#surest

[girliblue]

sure as the sun will rise, always - 2/3

pairing: paige x azzi💕

SEQUEL to 'is the moon still in love with the sun?'

"'Do people know about you guys?'

Paige, like the freaking angel that she was, took charge of the conversation again. 'Yeah.' She shrugged casually, 'Private, but not secret.'

She said those words like the whole thing was so simple, even if their dynamic at one point had been far from that. Azzi wished she could tell her old self, even from a few months ago, how much better things got when she stopped giving a shit; when she chose to accept her love for Paige rather than shield it."

... or, the epilogue to the sorority girl azzi x basketball star paige au that no one asked for :)

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a/n: thank you all for your patience again! for anyone that didn't see my update, i am actually making this series also have three parts, so there will be one more after this :)

once again ignore any errors, i'll fix them when i get a chance 🤗

wc: 18k

tw: sexual content (18+)

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part two: 'always, i will be here’

"losing my head over you..."

Azzi knew from the moment the buzzer sounded signaling UConn’s loss in the final four that Paige was changing her mind. She could read it on her face, the ways her eyes continued to blur over with tears as the team hurried off the court and into the locker room; Paige Bueckers was not leaving this chapter behind without being a national champion. 

Not that she voiced this aloud, considering she was incredibly superstitious, but Azzi had a feeling these past few weeks that this was going to happen. She didn’t think they would lose, she hoped and prayed that they wouldn’t, but she just had this sense that Paige was going to use her last year of eligibility. When Paige told her, she was quite frankly overjoyed that she wouldn’t have to go an entire year without her girl. But, she simply held Paige as she cried and reassured her that this wasn’t the end of her story. 

Being apart for the summer again sucked, though. She would have loved nothing more than to follow Paige around as she made her world tour of press appearances and brand deals, but she had an internship in New York for the entire month of June. 

Networking was a huge part of making connections in public relations, and even though Paige offered about a thousand times to introduce her to the right people, she was determined to navigate her career on her own. Paige did enough for her already, the last thing Azzi wanted was her to feel like she was just another girl riding her coattails. So, she stayed with her aunt in the city and spent each day gaining experience interning for ‘Watch What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen. 

Despite campus becoming familiar with who she was in relation to Paige, as well as some dedicated women’s basketball fans, no one at her internship knew her already. And she was grateful for this honestly, she preferred flying under the radar and despised having attention on her like that. But Paige’s dumbass fucked this all up on one of her last days working. 

Azzi and another intern, Jeffrey, were chosen to be the ‘bartenders’ that evening, meaning they were on television and got to do some interviewing as well. It was a huge accolade for her résumé, and Azzi had been over the moon about it. 

That night, after getting back to her aunt’s apartment, she kicked off her shoes with a huff and finally checked her phone. She wasn’t entirely perplexed when she saw the overwhelming amount of notifications, but the majority were from Instagram, which seemed odd.

She frowned slightly, tapping the app, and the first thing she noticed was that Paige had posted on her story. Naturally, that became her priority, ignoring the hundreds of notifications to see what her girlfriend had posted while she’d been busy. 

She audibly gasped when the story loaded; it was a picture of Paige’s tv, paused on a frame of Azzi mid-smile, handing Ciara Miller a cocktail, with the caption ‘iktr. bae’s on tv 🥰’ 

She knew without even needing to ask that Paige hadn’t meant to post that on main. Still, she waited until she was fully settled in bed before calling her, pulling the covers up as the phone rang.

Paige picked up almost immediately, and the second her face appeared on the screen, Azzi had her answer. The blonde was already a little red, her expression somewhere between embarrassed and amused as she avoided eye contact.

Turning even more red when Azzi didn’t say anything right away, Paige let out a small breath and rubbed the back of her neck. “I can take it down if you want.”

Azzi laughed softly, shaking her head against her pillow. “No, it’s okay. It’s been up for a while anyway.” She paused for a second, still a little confused as she glanced back at the notifications piling in. “I just don’t understand how people found me. Like, it’s not like you tagged me.”

Paige shrugged slightly on the other end of the call, a small smirk pulling at her lips now that the initial embarrassment had worn off. “Welcome to the internet, baby. People find out crazy shit all the time.”

—-

The Fourth of July arrived with Paige having four days off from summer training, and Azzi thought she was about to be a hero for asking, “Come with me to my grandparents lake house?”

Paige let out a long sigh on the other end of FaceTime, dramatically flopping face-first onto her bed like the question physically pained her. “I wish, but I already promised my mom I’d go to Montana ‘n see my siblings.” Her pout deepened as she lifted her head slightly. “I was actually gonna ask if you wanted to come.”

“Oh.” Azzi contemplated her options for a moment, fidgeting with the charm of her necklace. “Do you want me to?”

“Course I do, but ‘m not gonna ask you to skip out on seeing your family.”

Azzi propped her chin on her hand, taking in the sight of her girlfriend. She had a bruise on her cheek from receiving an elbow to the face that Azzi wanted nothing more than to soothe, and her eyebags were deeper than the Fudd girl had ever seen before. “I’ll come.”

“What? You sure?”

“Yeah, my family won’t care.” This was mostly true, besides her mother who probably was going to rip her a new one when she bailed. It was getting exhausting, this back and forth between mom and daughter, especially because of how much her mother’s opinion mattered to Azzi. But with her constantly reminding Azzi how ‘difficult dating an athlete can be’ or that she ‘won’t have a life outside of Paige in Dallas next year’, she had been avoiding speaking to the older woman more often than normal.

“Okay,” Paige said, sitting up now, already reaching for her phone. “Lemme buy your ticket.”

“P, you don’t - -”

“Don’t even try me right now, baby,” The blonde cut her off, shaking her head. “I’m not in the mood.”

Azzi giggled softly, giving in without much of a fight. “Okay. Thank you.”

*

*P*

Even though leaving Azzi felt like extracting part of her soul each and every time, reuniting with her was becoming one of the things she looked forward to most. This time was no different, with Paige casually leaning against the side of a car parked outside the Montana airport, feigning nonchalance as she watched her girl get closer.

She looked beautiful, this is the first thought that crossed her mind when she recognized familiar brown coils making their way through the glass doors. And, because she’s Paige and this was Azzi of all people, her hands suddenly got jittery as nerves overtook her. She never understood why she still got this way in front of the younger girl, but she still found herself often nervously anticipating her arrival, before settling once she was in her embrace.

Azzi sped up once she got closer, letting go of her suitcase without a second thought, fully ignoring the bouquet in Paige’s left hand, and threw her arms around her. “Sup, pretty girl.” Paige murmured, her voice softer now as she tucked her face into the side of Azzi’s neck, arms tightening instinctively around her waist.

“Missed you so much.” Azzi whispered back, giving her a final squeeze before reluctantly untangling their limbs. Now spotting the flowers, Azzi’s smile changed from soft to almost shy, a slight blush tinting her cheeks. “Are those f’me?”

“No, it’s for one of my other bitches.” Paige giggled when Azzi flicked her forehead, handing over the roses. “Yes, Az. They’re for you.”

“As they should be.”

“What, no ‘thank you?’”

“You don’t deserve a thank you right now.”

Paige opened the passenger door, dropping a quick kiss to Azzi’s temple. “I’m sorry, baby. Was jus’ a joke.”

“Hmm, well you're not funny.”

Thankfully, within maybe two minutes of their drive to her mom’s house, Azzi forgot that she was angry at her, this much was obvious in the way she kept leaning over for some form of contact while Paige drove. Brushing her hair off her shoulder, kissing her cheek, her jaw, her neck, laying her head on a pale shoulder. “This is definitely a safety hazard.” Paige quipped at the last one.

“Don’t care.” Azzi hummed, “Missed you, ‘n I can’t be like this at your house, so…”

Paige glanced over at her briefly. “Who said that?”

The younger girl lifted her head, giving her a look. “Paige, your mom already doesn’t like me. The last thing I need is to be all up on her daughter in front of her.”

 “What if I want you all up on me, ma?” 

“Shut up, I’m being serious. This is my chance to get her to like me.”

Paige’s fingers found a coil resting on Azzi’s shoulder, twisting it absentmindedly. “She does like you.”

Azzi scoffed, “Don’t lie to me, Bueckers.”

“‘M not lying, she likes you.” Paige insisted, though she kept her eyes on the road so that Azzi couldn’t see the uneasiness she felt over the subject. “She jus’ doesn’t want me dating, y’know that. And she needs to get to know you more.”

“We’ve been together for nine months!”

In reality, Paige had no idea what went through her mother’s head half the time. It was part of why she didn’t exactly look forward to her mom attending her games, and also why she wasn’t exactly thrilled to come out to Montana. But she missed her siblings, and she knew they missed her, so she did what she had to do. 

“It’ll be fine, baby. I promise.” 

And God, she hoped it would be.

*

Evidently, Azzi was right about being nervous, because the awkwardness inside of the dining room was palpable. If it weren’t for her siblings getting home from camp, this would probably be one of the only times in her life where she wasn’t able to alter the chemistry of a room by using her typical charm. Her mom was being clipped with Azzi, barely acknowledging her and providing one word answers to the questions Azzi politely asked.

Dinner was a little better, with her mother distracted by cooking and her step-dad now a few beers in. Lauren had taken an instant liking to Azzi, and it absolutely warmed Paige’s heart. The two sat beside one another, with her sister asking Azzi all about her sorority. “Is it really like what it seems like on tik tok?” Lauren asked, tilting her head as she looked at Azzi. “‘Cause it seems like a lot.”

Azzi shook her head with a smile, taking a moment to finish chewing. “No, not all schools are like that. UConn’s a lot chiller compared to all those southern schools.”

“What about hazing?”

“No, we don’t haze.”

Paige bit the inside of her cheek to stop from smiling, knowing damn well that was not true. Azzi had detailed some of the rather disgusting things the girls were forced to do when they first joined her sorority, things Paige would never understand or think was worth the experience. She figured Azzi was saying this to save face in front of her parents, or maybe to not scare her younger sister off from the idea of joining a sorority. 

“Wait so how’d you guys even meet anyway?” Ryan asked, pointing between Paige and Azzi.

Paige watched as a shy smile took over her girlfriend’s face, like just the thought of their chance meeting brought her nothing but happiness. But before either of them could respond, her mom hijacked the conversation. “Ryan, did you make the guest bed like I asked?”

“Yeah, I did it this morning.” 

“Wait,” Paige’s brow furrowed. “Why the guest room? What happened to my room?” This house had never really felt like home, considering she only ever visited in short spurts, but the one familiar thing about it was the room she had slowly been collecting things in over the years. 

Her mom waved her off, “It’s still there, sweetie. The room’s for Azzi.”

“What? Why?”

Her mom stared at her plate as she spoke, pretending to busy herself by cutting a piece of chicken. “You two will be sleeping separately.”

Paige took a steadying breath, letting out a small laugh of disbelief. “Are you f’real?” 

Her mother nodded, “Yes.”

“Why?”

Her step dad spoke next. “Because we said so. End of discussion.”

She almost fired back, but when she felt Azzi’s foot graze her calf in an effort to calm her, Paige relaxed, choosing to accept this new declaration no matter how dumb she found it. 

So, that brought her to tonight; laying in a queen sized bed all alone, after having spent weeks sleeping apart from her girl who was just down the hall. She couldn’t sleep, which was not a surprise, she always struggled to give in to slumber when Azzi wasn’t beside her. Grey’s Anatomy played on her laptop as Paige laid on her side, rubbing her feet together beneath the covers in an attempt to make herself tired. 

The sound of the door opening pulled her attention, and when she turned the other way, she was greeted by her favorite view in the world: Azzi, sneakily entering her room in a ‘Bueckers’ tshirt and boxers. “Hi.” She shut the door with care behind her, then made her way over to the bed. 

Paige lifted the comforter on instinct, gesturing for Azzi to join her. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I just can’t sleep. Figured I’d hang out in here ‘til I get tired.” Azzi climbed in one leg after another, fidgeting until she was relaxed against Paige’s side. Her hand slipped beneath Paige’s shirt almost absentmindedly, warm against her stomach, while her face tucked into the crook of her neck. “Hmm,” she hummed softly, “you’re so comfy.”

Paige kissed her forehead, keeping her lips there for a moment longer than normal just to take in the contact. “Why don’t you just stay?”

“I wish,” Azzi said, her fingers lightly tracing against Paige’s skin, “but what if your mom sees? This would just give her more of a reason to not like me.” Even as she said it, she shifted closer, like her body was arguing against her own logic.

Paige brought her free arm to wrap around Azzi’s waist, tugging her impossibly closer. “I don’t care, I want you in here.” She tipped her head up by the chin, using her best puppy dog eyes. “Please baby?”

The younger girl sighed, laying her head back against Paige’s chest. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“Mmm, so are you.”

“Yeah, but I’m cute like pretty,” Azzi mumbled sleepily, her words starting to blur together, “and you’re cute like… adorable.”

Paige chuckled quietly, “Dude, what’re you even saying right now?”

“I don’t know,” Azzi admitted, barely above a whisper. “I think I’m overtired.”

“Get some sleep baby. I love you.”

“Love you P.”

*

She just about jumped out of her own skin when she was shaken awake, lifting upright with a start and accidentally shoving Azzi off her. “Ouch, P. That hurt.” Azzi pouted, tugging the comforter over herself in an act of defiance.

After grabbing her glasses from the nightstand, Paige’s surroundings became more clear, and she realized Lauren was the one to practically give her a heart attack. “Can I help you?” She asked sassily.

“Actually I’m helping you.” Lauren shot back, “Mom was about to come wake you up but I had a strong feeling this would happen,” She gestured in front of her, where Paige was now pulling a grumpy Azzi back into her chest and whispering her apologies. “So you’re welcome.”

“Yeah, yeah. Thanks I guess.” Paige replied, although she was genuinely grateful, because that was the last thing this trip needed. “Tell her we’ll be down in a minute.”

“You better hurry before she’s up here herself.” Lauren muttered, shutting the door on her way out.

Paige looked down at her girlfriend, whose face was still frozen in a pout, even with her eyes closed again. She brought the pad of her thumb between Azzi’s brows, smoothing the crease there. “Baby, ‘m sorry your beauty sleep was interrupted, but please don’t be mad.”

The younger girl’s grip on her tshirt tightened, twisting as she brought a leg over Paige’s waist. “Not mad, just grouchy.”

Paige kissed her forehead, “I know, princess. But we really should get going downstairs.”

“Five more minutes.”

Five minutes turned into fifteen, with Paige finally putting her foot down and forcing the two out of bed. She padded over to the door first, cracking it open and peeking into the hallway, scanning quickly to make sure it was clear. After a second, she stepped back and nodded. 

“Okay.” Azzi slipped past her, doing that weird anime run that reminded Paige just how much of a dork she could be. 

*A*

Azzi rested her head against the wooden door, exhaling in relief after making it back undetected.

“So I take it this room wasn’t up to your standards?” 

Azzi whipped around, breath catching when she saw Paige’s mom on the other side of the guest room, making the bed, feigning casualty. “Oh my gosh, you scared me.” she said, pressing a hand lightly against her chest.

Amy gave her a tight lipped smile, focus locked on the bedsheet she was tucking against the mattress. “I should’ve known, I guess. You two can’t seem to stay away from each other.”

Azzi’s mind was blank, entirely unsure on what to even say back to that. She cleared her throat, cracking her knuckles as she moved closer to the older woman. “Do you think we could talk for a second?”

Amy paused, clearly not expecting that. Her hands stilled against the pillow she was fluffing, and when she finally looked at Azzi, there was a hint of surprise in her features. “Sure.”

They sat down on the edge of the bed, an awkward silence falling over the guest room. Azzi crossed her legs, then uncrossed them, fidgeting with her pajama shorts and looking straight into her lap. “I would really like to get off on a better foot with you.” She started, surprising even herself at how forward she was being.“I love Paige, and I plan on sticking around, y’know? So I think it would be good for everyone if we could…” She trailed off for a second, searching for the right phrasing. “I don’t know, just have a better dynamic going forward.”

Amy gave her a once over, expression tight, before nodding slowly. “You’re right, I haven’t been fair to you. And I appreciate you saying something, I know that wasn’t easy.” 

Azzi shook her head quickly. “No, you’ve been fine,” she said, even though that wasn’t entirely true, but the last thing she needed was for this to turn into something bigger than it needed to be. “I just… I want to be close to the people Paige loves. ’Cause I - - well…” She let out a small breath, a shy smile slipping through despite herself. “Yeah. I sorta love her a lot.”

Amy smiled, probably the most genuine emotion she had ever shown the Fudd girl. “I know you do, Azzi.” She smiled warmly, and Azzi caught a glimpse of Paige in the older woman she had never noticed before. “And I will do my best to not let my emotions get the best of me when it comes to my daughter.”

Azzi nodded, that horrible stomach ache that had been present since the moment she landed in Montana finally going away (mostly). “That sounds great.”

Amy stood then, smoothing out her shirt as she moved toward the door, but paused with her hand on the handle. “And Azzi?”

Azzi looked up. “Yes?”

Amy glanced back at her, a hint of something almost amused in her expression. “Maybe try and actually stay in here tonight.”

Azzi felt heat rise to her cheeks, ducking her chin and brushing a curl behind her ear. “Sounds good.”

*

The rest of the trip went far more smoothly than the start, with Amy making an effort to get to know her daughter’s girlfriend much more than before. She even asked for Azzi’s help with dinner on the last evening of their stay, which she later learned was a huge deal, considering she didn’t let her three children assist in anything regarding cooking. And, Azzi even listened to Amy’s request of staying in the guest room for the past three nights, much to Paige’s dismay.

Well, until the fifth and final night. When she realized she would be going back to Virginia and Paige to Connecticut for summer training after this, she didn’t necessarily oppose when Paige snuck into the guest room. 

Lately, Azzi had been the one taking charge in the bedroom, barking out commands that Paige almost always immediately obeyed. But tonight, she let Paige take control, her hands slipping up her girlfriend’s tshirt from where Paige straddled her. Their lips moved in tandem, hungry kisses exchanged in the quiet of the small room. 

“Want you so bad, baby.” Azzi whispered when they separated to catch their breaths, bringing Paige’s hand to cup her core. “Feel how gone I already am for you?”

Paige audibly groaned, dropping her head to the younger girl’s collarbone. “Fuck, Azzi.” She brought her lips to the exposed skin of Azzi’s chest, starting to suck a bruise in a familiar spot. “You gotta be quiet f’me, yeah?”

Azzi nodded hurriedly, bringing Paige’s hand back to her clothed cunt after she tried to move away. “I will, jus’ please fuck me, P. Can’t wait any longer.”

She choked back a moan when she felt an iron tight grip on her wrist, Paige’s voice suddenly hot against her ear. “Stop being a brat. You’ll take what I give ya.” She’s a little embarrassed at how much that turned her on, her boxers clinging to her even worse than before as heat overtook her. Paige, the cocky bitch she was, noticed, a smug smirk etched into her face. “Ya like when I talk like this, hmm? Like when I own you?”

“Whatever.” Azzi grumbled, shifting beneath Paige’s waist to try and find any form of relief. “You’re driving me insane.”

Paige simply hummed, moving off both Azzi’s lap and the bed entirely. Socked feet barely made noise against the wooden floor, and as quickly as she stood, she latched onto Azzi’s thighs and tugged her to the edge of the bed. “‘M serious about being quiet, ma. I’ll legit stop if you can’t be chill.”

Azzi watched as Paige got down on her knees, nudging caramel thighs open so that she was spread before the blonde, still in her boxers. “I’ll be good, baby.” She promised, helping Paige situate her lower half so that her entrance was in line with Paige’s face. Her eyes shut in pleasure when the other girl licked a stripe up her boxers, stopping near her clothed clit and scraping her teeth against it. She had to bite her lip to keep herself in check, feeling everything and not enough from the repeated laps of a skilled tongue over the fabric. 

After several minutes of blissful torture, Paige finally removed Azzi’s boxers, strong hands sliding the material off her legs and tossing it to the side. “Jesus, baby. This might be the most wet ‘ve ever seen ya.” She kissed her inner thigh, one hand gripping tightly at the dip between her hip and leg, the other collecting some of her juices that had already leaked through.

“Shut up, ‘s been awhile.” Azzi whispered, subconsciously shifting even further down the bed and closer to Paige’s face. “I’m ready P, please.” Azzi jutted her bottom lip out with emphasis, knowing damn well that her girlfriend could never reject the dramatic pout she had perfected since they first met. 

Paige kept kissing a trail up her thigh, only lifting to blow out a puff of cool air against Azzi’s waiting cunt. “I gotchu, baby.” She whispered, nudging Azzi’s clit with her nose before diving in. Azzi felt that fucking skilled tounge licking through her, dipping in her hole, before bringing attention back to her throbbing clit. Paige repeated the same order, each time pushing deeper and sucking harder at those particular spots she had committed to memory. 

Azzi let out a soft whimper when the movements stilled. “Why’d you stop? I’m being so quiet, right?”

Paige chuckled, dropping a kiss to her lower stomach. “So quiet, ma. So proud. I just need you to hold my hair up f’me, okay?”

“Oh, sure.” She had been holding herself up by her elbows before this, so she switched to sit fully upright, all of her weight now resting on one hand. The younger girl gathered blonde strands into her other hand, laughing when she realized why Paige had stopped in the first place - - her hair tie had snapped, leaving golden locks to cling to her face while she had been eating Azzi out. “This good?”

“Perfect, thank you baby.” With another kiss to her hip, Paige dove back in. She worked Azzi back up just as quickly, and Azzi had to bring a hand over her mouth in order to ensure no one could hear just how good Paige was making her feel. That feeling intensified when Paige brought a hand to her abdomen, adding just the right amount of pressure to send Azzi fucking reeling. 

Each stroke of Paige’s tongue was bringing her closer, and she could feel that sensation building in waves through her belly and down to her still dripping cunt. But, even with how good Paige was eating her, she just couldn’t get there, couldn’t relax enough to come for the first time in what felt like an eternity. When several more minutes passed and she still hadn’t finished, Paige pulled back slightly, looking up at the brunette from between her legs. “You okay, baby? Should I do s’mthing different?”

“No, it’s not you, P. I’m just, like, too wound up I think.” Azzi shook her head, bringing her free hand to brush over her shoulder. “Can you add a finger maybe?”

“Course. You still want my mouth too?”

Azzi smiled at how attentive her girlfriend was being, like it was paining her that Azzi couldn’t find relief. “Yes, please.”

“You got it, princess.” And with that, Paige slowly slid a finger inside Azzi, the subtle stretch already adding to the pleasure that had been gradually building. She kept thrusting her middle finger in and out, her tongue paying even more attention to Azzi’s pulsating clit. 

“Shit, Paige, ‘m so close. Keep doin’ that.” Azzi whispered between them, her thighs beginning to shake from where Paige had tossed them over her shoulders. “Oh my - -” She cut herself by biting her lip as she came, white hot pleasure consuming her. Her heels pressed against Paige’s shoulders, her back arching off the mattress while Paige licked her through it. 

Azzi barely registered Paige redressing her, still in a daze when she felt the soft fabric of a fresh pair of boxers being pulled up her legs. She shifted slightly at the movement, her body too warm and relaxed to do anything but let Paige take care of her. “Here ya go, pretty girl.” Paige kissed her temple, guiding them back beneath the covers. 

Azzi twisted on her side, taking one of Paige’s arms and throwing it over her waist. “Thanks for always taking care o’ me, P.” 

Strong arms squeezed at her waist, Paige’s raspy voice soft in her ear. “Anything for you.” Azzi felt a kiss being pressed to her shoulder, “And thanks for coming here with me. Means the world t’me, you don’t even know.”

The younger girl practically melted at those words, a full blown smile overtaking her face, and she was grateful that she was facing away from Paige so that she couldn’t be made fun of for it. “Love you so much.”

“Love you more, pretty girl.”

—----

Paige liked to think she was a relatively chill girlfriend. Of the two of them, Azzi definitely ran a stricter program, whereas Paige would save her demands for rare occasions, that way Azzi knew she was being genuinely serious about whatever it was that was bothering her. 

And she was trying really fucking hard not to use that power tonight. She sat on Azzi’s desk chair, watching as her girlfriend neatly packed a suitcase for SK and Pike’s mountain weekend. Azzi had asked her permission to go, and Paige was never going to be the type of partner that said no to a request like that. 

But she would be lying if she said she wasn’t apprehensive about the whole thing - - a house full of girls who had been using Azzi for clout and attention as of late, with a ton of douchey guys she didn’t trust as far as she could throw them (plus the added bonus of Matt being in attendance). She did trust Azzi, more than anything in her life. She trusted her to be loyal, just as much as she trusted that her own love for the younger girl was infinite. 

Though her patience was more than tested when Azzi took a red skimpy bikini (one Paige had never seen before) and went to put it in her suitcase. “The fuck is that? I know you ain’t wearing that around no one.” Her voice came out clipped, “And isn’t this a trip to the mountains? Hence ‘mountain weekend.’”

Azzi let out an amused snort, brows raising. “Did you just say ‘hence?’”

“Azzi, ‘m being serious.”

She watched as the brunette crossed the room, the soft shuffle of her steps filling the quiet. Azzi stopped just in front of where Paige was sitting, reaching down to loosely lock her hands behind Paige’s neck, thumbs brushing lightly against her skin. “There’s a hot tub.”

“Oh, that’s awesome.”

Azzi huffed out a quiet breath, glancing up at her. “Paige, I thought you said me going was okay.”

“Dude - - no, it’s obviously chill,” Paige ran a hand through her hair, leaning back against the chair. “I just… Ion know. Ignore me.”

Azzi’s grip at her neck loosened slightly, her expression softening. “How about I pack a different suit? You can pick it out.”

Paige’s eyes flickered back up to her, interest piqued despite herself. “The one piece you wore in Montana?”

Azzi giggled. “That would definitely be the most family friendly one, that’s for sure. But yes, I’ll pack that instead.” 

She went back to her dresser, exchanging the slutty bathing suit (it really wasn’t that bad, but Paige was feeling possessive) for a more conservative choice. A few minutes later and Paige was lying flat on her stomach, Azzi’s legs caging her in around the waist, her hands massaging the sore muscles that littered her back. She winced when Azzi hit a particularly strained spot, eyes squeezing shut in pain.

Azzi let out a puff of air in an apology, leaning down to place a kiss next to where she’d accidentally rubbed too hard. “Sorry, sorry. You okay baby?”

Paige grunted, unable to nod with her head on its side against the mattress. “I’m good, don’t worry.” 

She was almost lulled to sleep when Azzi stopped, swinging off the bed and turning off the bedside lamp. Paige stayed on her stomach, sighing in contentment when Azzi just burrowed against her side, an arm thrown over her back. Azzi pressed a kiss between her shoulderblades, “G’night, P. Love you.”

“Love you.” 

*A*

Azzi tried to gradually wake the still-sleeping lump that vaguely resembled Paige in her bed, raking her fingers through blonde strands and whispering softly. “Hey, P. Wake up.” Blue eyes opened a few seconds later, that small ‘azzi’ smile already making an appearance despite the early hour. Azzi kissed her cheek, “We’re leaving now, baby. Just wanted to say bye, but go back to bed ‘til you have to get up, ‘kay?”

Paige didn’t respond, instead she reached out blindly for Azzi’s arm, somehow managing to pull her flat against her chest. Azzi laughed, allowing herself to soak in the touch for a brief moment, exhaling in relief when familiar lips were kissing and nipping at her neck. “I know what you’re doing.”

“I’m not doing nothing.” She mumbled against Azzi’s skin, “Just making sure you're marked up so no one tries to bag ya.”

“That’s exactly what I thought you were doing. You’re so annoying.” But she made no attempt to leave, if anything she craned her neck more and welcomed Paige’s skilled tongue. When her phone started ringing with Nicole’s contact, she knew she had to get going, even though staying in her girlfriend’s arms was starting to sound really appealing.

Azzi shoved the blonde lightly, moving to sit up. “Can you lock up when you leave? There’s a spare key underneath the flower pot.”

“Sure.” Paige kissed her cheek, “Try not to miss me too much.”

“I probably won’t, ‘m getting a little sick of being around your annoying ass 24/7.” She loved nothing more than to ragebait Paige on a normal day, but the way blue eyes widened with sadness at her words made her heart drop. “Wait, that was a joke. Y’know I don’t even like spending a few hours without you, baby. That was a bad joke.”

“Yeah. It was.” Paige pouted, but any resolve she had faded when Azzi kissed it away. “Text me when you get there.” They were at her bedroom door now, Paige hugging her like she was about to go off to war or something. 

Azzi kissed the divet in her jaw before stepping out of her hold. “I will. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Have fun.”

“Thanks, P. Now get s’more rest.”

“Whatever the princess says.”

*

Mountain weekend was never her favorite thing, because it was rather boring if she was being honest. All they did was sit around the air bnb and drink all day, some of the guys would go atving, and then they’d usually all end up in the hot tub by nightfall. 

It was the same thing every year, except this time in her final trip, Azzi was feeling a little bittersweet. She tried to appreciate living in the now with her friends, even though anything revolving around the word ‘graduation’ made her sick to her stomach. 

Which is how she let her friends convince her to go skinny dipping in the heated pool. She prided herself on having never legitimately skinny dipped before, finding it weird and a little gross, but since all the other girls were doing it, she caved. 

They stripped, one by one jumping into the pool and shrieking with laughter. Azzi, keeping her word to Paige, shrugged off her one piece (although this wasn’t exactly a better alternative to a bikini in her opinion, considering the sides were cut out and it covered essentially none of her ass). 

She accepted Maria’s outstretched hand, “Ready?” Maria grinned.

“Not really,” Azzi laughed, already letting herself be pulled forward.

They jumped in together, the warm water swallowing them instantly, chasing away the chill that had settled into her skin from the cold mountain air. Azzi resurfaced with a breath, slicking her hair back. “Ugh, that feels so nice.”

“I could literally stay in here all night.” Maria agreed. The area surrounding the pool was dark, save for the few lanterns that were kept on the back porch, and after some naked swimming and even more drinking, the girls decided to get out to head back inside. Azzi lifted herself out of the pool as quickly as she could, running toward where she remembered leaving her suit. 

“Oh my God.” Bella said, getting there before her. “Azzi, wasn’t that yours?” 

Her heart fell when she saw what her friend was talking about; her bathing suit somehow sitting in a nasty pile of wet mud. “Shit,” Azzi muttered, dragging a hand through her wet curls. “I didn’t pay attention to where I threw it, I guess.”

“It’s fine, just go back inside like this.” Bella gestured toward Azzi, who stood awkwardly with one arm covering her tits.

The Fudd girl scoffed, “Like this? In front of the guys? No way.” 

“Fuck, I forgot about them.” Bella looked around at the few girls left outside, “Anyone got a towel Azzi can use?” 

“I do!” Tess called from the balcony above them. She chucked it down, and Azzi caught it, wrapping it around herself and relaxing once she was fully covered. 

“Thank you!”

“Mhm.” Tess yelled back down, “Come up to the hot tub, we’re making a tik tok.” 

The second floor master, which was naturally occupied by Maria and Matt, had a deck with a hot tub on it. Which honestly sucked for them, because everyone and their mother was constantly in their room trying to use it. Like now, with Azzi and five of her friends all sitting with their feet resting in the hot water, taking turns lip syncing to the sound Tess chose. 

“I kinda have to tell you something.” Nicole whispered when the others were distracted. 

Azzi brought a hand to subtly cover her mouth. “What is it?” 

They both stilled when Tess went to film Bella, shifting closer to the edge so they wouldn’t be caught in the background. “Brianna was talking in front of me - - y’know, Ryder’s little?” When Azzi nodded, Nicole continued, “And she said she purposely put your bathing suit in the mud.”

Azzi let go of her bent leg, causing it to splash down into the water. “What? Why the fuck would she do that? I don’t even know this girl.”

Nicole awkwardly scratched the back of her head, her head cocked to the side. “The reason was pretty fucked.” 

“Just tell me.”

Nicole lowered her voice even more, “She said she didn’t feel comfortable skinny dipping in front of a ‘lesbian’, and she thought it’d be funny if ‘everyone was looking at the dyke naked instead of the other way around.’”

See, a year ago Azzi would have flipped the fuck out about this. She would have spiraled, feeling like her insides were being pulled from her chest and picked apart. But now, she can only laugh. She has her people, and she knows her heart, none of the rest of that petty bullshit was worth even a second of her time thinking over. So she simply shook her head with a dry laugh. “That’s the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard.” 

Nicole visibly relaxed at that reaction. “I agree, I was jus’ worried you’d be upset.”

“Nah, it’s just funny. She’s so bothered by me and I barely even know who she is.” Azzi shook her head again, “But thanks for telling me.” 

Tess turned to Azzi next, signaling that it was her turn for the tik tok. “Dude, I’m in a towel.” Azzi gestured down at herself as if it wasn’t obvious. 

Tess rolled her eyes, “So? If anything you’re more covered than the rest of us.” 

Azzi shrugged, realizing she had a good point. “Fine, but this shit better not go viral.”

*

The next morning, most of the guys plus a few of the girls sat around the kitchen table, devouring the breakfast sandwiches that Alex made. He had just handed Azzi her plate when Paige finally texted her back.

Considering Paige was the only person in the world she attentively and actively texted, it drove Azzi insane when she didn’t respond to her. And last night, drunk Azzi was livid at the lack of texts. She couldn’t remember the last time they spent the night apart and didn’t at least communicate to say ‘i love you’, but she hadn’t heard from her girlfriend since 8 pm. With a lingering pit in her stomach, she looked back at the last time Paige responded to see if she missed something. 

azzi fudd🤓

7:51 pm 

baby i’m drunkkk 

and i miss u 

paige bueckers💕

8:03 pm 

🤣 have fun az and be safe 

azzi fudd🤓

9:13 pm 

we’re finally eating

there’s no food around so bella made me a grilled cheese 

9:14 pm 

Attachment: 1 photo

doesn’t it look good

10:33 pm 

i think im gna take a nap soon 

11:20 pm 

just woke back up 

u alive p? 

i miss u

1:39 am 

guess u went to bed and didn’t say goodnight 

kinda craazyy cuz u wlhs kill me for tjhat 

*would 

*that

2:30 am 

whatever goodnight i love you 

paige bueckers💕

8:22 am

sorry fell asleep 

And that was all she had to say? Suddenly Azzi’s appetite was completely gone, and all she was able to think about was what she could have possibly done to piss Paige off this badly. She checked her private story to make sure she hadn’t posted anything crazy, their texts last night seemed normal, and she kept checking in despite the silence. 

She thought about calling her to talk it through, but there was a serious lack of privacy in this house and the last thing she needed was to have everybody up in her business. So, she settled on texting instead.

azzi fudd🤓

did i do smthing? 

you seem off 

paige bueckers💕

i’m fine we’ll talk when you get back 

‘We’ll talk when you get back’, what the fuck did that mean? Now she was starting to really worry, and despite thanking the stars above that she hadn’t thrown up from being hungover this morning, she had a feeling her luck was about to change. 

azzi fudd🤓

no pls talk to me ur really scaring me p 

paige bueckers💕

not tryna ruin ur wknd

azzi fudd🤓

u already r so can u just talk to me 

paige bueckers💕

it is what it is but 

being in a hot tub in just a towel is pretty crazy if u ask me 

but u do u ig 

How the fuck did she know that? Her phone buzzed again and she looked down expecting a notification from Paige, but her movements stilled when she got a notification from tik tok. Everything started to click when she remembered that damn tik tok Tess roped her into making. “Shit.” She muttered under her breath, opening the app and searching for Tess’s account.

There were hundreds of comments as the video somehow received a ton of attention, in which Paige was tagged in at least half of them. Besides people that they knew, the comments were all from random accounts, each identifying Azzi as ‘paige’s possible girlfriend.’

She swiped out of tik tok and back into messages, ready to offer an explanation and defend herself.

azzi fudd🤓

r u actually mad abt that? 

my bathing suit got muddy when we skinny dipped so i changed into a towel 

considering i didn’t bring anything else for u btw 

paige bueckers💕

nice so this is my fault 

azzi fudd🤓

no i’m just trying to explain it to u 

paige bueckers💕

im rly trying to be chill but going skinny dipping w all those guys around is already insane 

and then being in just a towel and having that on social media 

it bothers me idk but maybe i’m just being dumb 

Azzi slammed her phone down on the table at that one, gaining the attention of the people sitting around her. She tucked her knees to her chest, so that her feet were planted on the edge of the wooden seat, and dropped her head against her legs. 

“You good?” Bella asked, patting her on the shoulder. “I thought you were in a good mood ‘cause you didn’t yak.” 

Azzi kept her head against her knees, but turned her head to look at her friend with a pout. “I was.”

“What happened?”

Azzi paused, trying to figure out how to respond to that. It’s not like she wanted to pretend that her relationship was perfect, because as much as they loved each other, Paige and Azzi did have their fair share of normal flaws or conflicts. But, she liked keeping the details of their relationship private, preferred that even, whether it was good or bad.

“Paige and I got in a little fight, but I think we’re okay now.”

Bella’s eyes widened, probably shocked that Azzi was offering up even a minor detail about her relationship. “Why were you fighting?”

“Eh, it was over nothing really. I think we’re both jus’ stressed about other things and took it out on each other.” Now, this was true despite how vague she said it. She knew Paige was dealing with constant pressure about her presence online and in the media. And, she knew that as Paige’s popularity grew, it came with the downside of constant critiques, and she wanted to keep Azzi as far away from that as possible.

The video went viral, with over 10k likes, and almost all of the comments were talking about Azzi. ‘Damn Paige’s girl fine as hell.’ ‘Yeah but like why is she in a towel…’, or the one that she humbly assumed started Paige’s misplaced frustration, ‘not a good look for paige to be associated with a trashy girl like this. hopefully its temporary before she gets to the league.’ 

She picked her phone up again, now feeling composed enough to respond.

azzi fudd🤓

i get where ur coming from but we all skinny dipped it wasn’t like it was just me 

but i didn’t think abt the tik tok making u uncomfy but i also didn’t know ppl wld be commenting that stuff 

paige bueckers💕

yeah 

like we just talked abt being careful abt stuff on social media especially after that story i posted 

and i’m not trying to control what u do i just want u to be more careful 

azzi fudd🤓

no i understand and im sorry 

next time can u just actually communicate with me 

or at least say good night still 

paige bueckers💕

yeah im sorry that was petty and unfair to u

azzi fudd🤓

its okay 

r we good?

paige bueckers💕

we’re always good 

im sorry that i made u doubt that

i love you

have fun today

azzi fudd🤓

love u too p 

—---

Most weeknights were spent the same now, with Azzi arriving at Paige’s apartment whenever she and the team got home from lift or practice. The younger girl was running late today, coming straight from a sisterhood event that she honestly had no interest in being at. By the time she got there, she was tired, a little drained, and more than ready to just be with Paige. Usually she needed to be let into the building, but a guy she vaguely recognized from the men’s team was leaving right as she got there, politely holding the door as she approached.

She was long past the point of knocking regardless of whether or not Paige let her in, so she opened the door to her apartment while absentmindedly scrolling through instagram. The usual constant spurts of energy taking place in the living room barely registered as she kicked off her uggs, and she only raised her head when there was an unusual lull of silence. 

She met Paige’s eyes first, who brought a finger to her lips to signal to be quiet. Confused, she waited in the entryway as Paige crossed the room, greeting her by placing warm hands on her hips. The blonde leaned forward to whisper in her ear, “They’re on live, so jus’ don’t say anything ‘til we get to my room.” 

Azzi nodded, lips pressing together to keep from laughing, letting Paige take her hand and guide her through the living room. They slipped past the team, who were debating which crumbl flavor they liked better, and reading some outlandish comments that people had left. 

Azzi stilled once they were alone, pulling her sleeves over her hands, and standing unsure in the doorway. “I didn’t mean to, like, steal you from everyone. I can come back later if you wanna go back out there.”

She watched as Paige shook her head, a solemn look on her face. “Nah, I’ve had a pretty shit day.” She let out a small breath, stepping closer.” I’d way rather just watch a show with my girl.”  

“Or,” Azzi used that sultry voice she knew Paige loved, tilting her head slightly, a hint of a smirk creeping in, “I can help you relax another way?”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Azzi stepped forward, pushing the older girl so she fell back against the bed. “Put on your show and relax, baby.” She climbed over her, "I'll take it from here.” 

She was just about to go down on her girl when a knock sounded at the door. “Y’all decent?”

Paige groaned under her breath, “Depends on what you want.” She called back.

Azzi rolled off her, trying to create space by sitting up against the headboard. But, as expected, Paige was not happy with this arrangement, scooching over to lay her head against a tan stomach. Azzi glanced down at her, smiling to herself, fingers absentmindedly playing with the ends of blonde strands.

The door opened, and Ice and Jana made themselves right at home, both climbing onto the bed and settling at the foot like they belonged there. “So what’s new Azzi?” Ice asked casually.

Paige sat up slightly, already annoyed. “Bro, you guys just saw her two days ago. And - - seriously, why are you, like, getting comfy and shit?” She gestured toward Jana, who had kicked off her shoes so she could lay flat across the foot of the bed.

Jana scoffed, sassily perching her head on her hand. “God forbid we wanna hang out with you guys.”

Paige narrowed her eyes, “No, something’s up. Spill it, now.”

Jana exchanged a quick look with Ice before sighing.“Well, I was actually gonna ask Azzi for some advice.”

Azzi perked up, her heart swelling that someone so intricate in her girlfriend’s life was coming to her of all people for advice. “Sure. What is it?”

Jana detailed the entire complex story of whatever was going on between her and this guy without naming him, and although Azzi appreciated Paige’s teammate coming to her, she was confused why this wasn’t initially posed to both girls. Still, she listened, nodding along, occasionally glancing down at Paige, who was clearly only half-invested.

It wasn’t until Jana added, “Anyway, I think you might know him. He’s in Pike,” that it clicked a little more.

“Oh shit, yeah probably. What’s his name?”

“KJ.”

And of course Matt’s fucking little was the guy she was talking to. He wasn’t a bad guy though, not at all, but she did know that he had a tendency to, let’s just say ‘get around.’ Azzi nodded, “Yeah, I know him.”

Jana’s face twisted. “He told me to come to your guys’s mixer tomorrow. Are you gonna be there?”

She had not been planning on attending their mixer, because ever since the last of her friends had turned twenty-one, there was pretty much no reason to subject themselves to frats anymore. Besides a special occasion, Azzi preferred going to the bar anyway, especially when Paige and the team would be out too. 

Azzi smiled at the shy girl, hoping to ease some of her anxiety. “I wasn’t planning on it, but I’d go with you if you wanted.”

Jana nodded, “Please? That would be amazing.” 

So, that was how Azzi found herself at her second mixer of senior year, the only other time having been Halloween. Only a few girls from the team came with, Paige of course being one of them, her arm thrown around Azzi after she started shivering from the cold December air. 

The transition from the chill of the front steps to the sweat-inducing heat inside was almost disgusting, something Azzi certainly did not miss about attending frats. Walking in with the team was funny though, because even as she had started adjusting to turning heads when she walked into a room the more associated with Paige she became, it never compared to when they showed up places together.

Even as just Paige, Jana, Kk, Ice and Sarah strolled in, they commanded the eyes of almost every person in the room. She swore the basement got louder after they came down the stairs, with a bunch of people already crowding their space. She followed them to the back to get a drink, spotting two of her friends who would hopefully give them a better selection of alcohol.

“Aye, Azzi Fudd!” Jalen noticed her first, moving from behind the makeshift bar to come give her a hug. “Long time no see, how are you?”

“I’m good, thanks.” She smiled back at him, cocking her head to the side in the way that typically got her whatever she wanted with the Pike boys. “You have anything for me and my friends to drink?”

He laughed with a shake of his head. “For you and PB5, hell yeah I do.” 

She hadn’t realized that Paige had shown up at her side until Jalen said that, and when she looked over she noticed a tightness in Paige’s jaw that rarely overtook her features. Azzi wrapped her hand around the other girl’s forearm, “Paige? You good?”

She nodded short, “Fine.” Her eyes flicked back toward Jalen, who was rummaging behind the bar, searching for whatever he was going to give them. “Motherfucker jus’ needs to keep his hands to himself.”

Azzi couldn’t help but laugh, leaning forward to kiss her girlfriend's cheek. “He knows who I belong to, baby. Don’t worry.” 

Paige softened at that, blue eyes shifting into that warm gaze that was reserved only for Azzi. But when Jalen came back with a half drank bottle of Kirkland vodka, she hardened again. “Here you go, ‘s the cheap shit so you can have the rest.” Jalen handed her the bottle. “And there’s some mixers upstairs.”

“Perfect, thank you.” Azzi, remembering what the focus of the evening had originally been, scanned the basement briefly before turning back to him. “You seen KJ at all?”

“Salantino?” When Azzi nodded, Jalen shook his head. “Nah, not in a little. He’s probably upstairs, though.”

Azzi thanked him again, before dragging a still pouting Paige to the corner the other girls had been waiting in. “He’s upstairs, c’mon.” Azzi led them through the familiar house, stopping in the kitchen for cranberry juice and solo cups.

She didn’t have to do too much work in finding KJ, considering he entered the kitchen as she poured the last of the drinks. “Wow, no way you’re actually here right now.” KJ said as he approached Azzi, starting the dumb handshake that was originally made between her and Matt.

She fucked it up a little at the end, laughing as she did so. “I know, but I wanted to come out with my friends.” Azzi gestured at the girls next to her, already noticing the way KJ’s face lit up when he spotted Jana.

“Yo, you came!” He moved to the other side of the island, pulling the Egyptian into a hug. “Can I show you around?”

“Yeah, sure.” Jana nodded in such an adorable way that it literally gave Azzi maternal instincts for her. “I’ll be back.” She said to the rest of them, before following him up the next flight of stairs.

“Oh she about to get luckyyy.” Kk teased, lifting herself to sit on the kitchen counter.

Azzi grimaced to herself a little, knowing how disgustingly uncleanly most of the surfaces in this home were. They moved to sit on a couch in the living room, which Azzi was grateful for, because she really wasn’t in the mood to be fully immersed in the crowd downstairs. She sat on the arm rest next to Paige, her hand resting on the blonde’s upper back, grazing absentmindedly across the expanse of it as she listened to the conversation around her.

The drunker they got, still perched on the couch, the more touchy they became. Somehow, Azzi ended up in Paige’s lap, and even though she would love nothing more than to blame the older girl for this, she’s 90% sure she was the one who situated herself on muscular legs. But Paige certainly welcomed it, her arm snaking around Azzi’s waist and helping her balance on one of her knees.

“You’re getting like hella notifications.” Paige said as she hooked her chin on Azzi’s shoulder. “How’re you so unbothered?”

Azzi giggled, because she was right, her phone was literally exploding with notifications in her back pocket and she hadn’t even noticed until Paige said something. “Can you check it for me?”

“‘Course.” 

She felt her phone being removed from her jean pocket, shifting so she could look at it too. Paige typed in her password before opening up her messages. “Oh, it’s Jana.”

Although her eyes were glazed over from intoxication, Azzi registered the jist of the texts saying that she wanted Azzi to come find her upstairs. She kissed Paige’s temple and pocketed her phone again as she stood. “Be right back.”

“Don’t be too long.” Paige pouted, making her laugh again. “I’m being dead serious.”

“Trust me, I believe you.”

*P*

She really hoped Jana knew how much she loved her, because Paige fucking hated going to frats. And Pike of all places, home to a plethora of men who all openly admit to having a thing for her girlfriend; yeah, Paige would probably rather be anywhere else right now.

Azzi had been upstairs for awhile now, she honestly had no idea if it had been ten minutes or an hour, but it felt like a fucking eternity. She resorted to playing block blast on her phone out of boredom, downing several drinks in her girlfriend’s absence. 

“Paige, bro.” Kk annoyingly tugged on her arm. “Let’s go dance.”

“But Azzi - -”

“Just text her, she’ll find us! Plus, pretty sure she knows her way around here.” Kk smirked, knowing her words were bound to piss the other girl off. 

“Don’t remind me.” Paige grumbled, but agreed, following the other three downstairs while she texted Azzi that they were moving to the basement. 

And as expected, within minutes, a group of drunk clout-chasing girls were swarming them, either trying to take pictures or simply dance. One girl in particular was a little too close for comfort, and Paige was pretty sure was in sk with Azzi, she vaguely remembered seeing her at one of the brutal events she had been dragged to in the past several months. 

Paige kept trying to get away from her, moving closer to her friends each time the girl tried to infringe on her personal space, playing it off as dancing. After taking a massive step toward Ice, she froze when she felt two hands on her waist. “Yo, wait - -” She spun around, ready to tell a bitch off, but relaxed entirely when she realized who the hands belonged to. “Hi, baby.”

Azzi smiled at her, closing any and all distance between them, her hands finding Paige’s waist again. “Hi. Missed you.”

“How’d it go up there?”

“Good, I’ll tell you ‘bout it later.” Azzi widened her legs so that she was decently shorter than Paige, tilting her chin up in that innocent way that almost always meant trouble. “You’re so beautiful, P.”

Paige blushed, bringing her free hand to brush a few curls off the brunette’s neck. “So are you. A little hammered I think, but so beautiful.” In her periphery, Paige noticed the girl lingering still, like she was waiting for Azzi to let go so she could make a move again. “Isn’t she in your sorority?” Paige asked when she realized Azzi was looking at the same thing.

Azzi huffed, her hold on Paige tightening drastically. “Yeah, ‘n she’s always reposting edits of you. Like, so disrespectful. She’s taken.”

Paige chuckled, kissing the top of Azzi’s head. “Damn right I am.”

—---

Even though the girl practically had the weight of the world on her shoulders as the leader of her team, Paige was so damn aloof sometimes. Azzi walked through the doors of the practice facility with Paige’s school bag, filled with her laptop, textbook, and printed essay that she forgot back at her apartment.

And Azzi, being the wonderful girlfriend she was, answered Paige’s text almost as soon as she got it, promising to bring said items over as soon as she was done with class.

She texted that she was outside the locker room, not wanting to walk inside in case anyone else was in there. It was nearing the end of February, meaning March Madness was looming, the stress of that affecting Paige probably the most out of everyone. So, whatever Azzi could do to help lighten her girlfriend’s load, she would do in a heartbeat.

Even if that meant awkwardly waiting in the hall while the entire group of practice players, several staff members, and Geno himself walked by while she waited for Paige to get her things. What she hadn’t realized though, was that today had been an open practice, so there was a huge group of reporters with cameras waiting on the other side. 

When Paige finally stepped out into the hallway, her whole face broke out in sheer joy when she spotted Azzi waiting. She handed over the bag with a bit of a huff, mumbling a sassy, “You’re welcome.”

“Thanks.” Paige leaned down to place a quick kiss against Azzi’s lips. “I love you.”

Azzi smiled back up at her, but froze when she spotted the members of the media waiting outside the glass doors. “Welp, we mighta just had an audience.”

Paige gave her a confused look, so Azzi pointed behind her. When she turned she muttered a, “Fuck my life”, before squeezing Azzi’s hand in acknowledgement. “Prayers no one got a video?”

A few hours later, Azzi realized their mistake when her tags were filled with that entire encounter captured on video and posted to twitter. 

It was from some news outlet, one that had like 100 followers, but nonetheless received traction. At this point she was unfazed, as was Paige, but it definitely started drawing the attention of people outside of their peers that were committed to making sure the couple maintained their privacy.

—-------

For her final winter break at Uconn, Azzi and her friends went abroad for winter break. It wasn’t through the school, not wanting to miss an entire semester, but they spent most of January galavanting around Europe. 

It was one of the most rewarding experiences of Azzi’s life, but by the end of the trip she was missing her girlfriend badly. Not only that, but she had been forced to use illegal sketchy websites to stream Paige’s games while she was out of the country, and she was more than ready to be back in the student sections as an in person wag. 

When she flew back into Connecticut, she was humbled immediately by the cool weather, still shaking from the shivers long after getting into her uber outside the airport. 

She had finally been granted her own key to Paige’s apartment, so naturally that was her first stop after returning, despite it being a little later than one o’clock in the morning. 

After letting herself in quietly, Azzi rounded the corner toward the hallway, suitcase rolling behind her, but stopped short when she noted another new addition to the apartment’s decor; a photo of Paige and the team celebrating after some win, she wasn’t sure exactly what game it was from. 

She hadn’t seen this photo of her, and it almost stole her breath from how joyful Paige looked in it. That classic slanted smile, eyes bunched in pure excitement, arms thrown around her teammates. God, she missed her. Shaking herself out of it and realizing she was wasting precious time she could be spending beside said girl, Azzi continued until she reached the bedroom. 

Paige was knocked out on the full sized bed, her phone face down on her stomach, on top of the covers. Azzi’s heart warmed when she realized the other girl really had been waiting by the phone for her call, prepared to drive in the middle of the night to get her despite the excruciating fatigue she had been feeling. 

She didn’t turn the light on in hopes of not waking Paige in the process, so she flicked on her phone flashlight and selected her preferred pajamas out of one of her dresser drawers. She contemplated going through her suitcase for one of the sets she bought while she was abroad, but decided against it when she thought about how much she fucking missed being in Paige’s clothes and arms simultaneously. 

She climbed into the other side of the bed gently, trying not to make too much noise as she slid beneath the comforter. “Dumbass, sleeping on top of her blankets, making my life so much harder.” Azzi grumbled to herself. She truly did think about keeping to herself so as not to disrupt her adorable (drooling) girlfriend’s sleep, but one whiff of her perfume and she decided to throw decorum out the window. She laid her head slightly beneath Paige’s on the pillow, so that her cheek was pressed to the blonde’s shoulder, and said blonde locks tickled her collarbone. She moved Paige’s phone to the nightstand, then brought a hand to her ribs above her tshirt.

Just when she thought she successfully got comfortable without waking the other, Paige stirred, shifting onto her side and throwing her arm around Azzi’s ribcage. “Mmm, hi baby.” Paige’s voice was hoarse as she stuffed her cheek against the pillow. Like five seconds later her eyes shot open, a massive grin covering her face as she sat up abruptly. “Wait, what? Am I dreamin’ again?”

Azzi laughed, looking up at the girl she missed more than she would ever admit aloud. “Nope. It’s really me.”

Paige practically threw herself on top of Azzi, which caused her to let out a forceful ‘oof’ from the contact. Her arms slipped all the way around Azzi’s frame, lifting her slightly off the mattress, before she dipped her head and kissed her. 

She tasted like strawberries, which Azzi discovered she really enjoyed, licking into her mouth to get more of it. The younger girl mewled into the kiss, her fingertips already grazing Paige’s sweatpants, choosing to forget how tired she was and get straight to the point.

But the moment was interrupted when Paige broke free of the kiss suddenly, moving to sit upright but now straddling Azzi fully. “Wait, you were ‘sposed to call me to get ya.”

Azzi raked her hands up Paige’s thighs at her waist, “I know, but I knew you were asleep and didn’t want to bother you.”

“Okay, well that’s real sweet but don’t ever do that again. Don’t need some stranger driving my girl home when I easily could.”

Azzi nodded, allowing Paige to interlock both their hands, fingers finding the crevices of one another with her elbows bent against the mattress. “You too tired?”

Paige shook her head, adjusting their joint hands so she was pinning Azzi’s against the pillow. “Never for you.”

They kissed again, this time more urgently, trying to make up for lost time. When Azzi’s hands slipped up Paige’s shirt, fingers grazing her abs, Paige pulled away abruptly. “Wait, when’d you get your nails done?”

“A few days ago,” Azzi said, glancing down briefly before looking back up at her. “You like ‘em?”

“Yeah, but that means you can’t… y’know…”

Azzi’s expression shifted immediately, a small frown forming. “Oh, sorry, P,” she said genuinely. “I thought you’d like the detail, I didn’t even think about that.” She leaned up to brush her nose against Paige’s. “I’ll still get you right, baby. Don’t worry.”

Paige exhaled, shaking her head a little. “Sorry, I’m being really dramatic.”

Azzi smiled softly. “Hey, ‘least you know I’m not cheating on you.”

Paige scrunched her face at that. “That’s not fun - -” she paused, probably thinking over that statement, then smirked ever so slightly. “Actually… that does sorta make me feel better.”

——

“You’re gonna have to get used to this, y’know.” 

Bella’s voice snapped Azzi out of the haze she had been in, sprawled out on the floor beneath the couch and staring at the ceiling. The game before UConn’s was still going on, even though it had been a blowout, and she nervously waited until she could see her girlfriend on her screen. 

“Get used to what?” Azzi asked, mind still distracted, barely giving a care to the conversation. 

“Being apart from her.” 

Azzi’s heart squeezed, as did her eyes, trying to block out those words and keep living in denial. She had received two job offers so far, and even though they were incredible opportunities, neither of which would allow her to move full time to Dallas with her girlfriend. She had time until a decision needed to be made, time before anything became real, so for now she remained in denial and focused on the present.

Speaking of the present, she wanted nothing more than to fly out to Washington and support Paige at the elite eight game, but she had a stupid exam the morning of the game, and no matter how much she bartered (and possibly bribed) her professor, she couldn’t reschedule it. 

Bella was right, March Madness had already been a test, exposure therapy if you will, for what their future was going to look like. The first two games had been at home, where Azzi and her friends were able to watch in the stands and celebrate in victory after the fact. 

Then Paige had left for the sweet sixteen, and the cherry on top was they didn’t even get to say goodbye. Everything had been a blur, the turn around time between the game ending and her flight leaving being too short. But Azzi put on a brave face when Paige had called her, tearfully saying she had to leave right then, choosing to focus on hyping up her girl before facing another tough team. She was absolutely hopping on a plane to Florida for the final four, her classes be damned. She’d been saving up for this exact moment, having just enough to buy a roundtrip plane ticket. 

They just needed to win first. 

Azzi ignored her friend, instead moved to sit on the couch when the pregame for UConn vs USC finally started. “Check the group chat.” Bella said from the bottom of the stairs, “We should go.” 

Azzi opened her phone to see what she was talking about. 

skistersss💋🍷

Gia: we out to the bar to watch the game???

Tess: hell yeah 

@azzifudd you coming to rep your girl??

Bella: i’ll convince her dw 

Maria: nicole and i can be there in 20 

Ryder: i’m already here lol it’s pretty packed so get here asap 

“Broooo.” Azzi dragged as she made her way upstairs. “Ryder said it’s already crowded, what if I can’t get a good view of the tvs?” 

Bella just laughed at her, not even looking concerned as she slipped on her sneakers and shoved a random assortment of things into her purse. “I promise you, people will make room for you.” 

“Yeah, but this is an actual big game and people are assholes.”

“Y’know you’re the campus princess, right?” Bella shot back, glancing over her shoulder with a smirk. “I guarantee everyone’s gonna wanna be with you.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, but she didn’t argue as Bella practically shooed her down the stairs. She caved pretty quickly, knowing deep down she’d rather be watching the game with everyone else instead of alone.

Bella was right though, as more of the campus found out about Azzi and Paige, the more people started treating her differently. But not in a bad way, if anything it warmed her heart how much people respected them.

Like a couple weeks earlier, when her and Paige were walking through campus hand in hand, one of those rare days Paige had the morning off and insisted on walking her to class. They had just crossed the street when a random guy Azzi had never seen before approached them.

“Hey,” He said quickly, probably trying not to hold them up. “I just wanted to give y’all a heads up that there’s a news crew by the student center. Don’t want you to end up videoed or anything.” 

“Oh, jeez.” Paige gave her hand a small squeeze before letting go. “Thanks for the heads up, that was mad cool o’ you.” 

The guy nodded, “Anything for the goat and the princess.” 

Azzi knew how much people loved Paige, especially Uconn students, but she was now fully exposed to seeing how much people rode for her. How protective they were, and somehow by association, protective of Azzi too. 

And she sort of fucking loved being the campus princess. 

The line to the bar was down the block, and immediately Azzi was pissed off. She had the game open on her phone just in case it started before they got in, but she had no desire to watch her girl outside in the cold on a tiny screen.

“I’m gonna try something, come on.” She led Bella by the wrist past the last and toward the doors. Thankfully, the bouncer tonight was Malachi, and out of all of the ones that worked there, he fucked with Page the most. 

His face lit up as soon as he saw her, “Azzi! You’re here for the game I’m guessing?”

She nodded quickly. “Yup. Any chance you could let me and my friend in? I’ll fully pay you.” 

He waved her off, “Nonsense, you’re all set.” He opened the door for them, “She’s gonna crush it tonight.”

Azzi couldn’t help but smile at that, feeling that same overwhelming pride that consumed her whenever she repped her girl. “Yeah. She is.” She thanked him as they slipped inside, which was even more crowded, with tons of college kids decked in jerseys and Uconn merch, every tv displaying the game. 

“I can’t believe that worked.” Bella muttered, looking around.

“I know, ‘m amazing.” Azzi tossed her hair dramatically. She saw a few of their friends seated at the bar, dragging Bella by the wrist again to find them. “Hey guys.” 

“Az, hey!” Tess called, moving her bag off a stool to make room. “Here, I saved you a seat.”

“Thanks.” She sat down, pulling Bella with her so she stood beside the stool. “I needa drink.” 

She leaned forward on her elbows, impatiently waiting her turn for the bartenders to make their way around the crowded bar. Despite really wanting a beverage to help calm her nerves, she was simply grateful to be inside, perched in front of a tv, right at tip off. 

Sarah won it, naturally, causing the bar to already explode in cheers, anticipation for the matchup ahead making it so even the most casual of fans were paying attention. Paige brought the ball up, and she looked damn good, her signature braids showing off fresh highlights, jersey clinging to her figure just right. 

The woman bartender was about to take the order from the group next to them, but stilled when she saw Azzi. “Shit, you’re Paige’s girl right?”

God, Azzi would never get tired of hearing herself be referred to as Paige’s. She loved that everyone knew, most everyone respected it, and that she could proudly show just how much she loved that batshit crazy girl. So, Azzi nodded enthusiastically, “Yeah I am.”

The bartender slung a towel over her shoulder, “What can I getcha?”

Azzi stifled a smile, especially when the group of guys next to them complained that they had been skipped over. “Can I please get a titos ‘n club soda?”

“You got it.”

Bella made a disgusted face, pretending to gag. “Vodka and club soda? What’re you like an old russian man?”

The curly haired girl rolled her eyes, “Nah, just want something low cal before I switch to beer.”

“Ah, smart.”

“Here you go.” The bartender returned a moment later, placing the drink on top of a napkin in front of her. Azzi held out her phone, which was opened to her card on apple pay, but the bartender raised a hand. “It’s on the house.”

“Really?”

“Yup.” She leaned a little closer, lowering her voice. “Jus’ don’t tell your friends, ‘cause they still need to pay.”

Azzi giggled, “Got it.” She sucked on the straw, faking an innocent look and shrugging as Bella rolled her eyes, “What?”

Bella just shook her head with a laugh, “The princess treatment by everyone is crazy.”

Azzi hummed, taking another sip of her drink. “Hmm. Guess I’m just special.”

*

Even though the first quarter nearly gave her a heart attack, the Huskies managed to close out the half up by twelve, which eased some of Azzi’s worries. She had switched to beer officially, now on her second Corona. 

Nicole walked over with a few of their friends. “We’re gonna pee, you coming?”

When Bella agreed, Azzi scanned her surroundings and contemplated. She did have to pee, but the last thing she wanted to do was lose her spot at the bar, especially with how packed it was, and she wasn’t really in a rush to break the seal. “You guys go ‘head, I’ll save our seats.”

The guy next to them, who was a part of the very enthusiastic group that had been boosting the morale of the entire bar, cleared his throat. “I can save ‘em for you.” He had been engaging with most of them throughout the first half, and was clearly quite the character, had ran around and high fived everyone when Sarah got fouled while shooting a three (it went in, of course.)

Worried that he was getting the wrong impression, or was just a creep, Azzi shook her head. “It’s okay, but thank you though.”

He chuckled with a shake of his head, “Dude, that’s my girlfriend over there.” He pointed to a girl seated in a booth, who noticed and waved. “And I know who you are, believe me. I’m just tryna be nice.” 

“Oh.” Azzi sat up straighter, surprised. “Um, okay. That would be great, thanks.” 

Getting up with her purse on her shoulder, Azzi followed her friends to the line of the bathroom. “Azzi, it’s insane how much everyone here worships you.”

“I mean, as they should.” Bella defended. 

“No, I think it’s great! I just think it’s funny.” When the reached the rather long line, Nicole added, “You could probably skip the line and no one would say anything.”

Not trying to push her luck after already bypassing the line to get in, Azzi just rolled her eyes with a smile. “That’s OD, there’s no way.”

When they got back to the bar, their seats had in fact been saved, with the guy next to them seated in one of them, a leg thrown across the others to make it abundantly obvious. Azzi practically squealed in relief when she saw that the stools were still available, “Ugh, thank you so much!”

He shrugged casually, “It was no biggie.” 

Well, it was a big deal for Azzi, who ordered him a (technically free, but he didn’t need to know that) shot when she ordered her next beer. “Damn, thank you!” The guy grinned from ear to ear after Azzi handed the shot over, “I see why you’ve become Uconn’s princess.”

The nickname, once exclusively used by Paige, had taken their campus by storm, especially since the start of March Madness. The weekend before, the team had all come out to the bar, and were treated like genuine celebrities. None of them paid for a single drink that night, with people constantly buying them shots or bringing over another round. At one point Paige turned to Azzi and asked, “Is it cheating if I take one of the shots that girl bought me? ‘Cause I’ll fully give it away.” 

In any other circumstance Azzi would have lost her freaking mind, but with it happening to the entire team, she didn’t care. Azzi patted her shoulder, “Drink away, baby.”

At one point, the bar demanded the team give a speech for their ‘send off’, which naturally meant that they all expected Paige to deliver it. And she did, because she truly did have a special way with words, thanking everyone inside the bar for the constant support. Then, she reached for Azzi’s hand and tugged her up on the bench she was standing on (Azzi despised every second of this).

“I want to thank my girl, who has stuck by me through everything. I can honestly say I’d be a fucking mess without ‘er.” Paige laughed, and Azzi was smiling despite the tears pooling at her waterline. “And I want to thank you guys again,” She turned back toward the packed bar, “For keeping this on the down low.” She gestured between her and Azzi, “‘Cause the princess here deserves her privacy, and I respect y’all for letting her keep it.”

So, ever since the nickname was casually used by Paige in that speech, that had been her unofficial title. But she certainly wasn’t complaining about it. Not that she ever doubted them, despite the slight anxiety that made her feel like she was going to vomit earlier, UConn pulled away with the win. “Looks like I’m out to Tampa.” Azzi told her friends. “Anyone wanna come with?”

—----

Paige was buzzing with excitement the entire morning. And not because it was the eve of her last ever Final Four (well maybe a little, she was shitting herself from how badly she wanted to win), but because Azzi would be at the hotel any minute.

Her annoying (but perfect) girlfriend had not informed her that she would be coming until after Azzi had already arranged both her flight and her hotel room. Paige was pissed, and sent her apple cash in retaliation, which Azzi only sent right back. Well, except for the $20 she kept for ‘the drive to the airport.’

Azzi and all three of her roommates were coming, which Paige was even more astonished to hear about. But she was happy Azzi would have her friends there, making sure four seats in the friends and family section were reserved for them. 

“You’d think it had been years since you last saw ‘er.” Sarah grumbled from the bed beside her, distracted by the game she was playing on her ipad.

“Feels like it.” Paige Paige shot back, pacing the room for what had to be the tenth time..

Sarah shook her head with a tsk, “So dramatic, my God.”

A loud knock saved Sarah from receiving a nice slap across the face. She practically sprinted to the door, swinging it open to reveal her favorite fucking sight; Azzi, hair slicked back in a bun, matching sweat set on, face bare and so damn beautiful. “Long time no see.”

Paige surged forward, wrapping one arm around Azzi’s back and the other holding the back of her head. “Missed you so much, baby. You have no idea.” She whispered in hopes that Sarah wouldn’t hear and use that against her later.

“I missed you too, P.” Azzi said softly, her hands gripping onto Paige just as tight.

They stood there a moment longer before Azzi shrugged her arms off. Paige straightened with a pout, about to throw a minor temper tantrum about the interruption of contact, she caught the outline of two other people in her periphery. “Oh, hey guys.”

“Hey.” They both said back.

Azzi gestured behind her, “Sorry, Ion know if you saw my text, but we can’t get into our room for a couple hours.”

“Oh yeah,” Paige said quickly, “you guys can hang here. Come in.”

The other two went in first, but Paige stopped Azzi with a light hand, moving her so they were a little further out in the hallway. With the door closed, she pulled the younger girl closer by her waistband, “Hi.” 

“Hi.” Azzi smiled, resting her hands on Paige’s hips as she leaned in. Paige met her halfway, a delicate hand holding her close by the back of her neck. When she tried to pull away, Paige whined, leaning in again and pecking her a few times. “Okay!” Azzi laughed, trying to create a distance between them by pushing at her shoulders. “C’mon, ‘fore someone else gets a fucking picture. Or reports us or something.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” Paige muttered, holding the key back up to the door. As Azzi walked past, she swatted lightly at her ass, making the brunette whip her head around immediately, shooting her a look. “Accident,” Paige said quickly, grinning with her hands raised up in surrender.

“Hands to yourself Bueckers.”

“Yeah, hands to yourself Bueckers. For all of our sake.” Sarah quipped from the bed. 

Her and Bella were apparently now taking turns playing whatever game it was on her ipad, who looked back at the basketball player. “Have they been pdaing more at her apartment recently?”

“Yes!” Sarah exclaimed, “But we’ve been giving them a pass, ‘cause we think it’s been amplified from Paige leaving soon.” 

“Oh my gosh, that’s such a good point. We didn’t even think of that.” Bella gestured toward her two roommates.

Maria agreed, “No, but you’re so right.” 

Paige scoffed sassily, “You guys do know we’re standing right here, right?” 

They all gave some version of a half-hearted acknowledgment before going right back to their conversation. Paige led Azzi over to her bed, which was thankfully still available. They sat so they were both upright against the headboard, Paige’s arm protectively around her and her chin hooked on a tan shoulder. She settled in as Azzi insisted on showing Paige the tik toks she saved at the airport, but couldn’t send because of the lack of service. 

And Paige tried to pay attention, she really did, but she couldn’t help but keep looking at Azzi’s side profile; the slope of her nose, the way her lashes fluttered as she spoke, those perfect lips and that bunny toothed smile. “P, are you even listening to me?” 

Paige blushed, lifting her chin and leaning back against the headboard. “Sorry, got distracted.” 

“I could tell.” 

*

The following day, Paige had been locked in more than she ever had before. Her and Sarah barely spoke to one another after team dinner, each in bed by 9 pm, and up early for shoot around. Paige kept her air pods in, listening to her usual warm up music, determination to pull off a victory practically coursing through her. 

She hadn’t shown any emotion other than focus the entire day leading up to the game, and everyone around her had taken the hint to leave her alone. 

That was until Azzi arrived. When she spotted her girlfriend and her friends in the student section (it wasn’t a large section since the game was in fucking Florida, but it still warmed her heart that there were kids at her school that would take the flight just to show support), her posture loosened, and an involuntary smile found its way on her face. 

She knew she must have been scaring her teammates earlier when not a single one made a comment about it. 

Despite most predictions having UConn coming out on top, Paige still had her reservations about UCLA. But, after a few minutes of getting their final four jitters out, they found their groove. 

And Paige had the game of her life, scoring 40 fucking points. She hadn’t scored that much since high school, but once she knew for certain that this would be the second to last game of her collegiate career, she wanted to make it memorable. 

Plus there was the added bonus of her girl watching in the stands. She sent a wink her way a few times after making a basket, watching as Azzi’s face lit up each and every time. 

Unsurprisingly, she sat for most of the fourth quarter, giving her the chance to take Azzi in fully. She had her hair blown out, which she must have gotten done in their time apart since yesterday in the hotel room her hair was in its natural state. Her outfit almost took Paige’s breath away, though. She was wearing a black body suit and jeans, with a varsity UConn jacket. 

She thought it was cute when she saw it earlier, but when Azzi turned so a stranger could get past them in their row, she realized it was a custom made jacket. A giant 5 was sprawled across the back, with Bueckers stitched beneath it. 

Kaitlyn spotted it too, nudging Paige in her side. “Damn, that thing must’ve cost a fortune.”

Paige just shook her head and stared into her lap with a small smile. “Yeah. I’m so lucky.”

——

Azzi was practically giddy entering the stadium, taking the secluded entrance with Bob and Drew. And, obviously, she was ecstatic to watch her girlfriend achieve the very thing she’d been dreaming of for half her life. But, she was even more excited to be sharing this moment with her family. 

Her friends had to get back to school, but Azzi changed her ticket by the time the first quarter was over of the final four game two days earlier, having that much faith that UConn was making it to the championship. Evidently, she was right, and she was seated beside Drew decked out in a different custom jacket than the previous, this time it was a thin puffer, with Paige’s name stitched into the back, and a large 5 on the front, right next to her heart. 

She knew she was bound to be photographed tonight one way or another, so she made sure to dress properly, pulled her blown out hair into a slick back pony, the thick waves cascading down her back. Beer (a much needed beer) in hand, she sat with a neutral face, ready to watch her girl play for a final time in a Uconn jersey, win or lose. 

“I just want it so bad, like, this is all I’ve been trying to do. Working my ass off for this, and Ion know what I’m gonna do if this is it.”

They were at their ‘spot’, the parking lot that had become theirs over the past year and a half. They didn’t smoke this time, since Paige was mid-season, instead just sat on the roof of her jeep, soaking up the time together. Paige’s head rested on Azzi’s shoulder, her fingers lazily tracing her bent knee.  

Azzi stayed still, trying not to startle the other girl, considering this was the most she had ever opened up soberly. “I know I tell you this all the time, but Paige, this is your year. Not only ‘cause of all the growth you’ve shown, but your teammates also want this so badly for you. They’re gonna give it their all to get you that natty, I know that much.”

Paige just sighed in response, shifting so even more of her face was tucked against Azzi. “I want it just as badly for them too.”

And she fucking did it - - the team all did it, together. Azzi couldn’t believe it, not the blowout score or the smiles all of the girls couldn’t contain. Countless nights consoling Paige over how much this meant to her, her team meant to her, this moment meant to her; and they fucking did it.

The court was a blur of bodies sprinting to celebrate, with cameras in front of each player, families rushing to find their kids, tik toks being made with the massive trophy. Azzi planned on staying back once they were allowed on the court, simply satisfied with watching Paige have her moment. 

Azzi lost her in the crowd, but she found Lucy, Aubrey’s girlfriend, and got pulled into a quick conversation, catching up as the noise and movement continued around them. It distracted her for a few minutes, enough time for Paige to do whatever she needed to do with media, with her team, with everyone who deserved a piece of her first.

But after a while, Azzi’s eyes started scanning again.

“Have you seen Paige?” she asked, glancing around as the minutes stretched.

“Right there, actually.” Lucy pointed behind her. 

Azzi turned, and there was Paige, the championship net hung around her neck, large cap on her head. She was searching for something, that was clear in the way her brows were raised enough that her forehead wrinkles were out, like that could help her see better. She assumed she was looking for her family, who was somewhere around, or maybe another teammate.

But, when blue eyes finally found her, she realized how wrong she was. Paige’s face shifted into a relaxed smile, and she started weaving between bodies from across the way to get to her. Azzi suddenly found herself feeling nervous, unsure how to act with all these people around.

That all faded once Paige was within arms reach, picking up speed and wrapping her arms around Azzi’s waist, spinning her around wildly Azzi laughed, tipping her head back from the sheer ridiculousness of it all. When Paige set her back down, she didn’t let go, arms wrapping tighter around her back as she buried her face into her neck.

Paige shook as she let out staggered tears, a bittersweet feeling coursing through both of them. Azzi brought a hand to the back of her head, making contact with the loose baseball cap. “Told you. No one was letting you leave here without that trophy.”

Paige let out a shaky breath against her skin. “Couldn’t have done it without you.”

A few silent tears fell down Azzi’s cheeks, and she didn’t bother wiping them, instead letting them settle against her skin. When they pulled away, Paige stayed close, arms hanging loosely at her sides. Confetti continued to fall around them, and for a glimmer it was just the two of them wordlessly expressing every damn emotion that was tied to this night, everything that had been building for the past two years.

“Azzi!” It was interrupted by Jana colliding into her, engulfing her in a hug. “Thanks for coming, dude.”

And Azzi looked right at Paige as she said, “Wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”

—-------

Paige barged into her room, knowing Azzi was already there and waiting for her. “Alright, I don’t gotta ton o’ time baby, so get face-down-ass-up for me.” 

With only a few days left in Conneticut, they had been fucking a lot. Like a lot, a lot. Typically whenever they could squeeze in a quickie with how busy both of their schedules had gotten. Paige, on her end at least, was doing this to prepare for the move that would soon separate them. And Azzi, who liked to play up that princess title in public, let her, because she was always ready for Paige, always willing to do whatever the other girl wanted. 

She had been so preoccupied searching through her suitcase for the already packed strap-on, that she almost jumped out of her skin when another voice sounded. “Ew you guys are freaks! Did not know you got down like that.” 

In a state of shock, Paige stood quickly and, like the idiot she was, forgot about the shelf above her, accidentally smashing her head against it. “Fuck, ow!”

Kaitlyn and Jana were apparently also in her bedroom, probably keeping Azzi company while Paige was gone. Kaitlyn’s jaw was still dropped, “I actually cannot believe I just heard that.”

Azzi, her perfect adorable Azzi, was mortified, clutching her knees to her chest and hiding her face against them. “This is the worst day of my life.” 

Paige dragged an exasperated hand down her face, “You didn’t wanna warn me you had company?!”

“It’s your room! And the least you could do was actually look around when you walked in.” 

Ignoring that, mostly because she knew her girlfriend was right, Paige asked, “What’re they doing here?” 

Jana kicked her lightly in the shin with a huff, “Um, we’re still in the room you bitch.” 

Azzi stood, ignoring Jana’s remark and tugging on her hand. She opened the door to the hall closet, where the last of the boxes Paige needed to pack up were now neatly stacked, taped, and labeled. “Helping me finish up for you.” 

“Baby,” Paige felt like she could cry at how wholesome the gesture was. “You didn’t have to do all that.” 

Azzi shrugged, her attention dropping as she fidgeted with the string of one of Paige’s bracelets, twisting it around her fingers. “It’s okay,” she said quietly. “I knew it was stressing you out ‘bout when you’d get it done. Figured I’d help lighten the load a little.”

Paige exhaled, something warm settling in her chest as she reached out to tuck a loose curl behind Azzi’s ear. “God, you’re fucking perfect. Thank you, Az.” Her lips curved into a teasing smirk as the air shifted. “Plus, that gives us enough time for at least two rounds. Three if it’s a repeat of last night.”

“Dear God, my ears!” Jana’s voice cut through. Both her and Kaitlyn stepped out from Paige’s room, looking equally horrified, and Paige barely had time to react before Jana was already shaking her head. “Doors wide open and you’re standing right next to it. You’re actually slow.”

Azzi let out a high-pitched shriek, immediately burying her face into Paige’s shoulder, her hands clutching at her sweatshirt. “Shoot me,” she mumbled into the fabric. “Like this is torturous.”

Kaitlyn just laughed, “We’re leaving, don’t be too gross while we’re gone!” She called over her shoulder.

Paige led them back into the bedroom once the other two had officially exited, shutting the door behind her. Azzi was already sitting at the foot of the bed, legs spread open, so Paige humbly assumed that was an invitation to step between them. 

Clearly she was mistaken, because Azzi swatted her across the arm with the sleeve of her sweatshirt. “I’m mad at you.” She pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. 

Paige’s face fell, startled by that reaction, her instincts to reassure her girlfriend already in full swing. She used that soft voice that almost always got through to Azzi, “Baby, ‘m sorry. I didn’t know they were here.” 

“Yeah, but I don’t want people to know all the stuff I let you do to me.” 

“I do - -” Paige started instinctively, then immediately winced as Azzi smacked her again, this time with her actual hand. “Kidding! Obviously I want that to stay between us too.” 

Azzi narrowed her eyes at her, but the edge of her pout softened just slightly. “Good, ‘cause I don’t tell anyone anything.” 

Paige tilted her head, studying her features. “Really?”

“Yeah, you thought I did?” 

“I mean, I’ve heard the way your roommates talk.” Those girls were not shy when it came to talking about sex in the slightest. Paige had been around for at least a dozen recounts of the guys that they got with, and almost every single time the story ended with ‘but i didn’t finish.’ Paige raised a cocky brow, “Figured you’d wanna flex how I always get you right.” 

Azzi’s face broke out into a shy smile, thankfully replacing the previous pout. She finally gave permission for Paige to come closer, opening her legs again. “I mean, I’ve alluded to it. But I don’t give details or anything.” 

Paige fisted Azzi’s hair in her grasp to tip her head upright. “Good, I like it just being between you ‘n me.” She leaned down to kiss her, holding still for a second to take in the feeling of Azzi’s top lip between both of hers. “I know I make jokes and shit, but sex with you is… special, y’know? I’ve never felt this close to someone before.” Paige blushed after that admission, but she didn’t look away, not after watching Azzi’s eyes practically melt right back up at her. 

“Same with me, baby.” Azzi broke out of Paige’s hold, first taking off her sweatshirt, then unclasping her bra, and finally sliding off her boxers, revealing her bare cunt underneath. She turned away from Paige, got on all fours, and turned her head to the side all ‘innocent.’ “This how you wanted me?” 

“God, I fucking love you.” 

——

Azzi never cried, at least not in front of anyone. It was always a shock to anyone who knew her when they saw her in an actual emotional state, simply because it happened so infrequently. 

Except for Paige. She had long gotten over her hatred of crying in front of the older girl, having marked a section of her brain to not be embarrassed when tears slid down her cheeks or snot bubbled from her nose. Especially when every time she did end up in tears in front of her girlfriend, Paige looked like it pained her just as much. 

That’s why she was determined to be strong today. 

It felt insane, already feeling this overcome with emotion waiting for Paige outside of her townhouse, when she would be flying out to Dallas in a little less than two weeks. But it was the start of this new phase of their lives, the start of them being apart more often than together, that reminder was the thing making those feelings bubble to the surface. 

Since she had already shipped both all her things and her jeep out to Texas, Azzi offered to drive her to the airport. And even though the traffic stressed her out and she was going to hate the long drive back, there was no world where she wasn’t the last to say goodbye. 

When Paige came outside, she had a wheely bag and backpack with her, tossing them into the already opened trunk. “Hi baby.” She called into the car as she lifted the suitcase, which was annoyingly hot and doing things to Azzi, so much so that she had to remind herself that this was not the time. 

The trunk closed, and Azzi waited for Paige to get in the passenger seat, jumping when there was a tap at her window. Azzi opened the door a crack, “What is it P?” 

“First, I’ll drive.” She gripped the corner of the car door and leaned against it. “Second, can I please have a hug?” 

Her voice broke on the last word, and Azzi certainly didn’t need to be told twice, unbuckling as fast as she could and melting into her favorite set of arms. “P, don’t cry. It’s gonna be okay.” She tried to soothe, scratching her nails on her back the way she knew Paige liked. 

With her head buried in Azzi’s neck, she spoke through tears, “I know, ‘m jus’ gonna miss this place.” She took a shaky breath, collecting herself so that she wasn’t audibly crying anymore. “And you.” 

Azzi guided her upright so she could look at her fully, taking in the splothiness of her face and puffiness of her eyes. “You’re so beautiful.”

She said this right as Paige wiped snot against her sleeve, which served as a dual purpose compliment - - one, she got Paige to blush, and then she also made her laugh. “Thanks, I feel it too.” Paige replied sarcastically. 

The whole drive to the airport Azzi physically felt the way she was holding back tears, having to stop every so often mid-sentence, pressing her lips together and swallowing hard so her voice wouldn’t break. At one point she genuinely couldn’t hold it in anymore, so she turned to the side to pretend to look out the window, subtly wiping the silent tears as they fell. 

Paige pulled into a parking spot that wasn’t too close to the entrance, and when Azzi pointed this out she just shrugged and said, “Don’t want anyone to see our goodbye.” And Azzi understood, because the last thing she wanted was for a photo of them to circulate in general, or worse for her family to see just how much of a sap she was when it came to Paige. 

When Paige put the car in park, she turned to face Azzi, her bottom lip already trembling again. Then, she abruptly opened the driver door, rounded the car and opened Azzi’s next. She practically sprawled on top of her, which made Azzi laugh wildly, the six foot basketball player managing to fit inside the small space, most of her figure sprawled on top of the brunette. 

“Can’t believe I can’t do this whenever I want anymore.” Paige mumbled into her neck, delicately kissing the small spot she always found below Azzi’s ear. It was barely a press of lips, but it was so sincere that Azzi had to take a shuddering breath to try and keep it together.

Azzi kissed the top of her head, “I’m gonna visit all the time this summer. You’re gonna be sick o’ me.” 

“Not possible.” Paige tilted her head upward without moving, pursing her lips with a huff as if she was annoyed Azzi wasn’t already kissing her. 

Azzi giggled, leaning down and sliding her lips against Paige’s. Azzi let herself feel it all, trying to memorize this moment entirely so she could look back on it when missing her touch; the barely there brush of a tongue dipping into her mouth, calloused fingers slipping beneath her shit to graze her ribs, the feeling of blonde hair tickling her cheek. 

Somehow still holding it together, Azzi guided them out of the car, watching as Paige unloaded her luggage from the trunk. Once it was closed shut, they stood still for a moment, as if the longer they waited to say goodbye, the more time they could have together. “I know we’re gonna be fine. I jus’ also know I’m gonna miss you so fucking much.” 

Azzi stepped closer, her hands finding their favorite spot on Paige’s lower back beneath her sweatshirt. “I love you, Paige.” 

Paige shrugged her face against her own shoulder to wipe her tears, then placed a lingering kiss on Azzi’s forehead. “I love you more.” 

Reluctantly, Azzi watched as Paige started to walk away, after several more minutes of soft kisses and whispered goodbyes. She still had yet to break, and it was taking everything in her to hold it in until Paige was gone.  And once Paige gave a final wave before crossing the street and was out of sight, Azzi lost it. She dropped back into the car, a complete mess, tears falling freely now as she tried to catch her breath. A minute later, a call came through on her carplay, and she quickly wiped at her face, taking a deep breath to steady her voice before answering. “P? Is everything okay?” 

There was a pause, and then, “You’re crying right now, aren’t you?”

Azzi let out a broken laugh, shaking her head even though Paige couldn’t see her. “Shut up.”

“Knew it.” Paige’s voice was cocky at first, but then it transitioned into that cadence that quieted each firing neuron in her brain. “I hate when you cry, baby. You’re too pretty for that.” 

Azzi laughed again through her tears, buckling her seatbelt and preparing to reverse. “Is that all you called to say?”

“Yeah. And just wanted to say ‘love you’ one more time.” 

Azzi closed her eyes, taking a second to simply be grateful; she was so fucking blessed to have someone like Paige, someone she couldn’t wait to start a future with, no matter where either of them were geographically. And how lucky was she to love someone enough that it felt like pure torture when they were forced apart?

She smiled again, saying the easiest phrase to utter when it came to her girl.

“I love you too.”

*

"sure as the stars in the sky..."

-------

a/n: thank you for reading!!

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MUSIC: Surest - Twice A Night (Prod. ID Cleff)

MUSIC: Surest – Twice A Night (Prod. ID Cleff)

Surest premiers a brand new single titled Twice A Night The record serves as his first single of the year 2021 and the potential hit was produced by the serial hitmaker ID Cleff   Twice A Night is that inspirational love tune inspired by hustle and gold diggers, haters and well wishers.. The vibe on the record hits different, Twice a night is the new motivation and it’s sure to be a street…

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