#bourges

Evening Arrival in Bourges - Andrea Giovannini , 2024

Italian , b. 1962 -

Aviator Paillette on a Blériot monoplane at the Bourges airbase, Berry region of France

wbb masterlist

Y/N -> your name. Italic -> text

6,6k words!

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The arena was alive with the roar of the crowd, fans draped in the orange of Bourges Basket and the blue of Basket Landes, their chants colliding in the humid air like rival waves. Pauline Astier stood at midcourt, bouncing the ball rhythmically as she scanned the court. Her usual laser focus felt fractured tonight. Not because of the crowd or the stakes, but because of the player guarding her.

Y/N.

Y/N, with their fierce eyes and relentless defense. Y/N, whose jersey bore the blue of Basket Landes, the team that stood between Bourges and a shot at the championship. Y/N, whose kiss that morning had lingered in Pauline’s mind longer than it should have.

It was a secret they had both worked tirelessly to protect. By day, they were rivals, their every game a chess match of skill and strategy. By night, they were something else entirely—soulmates who found comfort in stolen moments, in whispered words exchanged when no one was watching.

But tonight, there was no time for stolen moments. Tonight, this championship game demanded all of Pauline’s attention, and Y/N, as always, refused to make it easy.

The referee blew the whistle, snapping Pauline back to the moment. She passed the ball to her teammate and sprinted into position, her mind warring with her body. Every instinct told her to dominate, to play with the intensity that had made her Bourges’ star point guard. But every time Y/N’s eyes locked with hers, she hesitated just a fraction too long.

Bourges was up by five, but it wasn’t enough. Basket Landes was clawing their way back, and Y/N was at the center of it all. Pauline watched as Y/N sank a three-pointer with effortless precision, their form perfect, their expression unreadable.

Pauline cursed under her breath as the crowd erupted. She tried to shake the feeling creeping into her chest—the pride she felt for Y/N’s skill, the love that warred with her competitive spirit. She had to focus.

The next possession, Pauline drove to the basket, dodging defenders with quick, sharp movements. But as she leapt for the layup, she felt a body collide with hers. The whistle blew, and she landed awkwardly on the court.

Y/N was there in an instant, offering a hand.

“You okay?” Y/N asked softly, their voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.

Pauline hesitated, staring up at them. She wanted to say something, anything, but her teammates were rushing over, and the moment was gone. She nodded curtly, ignoring the pang in her chest as Y/N’s hand slipped away.

______________________________________________________________________

The locker room was tense. Coach rattled off adjustments, emphasizing the importance of shutting down Y/N. Pauline nodded along, but her mind was elsewhere.

“Pauline” said her teammate Laëtitia, nudging her. “You okay? You seem… distracted.”

“I’m fine” Pauline replied quickly.

Laëtitia raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further.

Meanwhile, in the Basket Landes locker room, Y/N was fielding questions from their own teammates.

“Astier’s quick” Yohana said. “You can’t let her get past you like that again.”

“I know” Y/N replied, their jaw tightening.

Yohana and Louise leaned closer. “What’s up? You’re usually sharper against her.”

“Nothing” Y/N lied, forcing a smirk. “I’ll lock her down in the second half. Don’t worry.”

______________________________________________________________________

The game was tied with less than a minute to go. Pauline had the ball, dribbling at the top of the key as the clock ticked down. Y/N was guarding her, their eyes locked, every movement mirroring hers.

“Come on, love” Y/N taunted, their voice low. “Show me what you’ve got.”

Pauline grinned, the adrenaline and their shared history fueling her. She made her move, driving past Y/N with a quick step, but they recovered instantly, their hand grazing the ball just enough to send it off course.

The ball bounced loose, and Y/N dove for it, their body colliding with Pauline’s. They hit the floor hard, tangled together as the whistle blew.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Their faces were inches apart, breaths mingling as they stared at each other.

“You’re unbelievable” Pauline muttered, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Right back at you” Y/N shot back, their eyes sparkling despite the sweat and exhaustion.

The final possession came down to Basket Landes. With 10 seconds left, Y/N received the ball, faked a drive, and stepped back for a long three-pointer. The shot sailed through the net as the buzzer sounded, giving Basket Landes the win.

______________________________________________________________________

In the Bourges locker room, the mood was somber. Pauline sat on the bench, replaying the final moments in her head. Laëtitia and Artemis patted her shoulder.

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. We’ll get them next time.”

Pauline nodded, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

Meanwhile, in the Basket Landes locker room, Y/N was met with cheers and backslaps. Their coach beamed. “That was clutch, Y/N. Well done.”

“Thanks” Y/N said, their mind drifting to Pauline.

______________________________________________________________________

After the game, Pauline waited in the tunnel, pulling her hoodie up to avoid attention. When Y/N appeared, their expression softened.

“Nice shot” Pauline said, her voice low.

“Thanks” Y/N replied, stepping closer. “You played well too.”

They stood in silence for a moment before Y/N reached out, their fingers brushing Pauline’s.

“You know” Pauline murmured, “losing to you isn’t so bad.”

Y/N grinned. “That’s good, because it’s going to happen again.”

Pauline rolled her eyes but smiled. “Drinks on you know then tonight ?”

Y/N roll their eyes “Yeah drinks on me tonight”

As they parted, Pauline felt a flicker of hope. On the court, they were rivals. Off it, they were something much more. And somehow, they would find a way to make it all work.

The bar Y/N had chosen was tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, far enough from the arena to avoid curious eyes. Pauline slipped inside, her hoodie pulled low to shield her face. Her stomach churned—not from nerves, but from the lingering tension of the game they had just played. Losing to Y/N wasn’t easy, but seeing the joy on their face after the final buzzer had softened the sting.

Y/N sat in a booth at the back, their posture relaxed but their eyes scanning the entrance. When they spotted Pauline, their face lit up with a grin that made Pauline’s chest tighten.

“Late as always” Y/N teased as Pauline slid into the seat across from them.

“Fashionably late” Pauline corrected with a smirk. “And I’m pretty sure you’re the one who fouled me out tonight.”

Y/N shrugged, their grin widening. “I play to win, love.”

Pauline rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile from tugging at her lips.

The game had been a physical battle, the kind that left players sore for days. Bourges and Basket Landes were two of the top teams in the league, and their rivalry was as fierce as ever. Yet, here they were, sharing drinks and smiles like none of that mattered.

“You were on fire tonight” Pauline admitted, swirling her drink. “That three-pointer at the end was brutal.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Is that… a compliment from Pauline Astier?”

“Don’t get used to it” Pauline shot back, her tone playful.

Their banter flowed easily, but beneath the surface, both of them felt the weight of the unspoken. As much as they enjoyed these stolen moments, their relationship was becoming harder to keep under wraps.

Pauline leaned back, her expression growing more serious. “I think Laëtitia suspects something.”

Y/N’s smile faltered. “Your teammate? What makes you say that?”

“She keeps giving me these looks” Pauline said. “And after the game, she asked why I seemed distracted.”

Y/N frowned. “You think she knows about us?”

“I’m not sure” Pauline admitted. “But I don’t want her—or anyone else—finding out like that.”

Y/N nodded, their fingers tapping lightly against the table. “We’ll figure it out. But for now, let’s just… enjoy this.”

Pauline hesitated before nodding. She reached across the table, her hand brushing against Y/N’s. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to remind them both why they were fighting so hard to keep this going.

______________________________________________________________________

The following morning, Pauline woke to a flurry of texts in the team group chat. Artemis had shared a clip of Y/N’s game-winning shot, accompanied by a joking caption: “Astier, you’re gonna let this slide?”

Pauline groaned, rubbing her temples. She typed a quick reply: “We’ll get them next time. Don’t worry.”

As she put her phone down, another text popped up—this one from Y/N.

Y/N: You’re not mad about the shot, are you?

Pauline smiled, her fingers flying across the screen.

Pauline: Me? Mad? I’m just planning my revenge for the next game.

Y/N: Good. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Later that day, Y/N called Pauline with an idea.

“We need to control the narrative” Y/N said. “If people start suspecting something, it’s better to address it on our terms.”

Pauline frowned. “You mean, like… come out?”

“Not exactly” Y/N clarified. “But maybe we stop hiding so much. We can support each other publicly without making it obvious. Little things—like comments on social media, showing up to events together. Let people speculate, but keep them guessing.”

Pauline considered it. It wasn’t a perfect solution, but it was better than constantly looking over their shoulders.

“Okay,” she said finally. “Let’s try it.”

Y/N’s voice softened. “You sure?”

Pauline smiled, even though Y/N couldn’t see it. “I’m sure. Let’s see where this takes us.”

For the first time in weeks, Pauline felt a glimmer of hope. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

______________________________________________________________________

It had been two weeks since Pauline and Y/N had decided to stop hiding completely. They weren’t shouting their relationship from the rooftops, but they were no longer dodging questions or sneaking around as much. Comments on social media, small interactions at league events, and an undeniable chemistry on and off the court had sparked rumors among fans and reporters.

For Pauline, the balance was delicate. She still felt the pressure to prove herself as Bourges’ star, while navigating a rivalry with Basket Landes that had only grown fiercer with each passing game.

Tonight, they faced each other once again—this time, on Basket Landes’ home court. The rivalry had reached its boiling point as both teams fought for playoff positioning.

The arena was electric, packed with fans waving blue and orange flags. Pauline’s teammates were unusually tense during warm-ups. Alix pulled her aside just before the game started.

“Pauline” Alix said, lowering her voice. “You good for tonight? You’ve seemed… off lately.”

“I’m fine” Pauline replied quickly, forcing a smile.

Alix hesitated, then nodded. “Alright. Just know we need you sharp out there. No distractions.”

Pauline knew what Alix was hinting at. The media had caught wind of her and Y/N’s budding friendship—or whatever they thought it was. If Alix suspected more, she hadn’t said so outright, but Pauline could tell her teammate was piecing things together.

Across the court, Y/N was huddled with their team. Basket Landes’ coach was fired up, laying out the plan to dismantle Bourges’ defense. Y/N stole a glance at Pauline, their expression unreadable.

“You ready for this?” Louise, Y/N’s teammates asked.

“Always” Y/N replied, though their heart was pounding in their chest.

The game was a battle from start to finish. Every possession felt like a war, with both teams trading leads and making clutch plays. Pauline was in her element, slicing through defenders and setting up her teammates for easy baskets.

But Y/N was just as relentless. They hit back-to-back threes midway through the fourth quarter, keeping Basket Landes in the game.

With two minutes left, the score was tied. Bourges had the ball, and Pauline dribbled at the top of the key, her eyes scanning the defense. Y/N was guarding her, their body tense, every muscle ready to react.

“You’re not scoring this time” Y/N said, their voice low but steady.

Pauline smirked. “We’ll see.”

She drove to the basket, spinning past one defender before pulling up for a jumper. Y/N leapt to contest the shot, their fingertips brushing the ball just enough to alter its trajectory. The ball bounced off the rim, and Basket Landes grabbed the rebound.

With 10 seconds left, Basket Landes had possession. The crowd was deafening as Y/N brought the ball up the court. Pauline was guarding them now, her body low and her eyes locked on theirs.

“Don’t choke” Pauline taunted, though her voice was laced with affection.

Y/N grinned. “I don’t choke.”

They faked left, crossed right, and stepped back for a three-pointer. Pauline lunged, her hand inches away from the ball as Y/N released it. The shot soared through the air and swished through the net as the buzzer sounded.

Basket Landes had won.

______________________________________________________________________

The celebration on the court was instant, with Basket Landes’ players piling onto Y/N in excitement. Pauline stood at midcourt, her hands on her hips, watching the chaos unfold. Despite the loss, she couldn’t help but smile.

Artemis approached her, shaking her head. “They got us this time.”

“They earned it,” Pauline admitted.

As the teams began exchanging handshakes, Y/N made their way to Pauline. Their teammates lingered nearby, clearly curious about the interaction.

“Hell of a game” Y/N said, offering their hand.

Pauline took it, her grip firm. “Nice shot. But don’t get used to it.”

Y/N chuckled, their eyes sparkling. “Oh, I’m already planning the next one.”

Pauline rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile.

After the post-game interviews, Pauline waited in the tunnel, leaning against the wall. When Y/N appeared, they slowed their pace, glancing around to make sure no one was watching.

“You didn’t have to hit that shot, you know” Pauline said, crossing her arms.

“It’s my job” Y/N replied, smirking.

Pauline shook her head but stepped closer. “Still, that was impressive.”

Y/N reached out, their fingers brushing Pauline’s arm. “We’ll get through this, you know. The games, the rumors, all of it. We’re stronger than they think.”

Pauline nodded, her resolve hardening. “Together.”

Y/N smiled, leaning in just enough for their foreheads to touch briefly—a private moment amidst the chaos.

As they parted, the roar of the crowd faded into the background. Rivalry might define them on the court, but off it, they were something far more powerful.

______________________________________________________________________

The victory had propelled Basket Landes into first place in the league standings, and the excitement surrounding their success hadn’t waned in the days following the game. Y/N had been the center of attention, praised for their composure and clutch shooting.

But while the media buzzed about the win, Y/N’s thoughts were elsewhere. The look on Pauline’s face after the game had lingered in their mind—not just the frustration of losing, but the unspoken emotions that always seemed to hang between them after moments like this.

Bourges and Basket Landes were set to face each other again in a few weeks but this time it was for the Euroleague, but before that, Y/N had a different plan in mind.

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The Bourges practice gym was quiet when Y/N walked in, a hoodie pulled low over their face to avoid being recognized. They spotted Pauline on the court, working through shooting drills with a determination that bordered on obsessive.

“You know, practicing too hard after a loss won’t change the result” Y/N called out, leaning casually against the wall.

Pauline froze mid-shot, the ball bouncing off the rim. She turned, her eyes narrowing when she saw Y/N.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, hands on her hips.

Y/N shrugged, stepping onto the court. “Thought I’d check on you. You’ve been awfully quiet since the game.”

Pauline rolled her eyes, picking up the ball. “I’ve been busy. And I don’t need your pity.”

“It’s not pity” Y/N said softly, stepping closer. “I just wanted to see you.”

Pauline hesitated, the weight of their rivalry pressing down on her shoulders. She sighed, tossing the ball aside.

“You’ve got some nerve, showing up here” she muttered, though her tone lacked its usual sharpness.

Y/N grinned. “I figured you’d say that.”

Pauline crossed her arms, studying Y/N. “So, what’s your plan? You came all this way just to rub your win in my face?”

Y/N smirked. “Actually, I thought we could settle things. One-on-one. First to ten.”

Pauline raised an eyebrow. “You’re serious?”

“Absolutely” Y/N replied, grabbing the ball. “Unless you’re scared I’ll beat you again.”

Pauline snorted. “You wish.”

They took their places on the court, the tension between them shifting into something lighter. For a while, it felt like they weren’t rivals, just two players who loved the game—and each other.

The game was intense, with neither of them holding back. Pauline’s quick drives to the basket clashed with Y/N’s sharp shooting, each point hard-fought.

At 9-9, Y/N dribbled at the top of the key, their eyes meeting Pauline’s.

“This is it” Y/N said. “You ready?”

Pauline smirked. “Always.”

Y/N made their move, driving to the right before spinning back for a fadeaway jumper. Pauline was there, contesting the shot perfectly. The ball hit the backboard and rimmed out.

Pauline grabbed the rebound and sprinted to the other end of the court, sinking an easy layup to win.

“Game over” she said, panting but grinning triumphantly.

Y/N groaned, collapsing onto the floor dramatically. “You’re never gonna let me live this down, are you?”

“Not a chance cutie” Pauline teased, offering a hand to help Y/N up.

As they sat on the court, catching their breath, the conversation turned more serious.

“I hate losing to you” Pauline admitted, her voice quiet.

Y/N chuckled. “Trust me, I know the feeling.”

“But I hate hiding this even more” Pauline continued, meeting Y/N’s gaze. “I don’t want to keep pretending like you’re just another opponent. You’re more than that.”

Y/N reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from Pauline’s face. “We’ll figure it out. One step at a time.”

Pauline nodded, leaning into Y/N’s touch. For a moment, the world outside the gym faded away, leaving just the two of them.

______________________________________________________________________

When Bourges and Basket Landes faced off again, the stakes were higher than ever. Both teams needed the win to secure their first place in their group for the second round of the Euroleague.

The game was another battle, but this time, Pauline and Y/N played with a different energy. Their rivalry remained fierce, but their shared smiles and playful taunts hinted at something more.

Basket Landes ended up winning by two points in a nail-biter, with Y/N once again playing the hero in the final seconds.

As the teams lined up for handshakes, Laëtitia nudged Pauline.

“You’re not even mad, are you?” Laëtitia asked, eyeing Y/N suspiciously.

Pauline smirked. “Not at all.”

When Pauline reached Y/N in line, they shared a look that said everything they couldn’t say aloud.

“Good game” Y/N said, their tone laced with affection.

“You too” Pauline replied, squeezing their hand briefly before moving on.

The rivalry continued, but off the court, their bond only grew stronger. They knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but for now, they were content to let the game—and their love—play out.

______________________________________________________________________

The months after that intense game between Bourges and Basket Landes had been a whirlwind. Pauline and Y/N’s relationship was no longer a secret, though neither team had fully acknowledged it out loud. Rumors had spread like wildfire, but the players themselves had managed to keep things relatively quiet in the press. Still, the undercurrent of tension and excitement was palpable in every conversation and glance they shared at team events.

As the playoffs approached, both teams were battling for positioning, and each game felt like it could determine everything. But despite the intensity of their rivalry, Pauline and Y/N’s bond had only deepened. What had started as a flirtation across the court had transformed into something undeniable, something that neither of them could—or wanted to—deny any longer.

______________________________________________________________________

One afternoon, after a brutal practice with her team, Pauline was stretching in the locker room when her phone buzzed. She glanced at it and smiled as soon as she saw the name.

Y/N: What’s your plan tonight?

Pauline paused before typing back.

Pauline: I’m thinking a quiet night in. We’ve got a big game tomorrow, after all.

Y/N: I like the sound of that. Meet at your place in an hour?

Pauline: You know where to find me.

A warm feeling spread through her chest. They had always balanced their personal lives with their professional ones, but there were moments, like these, when it all felt worth it—when the stress of the game, the pressure of the rivalry, could be put on pause for just a while.

______________________________________________________________________

The day of the playoff game arrived, and the atmosphere in the arena was electric. Pauline and Y/N had kept their distance during warm-ups, focusing on the game at hand. Bourges was ready, but so was Basket Landes, and the tension between the teams was nearly tangible. Fans filled the stands, chanting their respective team names, creating an intensity that made it hard to hear anything else.

Pauline and Y/N exchanged a glance as they stepped onto the court, each trying to ignore the storm of emotions that always seemed to stir between them in these moments. Their teams lined up for introductions, but both players couldn’t help but steal another glance at each other.

The first quarter was a blur, filled with quick turnovers and fast-paced action. Y/N was everywhere, attacking the basket with relentless precision, while Pauline responded with aggressive defense and pinpoint shooting.

But the game didn’t stay clean for long. As the second quarter wound down, the tension between the two teams snapped. A hard foul on Pauline resulted in a brief scuffle, with both teams shouting at each other. But despite the chaos, Pauline’s eyes never left Y/N, who was already turning to walk away from the pile-up with a smirk.

“You’re playing dirty now?” Pauline shouted across the court, trying to hold back the grin that was threatening to break through.

Y/N winked from across the floor. “Whatever it takes to win, Astier.”

The ref blew his whistle, and the game continued. But the underlying tension had only intensified.

The game had come down to the final seconds. The score was tied, and both teams were desperate for the win. With just a few seconds left, Bourges had possession of the ball. The crowd roared as Pauline received the pass at the top of the key. The clock ticked down, and Y/N’s defense was suffocating. The two locked eyes for a split second, each knowing that this was it.

Pauline faked left, drove right, and pulled up for a jumper. Y/N was right there, their hand outstretched to block it. The ball left Pauline’s fingers, floating toward the basket—but it was anyone’s guess whether it would go in.

Everything seemed to slow down as the ball hit the rim.

And then, it dropped.

Swish.

Bourges had won.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Pauline dropped to her knees, both exhausted and elated. Her teammates swarmed her, lifting her up in celebration. But all she could think about was the look on Y/N’s face. It was a mixture of frustration and admiration—exactly the way she’d always wanted to leave things between them.

______________________________________________________________________

In the locker room, the victory was sweet, but it didn’t feel complete without Y/N by her side. Pauline had quickly changed into her clothes, throwing her jersey in her bag, and left the arena to meet them in the parking lot, away from the cameras.

Y/N was leaning against their car, waiting, their eyes bright despite the loss.

“You’re still standing” Pauline joked as she approached.

Y/N grinned, their voice laced with amusement and pride. “How could I not? That shot you made was something else.”

Pauline shrugged, looking down at her sneakers. “I didn’t want to give you a reason to make fun of me later.”

Y/N stepped closer, their hand reaching out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind Pauline’s ear. “You know you’ve got my respect, right?”

Pauline’s heart fluttered as their gaze met. The noise of the outside world seemed to disappear in that moment, leaving only the two of them.

“You know I respect you, too” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N smiled softly. “We make a hell of a team.”

“I think we could be even better together” Pauline replied, her words lingering between them.

Y/N chuckled, leaning in just enough to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “After the game, huh?”

Pauline rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile that crept onto her face. “We’ll see” she teased. “But I’m definitely taking you out for dinner.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “Is that a victory dinner or…?”

Pauline smiled, her gaze softening. “I think it’s a little bit of both.”

As the playoff run continued, it was clear that the chemistry between the two players wasn’t just a fluke—it was real, and it was undeniable. But for now, they were willing to take things one step at a time, savoring the sweet victory of love and basketball, and knowing that no matter where their teams ended up in the standings, they would always have each other.

______________________________________________________________________

The chaos of the playoffs had died down, leaving Pauline and Y/N with a rare window of quiet time. With no upcoming games to prepare for, both teams had a few days to recover, and the two of them finally found the time to breathe—away from the press, away from the courts, and away from the expectations.

The dynamic between them had shifted since their last game. What had once been a relationship marked by stolen moments and secret glances had begun to grow more open, more comfortable. There was no longer a need to hide—there were no more pretenses between them. They were simply two people in love, with basketball as the backdrop to their story.

It was a Friday evening, and Pauline had invited Y/N over to her apartment for dinner. She was in the kitchen, trying her best to pull off a home-cooked meal—a feat she wasn’t particularly confident in, but Y/N had insisted they’d make it a team effort.

“You sure this is safe?” Y/N asked, standing at the counter, laughing as they watched Pauline fumble with the stove.

“Hey, I’ve got it under control” Pauline said, rolling her eyes but smiling. “I might not cook like my mom, but it’s edible.”

Y/N stepped closer, their hand resting lightly on the small of her back. “I trust you” they murmured, their breath warm against her skin.

Pauline turned, catching Y/N’s eye. The light touch had sent a spark of warmth through her, but it wasn’t the first time their closeness had become more than just a fleeting interaction. Every day, the little moments between them—those simple touches and looks—felt like they were pulling them further into a world where basketball didn’t matter quite as much as the person standing right in front of them.

“Dinner will be ready in a bit” Pauline said softly, her voice quieter than usual. “You’ve been good to me lately.”

Y/N smiled, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her head. “You don’t have to thank me for that. You know I’m happy to be here.”

Pauline felt a flutter in her chest at the sincerity in Y/N’s voice. They both knew how high the stakes were in their world, how every minute on the court was filled with pressure. But this? This was their escape—a little slice of peace away from everything.

Dinner was a simple affair—spaghetti and garlic bread. They sat side by side on the couch afterward, the soft glow of a lamp casting a warm light over the room. Pauline rested her head on Y/N’s shoulder as they watched an old movie on TV, her hand casually intertwined with Y/N’s. The closeness felt natural, comfortable, and it was the first time in a long while that they truly let go of the world outside.

Y/N shifted slightly, tugging Pauline a little closer so that they were nearly lying down together on the couch.

“Comfortable?” Y/N asked, their voice soft and teasing.

“Perfect” Pauline replied, snuggling into Y/N’s side.

“Good” Y/N said, brushing their fingers gently through Pauline’s hair, the sensation making her sigh in contentment. It was moments like this, outside the games, when Pauline could feel her heart settle in a way that had nothing to do with the thrill of competition.

They shared quiet moments, no words needed, simply existing in each other’s presence. But eventually, Y/N broke the silence.

“You know, I love this” they murmured, gazing down at Pauline with an intensity that made her heartbeat quicken. “Being with you like this.”

Pauline’s breath hitched as she met their gaze, her heart pounding. It wasn’t often that Y/N was so open about their feelings. The vulnerability in their eyes made Pauline’s chest tighten.

“I love it too” she said, her voice soft but steady. “It’s more than I thought I needed.”

Without thinking, she lifted her hand to Y/N’s face, cupping their jaw as she leaned in. The kiss was slow, deliberate, a reminder that their connection had always been more than just a fleeting moment. Y/N responded immediately, their hand moving to rest on the small of Pauline’s back, pulling her even closer as their lips deepened the kiss.

The outside world didn’t exist in this moment. It was just the two of them—no rivalries, no pressures, just love.

After they broke apart, both of them were left breathless, foreheads pressed together in the aftermath. Pauline’s fingers brushed against Y/N’s, and for a moment, they simply held hands, their eyes closed as they breathed each other in.

“You’ve been so patient with me” Pauline murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t deserve it.”

Y/N lifted their head, meeting her gaze with a smile. “You’ve got it all wrong. I don’t need patience with you.”

Pauline raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Y/N chuckled, their thumb gently tracing the back of her hand. “I mean… when it’s you, it’s easy. Everything about us feels right, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.”

Pauline’s heart fluttered, the weight of their words sinking in. For so long, she had guarded herself—her heart, her emotions, her place in the basketball world. But Y/N had managed to break through that barrier in ways she hadn’t expected.

“I don’t want to hide this anymore, Y/N” she confessed, her voice steady, yet filled with emotion. “Not from the world, not from myself. I’m ready for everyone to know that this is real.”

Y/N smiled, their eyes softening as they leaned in for another kiss. This time, it was even slower, more tender, as if each second mattered more than the last. Their lips moved together in perfect harmony, and for once, they allowed themselves to give in completely.

The next morning, when the sun peeked through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room, Pauline and Y/N woke up wrapped in each other’s arms. There was no rush, no expectations. It was just the two of them, basking in the quiet joy of being together.

Y/N reached over, brushing their thumb over the back of Pauline’s hand, the simple touch making her smile.

“Good morning” Y/N whispered, their voice low and soft with affection.

Pauline’s lips curled into a sleepy grin. “Good morning, love.”

She had no idea what the future held—the games, the pressures, the inevitable challenges of balancing love and rivalry. But for now, as the sun rose and they lay together in the early morning light, nothing else mattered. They were together. And that was more than enough.

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As the season pressed on, the dynamic between Pauline and Y/N became more and more apparent. The tension from their past rivalry had shifted into a new, more solid foundation, and their relationship was no longer something whispered about behind closed doors. They weren’t just teammates with a shared passion for basketball—they were two people who had found something deeper in each other.

Though their teams were still fighting for the top spots in the standings, their relationship was the one thing that had kept them grounded amidst all the competition.

The playoffs were nearing, and both Bourges and Basket Landes had made it to the semifinals, each determined to claim a spot in the final. The games were intense, the atmosphere electric, but for Pauline and Y/N, the focus was no longer just on winning.

Bourge’s game was first that week, and Y/N found themselves in the stands, seated with a few of their teammates, watching as Pauline led her team through a tough match. As the buzzer sounded, Bourges emerged victorious, and Y/N couldn’t help but smile as they cheered for Pauline from the crowd. The pride in their chest was overwhelming.

______________________________________________________________________

After the game, both teams had their celebrations, but Y/N had their sights set on one thing: finding Pauline. They spotted her in the locker room, surrounded by her teammates, but the moment their eyes met, everything else faded away. With a quick wave to their teammates, Y/N headed over.

“Well, look at you” Y/N teased, leaning against the doorway of the locker room. “Champion already?”

Pauline grinned, walking toward them with that same fire in her eyes that had always drawn Y/N in. “We’ve still got a long way to go, but tonight’s a good start.”

Without hesitation, Pauline closed the distance between them, her arms wrapping around Y/N’s neck as she pulled them into a tight hug. Y/N’s hands immediately found her waist, holding her close as the cheers from the locker room faded away.

“You played amazing” Y/N murmured, their lips brushing her ear as they spoke.

Pauline pulled back just enough to meet their gaze, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I couldn’t have done it without you, you know?”

Y/N smiled softly, brushing their nose against hers. “It’s our win too, remember? You carry me on the court, and I carry you off it.”

There was a shared understanding in those words, an unspoken promise. The bond between them wasn’t just about basketball—it was about trusting each other, relying on each other, and supporting each other when it mattered most.

That night, after the team celebrations died down, Pauline and Y/N found themselves in one of the quieter corners of the hotel they were staying at, just the two of them. The noise of the city outside seemed miles away as they settled onto a couch, comfortable in the silence.

Pauline leaned against Y/N, resting her head on their shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here” she whispered.

Y/N placed a kiss on the top of her head. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

It was moments like this—simple, intimate—that made all the long hours of training, all the sacrifices, feel worth it. In the chaos of competition, they had created a space just for themselves, where love wasn’t just a secret between them but a reality.

“Are you ready for our game tomorrow?” Pauline asked, looking up at Y/N.

Y/N grinned. “Always ready.”

______________________________________________________________________

The next week brought even more intensity. Both teams had made it to the finals, and the pressure was mounting. The streets were alive with fans in their respective colors, the arena buzzing with energy. But for Pauline and Y/N, the excitement of the games was coupled with something deeper—a sense of anticipation for what was to come after the final whistle.

The game itself was a battle. Both teams played with everything they had, but when the final buzzer sounded, it was Basket Landes who came out on top, winning the game in a nail-biting finish. Y/N had been key in securing the win, but even as the celebrations began around them, their first thought was to find Pauline.

Pauline was already on the court, surrounded by her teammates, but she locked eyes with Y/N as they made their way to her. The look between them said everything they couldn’t express with words—pride, love, and a deep sense of mutual respect.

Y/N walked over to her, their hand reaching out, pulling her into an embrace. There, in the middle of the court, surrounded by the noise of the crowd and their teammates, they kissed. It was a kiss full of emotion—relief, joy, and everything in between. It wasn’t a kiss for the cameras, and it wasn’t for anyone but the two of them.

“You were amazing” Pauline whispered, her breath hot against Y/N’s lips.

“I couldn’t have done it without you” Y/N replied, their hands cupping her face as they kissed her again.

The world around them felt far away. In that moment, it was just them—two players who had once been rivals, but who had now found something that would last long after the final whistle.

______________________________________________________________________

As the season ended, both teams celebrated their respective victories. But for Pauline and Y/N, there was a new journey ahead. The playoffs, the victories, and the fierce rivalries had all led them to this point. They had proved that love and basketball didn’t have to be mutually exclusive—they could be one and the same.

The road ahead would be filled with challenges, both on and off the court, but they knew one thing for sure: they were in it together.

Today's #YearOfHours is Ms. Codex 1869, a late 15th century book of hours, use of Bourges. In the late 19th century the badly damaged manuscript was purchased by Antoine Joseph Rérolle, who reassembled the remnants and had them rebound.

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