Between the silence and the noise
Pairing: Kayleigh Heckel/KK Arnold. Brief view of Paige Beucker/Azzi Fudd (basically them being married.) Word Count: 4.3K Synopsis: After the USC game where people called Kayleigh a traitor. She's upset, and only KK can comfort her.
Between the Noise and Silence
Kayleigh glanced around the Galen centre, the feeling of deja vu washing over her, fighting the urge to turn right to the home locker room instead of the visitor one. She followed the rest of the team down the maroon and yellow hall, tossing her bag into the empty locker stall.
“You good, Kyle?”
Nodding, Kayleigh rifled through her bag to pull out her shoes. “Yeah, I’m good.” She looked over at KK and gave her a small smile. “It’s just weird, y’know?”
A bright smile crossed KK’s face and she wrapped her arm around Kayleigh’s shoulders, tugging her tight against her. “You look better in blue than yellow.”
“Shut up.” Kayleigh muttered, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red, trying to push the other girl off of her.
The room started to fill with chatter, conversations flowing from one end to the other of the locker room. Kayleigh stared down at her shoes, trying to fight the butterflies that were zipping around. She exhaled slowly through her nose and raised her eyes as she listened to coach talk about their warmup.
Their shoes squeaked in unison as they headed out onto the court. It was still quiet and they moved together, a team, a unit. The balls bounced as the arena started to fill up. She was focused on the drill when she heard it.
“TRAITOR!”
Glancing up, Kayleigh saw a man wearing a 9 Heckel jersey, but her name was crossed out. Her breath caught in her throat like she had been punched and she tore her eyes away, trying to find somewhere else to focus on. Anything else.
She felt a hand on the small of her back, soft, but strong.
“You’re good.” KK whispered, leading her over to the side. “Drink some water, we’ve got you.” She looked over at CD who just nodded and sat down next to the younger player. KK walked back to where they were warming up, shooting a glance over her shoulder before picking up a basketball.
“TRAITOR!”
This time, KK, Sarah and Azzi all looked up in unison, their eyes narrowing.
“Hasn’t anyone ever heard of the transfer portal?” Sarah muttered, looking back at Kayleigh who had her head in her hands. “Lots of people transfer every year.”
Azzi nodded and passed the ball between her hands. “Yeah.” She said softly, her gaze alternating between KK and Kayleigh.
KK just stood rooted on the hardwood, her eyes narrow and dangerous, fists clenched at her side. She didn’t move when Sarah nudged her with her shoulder to get her attention. She didn’t move when Azzi gripped her forearm and tugged her gently. Finally, FINALLY, she exhaled loudly and tore her eyes away from the crowd and moved back to the huddle.
Her voice was sharper, demanded more of her teammates as they stood shoulder to shoulder. She reached out and squeezed Kayleigh’s hand, strong and secure. Telling her silently that she was there for her, that they were there for her.
The noise of the crowd got louder, every time Kayleigh touched the ball, boos rained down. KK watched her from the bench, the way her body tensed and the way she forced shots and passes. When the whistle blew, she walked onto the court, only for Kayleigh to avoid her and drop down onto the bench heavily, her hands buried in her hands. Even from where she stood, she could see the tears stream through Kayleigh’s fingers and hit the hardwood around her feet.
She wanted to run to her, God did she want to run to her, but she had to finish the game. KK took one last look as Geno walked over to Kayleigh and pulled her gruffly into a hug. She exhaled and looked at Sarah and Azzi who gave her tight lipped forced smiles.
They won, but no one felt like celebrating.
Walking into the lockerroom, KK headed for Kayleigh who just exhaled softly, her chest stuttering. The younger girl shook her head slightly as she toed off her shoes, her lips taught in tight in a hard line.
KK watched as she headed for the showers, the room emptying out as everyone grabbed their towels and headed towards the shower. She and Azzi sat in their respective spots, the older of the two slowly untying her shoes as she gave the younger space.
“She doesn’t want to see me.” KK whispered as she tugged off her jersey and tossed it in the pike with the rest of the discarded uniforms.
“She needs space. She doesn’t want to see anyone.” Azzi replied, slowly undoing her braids. She was more like Kayleigh than KK was. Introverted, quiet, needing her own space, and eternally processing things in her head. “She needs time to process this alone before she can process out loud.” Raking her fingers through her curls, she gave KK a tiny smile. “She’ll talk when she’s ready. Don’t push her, let her come to you and listen when she speaks.”
KK nodded and grabbed her own stuff and headed to the showers, passing Kayleigh on the way. The younger girl’s face was pale, her cheeks rosy from the hot water, but her eyes were dull. She didn’t even notice as they passed.
**
The bus ride to the hotel was muted, everyone giving Kayleigh space and silence, even Kelis, who was playing idly on her phone. The usual noise and celebration didn’t happen as they streamed into the hotel, Kayleigh finding her room with Morgan and shutting the door behind her. KK watched helplessly before exhaling softly and heading to her own room. Kelis was already testing out the beds, bouncing from one to the other before declaring the one on the left was the best. KK didn’t argue. She took her phone and sat outside her room, back to the wall. She didn’t play on her phone, instead she just turned it over in her hands, something to keep her busy. Back and forth, the smooth glass of the screen under her fingers keeping her grounded. She didn’t know how long she sat there until she felt someone sit down beside her.
“I don’t want to talk, Azzi.”
“Good thing I’m not Azzi.”
KK looked over and spotted Morgan Cheli’s bright eyes looking down at her. “Sorry Morgan.” KK mumbled. “I’m not in the mood to talk.”
“Kinda figured.” Morgan said, her eyes and voice kind. She placed her room key in KK’s hand, and for the first time KK noticed the younger girl’s overnight bag at their feet.
“What…where are you goin?” KK asked, her eyebrows knitted in confusion.
“Your room.” Morgan said with a shrug. They sat there in silence until Morgan looked over at KK and nudged her with her shoulder. “She’s my best friend, y’know? And she doesn’t want or need me. She wants and needs you, KK.” The younger girl sighed deeply and waited for KK to look at her. “I don’t know what it is between you two, but I know that right now you need to be with her.” Morgan got to her feet and extended her hand to KK and pulled the shorter girl up. “Go get your stuff.”
Nodding dumbly, KK headed to her room and opened it, wincing when she saw the disaster that Kelis had it in, and grabbed her unpacked bag that was still on the bed. She looked over at Morgan who was standing in the doorway, shaking her head slowly.
“You know she really needs you if I’m offering to stay with Kelis.” Morgan muttered, giving the freshman a tight smile.
“Mo Chel? We’re ROOMMATES!?” Kelis exclaimed. “Come on, I’ve already ordered a bunch of junk food from doordash. What do you want to watch? I brought my switch, wanna play that?”
KK gave Morgan a small smile and squeezed her hand. “I owe you,” she whispered as she headed to the door and slid out, hearing Kelis’s voice still rambling. She headed down the hall and knocked lightly at the door before using the key to open it. Kayleigh was a lump in the bed, her face pressed into the pillow. KK placed her bag on the other bed and sat down beside Kayleigh and laid a hand on her back. The younger girl froze and gently rolled her head to the side. Eyes, rimmed with red and heavy with unshed tears, looked up at her and KK felt her heart break. The tears started to flow and KK laid down beside Kayleigh and wrapped her arms around her. Remembering what Azzi said, KK stayed silent as Kayleigh crawled into her arms, her face buried in her chest.
“They used to love me.” Kayleigh whispered.
“Lots of people still do.” KK reminded her, gently combing her fingers through Kayleigh’s curls. “Sorry,” she whispered as she caught a tangle. “They’re just mad because you’re so amazing.”
Kayleigh let out a sad chuckle and KK felt her breath hitch as Kayleigh pressed her lips against KK’s bare collarbone.
They laid like that for a long time in silence until Kayleigh finally pulled away and sat up, her eyes swollen. She blushed and looked down at KK who stared up at her. “Thanks for coming.”
“You don’t need to thank me.” KK said honestly. “I’m here for you. Always.” She sat up and leaned against the headboard.
Kayleigh crawled across the bed and sat beside KK, their shoulders touching. She rested her head on KK’s shoulder and sighed. The silence was heavy but not uncomfortable.
“I brought my bag.” KK said softly. “Morgan said she’d room with Kelis.”
A wry chuckle left Kayleigh’s lips and she cuddled in closer. “I must have looked especially pitiful.” She said quietly. “For Morgan to offer to stay with Kelis.”
“She said that you needed me, that you needed something that she couldn’t give you.” KK said honestly. She took Kayleigh’s hand and interlaced their fingers, looking at the two of them grasped together.
“I’m glad she did.” The younger girl said softly. “She’s a good best friend.”
There were those words together. A niggling of jealousy buried deep in KK’s chest and she sighed heavily through her nose. If Morgan and Kayleigh were best friends, what were they? They had always used the words best friends to describe what they had, but this was different.
Kayleigh felt KK stiffen, but she didn’t say anything. She reached up and ran her free hand through her curls, sighing as the fingers snagged on tangles. “I didn’t brush my hair after the game.” She said quietly. “I just wanted out. And now that it’s almost dry it’s hopeless.”
“Then shower. Or take a bath.” KK suggested. “No one is going to track your water usage.” She teased, nudging Kayleigh gently.
Turning, Kayleigh stared at KK, her dark almond shaped eyes taking in the girl beside her. The way her twists fell over her face, her deep brown eyes, the way the light shone off her dark skin. But it wasn’t just that, it was the way KK’s face lit up when she looked at her, it was her laugh, it was how KK’s voice softened when she spoke to her, it was the way she shielded her from the media until she was ready. It was her heart, her compassion, her kindness, her love. Swallowing hard, Kayleigh squeezed KK’s hand. “Come with me?” She asked, swallowing the fear and trepidation she felt. Her insides churned with fear as she watched the emotions on KK’s face. “Y’know what, n-”
“Sure.” KK said quickly. “Whatever you need.”
The wrench that held her heart tight loosed just a fraction and Kayleigh exhaled. They moved to the bathroom, stopping when they entered the small room. The bathtub was wide and deep and there was a smaller shower off to the corner.
“B-bath?” Kayleigh offered, looking down at her feet, her heart hammering somewhere near her throat.
“Sure.” KK looked at the younger girl, the blush of her ears and the fear in her posture. “How about I get the bath ready?” She suggested. “Bubble bath, and I’ll get in and call you and I’ll close my eyes.”
They had seen each other naked, hell, they had seen everyone on the team naked, but this was different. This was a different type of naked, an emotional nakedness that left both of them raw and vulnerable.
Kayleigh nodded and sat on the spare bed, her mind swimming and her heart hammering.
KK started the water and waited before adding some of the expensive bubble bath that she found on the edge, watching it foam. She added some scented salts before undressing and climbing in. “Okay, ready whenever you are.” She called, closing her eyes tightly.
She heard Kayleigh come in and heard the soft sound of clothes hitting the tile floor. Her heart started to race and she jumped feeling Kayleigh slip into the water and rest against her. KK wasn’t sure what to do with her hands, so they floated stupidly on the water until Kayleigh took them and interlaced their fingers together, one hand wrapped around Kayleigh’s waist, the other floating together.
“Is this weird?” Kayleigh whispered, scared of the answer.
KK stayed quiet, her eyes tracing the gentle slope of Kayleigh’s naked back and neck, the warmth of her back against her naked breasts. “No.” She whispered. “It feels…right.” She admitted, her voice soft. KK softly scooped water and let it run down Kayleigh’s shoulders and gently combed her fingers through it.
They stayed like that, quiet and still until the water started to get cold and the bubbles left to reveal alabaster legs intermingled with umber legs. Their fingers and toes wrinkled and finally Kayleigh sat up slowly, reaching for the towel.
“I’ll close my eyes.”
Kayleigh stopped and glanced over her shoulder quickly. “No, it’s okay.” She whispered softly.
KK nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat as she watched Kayleigh slowly stand and step out of the tub. Her eyes traced the younger girl’s body, watching as a flush washed over her body and face before she wrapped herself in the towel tightly. Pulling the plug, KK got to her feet and bit down on the inside of her lip as she felt Kayleigh’s stare on her own body. She took a towel from Kayleigh and wrapped it around herself. They walked out together in silence, KK grabbing a wide tooth comb and leave in conditioner on her way out.
“Sit.” KK ordered gently, kneeling behind Kayleigh on the bed. She meticulously worked her way through Kayleigh’s curls, then braiding it carefully. Once she was done, she pressed a chaste kiss to the top of Kayleigh’s hair before scrambling off the bed and grabbing her bag. She rifled through it and pulled out a pair of boxers and a tank top, turning her back to pull them on.
Kayleigh watched her before going to grab her own pyjamas, a black satin short set that she pulled over underwear and then buttoned up.
KK watched shamelessly, giving Kayleigh a smile when she turned around.
This was new, all so new. KK knew she liked Kayleigh. Liked liked Kayleigh. She had liked her since they played against each other on the AAU circuit. She had liked her since they spent a few days together in the summer, training and playing one-on-one. She had liked her since they exchanged numbers and facetimed more than they’d like to admit. She had liked her since as long as Kayleigh had been a fixture in her life.
Looking between the beds, KK moved to the far one and pulled down the blankets. Kayleigh watched her silently before sitting down on the other bed.
“You…could sleep in this bed.” Kayleigh whispered. “With me.” She looked at KK with a small smile and shrug.
KK nodded and headed to the other bed, slotting in beside Kayleigh. She was warm, both from the shared body heat and proximity, but also just BEING IN THE SAME BED AS KAYLEIGH HECKEL. Kayleigh wriggled and squirmed until she was comfortable, spooned by KK. The older girl inhaled deeply and wrapped an arm protectively around the younger one.
Neither spoke as KK reached up and turned off the lamp, bathing the room in nothing but the glow from the streetlights outside. One of their phones buzzed, but neither moved, their breathing falling in sync. KK rubbed small circles on the tiny sliver of exposed skin on Kayleigh’s stomach as they laid there. The younger girl’s body shook in small suppressed sobs as she replayed the night in her head.
KK just held her, whispering softly and holding her until Kayleigh’s breathing evened out and she went soft and limp in KK’s arms. Closing her eyes, KK whispered a tiny prayer before allowing herself to fall asleep.
**
They hadn’t closed the blinds, and fuck KK was regretting it. She blinked at the sun that was streaming in the window and checked her phone. It was early, early enough that some of her teammates would be up and causing chaos, but they still had a couple of hours before breakfast. Her right arm was numb from Kayleigh sleeping on it and she really had to pee. Slowly, she pulled her arm free and headed for the washroom. After quietly washing her hands, she tiptoed back into the room and closed the blinds before taking her phone. Her fingers hovered over the screen before she sent a quick message to Paige.
Gotta sec?
She waited before her screen lit up.
Yeah just got back from practice. Facetime?
KK grabbed her earbuds and put them in, watching as her screen lit up again.
“Sup?” Paige mumbled as she pulled an eggo waffle out of the toaster and slathered it in nutella before taking a huge bite.
“Your girl is gonna be so mad if she knew you were eating that.” KK whispered, her face barely visible in the dark.
“Who’s gonna tell her?” Paige retorted with a chocolatey smile. “Also got some chocolate milk to go with it.” She squinted and looked at her friend. “Why are you whispering like that? And why no lights? You actually being nice to gup-gup?”
KK looked over her shoulder at Kayleigh who mumbled something in her sleep before stilling. “No.” She whispered. “I’m…with Kayleigh.”
Paige froze, waffle in hand, and looked at KK, opening up her messages and sent Azzi a quick text. “Heckel?”
“Mmmhmmm. She had a bad night with all of the USC traitor stuff.” KK whispered, “So I stayed with her.”
Kayleigh awoke slowly, her body trying to find KK’s now departed heat. She wiggled back and froze when she felt the empty spot. KK watched as Kayleigh’s body stiffened and curled into herself.
“I gotta go, Paige.” KK whispered and turned off her phone. She sat on the other bed and carefully reached out and placed a hand on Kayleigh’s back. The younger girl’s body relaxed visibly and she turned to look at KK.
“I thought you left.” Kayleigh whispered.
“Never.” KK smiled and crawled into bed and wrapped her arms around her. “I promised you that I’d be here and I don’t go back on my promises.” She sighed and held Kayleigh gently. “How are you feeling?”
Kayleigh sighed and shrugged, though she didn’t elaborate and KK didn’t push.
“You’re amazing and USC is jealous you’re with us now.” KK whispered, her lips against Kayleigh’s curls. “You’re the best player on the floor when you’re out there. And you’re strong, and kind, and smart…” She smiled against Kayleigh’s hair.
**
Azzi reached for her phone with blurry eyes and rolled over, stabbing the accept button. “Mmm Paige, it’s still early.” She mumbled.
“I know, but I just got off facetime with KK and she’s with Heckel. Like I think they shared a bed last night.” Paige rambled, wiping the smear of chocolate off her lips as she spoke.
“Kayleigh had a bad night.” Azzi said as she curled up into a ball, avoiding the pillow that was tossed at her by Sarah. “So KK went to stay with her.” She opened her eyes and watched her girlfriend who was idly licking a spoon full of nutella. “You’re disgusting."
“Focus, Fudd.” Paige said, shaking her head. “Our child is…”
“KK is doing what she has to do to make sure that Kayleigh is fine, okay?” Azzi mumbled, slowly sitting up and blinking.
“But our child…”
Azzi shook her head and took off her bonnet. “I’ll call you later, Paige.” She said softly.
“BUT KK!” Paige exclaimed, though she kissed the screen. “I’ll talk to you later, Babe. Keep me updated.”
Tossing her phone to the side, Azzi shook her head.
“Paige found out about KK and Kayleigh, hunh?” Sarah asked from the other bed.
“Yep.” Azzi ran her fingers through her hair. “I just want everyone to be happy.” She said softly. “I told KK to let Kayleigh come to her and to listen.”
Sarah sat up and stretched her long arms. “Sounds like good advice.” She shrugged. “Rock paper scissors for the shower?”
**
The breakfast table held its usual energy, plates filled, cutlery clanging, voices rising above. Kayleigh sat in the middle of it, flanked by Morgan and KK, protected from the chaos. Morgan yawned and dumped a package of sugar into her coffee.
“Kelis even talks in her sleep.” She muttered, glaring at the freshman who was retelling a story to whoever would listen. Looking at Kayleigh, Morgan met Azzi’s gaze from across the table and shook her head with a soft smile. Kayleigh didn’t notice, the sophomore completely enthralled with whatever KK was talking about, pinkies brushing under the table.
Azzi swallowed a smirk, and looked down at her plate of eggs and fruit. She knew the look that Kayleigh had, she had seen it in pictures of herself and Paige, both before they got together and after. The look that was heavy and weighted with unsaid words,silent acknowledgements and mutual understandings. Kayleigh grinned, a smile that reached her eyes and crinkled her nose, at something KK said. She didn’t say anything, she didn’t have to. People would find out eventually, they weren’t that slick. But they would wrap around Kayleigh and KK the way they did with her and Paige. They would protect them with everything they had. She smiled and took a bite of her eggs, just watching the rest of the team.
Her eyes met KK’s as the point guard finally focused on eating. The younger girl blushed and shrunk under Azzi’s gaze, but Azzi gave her head an almost imperceptible shake. “You’re okay.” Azzi mouthed. “We got you.” She smiled as Kayleigh brushed shoulders with KK and looked up at her with a bright smile.
The energy followed them onto the bus, and then the plane. People grabbed their own rows, laptops out to finish homework, headphones on, focused on anything but each other. KK shouldered her backpack and headed towards the back of the plane where she always sat. But then she stopped. Kayleigh smiled up at her and shifted to the window seat.
No words were said as KK dropped into the seat and spread out her stuff like she belonged there. Because, well, she did. She watched Kayleigh do impressive math equations with ease before KK pulled out her tablet and set up a movie.
The lights dimmed and once Kayleigh closed her notebook, she cuddled up against KK, head on her shoulder. In the protection of the darkness, they stayed like that, sharing a seat and a blanket. Neither moved until they were safely touched down in Connecticut, separating before the lights came on.
But even after they pulled apart, something lingered, the electricity between them crackling dully under the surface.
Nothing obvious.
Nothing enough for anyone else to notice.
But it was there. Thick and palpable between them.
KK grabbed her bag first, like always, stretching slightly before glancing over. Kayleigh was already looking at her, her dark almond shaped eyes carrying heavy questions unsaid between them.
But just for a second. Then she looked away. Almost like nothing happened.
Like she hadn’t just been curled into her for the entire flight.
KK almost smiled.
Almost.
Then they moved with the rest of the team, falling back into place like they were supposed to. Conversations picked up around them, people complaining about the flight, laughing, scrolling through their phones.
Normal.
But when they stepped off the plane— KK slowed just enough for Kayleigh to catch up beside her. Their shoulders brushed. Light. Quick. Still intentional.
“You sleep?” KK asked, voice low.
Kayleigh shrugged and shook her head. “A bit.” She said softly. “You?”
KK mirrored the shrug. “Not really.”
Looking over at the older girl as they walked, Kayleigh brushed her pinky against KK’s. “Thanks.”
KK looked over. “For what?”
Kayleigh hesitated for half a second. “For staying.”
Simple. Two words, but they were heavy and loaded, carrying more than what she could actually say.
KK looked ahead again, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. “…you don’t gotta ask.”
Kayleigh smiled a little at that.
They kept walking. Close. Not touching. Not quite. But not far either. And when they reached baggage claim, when the space got a little tighter, a little more crowded, their hands brushed again. But this time, neither of them pulled away. Their hands lingered, just a second longer. Just enough to feel it.
Then it was gone. They were back to normal, back to the way things were before. At least in public, their facades were practiced and polished.
But they knew.
KK smiled as she fell in step with the rest of the team, the scent of Kayleigh’s perfume lingering on her hoodie.













