Wednesday

Over the last few weeks, it appeared that Azzi Fudd came to the conclusion that the world's best pillow was a 6 ft blonde girl from Minnesota. Paige didn't mind, of course, but it was awfully hard not to disturb Azzi getting her beauty sleep when Paige's phone was buzzing incessantly on the nightstand.

Arike: how's your girlfriend

Paige: she's not my girlfriend

Arike: she's slept over like all week bro. just admit ur u-hauling

Arike: anyway. we got practice at 10. don't be late

Paige: it's azzi's day off

Arike: ik. that's why i'm telling YOU not to be late

Arike: cause ur ass is gonna want to spend every second with her

Arike: simp

Paige: shut the hell up bruh

Arike: i just call it how i see it

Paige set her phone down and looked at Azzi again. She really didn't want to wake her up, but she also really didn't want to leave without saying goodbye. That felt wrong somehow, like she'd be sneaking out, even though this was her own apartment.

"Az," she whispered, gently running her fingers through Azzi's curls. "Baby, wake up."

Azzi made a small grumble of protest and burrowed deeper into Paige's side.

"Come on," Paige said, smiling. "I gotta get to practice."

"No," Azzi mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. "Stay."

"I wish I could." Paige pressed a kiss to her forehead. "But Coach will kill me if I'm late."

Azzi finally opened her eyes, blinking up at Paige with a sleepy, confused expression that was so cute that Paige wanted to take a picture and frame it. "What time is it?"

"Almost eight."

"Ugh." Azzi groaned and rolled onto her back, stretching. The sheet slipped down, and Paige's eyes immediately went to the curve of her waist and her toned. "I don't want you to go."

"I don't want to go either." Paige leaned over and kissed her, slow and sweet. "But I'll be done by like one. It's just a shootaround and film. You doing anything today?"

"It's my day off," Azzi said, her hands coming up to cup Paige's face. "So no. Why?"

"I want to take you somewhere."

Azzi's eyebrows raised. "Where?"

"It's a surprise."

"I don't like surprises."

"You'll like this one," Paige said, grinning. "Trust me."

Azzi studied her for a moment, then smiled. "Okay. Fine. But if it's something weird, I'm leaving."

"It's not weird." Paige kissed her again, then reluctantly pulled away. "I gotta shower and get ready. You can stay here if you want, or I can drive you home first."

"I'll stay," Azzi said, sitting up and pulling the sheet around herself. "I'll make breakfast or something."

"You don't have to do that."

"I want to." Azzi leaned in and kissed her one more time. "Go. Before you're late."

Paige showered quickly, trying not to think about the fact that Azzi was in her kitchen, probably wearing one of her shirts, making breakfast like they did this all the time. Like this was normal. It felt normal, which was maybe the scariest part.

When she came out, dressed in her practice gear, Azzi was at the stove flipping protein pancakes. She was wearing one of Paige's UConn t-shirts and a pair of boxers and her hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun.

"You're really committed to this whole thing, huh?" Paige said, leaning against the counter and gesturing towards the pan.

Azzi glanced over her shoulder and smiled. "I told you I'd make breakfast."

"I thought you meant like, toast."

"I'm not a heathen, Paige." Azzi slid a pancake onto a plate and handed it to her. "Eat. You need your energy."

Paige took a bite and nearly moaned. "Holy shit, these are good."

"I know." Azzi made herself a plate and sat down next to Paige at the counter. "My mom taught me. She makes the best pancakes." She would never tell Paige that cottage cheese was the secret ingredient.

They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, and Paige kept stealing glances at Azzi. At the way the morning light caught in her eyes, at the small smile on her face, at her dimples and her, well, everything.

"What?" Azzi asked, catching her staring.

"Nothing." Paige shook her head. "This is just– nice."

"Yeah," Azzi said softly. "It is."

Paige finished her pancakes and rinsed her plate, then grabbed her keys and her bag. "I'll text you when I'm on my way back, okay?"

"Okay." Azzi walked her to the door, and Paige kissed her one more time, savoring the way she tasted like syrup and something uniquely Azzi.

"See you later, Az," Paige said.

"Bye, P. Break a leg!" Azzi said, before Paige shot her a puzzled look. “Wait, fuck, sorry. Definitely not supposed to say that to an athlete,” she blushed. 

Paige couldn't stop thinking about Azzi the entire practice, about the surprise she had planned for later, about the way Azzi had looked in her kitchen that morning (and in her bed last night).

"You're smiling a lot," Arike said as they walked to the locker room. "That's sus."

"I'm not smiling."

"You look like you plottin’ something, P," Arike grinned mischievously.

"Maybe," Paige smirked.

"Planning a date?"

"Mhm. I'm taking her to hoop," Paige said, and Arike's eyes widened.

"You're taking a cheerleader to play basketball?"

"She played in high school," Paige said defensively. "She's prolly good."

"Uh huh." Arike looked skeptical. "And you're not worried she's gonna get hurt or something?"

"No. Why would I be worried about that?"

"Because you're obsessed with her and you'd probably lose your mind if she got a paper cut."

Paige flipped her off, and Arike laughed.

"I'm just saying," Arike said. "You're in deep, Bueckers. Like, really deep."

"I know," Paige said quietly.

She showered and changed quickly, then texted Azzi.

Paige: omw. be ready in 20

Azzi: ready for what???

Paige: you'll see

Paige: wear something you can move in

Azzi: paige....

Paige: that's all imma say

When Paige pulled up to Azzi's apartment, Azzi was waiting outside, wearing black leggings and an oversized purple and gold LSU hoodie. Only Azzi could look that good in purple and yellow, she thought.

"Hey," Azzi said, sliding into the passenger seat. She leaned over and kissed Paige, and Paige immediately forgot about the hoodie. "So are you gonna tell me where we're going now?"

"Nope." Paige pulled out of the parking lot, heading toward the practice facility. "But we're almost there."

Azzi looked around, frowning. "Paige, this is the way to—wait. Are we going to your facility?"

"Maybe."

"Did you forget something?" Azzi asked.

"Nope," Paige said assuredly.

"Paige." Azzi turned to look at her, her eyes wide. "What are we doing?"

"You'll see."

When they pulled into the parking lot, Azzi was staring at her like she'd lost her mind. "Seriously. What are we doing here?"

"We're playing basketball," Paige said, grinning. "One-on-one. You and me."

Azzi blinked. "You're joking."

"I'm not joking." Paige got out of the car and grabbed her bag from the back seat. "Come on. I got us court time."

"Paige, I haven't played in like four years."

"So? You said you were good in high school." Paige walked toward the entrance, and Azzi followed, still looking bewildered. "Let's see what you got."

The facility was mostly empty, just a few staff members and one of the assistant coaches, who waved at Paige as they walked past. Paige led Azzi to the main court, the same one where she practiced every day, and dropped her bag on the sideline.

"Okay," Azzi said, looking around. "This is insane."

"Why?"

"Because you're a professional basketball player, Paige. And I'm a cheerleader."

"You're a cheerleader who played basketball in high school," Paige corrected. She pulled a basketball from her bag and tossed it to Azzi, who caught it easily. "And I want to see if you can really hoop."

Azzi looked down at the ball, then back at Paige. "You're serious."

"Deadass." Paige started stretching, rolling her shoulders. "Unless you're scared."

"I'm not scared," Azzi said, but there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"Then prove it." Paige grinned. "First to eleven. Make it take it."

Azzi stared at her for a long moment, then slowly started to smile. "Okay. Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

"Warn me about what?"

"That I'm about to embarrass you in your own house."

Paige laughed. "Big talk for someone wearing an LSU hoodie."

Azzi looked down at herself, then back at Paige. "What's wrong with my hoodie?"

"Personally, I think blue and white is a better look." Paige wrinkled her nose.

"Oh my god." Azzi shook her head, but she was smiling. "You're such a hater."

"I'm not a hater. But it's a good thing we never played you guys. I woulda cooked y'all."

"You would've gotten distracted cause I would've been cheering under the basket," Azzi quipped.

"Oh, it's like that?"

"You know I'm right."

"Aight." Paige shook her head as she took the ball from Azzi. "Let's go. Check."

She passed the ball to Azzi, who passed it back. Paige immediately drove to the basket, but Azzi stayed with her, her footwork surprisingly quick. Paige pulled up for a mid-range jumper, and it swished through the net.

"One-nothing," Paige said, grinning.

Azzi didn't say anything, just took the ball and checked it. This time, when Paige drove, Azzi cut her off, forcing her to the baseline. Paige tried to spin around her, but Azzi stayed in front of her, her hands up, her stance low and balanced.

"Damn," Paige muttered, pulling back. She took a step back, and it rattled out. Azzi got the rebound.

Paige pressed up on her, and Azzi immediately crossed her over. Paige recovered quickly, but Azzi was already at the basket, laying it in with her left hand.

"One-one," Azzi said, and there was a glint in her eye that Paige hadn't seen before.

"Damn," Paige said.

They went back and forth like that for a while, trading baskets. Paige hit a three from the corner. Azzi answered with a pull-up jumper from the elbow. Paige drove to the basket and finished with a reverse layup. Azzi hit a stepback from the wing.

By the time they were at 5-5, Paige was starting to realize something.

Azzi was really fucking good.

Paige drove right, and Azzi cut her off perfectly, forcing her to pick up her dribble. Paige pump-faked, and Azzi didn't bite. 

"Good defense," Paige admitted.

"Thanks. Learned from the best."

"Who, me?"

"No, my high school coach." Azzi's smile was teasing. "But you're pretty good too, I guess."

They kept playing, and the trash talk got progressively more ridiculous. Paige made a three and told Azzi she should "stick to dancing." Azzi hit a fadeaway and said, "I would keep embarrassing you, but I actually have things to do later, so can we speed this up?"

Paige laughed so hard she almost dropped the ball. "Absolutely not."

"You're slow," Azzi said after blocking one of Paige's shots.

"I'm not slow. You're just getting lucky."

"Luck has nothing to do with it, baby," Azzi smirked. 

As they played, Paige started to notice things. The way Azzi's footwork was impeccable, never traveling or losing her balance. The way she read the defense, knowing exactly when to drive and when to pull up. The fact her shot was so consistent, and her release was faster than anything she’d ever seen. This wasn't someone who was just naturally athletic. This was someone who had trained, who had put in hours and hours of work.

At 8-7, Paige's favor, she called for a timeout.

"Okay, I'm going to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me," Paige said, hands on her hips.

"What?" Azzi was breathing hard, her cheeks flushed.

"Did you downplay your basketball skills at content day?"

Azzi's expression shifted. "What? No."

"Az."

"Okay, fine." Azzi sighed, but she was smiling. "Maybe a little. But in my defense, you were really hot, and I wanted you to teach me, and I thought if you knew I could actually play, you wouldn't want to get all up close and personal to show me proper shooting form."

Paige felt her stomach flip. "You did that on purpose?"

"I mean, it worked, didn't it?" Azzi said, stepping closer. "You got very close. Very hands-on."

"You're insane," Paige said, but she was grinning. "And also kind of a genius."

"I know." Azzi checked the ball. "Now come on. Let's finish this."

They were both locked in now, the playfulness giving way to genuine competition. Azzi hit a three to tie it at 8-8. Paige answered with a drive to the basket, finishing through contact. 9-8.

Azzi made a smooth jumper. 9-9.

Paige hit a pull-up from the free-throw line. 10-9.

One more basket and she won.

Azzi checked the ball back, and Paige could see the determination on her face. She dribbled to the right, then crossed over hard to her left. Paige stayed with her, playing tight defense. Azzi pulled up from mid-range, and for a moment, Paige thought it was going in.

But it hit the back of the rim and bounced out.

Paige grabbed the rebound and dribbled back out to the three-point line. This was it. Game point.

Azzi was right up on her, not giving her any space. Paige made a quick move to her right, creating just enough separation, and pulled up.

The ball arced through the air, and Paige knew before it went in.

Swish.

"Eleven-nine," Paige said, breathing hard. "I win."

Azzi was breathing just as hard, her hands on her hips. "Barely."

"A win's a win."

"You got lucky."

"I didn't get lucky. I'm just better than you."

Azzi walked over to her, and for a second Paige thought she was going to argue. But instead, she grabbed the front of Paige's shirt and pulled her in for a kiss.

"You're so annoying," Azzi said against her lips.

"You're the one who hustled me."

"And I'd do it again." Azzi kissed her again, deeper this time, and Paige's hands went to her waist, pulling her closer. They were both sweaty and gross, but Paige didn't care. She'd never wanted anyone more than she wanted Azzi right now.

"You're really good," Paige said when they finally pulled apart. "Like, really good. Why didn't you keep playing?"

Azzi shrugged, looking away. "I don't know. I loved it, but... dancing was always my first love. And when I got the shot to dance at LSU, it felt like the right choice."

"Do you ever regret it?"

"Sometimes," Azzi admitted. "But then I remember that if I'd kept playing basketball, I probably wouldn't have ended up in Dallas. And that means I probably wouldn't have met you."

Paige's chest felt tight. "Yeah. I guess that's true."

They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, and then Azzi smiled. "So what now? You gonna make me run suicides or something?"

"No." Paige laughed. 

They spent the next hour just playing, not keeping score, just enjoying the feeling of being together on the court. 

They laughed and trash-talked and occasionally got distracted by one another. At one point, Azzi made a shot from half-court, and Paige picked her up and spun her around, both of them laughing.

"You wanna grab some food? I’m starving,” Paige said. 

"Me too." Azzi picked up the basketball and tossed it back to Paige. "But for the record, I'm winning next time."

"There's gonna be a next time?"

"Obviously. I need a rematch."

They left the facility and drove to a small Thai place that Paige loved, tucked away in a strip mall that most people didn't know about. It was quiet and low-key, and they got a booth in the back where no one would bother them.

"So," Azzi said, stealing a spring roll from Paige's plate. "You said you have tickets for tomorrow's game?"

"Yeah." Paige had almost forgotten. "Against Phoenix. I got four. I was thinking you could bring some of your friends."

Azzi's face lit up. "Really?"

"Yeah. I mean, if you want."

"Obviously I want to," Azzi said. "I love watching you play. You're incredible."

Paige felt her face heat. "Thanks."

"I'm serious. The way you see the court, the way you move... it's like art."

"Okay, now you're just trying to make me blush."

"Is it working?"

"Maybe."

Azzi grinned and took another spring roll. "I'll ask Kelcey if she wants to come. And Ariel and Darah, I went to school with them. They've been dying to meet you like, more officially."

"They have?"

"Yeah. I might have mentioned you once or twice."

"Only once or twice?"

"Okay, fine. I talk about you all the time. They're sick of it."

Paige laughed. "Same. Arike's probably a second away from killing me."

They finished eating and drove back to Azzi's apartment. Paige walked her to the door, and Azzi turned to face her, her back against the door.

"Thanks for today," Azzi said softly. "That was... really fun."

"Even though I beat you?"

"Even though you barely beat me."

Paige stepped closer, her hands going to Azzi's waist. "I had a really good time."

"Me too." Azzi's arms looped around Paige's neck. "You're full of surprises, Paige Bueckers."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." Azzi kissed her, slow and sweet, and Paige felt like she could stay here forever, just like this. 

Azzi kissed her one more time, then pulled away and opened her door. "Goodnight, P."

"Goodnight, Az. Text me when you get inside?”

“It’s like twenty feet you can literally see me walk upstairs.”

“Humor me,” Paige said. 

Moments later, her phone buzzed.

Azzi: safe and sound

Azzi: i can't stop smiling

Paige: good.

Paige: that's how I want you to feel all the time

Azzi: you're really sweet you know that

Paige: only for you

Azzi: i like being the exception.

Paige: you’re just. different.

Paige: see you tomorrow?

Azzi: i'll be the one screaming your name

Paige: jesus, Az

Paige: you can't say stuff like that

Azzi: why not

Paige: cause now I'm thinking about other times you've screamed my name

Paige: and I'm sitting in my car in your parking lot getting turned on

Azzi: want to come back up?

There was a long pause, and Azzi could practically see Paige warring with herself.

Paige: i want to

Paige: so bad

Paige: but i need my legs to be functioning tmr

Paige: and if i come up there I'm not leaving until morning

Azzi: okay

Azzi: rain check?

Paige: definitely

Paige: get some sleep baby

Azzi: you too

Thursday

Paige: good morning beautiful

Paige: bed felt empty this morning

Azzi smiled, as she rubbed her eyes awake.

Azzi: good morning, superstar

Azzi: my pillows are way less comfortable than you

Azzi: did you at least get some rest before tn?

Paige: mhm

Paige: although i think beating you yesterday will be sweeter than kicking phoenix’s ass later

Azzi: you're never gonna let that go are you

Paige: nope

Azzi: rematch soon?

Paige: anytime you want

Paige: but I'm still going to win

Azzi: shut up

She had rehearsal this morning, but then she'd have the afternoon to get ready for the game. And she needed to text her friends about the tickets.

She opened her group chat with some of the other DCCs, Kelcey, Darah, and Ariel.

Azzi: hey! do you guys want to go to the Wings game tonight? I have tickets

Kelcey: YES

Darah: absolutely

Ariel: for sure girl

Kelcey: wait, are these tickets from a certain point guard Judy set you up with?

Azzi: maybe

Kelcey: god I love this for you

Ariel: match made in heaven

Darah: azzi girl all grown up 😩

Azzi: okay I have to get ready for rehearsal but I'll pick you guys up at 6?

Kelcey: no no no i’ll drive us

Kelcey: so you have an excuse to get a ride home from her later

Ariel: SMART KELCE

Darah: and this is why we voted you captain

Azzi: omfg 

Unfortunately the morning Paige-focused adrenaline wore off as she got herself out of bed. She’d gotten her period. Fucking fantastic timing, right before a huge rehearsal week. Her lower back ached, and she felt bloated and uncomfortable in her own skin.

But she dragged herself out of bed anyway, because that's what you did when you were a DCC. You showed up, you performed with a wide smile on your face, and you sure as shit didn't complain.

She pulled on her black leggings and navy and silver sports bra under a fitted tank top and stared at herself in the mirror. Her stomach looked rounder than usual, or maybe she was just being paranoid. She turned to the side, sucking in slightly, then let out a frustrated breath.

Stop it, she told herself. You're fine.

But she didn't feel fine.

She grabbed her dance bag and headed to the studio, stopping for coffee on the way. By the time she arrived, most of the other girls were already there, stretching and chatting. The energy was different today. Everyone seemed to be a little more tense and more anxious than usual. 

They were preparing for the Thanksgiving halftime show, even though it was still two months away. It’s always the most famous, most watched performance of the entire season. And this year, the halftime performer was Beyoncé.

Aka Queen Bey, Sasha Fierce, mother of all mothers god damn Beyoncé, 

It was a massive deal. The kind of opportunity that could make or break careers. And Kelli and Judy were feeling the pressure.

"Alright, ladies, let's get started," Kelli called out, clapping her hands. Her smile was tight, strained. "We have a lot of work to do today."

Judy stood next to her, arms crossed, her expression severe. "This performance has to be perfect. Not good, not great. Perfect. Y’all understand?"

"Yes, ma'am," they all chorused.

"We're going to run through the opening number," Kelli continued. "And I want to see energy. Your kicks have to be high and in sync. No half-assing it today."

They got into formation, and the music started. Azzi knew this routine inside and out, they'd been practicing it for weeks. But today, something felt off. Her body felt sluggish, her movements not as sharp as they usually were. She could feel the cramps starting in her lower abdomen. 

"Azzi, you're behind," Judy called out, stopping the music. "Let's go again."

They started over, and Azzi tried to push through. But she could feel Judy's eyes on her, watching, judging. When they finished, Judy walked over to her.

"What's going on with you today?" Judy asked, her tone sharp.

"Nothing, I'm fine ma’am," Azzi said quickly.

"You don't look fine. You look tired. And your timing is off."

"Yes ma’am. I'll do better."

"You need to do better," Judy said. "This is the Thanksgiving halftime show, Azzi. We can't afford mistakes."

Azzi nodded, her throat tight. “Yes ma’am."

They ran through the routine again, and this time Azzi pushed herself harder, ignoring the cramping, ignoring the exhaustion. But it still wasn't enough.

"Let's take five," Kelli announced, and everyone scattered to grab water and catch their breath.

Azzi sat down against the wall, her head in her hands. She felt like she was failing, like she wasn't good enough.

"You okay?" Kelcey asked, sitting down next to her.

"Yeah, just tired."

"Judy's being extra today."

"She's stressed. We all are."

"Still." Kelcey bumped her shoulder. "Don't let her get in your head."

But it was too late. Judy's words were already echoing in Azzi's mind, mixing with her own insecurities. You look tired. Your timing is off. We can't afford mistakes.

They got back to work, and Kelli called Azzi up to the front.

"Azzi, I need you to try on your show uniform," Kelli said. "You, Reece, and Abby missed the fitting slot for the Children’s Hospital visit, so I want to make sure everything still fits properly."

Azzi's stomach dropped. They'd fitted everyone for their uniforms during rookie year training camp, but the DCC policy was that once you were fitted, they kept the same measurements for every uniform. As long as you stayed on the team, your size didn't change.

But what if it had changed? What if she'd gained weight and didn't fit anymore?

She followed Kelli to the dressing room, where her uniform was hanging on a rack. The iconic blue and white, the stars, the fringe. How could a uniform be so fucking beautiful and yet so terrifying.

"Go ahead and put it on," Kelli said. "I'll be right outside."

Azzi changed quickly, her hands shaking slightly. The uniform fit, technically. But it felt tighter than she remembered. The top dug into her ribs slightly, and the shorts felt snug around her hips. Or maybe that was just the bloating. Maybe it was all in her head.

She stepped out, and Kelli looked her over with a critical eye.

"Turn around," Kelli said.

Azzi turned slowly, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

"Hmm," Kelli said, and that one sound made Azzi's anxiety spike. "It fits, but it's snug. Have you gained weight?"

"I–I don't think so," Azzi stammered. "I'm just on my period, so I'm a little bloated."

"Well, you need to watch it," Kelli said. "We can't have the uniforms looking too tight on camera. Especially not for the Thanksgiving show."

Azzi felt like she'd been slapped. "Yes, ma'am."

"Go change. We need to keep rehearsing."

Azzi went back to the dressing room and changed out of the uniform with shaking hands. She stared at herself in the mirror, and all she could see were flaws. Her stomach, her thighs, her hips. Everything felt wrong.

She wanted to cry, but she didn't have time. She had to get back out there and keep going.

The rest of rehearsal was a blur. Azzi went through the motions, hitting her marks, executing the choreography. But inside, she was spiraling. Every comment from Kelli and Judy felt like a personal attack. Every glance from the other girls felt like judgment, even though they were her closest friends.

By the time rehearsal ended at noon, Azzi was physically and emotionally exhausted. She grabbed her bag and headed to her car, desperate to be alone.

But then she remembered. The game. She was supposed to go to the Wings game tonight with Kelcey, Darah, and Ariel. She was supposed to watch Paige play.

She pulled out her phone and saw a missed text from Paige.

Paige: good luck at rehearsal today baby

Paige: can't wait to see you tn

Azzi stared at the message, her eyes burning with unshed tears. She wanted to see Paige. She did. But she also felt like a mess, like she was barely holding it together. And she didn't want Paige to see her like this.

But she'd already committed. And her friends were counting on her.

She took a deep breath and typed out a response.

Azzi: just got out. rehearsal was good

It was a lie. Rehearsal had been anything but good. But she didn't want to burden Paige with her problems, especially not when Paige had a game to focus on.

Azzi: see you tonight 🩷

Azzi went home and tried to rest, but her mind wouldn't stop replaying Kelli's words and Judy's criticisms and the way the uniform had felt too tight. She knew she was being irrational, that her period was making everything feel worse. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't good enough. That maybe she had gained weight. That she was embarrassing Judy and Kelly and Charlotte Jones and the biggest sports franchise in the world.  

At 5:30, she forced herself to get ready. She showered, did her makeup, and put on jeans and a cute top. I look fine, she thought. No one would be able to tell that she was falling apart inside.

Kelcey picked her up at 6:30 with Darah and Ariel already squeezed in the backseat. The girls were excitedly talking about the game. Azzi tried to match their energy, but it felt forced.

"You okay, Az?" Darah asked at one point, glancing over at her.

"Yeah, just tired from rehearsal."

"Kelli and Judy drank their bitch juice this morning,” Ariel said. 

"Yeah."

They arrived at the arena and made their way to their seats. Paige had gotten them great tickets, lower level, close to the court. Azzi could see everything from here.

The game started, and Azzi tried to focus on Paige. And it was easy to do, because Paige was amazing. She moved with such confidence on the floor. Every shot she took seemed effortless, every pass perfectly placed. She was in complete control, and it was incredible to watch.

At one point, Paige made a steal and took it coast-to-coast for a layup. The crowd erupted, and Azzi found herself on her feet, cheering. For a moment, she forgot about everything else. Forgot about rehearsal, about the uniform, about all of her insecurities. All she could see was Paige.

But then halftime came, and the moment passed. Azzi sat back down, and the weight of the day came crashing back. She wanted to go home, curl up in bed, and sleep for a week.

"You sure you're okay?" Kelcey asked, leaning over. "You seem off."

"I'm fine," Azzi said, forcing a smile. "Just tired."

The second half started, and Azzi tried to focus again. The Wings were up by six, and Paige had already scored twenty points with over a quarter still to go.

But Azzi couldn't shake the feeling that she was barely holding it together. Every time she thought about rehearsal, about Kelli's comments, she felt like crying. And she didn't want to cry here, not in front of everyone. Especially not in front of Paige.

The game ended with the Wings winning by eight. Paige finished with twenty-six points, and the crowd gave her a standing ovation as she walked off the court. Azzi stood and clapped, genuinely proud of her. But inside, she just felt empty.

"That was amazing," Darah said as they made their way down to the tunnel. "Paige is so good."

"Yeah, she is," Azzi agreed.

They waited by the tunnel for the players to come out. Azzi's heart was pounding, and she wasn't sure if it was from excitement or anxiety. Maybe both.

Paige emerged a few minutes later, her hair still damp from the shower, wearing joggers and a Wings hoodie. When she saw Azzi, her face lit up.

"Hey," Paige said, pulling Azzi into a hug. "You came."

"Of course I came," Azzi said, hugging her back. She could smell Paige's dry shampoo and feel the warmth of her skin. For a moment, she felt safe.

"You were amazing out there," Azzi added, pulling back.

"Thanks." Paige's smile was bright, genuine. "I'm glad you were here."

She greeted Kelcey, Darah, and Ariel, thanking them for coming. They chatted for a few minutes, and then the girls said their goodbyes, heading to the parking lot.

"You want to grab food or something?" Paige asked, turning back to Azzi.

"Actually, I'm pretty tired," Azzi said. "I think I just want to go home."

Paige's expression shifted, concern showing across her face. "You sure? We don't have to stay out late. We could just–"

"I'm sure," Azzi interrupted. "I just... it's been a long day."

"Okay." Paige studied her for a moment, and Azzi could tell she didn't believe her. But Paige didn't push. "Let me drive you home?"

"You don't have to."

"I want to."

They walked to Paige's car in silence, and Azzi leaned her head against the window as they drove through the Dallas streets. She could feel Paige glancing over at her every few minutes, but she didn't say anything.

When they pulled up to her building, Paige turned to her. "Azzi, talk to me. What's going on?"

"Nothing. I'm just tired."

"It's not nothing." Paige's voice was gentle but firm. "I can tell something's wrong. Did something happen at rehearsal?"

Azzi felt her composure crack, just a little. "It was just... a lot. Kelli and Judy are stressed about the Beyoncé performance, and they were kind of taking it out on us today. On me."

"What did they say?"

"Just... that I wasn't good enough. That I was dragging the team down." Azzi's voice broke on the last word, and she felt a tear slip down her cheek.

"Hey, hey." Paige reached over and cupped her face, wiping away the tear with her thumb. "That's not true. You're incredible."

"You don't understand, P. DCC is so much pressure.”

"I've seen you dance. I've seen the way you move, the way you command a room. You're so fucking talented, Azzi. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're not,” Paige said.

Azzi wanted to believe her, but the voice in her head was louder, more insistent. "It's not just that," she said quietly. "It's... my body. My uniform felt wrong today. Too tight. And I like... I just don't feel good about myself right now."

Paige was quiet for a moment, and then she said, "Can I come up? I don't want to leave you like this."

Azzi nodded, not trusting her voice, and they made their way up to her apartment. Once inside, Azzi dropped her bag and sank onto the couch, feeling the weight of the day crash down on her.

Paige sat next to her, close but not touching, giving her space. "Talk to me," she said softly. "Please."

And so Azzi did. She told her about the rehearsal, about Judy's comments, about how her uniform had felt wrong, about how she'd looked in the mirror and hated what she saw. She told her about the pressure, the constant scrutiny, the way her body was always being judged, always being found lacking.

By the time she finished, she was crying, really crying, the kind of tears that came from somewhere deep and raw. And Paige was crying too, tears streaming down her face as she listened.

"I'm so sorry," Paige said, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry you're going through this."

"It's stupid," Azzi said, wiping her eyes. "I shouldn't let it get to me."

"It's not stupid." Paige moved closer, pulling Azzi into her arms. "Your feelings are valid. And those comments were out of line. You're not dragging anyone down. You're one of the best dancers on that team, and if they can't see that, that's their problem."

"But what if they're right? What if I'm not good enough?"

"You are good enough." Paige pulled back just enough to look at her, her hands cupping Azzi's face. "You're more than good enough. You're incredible. You're talented and beautiful and strong, and I hate that anyone has made you feel otherwise."

"I don't feel beautiful right now."

"Well, you are." Paige's voice was fierce, almost angry. "You're the most beautiful person I've ever seen. And I'm not just talking about the way you look, although you're stunning, and anyone with eyes can see that. I'm talking about who you are. The way you light up when you talk about something you love. The way you care about people. The way you work so hard at everything you do. That's beautiful, Azzi. You're beautiful."

Azzi felt fresh tears spill over, but these were different. These were tears of relief, of gratitude, of feeling seen and understood in a way she hadn't in a long time.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you," she whispered.

"You don't have to deserve me. You just have to be you." Paige kissed her forehead, her cheeks, the tip of her nose. "And I'm not going anywhere, okay? I'm here. Whatever you need."

Azzi kissed her then, desperate and needy, and Paige kissed her back with equal intensity. Azzi's hands were in Paige's hair, pulling her closer, and she felt Paige's hands on her waist, her back, holding her like she was something precious.

"I want you," Azzi breathed against Paige's lips. "Please."

Paige pulled back, her eyes dark but hesitant. "Azzi..."

"Please," Azzi said again, her hands already working at the buttons of Paige's shirt. "I need you. I need to feel close to you."

"Baby, I want to. You know I do. But..." Paige caught her hands, stilling them. "You're upset. You're vulnerable right now. I don't want to take advantage of that."

"You're not taking advantage. I'm asking you."

"I know. But..." Paige took a breath. "You're also on your period, right?"

Azzi felt her face heat. "Yeah. But that doesn't mean we can't–"

"I know it doesn't. But I think... I think maybe we should wait. Until you're feeling better. Until you're in a better headspace." Paige's voice was gentle, her eyes full of care. "I want to be with you, Azzi. So much. But I want it to be right. I want you to feel good about it, not like you're using it to escape from how you're feeling."

Azzi felt tears prick at her eyes again, but this time they were tears of frustration. "I'm not trying to escape. I just... I want to feel close to you."

"We can be close without having sex." Paige pulled her back into her arms, holding her tight. "Let me just hold you, okay? Let me be here for you."

Azzi wanted to argue, wanted to push, but she was so tired. So emotionally exhausted. And Paige's arms felt safe, felt like home, and maybe that was enough for now.

"Okay," she whispered, letting herself relax into Paige's embrace.

They moved to the bedroom, changing into comfortable clothes, and climbed into bed. Paige pulled Azzi close, and Azzi rested her head on Paige's chest, listening to the steady beat of her heart.

"Thank you," Azzi said softly. "For being here. For understanding."

"Always," Paige murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'm always here for you."

They lay there in the dark, and Paige talked—about her own struggles with body image, about the pressure she'd felt coming into the league, about the times she'd felt like she wasn't good enough. She talked about her family, about her friends, about the things that kept her grounded when everything felt like too much.

And Azzi listened, feeling the tightness in her chest slowly ease. This was what she needed. Not sex, not distraction, but this. Genuine care and connection and understanding. Someone who saw her, really saw her, and stayed anyway.

"You're going to be amazing at that Beyoncé performance," Paige said eventually. "I know you are. And I'm going to be there, watching, cheering you on."

"You don't have to."

"I want to see you shine." Paige's arms tightened around her. "Because you do shine, Azzi. Even when you can't see it yourself."

Azzi felt tears slip down her cheeks again, but these were good tears. Healing tears. "I really like you," she whispered. "Like, a lot."

"I really like you too," Paige said, and Azzi could hear the smile in her voice. "Like, a lot a lot."

"Will you be here when I wake up?" Azzi asked.

"I have practice in the morning, but I'll stay as long as I can. I promise."

"Okay." Azzi closed her eyes, feeling herself start to drift off. 

Paige's arms tightened around her. “Thank you for coming tonight, especially after such a hard day.”

“Wanted to show up for you,” Azzi whispered.

 "I’ve never had a cheerleader as good as you, babe,” Paige kissed the top of Azzi’s forehead and they drifted off to sleep. 

_____________________

Friday

Azzi woke up to the smell of coffee and the sound of someone moving around in her kitchen.

For a moment, she was disoriented, unsure of where she was or what was happening. Then she remembered that Paige had stayed over. 

She sat up slowly, her body still aching from her period, and padded out to the kitchen. Paige was standing at the stove, wearing the same clothes from last night, her hair pulled back in a messy bun. She was making scrambled eggs (with cottage cheese!!!, Azzi noticed).

"Hey," Azzi said softly.

Paige turned, her face breaking into a smile. "Hey. You're awake."

"What are you doing?"

"Making you breakfast." Paige gestured to the stove. "I figured you could use something to eat."

Azzi felt her chest tighten with emotion. "You didn't have to do that."

"I wanted to." Paige plated the eggs and brought them over to the small dining table. "Come on, sit. Eat."

Azzi sat down, and Paige sat across from her. They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, and Azzi felt herself starting to feel more human.

"How are you feeling?" Paige asked eventually.

"Better," Azzi said honestly. "Still tired, but better."

"Good." Paige reached across the table and took her hand. "I'm sorry about yesterday."

"It's not your fault."

"I know. But I still hate that you had to go through that."

"It's part of the job," Azzi said with a shrug. "I knew what I was signing up for."

"That doesn't make it okay."

Azzi squeezed her hand. "I know. But having you here... it helps. A lot."

Paige smiled, and they finished breakfast together. When they were done, Paige glanced at the clock and sighed.

"I have to go," she said reluctantly. "Practice starts in an hour."

"Okay."

Paige stood up and pulled Azzi into a hug. "Text me later? Let me know how you're doing?"

"I will."

"And if you need anything, literally at all, you call me. Okay?"

"Okay."

Paige kissed her softly, and then she was gone, leaving Azzi alone in her apartment.

Azzi cleaned up the breakfast dishes and then collapsed back on the couch, grabbing her phone. She had a bunch of messages in her old LSU group chat with Flau'jae and Angel.

Flau'jae: GIRL. How was the game last night?

Angel: Flau said Paige got you tix???? Ummmm hello need a life update

Azzi smiled and typed out a response.

Azzi: the game was great. paige was incredible

Azzi: and she stayed over last night

There was a pause, and then her phone started blowing up.

Flau'jae: WHAT

Angel: AZZI FUDD

Flau'jae: I KNEW PB HAD RIZZ BUT DAMN STILL CAN’T BELIEVE SHE PULLED YOU 

Azzi: it wasn't like that. Not this time at least lmao. Had a rough day and she took care of me

Angel: she really likes you huh

Azzi: i think so

Azzi: i really like her too

Angel: i like her for you

Flau'jae: can’t believe my worlds colliding like this 

Flau'jae: idk why we didn’t set this up sooner

Angel: WAIT

Azzi: what??

Flau'jae: we play the Wings next Saturday

Angel: i think it’s their last home game??

Angel: so lets go out after

Azzi: wait fr??

Flau'jae: We wanna see you with her

Angel: Like actually see it

Angel: Not just wave across the court or dap her up pregame

Azzi: oh my god

Flau'jae: Soooo we’re going OUT

Flau'jae: Like dinner, drinks, maybe a club

Angel: Very much OUT out running our Baton Rouge crew back 😈

Angel: Paige should come

Azzi’s face felt warm.

Azzi: i’m scared

Angel: relax babe

Angel: we already like her

Angel: we just wanna see how she looks at you

That did something to her.

Azzi: okay

Azzi: yeah

Azzi: i want that too

Flau’jae: we miss you

Flau’jae: no offense but the sky dancers are WEAK compared to my tiger girls 

Azzi: I miss you guys so much

Angel: MISS YOU GIRL!!! But we’ll see you soon

Flau’jae: Text P and tell her we’re pulling up

Angel: And that we’ll be nice off the court

Azzi: i’ll tell her 🫡

Azzi laughed and set her phone down. She felt lighter than she had yesterday, more hopeful. Having Paige in her life was changing things, making everything feel more manageable.

She spent the rest of the day resting and catching up on chores. That night, she texted Paige.

Azzi: hey

Paige: hi

Paige: you okay?

Azzi: yeah

Azzi: just wanted to run something by you

Paige: okay…?

Azzi: so Angel and Flau’jae are coming to town next saturday for the game

Paige: right…

Azzi: um

Azzi: they want to go out after

Paige’s thumb paused for half a second.

Paige: out how

Azzi: like

Azzi: actually out

Azzi: drinks… maybe a club

Paige: sounds fun

Azzi blinked at the lack of hesitation.

Azzi: you’re not scared?

Paige: of them?

Paige: no

Paige: i already know them, remember?

Azzi: they want to see us

Azzi: like together

Paige: i figured

Paige: and i want that too!

Paige: showing u off is fun

Azzi: they’re gonna grill you

Paige: i don’t give a shit

Paige: wherever you wanna go

Paige: i’ll be there

_________________________

Next Saturday came faster than Azzi expected.

Both the Wings and the Sky were out of playoff contention, but Azzi was really looking forward to being back with two of her closest college friends. The timing seemed kind of divine after everything that had happened the last week. 

Paige went through her usual pregame routine of stretching, shooting, and listening to Gospel music to get her mind right. 

Azzi arrived at the arena with twenty minutes to spare, slipping quietly into her seat near midcourt. She’d changed outfits three times before giving up and calling Kelcey and Jada, who styled her in gray and white pleated pants and a white cropped tank. She was still second-guessing herself as she sat down. Was it too much? Not enough? Did she look ridiculous? 

She forced herself to stop spiraling and looked down at the court.

And then she saw Paige.

She was in the middle of her shooting routine, movements smooth and automatic, like her body already knew what it needed to do. She looked calm and confident and completely at home. Watching her, Azzi felt a rush of pride that kind of caught her off guard.

That’s my girl.

As if she could feel it, Paige glanced up into the stands. Her eyes scanned for half a second before locking onto Azzi’s.

Paige smiled.

Not the polite, crowd-facing smile she gave fans. This one was softer, meant just for her.

Azzi’s breath caught. She lifted a hand in a small wave, and Paige mirrored it before turning back to the ball rack like nothing had happened.

Azzi sat there, heart pounding, feeling like the only person in the arena who mattered. Nobody looked at her like Paige looked at her. 

She scanned the Sky’s side of the court to look for her LSU girls. They were easy to spot. 

Azzi pulled her phone out as the Sky and Wings players started to retreat to the locker rooms before player intros. 

Azzi: I SEE YOU

A moment later, both Angel and Flau'jae looked up into the stands, scanning the crowd. When they spotted her, their faces lit up, and they both waved enthusiastically. Azzi waved back, grinning so hard her face hurt.

Angel: BITCH YOU LOOK SO GOOD

Flau'jae: We're gonna hug the shit out of you after this game

Azzi: I'm ready

Azzi: Now go warm up

Azzi: And try not to destroy my girl too bad

Angel: I ain’t promising shit.   

The game tipped off, and Azzi tried to play Switzerland and support her LSU Girls and Paige, but her eyes couldn’t look away from the blonde. She was everywhere. The Sky were scrappy and physical as always, but Paige looked like the best player on the floor.

Midway through the first quarter, Paige drove hard to the basket and finished through contact, earning an and-1. As she jogged to the free-throw line, she glanced up again.

Azzi.

Just for a split second.

Azzi’s chest tightened as Paige smirked before knocking down the free throw. 

The first half stayed close. Angel dominated the boards while Flau’jae hit tough shots and played with that familiar swag Azzi remembered from LSU. Watching them now was surreal. Two of her best friends on one side and the girl that was (respectfully) ruining her life on the other.

Paige answered Angel’s inside presence with her signature pull-up jumpers from the mid-range. Late in the second quarter, she buried a deep three off a screen that made the crowd roar. Paige backpedaled with a sly grin, and Azzi shook her head, smiling to herself.

God, Paige Bueckers is so fucking hot. 

By halftime, the Wings were up three, and Azzi realized her leg had been bouncing nonstop. She tried to force herself to breathe and relax to no avail. 

The Sky came out of the break aggressively. Angel scored six quick points, muscling her way to the rim. Paige responded immediately with a jumper, a steal, then another three. She was fully in her bag.

Midway through the third quarter, as Paige was bringing the ball up the floor, she looked up straight at Azzi.

It was just for a fraction of a second, but it was enough.

Hailey Van Lith poked the ball loose and took off the other way for an easy layup.

Paige’s jaw tightened as she turned to sprint back on defense, frustration flashing across her face.

Azzi pressed her lips together, guilt and something else settling in her stomach. She hadn’t done anything, she’d just been watching.

Apparently, that was enough.

The rest of the third quarter was a grind. Neither team could pull away, and by the time the fourth started, the game was tied. 

The 4th quarter was Paige’s moment.

She had taken over, and the Wings soon built an eight-point lead.

But the Sky refused to fold. Angel hit a fadeaway on the baseline. Flau’jae buried a three. Suddenly it was a three-point game with two minutes left, and Azzi felt like her heart might beat out of her chest.

Paige slowed the tempo down, called for a screen, and pulled up from the elbow, swish.

The Wings’ got a stop on the next possession and pushed transition the other way. Paige attacked the rim and finished through contact, another and-one.

She flexed as the crowd exploded, raw emotion spilling out of her.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Wings had won by ten. Paige finished with thirty-two points, seven assists, and five rebounds. She smiled as she hugged teammates/

Then she looked up to find Azzi, who stood and clapped with a massive smile on her face.

After the game, Azzi met up with Angel and Flau'jae outside of the away locker room. 

“MY GIRLS!” Azzi said, hugging them both.

"P is so fuckin’ good," Flau'jae admitted. 

"I know."

"She better treat you right," Angel said, her tone protective.

"She does. I promise."

“We’re not used to seeing you at games where you’re not cheering for us,” Flau’jae laughed.

“Trust me when you and A ran that pick-and-roll in the 3rd my muscle memory kicked in,” Azzi giggled. 

A few minutes later, the Wings started filing out of their locker room. Arike came out first, saw Azzi, and beamed.

"There she is," Arike said. "Paigey's good luck charm."

Azzi felt her cheeks heat. "I don't know about that."

"Girl, she dropped a 30-piece. You definitely good luck."

Paige emerged from the locker room a few minutes later, freshly showered and wearing white pants and a crochet jersey top. When she saw Azzi, her face lit up.

"Hey," Paige said, pulling Azzi into a hug. 

Azzi kissed her cheek. "You were amazing."

“Had to ball out with a courtside baddie in attendance.” Paige’s smile was soft, almost bashful. 

They lingered there for a moment, neither of them in any hurry to step back. Azzi was aware of the people around them, but it all faded a little when Paige was this close.

“You look really good,” Paige said, her voice low, just for Azzi. Her eyes traced Azzi’s outfit from the top down.

“Thanks,” Azzi said, her voice betraying her just a little. “You too.”

Paige laughed softly. “Just tryna look good next to you.”

“You always do,” Azzi said, blushing. 

Before Azzi could overthink the awkward introductions, Angel stepped in with an easy grin.

“PB!,” she said, holding out a hand. “Long time.”

Paige’s face lit up as she dapped her up. “It’s been a minute, Ang. You were a menace tonight.” 

Angel laughed.

Flau’jae slid in beside her. “Good to see you again, bruh. You were cookin’ out there.”

“Appreciate it,” Paige said, grinning. “Y’all made us work for it.”

Azzi watched the exchange with a small smile. 

They talked for a few minutes, Angel teased Paige about the fact Azzi would’ve whooped her ass in their AAU days, Flau’jae filled her in about the new album, Azzi blushed as the girls told Paige about the famous Magic Mike Halloween party. Paige held her own, like she always did around people. 

“So,” Angel said eventually, eyes flicking between the two of them, amused. “We going out?”

Paige laughed. “I’m down to celebrate. You?”

She looked at Azzi when she said it.

“Yeah,” Azzi said, trying to sound calm despite the way her heart kicked up. “I’m in.”

“Cool,” Paige said. “Let me grab my stuff and I’ll meet you guys.”

Paige ducked back into the locker room, and the second she was gone, Angel and Flau’jae turned to Azzi in unison.

"Oh my God," Flau'jae said. "You got P down bad, Az"

"Paige and Azzi sittin’ in a tree–" Angel laughed.

"Can you guys not?" Azzi said, but she was smiling.

"Let us have this, girl," Angel said. "This is the most exciting thing that's happened to us all season."

"Your season isn't even over yet."

"Yeah well don’t tell nobody this but this is 100% the highlight," Flau’jae wrapped her arms around Azzi. 

Azzi rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop smiling. Because they were right. Paige was arguably down bad for her. And she was definitely completely enthralled with Paige.

The club was packed by the time they arrived. Music pulsed loud enough to make everyone’s ears ring, strobe lights flashed in neon colors, sweaty bodies moved across the dance floor shoulder to shoulder. 

Paige had reserved a table for the group in the VIP section, unbeknownst to Azzi. When the security guard unlatched the velvet rope and Azzi glanced at Paige with wide eyes, Paige just shrugged and smiled. 

"Dayum PB, this place is fire," Flau'jae said, looking around. 

"Everything's bigger in Texas," Paige said with a grin.

Azzi felt herself loosening up as the alcohol hit her system.

They talked and laughed and drank, and Azzi found herself pressed close to Paige in the booth, their thighs touching, Paige's arm draped casually over the back of the seat behind her. It felt completely natural, like they'd been doing this for years instead of weeks.

After a while, Angel stood up. "Okay, I need to dance. Who's coming?"

"I'm in," Flau'jae said immediately.

Azzi glanced at Paige, who was already looking at her with a small smile.

"You wanna dance?" Paige asked.

"Don’t threaten me with a good time," Azzi said.

“You’re the pro, baby. This your element now,” Paige smirked. 

They made their way to the dance floor, bodies parting as the girls wove towards the center. The DJ was playing some club remix of Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In The World)”. 

Azzi turned to face Paige, and the look in Paige's eyes made her breath catch. There was something different about her tonight, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it..

They started moving together, and Azzi felt the heat building between them with every thump of the bass. Paige's hands found her hips, pulling her closer, and Azzi let herself sink into it. She turned around, pressing her back against Paige's front, and felt Paige's sharp intake of breath against her ear.

"You're killing me," Paige murmured, her voice low and rough.

Azzi smiled and pressed back harder, her hips moving in time with the music. Paige's hands tightened on her waist, and Azzi felt a lightning run through her. As the chorus approached, Paige laced her fingers into Azzi’s and spun the brunette back towards her. 

Angel, Flau’Jae, Paige, and Azzi all screamed the words in unison, but Azzi and Paige’s eyes remained locked on just each other. Paige did make Azzi feel like the only girl in the world. And Azzi made Paige feel the same. 

Rihanna’s voice transitioned into Usher’s, and Angel and Flau’jae started giggling as they realized it was “Love in This Club.” Azzi shook her head as she got teased by her college friends, but damn, she was having fun. She was grateful that fellow Tiger Girls Ariel and Darah were DCCs with her, but she didn’t realize how much she missed Angel and Flau’jae. 

Paige’s hands never left Azzi’s hips. Their faces were close now, close enough that Azzi could see how Paige's pupils dilated even through the smoke and lights.

"Having fun?" Azzi asked, her lips brushing Paige's ear.

"Always do when I’m with you," Paige said, and her hands slid lower, resting just above the curve of Azzi's ass.

They danced through another song, and then another, and Azzi lost track of time. All she knew was the feel of Paige's body against hers, the heat building between them, the way Paige was looking at her like she wanted to devour her right there on the dance floor.

Eventually, they made their way back to the table, both of them flushed and breathless. Angel and Flau'jae were already back there, grinning like idiots.

"Y'all looked like you were about to fuck on the dance floor," Angel said bluntly.

"Angel!" Azzi said, mortified.

"What? You ain’t slick girl.."

Paige laughed, not even trying to deny it. "Can you blame me? Look at her."

Azzi felt her cheeks heat, but she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.

They ordered another round of drinks, and Azzi excused herself to go to the bathroom. She needed a minute to cool down, to collect herself, because the way Paige had been looking at her all night was making it very hard to think straight.

The bathroom was blessedly empty, and Azzi stood at the sink, staring at her reflection. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright, her lipstick slightly smudged. She looked like someone who was having the time of her life.

She was fixing her lipstick when the door opened and another girl walked in. She smiled at Azzi, and Azzi smiled back, then turned her attention back to the mirror.

When she finally made her way back to the table, she found Paige exactly where she'd left her, laughing at something Flau’jae was saying, her whole face lit up. God, she was beautiful.

But before Azzi could make it back to the booth, someone stepped into her path.

"Hey," the guy said, smiling. He was tall, good-looking in a very generic sort of way, and clearly drunk. "I'm Keion. Can I buy you a drink?"

"Oh, um, I'm good," Azzi said politely. "Thanks though."

"Come on," Keion said, stepping closer. "Just one. You're way too pretty to be here alone."

"I'm not alone," Azzi said, trying to step around him.

But Keion moved with her, blocking her path. "Your friends won't mind if I steal you for a few minutes."

Azzi felt a flicker of annoyance. "Actually, I really need to get back–"

"Just one, pretty," Keion said again, and this time his hand landed on her arm.

And that's when Paige appeared.

Azzi didn't even see her coming. One second the guy was touching her arm, and the next Paige was there, stepping between them with a look on her face that Azzi had never seen before. It wasn't quite anger, but it was definitely sharp and possessive.

"She said no, bro," Paige said, her voice calm but with an edge that made Azzi's stomach flip.

Keion blinked, clearly taken aback. "Whoa, I was just–"

"She said no," Paige repeated, and this time there was no mistaking the warning in her tone.

Keion held up his hands. "Alright, alright. My bad dawg." He looked at Azzi. "Didn't realize you had a girlfriend."

He walked away, and Azzi turned to Paige, her heart pounding. Paige was still staring as he walked away. Her jaw was clenched and her hands were clenched into fists at her sides.

"Paige," Azzi said softly.

Paige's eyes snapped to hers, and the intensity in them made Azzi's world spin. The look was raw, almost feral. 

"You okay?" Paige asked, her voice rough.

"I'm fine," Azzi said. "He was just being annoying."

"He touched you."

"I know."

"I didn't like that."

"I could tell," Azzi said, and she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "You got a little... intense there."

Paige's jaw tightened. "Sorry. I–" She broke off, shaking her head. "I saw him touching you and I just... Couldn't—"

"Hey," Azzi said, stepping closer. She reached up and cupped Paige's face, forcing her to meet her eyes. "It's okay. I'm okay."

Paige's eyes searched hers for a long moment, and then she let out a breath. "I know. I just... I don't like other people touching you."

The possessiveness in her voice sent a thrill through Azzi. "P, nobody touches me the way you do."

They stood there for a moment, the music pounding around them, the crowd pressing close, and Azzi felt the tension build. 

"Come with me," Paige said, and it wasn't a question.

She took Azzi's hand and led her through the crowd, past the bar, past the dance floor, toward the back of the club. Azzi's heart was racing, her skin buzzing with anticipation, and she knew exactly where they were going.

The bathroom.

Paige pushed open the door and pulled Azzi inside, checking quickly to make sure they were alone. Then she locked the door and turned to face Azzi, and the look in her eyes made Azzi's knees weak.

"I've been wanting to do this all night," Paige said, her voice low and rough.

And then she kissed her.

It was hungry and desperate, like Paige had been holding back all night and couldn't anymore. Her hands were everywhere, planted on Azzi's waist, her hips, sliding up her back, and Azzi melted into it, her own hands fisting in Paige's top.

Paige backed her up against the wall, and Azzi gasped as her back hit the tile. Paige's mouth moved to her neck, kissing and biting, and Azzi's head fell back, her eyes fluttering closed.

"Paige," she breathed.

"You looked so fucking good tonight," Paige said against her skin. "I could barely focus on the game."

"I noticed," Azzi said, and she could hear the smile in her own voice.

Paige pulled back just enough to look at her, and the heat in her eyes made Azzi's stomach flip. "You noticed?"

"You turned the ball over in the third quarter because you were looking at me."

Paige's jaw tightened. "Cause you’re so damn distracting."

"Good," Azzi said, and then she pulled Paige back in for another kiss.

This time it was even more intense, their tongues meeting one another desperately. Paige's hands slid under Azzi's tank, her fingers tracing the bare skin of her waist, and Azzi arched into the touch. She wanted more. Needed more.

"Paige," she said again, and this time it came out as a whimper.

"Tell me what you want," Paige said, her voice rough.

"I want you," Azzi said without hesitation.

Paige groaned and kissed her again. Azzi felt like she was on fire. Every nerve was tingling, every touch sent sparks through her body. 

Paige's hands slid lower, gripping Azzi's hips, and Azzi hooked one leg around Paige's waist, pulling her closer. The friction caused Azzi to let out a soft moan that Paige swallowed with another kiss.

"Fuck," Paige breathed against her lips. "You're so perfect."

"Don't stop," Azzi said, her hands sliding under Paige's shirt, feeling the hard muscle of her abs. "Please don't stop."

"I'm not stopping," Paige said, and there was a promise in her voice that made Azzi shiver.

Paige's mouth moved back to Azzi's neck and Azzi's hands tangled in her hair. She was so lost in the sensation that she barely registered the sound of someone trying the door handle.

"Occupied!" Paige called out, not even breaking stride.

Azzi laughed breathlessly, and Paige pulled back to look at her, a grin on her face.

"You think this is funny?" Paige asked, but there was no heat in it.

"A little," Azzi admitted.

"Sue me for not being able to keep my hands off you," Paige said, but she was smiling.

They kissed again, slower this time, more tender.

"We should probably get back," Azzi said eventually, even though she really didn't want to get out of the stall.

"Prolly," Paige agreed, but she didn't let go.

When they finally emerged from the bathroom, Angel and Flau'jae were waiting by the bar with matching smirks.

"Took you long enough," Angel said.

"Shut up," Azzi said, but she was smiling.

"We're heading out," Paige said, her hand finding Azzi's. "You guys good?"

"We're great," Flau'jae said. "You two have fun."

"Oh, they will," Angel said with a wink.

Azzi flipped her off while yelling “Love y’all!” over the music. 

"My place?" Paige asked as she opened Uber. 

"Yeah, baby," Azzi said. 

Paige smiled and squeezed her hand. "Good. I got unfinished business.”

The ride to Paige's apartment was quiet, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Azzi's hand rested on Paige's thigh, and Paige's hand covered hers, their fingers intertwined. The tension from the club was still there, simmering just below the surface. 

Paige watched as Azzi stared out the window at the Dallas lights. Azzi turned, catching her staring, and the corner of her mouth lifted in that knowing smile that made Paige's stomach flip.

"What?" Azzi whispered, though she knew exactly what.

"Nothing," Paige said, but her voice came out rougher than intended.

Azzi's thumb began tracing slow circles on Paige's thigh, barely moving, just enough pressure to remind Paige it was there. The touch was innocent enough that the driver wouldn't notice, but Paige felt it everywhere. She tightened her grip on Azzi's hand, but wasn’t sure if she did it as a warning or an encouragement.

Her hand shifted higher, just an inch, fingers spreading slightly. Paige's breath hitched audibly in the car.

"Az," Paige murmured, barely a whisper. She didn’t expect the tables to be turned on her like this.

"Hmm?" Azzi's voice was honey-sweet innocence, but her hand moved again, sliding higher with deliberate slowness. Her pinky finger brushed against Paige’s belt loops.

Paige bit her lip, her free hand gripping the door handle. She could feel her pulse in her throat, in her fingertips, everywhere Azzi was touching her. 

She brought their intertwined hands to her lips and kissed Azzi's knuckles, letting her lips linger there. She felt Azzi's sharp intake of breath, saw the way her brown eyes focused on her.

Azzi leaned in close, her lips brushing Paige's ear. "I've been thinking about this all night," she whispered, her breath hot against Paige's skin. "About all the things I want to do to you."

Paige's eyes fluttered closed, a shiver running through her body despite the warmth of the car. "Have you?" she managed, her voice barely steady.

"Mmhmm." Azzi's hand slid higher still, her fingers now touching the bare skin of Paige’s stomach under her tank. "About kissing every inch of you. About making you say my name."

"Azzi," Paige whispered, and Azzi smiled against her ear.

"Just like that," she said. Her fingers traced patterns on Paige's abs, trailing down right above the button of her pants. "You're so fucking attractive, you know that? Watching you play tonight, watching everyone else watch you, being in that damn club... all I could think about was that you were going home with me."

Paige turned her head, capturing Azzi's lips in a kiss that was probably too heated for the back of an Uber, but she couldn't help herself. Azzi kissed her back with equal passion, her nails digging into Paige’s skin.

When they broke apart, both breathing hard, Paige glanced at the driver, but he seemed oblivious, focused on the road with the radio up. 

"Jesus Christ, how far away are we?" Paige mumbled as she opened Maps. 

Azzi giggled as her fingers continued their teasing exploration, drawing circles and figure-eights on Paige's sensitive skin. Each touch felt like a shock. Paige knew her brand new lilac boxers were drenched. 

"Patience, baby," Azzi whispered.

"I don't feel very patient," Paige admitted, her hand sliding up Azzi's arm, over her shoulder, fingers playing with the soft curls at the nape of her neck.

"I can tell," Azzi said, her eyes dropping to where Paige's chest was rising and falling with quick breaths. "Your heart's racing. I can see it."

"Yeah cause of you," Paige said, but there was no accusation in it, only want.

"I know." Azzi leaned in again, pressing a soft kiss to Paige's neck, just below her ear. "I'll make it up to you. Promise."

The Uber slowed, and Paige glanced out to see her building waiting for them. Thank fuck. She wasn't sure how much more of this torture she could take. 

She nearly threw herself out of the car as she mumbled a quick thank you and got out. 

The night air was cool against her flushed skin, but it did nothing to calm the fire Azzi had stoked. Paige fumbled with her key card at the door, swiping it twice before the lock finally clicked open.

The lobby was empty, their footsteps echoing on the polished floor as they made their way to the elevator. Paige pressed the button and they waited, standing close enough that their shoulders touched. 

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. They stepped inside and Paige hit the button for the fifth floor. The moment the doors closed, sealing them in the small, mirrored space, everything shifted.

"You alright?" Azzi asked softly, and despite the heat between them, there was genuine care in her voice.

Paige turned to look at her, at this woman who could make her feel like she was burning alive with just a touch, just a look. "Yeah, baby," she said. "I just want you so fucking bad right now."

Azzi turned to her, backing Paige gently against the elevator mirrors. "I can’t keep my hands off of you.” 

She leaned in, her lips brushing against Paige's jaw, just below her ear. Not quite a kiss, just a whisper of contact that made Paige's eyes flutter closed. Azzi's hands found her hips, thumbs stroking small circles there.

"Az," Paige breathed, tilting her head to give her better access.

Azzi's lips traced a teasing path down her neck. Tell me what you want," she murmured against Paige's skin.

"Everything," Paige said without hesitation. 

She felt Azzi smile against her throat. "Ok, baby."

Azzi's lipstick had left a faint mark on Paige's neck, and Paige's hands were tangled in Azzi's curls, having mussed it without realizing.

Then Azzi's lips were on her neck properly, kissing and sucking gently, and Paige's hands tightened in Azzi's hair. One of Azzi's hands slid from her hip to her thigh, then inward, pushing up between her thighs and spreading them apart ever so slightly. 

"Fuck," Paige gasped, her hips jerking forward involuntarily.

Azzi then moved her fingers back to Paige’s belt loops teasingly. She rose her knee up into Paige’s core and the whimper that left the blonde was guttural. 

"Shh," Azzi whispered, but she was smiling, clearly pleased with the reaction she was getting. "Almost there."

Paige could feel how wet she was, and knew Azzi could tell already. 

The doors opened as they reached the fifth floor. Paige's legs felt shaky as they stepped out, walking quickly down the hallway. 

At her door, Paige dug through her pockets for her keys, her hands shaking slightly. She could feel Azzi behind her, close enough that she could feel her breath on the back of her neck.

"Need help?" Azzi asked, slightly amused at how flustered she’d gotten the blonde.

"I've got it," Paige insisted, finally finding the keys. But as she raised them to the lock, Azzi's arms wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her back against her body. Paige's hand froze.

"Az," she said, half-warning, half-plea.

Azzi's lips found the spot where her neck met her shoulder, pressing a real kiss there this time, open-mouthed and warm. "Open the door, baby," she whispered against Paige's skin.

Paige tried. She really did. But Azzi's hands were sliding up her sides, and her lips were doing things that made coherent thought nearly impossible. The key scraped against the lock, missing the keyhole entirely.

"You're not helping," Paige said, but she was smiling, her head falling back against Azzi's shoulder.

"I'm not trying to help," Azzi admitted, her hands settling on Paige's hips again, holding her close. One hand slid around to Paige's stomach, then lower, pressing against her through her pants. "I'm trying to drive you crazy."

"It's working," Paige whispered.

"Good."

Paige turned in her arms, the keys still clutched in her hand. Azzi's hand came up to cup her face, thumb stroking her cheek, and leaned in. Paige made a small sound in the back of her throat, pressing closer, one hand fisting in Azzi's top while the other still held the keys.

Azzi's tongue traced Paige's bottom lip and Paige opened for her immediately, the kiss turning heated and desperate. Azzi tasted like the drinks they'd had at the club, and Paige couldn't get enough. 

"Door," Azzi reminded her, her voice rough. "Now. Or I swear to god I'm going to fuck you right here in this hallway."

The words sent a bolt of heat straight through Paige's body, and for a moment she actually considered it. But then sanity prevailed, and she turned around, managing to get the key in the lock on the first try this time, though Azzi's hands never left her hips, her lips pressing kisses to Paige's shoulder, the back of her neck, anywhere she could reach.

The lock clicked and Paige pushed the door open, pulling Azzi inside with her.

The door had barely closed behind them before they were reaching for each other again, all the restraint from the Uber and the elevator and the hallway finally breaking. Azzi backed Paige against the closed door, their lips meeting in a kiss that could only be described as borderline pornographic. 

Paige's keys clattered to the floor, forgotten, as her hands found their way into Azzi's hair, holding her close. 

“You’re gonna kill me,” Paige whispers. 

“I am?” Azzi giggles 

“Mhm. Cause I’m gonna take my time with you tonight. Now you’re gonna have to have some patience, baby,” Paige says as she squeezes Azzi’s ass. 

“God, Paige, please just fuck me,” Azzi begs. 

“Come with me,” Paige grabs Azzi’s hands and leads them down the hall to her room. 

Coach Sonia had not been happy with their performance, not that it was Azzi’s doing. Fucking rookies and their propensity for messing up plays. Still, she had to pay the price with the rest of the team, running shuttles for half an hour until it felt like there was a vice cinched around her chest. 

Unfortunately, the impromptu fitness session had her running behind schedule for lunch with her family. They were supposed to meet at her favorite little bistro downtown at noon. Azzi plucked her phone from the counter, bringing it closer to her face until the screen lit up on its own accord. 

11:30. 

She had just about thirty minutes until she needed to leave. The place was twenty minutes away, but she had a propensity for lateness, so they probably weren’t even expecting her until 12:30 anyway.

Azzi shot off a text that she was running behind, and was about to drop the phone back on the counter when her eye caught sight of the text chain underneath her family group chat. A mischievous grin twisted across her lips. 

She lifted the phone again, clicking onto the camera, and angling it just so. The photo wasn’t explicit, but it didn’t need to be. Bare shoulder, collarbone, the edge of the towel sitting low enough to suggest more than it showed. Her mouth curved as she sent it before she could overthink it.

The response came almost immediately.

Paige: baby. 

Azzi laughed quietly to herself, biting the inside of her cheek as a second message immediately followed.

Paige: you’re fucking killing me

Azzi leaned her hip against the counter, feeling a flutter gathering low in her stomach that had nothing to do with the cool marble. She sent back nothing but a winking emoji, which was, apparently, all the encouragement Paige needed.

Paige: how bout you drop that towel and send me another?

A few seconds passed by, the lack of response seemingly too long for Paige’s waning patience. 

Paige: please.

Paige: pretty please. 

Paige: see how polite i’m being?

Azzi shook her head, grin widening as she typed. 

Azzi: come see for yourself. about to hop in the shower before i meet my parents for lunch.

She meant it as a hypothetical tease, an empty dare tossed out with zero expectation it would be taken seriously. They’d both been bold over text the past few days, but Paige was busy and Azzi only had thirty minutes before she had to be out the door. 

The reply came fast enough to make her breath hitch.

Paige: bet

Azzi’s pulse jumped, heat pooling between her thighs, her body reacting before her brain could catch up. That had to be a joke. It had to be. Paige was always saying things half designed just to make Azzi squirm.

Azzi: I’ve only got 30 min before I have to leave :(

She bit her lip in disappointment, trying to level set. There was a pause in Paige’s responses, just long enough for Azzi to tell herself not to read into it. Then her phone buzzed again in rapid succession. 

Paige: i’m actually around the block picking up supplies

Paige: there’s a lot i can do in 30 minutes 

Paige: leave the front door unlocked

Azzi stared at the screen in disbelief, her thumb hovering, stomach doing somersaults. In the end, there really wasn’t anything to think about. She liked the message before she could second-guess the insanity of inviting Paige over for a shower quickie, a quiet laugh slipping out as she shook her head. 

She set the phone down on the counter, pulling the towel more snugly around her body and scurried out of the bathroom. As she made her way through the house, her thoughts drifted, unspooling easily to the last few days since brunch. The constant texts. The not-quite-innocent check-ins. If her family hadn’t been in town, Azzi was pretty sure she’d have found an excuse to invite Paige over every night that week. Her self-control was absolutely non-existent around the blonde, already a little addicted to the way Paige made her feel, to how easily she slipped under her skin and… into other places. And now that they didn’t need to beat around the bush, now that Paige had made it poignantly clear where she stood, Azzi felt her self-control dwindling even more. 

As she unlocked the front door, her thoughts flickered to Sunday night. Paige in the stands at her game, wearing her jersey, impossible to ignore from the court. But, of course, Azzi’s family was in town. Their eyes met after the final buzzer, and Paige shot her a smile and half-hearted wave, before tugging her friends away instead of venturing closer. She understood without needing it spelled out that it wasn’t the moment. Azzi had been grateful for that, even as something in her chest constricted.

In such a short time, seeing Paige and her friends at Storm games had become something Azzi relied on. She looked to the stands where they sat when she made a clutch shot, when she sank a deep three, or when she needed a look of encouragement during a rough stretch. Not saying hi after the final buzzer sounded had felt...off.

By the time she returned to the bathroom the steam had thickened, clouding the glass doors and clinging to Azzi’s skin as she stepped under the spray. She tilted her head back, reveling in the sensation of water cascading over her shoulders, tracing paths down her body. She was so lost in the warmth and the thoughts circling her mind that she didn't hear the bathroom door open or the soft click of it closing.

The first she knew of Paige’s presence was the sudden rush of cooler air as the shower door slid open, followed immediately by the unmistakable heat of a body pressing against her back. Paige’s strong arms wrapped around her waist, palms flattening against her stomach, pulling her flush until there was no space left between them. The soft, wonderful weight of Paige’s breasts molded to Azzi’s back, a stark, arousing contrast to the hard press of her hips.

Azzi’s breath caught, sharp and startled, but she didn’t turn around. Instead, she let herself sink back into Paige’s hold, her head tipping slightly to the side as familiar lips brushed her neck. The contact sent a shiver down her spine.

“You weren’t joking, huh?” Azzi laughed softly, the sound dissolving into a gasp when Paige’s mouth pressed more firmly against her neck, teeth sinking in.

“You send me a photo like that,” Paige murmured against her skin, her breath hot and sending a shiver down Azzi’s spine that had nothing to do with the water temperature, “tell me you’re home alone and about to get in the shower, and you don’t expect me to show up?”

Azzi laughed again, breathless this time, reaching back blindly, hand flapping around until her arm hooked around Paige’s neck. She tugged her closer, smiling when Paige got the message immediately, her mouth returning to Azzi’s neck with renewed intent. 

“I think,” Azzi managed, her voice already unsteady from the way Paige’s lips felt, “I also told you I only have thirty minutes before I have to leave…”

Her words trailed off as Paige shifted behind her, hands moving with purpose, the implication unmistakable. One of Paige’s hands splayed flat against Azzi’s stomach, holding her steady, while the other slid lower. Paige didn’t rush it. Her fingers danced over wet skin, tracing the line of water droplets curling over Azzi’s hip, as if she had all the time in the world. Which was laughable, given they very much did not. And yet, with Paige’s hands on her, with the steam and the spray curling around them like a cocoon, it certainly felt that way. 

The moan that slipped from Paige’s mouth when her fingers slid through Azzi’s slick folds went straight through Azzi; she inhaled sharply, her body instantly responding to the dizzying touch.

“Fuck, baby,” Paige hissed in her ear, voice ragged like she could barely control it. 

Azzi turned her head just enough to catch Paige’s eye, her expression pure challenge as she reached back and guided Paige’s fingers toward her aching cunt. “That’s what I’m trying to do,” she murmured, smug even as her knees threatened to give out.

Paige didn’t need to be told twice. Not when Azzi was already soaked and clearly past pretending she had the upper hand. She took over with immediate confidence, two fingers sliding inside with a possessive ease that knocked the breath from Azzi’s lungs. Paige’s palm pressed perfectly against her clit, creating an overwhelming pressure with every deep, deliberate thrust of her fingers. The angle alone made Azzi’s head spin, the sensation of being completely surrounded leaving no room for thought. 

It felt different than their other encounters. There was no easing into it, no teasing preamble. The restraint Paige usually showed was gone. She moved with certainty, like she was fully aware of what Azzi needed and exactly how to give it to her. There was something possessive in the way she took over; Paige was establishing the terms, and Azzi had zero interest in arguing.

Paige fucked Azzi with a raw, unapologetic need, probably stemming from days of being wound up. Azzi had known exactly what she was doing with the texts and photos; she’d thoroughly enjoyed teasing Paige, and now she welcomed the reckoning.

Paige’s free hand stayed locked on Azzi’s stomach, holding them tightly together. And Azzi felt every inch of Paige’s lithe frame—the soft press of her breasts, the hard muscles of her thighs against her own, the relentless insistence of her long fingers inside her. There was no escaping the awareness of Paige everywhere, not that Azzi wanted to.

“You feel so fucking good like this,” Paige panted, lips brushing against Azzi’s shoulder blade. “So tight. Taking my fingers so deep, baby. I want to feel you cum all over my hand.”

The dirty talk, combined with the relentless stimulation, undid Azzi. She could feel the tension coiling deep in her belly, a white-hot fire building with every stroke. She pushed back against Paige, meeting her thrusts, desperate for more. The small, steamy space filled with sound—cascading water, the slap of wet skin, filthy moans—and Azzi had a fleeting, absurd thought that this was absolutely not how she’d planned to spend her afternoon.

She didn’t regret it for a second. 

Paige’s thumb found its mark, circling her clit with devastating precision, and that was it. Azzi cried out, a raw, broken sound that was swallowed by the hiss of the shower, as she clenched hard around Paige’s fingers. Paige drew it out just long enough to leave Azzi shaking before she finally slowed. She kissed along Azzi’s shoulders and neck with sudden softness that made Azzi’s knees weak all over again.

Only then did Paige slip her fingers free and wrap her arms around Azzi’s waist, pulling her tighter. Azzi slumped back against Paige, utterly spent, letting the water wash over them both.

For a moment, they stayed like that. Paige holding her steady, Azzi trying to remember how to breathe. Then Paige leaned down, mouth warm against her neck again, her hand again slipping lower.

“Fuck,” Paige murmured, voice reverent as she swirled two fingers through Azzi’s folds.

She lifted her hand, sucking her fingers into her mouth, and let out a  low, contented hum that vibrated from her throat. Paige’s expression was blissed-out in a way that sent a fresh spark of heat straight through Azzi. The look on her face wasn’t performative. It was worshipful. And fuck if that wasn’t one of the hottest things Azzi had ever seen.

“I think I need to clean you up properly,” Paige added, entirely too pleased with herself as she pulled her fingers out of her mouth with an exaggerated pop.

Azzi laughed, breathless, turning in Paige’s arms so they were chest to chest, her hands wrapped around Paige’s shoulders. “We’re in a shower...”

Paige didn’t answer. She just sank to her knees and raised a single, challenging eyebrow. The look was a silent, arrogant question—are you really turning this down?—coupled with that infuriating cocky smirk she wore so well. 

And, well,Azzi was absolutely not going to turn that down. In fact, the last of Azzi’s amusement evaporated, replaced by a fresh wave of hunger at the sight of Paige on her knees looking so fucking smug. Azzi had half a mind to be a brat and argue, but her body remembered the last time Paige was on her knees like that, and any thought of rebellion quickly dissipated.

She tangled her fingers roughly in Paige’s wet, tousled hair. She used the grip to guide the blonde exactly what she wanted, pressing Paige’s face right into her cunt, a silent command that was more powerful than any word. 

Paige went willingly, like this had always been the plan, and the sight of her there, looking up with raw hunger, made Azzi’s heart pound. 

It felt so good, and so different, to be able to freely take what she wanted, without having to barter with her emotions. The knowledge that Paige just wanted her to feel good made Azzi almost as wet as knowing what she was about to do.

They both knew they were on borrowed time.

Paige didn’t waste a second, flattening her tongue and licking a broad, firm stripe up her center. Azzi’s head fell back against the cool tile with a soft thud, a sharp gasp torn from her lips. The contrast was incredible—the cold wall at her back, the hot water on her skin, and the searing, mind-numbing heat of Paige’s mouth between her legs.

Paige’s mouth was a revelation, just like Azzi remembered. She was relentless, her tongue exploring every sensitive fold before zeroing in on her clit. She circled it, then sucked it between her lips and Azzi’s knees nearly buckled. Azzi wrenched her fingers tighter in Paige’s hair, and though she knew it probably hurt, Paige only moaned in response, her fingers digging deeper into Azzi’s ass as if for payback.

“Fuck, P,” Azzi choked out, the words torn from her as the pleasure built to an unbearable peak. “Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.”

Paige answered by sliding two fingers back inside her, pumping them deep before curling them just right. It was devastating in its precision, and Azzi found her entire world narrowing to the overwhelming pleasure. There was no room left for thought, only the overwhelming reality of Paige taking her apart piece by piece.

Azzi cried out as her second orgasm slammed into her, blinding and all-consuming.  

Paige stayed with her through every spasm, unhurried and merciless, drawing it out until Azzi had nothing left to give. By the time Paige finally pulled back, looking up at her with that infuriatingly smug satisfaction Azzi knew so well, Azzi’s legs gave out completely. She slid down the wall, boneless, breathless, and let herself be pulled into Paige’s lap.

God, she was so completely gone.

When Azzi finally came back to herself, her limbs felt heavy and useless, her pulse still roaring in her ears. Paige was right there, hands smoothing up and down her back, kissing her with a tenderness that felt almost unfair—like they weren’t on borrowed time, like thirty minutes wasn’t already bleeding away.

Azzi’s gaze dragged over Paige’s face, taking in the lazy satisfaction in her eyes, the way her lips still parted with a proud grin. A slow, dangerous smile curved across Azzi’s mouth.

Her hand slid down Paige’s side, tracing the sharp line of her hip, making her intentions unmistakable. Paige caught her wrist gently, reluctantly.

“Don’t you have to get going?” Paige asked softly, the familiar reminder of obligations hanging between them hitting like a sudden chill.

Azzi huffed a quiet laugh and leaned in, stealing another kiss, tasting herself on Paige’s mouth. “I can be five minutes late.”

Paige smiled against her lips, challenge written all over her face. “You sound pretty confident you can get me off in five minutes.”

Azzi’s brow arched as her fingers dipped lower, finding proof of just how ready Paige already was. “Looks like I should be.”

And if there’s one thing Azzi loved, it was competition. She was a champion at every level of the sport—high school, college, WNBA, international. Always looked down on and counted out, Azzi had learned to rise to the occasion. This was no exception.  

“Challenge accepted, Bueckers,” Azzi murmured against her ear, her voice low and husky. 

She didn’t waste another second.

Azzi took control with the same decisiveness Paige had moments earlier. Her hand found its home between Paige’s legs, and the guttural moan she pulled from the blonde was its own reward. 

“Fuck,” Paige breathed, her head falling back, eyes closed, expression one of pure, unadulterated bliss. “Please, Az…” 

Paige was swollen and slick, ready for her, and Azzi was absolutely happy to oblige. She slid two fingers inside in one smooth stroke, setting a fast rhythm from the start. There was no time for teasing. She was already pushing her luck, and they both knew it. Her thumb circled Paige’s clit while her fingers fucked her deep, and only after Paige’s body finally went slack, and the blonde slumped against her, boneless and panting and sated, did Azzi let a triumphant smirk slip onto her face. She slowly withdrew her fingers, pressing a soft kiss to Paige’s temple that felt more like punctuation than affection.

Then she straightened and stepped out of the shower, water trailing down her legs.

Azzi grabbed a soft cotton towel off the hook and turned, already smiling. 

“Three minutes and thirty-five seconds,” she mumbled, smug and satisfied.

“Fuck off,” Paige laughed, shutting off the water and wringing out her hair. “Ain’t no way you counted.”

Azzi shrugged, wrapping the towel around herself with deliberate slowness just as Paige stepped closer, fingers hooking into the edge of it like she might test her luck.

“Think I can beat that time anyway,” Paige said, eyes dragging shamelessly over Azzi. “Care to take that bet?”

Azzi laughed under her breath and set a gentle hand to Paige’s chest, pushing her back just enough to reestablish space between them. “Okay, nope,” she said, amused but firm. She handed Paige a towel. “You really gotta go. There’s absolutely no way I make it to lunch if you keep looking at me like that.”

Paige grinned as she took it, backing toward the clothes she’d abandoned on the floor. “You sure you want me to leave?”

Azzi grabbed another towel off the rod and snapped the end of it sharply against Paige’s ass. “Out,” she said, grinning. “Before I make a bad choice and get ridiculed by my family for the rest of the day.”

“Okay, okay,” Paige laughed as she shimmied into her boxers and jeans before pulling her shirt over her still-wet torso.

She took maybe two steps toward the door before doubling back with a mischievous grin.

Paige’s hands slid around Azzi’s waist before the brunette could protest, dipping lower, cupping her ass, digging in like she wanted to imprint her fingerprints. And then her lips were on Azzi, kissing her deep and reckless, warm tongue slipping into Azzi’s mouth as Paige devoured her with a lingering hunger. It knocked the air out of Azzi’s lungs, replacing it with a low, involuntary moan.

That sound, traitorous and loud, was what snapped Azzi out of it.

She broke the kiss with a breathless laugh, using every ounce of willpower she possessed to push Paige back by the shoulders before she did something truly irresponsible. “Nope,” she said, still smiling and flushed, cinching her towel tighter to thwart the blonde’s advances as she pointed emphatically at the door. “Go. Right now.”

Paige grinned like she’d won something anyway, and Azzi watched her slip away, pulse still thrumming, already wishing that skipping lunch had been an option after all.

*************

It was late enough that Azzi’s house had finally gone quiet. After packing for their flight home, her parents retreated to bed around nine. And while her brothers were still up, they were too busy trying to merc fourteen year olds in Fortnite in the living room to have any idea what else was going on around them. 

Azzi showered, changed into an oversized sleep tee, and slid into bed with her phone resting on her stomach. Curled into the thick, still cool comforter, half watching some TikTok she wasn’t even paying attention to, Azzi sighed. Her family was leaving tomorrow, after a fun, but exhausting four-day visit. And unfortunately, there was no time to recover with a week-long road trip looming. 

Still, despite the exhaustion in her bones, her mind refused to settle. Plays, travel logistics, and straggling items that still needed to be packed hovered in her thoughts. And Paige. Always Paige these days.

Halfway through a not-that-funny TikTok Sarah sent her, Azzi’s phone buzzed. She smiled at the name, immediately clicking on the notification.

Her smile grew tenfold when she saw it was a photo from Paige. She looked good. Really fucking good. 

Dressed in a cream sweater vest, the cable knit looking so soft against her skin, paired with worn-in denim shorts, she looked hot but also casual in a way that only Paige could pull off. There was an easy confidence in the way she stood, one hip cocked, mouth tipped into a familiar smirk that made Azzi’s throat tighten. 

It wasn’t like she was trying to impress, and that was the problem. Paige wore it like she knew how good she looked and didn’t need anyone else to tell her. 

Damn, Azzi thought, liking the photo immediately. Then her eyes drifted to the time and they narrowed.

Azzi: where are you going?

Paige: Nika and Nai are dragging me out to the club

Azzi’s stomach dipped unexpectedly. Her mind filled in the scene: Paige on a crowded floor, music loud, bodies close. Girls leaning in. Laughing too close. Touching her arm. Touching… other places. 

She frowned at the screen, annoyed with herself for feeling it at all. They weren’t anything. Not officially. Not even close. So why was her stomach churning at the thought of Paige’s hands on someone else?

She typed a response before she could stop herself.

Azzi: looking like that you’re going to have girls hanging all over you

The reply came quickly.

Paige: jealous baby?

Azzi scoffed softly, rolling onto her side. Yes, flashed through her mind, but she had more dignity than that. Before she could respond, another message popped up.

Paige: don’t be

Paige: there’s only one girl I want all over me

Azzi knew she was absolutely being baited. Paige had a way of doing that, of tugging just enough to see if Azzi would bite. Tonight—and if she was being painfully honest, every night—she did.

Azzi: oh yeah? do I know her?

There was a pause that stretched long enough to make Azzi’s pulse tick up in anticipation.

Paige: you might. she’s a super sexy baddie that plays for the seattle storm. 

Paige: i kinda can’t stop thinking about her.

The words slammed into her chest and twisted, cinching tighter and tighter. Because if Azzi was being honest, she couldn’t stop thinking about Paige either. Her hands and her lips and her mouth, but also her face and her laugh and stupidly endearing smile. Azzi stared at the screen, a goofy grin splitting her lips that her brothers would definitely roast her for if they saw. 

Despite the jealousy, and knowing this was dangerous territory—emotionally if nothing else—all Azzi could think about was how badly she wanted Paige again. But time and commitments kept getting in the way. The road trip starting tomorrow, the packed schedule, the limited windows. All of it was eating away at her. Especially when most nights ended like this: laying in bed, phone in one hand, the other slipped beneath her boxers as they egged each other on with filth and photos. 

Azzi: when can i see you again? 

Azzi: i leave late tomorrow afternoon for a 3 game roadtrip 

The response made her inhale sharply.

Paige: i’m slammed all day tomorrow, but i could maybe skip lunch and eat you instead?

Paige: give you a good send off 😉

Azzi closed her eyes, a quiet laugh slipping out as heat pooled fast. Her mind definitely did not jump to the image of Paige on her knees, eating her out at the club. Or in the shower.

Lies. Yes, it fucking did.

Azzi: mhm i like that plan. send me the address tomorrow and i’ll swing by after i drop my family off at the airport.

She kicked the sheets down with her foot and rucked her shirt up, catching her toned abs and the edge of her boxers in the photo she snapped. It was a reminder of exactly what Paige would be missing tonight. If Azzi couldn’t be there, she wanted Paige to think about that photo for the next few hours. 

Azzi: keep this in mind if anyone tries to dance on you tonight

Paige: 🫡🫡🫡

Paige: no one else could ever compare anyway

Paige: night Az

Azzi stared at the screen for a moment longer than necessary before setting the phone down. The house felt too quiet again, her thoughts already drifting ahead to tomorrow, to their propensity for borrowed time and stolen moments. But mostly, to the way Paige was slowly, steadily finding her way under Azzi’s skin.

Sleep came eventually, but it took longer than usual, her mind replaying the promise of a lunch she already knew would be anything but innocent. 

*************

Paige heard the car before she saw it.

The crunch of tires on gravel carried down the long, winding driveway, cutting through the quiet job site. The lot was bigger than most you found in Seattle, tucked back and shaded by towering trees that made the place feel far more remote than it actually was. Paige was sitting on the open tailgate of her truck, legs dangling, a cold bottle of water sweating in her hand as she took a break she’d told herself she earned.

She looked up just as the car rolled into view.

Azzi.

The sight made a rush of something warm and disorienting hit Paige all at once. Because here she was, gross and sweaty on a job site with no more than an hour to spare, and WNBA superstar Azzi Fudd was squeezing into her schedule before hopping on a flight to jet across the country. Paige knew she was blessed and highly favored with her orgasm-giving abilities, but this still felt like a dream. 

Azzi pulled in beside the truck and killed the engine, sunlight catching on the windshield. She stepped out wearing black Seattle Storm sweats, the hoodie loose on her frame, yellow and green logo bold against the dark fabric. It was casual and comfortable, but she still made it look too good for a random Wednesday afternoon. Paige vaguely wondered if that’s what she was wearing to the airport. She assumed it was, which meant… Azzi came to see her after dropping her family off at the airport, only to turn around and drive right back for her flight in an hour. 

Paige wasn’t sure what to do with that little bit of information. Luckily, there wasn't much time to dwell on it. Azzi reached back into the car and grabbed a paper bag before closing the door, heading toward her with an easy smile. Paige hadn’t even realized she was grinning until her cheeks started to ache.

Azzi hoisted the bag of food in the air with a smile that Paige could only classify as triumphant. And she definitely didn’t find it fucking adorable, nor was she going to unpack the fact that Azzi brought her lunch.

“I thought I was having something else for lunch,” Paige joked lightly as Azzi stopped in front of her.

Azzi laughed, setting the bag down on the tailgate beside her. “We’ll get to that,” she said. “But I figured you’d need sustenance after I deplete your energy reserves even more.” 

Paige blew a sharp exhale out of her nose, shaking her head, but her thoughts kept drifting somewhere dangerous. The effort. The intention. The thoughtfulness. The little moments of “is this just sex?” that kept stacking up. She didn’t comment on it, but it lodged itself somewhere deep in her brain to be analyzed later. Because no, this didn’t really feel like just sex anymore.

Azzi’s eyes flicked around the expansive property, subtle but telling. Paige caught it immediately.

“Clients are out of town until tomorrow night,” she said casually. “Just us here.”

Something lit behind Azzi’s eyes. A spark, one she’d seen before, that made Paige’s pulse skip a beat. 

“Well, in that case…”

Azzi didn’t finish the sentence. Instead, she grabbed Paige by the front of her shirt, pulling her in for a kiss that lacked any pretense. Paige barely had time to register the taste of mint as Azzi’s tongue pressed into her mouth before she was reacting on instinct, hands dipping frantically to pull Azzi up into her lap. 

Her breath was knocked loose as Azzi clamored onto the tailgate, straddling her easily, her weight sinking down and pressing into Paige in the most delicious way. Azzi’s hands slid up, tugging Paige’s backwards Big Buckets Home Repair hat off and tossing it carelessly into the truck bed behind them before cupping her face, thumbs brushing along her jaw.

Paige’s hands found Azzi’s hips, gripping her firmly, and God, she felt good. Warm and solid and so much better than the pictures. 

Then Paige leaned in again, meeting Azzi’s mouth with an urgency that surprised even her. It was the inevitable result of days spent teasing each other through screens and the looming reality that Azzi was about to disappear for another week. Paige licked into the kiss, losing herself in it long enough to forget that they were very much still in her client’s driveway, that the truck bed liner was digging uncomfortably into her ass, and that this was, objectively, a terrible idea.

All of that dissolved as her thoughts zeroed in on Azzi in her lap, rocking her hips, driving her absolutely wild.

Azzi pulled back just long enough to press a hand to Paige’s chest and ease her down, her eyes dark and unmistakably focused. Paige let herself go, breath already coming faster, too far gone to mount even a half-hearted argument that they should maybe relocate somewhere with walls. Because who was she kidding. She’d deny Azzi nothing. Especially not when the image of Azzi looking fucked out in the shower a few days ago had been living rent free in her head ever since.

From her back, Paige regrouped.

Last time, she’d been the one unraveling. Begging and pliant in the shower. And the time before that, she’d been promising to be a fucking good girl. Paige had absolutely no intention of letting that dynamic stand. It had been fun, and sure, she didn’t mind switching it up every now and again—especially because a dominant Azzi was something out of a wet dream—but she liked control. Preferred it, actually. And she had every intention of reclaiming it now.

A slow grin curved her mouth as she let one hand drift lower, skimming the smooth plane of Azzi’s stomach before tracing the waistband of her sweats. She watched Azzi’s eyes follow the movement, heavy-lidded and hungry, giving silent permission without a word. Paige dipped her fingers beneath the elastic and groaned softly.

“Fuck, Az,” she breathed, a laugh caught in her throat. “You’re not wearing any underwear?”

Azzi pulled back just enough to grin, smug and completely unapologetic. “Figured you’d ruin whatever ones I put on anyway. I’ll put some on before my flight.”

Paige bit her bottom lip hard, eyes darkening as she shook her head. “You’re killing me.”

Azzi answered by rocking into her, and Paige lost the rest of the thought entirely. She sank her fingers into Azzi’s cunt without ceremony, rewarded immediately by Azzi’s sharp gasp against her neck and the way her hips stuttered, instinctively seeking more.

Paige grinned at how desperate she was, how needy. She took her time, savoring the way Azzi’s pussy clenched and fluttered around her fingers. 

“Fuck, Azzi,” Paige murmured, her voice a low rasp. “You feel so good.”

Then Paige started to move, a slow, torturous rhythm. Her thumb circled Azzi’s clit, and the response was immediate. A soft moan escaped Azzi’s lips, and she buried her face in the crook of Paige’s shoulder, body trembling, teeth sinking into the soft skin there. Paige could feel her heart racing, frantic and alive against her own chest, and it lit her on fire from the inside out. 

She added another finger, stretching Azzi just enough to draw a broken sound from her throat. Her back arched beautifully, hips rocking down onto Paige’s hand, movements messy and uncoordinated and driven entirely by instinct.

Christ. Paige had seen a lot of things in her life. This might’ve been the sexiest.

She loved this, loved watching Azzi come undone, knowing she was the one causing it.

“Look at me,” Paige commanded, grabbing Azzi’s face with her free hand, tilting her chin up with a firm grip. “I want to see you,” she rasped, her voice dropping to a low, possessive growl. “I want to see exactly how you look when I fuck you senseless. Don’t you dare hide from me.”

Azzi’s gaze was glassy and unfocused, lips parted as she panted, but a flicker of challenge ignited in her brown eyes, cutting through the haze of pleasure. Her lips, still parted, curved into a wicked smirk. “Is this what you’re going to think about at night while I’m gone, P?” she managed to taunt. 

Paige’s own grin turned predatory as a sharp thrill shot through her. “Yeah, baby,” she breathed, not missing a beat. “So you better ride these fingers hard and give me a good show to remember when I touch myself later.” 

Paige didn’t slow. She curled her fingers just right, hitting that spot she knew would undo her, and the guttural sound Azzi made shot straight through her.

“That’s it, baby,” Paige encouraged, voice thick with desire. “Take what you want. Use me. You look so fucking sexy riding my hand. I’m gonna think about this all week.”

She used her thumb to circle Azzi’s clit again, matching the pace of her fingers. The sensation was clearly overwhelming as Azzi’s movements grew more erratic, her thighs trembling where they bracketed Paige’s hips. She was close. Paige could feel it in the way her inner walls started to pulse, in the desperate, breathy moans that were now constant—sounds that lived in Paige’s brain, sounds she’d be thinking about for days.

At least until she got her hands on Azzi again. 

“You’re so fucking tight,” Paige groaned, dimly aware that her own boxers were absolutely ruined and mentally noting that she really should start planning better. “So wet for me, Az. I can feel how close you are. Let go for me, baby.”

That was all it took. 

Azzi went rigid with a shattered cry, head falling back, exposing the long, elegant line of her throat as the orgasm tore through her. Paige stayed steady, riding it out with her, slowing just enough to draw out every last tremor until Azzi collapsed against her, boneless and panting.

Paige welcomed the weight, holding her there as the aftershocks faded. When Azzi finally stilled, Paige withdrew her fingers slowly and pressed a soft kiss to her damp forehead—an almost domestic gesture that neither of them were going to acknowledge.

“Jesus,” Azzi mumbled into her shoulder from her spot on top of Paige, her voice muffled and sated. “That was unreal…”

Paige just smiled, stroking her hair and feeling a deep, primal satisfaction settle over her. “You got one more in you, baby?” she whispered. “I’m a little hungry…” 

Azz grinned, a coy little thing that sent a new pulse pumping between Paige’s legs. “Oh right,” she said, “I brought lunch.” 

She playfully reached for the brown paper bag resting beside them that both of them knew was not what Paige was referring to. Paige smacked her hand away, before reaching up and gripping Azzi’s chin between her long fingers, forcing their eyes to meet. “Take your pants off and get on my face,” she growled, her look giving no room for argument. 

And Azzi? She was always good at taking directions…  

*************

The bus was dark except for the faint blue glow of phone screens and the occasional flash of passing highway lights. Most of the team had settled into that post-game quiet, bodies heavy with exhaustion, heads tipped against windows or shoulders. Azzi sat near the middle of the bus, legs stretched out, hoodie pulled over her head, backpack tucked beneath her feet.

Her phone lit up in her lap. She opened the messages app, smiling at the barrage of texts that came. 

Paige: you were UNREAL tonight

Paige: atlanta didn’t stand a chance

Paige: think you deserve a reward?

Azzi grinned. Paige wasn’t wrong. But instead of thinking about her stat line in the first game of their roadtrip, Azzi was picturing Paige laid back in her bed, smirking to herself. 

She hazarded a glance sideways. Sarah was next to her, earbuds in, half-asleep, eyes closed. Still, Azzi angled her phone a little closer to her body.

Azzi: definitely 

Azzi: what kind of reward are we talking about?

Three dots appeared almost instantly, followed by two more texts.

Paige: the kind you have to wait for

Paige: but i can give you a preview

Azzi swallowed, shifting slightly in her seat as the bus hit a bump. She knew where this was heading and shot off a quick warning. 

Azzi: i’m on the bus

Azzi: sarah is literally right next to me

Paige: sounds risky

Paige: i like risky

Azzi’s phone buzzed again before she could respond. She sucked in a deep breath and immediately tilted her phone away, pulse spiking as the image seared into her brain. 

Paige was wearing Azzi’s Seattle jersey, and nothing else. The fabric was hiked up just enough to to show her taut abs, angled hip bones, and other hand slipping out of the frame, the implication painfully clear. Paige’s expression was all lazy confidence, eyes half-lidded, like she knew exactly what she was doing to Azzi from thousands of miles away.

Azzi had never been particularly possessive, but something about seeing Paige in her jersey, knowing Paige was wearing her number and touching herself, altered something in her brain. 

She shifted, crossing one leg over the other, heart thudding as she typed back carefully, shielding the screen.

Azzi: jesus christ

Azzi: i told you i’m in public

Paige: didn’t say you had to look

Paige: but you did 😌

Azzi pressed her lips together, heat pooling low and a little bit unwelcome in the confined space of the bus.

Azzi: you’re wearing my jersey…

Paige: figured you’d like that

Azzi glanced around. Coach was asleep two rows up. The aisle was quiet. Sarah shifted beside her but didn’t wake.

Azzi: you’re making this very hard for me

Paige: that’s kind of the point

Paige: how long until you get to the hotel?

Azzi checked the time, then the dark stretch of road ahead.

Azzi: probably ten minutes

Paige: i can keep you busy till then

Azzi’s phone buzzed again. Another message. Not a photo this time, but somehow worse if keeping her composure was the goal. 

Paige: think about my lips kissing your neck and my tongue fucking your pussy

Paige: and my hands all over you, playing with those perfect tits before slipping lower…

Azzi exhaled slowly, pressing her forehead briefly to the cool window, willing the bus to move faster.

Paige: we’ll save the rest for when you can lock a door 😉

Azzi choked out a laugh that roused Sarah from her sleep. Ignoring her teammate’s scowl, Azzi tilted the phone away. 

Azzi: you’re so evil

Paige: i’ll make it up to you baby

Paige: text me when you’re alone and we can finish this

Azzi locked her phone and shoved it in her hoodie pocket, body buzzing with anticipation and underwear already soaked, as the bus rolled on through the dark.

When they pulled up at the hotel, Azzi barely registered the looks she got as she peeled off the bus.

After racing up the stairs to the third floor, knowing she didn’t want to waste a minute in the slow, rickety elevator, she shoved her keycard into the slot. It lit up green on the first try, thank God, and she slipped in, kicking the door shut behind her. 

Dropping her bag by the bathroom door, Azzi’s phone was already in her hand, fingers moving on instinct, debating whether to type something reckless or send a teasing picture to drive Paige crazy as payback. 

Neither felt right for the moment. Not with her body still feeling high from the win and humming with anticipation.

Instead, she hit call.

The line only rang once.

“Couldn’t wait?” Paige’s voice came through, low and amused.

Azzi leaned back against the door as she exhaled. “I just want to hear you moaning in my ear again, P.”

There was a pause on the other end.

“Fuck, Az,” Paige muttered.

Azzi smiled, slow and satisfied. She closed her eyes, already feeling the excitement thrumming through her veins. 

“What are you doing?” Paige asked.

“I just got to my hotel room,” Azzi said, fingers toying with the hem of her sweatshirt.

“You alone?” 

“Yes.” 

“Good,” Paige replied, instantly slipping into that tone that made Azzi’s stomach flip. Calm but commanding. “Go get on the bed.”

Azzi didn’t hesitate. She crossed the room and sunk down on the bed. 

“Now be a good girl and do exactly what I say,” Paige murmured. “Can you do that?” 

Azzi swallowed and nodded even though Paige couldn’t see her. “Mhm.”

“Okay,” Paige said, her voice maddeningly steady for what Azzi knew was about to happen. “Get comfortable. Prop your head up on the pillows.”

Azzi did as she was told, shifting until the hotel mattress dipped beneath her weight, her heart already picking up speed like it knew what was coming next. She stared at the ceiling for half a second before Paige spoke again.

“Close your eyes, baby. Just listen to my voice.”

Azzi’s eyelids fluttered shut. Obedience came easier than she cared to admit. But after an intense game where she had to be locked in and in total control, she was glad to hand herself over. Especially to Paige. 

“Imagine I’m there with you,” Paige continued, her voice low, measured, almost hypnotic. “Wearing nothing but your jersey.” 

Azzi sucked in a deep breath as Paige continued, remembering the photo the blonde sent minutes ago. “Crawling onto the bed… right between your legs where you need me.”

A shiver slid down Azzi’s spine, sharp and undeniable. The image came easily—Paige’s confident smirk, the way the jersey would hang loose, the fabric maybe brushing against her weeping cunt. 

“Now slip your hands in your pants, baby,” Paige instructed. “Slowly. Pretend they’re mine.”

Azzi obeyed, her own touch feeling strangely foreign under Paige’s direction, electrified by the knowledge that it wasn’t really hers anymore. Her palms traced downward, heat following in their wake, and for a second she could almost feel the weight of Paige hovering above her, half memory, half fantasy.

“Are you wet for me yet, baby?” Paige asked, voice thickening just enough to give herself away. “Touch yourself and tell me.” 

Azzi sucked in a deep breath as she did what she was told, sliding her fingers lower.

She laughed softly, breathless, as her fingers easily slid through her slick folds. “God, yes.”

“Good.” Paige didn’t sound surprised. “You’re so desperate for me that I don’t even need to touch you to get you wet,” she laughed. “I love it. I just wish I was there. I’d be on you with my mouth if I could. Taking my time as I ate that perfect pussy. I’d eat you so good that whole hotel would know my name, baby.” 

And fuck if that didn’t make Azzi even wetter. Like, exponentially. 

“Fuck, Paige,” Azzi moaned, heart racing as she screwed her eyes shut like maybe if she wished hard enough she could summon the blonde from two thousand miles away. “I need your mouth.” 

“I wish, Az,” Paige hummed with a breathy chuckle, adding, “I wish I could taste you. I’ve been thinking about you so damn much.”

Azzi grinned, her free hand fisting into the cool sheets. “Yeah?” she choked out. “You been thinking about me while you touch yourself at night?” 

“Course, baby,” Paige sighed, her own voice sounding ragged, some of the composure slipping. “I think about how hot you were riding my fingers. How fucked out you looked when I got done with you in the truck.” 

Azzi squeezed her eyes shut, white-knuckling the sheets as Paige stayed in her ear, spewing filthy words that pulled her further under. 

“My fingers are touching you now. Just barely. Teasing that perfect pussy that only gets wet like this for me.”

The casual possession in Paige’s voice was unreal. Azzi’s own fingers followed the suggestion, circling where she already ached, hips lifting off the bed without her permission. “Paige…”

“Shhh,” Paige soothed. “Just feel it. I’m right there, leaning down, kissing your neck.”

Her voice dipped lower, intimate in a way that made Azzi’s chest seize. “I want you to imagine it’s me while your fingers rub your clit, baby.”

Azzi did as she was told, gasping as the contact sent a sharp jolt through her. She could hear Paige’s breathing now—shallow, quick, unmistakably affected—and that alone was almost unfair. She wanted the blonde there, for real. To feel her. Touch her. Taste her.

“Are you touching yourself too?” Azzi asked, voice strained and honest, desperate to know she wasn’t the only one so impacted. 

Paige’s answer came with a broken exhale. “Yeah, baby. I’m so fucking wet.” She didn’t bother pretending otherwise. “I’m imagining it’s you fucking me. You know exactly how I like it. You get me so good.”

That did something dangerous to Azzi’s control.

“Fuck,” she breathed, fingers moving faster now, hips rocking into the bed.

“Don’t stop,” Paige urged, her own breathing uneven. “I want you to fuck yourself, Az. I want to hear you.” A soft moan threaded through her voice, and it did absolutely nothing to stop the filthy thoughts rattling in Azzi’s head. “I want to hear how good I’m making you feel while I pound that pussy.”

Azzi spread her legs slightly wider, pulse thrumming in her ears and slipped two fingers deep into her cunt. She worked them in over and over, her pace relentless, trying to match the one Paige so easily set when they were together. 

“Can you feel me?” Paige continued. “Feel how good I’m fucking you?”

“Yes,” she moaned. And Azzi could. Or maybe she just wanted it badly enough that it didn’t matter. The imagined sensations piled on top of the real ones until it all blurred together until she was seeing fucking stars.

“Then let me fucking hear you,” Paige demanded, voice laced with challenge. 

Feeling how easily her fingers slipped in and out of her wet cunt, Azzi began to let out deep, guttural moans that she knew Paige would fucking love. They were getting louder with every thrust of her hips, and while she prayed that her teammates were still hanging out downstairs, she was too far gone to actually give a fuck if anyone heard.

“That’s it,” Paige cooed, and if Azzi wasn’t so wrecked she’d absolutely challenge the patronizing tone. “You’re so good for me. Such a good girl all fucked out.” 

“I’m close,” Azzi admitted, the words breaking apart as soon as they left her mouth.

Paige exhaled, slow and pleased. “Me too,” she said, no hesitation now. “Let go for me. Cum with me, Azzi.”

Paige’s voice fractured on Azzi’s name, and that was it.

The sound of Paige on the other end, wrecked and panting, sent Azzi over the edge. Pleasure tore through her, body arching as the release hit hard and fast, leaving her trembling against the sheets.

For a long moment afterward, neither of them spoke. The silence was filled only with breath, heavy, like the distance between them had briefly disappeared.

Azzi finally cracked a lazy smile, staring at the ceiling. “Wow.”

Paige laughed softly, warmth and satisfaction tangled together. “Yeah. Wow.” She let out that soft, adorable chuckle that made Azzi wonder how Paige could be so absolutely endearing seconds after the delicious filth that just spewed from her mouth. “Get some sleep, superstar. You earned it.”

Azzi smiled to herself, eyes drifting shut. “You better deliver a performance like that for real when I get back,” she murmured, feeling so wrecked her mouth had practically disconnected from her brain. “I wanna fuck you while you’re wearing my jersey.”

Even through the phone, she could hear Paige’s breath catch. The sound slid over Azzi like another aftershock, prolonging the pleasure that was still thrumming through her body.  

“Oh, it’s a plan,” Paige said easily. “But only if I get you back in a Big Buckets shirt…” 

Azzi laughed, eyes rolling at the blonde’s playfulness. “I think we can arrange that,” she said, already thinking about how Paige would absolutely not be getting that shirt back. 

Apparently, Paige was on the same wavelength. 

“Either that or I want you in nothing but the green flannel you stole from me the other day…” 

Busted. 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Azzi said coyly, feigning innocence that they both knew she didn’t possess. 

It absolutely wasn’t currently in her suitcase. 

“Right. Right. I’m so sure,” Paige chuckled. “Sweet dreams, Azzi.”

The line went quiet, but Paige’s presence lingered long after the call ended, wrapped around Azzi like a promise she had every intention of collecting on.

**********

The second game did not go well, to say the least, and the hotel room felt suffocatingly small.

Azzi shut the door behind her and let her bag drop to the floor, the dull thud echoing in the silence. The quiet pressed in on her immediately. 

She yanked her sweaty warmup shirt over her head and whipped it across the room, watching it hit the wall and slide down to the carpet as a string of muttered curses spilled out of her.

The game clung to her, crawling under her skin, refusing to loosen its grip. Every time she closed her eyes, it replayed itself in brutal detail: the free throws, the misses, the way the noise in the arena swelled just enough to tell her she’d left points on the floor that mattered. 

Dropping a game like that—against Connecticut of all teams—made her stomach twist. Losing a tight one to a top-tier opponent was one thing. Azzi could live with that. But to the last-place team in the league? That stung, pissing her off in a deep, simmering way that had nowhere to go.

All she wanted was to forget it. To crawl into bed and pass out, and wake up in the morning pretending the night had gone differently.

She stalked into the bathroom and turned the shower on without testing the temperature, stepping straight into the scalding spray a minute later like she deserved it. The heat burned against her skin, biting and unforgiving, and she welcomed it. And maybe she was being a bit of a masochist, but she scrubbed hard, almost angrily, like she could scour the frustration away. 

Azzi hoped the sting of the water could dull the sharper ache of the loss, but that wasn’t the case. When she finally stepped out, skin flushed and numb, she pulled on a loose white tee and boxers. Her hair was still damp as she crawled into bed, rolling onto her back and staring up at the ceiling. Her jaw stayed clenched, the anger not quite gone, but at least quieter now. Her thoughts on the game whirled, waiting for something, anything really, to take its place. She briefly considered letting her phone entertain her, but the thought of seeing the hot takes on her performance while scrolling through social media was less than appealing. She knew better than to go on the internet when she was already feeling low over a poor performance.

Her phone buzzed. She sighed, digging around the covers beside her until fingers closed around it. 

Paige: you free?

Azzi’s fingers moved automatically, eagerly welcoming Paige’s distraction. 

Azzi: yes

She waited, already anticipating what usually came next. Since she’d left, their nights had followed a familiar rhythm. Flirty texts that escalated quickly. Teasing photos. Paige reminding her of all the ways she’d make Azzi forget her name. Azzi pretending she wasn’t counting down the days until Paige could touch her again for real, pretending touching herself to thoughts of the blonde didn’t make falling asleep alone a little easier.

Her screen lit up again.

Not a photo, this time, but a FaceTime call.

Azzi’s eyebrows knitted together. This was new. But then again, she was in a particularly foul mood after the loss, and maybe Paige knew she’d need more than a photo and some dirty texts to get her mind off it. 

She answered, smiling for the first time since the game when everything came into focus. Paige filled the screen, propped up against pillows, hair mussed, eyes heavy with sleep. She was wearing the Storm shirt Azzi had shoved at her weeks ago, after dousing her with coffee. The one Paige never bothered to return, and now, apparently, slept in. That thought certainly did not alter Azzi’s brain chemistry, like at all. Nope. 

“Hey you,” Paige said, voice raspy with sleep.

It made Azzi wonder if she’d watched the game in bed after a long day of work. Her mind drifted to what it’d be like to fall asleep next to Paige, to wake up to that same voice laced with sleep. But those were dangerous thoughts, so she forced out a soft laugh instead. 

“You’re wearing way too many clothes for this conversation.”

Paige smiled warmly. “Oh yeah? What conversation is that?”

“The one where you make me forget that game,” Azzi said, rolling onto her side, phone angled toward her face. “You know. By telling me where you’d be touching me and kissing me, and how you’d be getting me off if you were here.”

Paige swallowed, cheeks flushing just slightly in the dim light. It was subtle, but Azzi caught it.

“Isn’t that why you’re calling?” Azzi added, teasing, but not entirely. There was something different about Paige tonight but she couldn’t get a read on it. 

Paige dipped her head, gaze dropping for a second before she looked back up. “I mean… we can certainly have that conversation,” she chuckled. “But I was actually just calling to see if you needed to… I dunno... Talk?”

Azzi blinked. That wasn’t what she’d expected. Not from Paige. Not like this. They’d danced around plenty of things, but this felt different. It clicked, then, what was different. Paige was acting… shy. 

She must’ve gone silent too long, because Paige shifted, something like concern flickering across her face. “Just tell me what you need, Az.”

Azzi exhaled, meeting her gaze through the screen. “I’m guessing you saw those free throws at the end?”

Paige nodded. “Yeah, but I also saw you put up almost thirty  points.” She shrugged gently. “You can’t do it all. And you weren’t the only one who missed shots down the stretch.”

Azzi knew she was right. The logic landed, even if the frustration didn’t dissipate. Still, she didn’t want to dissect it, and she certainly didn’t want to replay the game again. It had already lived in her head rent free for the past few hours and she wanted Paige to get her mind off the game, not the other way around. 

“I don’t really want to rehash it,” Azzi admitted with a sigh. “Distract me with something else. Please.”

“Okay,” Paige exhaled softly. Her hand moved to the hem of her shirt, lifting it just enough to make Azzi’s pulse jump, but she stopped when Azzi added, softer this time, “Tell me about your day.”

Paige froze, and the smile that spread across her dimly lit face was brighter than anything Azzi had seen from her yet. 

“You sure?” Paige asked, voice wavering like she couldn’t quite believe it.

“Yeah,” Azzi nodded, settling herself back into the covers.

So Paige dropped the shirt back down and nestled deeper into the pillows, and she talked. About work. About her client being annoying and changing the paint color after she’d painted the entire living room. About how she went for a run that morning and got chased two blocks by a dog. About losing her phone for twenty minutes while working in a crawl space while actively using the flashlight on said phone to look for it. Her voice was warm and calm, filling the space between hotel walls and miles of distance with an ease. Azzi listened as Paige drawled on, eyes growing heavy as the knot in her chest slowly loosened.

Eventually, Azzi yawned, rubbing at her eyes. Paige picked up on the cue.

“I’m gonna let you get some sleep, Az,” she said, a hint of reluctance in her voice. 

Azzi nodded, already half there. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “For talking...”

Paige hesitated, a beat of hesitation flicking across her face. She opened her month like she was going to say something but then clamped it back shut. 

“What is it?” Azzi prodded, refusing to let the rare moment of vulnerability slip through the cracks. 

“You think…” Paige sucked in a deep breath and then let it out, her shoulders rising and falling in sync. “You think maybe you’d want to hang out when you get back?” She rushed the rest, words tumbling out in what could only be described as word vomit. “Like not just… you know. Something super lowkey…  like maybe… I can cook us dinner. And then we can just hang… or watch something… or whatever.”

Azzi smiled, warmth spreading through her at the sight of Paige, who was usually so confident, tripping over her words. 

“Yeah. I’d like that.” She paused, then added with a coy smile, “As long as I get to have you for dessert.”

Paige grinned, confident smirk slipping back on her face but masked by the red hue of her cheeks. “You read my mind. Get some sleep, okay? We’ll talk tomorrow.” 

“Okay,” Azzi whispered. “Night, P.” 

“Night, Az. Sleep tight.” 

Paige had forgotten to close her bedroom blinds last night, so she was woken up by the blinding Dallas sunlight streaking through her window. As she rubbed her eyes, she was processing the unfamiliar but not unwelcome weight of another person in her bed. Azzi was still asleep, her face peaceful, dark curls spread across Paige's pillow. One of her arms was draped across Paige's stomach, and her leg was hooked over Paige's thigh.

Paige didn't move. She just laid there trying to commit this moment to memory. The way Azzi's eyelashes fanned across her cheeks. The slight part of her lips. How could someone look so good at the ass crack of dawn?

This was new territory for Paige. She'd had hookups before, but more often than not they were nothing more than quick forgettable encounters that scratched an itch. But this? Waking up next to someone and actually wanting them to stay? That was different.

Azzi stirred, her eyes fluttering open. When she saw Paige looking at her, a slow smile spread across her face.

"Morning," she said, her voice raspy.

"Morning." Paige couldn't help but smile back. "Sleep okay?"

"Best sleep I've had in weeks." Azzi stretched, arching her back like a cat, and Paige tried very hard not to stare at the way the sheet slipped down. "What time is it?"

Paige glanced at her phone on the nightstand. "Almost nine."

"Shit, really?" Azzi sat up, rubbing her eyes. "I never sleep this late."

"Me neither." Paige propped herself up on her elbow. "Guess we wore each other out."

Azzi laughed, that bright, genuine laugh that made Paige's chest feel warm. "I guess we did."

They lay there for another few minutes, neither of them in a hurry to get up. Eventually, though, Paige's stomach growled loud enough that Azzi raised an eyebrow.

"Hungry?"

"Starving," Paige admitted. "You want breakfast?"

"I could eat." Azzi swung her legs out of bed, completely unphased by her nakedness, and Paige had to force herself to look away before she got distracted again. "What do you have?"

"Uh." Paige scratched the back of her neck. "That's a good question."

They both got dressed, Azzi in one of Paige's oversized t-shirts and her underwear from last night, Paige in sweats and a sports bra, and made their way to the kitchen. Azzi opened the fridge while Paige trudged behind her.

"Paige." Azzi turned around, her expression somewhere between amused and horrified. "What the fuck is in your fridge?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean there's literally nothing in here." Azzi gestured at the nearly empty shelves. "You have... condiments, a questionable takeout container, and what I think might be a lime but could also be a very sad lemon."

Paige laughed, feeling a little embarrassed. "I eat at the facility most of the time. They have a whole nutrition staff and meal prep and everything. It's easier than cooking."

"So you just... don't keep food here?"

"I mean, I have protein bars in the pantry. And Gatorade. That counts, right?"

Azzi shook her head, but she was smiling. "You're a disaster."

"A disaster who can ball, though."

"Fair point." Azzi stepped towards Paige. "So what are we doing for breakfast? Because I'm not eating just a protein bar."

"We could order something?" Paige pulled out her phone. "There's a good brunch place that delivers."

"That works." Azzi hopped up to sit on the counter, her legs swinging. "But seriously, you need to go grocery shopping."

"I know, I know." Paige leaned against the counter across from her. "I just never know what to get. Like I said, I usually eat at the facility."

"Well, what do you like?" Azzi took a sip of her coffee. "For when you're here?"

"I'm pretty easy. Eggs, bacon, toast." Paige shrugged. "Nothing fancy." She reached out to place her hand on Azzi’s thigh. “What about you? I'll go to the store later, stock up for next time."

"Next time?" Azzi's lips curved into a smile.

"Yeah." Paige felt her cheeks heat. "I mean, if you want to... you know, stay over again sometime."

"I'd like that,” she whispered. She paused for a second, cataloging her usual grocery list.  

“Ummm,  cottage cheese, definitely. Eggs, avocados, lots of veggies, like spinach and bell peppers and stuff. Oh, and good sourdough bread." Azzi counted on her fingers. "Greek yogurt, berries, almond butter. The healthy stuff."

Paige made a face. "That sounds vile."

"Excuse me?" Azzi's mouth dropped open in mock offense.

"Cottage cheese? That shit looks like it's already been digested."

"Oh my god, you're such a child." Azzi kicked her leg out, her foot connecting with Paige's hip. "Cottage cheese is good for you. High protein, low fat."

"It's nasty."

"You should be thanking me," Azzi said, leaning forward slightly. "Because that's what gives me this body."

Paige's eyes dropped automatically, trailing over Azzi's legs, her thighs, the way Paige's t-shirt rode up slightly. When she looked back up, Azzi was smirking at her.

"See something you like?"

"Maybe." Paige stepped closer, fitting herself between Azzi's legs. "But I still think cottage cheese is gross."

"More for me, then." Azzi looped her arms around Paige's neck. "You can stick to your protein bars and sad takeout."

"Hey, my takeout isn't sad."

"Paige, I'm pretty sure that container in your fridge is growing sentient life."

Paige laughed and kissed her, unable to help herself. She could have stood there kissing her all morning if her stomach hadn't growled again.

"Okay, okay." Azzi pulled back, still smiling. "Order food so you can actually function today."

They ended up ordering from the brunch place (avocado toast and a fruit bowl for Azzi, a breakfast burrito for Paige) and ate on the couch with ESPN on in the background. It felt domestic in a way that should have scared Paige but somehow didn't.

"Can I ask you something?" Paige said after a while, setting her empty plate on the coffee table.

"Sure." Azzi curled her legs underneath her, turning to face Paige.

"When's the last time you did this? Like, the whole relationship thing. Or even just... I don't know, hooking up with someone."

Azzi tilted her head, considering. "Honestly? It's been a while. Like, over a year, maybe?"

"Really?" Paige was surprised. Someone who looked like Azzi, who moved like Azzi, who was just... Azzi? She'd figured there would be lines around the block of people trying to get her attention.

"Really." Azzi picked at a loose thread on the couch cushion. "I mean, I've been so focused on making the team and then staying on the team. DCC is intense, you know? We have rehearsal almost every day, appearances on the weekends, games during the season. Not to mention a fucking Netflix crew following us around all the time. There's not a lot of time for dating."

"Yeah, I get that." Paige nodded. "Basketball's been the same for me. Like, I've never really had the time to be all in with someone. There's always another game, another practice, another thing I need to be locked in on."

"Exactly." Azzi looked relieved that Paige understood. "It's not that I didn't want to. It's just... hard to make it a priority when you're trying to be the best at what you do."

"So what about before you moved here?" Paige asked. 

Azzi's expression shifted, becoming a little more thoughtful. "High school was the same as you now, basically. I was all about basketball and school and just trying to get into a good college. I didn't really have time for relationships, and honestly, I wasn't super interested."

"And then?"

"And then I moved away for college." Azzi smiled, but it was different now, softer, more private. "I got to Baton Rouge and that's where I really found dance. And that's where I started exploring... other things."

Paige's heart rate picked up slightly. "Other things?"

"My sexuality." Azzi met her eyes. "Embracing that side of myself. Figuring out what I wanted and who I was attracted to."

"Oh." Paige wasn't sure what to say. She wanted to ask more but didn't want to push.

"I dated a guy freshman year," Azzi continued. "It was fine, but it wasn't... I don't know, it didn't feel right. And then sophomore year, I kissed a girl at a party, and it was like–oh. Okay. This makes sense."

"Yeah?" Paige's voice came out softer than she intended.

"Yeah." Azzi's smile was genuine now. "After that, I just kind of let myself explore. Dated a few people, hooked up with a few more. Figured out what I liked."

"So are you..." Paige hesitated. "Like, are you bi?"

"I'm not big into labels," Azzi said, shrugging. "I just like who I like. But right now?" She reached out and took Paige's hand. "I'm very confident I like you."

Paige felt her face heat up, but she couldn't stop smiling. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." Azzi squeezed her hand. "Very, very confident."

"Good." Paige pulled Azzi closer, until she was practically in Paige's lap. "Because I'm very confident I like you too."

"Just confident?" Azzi raised an eyebrow. "Not very, very confident?"

"Okay, fine. Very, very confident." Paige kissed her, slow and sweet. "Happy?"

"Getting there." Azzi kissed her again, deeper this time, and Paige forgot what they were even talking about.

They spent the rest of the morning like that, tangled up on the couch, talking and kissing and learning about each other. 

"I feel like we're kind of the same," Paige said at one point. "Like, we both know what it's like to have everyone watching, waiting for you to fuck up."

"Yeah." Azzi rested her head on Paige's shoulder. "It's exhausting sometimes."

"But also kind of addicting, right? Like, you can't imagine doing anything else."

"Exactly." Azzi tilted her head up to look at her. "I think that's why this is easy. You get it."

"I do." Paige pressed a kiss to her forehead. 

"So, when's your next game?" Azzi asked. 

"Thursday. Home game against Phoenix."

"Can I come watch?"

Paige's heart did a little flip. "You want to?"

"Obviously." Azzi rolled her eyes. "I want to see you play. Like, actually play, not just trick shots to appease our social media teams."

"Yeah, of course. I'll get you a ticket."

"I can buy my own ticket, Paige."

"I know you can. But I want to." Paige kissed her temple. "Let me do this."

Azzi sighed but didn't argue. "Fine. But I'm buying next time."

"Deal."

Eventually, Azzi had to leave for DCC practice that afternoon. Paige walked her to the door, not quite ready to let her go.

"Text me later?" Paige said, leaning against the doorframe.

"Obviously." Azzi stood on her toes to kiss her. "And go to the grocery store. Get some real food."

"I'll add cottage cheese to the list just for you."

"You better." Azzi grinned and headed down the hallway, turning back once to wave before disappearing around the corner.

Paige closed the door and leaned against it, a stupid smile on her face. She felt like a teenager with a crush, all giddy and light. It was ridiculous. It was also kind of amazing.

_______________________

Azzi was still smiling when she walked into the DCC practice facility that afternoon. She'd gone home, showered, changed into her practice gear, and driven to the studio, and the whole time, she couldn't stop thinking about Paige.

The way Paige looked at her. The way she touched her. The way she made Azzi feel like she was the only person in the world who mattered.

"Someone's in a good mood," Kelcey said as Azzi walked into the locker room.

"What?" Azzi tried to school her expression into something more neutral. "I'm always in a good mood."

"Not like this." Kelcey narrowed her eyes. "You're glowing. Did you get laid?"

"Kelce!" Azzi felt her face heat up.

"Oh my god, you did!" Kelcey's eyes went wide. "Who? When? Tell me everything."

"There's nothing to tell," Azzi said, but she was smiling again, and she knew Kelcey could see right through her.

"Bullshit." Kelcey grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the corner where a few of the other girls were stretching. "Guys, Azzi got laid."

"Oh my god," Azzi hissed, but it was too late. Darah, Ariel, and Jada all looked up, their faces lighting up with interest.

"Finally!" Darah said. "It's been forever."

"Soooo who was it?" Jada asked.

Azzi bit her lip, debating whether to say anything. But these were her friends, and she was terrible at keeping secrets when she was this happy. "Okay, but you have to promise not to make a big deal out of it."

"We promise," they all said in unison, which was definitely a lie.

"It's Paige," Azzi said quietly. "Bueckers."

There was a beat of silence, and then all four of them started talking at once.

"I knew it!"

"Oh my god, Abs and Reece were totally right."

"Wait, I ship it babe!"

"Tell us everything!"

Azzi laughed, holding up her hands. "Okay, okay, calm down. It's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal?" Ariel shook her head. "Azzi, she's Paige Bueckers. And you're you. This is a huge deal."

"We're just... hanging out," Azzi said, even though it felt like more than that. "Getting to know each other."

"Hanging out," Kelcey repeated, making air quotes. "Is that what we're calling it now?"

"Shut up." Azzi shoved her playfully. "It's new, okay? We're just seeing where it goes."

"Well, I think it's great, Az," Darah said. "You deserve someone who makes you happy."

"She does," Azzi admitted, her smile softening. "She really does."

They kept talking, the other girls asking questions and Azzi answering what she could without giving away too much. She was so caught up in the conversation that she didn't notice Kelli and Judy walking by until Judy cleared her throat.

"Ladies," Judy said, her tone amused. "Are we stretching or gossiping?"

"Both?" Kelcey offered, and the group laughed.

Kelli and Judy exchanged a look, and then Kelli smiled. "I heard a rumor that one of our girls is seeing a certain Wings player."

Azzi felt her face go red. "We're not–I mean, it's not–"

"It's okay, Azzi," Kelli said kindly. "We're happy for you."

"Actually," Judy said, her eyes twinkling, "I might have had a small hand in this."

Everyone turned to look at her.

"What do you mean?" Azzi asked.

"Well," Judy said, clearly enjoying the attention, "I go to church with Carson, the woman who helped us set up the whole content collaboration or whatever you kids call it. And a few weeks ago, we were working on pairing all y’all up and she showed me a picture of Miss Paige and I said, 'You know who would be perfect for her? Azzi Fudd.'"

The room exploded.

"Judy!"

"Oh my god, you're a matchmaker!"

"You’ve got one heck of a wingwoman, Fudd."

Judy laughed. "I just had a feeling, that's all. And it looks like I was right."

Kelli shook her head, smiling. "Judy, you never cease to amaze me."

"What can I say?" Judy shrugged. "I know a good match when I see one."

Azzi was still processing this information. Judy had set them up? Or at least planted the seed? It was sweet, actually. And a little embarrassing.

"Alright, alright," Kelli said, clapping her hands. "Enough gossip. Let's get to work. We have a routine to clean before the game this weekend."

The girls dispersed, heading to their spots on the floor, but Azzi caught Judy's eye and mouthed, "Thank you."

Judy winked at her, and Azzi felt a rush of gratitude. Maybe this thing with Paige was meant to be after all.

Rehearsal was good. Hard, but good. They ran through their game day routine full out three times, cleaning up the formations and making sure everyone was in sync. By the time they finished, Azzi was sweaty and tired but satisfied.

She checked her phone as she walked to her car and saw a text from Paige.

Paige: how was it?

Azzi: good! I’m wiped tho. how was your day?

Paige: long. practice was rough.

Azzi frowned. Paige's texts were usually more upbeat, less short. Something was off.

Azzi: rough how? you okay?

Paige: yeah just frustrated. everyone was playing selfish today and it was pissing me off. i'm used to playing with people who actually give a shit about the team, you know?

Azzi could hear the frustration in Paige's words, the loneliness.

Azzi: i'm sorry :( 

Azzi: that sounds really hard.

Paige: it's fine. just miss my people sometimes. miss playing with nika and sarah and kk. miss hearing geno scream at me for taking a bad shot lol

Azzi: you're allowed to miss them. 

Paige: i know. just one of those days ig.

Azzi thought for a moment, then typed out another message.

Azzi: want some company tonight? we could watch a movie or something. just chill.

There was a pause, and then:

Paige: you sure? i'm probably gonna be shit company.

Azzi: i'm sure. I'll bring snacks. 

Azzi: and not cottage cheese i promise 

Paige: okay. yeah. that sounds really good actually.

Azzi: i'll be there around 7?

Paige: perfect. thank you az.

Azzi smiled at the nickname. She liked the way it sounded, the way it felt intimate and easy.

Azzi: anytime, p.

__________________

Paige spent the rest of the afternoon trying to shake off her bad mood. Practice had been fucking irritating. Like she was one second away from channeling her inner Marina Mabrey crashout. People were taking stupid shots, not talking for shit on defense, playing like it was a YMCA game instead of a professional practice.

All she could think about was how she missed UConn. There, everyone understood her. Off the court obviously, but also they somehow always knew where she was going to be on the floor before she even got there. She never thought she’d yearn for Geno's booming voice chewing her out, but here she was. 

When she got to the league, she knew it would be different. That it would take time for everyone to mesh and gel and build actual chemistry with her new teammates. But on days like today, that just felt like a pipe dream. This shit was exhausting. And Paige fucking hated losing.

By the time Azzi knocked on her door at seven, Paige had showered and changed into comfortable clothes, but she still felt restless.

"Hey," Azzi said when Paige opened the door. She was holding a bag of popcorn and wearing Soffe sweat shorts and an oversized sweatshirt, her hair pulled up into a high bun. She looked soft and comfortable, and Paige immediately felt some of the tension leave her shoulders.

"Hey." Paige stepped aside to let her in. "Thanks for coming."

"Of course." Azzi set the popcorn on the counter and turned to face her. "You doing okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a long day."

Azzi studied her for a moment, then stepped closer and wrapped her arms around Paige's waist. Paige melted into the hug, resting her chin on top of Azzi's head.

"You don't have to be fine all the time," Azzi said quietly. "Not with me."

Paige's chest tightened. "I know. It's just... hard sometimes. Feeling like I'm starting over."

"I get it." Azzi pulled back slightly to look at her. "But you're not starting over. You're just in a new chapter. And it's okay to miss the old one."

"You are very wise, ya know that?" Paige said.

Azzi grinned and kissed her quickly. "Now come on. Let's watch a movie and forget about basketball for a few hours."

They settled on the couch, and Azzi grabbed the remote. "What are we watching?"

"I don't know. You pick."

Azzi scrolled through the options, then stopped on one with a smirk. "How about Magic Mike?"

Paige stared at her. "Why the fuck would I wanna watch an hour and a half of male strippers?"

"Because it's fun!" Azzi laughed. "And the dancing is actually really good. It's not just about the stripping."

"Azzi."

"What? I like it for the choreography." Azzi's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Plus, I dressed up as Magic Mike for Halloween my senior year in college. It was a whole thing."

Paige's brain short-circuited for a second. "You what?"

"Yeah, I had the whole outfit—baggy pants, white tank, red tie, the hat. It was some of my best work." Azzi said it so casually, like it was no big deal. "I even gave Flau'jae a little show at the Halloween party. She loved it."

Paige felt a surge of something hot and uncomfortable in her chest. Jealousy. She was jealous of Flau'jae, which was ridiculous because Flau'jae was just Azzi's friend and very much straight, and this had happened years ago, but still.

"Oh, so Big 4 gets a show and not me?" Paige said, trying to keep her tone light but failing.

Azzi turned to look at her, eyebrows raised. "Are you jealous?"

"No." Yes.

"You are!" Azzi laughed, delighted. "Oh my god, Paige Bueckers is jealous."

"I'm not jealous. I just think it's unfair that Flau'jae got a Magic Mike show and I didn't."

"Uh-huh." Azzi set the remote down, her expression shifting into something more serious. More intense. "Has anyone ever given you a lapdance, Paige Bueckers?"

Paige's mouth went dry. "What?"

"A lapdance. Has anyone ever given you one?"

"I–no. No, nobody has."

Azzi's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. "Well, then. I guess I'm about to ruin your life."

"What are you–"

"Gimme your phone."

"Why?"

"Just give it to me, Paige."

Paige unlocked it and handed it over, her heart pounding. Azzi smirked as she scrolled through Spotify. A few seconds later, music started playing through the Bluetooth speaker in the living room.

The opening notes of "Folded" by Kehlani filled the apartment as Azzi stood up from the couch.

"Sit back," Azzi said, her voice low.

Paige obeyed, her back pressing against the couch cushions. She couldn't look away from Azzi, who had now pulled her hoodie off and was standing in front of her in her short shorts and a gray Calvin Klein bra. Her abs were fucking crazy. And Paige, well, Paige really had a thing for girls with belly button piercings. 

"Just relax," Azzi said, and then she started to move.

It's so silly of me to act like I don't need you bad

When all, all I can think about is us since I seen you last

It wasn't like the choreography Paige had seen Azzi do before with her DCC girls. This was different. Slower. Sensual. Azzi's hips swayed to the music, her hands trailing up her sides, over her stomach, her chest as she mouthed the words. Paige couldn’t breathe.

Azzi stepped closer, her legs on either side of Paige's, and Paige's hands instinctively went to Azzi's hips. But Azzi caught her wrists and pinned them to the back of the couch.

"No touching," Azzi said, her lips brushing Paige's ear. "Not yet."

Paige let out a shaky breath. "Azzi–"

"Shh." Azzi's body rolled against hers, slow and torturous, and Paige thought she might actually die.

The song continued, and so did Azzi. She turned around, her back to Paige, and bent forward slightly, her ass brushing against Paige's lap. Paige's fingers dug into the couch cushions, trying to ground herself, but it was useless. She was completely at Azzi's mercy.

Azzi straightened and turned back around, straddling Paige's lap now. Her hands were on Paige's shoulders, her face inches away, and Paige could feel the heat radiating off her body.

"You okay?" Azzi asked, her voice teasing.

"No," Paige said honestly. "I'm really not," she said in a whisper. 

Azzi giggled, sassy as ever, and rolled her hips again. Paige's head fell back against the couch, a groan escaping her lips.

"Azzi, please–"

"Please what?"

"Let me touch you."

Azzi considered the request, her eyes dark and full of mischief. Then she leaned in, her lips brushing Paige's. "Okay."

I'll let your body decide if this is good enough for you

Already folding it for you

Already folding up for you

Paige's hands were on her immediately, gripping her hips, pulling her closer. Azzi began to grind against Paige in a way that made Paige see stars.

"Fuck," Paige breathed, her hands up Azzi's ribs, roaming to feel the smooth skin of her back.

"You like that?" Azzi's lips were on her neck now, kissing and biting.

"You know I do."

"Good." Azzi pulled back slightly, and put her hands on Paige’s arms. She guided them back down to her ass. "Hold me like this," she whispered.

Paige was gone. Any and all complaints she had about practice today were thrown entirely out the window. This was heaven.

"Bedroom," Paige managed to say. "We should–"

"No." Azzi's hands were on Paige's shirt now, pulling it up and off. "Right here."

And then Azzi was kissing her, her tongue tracking across Paige's bottom lip before gently biting down. That was all it took for Paige to give up on any semblance of control. She let Azzi take the lead, let her set the pace, and it was the hottest thing Paige had ever experienced.

Azzi's hands were everywhere, hovering over Paige's chest, her stomach, sliding down to the waistband of her sweatpants. Paige's own hands were just as busy, cupping Azzi’s buttcheeks as she danced on top of her.

"Lay down," Azzi said against her lips.

Paige shifted, lying back on the couch, and Azzi climbed on top of her. By now, the song had changed to “Who Hurt You?” by Daniel Caesar. 

They were both still half-dressed, but that didn't last long. Azzi made quick work of Paige's sweatpants, pulling them down along with her boxers. 

And then Azzi's hand was between Paige's legs, and Paige was in a complete daze.

"God, you're so wet," Azzi murmured, her fingers moving slowly across Paige’s center.

You make me feel so primal and

That’s what I am, I’m just a man

Take that pussy drop it in my lap,

I love it when you move like that

Paige couldn't respond. She could only arch into Azzi's touch, her hands gripping Azzi's shoulders, her nails digging into her soft caramel skin.

Azzi kissed her way down Paige's body, paying tender attention to her neck and stomach as she gently rubbed her clit. 

"God damn—" Paige's voice was strangled. "I need your tongue"

Azzi lifted her head slightly to see the want in Paige’s blue eyes. She smirked as she put her mouth where Paige wanted it. 

Azzi was good at this. Too good. Her tongue moved in ways that made Paige's entire body tremble, and when she added her fingers, Paige thought she might actually black out.

"Fuck, baby, I'm—" Paige couldn't finish the sentence. She came hard, her back arching off the couch, Azzi's name tumbling from her lips like a prayer.

Azzi didn't stop until Paige was boneless and gasping, and then she crawled back up Paige's body, a satisfied smile on her face.

"You good?" Azzi asked, kissing her softly.

"I don't know," Paige said honestly. "I think you broke me."

Azzi laughed. "Congrats on your first lapdance."

Paige's hands slid down Azzi's back, gripping her ass. "My turn."

"Paige–" Azzi warned. “I’m supposed to be cheering you up.”

But Paige was already flipping them over, pressing Azzi into the couch cushions. "Fucking you is going to cheer me up," and Azzi's protest died in her throat.

Paige took her time, kissing every inch of Azzi's body, worshipping her as a thank you for the performance she’d just given. 

When she finally settled between Azzi's legs, Azzi's hands settled in her blonde hair.

"Please," Azzi breathed, and Paige didn't make her wait.

She used everything she'd learned the night before, every sound Azzi had made, every reaction. And when Azzi came, her thighs trembling around Paige's head, Paige had decided she wanted to do that every day until she died. 

They stayed on the couch for a while, catching their breath as random songs shuffled from the speaker. But then Paige's hands started wandering again, and Azzi's breath hitched.

"Again?" Azzi asked, her voice incredulous.

"Again," Paige confirmed, pulling Azzi to her feet. "Come here."

She led Azzi to the kitchen, their fingers intertwined, both of them buck naked. When they reached the counter, Paige turned and placed her palms on Azzi’s ass, lifting her onto it in one smooth motion.

"Paige–" Azzi started, but Paige was already stepping between her legs, her hands sliding up Azzi's thighs.

"I want you everywhere," Paige said, her voice low. "Every surface in this damn apartment."

Azzi's breath caught as Paige kissed her, deep and hungry. The granite counter was cold against Azzi's bare skin, making her gasp into Paige's mouth. Paige's hands claimed every inch of Azzi, cupping her breasts, dancing across her belly button piercing, digging into her thighs, gripping her hips.

"Can I ask you something?" Paige murmured against Azzi's lips.

"Right now?" Azzi's voice was breathless.

"Yeah, right now." Paige pulled back just enough to look at her. "What's your biggest turn-on?"

Azzi's cheeks flushed deeper, and for a moment she looked almost shy. "You wanna know?"

"I want to know everything." Paige's thumb traced circles on Azzi's inner thigh. "We're still learning each other, right?"

Azzi bit her lip, considering. Then she reached up and took Paige's hand, guiding it to her hair. "Pull it," she said quietly. "Not too hard, but... yeah. I like that."

Paige's eyes darkened. She wrapped Azzi's hair around her fist and tugged gently, tilting her head back. Azzi's mouth fell open with a soft moan.

"Like that?" Paige asked.

"Exactly like that." Azzi's hands gripped the edge of the counter. "And I like... I like being told what to do. When you're confident."

"Yeah?" Paige leaned in, her lips brushing Azzi's ear. "You like when I take control?"

"God, yes."

Paige tugged her hair again, harder this time, and kissed down her neck. "What else?"

"My neck," Azzi gasped. "Kiss it. Bite it. Mark me."

Paige didn't need to be told twice. She sucked hard on the sensitive skin just below Azzi's ear, and Azzi's whole body shuddered. Paige could feel her pulse racing under her lips.

"Fuck, Paige," Azzi breathed.

"You're so fucking hot," Paige murmured against her skin. "You know that? The way you move, the way you sound..." She bit down gently on Azzi's collarbone, and Azzi's nails dug into her shoulders.

Paige's hand slid between Azzi's legs, and she was dripping. "Jesus, Az."

"All for you," Azzi squeaked out.

Paige slipped two fingers inside her easily, and Azzi's head fell back, her hair still wrapped in Paige's fist. The angle was perfect. Paige could watch every expression that crossed Azzi's face as she worked her fingers deeper.

"Look at me," Paige commanded, tugging her hair.

Azzi's eyes snapped open, meeting Paige's. They were dark and hazy with pleasure.

"That's it, baby," Paige said. "Keep your eyes on me."

She curled her fingers, finding that spot that made Azzi cry out. Her other hand kept a firm grip in Azzi's hair, pulling it so their eyes remained locked. The cold counter contrasted sharply with the heat between them, and Azzi was trembling.

"You're doing so good," Paige murmured. 

Azzi moaned at the praise, her hips rolling forward to meet Paige's hand. "More," she gasped. 

Paige added a third finger, stretching her, and Azzi's mouth fell open in a silent cry. "You like when I stretch you out like this, huh," she smirked. 

"Yes, fuck, yes–"

Paige leaned down and took one of Azzi's nipples in her mouth, sucking hard while her fingers pumped steadily. Azzi's whole body was shaking now, her thighs trembling on either side of Paige's hips.

"You're so sexy like this," Paige said against her skin. "Spread out on my counter, taking everything I give you."

"God fucking dam-" Azzi’s moan stopped her from speaking.

"Gimme your cum, baby. I need it," Paige’s voice was demanding and hungry as she felt Azzi tighten around her fingers. 

When Azzi finally slumped forward after her orgasm subsided, Paige pulled back to admire her work. 

"Holy shit," Azzi breathed against Paige's shoulder.

Paige slowly withdrew her fingers, Azzi whimpering at the loss of being full. "We should probably clean up," Paige said, kissing her temple.

"Shower?"

"You read my mind."

They made their way to the bathroom, Azzi's legs still a little unsteady. Paige turned on the water, adjusting the temperature until steam began to fill the room. When she turned back, Azzi was leaning against the sink, watching her with heavy-lidded eyes.

"What?" Paige asked.

"Nothing. Just... you fucked me good."

Paige grinned and pulled her into the shower. The hot water hit them immediately, and they both sighed at the sensation. Paige pressed Azzi against the tile wall, the water cascading over both of them.

"Your turn," Azzi said, reaching for Paige.

But Paige caught her wrists, pinning them above her head against the wall. "Not yet."

Azzi's eyes widened. "P–"

"I'm not done with you." Paige kissed her hard, her body pressing Azzi firmly against the tile. 

Paige's free hand slid down Azzi's body, between her legs again. Azzi was still sensitive, and she gasped when Paige's fingers made contact.

"Too much?" Paige asked.

"No," Azzi breathed. "Don't stop."

Paige worked her gently this time, her fingers moving in slow circles across Azzi’s clit. The water made everything more slippery, and Azzi's hips involuntarily bucked forward seeking more friction.

"I could do this all night." Paige murmured, watching water droplets run down Azzi's neck, between her breasts. 

"Please," Azzi whimpered.

Paige released her wrists and dropped to her knees. The shower floor was hard, but she didn't care. She hooked one of Azzi's legs over her shoulder and looked up at her.

"Hold onto something," Paige said.

Azzi's hands found the shower caddy on the wall, and then Paige's mouth was on her. Azzi cried out, her head falling back against the tile. The water was running over both of them, and once Paige adjusted her angle, Azzi was falling apart above her.

"Oh my god, oh my god–" Azzi's leg was twitching on Paige's shoulder, and Paige had to grip her hip to keep her steady.

Paige added her fingers again, two of them sliding in easily while her tongue worked Azzi's clit. The sounds Azzi was making were obscene, echoing off the bathroom walls.

"I'm gonna cum again," Azzi gasped between heavy breaths. 

Paige curled her fingers and sucked hard, and Azzi couldn’t tell if it was the shower water or tears running down her face as she climaxed, but there was a decent chance it was both. Her leg gave out, and Paige had to catch her, easing her down until they were both sitting on the shower floor, hot water still pouring over them.

"You're insane,” Azzi panted. 

Paige didn’t say anything. She was perfectly content just smiling and looking at the beautiful girl in front of her. 

Azzi's hand made its way to Paige’s inner thigh. "Now you tell me what you like."

Paige's breath hitched. She opened her mouth, then closed it again. Her heart was racing, and not just from what they'd been doing.

"Hey." Azzi's free hand came up to cup Paige's face, her thumb brushing across her cheekbone. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, I just..." Paige swallowed hard. "Nobody's ever really asked me that before."

Azzi's expression softened. "Really?"

"Yeah." Paige felt her face heat, and it had nothing to do with the hot water still running over them. "I mean, every time I've hooked up with people, but it was always just... I don't know. Quick. I’m usually a total touch-me-not."

"Do you want me to touch you right now?” Azzi asked gently. “You can say no."

"No no. I do. I promise. I’m just not used to people actually caring about what I want." Paige's voice was quiet. "So I’ve never really asked for stuff."

Azzi leaned in and kissed her, soft and sweet. "Well, you can ask me for anything."

Paige took a shaky breath. "How crazy is too crazy?"

"There's no such thing." Azzi's hand moved higher on her thigh, and Paige's breath caught. "Tell me what you want, Paige."

"I want..." Paige's voice was barely audible over the water. "I want your fingers inside me. And I want your mouth right by my ear, talking to me. Telling me how good I made you feel earlier."

"That's not crazy at all." Azzi's lips found Paige's neck. "What else?"

Paige's heart was pounding so hard she could feel it in her throat. "I want you to bite my ear. And..." She hesitated.

"And?"

"And when I'm about to cum, I want you to spit in my mouth."

Azzi pulled back just enough to look at her, and Paige braced herself for judgment, for Azzi to think she was fucking insane or too much. But Azzi's eyes just sparkled as she smiled.

"Fuck," Azzi breathed. "You're perfect."

Then her hand was between Paige's legs, and Paige gasped. Azzi worked her slowly at first, one finger, then two, watching Paige's face.

"Is this good?" Azzi asked, her mouth moving to Paige's ear.

"Yes," Paige managed.

"You made me feel so fucking good tonight," Azzi murmured, her breath hot against Paige's ear. "Your fingers inside me—god, Paige. I've never felt anything like that. The way you curled them into my g-spot, you know exactly how to touch me."

Paige moaned, her hips rolling to meet Azzi's hand. The water was still running over them, steam covering the bathroom mirror.

"And when you were between my legs," Azzi continued, her voice low, "watching your face while you ate me out, you are so fucking sexy. Your tongue was made for my pussy. You made it yours, P."

Azzi's fingers moved deeper, and Paige's breath hitched.

"You made me so fucking wet," Azzi said against her ear. "I came so hard I thought I was going to pass out."

"Azzi–" Paige's voice was shaking.

"And your chain," Azzi's teeth grazed Paige's earlobe. "The way it dangles over my lips when you're on top of me, it drives me fucking crazy. You are the sexiest woman I have ever seen. I can’t believe I get to get fucked by you. I’d let you slut me out any fucking day. I know you’ll always get me right."

Paige's voice broke. “Baby.”

"You're doing so good for me, P." Azzi curled her fingers.

Paige's hands gripped Azzi's shoulders. She was right there, teetering on the edge, and then Azzi bit down on her earlobe, not hard enough to hurt but enough to send a jolt through her entire body.

"Look at me," Azzi said, pulling back just enough to meet Paige's eyes.

Paige's eyes fluttered open, meeting Azzi's gaze. Azzi's thumb found Paige's clit, circling it in time with the thrust of her fingers, and Paige felt herself start to fall apart.

"Open your mouth," Azzi commanded softly.

Paige did, and Azzi leaned in, her lips hovering just above Paige's. Then she spit, and Paige came with a broken cry as she swallowed, her abs contracting as Azzi whispered more praise.

"That's it, P. Good job, baby."

Paige's forehead dropped to Azzi's shoulder, her breathing ragged. She felt raw and exposed and completely undone in the best possible way.

They sat there for a long moment, the water starting to run lukewarm, both of them breathing hard.

"We should actually wash up now," Azzi said eventually, laughing softly.

"Yeah, prolly," Paige blushed.

They helped each other stand, legs still shaky, and actually cleaned themselves for real this time. Paige shampooed Azzi's hair, her fingers gentle now, and Azzi washed Paige's back.

When they finally turned off the water and stepped out, wrapping themselves in towels, they were both exhausted. They barely made it to the bedroom before collapsing onto the bed, still damp, neither of them bothering with clothes.

"I've never done anything like this," Azzi said, lying on her back, staring at the ceiling. "Just... gone at it like that."

"Me neither," Paige admitted, rolling onto her side to look at her. "But it's kind of addicting, right?"

"Kind of?" Azzi turned her head, raising an eyebrow. "Paige, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to walk tomorrow. Let alone dance."

Paige grinned. "Sorry not sorry."

"I'm not complaining." Azzi reached out and traced her fingers along Paige's jaw. "This is... I don't know. It's really good."

"Yeah." Paige caught Azzi's hand and kissed her palm. "It really is."

"Okay, random question," Azzi turned.

"Shoot."

"Celebrity crushes. Who are yours?"

Paige laughed. "Why do you want to know?"

"Because I'm curious. Come on, tell me."

"Alright, fine." Paige thought for a moment. "Zendaya, obviously. And Olivia Pope from Scandal."

Azzi's eyebrows shot up. "Olivia Pope? The character?"

"Yeah. Kerry Washington is hot, but Olivia Pope specifically? Mmm," Paige licked her lips. 

“You have a type,” Azzi teased.

Paige felt her face heat up. "I mean... I know what I like. Sue me."

Azzi laughed, the sound bright and genuine. "I'm not judging. Those are both extremely valid answers."

"What about you?" Paige asked.

"My first one was Zac Efron," Azzi said. "Like, High School Musical era. Lame, I know.”

Paige's brain made a connection, and she sat up slightly. "Wait. Didn't you tell me to channel my inner Troy Bolton when we first met?"

Azzi's face went red. "I–maybe?"

"Oh my god." Paige started laughing. "You wanted me so bad. From day one!"

"I did not!" Azzi protested, but she was laughing too, her face still flushed.

"You absolutely did. When we were dancing."

"You're so full of yourself."

"Am I wrong, though?"

Azzi bit her lip, trying not to smile. "No. You're not wrong."

"I knew it!" Paige leaned down and kissed her, still grinning. "You're obsessed with me."

"Maybe a little," Azzi admitted, her hands sliding up Paige's back. "But you're obsessed with me too."

"Maybe a lot," Paige corrected, and kissed her again.

They stayed like that for a while, kissing and talking and laughing, until eventually they both started to drift off. Paige pulled the covers over them, and Azzi curled into her side, her head on Paige's chest.

"Az?" Paige's voice was sleepier now.

"Yeah?"

"I'm really glad we're doing this. Whatever this is."

Azzi's chest felt warm. "Me too, P. Me too." She reached up to interlace her fingers in Paige's chain. "You'll still want to even if I make you watch Magic Mike?"

"Mhm." Paige pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "But for the record, your version was way better."

Azzi laughed softly. "Damn right."

They fell asleep like that, tangled up in each other, and Paige couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this at peace. 

Whatever this thing was with Azzi, she didn't want it to end.