling low in her stomach. it was unfair how badly she wanted to slide her hands under that waistband, to see if azzi’s skin felt as warm and velvety as it looked. if they were supposed to be shooting a scene together, paige was absolutely doomed.

but she had to play it cool, obviously.

“fashionably late, are we?” paige smirked, making absolutely no effort to hide the way her eyes shamelessly roamed over the supermodel.

azzi caught her in the act almost immediately, her expression flattening as she strode closer. “eyes up here, bueckers.”

paige’s gaze finally met hers, a crooked grin tugging at her lips. “just appreciating the fit.”

“mhm.” azzi hummed, unconvinced. “sure you were.”

“i was.”

“right.”

“what? it’s a nice outfit.” the blonde defended herself.

azzi only gave her a look before walking past. although, the corner of her mouth threatening to curl into a smile. “keep telling yourself that.”

paige watched her go for exactly half a second before her eyes betrayed her again. her gaze dropped, completely powerless against the pull, and locked right onto the heavy, perfect curve of azzi’s ass.

fuck, that bubble ass. she whistled internally, she told herself that was an accident (it was very much intentional.)

“seriously?” azzi called over her shoulder without even turning around. the older blinked innocently, “what? now i was just appreciating the shoes.”

“you are unbelievable.”

yeah, unbelievably gay. paige thought.

“alright ladies, let’s start simple.” damon called out, gesturing toward the center of the backdrop.

paige rolled her shoulders, trying to look like she wasn’t currently fighting for her life in a room that suddenly felt eighty degrees hotter.

they started with standard, professional poses. paige stood facing away from the lens, flexing her back just enough for the studio lights to catch the line of her spine through the denim jacket. azzi stepped up behind her, turning the opposite way and casually leaning her elbow right on paige’s shoulder.

the physical contact sent a jolt straight through the blonde’s entire body. naturally, she couldn't just behave.

“you’re heavy,” paige mumbled out of the side of her mouth, keeping her jaw tense for the camera. “what did you eat for breakfast, rocks?”

“shut up, bueckers.” azzi muttered back through a perfectly practiced, gorgeous smize. “stand still and look pretty… or just stand still, since looking pretty is my job.” the younger continued, causing paige to chuckle.

“next set! on the floor, on your backs, facing the ceiling!” damon yelled, the camera shutter clicking rapidly.

they dropped to the backdrop, laying side by side. they were supposed to be looking cool and detached, staring up at the lens overhead. instead, paige immediately started inching her shoulder over until it bumped azzi’s.

“you’re in my space.” azzi whispered, her eyes fixed on the camera lens but her tone sharp enough to cut glass.

“it’s a shared backdrop, fudd. sharing is caring.” paige whispered back, deliberately shifting her leg so the denim of their jeans brushed. “besides, you love being close to me.”

“i will literally kick you in the shin on camera paige.”

“do it. the fans will love the tension.”

as the shoot went on, damon started directing them into progressively more intimate setups. the gap between them vanished. hands were placed on hips, breaths were turning warm against necks, and paige’s brain was rapidly melting into mush. she was doing her absolute best to mask her sheer, desperate horniness with obnoxious banter, but it was getting harder by the second.

“okay, let’s up the heat.” damon called out, looking through the viewfinder with a grin. “azzi, hop into her lap. face her. let’s get something raw.”

paige barely had time to brace herself before azzi pivoted, straddling her lap. because of the low-slung jeans and the sheer lack of fabric in azzi's bralette, the positioning meant the soft, heavy curve of azzi’s breasts was aligned directly with paige’s face. like, zero distance. paige’s vision was entirely filled with honey-brown skin and the teasing shadow of cleavage.

paige froze. her mind went completely blank. she was staring. she was staring so hard her eyes were practically burning.

the camera clicked. snap! snap!

azzi’s eyes narrowed as she maintained her fierce, sultry pose for the lens. through her teeth, she hissed, “can you stop staring at my breasts?”

paige didn't even blink. she just leaned in a fraction of an inch, her voice dropping to a low, completely unbothered whisper. “well, it’s kinda hard if it’s right in front of me, princess.”

azzi’s cheeks flushed a furious, beautiful pink. “you are insufferable.”

“and you’re sitting on my lap. look who’s winning.”

“that’s it.” azzi snapped, suddenly throwing her hands up. she scrambled off paige’s lap, marching right over to the front of the set toward the photographer. “damon, seriously, why do i have to do this with paige of all people? shouldn’t this be like… a couple thing? it’s way too much.”

paige didn't even bother getting up. she stayed right there on the floor, leaning back on her hands against the backdrop, her legs sprawled out, wearing the biggest, most shit-eating grin known to mankind.

damon lowered his camera. around the studio, the rest of the staff stopped dead in their tracks, slowly looking at each other in stunned silence. azzi fudd was always known to be the epitome of a consummate professional on set. the fact that paige had cracked her standard composure was nothing short of a miracle.

damon blinked, looking between the stressed out azzi and the smugly vibrating paige. “okay,” damon said slowly, raising an eyebrow. “do you have a girlfriend or a boyfriend, azzi?”

azzi crossed her arms, defensive. “...no.”

damon’s gaze slowly drifted past azzi’s shoulder, locking onto paige. silently asking what about you?

paige was still peacefully sitting on the ground, completely content with her life choices. without losing a beat, paige offered a loud, cheerful, “nope.” popping the p at the end.

damon looked back at azzi, a wide concerning smile breaking across his face. “do both of you wanna get paid?”

at the exact same time, like a pair of synchronized twins, both azzi and paige aggressively nodded their heads.

“then act like y’all at least tolerate each other for five damn minutes!” damon threw his hands in the air, completely crashing out.

azzi winced, she pursed her lips into a pout. meanwhile paige? yes, she was still shit-grinning in the back.

“back on the lap. let’s go!”

═════════════════════

two weeks later.

@calvinklein made a new post!

📸: paige bueckers & azzi fudd

bio : gravity pulls, but they pull harder. unapologetic, breathtaking, and entirely magnetic in each other's orbit.

@ paigebueckers and @ azzifudd in calvin klein. closer than ever. #pride

liked by angelreese5, azzifudd, paigebueckers and 1,842,904 others.

view all 24,918 comments

@bueckers.nation: WAIT??? PAIGE AND AZZI FOR CALVIN KLEIN??? IM SCREAMING 😭😭😭

╰› @fuddontop: this is like a DREAM COLLAB.

╰› @azprincess: what is life fr.

@bigbucketspb: paige is so… 🥵🤤 respectfully.

@womenshoops.vibe: HOLYY— this campaign is absolutely legendary 😭🔥

@pb5court: look at the second slide omg... paige looks DOWN BAD. she is literally staring directly at azzi’s chest like her life depends on it 💀

╰› @paigey5: LMFAO not you calling our girl out 😭

╰› @pb.wings: no but she’s so real for that.

╰›@uconnforever: nah she just gay.

@ballersparadise: THE crossover i never knew i needed. the chemistry in these photos is actually insane.

@fuddszn: azzi looks INSANE in that bralette omg but can we talk about the lap pose??? the way paige is looking up at her??? they are not just coworkers your honor.

@paigeypov: paige is fighting for her actual life in that lap picture. I GET HER, LIKE MOVE TF OUT BLONDIE.

╰› @azlover: NO BUT HOW DO I BECOME AZZI. like i wanna sit on paige’s lap. 🤠

@hoopsandhearts: what does paige have that i don’t 💔😞

╰› @bucketcharts: a lot honey, A LOT. 🫩

@damonshotsofficial: y’all don’t wanna know what i went through for this.

╰› liked by calvinklein

═════════════════════

azzidefender

ⓘ UNEXPECTED GAME 1

wnba! paige bueckers x model! azzi fudd — 4.6k wc

Paige Bueckers is the franchise star player of the Dallas Wings. She’s known to be this generational talent both in basketball and in… women, apparently. Azzi Fudd, one of the most known names in the model industry. doesn’t care about basketball nor this ‘Paige Bueckers’ that her best friend has been fawning over. So, when her best friend got her courtside season tickets to the game, she’s forced to attend. From the moment she locks eyes with the star player, she knew Paige was nothing but trouble.

Girl code exists for a reason. Azzi knows better than to cross that line. Well, the only problem is… she wants to. and Paige seems more than willing to break them with her.

dedicated to my dear anon who came up with this highly requested prompt awhile ago.

obviously feel free to tell me what you guys think 💭 ‼️

—。Presented and written by, azzidefender.

═════════════════════

chapter one : move one

dallas college park center was deafening. excitement buzzed through the arena, the energy crackling in the air as the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers every time a wings player scored. azzi could feel the vibrations beneath her boots, the atmosphere unlike anything she’d ever experienced.

it couldn’t have been more different from the world azzi is used to. her workplace was subdued, almost sacred, where the loudest sound was the rhythmic click of heels against the runway, the background music and the soft instructions murmured from behind the camera.

the contrast was almost jarring, yet somehow fascinating. in a way, she understood the thrill.

fashion wasn’t always quiet either, backstage was a different story entirely. a beautiful kind of chaos where stylists rushed between racks, makeup artists made last second touch-ups, hairdressers fixed every strand that dared fall out of place, and someone was always counting down the seconds until the next look.

she’s learned how to slip in and out of outfits in record time while voices overlapped around her, calling her name, adjusting a sleeve, straightening a collar, reminding her where to stand next. it wasn’t all that different from what she was witnessing now. different worlds and uniforms, but the same adrenaline pulsing beneath it all.

how did azzi end up here? she doesn’t really know…

yesterday, she was catching up with julia and somehow now, she’s sitting court-side at a dallas wings game against the atlanta dream.

she doesn’t even like basketball. well, doesn’t like is a strong word. she more so… doesn’t understand it. if she doesn’t understand it, how can she possibly enjoy it, right?

angel is on the atlanta dream though, which is exciting to see. azzi and her met two years ago, during a shoot for skims. she was surprised to find out that modeling wasn’t angel’s main job, considering how talented she is at it. since then, they became close friends and meet up once every couple of months.

angel snagged the ball after it bounced off the rim. a rebound, azzi thought. at least she was pretty sure that’s what it was called. years of overhearing her basketball-crazy parents yelling at the tv had to count for something.

azzi clapped, earning a few side glances from the wings fan besides her. one of them including her best friend, julia.

“did you forget we’re here to support the wings azzi?”

azzi shrugged unfazed, “i don’t know any of em, we do know angel though, so you should clap for her too jules.” she called out, they should show their friend some support.

julia gaped as she stared at her best friend. “az, that’s not how it works. we live in dallas, we should support our home team.”

azzi raised an eyebrow, “says you. aren’t you just here for paige beukers—

“it’s bueckers azzi, b-u-e-c-k-e-r-s. how many times do i have to repeat this for you to get it right? julia cuts off, spelling the star player name one by one.

azzi rolled her eyes, “yea her, anyways. you weren’t even into sports a week ago, let alone basketball. so you have no right to question who i support.” she sassily replied.

julia thinned her lips into a straight line, not even questioning the younger anymore, she had grown used to it. “but isn’t paige so hot? i mean, look at her az. that’s my future wife right there.” she continued, bringing her hand up in the air towards the blonde player with the number 5 attached on the back.

azzi simply stared at julia blankly. this is the third time her lesbian best friend has had a crush on someone this year, and it’s all thanks to her obsession with watching thirst trap edits. tho, azzi would say this one was the worst so far.

“i can’t believe you bought court-side tickets after seeing her on your, for you page.”

julia waved her hand dismissively. “we have too much money to spend anyway, might as well.” azzi let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head at the ridiculous logic of her redheaded best friend.

“oh! azzi, look! we’re on the jumbotron.” julia exclaimed excitedly.

azzi lifted her head towards the massive screen hanging above the arena. sure enough, there they were, front and center. azzi fudd & julia ricardo, with supermodel displayed beneath their names. the crowd erupted into cheers the moment they recognized the pair. after all, they were the most famous supermodel duo in dallas.

julia threw both hands into the air, waving so enthusiastically as if the jumbotron wasn’t already impossible to miss. azzi, on the other hand, only let out a soft chuckle before flashing the camera a small, dimpled smile accompanied by a subtle wave.

with the game paused for a timeout, most of the players instinctively looked up at the jumbotron, puzzled by the crowd’s sudden burst of cheers.

azzi noticed several of the players looking pleasantly surprised at the sight of them on the jumbotron. smiles spread across their faces almost instantly, with a few even nudging their teammates to look. angel, in particular, beamed the moment she spotted them.

but that wasn’t the main thing she noticed. azzi couldn’t shake the feeling of a certain blonde’s gaze crawling beneath her skin. while the other players quickly looked away, she didn’t. she kept staring at them… particularly at her.

across the court, bueckers sat on the dallas bench, chest rising and falling with heavy breaths as the coach drew up the next play. a bottle of gatorade rested in her hand, taking the occasional sip, yet her eyes never once left azzi.

their view were directly across from one another.

azzi had never been one to lose a staring contest. if anything, she welcomed the challenge. so instead of looking away, she held the blonde’s gaze without hesitation, one brow slowly arching as if to silently ask, what?

seconds stretched between them. the noise of the arena faded into the background as neither of them blinked first.

then, just as the referee signaled for play to resume, the blonde let out, on what it looks like the faintest chuckle. a smug grin tugged at the corner of her lips before she pushed herself off the bench and jogged back onto the court, leaving azzi watching after her with a confusion she couldn’t quite explain.

okay, she’s hella weird. azzi internally thought. they didn’t even know each other.

“omg, az! did you see that?” julia squealed suddenly, shoving azzi’s shoulder with a grin so wide it looked like her cheeks might split. “paige was a thousand percent checking me out! did you see the way she kept staring? she was basically eye-fucking me with her eyes!”

the brunette chuckled awkwardly, “yeah… i saw that.” she couldn’t bring herself to burst her best friend’s bubble, especially when she wasn’t even sure what had just happened herself.

“ugh, thank god i did my hair today. i knew it would pay off! she’s totally into me.” julia declared, dramatically brushing her thick, fiery red hair over one shoulder with an impossibly smug smile.

azzi rolled her eyes once again, unable to hide her amused smile at julia’s unwavering confidence.

to be fair, her best friend is gorgeous.

she couldn’t exactly blame julia for assuming the blonde had been staring. the last two gay women julia had developed a crush on had ended up in her bed, so her confidence wasn’t exactly unfounded. maybe this blonde would be next.

and maybe… julia was right.

maybe azzi had simply mistaken the direction of the stare. they had been sitting shoulder to shoulder, after all.

“yeah, your hair looks great, jules. as always.” azzi said with a soft laugh, indulging her best friend’s ego. julia grinned triumphantly before leaning her head against azzi’s shoulder. “thanks babe, you also look absolutely stunning.”

she’d admit it, she did look good as well. but she was starting to regret wearing the leather mini skirt. it wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thing to sit in, especially with courtside seats in the very front row.

the game carried on, just as intense as it had been all night. neither team was willing to give an inch, and before anyone knew it, regulation had come and gone.

overtime. the arena buzzed with anticipation as every possession suddenly felt like it could decide the game.

then, in the blink of an eye, number 10 from the wings lost her handle. the ball slipped from her fingertips and skidded across the hardwood, bouncing dangerously toward the sideline—right where azzi and julia were seated.

before either of them even had the chance to flinch, a blonde blur darted into view.

bueckers lunged without hesitation, stretching every inch of her frame to snatch the loose ball inches before it sailed out of bounds or into the hands of an atlanta player. one fluid motion later, she had already shoveled it back to a teammate before crashing into the courtside barricade.

without thinking, azzi instinctively reached out a hand to help. she was the closest to the blonde, after all.

bueckers looked momentarily dazed from the collision, blinking a couple of times before her eyes found azzi’s. after a brief beat, she slipped her hand into azzi’s and let the brunette steady her back onto her feet.

“you okay, princess?”

the words were barely above a murmur, low enough that azzi almost convinced herself she’d imagined them.

princess?

her brows furrowed, who the hell did this woman think she was? calling her princess.

“i think you should be asking yourself that.” azzi replied, raising one of her eyebrows in amusement.

the blonde’s grin widened ever so slightly, as if she’d gotten exactly the reaction she was hoping for, paige winked playfully before jogging back into the game.

“damn,” julia sulked dramatically. “i should’ve taken your seat earlier.” she slumped back in her chair with an exaggerated sigh after instinctively shrieking to the other side when the collision happened. “i could’ve touched her strong veiny hands.”

azzi shot julia a look, equal parts entertained and incredulous. “okay… now you’re just making it weird jules.”

julia continued to pout beside her while azzi found herself glancing down at her own hand, she couldn’t help but to agree.

paige bueckers did have nice hands. strong, warm, and surprisingly gentle.

okay, stop. you’re the one being weird now. azzi shook her head, forcing the train of thought out of her mind.

once the final buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game, angel made her way over to them. “hey, ladiesss.” she greeted with a grin. “didn’t know you were coming to the game, you should’ve give me a heads up fudd!”

azzi wasted no time wrapping the girl in a hug. “hey, angel. i didn’t even know i was coming until 9 p.m. last night, so… i couldn’t exactly text you a heads-up.” she replied with a sheepish laugh, sending julia a knowing glance.

julia rolled her eyes dramatically. “fine… it was my spontaneous idea, az. blame me.” she said, raising her hands in mock surrender.

she stepped forward to give angel a quick hug, which the taller woman returned with an easy smile. while julia and angel weren’t nearly as close as azzi and angel were, they’d crossed paths on enough projects over the years to know each other well enough for the greeting to feel effortless.

“great game by the way, you killed it.” azzi added.

“it would’ve been if paige hadn’t come in clutch,” angel replied with mock annoyance. “she’s so damn irritating when she does that, which is all the time.”

the mention of one particular player immediately caught julia’s attention.

“you know her?”

azzi and angel turned to look at her at the exact same time. even azzi, who barely knew the first thing about basketball, knew the answer to that.

her best friend squeezed her eyes shut for a second, realizing she’d just asked a pretty stupid question. which, to be fair, she had.

“i mean…” she quickly corrected herself. “are you two close?”

angel blinked, a little caught off guard by the question. “um… i mean, yeah. we’re good friends.”

“oh, cool.” julia replied a little too quickly, unable to hide the spark of interest in her voice. angel’s gaze flickered to azzi, silently asking, what’s going on?

azzi only smiled and gave an innocent little shrug, choosing not to expose her best friend’s very obvious crush. judging by the amused look beginning to form on angel’s face, though, she had a feeling her teammate was already connecting the dots.

“…alright, i’ve gotta head to media now, but i’ll catch up with you guys later.” angel gestured toward the tunnel before flashing azzi a grin. “and i love the skirt, az. you have to tell me where you got it.”

“i’ll text you.” azzi laughed.

with one last nod, angel slowly backed away, turning only when she was a few steps out before jogging towards the media room.

“well, great job hiding your interest jules, not noticeable at all.” azzi teased, shooting her a cheeky look. julia groaned, “i panicked, okay?”

“sure. can we get some food now, though? i’m starving.” azzi said, rubbing her stomach.

“not yet, az.” julia shook her head. “i’ve gotta get paige’s attention first. i have to at least talk to her!”

azzi let out an exaggerated sigh. “jules…”

“what do you think the point of me wearing this green snakeskin dress was?” julia gestured to herself. “i didn’t suffer through all this just to not talk to her.”

she gave herself an unnecessary twirl, as if azzi hadn’t already seen the outfit a dozen times, before dramatically pointing towards the blonde, who was currently in the middle of a postgame interview at center court.

azzi let out a long, resigned sigh. “fine… go talk to her, i’ll wait.” she gave a small nod toward the player, silently urging julia to get on with it already. the sooner she went, the sooner they could finally get something to eat.

“are you crazy? i can’t just walk up to her!” julia exclaimed, earning a confused frown from azzi.

“why not?”

“because!” julia threw her hands up, “she’s gonna think i’m desperate.”

azzi stared at her best friend, thoroughly unimpressed. “she’s not gonna think you’re desperate, jules. just go introduce yourself.” she crossed her arms, waiting.

julia began tapping her heels against the floor, clearly thinking something over. suddenly, her face lit up.

“i have an idea!” she beamed. “how about you introduce me to her?” azzi’s brows immediately knitted together. “i don’t even know her.”

“well…” julia said carefully, a hopeful smile creeping onto her face. “you will once you talk to her.”

azzi let out a disbelieving laugh, “i am not walking up to her just to tell her you’re interested, jules.”

julia’s face instantly fell into an exaggerated pout,“what? why not?” she whined. “pleasee, help me out, az. you’re way better at this.”

“no, jules.”

“help your best friend out, please?”

azzi sighed, she couldn’t believe she was actually doing this. all she could think about was the perfect roast dinner after this. the sooner this was over, the sooner she’d finally get to eat.

“fine.” she muttered more to herself, “let’s just get this over with, but dinner’s on you.”

“deal!” julia practically bounced with excitement. “thank you, az! you’re the best. now go!” before azzi could even reconsider, julia began shooing her away with both hands.

azzi shot her a silent glare before turning and making her way through the crowd on the court.

i can’t believe i’m actually doing this. she thought. weaving past players, staff, and media crews.

the star player appeared to be wrapping up her postgame interview, reaching up to unclip the microphone from the collar of her jersey.

just as she handed the mic back to a crew member, she noticed someone making their way towards her.

paige’s gaze lifted, settling on the striking curly brunette walking directly in her direction. instinctively, she straightened a little, her curiosity piqued as she watched azzi close the distance.

azzi came to an abrupt stop right in front of her, meeting the blonde’s gaze without a hint of hesitation.

“hi.”

the blonde raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth curling into an amused smile as her gaze drifted over azzi, lingering for a brief moment on her bellybutton piercing before returning to meet her eyes.

“hey, princess.”

azzi held out a hand. “the name’s azzi, not princess. so you can stop calling me that, thanks.” paige’s grin only widened as she reached out to shake it. there it was again—that firm yet surprisingly gentle grip.

“you do realize,” paige said, her smile turning almost smug. “you’re the one who walked up to me, right?”

“don’t flatter yourself, bueckers. i’m not here to chat with you.” the younger woman shot back without missing a beat.

“oh?” paige tilted her head, clearly entertained. “and what reason would that be then, princess?”

okay, now she was definitely doing it on purpose.

azzi parted her lips, fully prepared to come up with a comeback that would wipe that smug grin off the blonde’s face. but before she could, a tiny tug on the hem of paige’s basketball shorts made both women glance down.

a little girl, no older than six, stood there in an oversized bueckers jersey, looking up with wide eyes.

paige’s grin immediately softened, “hey, buddy.” she crouched slightly to the girl’s height. “you want an autograph?”

the little girl vigorously shook her head. before paige could even process what was happening, the child darted right past her. straight to azzi.

tiny arms wrapped around azzi’s leg in an enthusiastic hug, azzi blinked in surprise before her expression melted into something impossibly gentle.

“hi there.” she greeted softly.

“princess!” the little girl beamed.

a pair of horrified parents came rushing over seconds later, “oh my gosh, we’re so sorry!” the mother apologized between embarrassed laughs. “she just… took off.”

the father rubbed the back of his neck apologetically.“she’s such a huge fan of the people’s princess,” he explained. “we really can’t believe she just ran onto the court.” azzi’s brows lifted ever so slightly.

“would it be alright if she took a picture with you, azzi?”

a warm smile spread across azzi’s face. “of course,” she answered. “i’d love to.”

she glanced sideways at paige just in time to catch the blonde staring at her with an expression that hovered somewhere between disbelief and amusement.

azzi couldn’t resist. she flashed paige the tiniest, most satisfied smirk before turning her attention back to the little girl.

“come here.”

she effortlessly picked the child up onto her hip, earning an excited squeal. the parents hurriedly unlocked a phone before the mother hesitated.

“actually…” she said sheepishly, looking toward paige. “would you mind joining too? we’re big fans of yours as well.”

paige laughed under her breath, “guess i can do that.” she stepped beside azzi, close enough that their shoulders nearly brushed.

the little girl, now perched comfortably in azzi’s arms, wrapped one arm around her neck while grinning at the camera. without really thinking about it, paige rested a light hand against the small of azzi’s back to steady her.

azzi felt it immediately. she turned her head just enough to meet paige’s eyes for a split second, the blonde’s grin was downright insufferable.

“ready?” the father called.

“one, two, three!”

the flash went off. it had to be one of the most awkwardly random photos either of them had ever taken and yet, somehow, neither of them moved away right after. the parents thanked them profusely, apologizing one last time before hurrying off with their daughter.

the moment they were out of earshot, paige turned back to azzi, a smug grin already creeping onto her face.

“so…” she dragged out. “you really do get called a princess.”

azzi rolled her eyes so hard it was almost impressive.“you’re awfully cocky for someone who only scored fourteen points today.”

the effect was immediate because paige looked personally offended. “excuse you?” she pressed a hand to her chest. “ten of those fourteen were clutch points, mind you. and i had a double-double.”

azzi frowned, shifting her weight onto one leg as she crossed her arms.

“…what’s a double-double?”

paige let out the most dramatic gasp imaginable.“okay bro, you officially don’t get to comment on my game if you don’t even know what a double-double is, princess.”

“i told you to stop calling me that, bueckers.”

“right. my mistake, princess.”

“stop.”

“my apologies… princess.” paige drawled, placing deliberate emphasis on the nickname.

azzi pinched the bridge of her nose, “you’re unbelievably annoying.”

“and yet,” paige said with a grin that bordered on insufferable, “you’re the one who walked up to me.” she signed both hands towards azzi then back to herself.

“against my will.”

“still counts.”

“it absolutely does not.”

“pretty sure it does.”

azzi shot her a deadpan look. “you’re making this conversation significantly longer than it needs to be.”

“you haven’t even told me why you came over.”

…right.

julia.

azzi closed her eyes for a brief second. she’d gotten so distracted arguing with this irritating human being that she’d completely forgotten why she was there in the first place.

she drew in a quiet breath, ready to explain. only for a member of the dallas wings media staff to appear beside them.

“perfect, you two already know each other!” she said with a relieved smile. “we were actually wondering if you’d be willing to take a quick photo together with jess, and your co-partner, julia ricardo, if that’s alright with you, ms. fudd? it’s for the wings social media.”

azzi blinked, “…yeah, that’s fine.”

“awesome. thank you!” the staff member motioned for them to follow.

azzi shot paige a brief look before turning around and leading the way back towards julia. the second the redhead realized who was walking beside her, her posture noticeably shifted. her body language screaming act normal.

paige offered an easy smile, extending her hand first, “nice to meet you, i’m paige.”

julia stared for half a second before remembering how to function. “h-hi.” she quickly tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear before accepting the handshake. “julia.”

“yeah,” paige replied with a teasing grin. “i know.” she punctuated it with a quick wink.

azzi looked between the two of them before slowly rolling her eyes.

unbelievable.

before julia could recover from whatever just happened, another woman approached them with an easy smile.

“hey, i’m jess.”

she introduced herself to both azzi and julia, exchanging quick greetings before the staff member clapped their hands together. “alright, let’s line up!”

azzi and julia naturally stood beside one another in the middle. before anyone else could move, paige casually stepped up beside azzi. at the exact same time, she motioned for jess to stand on julia’s other side. jess caught on immediately, taking her place next to the visibly flustered julia.

the photographer adjusted the camera, “everyone ready?” without warning, paige rested a hand lightly against azzi’s bare waist.

azzi went completely still.

paige felt it instantly, a satisfied smile tugged at her lips. she leaned in just enough for only azzi to hear.

“smile for the camera, princess.”

azzi shot her a sideways glare. then, almost effortlessly, she shifted her attention to the camera. her signature smile appeared as though it’d been switched on. warm dimples on full display.

“perfect!” the photographer called. “one more.”

click.

“got it. thank you, everyone!”

almost immediately, another member of the media team waved paige over. “paige! we’re waiting for you.”

“comin!”

paige let her hand slip from azzi’s waist before taking a step back. as she passed, she dipped her head ever so slightly toward azzi.

“catch you later, princess.” she murmured.

before azzi could think of a reply, paige was already walking away.

“bye, paige!” julia called after her.

paige glanced over her shoulder, offering nothing more than a polite wave and an easy smile.

“thanks for coming out and supporting us,” she said. “really appreciate it.” then she disappeared into the crowd alongside jess, leaving julia standing there in complete awe.

“…she winked at me.”

azzi sighed, “she winks at everyone, jules.”

“don’t ruin this for me az.”

“i think i just found the love of my life.” julia continued dreamily, still staring after the blonde’s back.

azzi blinked, what on earth just happened?

in the span of ten minutes, she’d somehow been forced to play cupid, she was called princess for an unreasonable amount of times, and had a professional basketball player shamelessly get under her skin for her own entertainment.

all she knew was this : paige bueckers was without question. the most unbelievable, infuriating, and utterly irritating person she had ever met.

and if her best friend really planned on falling for that.

well, good luck to her.

as for azzi?

every alarm bell in her head was screaming the exact same thing. stay as far away from the wings star player as humanly possible.

“can we get food now?” she asked, already turning towards the exit.

julia practically skipped after her, “yeah, yeah… but first, can we talk about the fact that paige winked at me?”

azzi groaned, “absolutely not.”

═════════════════════

@dallaswings🪽 made a new post!

📸: paige bueckers, jessica shepard, azzi fudd & julia ricardo

bio : special visitors or more like supermodels 👀 at tonight’s game! thanks for stopping by and stealing the show. @ azzifudd and @ juliaricardo

always love having familiar faces courtside!

liked by angelreese5, jessicalshepard, awak.kuier and 201,421 others.

view all 3,918 comments

@bueckerswifee: WAIT??? AZZI FUDD???

@wnbacentral: i had to do a double take 😭

@paigenewsacc: since WHEN were azzi and julia at a wings game??

@hoopsdaily: the crossover i never knew i needed.

@fuddingiconic: azzi looks INSANE in that mini skirt OMG.

@juliasnumber1fan: JULIA WON TODAY IDC.

@pb5goat: paige standing suspiciously close to azzi… 👀

@courtsidecam: OMG. the people’s princess x the nonchalant final boss? this is MY NICHE.

╰› @lesbianagendas: THIS COMMENT LMAOOOO.

╰› @bueckersfuddfan : no fr.

@fuddforever: whoever manifested this crossover… thank you.

@bueckers4life: i need them in the same room again immediately.

@paigeglazer: wait did anyone else see that family that took a picture with paige and azzi together??

╰› @hoopsobsessed: YEAH I SAW THAT!! paige was standing SO close bro 😭

╰› @pbfilm: and her hand was literally on azzi’s waist for the team picture HELLO???

╰› @uconnicpb5: i’m sayingggg 😭

╰› @basketballgirl234: y’all are mad weird.

╰› @princessazzifudd: imagine being that little girl and accidentally creating the most random crossover ever.

@wnbaupdatess: i need the behind the scenes footage immediately.

@angelreese5: y’all work FAST 😭😂

╰› liked by dallaswings

═════════════════════

pbuckets535

A Couple Minutes

Summary: They broke up a long time ago. Azzi told herself not to go back, not after everything. But she can’t resist Paige Bueckers.

A/N: okay we back to regular chaps!! i think this is my favorite one so far

warnings: serious angst

A Couple Minutes Masterlist

Main Masterlist

—————————————————————————

Chapter Ten

Dallas, TX

The team chose a bar three blocks from the apartment building. That was the first mistake. The second was letting Arike organize the night.

By eight-thirty, she had claimed the largest section in the back, convinced the bartender to put the team’s playlist on, and ordered enough appetizers to feed twice as many people as they actually had.

“We survived training camp,” Arike announced, raising her glass. “Some of us barely.”

Her eyes landed on Paige.

Paige leaned back in her chair. “Why are you looking at me?”

“You spent half of camp trying to break the rim.”

“I was working on my shot.”

“Your shot was working on you.”

Laughter moved around the table.

Paige rolled her eyes, but she raised her drink with everyone else.

“To making the roster,” someone shouted.

“To the season.”

“To no more conditioning tests.”

That earned the loudest cheer.

Glasses clinked.

Paige took a small sip and looked toward the opposite end of the table. Azzi sat between two of their teammates, her hair loose around her shoulders and a bright smile on her face. She had traded the team-issued sweats Paige had gotten used to seeing her in for dark jeans and a fitted black top.

Paige had noticed the second Azzi walked into the lobby.

She had also noticed that Azzi smelled like the perfume Paige had bought her for her birthday last year.

She had not mentioned either thing.

She was learning.

Slowly.

Painfully.

But she was learning.

Azzi looked up and caught Paige staring.

Paige immediately turned toward Arike

Arike raised one eyebrow.

“Don’t,” Paige warned.

Arike put up her hands. “I didn’t say anything.”

“You were about to.”

“I was about to ask if you wanted a mozzarella stick.”

Paige glanced at the empty plate between them.

“There aren’t any left.”

“Then I guess we’ll never know.”

Paige took another sip of her drink.

Across the table, Azzi laughed at something one of the rookies said.

Paige felt the familiar ache.

It wasn’t as sharp as it had been that morning in the gym.

It was quieter now.

Still there.

Always there.

But she was trying to let Azzi have the night without watching every smile and wondering whether Riley had caused it.

That became more difficult when Azzi’s phone lit up beside her glass.

Azzi looked at the screen.

Her expression softened.

Paige looked away before she could see anything else.

She focused on Jordan describing a disastrous date she had gone on the previous summer. Paige nodded in what she hoped were the right places, but her thoughts kept drifting.

Riley was probably texting Azzi.

Maybe they were finalizing their second date.

Maybe Riley was telling her to have fun tonight.

Maybe—

Paige stopped herself.

Azzi’s phone was none of her business.

She took a slow breath and placed her glass on the table.

Maddy glanced at her.

“You good?”

“Yeah.”

“That answer has never once been convincing.”

“I’m trying something new.”

“What?”

“Mindfulness.”

Maddy stared at her. “Huh?”

Paige shrugged. “I saw it on TikTok.”

“That explains why you look like you’re trying not to commit a damn felony.”

Paige kicked her lightly beneath the table.

Maddy laughed.

At the other end, someone ordered a round of shots.

Azzi shook her head immediately. “No.”

The teammate beside her placed one in front of her anyway.

“One,” she said. “You made the roster. It’s basically mandatory.”

“I already have a drink.”

“That’s a cocktail. This is team bonding.”

Azzi looked down at the small glass.

Paige knew that expression.

Azzi wanted to say no.

She also didn’t want to seem uptight on one of her first official nights with the team.

Before Paige could intervene, Azzi picked up the shot.

“To surviving camp,” she said.

Everyone cheered.

Azzi tipped it back.

Her face twisted immediately. “That’s disgusting.”

The table erupted in laughter.

Paige smiled despite herself.

Azzi reached for her cocktail and took a long drink to wash away the taste.

Paige’s smile faded.

She knew Azzi’s tolerance.

More accurately, she knew Azzi didn’t have one.

When they had been together, Azzi usually stopped after one drink. Two if they had eaten first and were staying somewhere safe. Tonight, she had barely touched the appetizers. Paige glanced at the cocktail in front of her. It was already half gone. Not my girlfriend, Paige reminded herself. Not your decision.

She looked toward the basket of fries in the center of the table and pushed it down toward Azzi.

Azzi watched it slide to a stop in front of her.

Her eyes lifted to Paige’s.

Paige nodded toward the food.

Azzi’s mouth curved faintly.

She took a fry.

It was a tiny thing.

Paige still felt relieved.

An hour later, the bar had grown louder.

The reserved section dissolved as players moved between tables and the dance floor. Someone had convinced two assistant coaches to join them. Zaza was arguing with the DJ over a song request. Paige remained near the edge of the group, nursing the same drink she had started with. She had practice in two days. She didn’t like feeling out of control. And, though she didn’t admit it, she was keeping an eye on Azzi. Not because Azzi belonged to her. Because Azzi was drinking faster than usual, and no one else seemed to notice.

Azzi had abandoned her seat and joined a group on the dance floor. Her movements were looser now, her smile brighter. Every few minutes she stumbled into one of their teammates and laughed like it was the funniest thing that had ever happened.

Paige tried not to stare.

She failed.

Arike appeared at her side, slightly out of breath.

“She is wasted.”

Paige didn’t need to ask who she meant. “She’s getting there.”

“She passed getting there twenty minutes ago.”

Paige watched Azzi lift both arms as the song changed, nearly elbowing someone behind her.

“How many drinks has she had?”

Arike counted on her fingers. “Cocktail when we got here. Shot. Someone bought her another cocktail. Then she had part of mine because she said hers tasted weird.”

Paige turned toward her. “You gave her more?”

“I didn’t realize she’d already had that much.”

Paige rubbed a hand over her face.

“I tried to give her water,” Arike added. “She said water was boring.”

“That sounds like her.”

Arike watched Paige for a moment. “You should probably talk to her.”

“Why me?”

Arike gave her a flat look.

Paige knew the answer.

Because even drunk, Azzi still listened to Paige.

Or at least she used to.

Paige’s chest tightened.

“I’m not her girlfriend,” she said.

“No,” Arike replied. “You’re her teammate, and right now your teammate is one bad decision away from dancing on the bar.”

As if summoned by the warning, Azzi placed one hand against the edge of a nearby table and looked at it with clear consideration.

Paige moved before she could stop herself. She crossed the dance floor, slipping between teammates until she reached Azzi. Azzi’s face lit up the moment she saw her.

“Paige!”

Paige steadied her as Azzi turned too quickly “Hey.”

“You’re not dancing.”

“I noticed.”

Azzi placed both hands on Paige’s shoulders and leaned closer, apparently needing to concentrate to look her in the eyes.

“You’re being boring.”

“You’re being drunk.”

“I’m celebrating.”

“You can celebrate with water.”

Azzi frowned as though Paige had deeply offended her. “Water doesn’t taste like anything.”

“That’s one of its better qualities.”

Azzi laughed and dropped her forehead against Paige’s shoulder. Every muscle in Paige’s body went still. It was automatic. Familiar. Azzi used to do this after games when she was exhausted, folding herself into Paige and trusting her to keep them both upright. Paige’s hands hovered near Azzi’s waist. She didn’t touch her.

Not at first.

Then Azzi swayed.

Paige caught her.

Her hands settled carefully against Azzi’s sides.

Azzi sighed. “You always catch me.”

The words were slurred around the edges.

Paige’s heart hurt. “Someone has to.”

Azzi lifted her head.

Her eyes were glassy, her cheeks warm and flushed.

“Are you mad at me?”

“No.”

“You look mad.”

“I’m worried.”

“Same thing.”

“It really isn’t.”

Azzi studied Paige’s face with drunken seriousness. “You have pretty eyes.”

Paige’s breath caught.

“Okay. We’re getting you water.”

“I’m serious.”

“I know.”

“They’re very blue.”

“Thank you.”

“I used to look at them when you weren’t watching.”

Paige swallowed.

Azzi smiled sadly.

“But you were usually watching.”

Paige glanced around them.

A few teammates were nearby, but no one seemed to be paying attention.

Still, this wasn’t a conversation Azzi should be having when she could barely stand.

Paige took her gently by the shoulders. “Come sit down.”

“I want to dance with you.”

“Tomorrow you’ll be grateful I said no.”

Azzi’s face fell.

Paige nearly gave in.

Then she reminded herself that Azzi was drunk.

She could care for her.

She could not take advantage of the closeness Azzi was offering. Even something as innocent as dancing would mean more to Paige than Azzi might remember in the morning.

“Come on,” Paige said softly. “Let’s get some air.”

Azzi allowed Paige to guide her away from the dance floor.

She leaned heavily into Paige’s side, one hand gripping the back of Paige’s shirt.

Paige wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her steady. The contact burned. She tried not to think about how perfectly Azzi still fit against her.

They stepped through a side door onto a small patio. The night air was warm, but cooler than the crowded bar.

Azzi inhaled deeply.

Then grimaced.

“The outside is moving.”

“That’s not ideal.”

Paige helped her sit on a bench against the wall.“Stay here.”

Azzi grabbed Paige’s wrist immediately. “Don’t leave.”

Paige looked down at her hand.

Azzi’s grip was surprisingly strong.

“I’m getting you water.”

“Someone else can.”

“Azzi.”

“Please.”

The single word broke something open in Paige.

She sat beside her.

“Okay.”

Azzi loosened her grip but didn’t let go completely.

Paige pulled out her phone and texted Arike.

Paige: Bring water and food outside.

Arike responded with a thumbs-up.

Azzi rested her head against Paige’s shoulder.

Paige stared straight ahead.

The patio was quiet except for muffled music coming through the wall and traffic moving along the street.

“You smell good,” Azzi mumbled.

Paige closed her eyes briefly. “You’re very drunk.”

“I can be drunk and right.”

“Unfortunately.”

Azzi traced one finger over the sleeve of Paige’s jacket.

Paige watched the movement.

She wanted to cover Azzi’s hand with her own.

She didn’t.

“Did Riley text you tonight?” Paige asked before she could stop herself.

Azzi lifted her head.

Even drunk, she looked surprised.

Paige immediately regretted it.

“Never mind.”

“She did.”

Jealousy tightened around Paige’s ribs.

She forced her expression to remain neutral.

“That’s nice.”

Azzi squinted at her. “You don’t mean that.”

“I’m working on it.”

“She said to have fun.”

Paige nodded.

Azzi continued studying her. “Are you jealous?”

“Yes.”

The answer came easily now.

Paige didn’t see the point in lying.

Azzi’s expression softened.

“You’re honest when I’m drunk.”

“I’m honest when you’re sober too. You just argue more.”

Azzi smiled, then rested her head against Paige again.

“I don’t want you to be sad.”

“That isn’t something you have to fix.”

“I used to fix it.”

“You used to try.”

“I was good at it.”

Paige looked down at her. “You were.”

Azzi’s eyes were closed.

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

“I miss when I was yours.”

Paige stopped breathing.

For one terrible, hopeful second, the whole world seemed to narrow around those words. She could tell Azzi she could be hers again. She could ask her to choose. She could take this moment and hold on to it. But Azzi was drunk. Tomorrow, she might not remember saying it. And Paige had already made enough decisions for both of them.

“You’re not mine,” Paige said gently.

Azzi’s face pinched.. “I know.”

“You’re your own.”

“That sounds lonely.”

“It doesn’t have to be.”

Azzi opened her eyes and looked up at Paige.

“But you want me.”

Paige’s throat tightened. “Yes.”

“Then why can’t I be yours?”

“Because wanting you doesn’t make that choice for you.”

Azzi stared at her, struggling to follow through the alcohol.

Paige softened her voice. “When you’re sober, you get to decide what you want. Tonight, I’m just making sure you’re safe.”

Azzi was quiet.

Then she leaned farther into Paige’s side.

“You’re always safe.”

Paige looked away before Azzi could see the tears gathering in her eyes.

Arike stepped onto the patio carrying two bottles of water and a basket of fries. She slowed when she saw them. Azzi curled against Paige. Paige’s arm around her waist. Neither of them speaking.

Arlie’s teasing expression disappeared.

She handed Paige the water.

“How bad?”

“She thinks the outside is moving.”

“Fantastic.”

Azzi lifted her head. “I can hear you.”

Arike placed the fries beside her. “Then eat.”

Azzi looked offended.

Paige opened one of the water bottles and placed it in her hand. “Small sips.”

Azzi drank obediently.

Jordan raised her eyebrows at Paige.

Paige ignored her.

For the next twenty minutes, they managed to get half the water and several fries into Azzi.

She became sleepier but no steadier.

When Paige asked if she felt sick, Azzi shook her head, then immediately stopped as though the motion had been a mistake.

“I want my bed.”

“I think that’s the smartest thing you’ve said tonight.”

Azzi held her arms out toward Paige.

Paige stared at her. “What are you doing?”

“Help.”

Paige sighed and stood.

She pulled Azzi carefully to her feet.

Azzi stumbled directly into her chest.

Paige caught her again.

Arike picked up Azzi’s purse from the bench.

“I’ll tell everyone you’re taking her home.”

Paige looked at her.

“You sure?”

Arike’s expression said the question was ridiculous. “She won’t go with anyone else right now.”

That was exactly what worried Paige.

Not because she would ever hurt Azzi.

Because some selfish part of her still wanted to believe Azzi choosing her while drunk meant something.

Paige pushed the thought away.

“I’m taking her straight upstairs,” she said.

Arike looked at her. “I know.”

The walk back to the apartment building took nearly fifteen minutes despite being only three blocks.

Azzi moved slowly, leaning most of her weight against Paige. Every few steps, she became distracted by something.

A dog tied outside a late-night restaurant.

Music spilling out of a passing car.

A window display filled with cakes.

“Riley makes cinnamon rolls,” Azzi said as they passed a bakery.

Paige looked straight ahead. “I know.”

“They’re good.”

“I’m sure.”

“You hate her.”

“I don’t hate her.”

“You hate her cinnamon rolls.”

“I’ve never had one.”

Azzi nodded solemnly. “That’s why.”

Paige almost laughed.

Azzi leaned into her. “You’re warm.”

“You’re freezing.”

“I’m not.”

Paige removed her jacket and draped it around Azzi’s shoulders anyway.

Azzi pushed her arms into the sleeves.

The jacket swallowed her.

Paige’s chest tightened at the sight.

Azzi used to steal her clothes constantly.

Paige had complained every time.

Secretly, she had loved opening Azzi’s closet and finding pieces of herself everywhere.

“This still smells like you,” Azzi murmured.

Paige pressed the crossing button again even though it was already lit.

“Imagine that.”

When they reached the apartment building, the night attendant gave them one look and quickly returned his attention to his computer.

Paige guided Azzi into the elevator.

“Eighteen,” she said.

Azzi frowned at the buttons.

“You live on sixteen.”

“You live on eighteen.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you confused?”

Azzi looked at her. “I want to go with you.”

Paige’s heart stumbled. “No.”

The elevator began rising.

Azzi’s face fell. “You don’t want me?”

Paige stepped closer, keeping her voice gentle.

“I want you more than I should.”

“Then—”

“But you’re drunk. I’m taking you to your apartment.”

Azzi stared down at Paige’s jacket wrapped around her. “What if I don’t want to be alone?”

Paige considered it.

She didn’t want Azzi alone either.

Not while she was this intoxicated.

“I can stay until you fall asleep,” she said. “On the couch.”

Azzi nodded immediately. “Okay.”

The elevator opened on eighteen.

Paige took Azzi’s purse from Jordan and searched for her keys. It took three attempts to unlock the door because Azzi kept leaning against her arm.

Once inside, Paige turned on the lights.

Azzi blinked at the brightness. “Too much.”

Paige dimmed them.

“Better?”

Azzi nodded.

She kicked off one shoe, then lost her balance trying to remove the other.

Paige caught her by the elbow.

“Sit.”

Azzi dropped onto the couch.

Paige crouched and removed the second shoe for her.

The intimacy of it felt strange.

Not romantic.

Just familiar.

She had done this before after parties, long flights, exhausting games.

Back when taking care of Azzi had been as natural as breathing.

Azzi looked down at her. “You’re pretty from this angle too.”

Paige shook her head. “Stay there.”

She went to the kitchen and filled a large glass with water. Then she searched the cabinets until she found crackers. When she returned, Azzi was lying across the couch with one arm over her eyes.

Paige sat on the coffee table in front of her. “Drink.”

Azzi moved her arm enough to look at the glass.

“You’re bossy.”

“You like that about me.”

Azzi’s mouth curved.

“I like everything about you.”

Paige froze.

Azzi reached for the water.

Her hand missed.

Paige guided the glass into her grip.

“Slowly.”

Azzi took several sips.

Then her face changed.

Paige recognized it instantly.

“Bathroom?”

Azzi nodded.

Paige barely got her there in time.

She held Azzi’s hair away from her face while Azzi knelt in front of the toilet and got sick.

There was nothing romantic about it.

Nothing graceful.

Just Azzi shaking beneath Paige’s hand while Paige rubbed slow circles between her shoulder blades.

“It’s okay,” Paige murmured. “Let it happen.”

When it was over, Azzi sat back against the side of the bathtub, exhausted and embarrassed. “I’m never drinking again.”

“You say that every time.”

“I mean it now.”

“Of course.”

Paige dampened a washcloth with cool water and pressed it gently against the back of Azzi’s neck.

Azzi closed her eyes. “Don’t tell the team.”

“They saw you try to negotiate with a lamp.”

Azzi’s eyes opened. “I did not.”

“You told it to move.”

“It was in my way.”

“It was bolted to the floor.”

Azzi groaned and covered her face.

Paige smiled faintly. “There she is.”

“Stop.”

“You’ll survive.”

“I don’t want to survive. I want to disappear.”

“Tomorrow morning you might.”

Paige helped her rinse her mouth, then guided her back into the bedroom.

Azzi sat on the edge of the bed while Paige searched through her dresser.

She found an oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts.

“Can you change by yourself?”

Azzi looked at the clothes.

Then at Paige.

“Yes.”

Paige placed them beside her. “I’ll be outside.”

She left the bedroom and closed the door behind her.

No hesitation.

No lingering.

Whatever they had once shared did not give Paige permission now. She cleaned the bathroom while she waited, then returned to the kitchen to refill the water glass. A few minutes later, Azzi called her name.

Paige opened the bedroom door carefully.

Azzi was under the covers, still wearing Paige’s jacket over her T-shirt.

Paige stopped in the doorway.

“You’re sleeping in that?”

Azzi pulled it tighter around herself. “Yes.”

Paige didn’t argue.

She placed the water and crackers on the nightstand, along with a small trash can in case Azzi felt sick again.

“Sleep on your side,” Paige said.

Azzi rolled over obediently.

Paige adjusted the pillows behind her.

“You’ve done this before,” Azzi murmured.

“You’ve been drunk before.”

“No.” Azzi looked up at her. “Taken care of me.”

Paige’s hands stilled. “Yeah.”

“You always did.”

Paige sat on the edge of the bed.

Azzi reached out and curled her fingers around Paige’s wrist.

“Did I ruin your night?”

“No.”

“You could’ve stayed.”

“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Azzi blinked slowly.

“You still take care of me like I’m yours.”

Paige looked down at their hands. “I take care of you because I love you.”

Azzi’s eyes softened. “That sounds the same.”

“It isn’t.”

“What’s different?”

Paige thought about it.

“Before, I thought loving you gave me a place in your life.” Her voice remained quiet. “Now I know you have to give me that place. I can’t just take it.”

Azzi’s fingers loosened slightly. “But you came.”

“You needed someone.”

“I needed you.”

Paige closed her eyes.

Azzi might remember none of this tomorrow.

That was probably for the best.

“Get some sleep.”

“Will you be here when I wake up?”

Paige looked toward the chair in the corner, then back at Azzi.

“I’ll stay until I know you’re okay.”

“That isn’t what I asked.”

Paige swallowed. “I’ll be here.”

Azzi relaxed into the pillow.

Her eyes drifted closed.

For several minutes, Paige remained beside her, listening to her breathing even out. Just before sleep claimed her completely, Azzi whispered, “I didn’t kiss Riley.”

Paige’s chest tightened.

“I know.”

“I thought about you.”

“Azzi—”

“I always think about you.”

Paige looked down at her.

Azzi’s eyes were closed now.

Her grip around Paige’s wrist had gone loose.

Paige carefully moved her hand away and pulled the blanket higher over her shoulder. “That doesn’t count tonight,” she whispered.

Azzi didn’t respond.

Paige moved to the chair in the corner of the bedroom.

She could have slept on the couch.

It would have been better for her back.

But from the chair, she could watch Azzi’s breathing. She could make sure she stayed on her side. She could be there quickly if she got sick again.

So Paige settled in and opened her phone.

There was a message from Arike

Arike: She okay?

Paige: Got sick once. Sleeping now. I’m staying here.

The reply came immediately.

Arike: Figured.

A second message followed.

Arike: You okay?

Paige looked at Azzi.

At her face softened by sleep.

At Paige’s jacket wrapped around her body.

At the woman who had once been hers and now belonged only to herself.

Paige: I will be.

She set her phone aside.

Sometime after two in the morning, Azzi began to stir.

Paige was awake instantly.

Azzi pushed herself up, eyes barely open. “Water.”

Paige stood and carried the glass to her.

Azzi drank slowly while Paige supported the bottom.

When she finished, she looked around the dark room. “You stayed.”

“I said I would.”

Azzi stared at her for a long moment.

Then she shifted toward the empty side of the bed. “Lie down.”

Paige’s heart began beating harder. “No.”

“Not like that.”

“I know.”

“Then why?”

Because Paige remembered too much. How it felt to fall asleep beside her. How Azzi always moved closer during the night. How dangerous it would be to pretend, even for a few hours, that they were still together.

“I’m okay in the chair.”

Azzi looked at the chair and frowned. “You’ll hurt tomorrow.”

“I’ve had worse.”

“Paige.”

Even drunk and half asleep, Azzi knew exactly how to say her name in a way that weakened every defense.

Paige sighed.

She moved to the bed but remained on top of the blankets, as far from Azzi as the mattress allowed.

Azzi watched her settle.

“No touching,” Paige said gently.

Azzi gave a sleepy nod. “Okay.”

Paige lay on her back, staring at the ceiling.

Beside her, Azzi’s breathing slowly deepened again. For nearly ten minutes, Paige remained rigid. Then Azzi shifted in her sleep. Her hand moved across the space between them, searching. Paige caught it before it reached her waist. Azzi’s fingers closed around hers automatically. Paige could have pulled away. She should have. Instead, she held Azzi’s hand loosely between them.

Nothing more.

No promises. No assumptions.

Just enough to let Azzi sleep.

By morning, sunlight stretched across the bedroom floor.

Azzi woke with a pounding headache, a dry mouth, and no immediate understanding of why she was wearing Paige’s jacket. Then she felt the hand holding hers. She turned her head. Paige was asleep beside her on top of the covers, still fully dressed. Her body was angled away, creating a careful distance between them. Only their hands connected in the middle of the bed.

Memory returned in scattered pieces.

The bar.

Dancing.

Paige taking her outside.

The walk home.

Being sick.

Paige’s voice telling her she wasn’t hers.

Paige promising to stay.

Azzi’s stomach dropped.

She had no idea what else she had said.

She slowly pulled her hand away.

Paige woke immediately.

Her eyes opened, alert and concerned.

“You okay?”

Azzi winced. “No.”

Paige pushed herself upright. “Headache?”

“Everything ache.”

“I left painkillers in the kitchen, but you need food first.”

Azzi stared at her.

Paige’s hair was messy from sleep. There were faint lines across one side of her face from the pillow, and her neck was bent at an uncomfortable angle.

“You slept here.”

“You asked me to stay.”

Azzi looked down at Paige’s jacket around her body.

“Did I…” She swallowed. “Did I do anything?”

Paige understood the fear behind the question.

“No.”

“Did we?”

“No.” Paige’s answer was immediate and firm. “Nothing happened.”

Relief crossed Azzi’s face.

Then embarrassment replaced it. “What did I say?

Paige looked toward the window.

“Nothing you need to worry about.”

“That means I said something terrible.”

“You were drunk.”

“Paige.”

Paige looked back at her.

Azzi searched her expression. “Did I talk about Riley?”

“A little.”

“Did I talk about us?”

Paige hesitated.

That was enough.

Azzi covered her face with both hands.

“Oh my God.”

“You don’t have to be embarrassed.”

“Yes, I do.”

“You were emotional.”

“That is never a comforting thing to hear about yourself.”

Paige almost smiled.

Azzi lowered her hands. “Tell me.”

“I don’t think that’s fair.”

“What?”

“To hold you to things you said when you weren’t sober.”

Azzi’s expression softened.

Paige continued, “You didn’t hurt me. You didn’t do anything wrong. I took care of you, and that’s all it was.”

“That’s all?”

The question escaped before Azzi could stop it.

Paige went still.

Azzi looked away.

“I didn’t mean—”

“I know.”

Silence settled between them.

Azzi touched the sleeve of Paige’s jacket.

“Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me.”

“I do.”

Paige moved toward the edge of the bed.

“I’ll make you toast.”

Azzi reached out and caught her hand.

Paige looked down at their joined fingers.

This time, Azzi was sober.

Hungover and miserable, but sober.

“Stay for a minute,” Azzi said.

Paige’s chest tightened. “Are you sure?”

Azzi nodded.

Paige settled back onto the bed.

She didn’t move closer.

Azzi didn’t ask her to.

They sat in silence, their hands resting between them.

Azzi studied Paige’s face.

“You could’ve sent me home with someone else.”

“I could have.”

“But you didn’t.”

“No.”

“Why?”

Paige gave her a tired look. “You know why.”

Azzi did.

Because even after the breakup, Paige still noticed when she hadn’t eaten. Still knew how many drinks were too many. Still held her hair when she was sick. Still made sure the lights weren’t too bright. Still remembered that she needed water in the middle of the night. Paige loved her. Not perfectly. Not without fear. But enough to stay.

Azzi tightened her grip slightly. “I’m not yours,” she said quietly.

Pain flashed across Paige’s face, but she nodded.

“I know.”

“But last night, I trusted you.”

Paige looked at her.

Azzi’s voice softened. “I still do.”

Paige’s eyes filled.

She looked down at their hands.“I’m going to try to deserve that.”

Azzi nodded.

Neither of them called it forgiveness.

It wasn’t reconciliation. Azzi still had a second date planned with Riley.

Paige was still learning how to love her without expecting anything in return.

But when Paige finally stood to make breakfast, Azzi kept her jacket wrapped around herself.

And Paige didn’t ask for it back.

graybuckets

all it was was all about you

dallaswings!paige bueckers x dallaswings!azzi fudd

wc: 4.1k [ao3 link]

contains: domestic fluff, established relationship, stupid little lesbians aww

summary: paige and azzi are both finally in dallas and azzi isn't having a very good day. she comes to spend the night at paige's. paige is apparently too busy playing minecraft to get in bed with her, but she eventually has something to show her.

a/n: Sighs really loud idk this is kinda some bullshit the prompt was so cuteness thank u anon but its so short im sorry guys. was gonna make it j a drabble but i dont give a fuck im calling it a oneshot

readreaderreadings

I needed this. Thank you!

hiitsme535

Forgive me father, I am sick: book two

Chapter one: I knew it, I knew you

Catholic!paige x rebellious!Azzi, catholic boarding school au

Warnings: light angst, brief mentions of addiction

A/n: words can’t describe how excited I am for this one!! Thank you guys for all the love on book one, and for sticking with me through this new part of their story! it means the absolute world to me. I love yall so much 🩷

Word count: 10k

hcneymooners

౨ৎ long, snake moan. ╱ dr2. ( ao3 link here. )

chapter two: yes, i need you, my fairy-tale.

president's daughter!paige x older!art historian/professor!azzi. men and minors dni.

wc: 24.2k

synopsis: against the backdrop of her mother's re-election campaign, america's first daughter finds that she wants something different. to lose is not in her nature. cw: near-drowning, family estrangement, a mother that is the founder of the mother wound is2g, media harassment, paparazzi, forced separation, referenced past parental death, grief, dissociation, house arrest/confinement (familial & also non-legal, we are so down), implied infidelity (not between pazzi), romantic reunion, explicit sexual content, bdsm elements, dom!p, sub!a, mommy kink, cunnilingus, breath play, cfnf (clothed female, naked female), facesitting, tribbing, dirty talk (lowkey on an insane level but we move), pet names, non-linear narration, unreliable-ish narration, hopeful and happy ending. notes: after more revisions than i care to admit, this finally feels like the version i wanted to tell. this story has been a real labor of love. not everything is neatly resolved because, truthfully, neither are the people in it. we spend most of our time in p's head, but maybe someday i'll return to this world and let a have her say.

again, as tagged, this is a dark romance. some of what's in here is meant to be uncomfortable. it is not a blueprint; it is certainly not aspirational. it is two people who are, in various ways, bad for each other and also somehow the best thing either of them has ever had. please read the content warnings. take what you need from them and leave the rest. i trust you to know your own limits better than i do, and i'd rather you skip a work than push through something that isn't good for you.

i hope you enjoy. let me know what you think. love you. x

part iv. ⊱ dante gabriel rossetti, ‘study of dante holding the hand of love’, c. 1855-1856.

azzi had learned, over these months, to recognize the sound of paige coming home before she ever saw her. there was a certain languishing spirit to the way she moved through a door, unhurried even when she was clearly in a hurry, as though she spent her every effort in restraining her body so as not to reveal the truth of its frantic nature.

but on this evening, the blackest well of winter, the sound was discordant. the door opened sharply, not quite slammed but near to it, boots kicked off with more force than the task required, clattering against the baseboards in the hallway, and then paige’s voice, aggrieved, carrying down the hall before the rest of her had even appeared.

“i look insane.”

❝There is a specific moment, and I can locate it almost to the minute—somewhere between her describing the realities of grief (how you keep doing the small tasks of a day, brushing your teeth, answering discussion board posts, while some other larger version of you has simply stopped functioning in another room) and her apologizing, sincerely, for crying over a glass of sparkling water she has not managed to drink—where I stop being able to think of her as the President’s daughter. I want to be honest that this isn't the generous admission it might sound like. I had spent three weeks preparing to interview a public figure. I had a folder. The folder had tabs. Instead I found myself across a small table from a freshly twenty-three-year-old. I had, I’m mortified to admit, briefly forgotten this number, had forgotten that her birthday had been just a week before, had kept her flattened to a woman whose face had been on television since before I personally knew who she was. She kept stopping mid-sentence to apologize for the fact that she was overwhelmed by her emotions in front of me. An apology on the record, as though her feelings were an oil spill threatening every sign of natural life. At one point I wanted to interrupt her. Not to ask a follow-up question—though I had several, sitting patient and unused in my notebook the entire time—but to tell her to drink the water. To eat something, anything, off the small plate of charcuterie the hotel had arranged that neither of us had touched. To go home and sleep, ideally for several consecutive days. The impulse embarrassed me. It was, unmistakably, maternal, and I am not anyone’s mother, and she is not anyone’s especially fragile child. But grief has a special penchant for stripping the skin off of a person, however many titles or headlines they’ve accumulated on top of it. For the better part of that hour, America’s First Daughter had simply left the room, and in her place sat someone’s eldest daughter, someone’s left behind child, green to twenty-three and long traumatized, trying her best at doing the ordinary and unsolvable work: trying to think her way out of a loss that has never once, in the history of anyone, responded well to any one school of thought.❞

elleaitch222

Chapter 5 – What He Left

😈💗♾️😈💗♾️😈💗♾️😈💗♾️😈

elleaitch222

Chapter 4 – What He Knows

😈💗♾️😈💗♾️😈💗♾️😈💗♾️😈

elleaitch222

Chapter 3 – How We Ended Up Here

😈💗♾️😈💗♾️😈💗♾️😈💗♾️😈

azzidefender

I Knew It, I Knew You.

paige bueckers x azzi fudd — 7.1k words

Throughout nine years of knowing each other, there had never been a Paige without Azzi, and there had never been an Azzi without Paige. This is a story told through the little memories. The ones that quietly proved they knew each other better than anyone else ever would.

inspired from the song “I Knew It, I Knew You” by taylor swift and this specific visualizer. immediately thought of pazzi’s story after i heard the ending credit scene to Toy Story 5 (teared up watching the movie ngl)

warning : when your best friend is also the love of your life, them over anyone, + down bad p! & down bad az!

happy reading and tell me your thoughts 💭🤎

—。Presented and written by, azzidefender.

─•────•─────•─────•──── ᯓ★

2018

the junior usa national team had yet another successful win against spain. they were currently 4-0 and they still have 12 games more to go.

they had decided to celebrate by going to the ice cream parlor across the hotel. although, on the way to that said ice cream parlor. some of them got a bit… too distracted by the stray dogs wandering on the streets.

one of them including azzi.

“cameron! azzi! hurry up, we’re about to order!” zia called, holding the glass door open as she dramatically waved them over, eager for them to get inside before the line moved.

“ten more seconds!” azzi and cameron called back in unison, far too occupied crouching beside the stray dogs, showering them with pets and a chorus of awws.

“but you guys said five more seconds… five seconds ago” zia pointed out with a furrowed brow. then, with an exasperated sigh, she let the glass door swing shut, accepting that they clearly weren’t coming anytime soon.

“yup, they’re gone.” zia declared, turning back to the rest of her teammates in line with a shake of her head.

paige snorted, “told you, the moment azzi sees a puppy, it’s game over. she’ll choose that dog over any of us, any day.”

“even ice cream.” paige muttered with a small grumble.

aaliyah gave her a look, “why’ you sound petty?”

“m’not.” paige mumbled, shrugging a shoulder.

“mmhm, sure.” aaliyah replied, shooting the blonde a i’m-not-buying-that look.

“okay bro. we’re up next,” paige said, shamelessly steering the conversation elsewhere. she stuffed her hands into her sweat pockets as rocked back and forth on her feet. looking around the group, “everyone know what they want?”

“yes paige, we’ve talked about this the second we entered the shop, remember? three minutes ago.” jordan deadpanned.

“aight geez, my bad.” paige lifted her hands.

by the time it was paige’s turn, the rest of the team’s orders had already been punched into the register.“cookies and cream in a cup, please.” paige said. the employee nodded before looking back up, “anything else?”

“yeah, one cookie dough. oh, and can i get a drizzle of nutella on that too?”

“of course. anything else?”

paige then turned her head towards the group, waiting.

“…”

“…what?” aaliyah asked.

paige simply looked between all of them expectantly.“cam’s?” she said, as if that explained everything.

the group only stared back. “how are we supposed to know what cam wants?” jordan laughed.

paige blinked, “…right.”

“hold on,” hailey cut in, her brows knitting together. “how do you know what azzi wants?”

“huh?”

“the cookie dough. and the nutella.”

paige looked at her like she’d asked the easiest question in the world. “because she loves cookie dough, duh.” paige said matter-of-factly. “she’s always talking bout how eating raw cookie dough is better than baking the cookies.”

the girls exchanged looks.

“and she puts nutella on everything bro.” paige continued, “she says it makes everything taste better.”

“no, she doesn’t.” hailey said.

“yeah,” zia nodded. “i’ve literally never heard her say that.”

paige’s brows pinched together for a second. “oh.”the blonde shrugged, “just to me, then.” every pair of eyes landed on paige. then, almost in perfect sync, they looked at one another, their expressions silently asking the same question.

…this isn’t weird to y’all?

paige looked between all of them, thoroughly unimpressed. “can y’all stop lookin’ at each other weirdly and go ask cam what she wants?” she uttered flatly, motioning the door with one hand, “we’re holding up the line.”

the group collectively snapped out of it. “oh, right.” zia replied, “i’ll ask her.”

a few minutes later, the team spilled out of the ice cream parlor, cups in hand, already bickering over who got the best flavor.

paige walked over to where azzi and cameron were still crouched beside the stray puppies, neither of them looking remotely close to being finished. “here.”

azzi looked up, her face immediately lit up once she saw what the older was handing. with a dimple tugging deep into her cheeks.

“you remembered my order?”

paige met her smile with her signature lopsided grin that always seemed to pop out when she’s with the younger. “course.”

azzi’s smile only grew as she accepted the cup of ice cream, “thanks, paigey.” before the blonde could answer, cameron leaned between them with a dramatic pout.

“yeah? where’s my ice cream, paigey?” cam mocked, dragging out the nickname. without missing a beat, the grin slipped right off paige’s face.

“it’s with zia,” she deadpanned, jerking her thumb towards the team. “go get it yourself, bro.” cameron gasped, placing a hand over her heart. “wow. blatant favoritism.” which caused azzi to giggle.

“it’s called competence,” paige replied. “i actually knew what azzi wanted.”

“okay, that’s somehow making it worse.” aaliyah muttered as the rest of the group dissolved into laughter, cameron dramatically trudging over to zia to collect her own ice cream.

─•────•─────•─────•──── ᯓ★.

2020

“azzi, i think we have enough snacks at home,” katie said, pushing the cart down the chips aisle at target. “and you still haven’t finished the three jars of nutella you’ve got stashed in your room.”

azzi barely looked up, too busy scanning the endless rows of chips to pay much attention. “two, actually,” she corrected absentmindedly. “i finished one yesterday.”

“well, that’s still two.” katie said firmly, watching as azzi bent down to grab the family-sized yellow bag of lay’s from the bottom shelf.

“it’s not for me, mom. it’s for paige.” azzi replied, eyebrows lifting innocently as she dropped the oversized bag into the cart. katie glanced from the bag to her daughter. “this entire thing? for paige alone?”

azzi nodded without hesitation. “trust me, mom. she’ll finish it in, like, five days.” katie raised a skeptical brow while azzi laughed at her mom’s reaction. “i know she doesn’t look like it, but she has a big appetite.”

“well, if it’s for paige, then it’s fine.” katie shrugged, pushing the cart forward as she slid her sunglasses up onto her head.

the curly brunette rolled her eyes dramatically. “sometimes i think you love her more than you love me.”

“i love you both.” katie said with a fond smile.

azzi smiled sheepishly before her eyes suddenly widened, “wait… do we have ketchup?” katie frowned, caught off guard by the abrupt change in topic. “we just ran out.”

“then c’mon,” azzi grabbed the front of the cart and started steering it toward the condiment aisle. “we’ve gotta get ketchup.”

katie let herself be dragged along, laughing under her breath. “why? you don’t even like ketchup that much.”

azzi shook her head, her curls bouncing with the motion. “not for me, mom.” a small smile tugged at her lips. “paigey likes dipping her chips in ketchup.”

katie blinked, “that’s a weird combination.” azzi let out a snort, “i know, she has the palate of a five year old.”

after tossing the ketchup into the cart, katie glanced over at her daughter. “alright,” she said. “are we finally done?”

azzi paused, mentally running through the list she’d apparently made without realizing it. “…no,”

“we still need gatorade.” azzi scrunched up her nose at the thought. “i seriously don’t get how she drinks that stuff all the time. it tastes like melted chemicals.”

“it’s actually good for you honey, it has electrolytes, and isn’t that what every basketball player drinks?” katie replied.

“pretty much,” azzi shrugged. “i’ll stick to coconut water. it’s way healthier.”

“what else?”

azzi started counting on her fingers, “slim jims… and kraft mac and cheese.” katie looked at her over the shopping cart. “azzi, i can just make mac and cheese for you two.”

“i know,” azzi said. “but what if you’re not home and paige randomly craves it? she likes the boxed one anyway.”

katie couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head as she looked at the steadily filling cart. “anything else while we’re at it?”

azzi thought for another second.

“probably, she likes uncrustables too, so we should get that just in case.”

katie let outs an amused huff before nudging the cart forward. “alright then, let’s go find ’em.” a grin spread across azzi’s face as she happily took over steering the cart.

by the time they made it through the last aisle, the shopping cart was practically overflowing. katie gave it a once-over look. “you know, at this point it looks less like paige’s staying for two months and more like she’s moving in with us.” the younger glanced at the mountain of snacks and drinks she’d insisted on grabbing (mostly for paige)

“…okay, maybe a little.”

“a little?” katie snorted. “i just want her to be comfortable,” azzi mumbled, though the smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

as they walked toward the registers, they passed by the clothing section, azzi slowed to a stop.

“mom.”

katie immediately recognized that tone, “what?”

azzi pointed toward a pair of fluffy lavender pajama pants on the display. “can we get those for paige, pretty please?”

katie followed her finger, “pajama pants?”

“mhm, just in case she doesn’t bring enough clothes.” azzi picked them up, rubbing the soft fabric between her fingers. “and you know how much we all procrastinate laundry day.” one thing about the fudd’s, they hate laundry day.

katie tilted her head. “why can’t she just borrow yours? you borrow her clothes all the time.”

a faint blush crept onto azzi’s cheeks. it wasn’t much, just enough to tint them pink, katie caught it immediately of course. tho, she wisely chose not to comment on it.

“well…” azzi cleared her throat, suddenly finding the tag on the pajamas incredibly interesting. “she can. if she wants to.” she glanced back at the lavender pair with a small smile. “but… i think she’d like these.”

katie’s gaze drifted to the identical pair beside them, an identical pink one.

“okay,” she said casually, reaching over to grab them. “wouldn’t want you two not matching.” azzi looked up, eyes immediately lighting up.

“you’re the best, mom.”

katie simply shrugged, as she smirked knowingly. “i know.” she tossed the pink pair into the cart beside the purple ones before adding with a sly smile, “but you’re practicing twice as hard today to pay for all this.”

azzi groaned dramatically, “i take that back.”

katie laughed, steering the cart toward the registers.“you can bring paige with you,” she called over her shoulder. “lord knows she could use the extra conditioning after the amount of junk food you just bought her.”

azzi giggled, “i actually second that.”

the front door had barely swung open before azzi heard familiar voices spilling out from the living room.

“no way!” jon groaned.

“that’s what you get!” paige laughed triumphantly, never taking her eyes off the tv. “skill issue, jose.”

azzi couldn’t help but smile. balancing a handful of target bags on both arms, she nudged the door shut with her foot. the sound made paige glance over. the second she noticed azzi struggling with the bags, she immediately paused the game. “hold on.”

before azzi could protest, paige was already jogging over. “here.” she reached for the bags. “i can do it.” azzi insisted.

“bro, just give ’em to me.” paige gently tugged them from her hands. “let me carry ’em for you.” despite herself, a shy smile tugged at azzi’s lips.

“i literally have more muscles than you, p.”

paige rolled her eyes. “yeah, yeah.” she effortlessly gathered the rest of the bags. “i still wanna do it for you.” azzi didn’t bother arguing anymore. she simply followed paige into the kitchen, trying very hard not to smile as much as she was.

after setting the bags on the counter, paige immediately turned back toward the front door. “i’ll grab the rest.”

“thanks, honey.” katie smiled as paige relieved her of the remaining grocery bags.

“‘course.”

a minute later, everyone was gathered in the kitchen as azzi started unpacking everything. paige leaned against the island with her arms crossed.

“can’t believe you already ditched me on my first day here, bro.”

azzi looked over with raised eyebrows, “it was literally an hour, p.”

“an hour and a half.” paige corrected immediately, causing azzi to snort at the dramatic blonde.

“and you didn’t even get to witness me absolutely cooking jon and jose in mario kart.”

“yea, cause you apparently can’t win if i play.”

paige gasped dramatically, “that’s crazy.” she pointed an accusing finger at azzi. “i wanted to come with you guys, and you wouldn’t let me.”

the brunette only rolled her eyes, “because i wanted to surprise you.” paige’s expression shifted immediately, “with what?” azzi simply nodded toward the grocery bags, paige frowned in confusion before looking down.

lay’s chips, slim jims, kraft mac and cheese, gatorade, uncrustables. one by one, she pulled things out of the bags.

“bro.”

that was all she managed. every single thing sitting on the counter was something she loved. she slowly looked back at azzi, completely speechless.

azzi’s grin stretched so wide her dimples popped into view, “surprise.”

paige blinked at the younger. “this…” she looked back at the groceries before meeting azzi’s eyes again. “..this is like heaven.”

she couldn’t believe azzi had remembered all of it. most of these were things she’d casually mentioned—or eaten during their nightly video calls. somehow, azzi had remembered every single one. “oh,” azzi said, suddenly remembering. “we also got matching pajama pants.”

paige perked up immediately, “we do?”

“mhm.” azzi nodded proudly. “purple for you, pink for me.”

paige looked at her.

and just…

smiled.

it was the kind of smile that made her eyes crinkle at the corners, and the apple of her cheeks curved. neither of them looked away. for a few seconds, it was just the two of them standing there smiling like complete idiots.

“…are you two done staring at each other?” katie finally cut in, unable to hide the amusement in her voice. “or would you like to help me put these groceries away?”

both girls immediately looked away. paige’s face, turned the exact shade of one of the tomatoes sitting in the produce bag. “sorry.” she mumbled as they started putting everything into the pantry.

azzi winced, “oh, yeah.”

paige looked over, furrowing. “what?”

“we kinda have to work out twice as hard today because of…” she gestured toward the mountain of junk food. “…all this.”

paige shrugged like it was the easiest thing in the world, “aight.” she flashed a cocky grin. “i’m beating you in our one-on-one after.”

azzi scoffed, “you wish.” she bumped the pantry door shut with her hip before looking over her shoulder. “remember, my workout includes lifting, too.”

now that caused paige to groan. “i forgot about that.”

azzi’s laugh echoed through the kitchen.

─•────•─────•─────•──── ᯓ★.

2023

paige pushed open the door to her dorm, immediately thrown off by how quiet it was. which was weird, the group chat from an hour ago had made it sound like half the team was already camped out in her living room.

she had just gotten back from class, mentally fried after a test. kicking off her uggs by the door, she wandered farther inside, only to find kk, ice, nika, and aaliyah scattered across the couches.

most of them were here but nobody was talking.

"what's up with y'all?" paige asked, eyebrows knitting together. "i don't think i've ever seen my place this quiet." she joked.

ice barely looked up from her phone. "oh. 'sup, pb."

and then, silence engulfed again. nika kept scrolling, aaliyah was pretending to be deeply invested in whatever was on her screen. kk sat hunched over with the controller in a vice grip, aggressively mashing every button like the game itself had somehow pissed her off.

paige looked between all of them.

"okay..." she dragged out. "seriously, what's with the funeral vibes? i'm the one who just survived a test."

kk let out an exaggerated sigh before clicking her tongue. "maybe ask your girl," she muttered, she sounded petty. "she's the one who came in here catching an attitude for absolutely no reason."

nika and aaliyah exchanged the quickest glance before immediately looking back at their phones, silently deciding they wanted no part of whatever conversation this was about to become.

the freshmen, though?

they still hadn't quite learned that paige did not play when it came to her best friend. yes, they still hadn’t made it official.

paige's expression shifted instantly. "…azzi?" she repeated.

kk looked up, completely deadpan. "no, paige. not azzi." she paused. "yes, azzi. who else?"

a deeper crease formed between paige's brows instantly. "what happened?" she asked, concern replacing the teasing in her voice. "is she okay?"

“man, i don’t know. we were all having a good time, like usual, and she came in here all moody,” kk grumbled, eyes never leaving the tv. “we asked if she was okay, and she just snapped at us.”

ice scoffed. “yeah, she was honestly kinda being a bitch.”

nika and aaliyah’s eyes immediately went wide with that comment. yeah, they wanted absolutely no part in this.

kk simply nodded in agreement, still focused on the controller in her hands.

paige’s head snapped toward them. “don’t fucking call her that. ever.” Her voice was sharp enough to make the room fall silent. “she probably had a bad day. how would you feel if you were having a shitty day and i turned around and called you a bitch?” she pinned the two of them with a hard stare, daring either of them to say another word.

neither of the freshmen had anything to say, thrown off by the sudden outrage of the older. paige didn’t wait for an answer. instead, she turned to nika. “where is she?”

“she went to your room,” nika answered quietly. paige nodded, already taking a step toward the hallway.

“oh, and p?”

paige looked back. nika added softly, “she looked like she was trying really hard not to cry…”

that made paige’s stomach sink.

“thanks, twin.” she murmured, nodding once more before turning and quickly making her way down the hallway toward her room.

“az? it’s me.” paige knocked gently, which admittedly, felt a little ridiculous considering it was her room, but the last thing she wanted was to upset the younger woman any further. after hearing a quiet, “come in,” she slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside.

the sight that greeted her immediately tugged at paige’s heart.

azzi was half-buried beneath the covers, only the top of her messy bun visible, loose curls spilling around it. she was curled into herself, tightly hugging the giant unicorn paige had won for her at a state fair months ago.

“hey… what happened, baby?”

paige crossed the room and sat carefully on the edge of the bed beside the blanket-wrapped princess curled beneath the covers. gently, she ran her fingers through azzi’s hair, tucking a few loose curls behind her ear before softly stroking her head.

when azzi still didn’t answer, paige’s touch only grew gentler.

“wanna talk about it, mama?”

this time, azzi gave a small shake of her head. paige couldn’t help but let out a quiet chuckle, her thumb absentmindedly brushing through the younger woman’s curls. “okay,” she murmured. “then can i at least see your face, pretty?”

a few seconds ticked by. paige waited patiently, already knowing azzi was debating it beneath the covers. eventually, the blankets shifted ever so slightly. another firm shake of her head.

paige huffed amusingly. “you know, this is the first time i’ve ever been rejected by my own blanket burrito.”

no reply came. as the silence stretched on, concern settled a little deeper in paige’s chest. “is there anything i can do to make you feel better, baby?” she asked quietly.

azzi stilled.

then, without a word, the blanket-wrapped brunette slowly shuffled closer before climbing onto paige’s lap. instinct took over immediately. paige opened her arms without a second thought, wrapping them securely around her as soon as azzi settled against her. burying her face beneath paige’s chin, azzi melted into the embrace.

paige’s hand moved slowly up and down azzi’s back, her fingertips tracing gentle circles along her spine, the same comforting rhythm she always used whenever her best friend was upset.

“i gotchu, az. you’re okay.” she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of her head.

at that, azzi finally let the comforter slip from her shoulders, leaving it pooled around her waist as she tightened her arms around paige’s neck. she buried herself even closer, silently seeking for more of the comfort only paige ever seemed able to give.

“…remember the test i was studying for today?” azzi mumbled, her voice so quiet paige would’ve missed it if she wasn’t holding her this close.

paige frowned slightly, “yeah. you kicked me out of your room because, according to you, i was a distraction.” a tiny smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

“which, by the way, was kinda rude.”

azzi let out a quiet huff and lightly smacked paige’s forearm. “ow.” paige winced dramatically. “okay, okay. sorry. not the time.” she pressed another kiss to the top of azzi’s head. “go on, baby.”

azzi sighed, “well… the professor gave me…” she trailed off.

paige waited patiently, “gave you…?”

azzi took a shaky breath.

“a D…”

paige blinked.

a D?

that immediately caught her off guard. azzi never got D’s. honestly, she barely got anything below an A. maybe an A-, maybe a B+ on a really terrible day, but a D?

“…minus.”

oh.

okay, so she’d gotten a D-

so what? paige still thought her best friend was the smartest girl on the planet. obviously if there was anyone to blame it was obviously the professor.

what was his name again?

dave?

david?

whatever it was, the guy better hope paige didn’t run into him on campus anytime soon, because making azzi cry had immediately landed him on her personal blacklist.

“that’s…not bad.” paige said carefully, trying to keep her voice reassuring. at that, azzi finally lifted her face from the crook of paige’s neck.

it was the first time paige had gotten a proper look at her all day. her eyes were red and slightly puffy, matching the blush across the bridge of her nose. she’d clearly been crying for a while.

and somehow, paige still couldn’t stop thinking she looked so so pretty, especially like this. there was a stubborn little pout on her lips, the kind that made paige’s heart do embarrassingly stupid things.

“how,” azzi asked, brows knitting together, “is a D-minus not bad, paige?”

paige racked her brain for something— anything that might make the situation sound better. “…you could’ve gotten an F?” she offered, though even she could hear how unconvincing she sounded. she looked up at azzi hopefully.

azzi simply stared back, completely unimpressed.

paige let out a defeated huff through her nose. “okay, yeah… it’s kinda bad,” she admitted with a sheepish grimace. “but what happened?” her hand instinctively found its way back to rubbing soothing circles along azzi’s back.

“you studied all night yesterday. ash said you were doing really well with your nerdy little flashcards she was quizzing you on.” paige tilted her head, “did the test just end up being completely different from what you studied?”

azzi nibbled on her bottom lip, hesitating. “i’ll tell you…” she mumbled, “but don’t laugh.”

paige raised her eyebrows, curiosity immediately taking over. “why would i laugh?”

azzi let out a dramatic sigh. “…i was late.”

paige furrowed, okay that isn’t ideal, but she’d shown up late plenty of times before, at least more than azzi has. being late alone definitely didn’t explain a D-

“and…” azzi drew the word out, looking anywhere but at paige. “i accidentally fell asleep. like… twenty minutes into the test.”

there was a beat of silence.

paige’s lips twitched.

no.

don’t.

“paige.”

her shoulders started shaking.

“i told you not to laugh, p!” azzi whined, shoving her shoulder.

a snort escaped before the blonde could stop it. “i’m sorry—” she wheezed, “i’m sorry, baby, i really am.”

she wasn’t laughing at azzi.

she was laughing because the mental image of azzi, who treated every assignment like it determined the fate of the universe. somehow managing to fall asleep in the middle of an exam was unbelievably adorable.

paige was still trying to bite back a smile when she gently pinched azzi’s side. “i told you not to stay up so late yesterday.” she teased. “and you, bighead, ignored me.”

azzi groaned, “paige!”

“what?” paige grinned, entirely too pleased with herself. azzi crossed her arms with an dramatic huff.

“if you’re just gonna hit me with an ‘i told you so’ instead of supporting me through my rights and wrongs…” she huffed. “you can leave.”

paige stared at her for a second before scoffing.

“azzi.”

“what?”

“this is my room bro.”

azzi narrowed her eyes into the cutest little glare, her lips pushing into an even deeper pout. without another word, she buried her face back into the crook of paige’s neck.

“well,” she mumbled against her skin, “all of my stuff is here.” paige raised an eyebrow. “…and your bed’s comfier.”

a laugh bubbled out of paige before she could stop it as she rolled her eyes sarcastically “oh, ‘m sure that’s why you’re here.”

azzi only hummed, refusing to lift her head. grinning to herself, paige resumed rubbing slow circles over her lower spine. “hey,” her voice softened again, seriously this time. “it’s okay, princess. these things happen.”

azzi stayed quiet, listening.

“we can email your professor together az,” paige continued. “just explain what happened and ask if there’s any chance you could do a makeup test or a redo. the worst he can say is no, right?”

she felt a tiny nod against her chest.

“..okay,” azzi murmured. “that sounds good.”

there was another pause before the brunette spoke again. “but i wanna take a nap first.” she yawned into paige’s hoodie. “’m tired.”

paige let out a soft laugh, carefully shifting them both until they were lying back against the mattress, never once letting go of the younger in her arms.

“sounds good to me, mama.” she smiled, settling the blankets over them. “i’m pretty wiped after my test too.”

within seconds, paige felt azzi melt further into her embrace, already halfway asleep, and she couldn’t help but to press one last kiss to the top of her head.

paige could also feel drowsiness settling over her, sleep threatening to pull her under. and just before she gave in, she heard a quiet murmur against her chest.

“you always know how to make me feel better, p.”

paige’s lips curled into a small, content smile. holding azzi just a little closer, she let herself drift into a peaceful sleep beside her.

─•────•─────•─────•──── ᯓ★

2025

“why are you smiling so much?” azzi, who was ironically smiling just as much, looked over at her. “eyes on the road, madison.”

which only made paige grin even wider.

“just makin’ sure you’re real.” she shrugged, her eyes never leaving her girlfriend. “it’s only been less than a month, p.” azzi said softly, raising her brows.

paige’s lips fell into a straight line as her expression flattened. “yeah. worst fuckin’ month of my life.” she deadpanned.

don’t get her wrong, she was excited for this new chapter in her life. finally playing in the wnba, adjusting to a new environment, but her team… it was questionable, to say the least. they kept losing, paige never lost this much games before, it was hard for her to accept. and don’t even get her started on her new coach, if she could even call him a ‘coach.’

but most importantly, she missed her other half, who was still all the way back in connecticut for her final year.

she missed azzi.

so fucking much it made her chest ache, sometimes.

but now she was here, beside her again, as real as ever. and paige couldn’t be happier.

“it’ll get better. we’ll figure it out.” azzi gently assured, reaching over to take the blonde’s free hand.“where are we going anyways?”

paige grinned, “soy cowboy. bro, their orange chicken? out of this world, az. swear.”

azzi smiled. “is it?”

paige nodded enthusiastically. “yup. and tomorrow after the game, imma take you to hurtado’s, then we can go to all the good spots i found. oh! and did y’know they have topgolf here? we can play, if you’re down. imma beat you. although i know you don’t really like it… can we go together, please?”

paige suddenly started rambling, words tumbling out one after another, while azzi simply listened with an adoring smile. she barely registered half of what the blonde was saying.

instead, her heart fluttered at the thought of paige discovering all these places and immediately thinking of bringing her there. every new restaurant, every little spot she stumbled across, every experience she’d wanted to save until azzi could be there beside her.

azzi felt like her heart was full again.

at the restaurant, paige was still grinning like a fool.

and it was all because of azzi, who was staring at the menu like it was the hardest decision she’d ever had to make. her pouty lips were caught between her teeth while her brows furrowed in concentration.

back at uconn, paige would’ve probably gotten annoyed by her girlfriend’s inability to just pick something. but she’d missed azzi’s indecisiveness so much that she didn’t even care anymore. she was only waiting for her girlfriend to say the magic words.

azzi finally looked up from the menu, looking personally defeated as her big brown doe eyes met paige’s.

“ugh, this is too hard. can you pick for me, p?”

there it is.

still hadn’t changed. whether it was food or outfits— especially outfits. azzi would always ask the blonde for help.

paige chuckled, “gotchu, baby.”

azzi flashed a toothy grin after the older had placed both of their orders.

once the waitress walked away, azzi spoke honestly. “i missed you. you know, nobody’s there to help me pick my outfits anymore. i’m forcing kk and kelis to be my stylists at this point. they hate it. and they don’t style me better than you.” the brunette pouted, absentmindedly fiddling with the blonde’s fingers that were resting across the table.

paige’s heart skipped a beat.

honestly, they rarely complimented each other. before the long distance. one of the perks of being best friends before girlfriends was that rage baiting was more of their love language. honestly, it still was.

but now they were all sappy too.

call paige cheesy, but she freakin’ loved it. “i missed you more, princess.” the apples of her cheeks lifted as a faint blush crept across her face.

the curly-haired brunette continued, her lips pursed still into a pout. “speaking of princess, nobody treats me like a princess anymore. i’m the one who has to treat them now.” azzi acted like she hated it, but paige knew she secretly loved taking care of her younger teammates.

“good.” paige smirked, a hint of possessiveness slipping into her voice. “only i get to treat you that way.”

“y’know you can text me whenever you want something, baby, and i’ll send it to you. you just gotta tell me.” paige reminded her, and she meant every word. all azzi had to do was ask, and the money would be in her account before she could even blink.

azzi only shrugged.

“i know.”

she traced lazy circles over the back of paige’s hand before looking up. “but i’ve got my big girl money now.” she smiled softly. “besides… it’s not the same. i like it better when you’re here doing it for me, not through a screen.” her tone flattened.

god.

paige was so down bad for this woman.

the blonde let out a quiet chuckle, her brows lifting in amusement.

“you’re so spoiled.”

“by you.”

“…yeah.” paige couldn’t even argue with that. a grin tugged at the corners of her lips as she intertwined their fingers. “and i’m gonna keep it that way.”

the rest of lunch passed by with easy conversation, laughter slipping between bites and stories they had already heard thorough call but never got to tell in person before. every now and then, paige found herself looking up from her food just to watch azzi happily eat whatever she’d picked for her.

of course she liked it.

paige already knew she would.

still, seeing the brunette’s eyes light up after every few bites filled her with an unreasonable amount of satisfaction. she’d always loved taking care of azzi in little ways like this.

by the time they were finished, paige reached for the bill before azzi even had the chance, as always. not like azzi was planning to pay anyways, she knows she’s her princess.

two hundred and five dollars.

what exactly they ordered to make it cost that much didn’t really matter. as long as azzi was happy, and her tummy was full, paige would’ve paid twice that much without a second thought.

hand in hand, they made their way back to the car.

and just like she’d promised, paige spent the rest of the weekend taking azzi to every place she could think of. every restaurant she’d fallen in love with, every little spot she’d stumbled across since moving to dallas, every place that had made her think, azzi would love this.

before either of them knew it, the weekend had come and gone. saying goodbye at the airport never got any easier. it still hurt and it still left paige’s chest feeling a little emptier every single time.

but they knew this wasn’t forever.

they’d done this before, and they’d do it again. somehow, they always found their way back to each other.

they knew they would be okay.

─•────•─────•─────•──── ᯓ★

2026

the wings had just had their fourth consecutive win. but azzi could tell paige wasn’t pleased for whatever reason it might be, she looked tired than usual. she’d still put up decent numbers as the paige bueckers so does, but azzi knew paige well enough to recognize when she was feeling off.

so when the others invited to celebrate, azzi politely declined for the both of them.

she knew paige struggled to say no, especially when everyone was excited and expecting her to come. truthfully, azzi wasn’t much better at turning people down either. being a rookie made that even harder, but she’d managed to come up with an excuse convincing enough to spare them both. at least, she hoped it was convincing enough.

“your mom had a flat tire and you needed me to fix it?” paige echoed, thoroughly unconvinced as she tossed her keys onto the kitchen counter.

“mhm.” azzi shrugged. paige let out a long sigh, squeezing her eyes shut in defeat. “yeah… none of ‘em are buying it.”

leaning against the counter, azzi pursed her lips. “what? i think it’s convincing enough. they know we’ve known each other forever, and our families are close.”

paige couldn’t help but laugh. she stepped closer until azzi was gently caged between her and the counter, her tired hands settling around the younger woman’s waist.

“i think it’s pretty obvious they know we’re dating, babe.” she murmured.

azzi’s dimples appeared instantly. “see? even better. way more believable if you’re my girlfriend helping your mother-in-law.”

that earned a bigger grin than paige had managed all evening, something about that comment, tickled her.

“i don’t think katie calling me for help is the believable part, baby.”

azzi frowned thoughtfully. “no, mom called me, and i called you to help.”

paige watched the gears turning in azzi’s head as she tried to patch the hypothetical story together, making her chuckle under her breath.

she had the most adorable girlfriend ever.

“i mean…” paige started, shaking her head with an amused smile. “the others are probably thinking—

she stopped herself halfway, “y’know what? never mind babe.” her thumbs absentmindedly rubbed circles against azzi’s waist before she leaned in to press a lingering kiss to her forehead. “thank you for making an excuse for me,” she whispered. “i really wasn’t up for goin’ out tonight.”

azzi’s smile softened, “i know.”

“and next time,” paige added with a sleepy grin, “let’s blame the dog or something.”

“we don’t even have a dog.”

“exactly. harder to fact-check.”

azzi snorted, shaking her head. “that’s somehow an even worse excuse.”

“yeah,” paige admitted, finally letting herself laugh. “but at least it’s funny.”

“you tired, babe?” azzi asked softly, her fingers kneading the back of paige’s neck. a content groan escaped paige as she melted into her girlfriend’s shoulder.

“mm.”

azzi smiled to herself. “wanna take a shower and order in?” paige tilted her head just enough to look at her. “together?”

“mhm.”

“can we get chipotle?”

azzi let out a fond sigh. this was the second time paige had asked for chipotle this week, and it was only thursday.

“sure.”

paige’s face lit up. she leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to azzi’s lips.

“wash my hair f’me?”

azzi rolled her eyes fondly, unable to hide her smile.“only if you wash mine too.”

paige’s grin stretched even wider, “deal.”

without another word, she laced their fingers together and gently tugged azzi toward the bathroom. azzi followed with a quiet giggle, letting herself be pulled along while paige’s mood, little by little, finally started to lift.

after a warm soft, make out session in the shower, takeout bags scattered across the kitchen island, and two empty chipotle bowls with a half-finished basket of tortilla chips between them, the apartment finally settled into its usual quiet.

the bedroom lamp cast a soft golden glow across the room. azzi sat against the headboard with her book propped open, completely absorbed in the chapter she’d insisted she’d only read for ten minutes.

beside her, paige lay sprawled across the bed, absentmindedly scrolling through tiktok. every few seconds, she’d tilt her phone toward azzi.

“look at this.”

“mhm.”

“you didn’t even look.”

“because i know it’s another golden retriever wearing sunglasses, p.”

“…okay, but this one’s skateboarding.” azzi laughed quietly without looking up.

another minute passed before paige sighed dramatically, locked her phone, and tossed it onto the bedside table with a dull thud.

without a word, she shuffled closer until she was practically glued to azzi’s side, resting her head against her shoulder as though she’d suddenly become fascinated by whatever was on the page.

azzi kept reading.

she gave it… maybe thirty seconds.

right on cue, paige groaned. “gimme attention azzz.”azzi smiled knowingly, marking her page before setting the book on the nightstand. she shifted onto her side, propping herself up on one forearm while her free hand drifted through paige’s hair, gently scratching her scalp.

paige practically melted, letting out a satisfied hum as she burrowed closer.

“better?” azzi asked.

“much.”

a comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the quiet hum of the air conditioner.

after a moment, azzi spoke again, her voice gentle.“you should get some sleep, baby.”

“you skipped your pre-game nap today. maybe that’s why you were so grumpy.” she continued.

paige scoffed, “i was not grumpy.”

“the equipment staff asked if you wanted an extra towel, and you stared at him like he’d personally offended you.”

paige raised her eyebrows, “in my defense, i thought he was asking if i wanted to do media.”

azzi shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. instead of continuing to comb through paige’s hair, she let her hand drift lower, her index finger gently tracing up and down the bridge of the older woman’s nose.

paige squinted at her. “what’re you doing?” she mumbled. “m’not a baby, bro.”

azzi let out a quiet laugh, “your face says otherwise.”

paige only scrunched her nose in protest, making azzi giggle even more. “what?” azzi said softly. “you’re my baby, and i’m trying to make you fall asleep.” her voice dropped into that familiar, gentle cadence, the one that always seemed to soothe paige’s nerves without trying.

paige rolled her eyes, determined to act like the whole thing was ridiculous. “that’s so,” she stopped halfway through the sentence, blinking slowly. “..stupid.”

“mhm.”

“doesn’t even…” another blink, “…work.” azzi bit the inside of her cheek to hide her smile.

because, much to her amusement, it very clearly was working. paige’s eyelids were growing heavier by the second, her body sinking further into the mattress until she was little more than warm, sleepy weight tucked against azzi’s side.

after a long pause, paige spoke again, her words noticeably slower.

“let’s go on a date t’morrow.”

azzi’s expression softened, “i’d like that, p.”

azzi lingered for a while, her fingertips absentmindedly brushing across paige’s hairline every now and then, simply watching the rise and fall of her chest. there was something quietly reassuring about seeing her like this. completely at ease after a day that had clearly taken more out of her than she’d let on.

“sleep well, honey.” azzi whispered, careful not to disturb her.

paige didn’t answer, save for the faintest sleepy hum. smiling to herself, azzi reached over to switch off the bedside lamp. moonlight spilled through the curtains, leaving the room wrapped in a soft blue glow.

an hour later, with her book still waiting on the nightstand, azzi finally closed her own eyes, paige still nestled securely against her, exactly where she wanted to be.

─•────•─────•─────•──── ᯓ★

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