urmom.com

your love for your daughter, jovie, was inherent. despite her unexpected appearance into your life, you never saw jovie as a weakness. she was born during your senior year of high school, after the basketball season ended. jovie was a blessing, bringing happiness and joy into your life. you took immense pride in taking care of her, just like you took pride in playing basketball at the collegiate level. that didn’t mean, however, that you wanted everyone to know about your daughter.

there was no need for jovie to grow up in the spotlight. she didn’t need the camera panning to her in the crowd at your games. you didn’t need to see her name next to yours in articles about how you underperformed in a game. jovie was a child, and she deserved to grow up like any other child: privately and carefree. so that’s why you kept her hidden, even from your girlfriend, paige. 

you fell in love with paige bueckers unexpectedly. it was like getting struck by lightning; one minute you’re fine, the next your brain is fried. paige was easy to connect with. she was funny and talented, but also humble and understanding. befriending paige as a freshman was the easiest thing about college, you willingly admit that. keeping secrets from her was harder. 

paige is nosey, incredibly so, and while she’d never admit that, it’s something the entire team can agree on. when she heard that you lived in your own apartment, with no roommates, she started asking questions. for a while, you got away with vague answers, but then paige set her sights on you. she was easy to love, and you were even easier to fall for; finally, in your senior year, you agreed to let her take you on a date. one date turned into three. three dates turned into a night spent at her apartment while jovie stayed with her father. a night at paige’s apartment turned into her asking to be your girlfriend. paige asking to be your girlfriend turned into you telling her about jovie. 

“how old is she?” paige asks, voice soft. 

“she just turned four,” you answer, a loving smile on your face. 

“what’s her name?” she asks, leaning into you now. 

“jovie,” you answer, pulling up a picture of the two of you on your phone. 

paige takes the item from your hand, blue eyes locked on the screen. she’s quiet, which is strange for her, but you understand that this is a lot to process, even for someone so loving and understanding.

“if this changes things,” you start, but paige cuts you off, “it doesn’t. it makes me want you more.”

your eyes water at the sincerity in her words. you rest your head against your fist, giving her a watery smile as she hands you the phone back. before you can say anything else, paige starts talking again. 

“you’re so strong, for raising a beautiful daughter and playing d1 basketball all at once. she has an amazing mother, and she’s incredibly lucky,” paige assures, rubbing soothing circles on your thigh. 

“paige,” you whisper, voice wobbling. 

“i’m serious. and while i wish you told me sooner, i can’t even imagine the pressure and stress you are under, not only to perform on the court, but also as a mother. i want you in my life, jovie too,” she finishes, leaning in to kiss your cheek.

you wipe at your cheeks, which are suddenly damp with tears. “i love you,” you say, voice wavering. 

“i love you too,” she whispers, placing a kiss on the corner of your lips. 

you pull her in for a real kiss: soft, slow, and full of love. when you pull away, foreheads touching, you ask the million dollar question, “do you want to meet her?” 

“can i?” paige whispers, a nervous look in her eyes. 

“you’re my girlfriend paige, and i don’t plan on losing you any time soon,” you start, “so if you want to meet her, i’d like you too.” 

paige nods, grabbing your hand as you get up from the couch in her apartment. you both slip on your shoes, before walking hand in hand to your place further down the floor. you give her a reassuring smile before turning the key in the lock. 

“jovie! i’m home baby,” you call, walking into the hallway, where her bright pink twinkle toes are sitting in the middle of the floor. 

“mommy!” she cries, crashing into your open arms as you smother her with kisses. jovie giggles, trying to push your face away as you hug her tighter. 

meanwhile, paige stands awkwardly by the door, with her hands in the pockets of her sweatpants. she’s locked in on the scene in front of her: jovie rambling while you listen intently. 

“jovie! did you let mommy inside?” someone calls from further into the apartment, drawing paige’s attention to the guy standing in your kitchen. he’s obviously jovie’s father, and it’s clear you both have a co-parenting thing going on. paige meets his eyes, and he smirks in her direction, but it’s lighthearted. 

“you must be paige,” he greets, holding out a hand for her to shake. 

paige shakes his hand, smiling as he introduces himself. 

“daddy made bunny pasta!” jovie cheers while you lift her onto your hip. 

“mmm, your favorite, baby,” you say, while she nods excitedly. 

“before we eat,” you start, lowering your voice, “i want to meet someone very special.” you then look at paige, and jovie follows your gaze, eyes landing on the tall blonde. 

“this is mommy’s friend paige, and she really wants to meet you,” you whisper, while jovie hides in your shoulder. 

you rock her gently, mouthing a sorry to paige who doesn’t seem to mind. her eyes are wide and awestruck as she watches you take care of jovie, helping to calm her down. 

“can you say hi to paige, baby?” you ask, gesturing towards her with your chin. 

jovie looks at paige again, who gives her a small wave before smiling. “momma she looks like lucky’s mom,” jovie announced and you laugh at her comparison. 

“she does look like lucky’s mom. they both have blonde hair,” you agree, throwing paige a soft smile. 

jovie gestures to be put down, and you happily oblige. she walks over to paige, who waits with baited breath for jovie to say something. “do you like bunny pasta?” she asks. 

“it’s my favorite,” paige agrees, even though she’s never eaten any in her life. 

jovie’s eyes light up, and she tugs eagerly on paige’s hand. “mine too! you can use my tinkerbell bowl, since mommy says we have to share.” 

paige nods, mumbling something about how she loves tinkerbell while you give her a small thumbs up and a soft smile. 

after their first meeting, paige easily integrates into jovie’s daily routine. the preschooler looks forward to afternoons, when she watches bluey with paige, who now realized what it means to look like lucky’s mom. in the mornings, while you do her hair before lift and preschool, jovie talks to ‘her paigey’ (the nickname she uses for you girlfriend) on facetime. you always insist that paige doesn’t have to easily integrate jovie into her life, but she always denies your claims, even including the young girl in her pregame rituals. before every game, home and away, jovie gives paige a hug and kiss on the cheek, something that was once reserved for just you. it’s not a secret that jovie is becoming increasingly more attached to paige, and you only wonder what her relationship with the team would look like. 

while the blonde is still respectful of your choices to keep your daughter private, that doesn’t stop her from trying to convince you that introducing jovie to the team is the right move.

“kk and ice cannot keep anything to themselves,” you say, when paige brings up the topic again one night with jovie in bed. 

“i think they’d be able to this time,” paige argues, and you give her a deadpanned look.

“paige, be serious, we said that about us and somehow still ended up making out in the back of ice’s live,” you explain, with a knowing smile on your face. 

paige laughs, leaning her head back as she looks at the ceiling. “but this is different, so i feel like they would be more respectful,” she continues. 

“yeah it is different. this features a four year old. i don’t want her to grow up with people watching her because her mom is dating the number one draft pick,” you explain.

“okay relax with the draft talk. we still have march madness,” she teases, “but i know what you mean. she deserves to just be a kid.”

“exactly,” you agree. 

“but maybe you could at least consider telling them before tournament play?” paige begs with a small pout. 

you smile, shoving her face away from you, but you don’t make any promises. the thought, however, continues to cross your mind, even with the looming stress of tournament play hanging over your head. not only are you feeling the pressure to perform on the court — for paige, the fans, and yourself — but also in your academic classes. typically, you can handle it, but jovie is coming down with something. she was up all night coughing, and when you woke up for conditioning this morning, her little face felt a little too warm. thankfully, your mom and her dad were able to watch her while you’re at practice. 

you know they’re taking good care of jovie, but your brain is anywhere but the court. you made some baskets and completed most of your plays, but mentally you were thinking about grabbing medications and calling jovie’s pediatrician on the way home. your preoccupied state becomes glaringly obvious, when you miss an absolute dime from paige. 

“alright sub! ash you’re in!” geno calls, patting your back as you walk off the court to stand on the sidelines. 

you start talking plays with an assistant coach when your phone rings. the random iphone sound sends a panic down your spine, and you quickly answer the call before stepping to the side of the gym. it’s your mom, and she never calls unless something is wrong. 

“hey. you okay?” you ask, nerves bubbling in your throat as you feel everyone’s eyes on you. 

“sorry i know you’re at practice. we called the pediatrician and they can see jovie now, so we’re gonna take her,” your mom explains. 

“oh my god is she okay. i’ll leave practice now,” you ramble, shoving the phone between your shoulder and ear as you start grabbing your stuff from the sidelines. 

your mom says your name in that calm, grounding tone only mothers use (you know because you do the same thing to jovie). “we have everything handled, but i didn’t want you to be alarmed if you came home and we weren’t back yet.” 

“honestly this is more alarming,” you try to joke, but you know your mom can hear the panic in your voice. 

“if it will make you feel better to be with her, then leave practice. i’m sure coach auriemma will understand,” she says, and you can hear jovie fighting about putting on her shoes in the back. 

“just let me talk to her,” you say, looking over your shoulder as you feel several of your teammates’ eyes on you. 

there’s some rustling over the phone as your mom talks to jovie. while you can’t really make out what they’re saying, you know your mom and jovie’s dad are handling the situation. 

finally, jovie comes on the line, “hi mommy,” she whispers in a stuffy voice. 

she sounds downright miserable, and your heart breaks. you’re seriously considering leaving practice to take care of her. 

“hi baby. how you feeling?” you ask, your voice soft and gentle. 

“sick,” she answers, and you giggle a little at her straightforward words. “mommy, i don’t want to go to the doctor,” she whines, and you can basically hear the tears in her eyes. 

“oh baby,” you start, “the doctor is going to help you,” you promise. 

“i don’t want to go,” she whines again, and you hear her dad saying something soothing on the other side of the phone.

“i know, but it’s just like doc mcstuffins says. if you don’t go to the doctor, how will you get better?” you say, and jovie huffs. 

“can i bring blankie?” she asks. you cringe at the thought of her dragging around her favorite blanket at the hospital, but also know it will bring her immense comfort. 

“of course you can. and when you, grammy, and daddy get back from the doctor’s, i’ll be waiting,” you promise.

“with my paigey?” she asks, voice taking on a hopeful lift. 

you cringe again, because you’ll feel so guilty if paige gets sick too, but you also know she’ll never refuse jovie. “we’ll see. be good at the doctors,” you say, not committing to anything. 

“okay mommy,” she answers. 

“i love you,” you whisper. 

“love you too mommy,” jovie says, as she passes the phone back to your mother. 

“text me,” you demand, waiting for your mom to agree before hanging up the call and returning back to practice. 

paige, who’s taking a water break on the sidelines, walks right up to you. she takes in your disheveled state, and places a comforting hand on your waist. you lean into her touch, taking a deep breath to calm her down. 

“you okay?” she asks, and you know she’s genuinely concerned.

you rub a hand over your face, sighing as you finally meet her blue eyes. “jovie was up all night with a cough, and now she has a fever. they’re taking her to the doctor. i know there’s nothing i can do, but i feel bad that i’m not there,” you explain. 

as you’re talking, paige is rubbing soothing circles on your hip. she’s nodding intently, and her gaze is full of love and understanding. once you get everything off your chest, it registers how much you told her, and you feel a bit embarrassed.

“sorry, i didn’t mean to dump that on you,” you whisper.

“babe,” paige deadpans, “she’s my jovie. i want to know if something is going on because i care about both of you.”

you smile softly at her, squeezing her hand as a silent thank you and sign of affection. paige smiles back, placing a quick kiss on your forehead as geno calls both of you to sub back into practice. a few more drills and a gazillion texts from your mom later, you’re finally heading back to the locker room to change. you’re throwing your practice jersey into your locker when the questions start rolling. 

“you good? that phone call looked serious?” azzi asks, and you can hear the genuine concern in her voice. 

at this point, you’re completely checked out of practice, so you answer, “yeah. my daughter's sick, so my mom and her dad took her to the doctor.” 

the locker room goes silent. it’s so silent, that if a pin dropped, everyone would hear it.

“excuse me?” ice asks.

suddenly, you’re words catch up with you, and embarrassment floods your cheeks. you turn away from your locker to face the team, who are all staring at you with open mouths and wide eyes. then, you turn to paige who has a sheepish smile on her face while she shakes her head. 

“i’m a mommy,” you state, wiping your sweaty hands on your shorts as if that will diffuse the tension. 

“mommy?” yanna asks, but her smile is playful. 

“i’m a mom,” you confirm with a straight face. 

“mamacita,” ice jokes, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. 

you and paige exchange a look, before busting out laughing. the team follows suit, but you can tell that they all still think this is one big joke. how could you be a mom? there’s no way. 

“no guys, seriously, i’m a mommy,” you say, trying to take control of the situation. 

“mom of what? a dog?” kk asks, and more laughter follows. 

“i have a daughter,” you explain. 

“like in real life? not on the sims or something?” ice asks, and you give her a playful shove. 

“like a daughter? like a real baby?” kk asks, her hands on her knees as she gives you a shocked look. 

“yeah,” you answer, “like a human child.”

“wait, that’s actually kind of cute,” jana says, looking at you with a soft smile. 

“hold up,” kk interrupts, “you have a kid?” 

“yes bro, keep up,” you respond teasingly. 

“how old is she?” azzi asks, getting serious. 

“four. she’ll be five soon,” paige answers for you, a smug smile on her face as everyone now turns to look at her. 

“wait! paige has met her?” aubrey asks, sounding a little offended. 

“of course i have. i’m jovie’s paigey,” she answers, her smug smirk staying plastered on her skin. 

“jovie? is that her name?” azzi asks, getting excited. 

you nod, reaching into your locker to pull out the picture of the two of you that you keep hidden away. it’s a casual picture, just you and jovie smiling. she’s in a cute dress, with her twinkle toes of course, while you’re in jeans and a top. 

“oh my god she’s beautiful,” azzi whispers, passing the photo around the locker room. 

“she takes after her mom,” paige says, nodding in your direction. you laugh loudly at her words, but you don’t attempt to refute her claims. 

“can we meet her?” sarah, who is normally so quiet, asks. 

you’re shocked by the request. “you guys aren’t mad?” 

“that you have a kid?” aubrey asks, laughing a little at the absurdity of your question. 

“no,” you say, sucking your teeth, “that i kept it a secret.”

“oh no we’re pissed,” azzi mumbles, “but you're my friend, and i’m sure you had your reasons. plus, jovie needs an auntie,” she finishes, coming over to give you a hug. 

“she needs several aunties,” kk says, handing you the photo back as you smile at her. 

“she’ll like you guys,” paige promises, “but just know she watches a lot of bluey.” 

the girls laugh, but paige is shaking her head with a fond smile on her face, “no like she’ll compare you to bluey characters.” 

“that’s such a kid thing to do,” jana says.

“what bluey character are you, paige?” aubrey asks, but your girlfriend takes the question seriously. 

“i’m lucky’s mom, because we have the same hair and yell at the tv during sports,” paige explains, repeating what jovie says to her every time they watch the decider episode. 

“and what about you?” kk asks, jutting her chin out in your direction. 

“she’s chilli, bluey’s mom,” paige answers, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. 

“right, sorry i don’t know every bluey character by heart,” kk replies, holding her hands up in defense. 

“yeah that'll change,” paige mumbles, packing up her own bag as you finish packing yours. 

“i promise you guys will meet her once she’s not sick,” you explain, throwing on a random t-shirt, “but i really need to go.”

the team all replies with various phrases expressing their understanding and how they’ll see you later. paige follows you out of the locker room, her hand resting gently on the small of your back as she leads you towards your car. she throws your bags in the backseat, while you climb behind the wheel and start up the car. 

“they’re back from the doctor, so i’m just gonna head to the apartment. i think they already got the prescription from cvs,” you explain, pulling out of the parking lot and onto the main road. 

“sounds good. i’ll just stop in, say hi to jovie and then head out. i want her to rest,” paige says, and you hum in agreement, reaching a hand over to squeeze her thigh softly. 

paige takes your hand in hers, giving in a firm, supportive squeeze as you park your car in your designated spot. you leave your practice bag in the back, while paige quickly shoulders hers and follows you upstairs. your feet pound up the steps as you don’t bother to wait for the elevator; you’re too anxious to see your baby. 

unlocking the door, you’re met with the site of jovie’s shoes in the hallway. walking further into the apartment, you find jovie cuddled up on the couch while your mom stirs a pot at the stove. 

“mommy,” she whines, and you drop your keys in the bowl before rushing towards her. 

“i’m here baby,” you whisper, letting her curl into your arms as you lift her from the couch. 

paige stops to talk to your mom, briefly getting the lowdown on jovie’s condition before joining you in the living room. when her eyes settle on the blonde, jovie immediately reaches out for her. paige takes jovie into her arms, kissing her hairline tenderly as the toddler sinks into your girlfriend’s hold. 

“how you feeling?” paige asks, lips brushing against jovie’s warm skin.

“i want cuddles,” she mumbles, face smooshed in the crook of paige’s neck. 

“okay baby, let’s lay down,” paige says, lying on the couch with jovie resting on her chest. 

jovie snuggles into paige, one hand fisting your girlfriend’s hoodie, while she sucks her thumb with the other. paige’s palm rubs up and down jovie’s spine as she flips on an episode of little bear, which is nice and soothing. within minutes, jovie is dead asleep and while you tell paige she can leave, that you’ll take care of it, she refuses. 

the disappointing end to the basketball season is still looming over paige. while you try to be there for her, it’s hard when so many other aspects of your lives are changing. senior year is fast approaching, which means recruitment and decisions for paige. you, on the other hand, are thinking about different programs at different schools: some paige is looking at, and some without her. 

then, there’s all the drama within your friend group. paige, nathan, and the entire team are still trying to adjust to lucas moving away with keith. paige will never admit it, but you know she misses the other scott brother. nathan and haley are struggling through married life and brooke and peyton reconnect despite all the lucas drama. 

“i’m just glad we’re gay,” you confess to paige, swinging your hands as the two of you walk towards the high school.    she looks at you like you dropped a major bomb, before bursting out laughing: “babe what?”  “think about it! we don’t have to worry about guy drama or liking the same one,” you explain.  “like brooke and peyton?” she asks, when you trail off.  “exactly like brooke and peyton,” you say, a small chuckle escaping your lips.  paige watches you, struggling to hold back her own laughter as she sees you lighting up.  “but seriously,” you mumble, sobering up, “he did them dirty. and i know he’s your friend, babe, but he’s also lowkey a player,” you finish while paige opens the school door for you. “well good thing he’s moved away,” paige whispers into your ear, bending down so her lips brush the shell of your ear.  you lick your lips, swallowing to prevent your throat from drying up. “yeah,” you whisper, “good thing.”      

you’re at your locker with paige, talking about the most recent ap lit assignment, when brooke and peyton arrive at your locker. they both look frazzled, and your immediate reaction is to focus on them.

“what?” you ask, looking anxiously between them. “lucas is back!” brooke seethes.  “what?” you and paige both ask, except your girlfriend seems a little bit excited. you throw a subtle glare at the tall blonde over your shoulder, and she throws her hands up in surrender, before gesturing for you to continue.  “well, did you see him?” you ask them.  “we didn’t talk if that’s what you’re asking,” peyton grumbles, angsty as ever.  “he didn’t say anything?” you ask, trying to find out more about lucas and his sudden arrival.  “it’s probably because of the heart attack,” paige drops, hands in her sweatshirt pocket as she shrugs.  “what heart attack?” brooke asks, a panicked look in her eyes.  “dan’s,” paige deadpans, like it’s common knowledge.  “wait a second,” peyton butts in, “dan had a heart attack?” “yeah. hospitalized and everything,” paige answers. “you’re being a little too casual about this,” you mumble, even though you hate dan too.  “the guy sucks. and i’m not gonna say it’s his karma, but it’s definitely his karma,” paige observes, holding her hands up like she didn’t just wish something awful upon someone. “okay whatever,” brooke grumbles, crossing her arms as she looks to you, “we’re ignoring him. got it?” you nod, “got it.” the brunette turns her steely glare on paige, “got it bueckers?” paige holds her hands up in surrender, “got it, brooke.”  

everyone is on the ignoring lucas train, at least among the cheerleaders, but it’s hard to follow through when he offers to throw nathan and haley a wedding reception. despite being married to your girlfriend’s best friend, you and haley were never really friends. you’re acquaintances at best, but you can’t skip out on the reception since you do have a relationship with nathan. peyton and brooke, who are deep on the ‘we hate lucas train’ feel the same way, except they’re actually friends with haley. so, the three of you put your grievances aside for one day, for nathan and haley’s sake, and attend their wedding reception planned by lucas. 

what follows, however, is more and more time spent with lucas. nathan and haley are already married, reception and all, but tim, nathan’s third best friend (after paige and now lucas) is begging to throw him a bachelor party. brooke, who loves any excuse to party, takes it upon herself to throw a bachelorette party for haley. you get roped into the bachelorette party, while paige is dragged to the bachelor party. 

“tim got a stripper,” nathan confesses to haley, who looks appalled.  “what?” you ask, stepping into the couple’s argument.  nathan raises his hands up in surrender, “it’s more for tim than anyone else.” “yeah it better be. my girlfriend is gonna be there,” you point out, with crossed arms.  haley rests a hand on your arm, “paige would never cheat on you.” you sigh, nodding in agreement before adding, “and nathan would never cheat on you.” 

that’s the start of your budding friendship with haley, one that quickly escalates as brooke’s bachelorette party starts to take shape. it starts with a limo and some champagne, the acquisition of which still remains a mystery, but quickly turns into a classic brooke davis event. the limo arrives at a cute boutique, one you know from your time as brooke’s best friend a little too well. you groan at the sight, but try to keep your dismay on the downlow to not ruin haley’s night. 

“okay so you’re married, obviously, which means you need cute lingerie,” brooke announces, scanning the racks while the other cheerleaders present spread throughout the store.     haley’s cheeks are flaming as she stutters out an excuse, but brooke shuts it down immediately.  “just go sit,” brooke pushes, “and we’ll model,” she finishes grabbing your wrist to drag you into the chaos. 

somehow, you end up in a skimpy lilac matching set that you’re meant to model in front of the entire cheer squad and haley. you hesitate in the changing room, scrutinizing yourself in the mirror. you look great, you know you do because you feel confident in the piece, but you can’t bring yourself to go out there. 

“alright! let’s see it,” brooke calls, opening the curtain to your dressing room. you freeze, hands covering your chest as if that will help, but brooke just gives you a knowing smile.   “damn,” she starts, “my best friend is hot!” your cheeks burn, and you give her a look through the mirror. “what?” she shrugs, “it’s true!” you look at her over your shoulder, hesitating for just a second before asking, “should i get it?” brooke gives you a deadpan stare, “are you kidding? absolutely!” you open your mouth to reply, but peyton and haley take that moment to walk over.  “wow you look great!” peyton compliments, leaning against the wall.  haley, a little flustered, nods her head in agreement.  “and it’s lilac, paige’s favorite,” peyton teases, and your cheeks heat up even more.  haley’s eyes widen, and then a devious smile takes over her face, “oh you are so getting that!” “haley!” you seethe, while brooke and peyton laugh.  “what? if i’m walking out with a set for nathan, you’re leaving with a set for paige.” you groan, reaching for the curtain to take the item off.  “so you’re getting it?” brooke teases.  you throw your head back, hoping that your lack of verbal response is enough. 

later that night you and paige reconnect. she’s laying on her side in your bed, blue eyes watching you as she recounts her crazy night: tim’s failed stripper, the rivercourt boys and their keg, tim’s arrest, and the scott brothers' reconciliation. you laugh at some parts, and smack her shoulder when she jokes about the two attractive female cops. 

“so how was the bachelorette party?” she asks, when you’ve finally calmed down. you cover your face with your hands, mumbling about not wanting to talk about it.  she laughs, “okay but what’d you buy?”  your cheeks flame for what feels like the millionth time that night, and you shake your head: “nothing.” 

paige sits up on the bed, walking over to the bag sitting on your desk. you jump up, rushing to grab the item out of her hands before she can see it. the tissue paper crinkles as she holds the bag above your head, a cocky smile on her face as she throws a jab at your height. you keep trying, however, to steal the bag back, which only fuels her curiosity. finally, she pulls the tissue paper out, coming face to face with the lilac lingerie. your face is scalding hot, and you use her shock to your advantage, grabbing the bag from her hands. it’s quiet between the two of you, but paige breaks the silence:

“that’s my favorite color,” she whispers. you gulp before muttering, “i know.” the silence returns, but only for a moment.  “fuck,” she whispers quietly, “i bet you look so hot in that.”    “want me to show you?” you offer shyly. now it’s paige’s turn to gulp, and she nods eagerly. “fuck yeah. baby please.” 

you put the piece on, and despite the anxiety in your chest as you step out of your closet, paige’s reaction makes it all worth it. she lets out a low breath, her hands fisting her sweatpants to keep herself grounded. you step in between her open legs, and she easily takes a hold of your waist, pulling you close. 

“fuck babe, you look so hot,” she groans, eyes raking over your body. “do you like it?” you ask softly, trying to see if she’s being honest, or just saying what you want to hear.    paige throws her head back, “i fucking love it. you look so sexy in purple.” 

you smile softly, wrapping your arms around her shoulders as she pulls you down onto her lap. paige watches you for a moment, before her lips brush against yours. you reciprocate the kiss eagerly. her hands stay planted on your hips, holding you in place, while your fingers curl into her loose curls. the kiss quickly turns heated, and before you know it, paige has you laying on your back while she hovers above. 

“wanna fuck you so bad,” she whispers, lips trailing over your exposed skin.  you gasp at her words, arching into her as your fingers dig into her shoulders. “paige please,” you whine.   “yeah baby? you want it?” she asks, voice low and cocky as she sucks on your neck.  “please,” you breathe, finally meeting her blue eyes.  paige nods, her nose nudging yours softly, before getting to work. 

when you’re both spent, laying next to each other on the bed, paige turns to look at you. your chest is rising and falling rapidly as you try and catch your breath, but you meet her gaze with a soft smile. a cocky smirk takes over her face as she brushes her fingers across your collarbone. she thumbs at the marks left behind by her lips, and whispers:

“remind me to thank brooke the next time i see her.”  you shove her shoulder and scoff in return.  

the next time you and paige run into brooke, she is not in the mood for compliments. it’s right before first period on a monday, and the head cheerleader is going off about her new nextdoor neighbor, who manages to be both hot and annoying. 

“and he thinks he’s so charming, but he’s not. i know he’s not,” brooke complains.  you nod your head in support, while paige just stands there, her arm casually wrapped around your shoulders. “talking about me already brooke? we only slept together last night,” a guy says, with a cocky smirk on his face as he slides into the open space next to said girl. 

brooke’s face is so red, and her glare could basically put him in a grave, but the guy is more focused on you than anything else. he takes a moment to look you up and down, eyes focusing on your low-rise jeans and the small portion of your exposed midriff. your face scrunches up in disgust, and paige loudly clears her throat, getting the guy’s attention. he finally seems to notice the blonde, and looks eagerly between the two of you. 

“i’m felix,” he introduces, trying to be smooth.  you give him a fake smile, while paige snaps, “and we’re not interested,” before kissing your cheek.   “lesbians,” he says, “well, there’s a first time for everything.”  you open your mouth to respond, but paige beats you to it: “brooke, maybe next time you want to hook up, pick someone who isn’t interested in other people.”

despite felix leaving a bad taste in your mouth, brooke continues to associate with him. she pretends it’s because he’s her neighbor, but you and paige know the truth: she’s trying to fill a lucas-sized void. being associated with only brooke isn’t enough for felix, however, as he organizes a dare night, managing to rope the entire friend group into it. the premise is simple, the girls (plus felix), will compete against the boys in various dares. each completed dare is worth a point, and the team with the most points at the end of the night wins. 

while you and paige exchange nervous glances, tim readily agrees. normally, that wouldn’t push you to follow, but when peyton and haley also decide to join in on the fun, you feel obligated to say yes. somehow, you and paige manage to stay partners, which definitely eases your nerves about the whole thing. then, your dare doesn’t seem all that bad: take pictures with a stranger in a photobooth. 

“i can do it,” you suggest, looking between paige and the card.  paige shakes her head, “this is stupid. let’s just take the pictures together.”  “but then our team will lose, cause we’re not following the dare,” you say.  paige shrugs. “who cares about this stupid dare night anyway? besides, if we take the pictures, i’ll put them in my gym locker.” you smile softly at her words, tugging on her hand as a signal for her to lower down to your level. “you’re such a softie, paigey,” you tease, kissing her cheek, which burns bright red.  “shut up and get in the booth,” she grumbles, pushing you towards it.

the photobooth is tight as you and paige try to squeeze inside. the bench is small, and paige’s tall frame takes up most of the space, so you end up sitting halfway on her lap. paige throws an arm over your shoulder, holding you close as the timer starts to count down for the first photo, which features both of you smiling at the camera. you don’t notice that paige is holding up a peace sign, until the next countdown begins. you laugh a little which is captured in the next shot: you giggling while paige stares at you fondly. for the third and final photo, you cup her cheek, placing a quick kiss on her lips as the flash goes off. the two of you stay in that moment for longer than necessary. even when the automated voice informs you that the pictures are printed and your time is up. eventually, the robot gets annoying, and you pull away from the blonde. 

“i love you,” you whisper, resting your forehead against hers.  “i love you more,” she answers, squeezing your thigh as you slide out of the crammed space. 

since the two of you elected to not complete the dare, you feel like it’s best if you just head to karen’s cafe, where everyone will be meeting to tally up the points. when you get there, you show haley and peyton the photo strip, who gush over it, before you explain that neither of you actually followed the dare. felix, who can’t seem to let you or paige get away with anything, decides to give you a new dare right there in the cafe. 

“i dare you guys to make out,” he starts, “right now.” your face scrunches up in disgust, and paige scoffs at his words. “what are you, a voyeur?” she asks.  felix chuckles, throwing his hands up in fake surrender, “im just saying. you two didn’t exactly follow the rules.”  “and i’m just warning you to watch yourself,” paige snaps, jaw clenched tight as you intertwine your fingers to try and calm her down.  “what’s wrong bueckers, scared everyone will see you’re not a good kisser?” he taunts.  “that’s enough, felix,” you snap, eyebrows furrowed as you glare at him.  “just a thought. if you ever want a good time, you know where to find me,” felix says with a wink. 

nathan and lucas both scoff, looking like they want to intervene, but it proves unnecessary as paige kisses you. her lips press to yours with a fervor you've only experienced after a lost game, or when she’s angry. your mouth parts, and her tongue easily slides in as she takes control of the kiss, hands holding your waist to pull you closer. you melt into her hold, your free hand tangling in the base of her ponytail. when she breaks away, giving you a chance to catch your breath, paige fixes her gaze on felix.

“that’s the last time you’re gonna talk to my girlfriend,” paige warns, before leading you out of the cafe.

the days following dare night are tense. paige is angry with herself for falling for felix’s tricks and tactics. she stooped to his level, which is painfully hard for her to admit. at the same time, she’s also angry with brooke, who has been spending more and more time with felix, despite the proof that he’s obviously not a good guy. paige’s anger, however, becomes justified when she finds you staring at your locker in horror on monday morning. 

there are tears in your eyes as you look at the word spray painted across the metal. you’re clutching your backpack strap, and while you try to pretend it doesn’t bother you, your mind wanders to a time at a cheerleading competition when someone had something to say about your sexuality. you haven’t felt this small in years, and you can’t help the overwhelming hurt and embarrassment as everyone watches. 

paige, seeing your lip tremble, marches over. she shields your view of the locker, pulling you into her chest as she scans the hallways for the culprit. her jaw clenches, and her eyes narrow when she notices felix looking a little too smug. at this point, the whole friend group is there to assess the damage, so paige hands you off to brooke, who is already talking about washing it off and making the culprit’s life hell. 

before she can stop herself, paige walks over to felix, shoving him against his locker with her elbow at his throat. there are some gasps, and paige is pretty sure nathan is trying to pull her off the other boy, but she doesn’t let up. 

“you think this shit is funny?” she seethes, voice low.  felix doesn’t answer, and paige tightens her hold on him. “i asked you a question,” she continues. “no,” he chokes out.  “what is going on here?” principal turner asks, finally arriving on the scene.  “you’re lucky,” paige mutters, letting nathan pull her back. “you stay the fuck away from my girlfriend,” she adds, before going back to your side to comfort you. 

after school, you and paige are sitting in her car. she’s white knuckling the wheel, even though the car is still in park. her jaw, which you’re sure hasn’t unclenched since the whole incident, is tight as her blue eyes stare ahead. all day you’ve been dealing with it; the stares and the whispers. most people were sympathetic, or a little angry, but not everyone. really, all you want to do is curl up in a ball and cry, but you know that will destroy paige.  

“talk to me,” paige whispers, after taking a deep breath.  her right hand leaves the staring wheel, and settles on your thigh as you meet her gaze. your shoulders shrug, and paige clicks her tongue. “i’ll kill him,” she mutters.  “paige,” you start, taking her hand between both of yours.  “you know i will. nathan and lucas too,” she continues. “maybe we can finally use that scott name for good, huh?” she teases, eliciting a small giggle from you. “we don’t even know if felix did it,” you reply, meeting her gaze, which has finally softened.  paige scoffs now, “i know he did it. he’s a dick.”

your bottom lip wobbles as you’re overcome with emotion. paige, who’s so willing to fight for you and protect you, makes you feel safe. the tears are falling before you even realize what’s happening, but she’s right there, cupping your cheeks and brushing them away. you let out a strained laugh, sniffling as paige rests her forehead against yours. 

“i feel stupid for crying,” you confess.  “babe,” she starts, but you keep talking.  “i’m not ashamed of who i am. i don’t think i ever was, and especially now that i have you, how could i be? but seeing that spray painted on my locker…i hurt.” paige swallows, her own eyes welling up with tears as she looks at you, “i am so sorry.” “it’s not your fault,” you reply, and there’s sincerity in your words.  “i hate that i couldn’t protect you. i hate that you’re crying. i hate that you’re hurt,” she explains, placing gentle kisses along your face as she talks.  “and i hate that principal turner is a moron,” she finishes, and you laugh again. 

there’s a moment of silence in the car, where you and paige just look at each other. it doesn’t feel forced or heavy like you expect it too. instead, the quiet feel grounding. you have paige by your side, and that’s all you can really ask for at a time like this. she cares about you, so much, and despite everything with the vandalism, she’s not running away. she’s not worried about her image or what this could do for her basketball future; she’s worried about you. 

“i love you,” you whisper, breaking the silence.  paige leans in and kisses you, soft and slow. when she finally drags her lips away, she replies, “i love you too.”  

after all the felix drama, you decide that a day out with your friends is exactly what you need; something to remind you that people aside from paige love you too. so, when peyton mentions going to the tree hill cd store, you readily agree. peyton, a known music lover, is looking to add to her collection while also searching for a musical act for her all-ages night at a club. the act falls into her hands on the form of chris keller, the cocky and very annoying cashier at the cd store. turns out he’s also an indie artist, who is more than willing to offer his services to peyton. his cocky attitude, however, causes peyton to storm out of the store, leaving you behind holding onto a cd for paige. 

“what’s up with her?” he asks, disbelief in his voice.  you give him a deadpanned stare, but place the cd on the counter.  he looks it over, before a cocky smile takes shape on his face. “the killers. you listened to this album yet?” he asks, leaning over the counter to meet your gaze.  “no,” you mumble, fumbling around in your bag for some money, “only a couple songs on the radio.”  chris smiles, “it’s a good album.”  you smile back, holding out the cash for him to ring you out, “i’m sure. my girlfriend likes them.”  his smile drops for just a second, but then it comes right back as he gives you a once over, “she has good taste.” you laugh at his blatant flirting, shaking your head. “i know,” you respond.  now he laughs, before handing you the money back. “it’s on me. a little gift for your girlfriend,” he says, sliding the cd your way.  “what? i can pay,” you argue, but he refuses to take your money.  “just tell her chris keller sent it,” he says, throwing in a wink as you laugh one more time before exiting the store. 

during your conversation, paige finds herself outside the store. she was going on a run, when she spotted you inside. except, when she went to open the door, paige was met with the view of you laughing with the employee. he’s looking you up and down, blatantly flirting, but you don’t seem to care. paige, who knows you’re loyal to her, finds herself filled with jealousy. while it’s irrational, the anger at this man for flirting with you refuses to simmer down. it carries over into the immediate run in with you, when you step outside. her blue eyes are fixed on chris keller, contrasting you’re excited smile.

“what’s wrong?” you ask, taking her hand in yours. “who was that?” she asks, finally meeting your eyes. “chris keller? i don’t know, he works at the music store,” you explain, shouldering your purse. “chris keller? since when do employees give out their names to customers?” she responds. “i don’t know paige, but he gave me the killers cd for free, which i got for you by the way,” you explain, holding up the cd with a small smile like it will fix all your problems.  she scoffs, “unbelievable.”  your smile drops, “what’s your problem?” you snap. “he was flirting with you!” she shouts.  “so what? i told him i have a girlfriend, and i’m not interested anyways,” you answer. “you always do that,” she seethes.  “do what?” you ask, genuinely confused.  “let people flirt with you like we’re not together,” she shouts, face reddening as she gets angrier. you cross your arms, an annoyed and slightly hurt look taking over your face. “paige, people can flirt all they want, but it doesn’t matter because i only want you,” you explain.  “it should matter to you. just like this relationship should matter to you!” paige shouts. 

you know she’s angry, but those words hit harder than you expected. you blink, furiously trying to will the tears away. you know she doesn’t mean it -- she knows you care about this relationship -- but that doesn’t make the accusation hurt any less. you shove the cd her way, and she takes it, before you step away from her. 

“this relationship does matter to me, a lot,” you say, voice wavering.  hearing your voice crack seems to bring her out of this angry trance. paige reaches for you, but you put a hand up, stopping her.  “i’ll see you when you can realize that too,” you say, before walking away. 

a couple nights later, haley is hosting a sleepover at her apartment. she invited both you and paige, but neither of you show. while paige is friendly with the girls, she was only going for your sake. now that the two of you are fighting, however, she doesn’t even bother; they’re your friends, not hers. plus, paige knows she screwed up. it’s obvious that you care about the relationship -- you’ve never given her a reason to doubt you -- but she let her jealousy get the best of her that day with chris keller. she’s never even spoken to the guy, and he already pushes all of her buttons. it’s annoying. she knows she needs to make it right, so she goes to your house (because paige knows you, and if she’s overthinking, then you definitely are too). 

“hey,” she greets, standing in your bedroom doorway. 

you’re lying on your bed, in nothing but an oversized shirt and sleep shorts. it’s obvious that you weren’t expecting to see her tonight. paige understands. she waits patiently, hands in her pockets, for you to acknowledge her. 

“you didn’t go to the sleepover?” you ask, climbing off your bed to stand up.  she snorts, shaking her head before answering, “i should be asking you that. they’re your friends, not mine.” you roll your eyes, claiming, “brooke likes you. and haley.” “yeah but they like you more,” she responds before clearing her throat and adding, “plus i don’t really like myself right now.”  you sigh, crossing your arms, but you don’t say anything in return. “i’m sorry for what i said the other day, outside the cd store. i shouldn’t have said any of that. i know this doesn’t make up for what i said, but i needed you to know,” she explains.  you sigh again, taking a tentative step closer to her, “i’m sorry too. i knew he was flirting with me, but i just didn’t care because i am so hopelessly in love with you paige, why would it matter if some loser from the cd store thinks i’m attractive?” “it doesn’t,” paige replies, “because you’re mine and i’m yours. i just got so wrapped up in my jealousy that i forgot that for a second.” 

now you’re standing right in front of her, a small smile on your face as you poke her abdomen. paige looks at you shyly. her hands are still in her pockets, and you can tell she doesn’t know what to say or do after being so vulnerable with you. so, you take the lead. 

“i forgive you, by the way,” you whisper.  she smiles, looking around your room to avoid eye contact, “me too.” then she confesses, “i hate when we fight.”  you let out a small laugh, nodding your head in agreement. “want to stay?” you ask, pointing towards your unmade bed.  “i thought you’d never ask,” she answers, taking your hand as you lead her towards the furniture. 

the next few weeks go smoothly for you and paige, despite the tension within your friend group. you and paige attend formal as a couple, which doesn’t surprise anyone, even when you show up in matching black dresses. what most people do find surprising, is that haley arrives late, leaving nathan alone for most of the night. the tension in their relationship only worsens as haley prioritizes her passion for music over nathan, all while keeping her emails with chris keller a secret. nathan truly begins to spiral, however, when haley decides to leave tree hill to go on tour with chris keller. 

“if i ever see keller, he’s dead,” nathan says, storming into paige’s room unannounced. paige’s eyebrows furrow as she looks at you for an explanation, but you just shrug. “why?” she asks. “he’s flirting with haley!” nathan shouts, throwing his hands up as he starts to pace the length of the room. “through email! and now they’re going on tour together! can you believe this shit?” he continues ranting.  “i mean yes,” paige mumbles, and you hit her shoulder. “what? he tried to flirt with you at the cd store!” she argues.  “i hate this guy!” nathan finishes, sitting on paige’s bed.  “yeah us too,” you agree. 

there is some good news though, brooke ends up winning student council president. you’re excited for her because she’s a great leader, and you know she’ll do well in the role. at the same time, peyton and jake jagelski, who left tree hill after his crazy ex was going after his daughter, are getting into a relationship too. 

“he’s cute,” you whisper to peyton one afternoon in class. her eyebrows furrow, “aren’t you gay?” “yes,” you reply, “but game recognizes game.”  that gets her to laugh. 

while all this is happening, the school decides to make a time capsule, which won’t be opened until fifty years from now. the idea is that the students at tree hill high will all confess something, good or bad, for the future generations to see. it’s nerve-wracking, and you’re not really sure what you’re going to talk about, but when you sit in front of the camera, you easily pour your heart out.

“my biggest fear is that everyone will leave me behind,” you confess.  “everyone has something their good at. paige, nathan, and lucas all have basketball, and i know they’ll go pro one day. haley has her music, so she’ll probably be a famous popstar. i mean she basically already is one. peyton…i could see her running a record label or a chain of clubs across the us. brooke will be a fashion designer, and mouth will probably be running espn before we’re out of college,” you confess, in a happy but also sad tone.  “then there’s me,” you whisper, “and i’m not good at anything but being paige’s girlfriend.”

when you step out of the dark room, with a smile plastered on your face, nobody suspects a thing. paige pulls you under her arm, kissing your cheek before entering. she takes a seat on the wooden stool, her shoulders falling as she takes a deep breath and makes eye contact with the camera. 

“in fifty years,” paige starts, “i’ll be married to (y/n). honestly, i’d probably marry her now, but i know that’s not what we need. i’m sure i’ll have a good college career, maybe even a better pro one, but none of it will matter if she’s not by my side. i love her so much, and she’s so brilliant that i want her to shine too. i can’t predict the future, everytime i imagine it she’s there with me, with all my championship trophies too.” 

after the time capsule, things become semi-normal again. haley is still on tour, but everyone is adjusting to her absence. well, everyone except nathan. he starts acting out, in ways that nobody expects. when his uncle cooper, a race car driver, allows him to drive on the track, nathan gets into a huge accident. it leaves everybody reeling, especially paige and lucas, but the most surprising part is that haley doesn’t even reach out. 

“she didn’t even text him,” you whisper, sitting in the waiting room chairs. paige’s jaw clenches, and she stares at the white wall ahead of her.  “i don’t know what’s going on with her. this isn’t like haley,” you finish as the nurse calls you two in.  “what’s going on is haley james got a taste of fame,” paige grumbles.  she immediately drops the attitude, however, to talk to nathan, or rather yell at him.  “the fuck were you thinking? crashing into the wall!”  “it was an accident, paige,” nathan replies, and he seems genuine.  “don’t give me that! it’s because of her, isn’t it?” paige continues, and you rest a hand on her forearm to calm her down.  “look paige, i don’t expect you to understand, cause your relationship is perfect,” nathan snaps.  “you could have died nathan!” she cries with clenched fists and tears in her eyes. “you could have died in that car,” she whispers, voice shaky.  you step back to leave, but paige clutches your hand in hers, forcing you to stay.  nathan swallows, “i’m sorry.”  “you’re my best friend, and i didn’t even know you were hurting until the accident,” she cries. nathan is quiet, but he reaches for paige’s other hand, giving it a squeeze.  “i’m sorry,” he repeats.  paige nods, “get some rest. we’ll talk when you’re out. for now, i’m glad you’re okay.”

the one thing you’re taking from junior year: things in tree hill are changing fast, even within your friend group. this feeling is only amplified when brooke explains her summer plans to you. 

paige bueckers is as well known as nathan scott in the basketball community. she plays on the men’s team (since tree hill high doesn’t have the funding, or fanbase for a women’s one) and continues to put up crazy stat lines: 21 points, 11 assists, 5 steals. she’s also your girlfriend, and extremely down bad for you.

you’re the sweet and popular cheerleader of tree hill high; best friends with brooke davis and secretly dating paige bueckers.

the two of you are friends first, you always have been. growing up in a small town means everybody knows everybody, so it didn’t take long for your friend groups to intersect. brooke is friendly with peyton, who’s dating nathan, who is best friends with paige. that meant your paths were bound to cross at some point, and everyday you’re thankful that they did. paige is kind, loyal, and funny. she smiles in a way that makes your stomach flutter and your heart do jumping jacks. the more your groups intersect, the more you fall for each other. 

paige tells a joke, and she looks to see if you’re laughing at it. you search for an empty seat, and conveniently take the one next to her instead of brooke. you say hi to paige in the hallways, and she searches for you on the sidelines of her games in your cheer uniform.

you confess your feelings in the worst, yet most you way possible. you’re both a few drinks in at some party, and the words just tumble out.

“i like girls, and i’ve never told anybody that but i’m pretty sure it started when i was team bella in twilight. but now? now it’s definitely you.” “i think for me it was when i first saw you. in like middle school, with some justice outfit. i don’t remember, but i remember thinking that i wanted you.” “what if we just like kissed? then we’d have each other?”

then paige kisses you. it starts soft and slow, with a tiny bit of uncertainty. there’s no tongue, no teeth, just your lips pressed to hers while you both stay planted on the curb outside nathan’s house. then, it shifts. you turn to face her, she pulls your body closer. you hands grip her shoulders, fisting her tree hill warm up jacket, and hers hold the back of your neck. then the kiss becomes more intense. you want her, and she wants you. when you split apart, eyes dazed, she pulls her keys from her pocket, and holds them up like a trophy.

“want to go to my car?” you agree, easily. and while you would never believe it, this is the easiest it gets. 

the basketball season is in full swing, but of course, whitey always has something up his sleeve. so, when lucas scott, nathan’s half brother, is offered a spot on the team, nathan is ballistic. paige, ever the loyal one, feels the need to stand by her best friend’s side, no matter what. at least that’s what she tells you in the front seat of her car.

“i mean we don’t even know if he’s good, babe. and they have this whole rift going, which will definitely screw up the team’s mojo.” “maybe he’s good. i mean, he must play some type of ball if whitey even offered him a spot.” paige looks at you with raised eyebrows and an expression that can only be described as ‘are you serious’.  “c’mon. maybe he’s nice,” you try again. “it doesn’t matter if he’s nice, nathan is my best friend.”

somehow, you all end up at the rivercourt, watching lucas and nathan play for their spot on the team. you arrive with paige, nathan, and peyton. everybody is dressed casually; paige in gray sweats and a tee shirt, while you’re wearing jeans and a baby tee. you stand shoulder to shoulder with her, watching as lucas sinks basket after basket. lucas pulls up for the final jumper, the one he needs to take the lead and the win. everyone watches with baited breath; your arms crossed and paige’s jaw clenched. swish. nothing but net. 

“he’s good,” you observe. paige’s jaw remains clenched, “too good.” 

despite putting on a great show at the rivercourt, lucas doesn’t follow through in his debut game. he misses too many shots, causes too many turnovers, and does not live up to the hype that paige and nathan have set for the team. you almost feel bad for the guy, who is clearly trying his best, but now has to live up to the hype of his half-brother, and scrutiny of brooke davis.

“i’m sleeping with him. no questions asked.” “brooke,” you laugh, rolling your eyes.  “he’s handsome. c’mon you have to agree?” she says, nudging your shoulder.  you shake your head, a small smile on your face as you watch paige make a three point shot, despite being completely contested. “whatever you say, brooke.”

paige is always your ride home from practice. since the basketball team plays on one side of the gym while the cheer squad perfects their routines on the other. between drills, paige catches herself watching you doing back handsprings and cartwheels. she has to bite her lip to stop herself from smiling. sometimes, you watch her, focused on her toned arms and the authority in her voice as she calls out plays. miraculously, no one ever catches you making eyes across the gym. nobody except lucas scott, who is way too observant.

one day, while leaving practice, he catches paige waiting by the locker room doors for you. he watches as she grabs your cheer bag in one hand, and holds your left hand. he sees how you smile at her, whispering about the shots she made at practice, and how she smiles wider when you lean into her side. then, paige opens the passenger door to her car, and you climb in. instead of closing the door right away, she leans down, and presses her lips to yours. you giggle, say something about how you’re sweaty from practice, and she responds with a quip about how she likes you that way. finally, she shuts the door, looks over her shoulder, and makes eye contact with lucas. paige’s eyebrows furrow, like she’s testing him, but he just holds his hands up in surrender. he brings it up at practice the next day:

“she’s your girlfriend,” he says in line for a drill. “i don’t know what you think you saw, scott, but it’s none of your business,” paige grumbles, catching the ball before taking her shot. she gets back in line, and lucas follows her after his turn. “i’m not gonna tell anyone if that’s what you’re worried about. it’s not my place.”  “yeah, it’s not,” she snaps.

when nathan wants to haze lucas, paige almost feels bad. almost. yes, he hasn’t told anyone about her relationship with you, but that doesn’t mean she trusts him. and when everyone turns around to leave him behind, soaked in mud, she hesitates for just a split second.

“let’s go!” nathan calls. she hesitates, watching the blonde boy standing in front of her.  “paige!” he calls again, and she finally turns around. 

a couple weeks later, nathan is hosting a party after one of their games. somehow, paige convinces him to invite lucas, claiming that it’s the right thing to do since he’s part of the team. at the same time, you’re stuck convincing paige to go, even though she would probably be in attendance anyways. 

“so…nathan is having a party tonight,” you say, walking up to paige’s locker in the middle of the school day. “yes he is,” she mumbles, closing her locker as you lean against the one next to hers.  “well, are you going? brooke and i are catching a ride with peyton,” you ask, an excited gleam in your eyes.  “babe, i’m on the team,” she starts, before leaning in to whisper in your ear, “besides, everyone will be so drunk, i’ll have you all to myself.” 

that night, you find paige in the kitchen. she’s filling up a drink, and when she spots you, she extends the solo cup in your direction. you smile, taking the drink from her outstretched hand, fingers grazing hers as you shoot her a coy smile. she rolls her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips as she fills up her drink with the keg. the two of you keep sneaking glances across the room all night, until brooke drags you into a game of ‘i never’. it’s stupid, and you know it’s just an excuse for everyone to poke fun at each other, but you still find yourself standing in a circle with paige, nathan, peyton, lucas, and tim. brooke starts, but then nathan makes a dig towards lucas, and his relationship, or lack there of, with their dad. lucas clenches his jaw, and your mouth drops open at the cruelty behind nathan’s words. you look at paige, begging her to say something. 

“that’s enough nathan,” she grumbles. nathan’s eyes widen, and he looks just the slightest bit betrayed.  “that was mean,” you whisper before walking away, paige following you to the back deck.  “you didn’t have to follow me,” you whisper, finishing the rest of your drink. “nah, nathan was pissing me off,” she says, taking a spot next to you.  you turn to face her, “you stood up for lucas. why?” she hesitates, her tongue poking the inside of her cheek, “he saw us, in the parking lot, but hasn’t said anything. he could’ve, but he didn’t, so i owe him one.”  you open your mouth to say something; defend the fact that keeping your relationship a secret is the right choice, but she stops you.  “besides, he’s actually a good player.” “i just need more time,” you say softly.  “i know,” she answers, “but that doesn’t mean i like hiding you.”

a couple weeks later, you are sitting with peyton and brooke at another party. the three of you are drinking, while peyton and brooke share stories about whatever guy they’re into. brooke, who’s hell bent on getting lucas to fall for her, is talking about another attempt to get him into her bedroom. you nod, trying to follow along, but you’re focused on paige, who’s standing with nathan at the bonfire. she’s wearing cargoes, and a hoodie with the sleeves pushed up. you watch as she laughs at something he says, shoving his shoulder while some of their teammates laugh. 

“you have something to share with the class?” brooke teases, nudging you. you clear your throat, looking away from your girlfriend, before shaking your head. “oh come on! you’ve totally been making eyes at bueckers all night. you dating her or something?” peyton jokes.  you realize that this is your chance, and you take it: “yes, we are,” you whisper.  “wait…” brooke says, her drink hanging limply in her hand, “like actually?” you nod, finishing off your drink, “like actually.”  they’re silent for a minute, but eventually brooke wraps you in a hug. you blink back the tears you didn’t even realize you were holding in, and then peyton joins in too.  “i mean she’s hot, so i get it,” brooke whispers, and you giggle.  “obviously not as hot as me, but hot nonetheless,” she finishes.  “brooke,” you whine, shoving her away in a playful manner.  “oh she’s looking over her. i think you’re being summoned,” peyton teases, pointing over at paige, who is now looking at you. 

you meet her gaze, a soft smile on your face, before excusing yourself from the group. when you walk over there, paige has a soft expression on her face, but she’s masking it by raising her eyebrows. you step into her space, and paige casually wraps her arm around your waist. 

“that’s my cue to leave,” nathan mumbles, leaving the two of you alone by the fire. “you okay?” she asks softly, her fingers running up and down your side.  “i told them. brooke and peyton,” you confess, a small smile overtaking your face.  her eyes widen, “you did?” “i did,” you confirm.  paige stares at you for a minute, disbelief but also awe on her face.  “can i kiss you?” she asks, cupping your face as her drink drops onto the sand.  “if you didn’t, i was going too,” you mumble, pulling her face to yours as your lips meet. 

despite coming out to brooke and peyton, the two of you decide that it’s best to hold off on revealing your relationship to the whole school. the people closest to you know: brooke, peyton, nathan, and your families. plus lucas, who accidentally caught you and paige flirting in the school parking lot weeks ago. surprisingly, things outside of your relationship are going well. paige, nathan, and lucas are starting to gel on the court, creating a scoring powerhouse for the ravens. you’re thriving on the cheer team, finding a new love and passion for the sport, but maybe that has to do with who you’re cheering for. then, tragedy strikes. 

“lucas got into a car accident!” paige shouts, and you can hear the sound of her car door slamming in the background of the call.  “what?” you screech, putting your book down as you scramble off the bed.  “he got into an accident while driving to pick up his mom. nathan just called to tell me. we’re going to the hospital now,” she explains, you can hear the rattling of her truck down the street. “come get me,” you say, wedging your phone between your shoulder and ear as you slip into your shoes.  “babe i don’t know…” she trails off. “paige,” you start, “he’s your friend. i know you’re upset. let me be there for you,” you finish.  paige takes a deep breath, “okay.”  

you and paige end up in lucas’s hospital room, surrounded by his mother and brooke davis. you share a glance with paige at the sight of brooke, who looks extremely disheveled while holding back tears. both of you ignore it for now, instead focusing on your friend, who is laying in a coma. paige holds you close, burying her face in your shoulder as she struggles to keep her own tears at bay. you squeeze her tightly, whispering consoling words.

a few days later, lucas is released from the hospital. paige is dragging her feet about visiting him.

“i just feel like we aren’t close,” she explains, throwing a small basketball in the air as she lays on your bed.  “paige,” you say, putting your pencil down, “he’s your teammate, and friend. it’s not weird.”  “i wouldn’t say we’re friends,” she grumbles, which she only does when she knows you’re right.

neither of you end up at lucas’s, however, as brooke appears in your doorway. her cheeks are tearstreaked with mascara. you jump up from your desk, pulling brooke into your arms. she starts crying even harder, and you rub her back in an attempt to console her. paige is sitting up on your bed now, looking like she wants to leave. just as she gets up, brooke confesses everything: how lucas broke up with her for peyton, your other best friend. your mouth drops open, and paige’s jaw clenches as she listens to brooke sob over this boy, who really doesn’t deserve an ounce of her attention. when brooke finally calms down, falling asleep on your bed, paige turns to you and whispers:

“this is why i won’t call lucas my friend.” 

paige keeps that mentality for a surprisingly long time. all the way until the away game in charlotte, which also coincides with the major cheer competition. you’re already jittery with nerves, rambling about back handsprings and perfecting your routine constantly. the entire time paige nods her head, pretending like she understands exactly what you’re saying. (spoiler alert: she doesn’t) meanwhile, the tension between nathan and lucas, boils over, especially since the former is officially dating haley. 

“paige, you know i’m right,” nathan says, dragging her into the brothers' argument.  “no. she knows you’re wrong,” lucas chimes in.  the two start to bicker again, but paige stops them: “enough! i’m sick of being in the middle. i’m friends with two idiots, and i’m not taking any sides!” paige looks like she wants to say more, but you walk into the room looking rattled.  “what happened?” paige asks, leaving the brothers behind as she walks up to you.  “theresa has the chicken pox! and now we’re totally gonna lose,” you rant. paige can see the anxiety on your face, so she pulls you into her arms. “that’s not true babe, you’ve been practicing your back tuck," she whispers.  “back handspring,” you correct absentmindedly.  “what?” she says with a small laugh.  “i’ve been practicing my back handspring, not my back tuck. those are easy,” you mumble, a shy smile on your face as paige throws you a knowing look.  “i think you’re gonna be fine,” she teases. 

while keeping your relationship on the downlow is working, everything comes out at the annual ‘boy toy’ auction. the entire basketball team, paige included, participates in an auction where the entire town has the opportunity to win a night with one of the boys. of course lucas, nathan, and jake are the most sought after, but you don’t expect people to be going after paige. until some girl raises her hand when whitey calls out paige’s name. 

“one hundred!” she shouts, holding the cash up in the air.  your jaw clenches, and you immediately out bid her: “one-twenty!” she gives you the side eye, but continues to up the price.  “brooke, give me your money,” you say between clenched teeth.  “but lucas,” she tries, but you cut her off with a stern look.  brooke hands you the cash, and you call out, “one-fifty.” the girl keeps upping the price, and paige keeps looking between the two of you like this is reality tv.  “two hundred!” you call, and everyone’s eyes widen.

whitey bangs the gavel, and it’s a done deal. you hand him the money, and then walk up to paige. she opens her mouth, like she wants to tease you, but you don’t let her get the words out. instead, you wrap your hands around her neck, and pull her into a heated kiss, right in front of the entire crowd. there’s a handful of gasps, and someone even wolf whistles. when you pull away, paige has a dazed look in her eyes, but you’re focused on the now embarrassed girl who thought it was a good idea to try and outbid you. 

after the auction, paige meets you in the gym. she gives you a shy smile, with a knowing look in her eyes. her cheeks are a little red as she notices all the eyes and whispers directed towards you. 

“are you mad?” you ask softly, biting your bottom lip.  paige shakes her head, “it was kind of hot,” she confesses. now it’s your turn for your cheeks to heat up, and you look down in embarrassment. “too much?” you whisper.  paige cups your cheeks, pulling you into a kiss in front of everyone again, “not enough,” she mumbles, as her lips brush yours.

the rest of the basketball season goes by in a blur. paige is a beast on the court, helping to lead her team to the playoffs alongside the scott brothers, who are finally on good terms. at the same time, she has you cheering for her on the sidelines. now that the cat’s out of the bag, you always wear her number, 5, on your right cheek, in the exact spot where paige kisses you right before taking the court. while paige pretends like it doesn’t affect her, hearing you cheer extra loudly when she scores a basket boosts her confidence. suddenly, it doesn’t matter that she’s the only girl playing in an all boys league, all that matters is you, standing by her side. especially when things get tough; especially when they lose the game. you hug her right after, pulling her close as her lanky arms wrap around your waist. 

“i’m sorry baby,” you whisper.  paige just nods, struggling to hold back her frustration at the night.  “at least dan doesn’t get the win,” you joke, which draws a chuckle from her.  “i just wanted to win for you,” she confesses later that night, when you’re both laying in her bed.   you turn on your side to face her, “you always make me proud, paige.” she smiles, turning to face you now. “everyone expects me to be great, but you don’t. you accept me for me, and it means the world to me,” she confesses. “paige,” you start, but she cuts you off.  “i know it’s stupid, but i wanted to win tonight for you, to say thank you, for always supporting me,” she finishes, a small blush on her freckled cheeks.  “i love you,” you whisper, kissing the tip of her nose. “but you never have to win to earn my love of validation. you already have all of it,” you explain.  

she’s dying to see you again. while she hopes she’s being subtle about it, the way she searches for you in the great hall or in charms class gives her away. at least based on the looks from her housemates. azzi, her roommate, best friend and teammate, keeps exchanging glances with hermione, their much more inquisitive roommate. paige knows they’re on to her, which isn’t the end of the world considering they all know little secrets about one another anyways. like how hermione sleeps with a retainer or how azzi uses muggle curl products in her hair. so paige convinces herself that it’s fine if they know she sneaks glances your way at least twice a day.

what’s not fine is that dean thomas and seamus finnigan are also starting to put the pieces together. unlike azzi and hermione, who are all quiet looks and silent judgement, dean and seamus are obnoxious gestures and boisterous voices. despite being friends with them for years, paige resents their observant nature and blatant disregard for discretion. especially right now, when she actually sees you for the first time since the accident. 

she’s laughing with azzi about something, probably a subtle dig at ron who made a fool of himself in potions earlier this morning. it’s lighthearted and relaxed as the gryffindors walk across the courtyard, towards the benches they’ve deemed their own. until seamus lets out a low whistle: “think fast bueckers, your girlfriend’s walking by.” 

paige’s head snaps, and her blue eyes squint as she tries to find you. “ten o’clock,” seamus calls out, looking a little too smug as he points in your direction. paige follows his finger, watching as you walk past the courtyard with a group of friends. she quickly pushes his hand down, but doesn’t divert her gaze from you, laughing with your friends. her eyebrows furrow as she scrutinizes your face, looking for any remaining signs of damage, however, you’re too far away for her to truly tell. 

seamus smirks, looking eagerly between you and paige, as if he’s watching a soap opera. his shoulders slump and the excitement fades, however, when he realizes paige is not going to say anything as you round the corner and disappear from sight. 

“thought you had her in the palm of your hand, bueckers, what happened?” seamus teases and paige’s cheeks flush a light pink. 

her tongue pokes the inside of her cheek as her jaw clenches. “shut up finnigan,” she says, nostrils flared.

the teasing continues, but his words go in one ear and out the other as paige focuses on keeping her composure. she has a crush on you, it’s now blatantly obvious to anyone who looks her way, but she wants to at least give off the illusion of nonchalance. she’s the best quidditch player on her team, and yet all she can think about is how your eyes crinkle when you smile. she would probably trip over her robes if you smiled at her, or waved shyly in her direction, but she is trying to at least pretend she’s still a cool gryffindor. especially around seamus finnigan, who talks so much it qualifies as a sport. 

she’s so caught up in her head, that she almost misses you approaching. thankfully (unfortunately) seamus has her back, as he elbows her in the ribs. “the fuck…” she starts, but her voice trails off as she catches sight of you, clutching a book to your chest as you smile in her direction. paige’s lips part, and she swears you’re glowing when you stop a couple feet in front of her. there’s not a single bruise or flaw on your skin. in fact, the only reason she knows you were injured is because she watched the bludger make contact with your nose.  

“hi paige,” you greet, nervously glancing around at her friends, who all decide now is the perfect time to halt all conversation. 

“hi,” she whispers, voice breathless. she catches herself, cheeks heating up once again, as she fake clears her throat. “i mean…hi,” and she says your name in what she hopes is a confident manner. you giggle softly at her, and paige finds herself looking down at her sneakers.

“i just wanted to thank you again for bringing me to the hospital wing. i’m all better now, but who knows where i’d be if you weren’t there,” you say, throwing her a small smile that’s both hesitant and grateful. 

“probably bleeding out in the quidditch stands,” paige jokes easily, except her ears turn pink as she realizes how that might have come out wrong. “i mean…” she starts, but your laughter cuts her off again. paige relaxes at the sound, and shoves her hands into the pockets of her trousers.  

“you’re funny,” you compliment, giving her a quick once over with your eyes. 

her ears burn again. “thanks,” she says, meeting your gaze in a quick yet fleeting stare. 

“well i have to go, but i’ll see you around, paige,” you call, turning on your heel and walking back towards your friends, who are waiting under one of the marble arches leading back into the castle. they’re all smiling as you walk over, and when you throw one more quick gaze her way, one of them shoves your shoulder in a playful manner. paige watches as you become bashful, and her heart does a flip in her chest.  

“real smooth bueckers,” seamus teases, clasping her on the shoulder, “she definitely wants you now,” he continues. 

“i mean obviously, look at how her friends reacted,” azzi points out, and dean hums in agreement. 

“maybe she likes the whole desperate athlete look,” harry teases, and the boys all break out into a chuckle. 

“or maybe she just likes paige for paige,” hermione says, coming to the blonde’s defense. 

“or your muscles. but does it really matter?” azzi teases, and paige’s lips curl into a small smile at her friend’s words. 

instead of listening to oliver wood, her quidditch captain, who was explaining whatever new drill he conjured up, paige watched you. that was definitely her first mistake—watching you instead of listening to wood’s yapping. you were reading a book, completely unbothered by the noise of the pitch. she tried to make out the title, but the distance prevented her from seeing it clearly. so, she guessed that you were using the quidditch practice as an excuse to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather, rather than support a friend. 

“you got that, bueckers?” wood asked, drawing her eyes away from you. 

“yep. all set,” she replied, an easy smile on her face. 

the captain nodded as the team split up. paige hovered on the sidelines, in a spot where she could both keep an eye on you and hustle through drills. she watched her team for a second, learning wood’s play, before her thoughts wander back to you. you’re in her year (because she remembers seeing you in charms class) but she can’t remember what house you’re in. ravenclaw maybe? since you’re reading for fun and the only other person who does that is hermione granger. yet, you also have that hufflepuff softness. so maybe you’re a hufflepuff? then again, she could be totally off, and you could be in slytherin. regardless, she’s sure it doesn’t matter. 

“bueckers!” wood calls, drawing her attention back to the team, “you’re up!” 

she nods, flying into position to run the play. she’s focused, following the movement of the quaffle as dean and azzi toss it between the two of them. from the corner of her eye, she sees one of the weasley twins direct a bludger her way, without thinking she moves to the side. the bludger doesn’t change course, however, as it’s heading straight for the stands; straight towards you. 

“look out!” she calls, and your eyes meet hers, just in time for your nose to make contact with the bludger. 

there’s a loud, resounding crack, and then you slump down in the stands. paige immediately moves towards you, easily sliding off her broom and climbing the wooden bleachers. “are you okay? i’m so sorry!” she’s shouting, voice panicked. 

you blink, slow and lethargic. “i think my nose is broken,” you mumble, and that’s when paige notices the blood gushing down your face. 

“shit,” she seethes, already taking off her quidditch jersey to press to your nose. her movements are frantic and rough, but once she places the fabric against your skin, a soft gentleness takes over. “i’m gonna take you to the infirmary. pomfrey will fix you right up,” she says, hauling your arm over her shoulders. 

“but your practice,” you try to argue, and she clicks her tongue. “i’ll be fine. i don’t need practice anyway,” she responds, waiting until you take hold of the jersey to grab her broom. 

“that sounds offly cocky,” you mumble, voice warbled between the cloth, blood, and pain. she gives a small smirk, blue eyes shining as she replies, “it is.” 

miraculously, the two of you make it to the infirmary without any further mishaps. paige bursts through the door, her arm still wrapped around your waist while yours is draped across her shoulder.

“oh heavens!” madam pomfrey exclaims upon seeing you, gesturing for paige to guide you to one of the empty beds. 

“she got hit with a stray bludger at quidditch practice. took it right to the nose,” paige explains, setting you down on the cot. 

“well that’s probably broken. any other symptoms?” pomfrey asks, removing the jersey from your face. 

“i’m fine, really,” you insist, and paige clicks her tongue again.

she’s standing with crossed arms and furrowed eyebrows as she looks at you. she gives a gentle shake of her head, causing her ponytail to brush along her shoulders. “she’s delirious,” paige explains, gesturing to you as proof. 

pomfrey nods her head, mumbling about a possible concussion. “i’m going to give you something for the pain, while miss bueckers puts on a shirt,” she announces before walking away. 

paige flushes at pomfrey’s words, pulling her quidditch robe tighter against her chest. she meets your gaze, and her cheeks turn an even darker red when she sees that you’re already watching her. “you were bleeding,” is all she can manage. somehow you muster up a smile. even with your face caked in dried blood she finds it contagious. 

“okay,” madam pomfrey says, placing some vials along your nightstand. “i’m going to fix your nose, and then you’re going to drink these, they’ll help with the pain. we’ll keep you here for a bit, just to monitor everything, and make sure you’re not concussed,” she explains, and paige watches intently as madam pomfrey fixes your nose with a soft spell. you make a pained sound, but the bleeding stops instantly. 

paige shifts on her feet as you down all the potions pomfrey hands you. after the third one, your eyes are dropping, and madam pomfrey helps you lean back onto the pillow. finally, the mediwitch steps aside and turns to paige, whispering, “she’ll be fine. just going to sleep the pain away.” 

paige nods, taking a glance at you. it already looks like you’re asleep. “i should get going then,” she whispers, taking the bloodied jersey off your bed. as she leans down to grab it, your hand wraps around her wrist. her head snaps to you, as you give a gentle tug. her blue eyes meet yours, wide and awestruck, as she becomes acutely aware of her heartbeat speeding up and your fingers pressed to her pulse point. 

“thanks for saving me,” you mumble, eyes flicking over her freckled face. you take one look at her red cheeks, a soft smile taking over your face. “and you’re really pretty,” you add, eyes half-lidded as your grip on her wrist relaxes and you finally drift to sleep.