#valkzzi

Azzi Fudd wanted nothing more than a clean slate; a new opportunity. To spread her...purple wings.

The exciting trade created more commotion than just ESPN headlines, spreading...internally?

The Golden State Valkyries PR Manager, Paige Bueckers, had long been obsessed with the girl before the trade had even occurred. It takes all of her energy + a little help in Ballhalla to make Azzi even bat an eye(lash).

Azzi had always been reserved, thoughtful, and rather nonchalant. 

And Paige was…um…but she forms a plan. 

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ESPN - BREAKING 🚨| In a shocking move, New York Liberty star Azzi Fudd has signed with the Golden State Valkyries late into free agency | ⚔️ Click to read more

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

A wave of hot, dry air hit Azzi straight in the face as she opened the car door. 

She had officially landed in San Francisco, following her departure from the New York Liberty. She had been in an Uber heading over to Oakland, where her new training facility was located. 

Now, Azzi didn’t like to brag, but this trade was massive news. 

She'd been with the Liberty for the first four seasons of her WNBA career, accomplishing more in that timeframe than many did in their entire careers. 

After nearly unanimously winning Rookie of the Year honors, averaging an unbelievable 24.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 6 apg, and 3 spg, Azzi went on to lead all guards in points, steals, and blocks in just her sophomore season, singlehandedly leading the Liberty to the finals that season with the best record in franchise history. 

Although the loss in the finals had stung, it didn’t dampen her success. Just next season, she went on to lead the league in steals and defensive rating, becoming one of the only guards in WNBA history to be named Defensive Player of the Year. The team had gone through some head coaching changes that year, so their record hadn’t been the prettiest, but they'd still made it to the playoffs, eventually losing in the semifinals in a tough battle with the new expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries.

In her last season with the Liberty, all of the players and coaching staff had basically figured it out. They were able to breeze through the regular season and made their way back into the finals of the playoffs, even with the new personnel. 

That year, Azzi had amassed career highs in nearly every statistical category, clearing many vets in the league; she became the WNBA’s youngest player to win MVP to date. She remembers the team’s little celebration for her after their first-round sweep of the Dallas Wings. They had gone on to beat the Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals, 3-1, and the finals match had been set. A rematch with the Golden State Valkyries.

They ended up tying the series at 3-3, with the deciding game to be played in GSV’s Ballhalla. There had been twenty-four lead changes, and it was the most physical game Azzi had ever played in her illustrious career, even going into double-overtime, with each team going bucket for bucket. It was Gabby Williams of the Valkyries, one of her best friends, who had hit the buzzer-beater three over her head to win them the chip. It had been a devastating loss, of course, but Azzi had cheered up a bit when she was named the first-ever WNBA Finals MVP from the losing team, entirely due to her numerous clutch performances in the series. She remembered some of the final words she spoke that night in Ballhalla, after thanking the presenter for the award. They were to Natalie Nakase, head coach of the Valkyries. 

“You’re better than that, Azzi.” 

“What?” She had been taken aback at the time, since she had imagined Natalie was coming over to congratulate her. She'd even done a double-take, thinking she’d heard her wrong, which wouldn’t have been unlikely considering the sheer volume of the arena. 

Natalie had leaned in, “You’re better than that. I know you are. Consider GSV, k? I know you’ve made a home in New York, but you can do better things in Cali, Fudd.” And she had patted her shoulder. 

At the time, it seemed fine to Azzi to blow her off, throwing her arm off of her with a frown before making her way back to the locker room, but Natalie’s words had stuck with her into the later parts of the offseason.

Could she really get out of New York that easily?

The answer was yes. Yes she could. 

She had made ESPN headlines last week after signing with the Golden State Valkyries. Since it had been the biggest free agency period in the league’s history, many media outlets had been predicting what teams’ biggest off-season acquisitions would be. But absolutely none of them had predicted this move.

It made sense to Azzi. She had become the most successful Liberty player in franchise history in just four years. She had accomplished so much in her short time there and had quickly become the face of the franchise. Even when the head coaching change of her sophomore season had been sudden and had definitely thrown her off, the front office had managed to grab major pieces to build around Azzi, including Seattle star Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones from the Connecticut Sun. The major frontcourt additions had fueled the narrative of them building around Azzi, which only caused more confusion in the present year surrounding her departure. Numerous Liberty teams had been built completely around her and her alone…

So it made no sense. Why would the face of the franchise leave when she was their star? Why would the young, successful Liberty player leave her hometown of New York? 

How am I going to answer that? Azzi thought to herself as she stepped out of the Uber.

She had blocked most thoughts of having to deal with the media out of her mind after verbally agreeing to the signing over the phone with Natalie. She had never been fond of the media in general, and made sure to stay off social media (for the most part), but she knew she would unquestionably be hounded on why she had signed here, in her introductory press conference. It was just inevitable. 

She’d been resigned to the fact that she’d have to put her ‘media-darling’ personality on and would most likely have to…bend the truth a little. Well, no, it might just have to be some outright lies. 

Could I say something about the money? Wait, it’s literally less than New York. Um- 

Yeah, that angle wouldn’t work. With stars like Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, and so much other talent already on the Valkyries, Azzi had taken a decent pay cut to accommodate their cap space. 

She thanked her Uber driver after she was handed her luggage from the trunk. Azzi waved to her with a smile before she rounded the car. Just before she got in, Azzi called out, “Thanks for all the restaurant recommendations!” earning her a laugh. She stood there for a moment, watching the car hum back to life and roll out of the parking lot, tyres crackling.

She ran her fingers through her hair that had been straightened for the occasion. She dropped her hands onto her thighs and smoothed her brown slacks before starting to fix her white crop top, unfolding one of the sleeves that had rolled up before tugging the hem down. It was tight against her skin. She felt a little uncomfortable. 

What about something like ‘the opportunity to play with these athletes was too great to decline’? That also doesn’t make sense. I was literally playing with Breanna fucking Stewart- but I guess it could be believable with Gabby and them? I dunno, I could go with that, I guess.

She started wheeling her suitcase forward, halting when her gaze caught on the sidewalk just in front of the facility’s entrance. Drawn on it was a large chalk mural of her face, coupled with lettering above it, reading, “Welcome to Ballhalla, Azzi Fudd!” 

Aw.

She snapped a quick picture of it with a small smile on her face before she headed inside through the door that was propped open.

The air felt chilly in the building, a stark contrast to outside. She’d have to get used to the warmer seasons in California. Her suitcase clambered alongside her, occasionally tipping when hitting some particularly large bumps in the flooring. She could hear music coming from what was presumably the open gym. 

Natalie hadn’t told her much about this part. She'd been quite thorough with her instructions on how to get to the facility itself, having texted her earlier with the steps she would need to take after touching down, including information about the Uber she had scheduled for her, but once she got through the doors? Nothing. 

Azzi continued to wander around the facility, rolling her suitcase beside her, slowly making her way towards the source of the music. She rounded the corner of the hallway into the gym, music getting louder and louder.

Her smile widened at the sight before her. 

The Valks had two basketball courts in their open gym, everyone currently at the end of one of them. She looked around at each player wearing purple warmup jerseys that read, ‘Golden State Valkyries’. 

She didn’t know everyone’s names yet, in all honesty, but she recognized a good bunch of them. 

There was Ceci, who was going through a three-point shooting drill. 

Tip, who was talking with some of the performance trainers. 

Kaitlyn, who was shooting free throws. 

Veronica, who was working on her handles, near the top of the key. 

Kaila, who was pressing Veronica. 

Kayla, who was working on her middy. 

Janelle and Kiah, who were chatting with Natalie near halfcourt. 

Azzi narrowed her eyes and placed a hand on her hip, glancing between all of the players. Where’s-

“AHHHH FUDD!!!” A figure, slightly taller than Azzi, came barreling into her side. She hardly even had a chance to open her arms before being enveloped in a tight embrace. “YOU’RE HEREEE!” 

The commotion caused the others to look over, immediately shouting out similar remarks. They all started jogging towards her as Azzi patted Gabby’s shoulders and pulled back, grinning. 

“Aw, Gabbyyyy. Ew, wait, you’re sweaty. Get away from me.” She scrunched her face and stepped back, reaching out to dap her up instead. 

“Oh my god, I forgot you’re so weird, Az.” She rolled her eyes. “You still remember our handshake, right?” Gabby raised an eyebrow at her, lifting her hand expectantly. 

Azzi looked up at the ceiling and started tapping her chin, pretending to think. “Hmm…I dunno, you’re kinda forgettable.” 

“You asshole, bruh.” Gabby grabbed her arm and forced her to do the handshake as Azzi started giggling. 

The group had reached them at this point, and Azzi went around greeting her new teammates. It was truly the happiest she had been in a while, and her face showed it. She learned the few names she didn’t know and then walked around to the coaching staff. 

Natalie was waiting with a smile. She threw out her arms as Azzi came closer, and they briefly hugged, both laughing at the little “Finally-” Natalie said under her breath. 

“I flew from New York, Nat. The flight was bound to be long.” Azzi teased.

“I know, I know. I’m just happy to finally have you here. No, we are.” She gestured around the room, and Azzi looked at everyone’s faces again, her own smile widening at seeing so many. 

“Well, I’m glad to be here, coach.” She flashed a big smile at her. “So, when do I get to start hooping?” 

“Definitely not today, but soon. I don’t want you doing too much too quickly, Az. We’ll dip your toes in the water tomorrow, if you’re down for it, but that’ll be it, k?” Natalie had a knowing look in her eyes. 

“I’m fine with that. I know you don’t want me cooking them already and whatnot.” 

“Oh, oh, sure,” Gabby said, pushing her over and laughing as Azzi stumbled back, trying to catch her footing. “I forgot how fucking nonchalant you are, too.” 

“Oh, shut up.” 

“Alright,” Natalie called out, gesturing to the group, “As y’all know, we got the world renowned Azzi Fudd on our squad now. I’m sure you guys remember playing against her, but it’s gonna be muchhh better playing with her.” 

Everyone laughed at this, Veronica adding, “Bro, that pesky-ass defense-”

Natalie continued through the laughter, smiling herself, “Yes, well, she’s our pesky-ass defender now! But seriously, I know it can be hard when we bring in new talent, especially with this addition impacting others’ playing time. I hope y’all can be mature about it and understand why changes are going to happen. Azzi’s one of the most talented players of this generation, and I’m expecting you guys to treat her as such. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it, and I’m sure everyone already knows it, but Azzi will be taking somebody’s starting spot. If you really wanna keep yours, make sure to show out in practice, k? Alright, everyone be nice to Azzi for the first week. I don’t really care watchu do after that.” Everyone laughed again, “Let’s go wrap-up practice. Hmm, let’s do…Valkzzi on three, ready? 1, 2, 3,”

“VALKZZI!” 

The huddle broke apart with more laughter, and everyone started returning to their drills, most players stopping by to give Azzi a few more words while Gabby and Natalie held back. 

“So where’s your apartment at? Are you in my complex?” Gabby asked.

Azzi honestly had no idea. She couldn’t remember the complex name that had been in Natalie’s emails. Gabby immediately read Azzi’s confused expression, and they both looked over at Natalie. 

“Yeah, you two are in the same one, I think. Don’t you dare get her drunk on her first night here, though, Gabby.”

“What!?” She gasped, clutched her hands over her heart, feigning offense. “I would never do such a thing!”

“Alright, go back to practice, idiot.” Natalie hit her with the little roll of papers she'd been holding, shaking her head at Gabby’s antics and smiling when she shoved Azzi again before running away. 

“Now, Fudd, Fudd, Fuddy Fudd.” She pulled out her phone, opening up her calendar. “Okay, you’ve got media in twenty. I want you to meet the staff right now, though, and then someone’ll give you a tour of the facility after…” She looked up, “...all of that.”

“Ugh, media?” Azzi groaned, squeezing her eyes shut.

“Fudd. You didn’t think you’d have to do media after touching down on the other coast?” 

“No, I knew I’d have to- I just-” 

Natalie raised an eyebrow at her. 

“I hate media. Like hate hate.” 

“...I know.”

“Oh, what?” 

“I’ve been wanting you on the Valks for years, Az. I’ve seen your pressers. You always look like you wanna die.” She laughed, eyes crinkling at their corners.

“Sooo, I’m hearing that I won’t have to do media today?” Azzi flashed her a grin.

“...no. You still do.” She hit Azzi’s arm with her roll of papers, smiling up at her. “You’re not charming your way out of an introductory press conference, Fudd. I’ll have Paige escort you there in five. Go meet the coaching staff.” She nodded towards the group, muttering under her breath as she turned to leave, “Where the hell is Paige?” 

Azzi frowned. Who the hell was Paige? She moved her suitcase to the end of the gym and took a moment to prepare herself to keep interacting with people before jogging over to greet the rest of the staff. She talked to the performance coaches, assistant coaches, the other coaches, all of the coaches…

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“Sorry, I don’t know where she is. The room’s just over here-” Natalie directed Azzi into the Valkyries’ media room, taking a seat beside her. Azzi felt her nerves heighten when she surveyed the bustling room as she walked behind Natalie to get to her seat on the stage. She was expecting to have garnered decent attention with her move, but not this much. The room was absolutely packed. Every single seat was taken, and there were many reporters standing around the room, too. 

A tall blonde lady approached the two of them from across the table, adjusting their microphones as she and Natalie had a short, hushed conversation before sitting on the far end of the table, on the other side of Azzi. 

Azzi glanced around at all of the reporters. There were just so many. She started at the right, taking in the ones standing by the door. 

That guy’s so lanky- ooh, her mascara? She’s gorgeous. Woah, she’s buff. 

Then to the seated ones.

I feel like I’ve seen her before. Maybe in Connecticut? Oh, is she that UConn reporter? Her glasses are cute. 

She heard the clicking of a pen to her left and slowly turned her head. It was coming from the tall blonde lady. She was fidgeting with a pen that had been on the table, as she too seemed to glance nervously at the large audience. 

“Paige-” Natalie hissed, startling Azzi out of her thoughts who jolted in her seat. She saw the blonde woman’s head snap towards them in her periphery. “It’s 9. Let’s get going.” 

Oh, that’s Paige.

Paige frantically grabbed her phone out of her back pocket and proceeded to smack it against the edge of the table as she brought it up. It fell to the ground with a clatter. 

Azzi couldn’t help but let out a laugh, her smile widening when she saw her features get a little redder. Paige pursed her lips and bent down to grab her phone and delicately set it on the table, mumbling a quiet, “Stupid.” 

She pointedly cleared her throat, and the room gradually fell silent as all eyes turned to the blonde. 

“Good morning, everyone. Azzi Fudd, our newest Golden State Valkyrie, is here for her introductory press conference. We have 20 minutes today. As you all know, you may raise your hand to indicate that you have a question, and I will point to you accordingly. We only have one mic for everyone today, sorry about that, so make sure to pass it around, please.” She took a deep breath before continuing, “Remember to keep your questions respectful and within the previously stated guidelines. Ms. Fudd is able to decline any questions she feels are unfit, but please don’t make her have to do that. It’s not fun for anybody. Alright, time begins…now.” She set her phone back down on the table and Azzi peered at it out of the corner of her eye. She could make out a timer on it that she’d probably started at the end of her speech.

She returned her attention to the media and saw that nearly every reporter’s hand was up.

Ugh. This is gonna be a long day.

“Hello, Azzi, this is Valerie from ESPN. Over here, yes, hi.” 

Azzi squinted a bit, looking through the mass of people before finally locating Valerie and nodding once with a smile. 

She was known as the league’s media darling for a reason. 

“To us reporters at ESPN, this move seemed quite sudden. Why, when you were the most successful athlete in Liberty franchise history, especially when the team had rebuilt itself around you, did you decide to leave New York?” 

She knew this would be the first question she’d be asked, but naively hadn’t fully prepared for it. The players. Yeah. Talk about the players. She ran her fingers through her hair before starting to answer,

“Hello, Valerie. It’s nice to see you again. On the other coast this time, I guess.” She earned a few chuckles. “Thank you for labeling me as a successful athlete within the Liberty franchise. I’d firstly like to thank all of my teammates that I spent years in New York with, for allowing me to reach those heights. I wouldn’t be here without them, and I most certainly wouldn’t be labeled as a ‘successful athlete’,” she gestured with air quotes, smiling, “without them. I’m also very grateful for the trades and moves that were made in my time there, that, as you said, built around myself and other players like Sabrina, Marine…all of them, really.” 

She swallowed, wringing her hands together under the tablecloth. “I’ve spent a few years with the Liberty, as mentioned, but after speaking with my agents, we felt as though it was best for me to branch out…to try new things.” 

Um- that was a blatant lie. 

Azzi had not told her agents that she was interested in signing elsewhere until the last possible second. There was no ‘branching out’ conversation that had ever occurred. They, too, like the media, had absolutely no idea that she'd wanted to leave the Liberty at all. They had been completely blindsided when Azzi had requested, well, actually, demanded a trade. Especially with it being so close to the start of the new season, well into April. 

Her personal agent had been quite angry with her at first, at how late she had mentioned her desire for a move. It made total sense to Azzi, since her agent was just trying to do her job. She had maintained to her that there wasn’t a solid reason why she wanted to sign elsewhere, which had only frustrated her further, very understandably so, when she wasn’t able to give Azzi a list of possible fits with what little information she had chosen to share with her.  

But Azzi had latched onto the idea of becoming a Valkyrie ever since her agent had first mentioned it to her in passing as a possibility. Even when she'd given her bullshit excuse of, ‘I want to play with the Valks cuz they have great athletes, so it’d be an excellent opportunity’, and her wonderful agent didn’t believe her, she never pressed Azzi for the truth, and had just worked out the details of the trade. Bless her.

So the media certainly wasn’t getting the truth out of her, either. 

Stick with the lie. ‘Wanting to play with the great athletes here’.

She drew in a deep breath. 

“The Valkyries roster really appealed to me. I saw names like Gabby Williams, who I’ve also played with before, in college. Veronica Burton, another all-star caliber athlete. Janelle Salaün, who’s just on a league of her own- I could go on and on about my new teammates. I absolutely admire their skills, but it was also a cultural fit. I felt as though the Valkyries’ team identity fit well with my own. I’ve spent a total of about two minutes here, and I already feel like a true Valkyrie.” She smiled as she finished her…somewhat truthful answer. 

Also bullshit. Well, not the first part. I do love those three. But no way in hell do I feel like a Valk already- I feel like an idiot for leaving New York, actually, after hearing that question.

Hands in the audience instantly raised again.

Azzi waited for the mic to be passed to another reporter, glancing around the room to try and guess who’d be picked next, but Valerie simply held onto it as the arms around her remained in the air. 

“Paige!” Natalie hissed again, a little louder this time, from Azzi's right. 

Azzi glanced over at Paige again, who seemed to be in her own world, honestly. The blonde’s eyes were rather glazed over, looking as though she'd been daydreaming or something.

“Oh, sorry-” She whispered to them before turning to the crowd and calling on the next reporter. 

Azzi smiled to herself again, allowing her gaze to linger on Paige for a bit. If she had been red before, it was nothing compared to what she looked like now. She felt kind of bad for her, in the back of her mind, but returned her attention to the reporters as another started speaking. 

“Thank you. It’s nice to see you in the bay again, Azzi, but not as a competitor this time.” 

Azzi flashed a genuine smile at him. It was Mark Gronn, one of the longtime reporters for the Valkyries. He was always fun to speak to, even after they typically got destroyed in Ballhalla, always making her laugh after tough performances.

“It’s nice to see you too, Mark,” Azzi said, leaning further into the microphone halfway through her sentence.

“Oh, yeah, I’m Mark. Um-” The room laughed again, and Azzi heard Natalie huff out a laugh beside her as well. “I don’t want to grill you on why you personally left the Liberty, Azzi.”

Thank you, Mark!

“Instead, I wanted to ask you if you’re excited to be living in California now. The culture is definitely quite different from New York, so what do you think adjusting to life over here will be like?”

“Y’know, that’s a great question, Mark, thanks. I’m honestly not sure yet. I’ve heard so many great things about Cali, of course, but I’ve also heard it’s so different from New York, like you said. I’m not sure if it’s in a bad or a good way, but I guess I’ll find out soon. I’m especially excited to go out and explore the city with my teammates. I know Gabby’s already planned some outings for this week. I’m already so close with her, and I know it’ll be great to spend even more time with her. I’m glad we found our way back to each other in the league.” 

Azzi turned towards Paige when she heard a particularly loud click coming from her general direction. Paige was still extremely red, and seemed to quickly look away from Azzi right as she turned towards her. She was still fidgeting with the pen in her hands, clicking it obsessively as Azzi noticed her leg nearest to her was shaking under the tablecloth as well. 

Does this girl have ADHD or something? 

She nudged her foot. ‘What?’ she mouthed when Paige turned to her. She was now…an impressive shade of red, at this point.

She shook her head rapidly before looking away and calling on the next reporter. Azzi’s gaze remained on her as she heard the mic get passed around, frowning.

The hell was that?

“This is Knox Daniels from The Athletic.”

Azzi closed her eyes tightly upon hearing that voice, slowly turning towards the audience again. She had history with this one. With this whole journal, really. He had written several hit pieces on her over the last four years, always having a lot to say about her performances, and especially the poor ones. He had also been the reporter to rob her of a unanimous ROTY accolade. Not that she actually cared about the matter, but it was the fact that he seemed to simply…hate her. 

She wasn’t sure if Paige knew anything about their history, since she seemed rather naive from what Azzi was witnessing today, but she was pretty sure that Paige wouldn’t have called on him with any malicious intent.

“Piggybacking off of what Valerie asked earlier, I was wondering not why you chose the Valkyries, but more so why you chose to leave the Liberty? Like Valerie said, the team was clearly building around you, and you probably left some sort of a mark on the organization.”

Fucking bitch. 

“All that to say, why did you leave the Liberty? Great players exist everywhere, on every single team, and you had a rare amount of them with you on the Liberty. With such great talent surrounding you there, was there something that made you decide, ‘I’m too…good for this. I deserve better’, or something of the sort? Because I, along with others at The Athletic, are struggling to see why someone would have such a mindset after being gifted such great opportunities on a fantastic team like the Liberty.” 

“What a long question.” Natalie joked beside Azzi who sat rigidly in her seat. A few reporters laughed with Natalie as Azzi’s jaw tightened. “Did you even catch the question, Azzi? I don’t remember half of what he said, to be honest.” 

Azzi heard the room break further around her, but she still didn’t crack a smile. Didn’t even breathe, really. She knew her answer to Valerie’s question had been pretty pathetic, but she didn’t expect to be called out for it in the same press conference. That was more of a JustWomensSports-post-the-next-morning type of vibe. She didn’t expect to be seeing Knox here, either, though. So…whatever. 

What do I even say to that? There were so many disses in there about me, bruh. Okay, breathe, Fudd, breathe. 

Azzi remained silent for a beat longer and focused on her breathing, using what her therapist had told her about imagining she was the only one in the room. She cleared her throat before looking down at her lap, squeezing her legs together.

I can’t say why I actually left-

She felt something foreign brush up against her arm. Her eyes snapped onto it, and she saw a pale hand hovering over her forearm. A few of its fingers tapped her twice, gently, as if to get her attention. Azzi brought her gaze up the arm and onto the individual’s face. It was Paige. She had been discreetly trying to get her attention under the table, clearly asking her if she needed to shut down the question. Her eyes pierced into Azzi’s brown ones as she simply froze. 

They’re so fucking…blue.

Tap tap 

Her cheeks are so red- they’re literally getting redder-

Tap tap tap

Azzi blinked out of her reverie. She glanced down to see Paige tapping her arm again, with a little more force this time. She looked back up at her to see her wearing a confused expression.

Oh my god, did I just freeze? 

She registered that she hadn’t given Paige a response yet and slowly nodded in confirmation, gaze flicking between her bright-ass eyes. 

Paige cleared her throat and broke their eye contact, leaning towards her own microphone and directing everyone’s attention to her, cutting through the awkward silence. “We appreciate the, um, very detailed question, Mr. Daniels, but we politely decline.”

Azzi exhaled in relief as the room began to bustle again, hands raising once again. She refocused on her breathing as Paige retracted her hand, allowing her gaze to follow her movements. Paige tilted her phone at her, showing her that there were only 13 minutes left. She mouthed a little ‘thank you,’ but Paige abruptly dropped her phone against the table and ripped her gaze away, an even deeper blush dusting her cheeks. 

It brought a smile to Azzi’s face, though. She appreciated how…awkward Paige seemed to be. It was exactly what she needed at the moment. 

The rest of the presser went on as any other would, and she thankfully wasn’t asked any more questions about why, specifically, she had chosen to leave the New York Liberty. 

When it was all over and the reporters had filed out of the room, Natalie dragged her back to the gym and handed her over to one of the assistant coaches, whom she labeled as her personal tour guide. Azzi was given a thorough tour of the training facility, where she pretended that she wasn’t going to forget where everything was by tomorrow morning. 

Azzi Fudd wanted nothing more than a clean slate; a new opportunity. To spread her...purple wings.

The exciting trade created more commotion than just ESPN headlines, spreading...internally?

The Golden State Valkyries PR Manager, Paige Bueckers, had long been obsessed with the girl before the trade even occurred. It takes all of her energy + a little help in Ballhalla to make Azzi even bat an eye(lash).

Azzi had always been reserved, thoughtful, and rather nonchalant.

And Paige was...um...but she forms a plan.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“Mm.” Azzi groaned into Paige’s mouth as they stumbled into her apartment, Paige trying and failing to lock the door behind her without breaking the kiss. 

They were enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon together. 

They’d been spending a lot of time at each other’s apartments that weekend, after Friday night’s LEGO and dinner and ice cream ‘not a date’.

Talking, laughing…doing a little kissing. Actually, scratch that. A lot of kissing. 

It wasn’t a mistake that Gabby hadn’t spotted Paige sneaking into Azzi’s apartment yet, even when they shared a similar schedule and lived on the same floor. Azzi had started texting Gabby, asking her to send pictures of random stuff around her place that she feigned interest in, in an attempt to distract her and keep her away from the hallway whenever Paige came over. 

On Saturday, she had literally asked what meds Halle Berry was taking, after their morning practice, only to then send, “oh right i’m not even getting a cat” to a confused Gabby while Paige slipped inside. This time, she’d asked about the volume of the pots Gabby used for her house plants as she ran down the hallway into the elevator.

She wasn’t keeping it from Gabby and the others for any particular reason other than wanting to be sure about Paige first. 

In her mind, it made sense. She was protecting herself. Although to everybody it seemed like she had tough skin, especially on the court, Azzi’s self-assurance had definitely taken a hit after the whole Mia ordeal. 

And, well, there was the whole embarrassment factor, too. She’d kissed Paige after their first real hangout. Like ever. A day after claiming she didn’t even like Paige like that. She couldn’t imagine what the trio's faces would look like if she told them that information, let alone all the teasing that would ensue. 

They were aware that she’d recently gotten out of a long-term relationship, but a small part of her was worried they thought it’d been her fault. 

Azzi had thought it, too, at least initially. She remembered calling Gabby, crying, “I fucked up! I let her go, Gabs- I shouldn’t have let her leave! She left the apartment with all her stuff- what the hell did I do!?” 

And what if this whole Paige thing went to shit? It’d only solidify her teammates’ (literally nonexistent) idea of Azzi being the problem.

So…yeah. Sue her. Azzi was scared.

But she also felt guilty. She’d only known Paige for a week, and she’d spilled everything about her ex to her before she’d told Gabby the details - her best friend of 6 years. 

And now, here she was, keeping even more things from her, this time about her…what, exactly? They weren’t girlfriends. No, they weren’t even dating.

She was especially scared about how the whole thing would play out at work, because, at the end of the day, they were quite literally coworkers. She’d spiraled about it the whole morning before heading over to Paige’s place.

Is it gonna be weird tomorrow? God, I hope I don’t have to do media-

Sure, they were acting all couple-y now, but would it be even more awkward at the facility now?

But Azzi didn’t want to think about any of that right now. She was preoccupied with trying to attach her lips to the soft spot just under Paige’s earlobe that she’d come to learn ruined Paige, and tugging teasingly on some strands of hair at the base of her pale neck that she’d recently found out did it for Paige, all while grinding her hips down just right in Paige’s lap. 

And Paige’s soft whimper told her she was doing it all just right.  

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“You never told us how the date went.” Gabby said, dribbling the ball between her legs once before hitting the jumper. 

Of course she’s asking about it. 

“It was not a date, Gabby.” Azzi hissed at her after shooting a free throw.

Veronica walked up to the paint, setting her feet and taking her own jumper before saying, “You were at her place for hours. You’re saying it wasn’t a date?”

“Hey, how was your date, Az?” Janelle jogged over to the other side of the paint, oblivious, placing her hands on her hips. “You never responded in the group chat!” 

“Ugh,” Azzi groaned, dribbling the new ball a few times. “It wasn’t a date-”

Gabby scoffed before splashing another middy. “Okay, whatever. How was your not-a-date LEGO building thing with Paige, then?”

Oh, and Azzi had also conveniently left out the whole ‘getting dinner and ice cream’ portion of their totally-was-a-date because she knew how incriminating it would’ve been to say they’d gone out to get ice cream after having dinner together. And, well, the kissing part too-

“You guys are so annoying. I regret posting that on my story, by the way. I’m gonna delete the app again-” 

“No, come on, it was so cute. The way she was leaning in?” Veronica teased. 

“Yeah, it was adorable, but you need to spill! I can’t believe you actually didn’t tell us about it and we had to find out through your fucking Instagram story, bro.” 

“Cuz it wasn’t even that interesting-”

“You’re such a liar. You look like you got laid or something.” 

“What? What the fuck!? What do you mean!?” Azzi snapped her head towards Gabby, instinctively clapping her hands onto her neck. She immediately flushed at how she’d basically given herself away (even though they hadn’t fucked. yet.), and tried to play it off as her rubbing her neck.

“You’re such a bad liar, first of all. And you’re not slick- you’re literally glowing.” 

Oh- there aren’t any marks-

Azzi dropped her hands and straightened up, barely catching the pass from Janelle before shooting another free throw. It clanked off the front iron. 

Why am I keeping this from them? I can trust them. Especially Gabby. They wouldn’t judge me…right?

“It wasn’t cuz…” she took a deep breath. Just say it. “Okay, fine. We kissed.”

“WHAT!?” Came all of their voices at once, each of them shooting her looks of pure incredulity. Likely, one, at them having kissed so soon, and two, at her actually telling them.

They all spoke at once, voices muddling together. “Az, are you being serious?” “Did you actually!?” “Okay, maybe you have some game.”

Azzi looked around at each of them, eyebrows furrowing as her stomach lurched. They were still way too interested for her liking. “Calm the fuck down-” She hissed, her voice coming out much steadier than she felt. “It isn’t that crazy.”

“It’s such a big deal. You literally haven’t kissed anyone since…” Gabby’s voice trailed away as she shot her an apologetic look. 

Azzi turned away, deliberately dribbling the ball for much longer than her pre-free-throw-ritual called for, before shooting another free throw. “Yeah, uh, I kinda needed to move on from that, y’know?” 

“Well, how was it?” Veronica asked, holding her ball at her side.

“Yeah, how’d it happen?” Gabby added (very annoyingly), “Were you all like, ‘hey blondie pass me that green piece- oh thanks, you’re so sexy, Paige- c’mere, mwah mwah- OH-” Gabby doubled over when Azzi chucked a ball at her midsection.

“This is why I don’t tell you shit, Gabby.”

“Okay, okay, you know I’m just playin’, bruh. How’d it happennn? We wanna knowwww.” 

Azzi sighed. You can tell them, come on. They reacted so positively already. She rubbed her hands up and down the length of her shorts. “Okay, we kinda had dinner together…”

“AW!” “So romanticcc.” “See it was a date.”

“Shut up. All of you. That’s not- that’s not even when we kissed-”

Gabby interrupted her again, smirking. “So there was even more to the not-a-date date?” “Yes, okay? Now hush. Let me tell the story-” Azzi huffed, taking another free throw. She intentionally kept her gaze locked on the hoop. “We had dinner after she, like, basically asked me out…but not really. Or, um, I don’t think she actually asked me out-”

Janelle pushed her off the free throw line, taking her spot before catching a pass from Veronica. “Literally get on with it.” 

Azzi stepped back to the three point line, ignoring Gabby’s little, “seriously”, continuing, “Fine, fine, sorry- okay, first she asked if I was hungry, and then we went out to eat at this Mexican place she said she likes. And then we got ice cream because…” It was Azzi’s voice that trailed off this time as she pointedly avoided making any sort of eye contact with any of them, fighting to stave off a blush. 

“Because…?” Veronica prodded, somewhere from her left.

Fine.

“Ugh. Gabby told me she likes ice cream, k? Like a lot. So when we got back in her car, I asked if she wanted to get some, and she said yes. She took me to this creamery she really likes, which apparently was one of the first she found in the bay-”

Gabby interrupted her again, “Okay, firstly, you’re so gay. I told you that ages ago. ‘I don’t like her’, my ass. But secondly, just get on with it. When did you kiss!?”

“You’re so impatient, bruh. I’m literally getting to it.” Azzi crossed her arms, though she was smiling now too, just below her flushed cheeks. “We were eating it on the curb together, and she just- I dunno. She looked, like, fucking ethereal under the streetlight, and I just…I had to kiss her.”

“YOU made the first move!?” 

“Ethereal? Azzi, honey-” 

“Okay, I take it back. You do have game, my bad.” 

Azzi laughed, feeling her worry gradually ebb away. “Yes, yes ethereal, and thank you, V. I have elite game.” 

“You absolutely do not-”

“Whatever. Um,” Azzi hesitated for a moment, unsure if she needed to tell them about this part of the night. “Okay, this part’s embarrassing. You guys can’t make fun of me, f’real.” She took a breath, “At first, she, like, didn’t kiss me back…”

“PAIGE didn’t kiss YOU back!?” 

“Whew, Azzi, are you a bad kisser?” 

“That’s…uh…”

Azzi chose to ignore all three of them again, rolling her eyes. “No, stop that. I think she was just, like, really shocked that I kissed her. But after I pulled back, she…she dragged me back in by the waist- god, it was so hot.” Azzi dropped the basketball she’d been holding, lowering her head into her hands, as the memory came flooding back into her mind. “And we, like, made out for some time. No, okay, it was a while…”

She ignored them once again when they all let out noises of surprise, holding a hand up to silence them.

“And, uh, after that, she drove me home. And I actually slept well, for once-” She turned around, physically shielding herself from the onslaught that was certainly about to ensue. She watched Natalie talk to Kaitlyn about something on the other end of the court, but could feel the trio’s gazes on the back of her head. 

Gabby spoke first, literally letting out a cackle. “You’re so gay, my god. ‘She dragged me in by the waist. It was SO hot.’ Like shut the fuck up-”

Azzi turned around, crossing her arms again, and glared at Gabby as the other two laughed. “I’m not! Well, I am, but-”

“That’s so fucking cute, though, aw.” Veronica said, smiling sweetly. “Like, that’s actually such an adorable first kiss. Wow.” 

“Yeah, y’all look so good together, too.” Janelle wolf-whistled (pretty quietly, though, so coach wouldn’t hear).

“Thanks.” Azzi mumbled, suddenly feeling shy under all the attention and…support. 

I’m such an idiot. Why was I so worried to tell them in the first place?

“So does that mean y’all are dat-”

“AZZI!” Natalie called from the other hoop.

Azzi turned, eyes widening. Oh no. She didn’t hear any of that, did she? “Yes?” 

“NEED YOU FOR MEDIA AGAIN!” 

Oh. But still. Fuck. 

Azzi heard the three of them start giggling behind her. “Genuinely shut the fuck up. It’s not funny, you guys.” She said over her shoulder before jogging towards Natalie. 

“Say hi to blondie for me!” She heard Gabby call out. 

Azzi rolled her eyes again before reaching Natalie, who simply pointed towards the hallway, telling her to get going. “Okay,” Azzi grumbled as she pivoted, jogging right by her. 

She slowed her steps when she reached the doorway. She really didn’t want to do media today. 

Azzi truly had no idea how their workplace dynamic would be affected by their new…development. It wasn’t that she had a problem with how awkward Paige was, because she didn’t have a problem with it at all. In fact, she kinda liked it. Definitely thought it was cute more than a few times-

“Shoot!” She crashed into a solid object, just as she rounded the corner in the hallway. Azzi’s breath caught when she looked up. Of course, bruh. “Paige? Sorry, I actually need to stop doing that-”

Paige laughed warmly, the sound immediately thawing some of Azzi’s nerves, as she reached out to steady Azzi by the shoulder this time. “Oh wow, deja vu. It’s fine, though, don’t worry about it.” 

Oh wow is right, was all Azzi’s brain unhelpfully supplied her as her gaze swept over Paige’s figure. 

She was wearing what could only be described as the hottest denim set ever. It was a canadian tux with a blend of navy, black, and lighter blue denims. She had on a dark denim jacket over the light blue top, and they were paired with some baggy navy jeans. Her top was slightly cropped, and Azzi found her gaze snagging on the visible waistband of her jeans, tracing the stitching, before moving it up to the two large buttons placed right over her ni-

Stop. Keep it cool, oh my god. Am I making this weird? Like right now? Are we actually gonna be weird at work now? How long was I just staring!?

Azzi scrambled to fill the silence, looking down before hurrying off to the media corner. She ironically spoke at the ground, “Nah, I need to keep my head up. Three times is crazy-”

“What? Azzi-” Paige started, the confusion apparent in her voice as she jogged to catch up with her.

But Azzi only increased her pace at this, suddenly feeling her heartbeat pounding in her throat as she attempted to swallow the ache away. “It’s my bad, seriously-”

“Azzi.” Paige tugged at her elbow, forcing her to come to a stop. 

Azzi squeezed her eyes shut before mustering up the courage to turn around, though she still kept her gaze on the ground. 

“It’s okay, pretty.” 

OH. 

And, fuck, Azzi suddenly felt so silly for being even a little worried about their workplace dynamic shifting. She felt heat rise to her face but couldn’t help but smile, slowly dragging her gaze back up Paige’s lanky frame. 

Blue eyes. 

Paige’s eyes were barely visible with how much she was squinting, smiling so hard. They were reduced to tiny crescents that completed the nighttime-look of her dark denim set. The apples of her cheeks were popping, and her smile lines were more prominent than Azzi had ever seen them before.

Awww.

“Oh, thanks.” She said breathily, lips remaining parted. Paige somehow smiled even harder at this. Maybe that’s what gave Azzi the courage to blurt out, “You look so hot, by the way.” 

Her eyes widened of their own accord, and she clapped a hand to her mouth before turning away, continuing to head towards the media corner.

WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH ME!?

She heard Paige chuckle behind her, though.

Azzi stepped onto the little platform, facing the lavender backdrop. What am I doing? I JUST admitted to those three that we kissed, and I’ve been all worried about how we’d be at work, but I just blurt out that she looks HOT? Right after she kinda confirms we’ll be okay by calling me pretty!?

She felt a warm breath ghost her collarbone as Paige leaned over her left shoulder, bringing both hands up to delicately clip the tiny mic onto the strap of her jersey. Azzi’s breath hitched when Paige left one hand there, and she flexed the muscles in her neck, attempting to stay still. Paige snaked her other hand around her neck, short nails grazing Azzi’s skin and sending goosebumps down her spine. 

She leaned in, hooking her chin over her shoulder, and…sighed, tilting her head so that her temple made contact with Azzi’s cheek. 

Azzi felt warmth rush through her body at just how sweet Paige was being with her. She could surely tell that Azzi was worried, about something, at least, and her first instinct was to comfort her. 

Azzi closed her eyes, leaning back into her touch. She felt safe again, with Paige’s (large) arms wrapped around her; protected.

“I’m sorry.” Azzi whispered.

“‘bout what?” Paige’s chin dug further into Azzi’s shoulder when she spoke, sending chills down her arm. 

“For being so awkward. I was just- I dunno, I just thought it’d be a little weird at work, or something-”

“It doesn’t have to be, baby.” 

BABY!? 

“Mm.” Azzi hummed in lieu of an answer, bringing her hands up to grab her (meaty) forearms.

“Seriously. Unless you…don’t want it to change anything…”

Wait, no-

Azzi abruptly turned in her arms, hands coming up to grip Paige’s waist over her jacket. “No, I do. I really do. I just…didn’t want it to be weird, I mean.”

“Well, you’ve always been a little weird-” Paige let out a laugh when Azzi scrunched her face. “Nah, I’m kidding. I’m kidding, baby. Mostly.” 

Azzi felt herself relax further in the embrace at hearing Paige throw the pet name out so casually, while Paige brought her arms up to Azzi’s shoulders.

She smiled up at Paige, her thumbs beginning to rub her sides through the thick denim. As she gazed into the blonde’s striking eyes, she thought that…maybe it was going to be alright. She was going to be okay after Mia. 

“Uh,” Paige looked down at her, frowning. “That doesn’t make you uncomfortable, does it?” 

“Huh?” 

“Calling you, um…baby?”

Azzi felt butterflies erupt in her stomach as she looked between Paige’s eyes, at how fucking gentle she was being with her. Azzi hid her face, burying it into the collar of Paige’s jacket. It felt rough against her cheek. A sharp contrast from how Paige was being with her. Completely and utterly soft. 

“No, it’s the opposite. I…really like it.” She mumbled against the material. 

“Oh, okay. Um…good.” 

Paige tightened her hold around Azzi, rubbing her back with one hand before tilting her head down to press a light kiss to the crown of her head. 

Azzi sighed, feeling at ease. “Okay.” 

“Okay, baby.” 

“Mmmm.” She hummed into her chest through an embarrassed smile.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Media went surprisingly smoothly. There were only a few questions she had to answer, all of them being either about the upcoming match or about how practice had been going. 

And luckily, Paige hadn’t added any extra minutes today. Probably since Azzi had threatened her on Sunday that she’d never kiss her again if she did so. 

Paige had just ushered the reporters away, allowing Azzi to discover that the back of her outfit was just as stunning as the front view. 

“Why do you have that on?” She asked, unclipping the mic from her jersey. 

“What?” Paige looked up from the microphone stand, in the middle of adjusting it. “Does it- do you not like it?” 

“No, no! Nothing like that, no.” Why are you being awkward when she literally just told you everything was good- “It looks so good on you, like seriously. I really like it.” 

Can I…? Fuck it-

She leaned in, adding in a low voice. “You look sexy.” 

She relished in the embarrassed smile it earned her, continuing as she stepped back, casually, “It’s so fancy, though. Is there a special occasion?” 

“Oh, um, kinda, I guess.” Paige finished lowering the pole, straightening up as she unnecessarily dusted off her jacket. “I have an important meeting later today.” 

“Oh, cool, what’s it for?” 

“Just some PR stuff with the higher-ups. It’s kinda boring, if I’m being honest.” 

“Mm. That definitely sounds…nah, I can’t lie. It sounds boring.” Azzi deadpanned, grinning when Paige laughed. “Oh, before I forget, I have something for you.”

“Oh, do you? Is it a kiss?” Paige leaned in from across the microphone stand, exaggeratedly pursing her lips with an expectant expression. 

Azzi scrunched her face and brought a hand up to cup Paige’s chin, holding it in place as she affectionately ran her thumb across her bottom lip. “No, it’s in my workout bag.” 

“Is ittt…alright, I’m outta guesses.” 

“Already?”

“Yes.”

“After a single guess?”

“You’re being mean-”

Azzi leaned over the stand and pecked her lips, literally kissing the pout off of her face. 

“Bye, P.” Azzi dropped her arms to her sides with a smirk before making her way back towards the gym.

“Wait, when do I- when are you giving it to me?” 

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Gabby had just finished working with her personal trainer at the training facility, and was currently packing her bag. Her eye caught on some movement in her periphery, just as she slung the bag over her shoulder. 

It was Azzi. She watched her wring her hands together around what looked like a piece of paper that was held between them as she slowly climbed the stairs by the balcony. 

She had on her classic…‘I’m nervous as hell’ look. And, well, Gabby knew all about what that look meant on her best friend. 

She whipped her phone out and quickly took a picture just before Azzi disappeared around the corner, immediately sending it in a group chat. 

Stooges 1 2 and 3

Frenchie 1 sent an image

Frenchie 1: GUYS

Frenchie 1: GUYS GUYS GUYS

VB: What?

Ja: what

Frenchie 1: I THINK SHES GOING TO SEE PAIGE

Frenchie 1: LIKE IN HER OFFICE

Frenchie 1: AND SHE LOOKS NERVOUS AS HELL

Ja: u got that from a 2 pixel pic of Azzi on a staircase?

VB: Yeah wtf Gabby? 😭

Frenchie 1: no guys trust

Frenchie 1: she has this specific nervous look

Frenchie 1: and she was holding smth in her hands idk what tho

Frenchie 1: also idk if i believe the whole ‘we’re taking it slow’ thing she said earlier

Ja: what, at the end of practice? 

Frenchie 1: yes exactly

VB: Why? Isn’t Azzi pretty smart and like collected? 

VB: Idk her that well yet but that didn’t surprise me

Frenchie 1: yeah she mostly is but this seems so dif with Paige

Frenchie 1: a good different

Frenchie 1: like she wasn’t even this nervous when she asked her ex to be her gf

Frenchie 1: and this was literally their first kiss???

Ja: !!!

Ja: oh shit

VB: Ok but

VB: Why do u think she’ll rush into this thing with Paige?

Frenchie 1: not like rush rush

Frenchie 1: it's just that rn she’s giving the ‘i can’t help myself around her’ vibe yk?

VB: Ok wait lowk yeah

Ja: agreed actually

Frenchie 1: and ifffff she’s sneaking off to her office rn…

Frenchie 1: omg i didn’t even realize this is a coworker thing

VB: Fuck wait

Ja: oh yeah is it like legal

Frenchie 1: well she said they’re not dating yet but i think it’s allowed?? 

Frenchie 1: idk tbh

Ja: i hope so but is she rly tryna go see her girl rn? 😏

VB: Yeah like fr?

Frenchie 1: i think so???

Frenchie 1: let’s ask her in the gc

VB: Which one

Frenchie 1: the other one

VB: We have like 50 which other one?

Frenchie 1: the one with Az???

VB: 20 have Azzi

Frenchie 1: the paigey’s down bad one duh

Frenchie 1: ur stupiddd

Ja: agreed

VB: I hate y’all

VB: I’m gonna start defending Azzi

Frenchie 1: you wouldn’t.

VB: Nah ur right I wouldn’t

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“Hi,” Azzi said quietly, rapping her knuckles against the partially open door. She stood in the doorway, taking in the surprisingly large office.

“Az?” Paige had clearly just been working on her laptop, who turned in her office chair to face Azzi with a look of mild surprise. “Whatchu doin’ up here?” 

Azzi smiled, taking a tentative step forward. “Can I…come in?” 

“Oh, sorry- of course you can, pretty.” 

Azzi shook her head, her smile plastered on her face, as she stepped into Paige's space. Paige made room for her, spreading her legs a little wider, and guided Azzi even closer by the back of her knees. “Wassup, pretty?” 

Azzi gazed down into her gorgeous eyes. “What happened to ‘princess’?” 

Paige let out a laugh, moving her hands higher to cup the back of her thighs. “I thought you said you liked ‘pretty’.” 

“Nah, I do-”

“But you like ‘princess’ better?”

“...maybe…” Azzi said quietly, batting her eyelashes at her as she felt a flutter in her stomach. 

Paige started caressing her thighs at this, her touch going a little too high. She grinned when Azzi’s legs twitched in her hands, whose breath hitched. “Mm, you like this too, princess?”

Oh. It wasn’t a flutter earlier. It was heat pooling in her stomach. Fuck. I can’t be turned on here-

She took a step back, physically wrenching herself out of her trance as she shot Paige an apologetic look. “Um, maybe- but anyway, remember when I said I had something for you?” 

“Yes, the kiss? I kinda don’t remember it, though. You should remind me of it-” She puckered her lips again, similar to her actions in the hallway. 

“No, idiot. I told you I had it in my bag.” Azzi deadpanned, rolling her eyes. 

“Okay, but- is that an innuendo? Like, you have some…skills…in your bag that you wanted to show me?”

“The hell!?” Azzi laughed. There was truly no dull moment with this girl. 

“Wait, wait,” Paige gestured for her to come back into her space with one hand, and pointed at the door with the other. “If it is, we gotta close that-” 

Azzi shook her head again, giggling at her antics. “No, bruh. I’m gonna pretend you didn’t say that-” She ignored Paige’s grin and (really cute) grabby hands when she didn’t move any closer. “I made something for you.”

“Is it the sticky note in your hand?” 

“It’s not a sticky note- and no. Or, well, yes. It's what’s on it.” 

“Piece of paper, my bad.” Paige shifted in her chair, grabbing onto the armrests. “What is it?” 

Azzi rolled her eyes and finally stepped towards her again, handing her the note. 

It was a realistic sketch of the selfie the two of them took after their LEGO maybe-a-date-who-knows-at-this-point in Paige’s apartment, with the flower bouquet they’d made held between the two of them. You could easily make out the subjects were Azzi and Paige, and the details were so intricate that you could see the outline of each individual LEGO piece on the bouquet. 

“Is this us at my place? Like, on Friday?” 

Azzi nodded, swallowing nervously as she studied Paige’s face. 

“You drew this? It’s so fucking good- what the hell!?”

“I took some art classes in college, but it’s whatever. I’m not that good-” 

“Respectfully, shut up, Az,” She laughed again, smiling even harder at Azzi being so nervous. “This looks just like us, I- wow-” Paige took a moment to simply admire the drawing, the apples of her cheeks popping as she held it up to the light. She looked over at Azzi, raising her eyebrows, and added, “So you’re smart, funny, pretty, and talented?” 

Azzi blushed and turned away, murmuring, “Stop it-”

“No way. C’mere.” Paige held her free hand out, making the grabbing motion again. When Azzi didn’t budge, she added, “Please, princess?”

Fuck-

Azzi stepped back into her space, this time planting her hands on Paige’s shoulders. She let her thumb pull aside the collar of her denim jacket and stroked the soft skin over her collarbone. “What?” Her voice came out quiet again as she looked into Paige’s eyes. 

And, holy hell, Paige was looking up at her in the most intimate way Azzi could’ve sworn she’d ever been looked at. Her eyes were shining up at her, a warm smile plastered on her face, as one of her hands returned to the back of her thigh. She gently caressed it again, lower this time, but her fingers dipped under her shorts. 

Ugh-

“It’s so intricate, Az. So detailed. Thank you for giving it to me.” She whispered, matching Azzi’s quiet tone. She squeezed her bare thigh, adding, “ When’d you draw it?” 

“Last night. I was bored; I couldn’t really sleep.” Yes, never mind the numerous boxes full of cutlery collecting more and more dust on her kitchen counter that she’d been in the middle of unpacking before her mind had become occupied with irrepressible thoughts of blondie. 

“Oh shoot, did I keep you too late last night?” Paige looked at her with an expression of genuine concern, her eyebrows knitting together. 

“No, no, I went to bed at like 10, don’t worry.” Azzi added, to be more truthful, “I dunno, I should’ve been tired after the long day, and I was, like, unpacking a bit that night, too- heavy stuff, mind you. But I guess my mind was just whirling with some, uh…thoughts,” she finished lamely, cheeks heating at the realization that she’d just rambled some nonsense.

“Of what?” Paige’s expression morphed into a knowing smirk as she drew her head back a little. 

Um, honestly? Thoughts of uncertainty. Of Azzi still not knowing what she was doing. Not knowing what they were. Not knowing what Paige even wanted…but she couldn’t say any of that-

“Nevermind that.” She whispered, taking another step forward, her knees making contact with the edge of Paige’s chair.

Azzi leaned down a bit, gaze flicking between the blonde’s dilated pupils before it moved down to her barely parted lips that had lost their smirk. She swallowed before glancing back up, only to see Paige’s now-hooded eyes locked on her own lips. 

She could feel the warmth radiating off of Paige, standing so close to her. It was like an embodiment of the warm energy she possessed, from just how sweet and gentle she was, while still being an annoying idiot. It was refreshing, for Azzi. A very different personality than Mia’s. 

She intentionally ran her tongue over her bottom lip and watched Paige’s gaze quite literally darken at the action. Her phone buzzed once in her pocket. 

It’s probably Gabby. She can wait.

She started leaning in and watched Paige’s eyes flutter shut, taking a moment to commit the image to memory before closing her own-

BUZZ 

Okay, surely it isn’t an emergency-

Azzi’s lips barely got to brush hers before Paige’s mouth instantly latched onto her lips, her head tilting upward to make them meet quicker. 

And, oh, how Azzi had missed this feeling. She brought one hand off of Paige’s shoulder, settling it on her jaw. They’d technically kissed back in the hallway, but that didn’t count. It wasn’t a real kiss like the ones they’d shared over the weekend. She brought her other hand up to the nape of Paige’s neck, sliding it in an oh-so-familiar way through her soft strands of golden hair. 

Azzi eagerly parted her lips, humming against Paige’s mouth as she welcomed the intrusion of her warm tongue. She found herself craving even more after just a few seconds, and opened her mouth even wider, almost drinking Paige in as she plunged her own tongue into Paige’s mouth, sucking hard as she pushed it up against hers. She simply loved the feeling of Paige’s lips against her own, and mewled at the feeling of Paige’s hand moving higher up her thigh and onto her-

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ

Bro. 

Azzi let out a small noise of annoyance into the kiss before breaking it, drawing her head back. She felt all warm and tingly inside when her eyes fluttered open to the sight of Paige blindly chasing her lips, who blinked her eyes open at the realization that Azzi wasn’t leaning back in. She smiled, tilting her head a little teasingly as Paige blushed, who smiled bashfully. 

It felt so good to be wanted again. Not in a lustful manner like she’d assumed Paige had wanted her, but in such a genuine, pure, sweet way that she seemed to want her. It was, again, such a great contrast from Mia. 

Azzi wiped the small (large) pool of spit she’d left on the corner of Paige’s mouth with her thumb before fully detaching herself from her embrace and taking a step back, digging her phone out of her pocket. “Sorry, I dunno who’s blowing up my…”

But her voice trailed away as she read the notifications. 

It was the fuckass group chat Gabby had made with Janelle and Gabby. Azzi’s eyes widened as she read on, the smile slipping off her face as she realized that Gabby…caught me walking up the stairs…somehow guessed that I was heading to Paige’s office…and even saw the note in my hands!? 

“You good? Nothing, like, happened, right?” Paige asked as Azzi peered up from her phone and watched the blonde set the drawing down on one side of her massive desk, her other hand returning to her lap. 

Uh-

“Oh, yeah. No, everything's fine. I just have to go to, um, practice-” Azzi bullshitted, clenching her jaw at just how awful the excuse was. 

Paige sat back in her chair, crossing her arms. “Didn’t you just have practice?” 

“No, it, uh- it’s a second one.”

“Mhmmm,” Paige drawled, smirking.

Azzi grimaced, mentally preparing to quite literally run out of Paige’s office, but just as she turned to leave, Paige added, “You wanna come over tonight?”

She fought off a smile, hiding it from Paige as she continued walking out. “Maybe.” 

“Just maybe?” Paige said as Azzi reached the door. 

“Mhmmm.” Azzi mocked her, letting out a laugh as she rounded the corner.

“Bye, Az.” She heard Paige call out. “Hope the second practice goes well!”

UGH.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

It had officially been a week since they’d started messing around. 

It hadn’t escalated into sex, though. They hadn’t yet crossed that line, and Azzi suspected it had to do with the lack of clarity on what their relationship was, on both ends. It certainly wasn't something Azzi was happy with, because, oh, did Azzi have to fight an internal battle every time they’d make out for a little too long, or when she’d get too lost in Paige’s touch, or when she literally couldn’t stop her hips from-

Okay. Anyway. Azzi had come into Paige’s apartment determined to have a straightforward conversation of ‘what are we?’, hoping to speed up the whole...getting in bed process (and to further their relationship, of course. that was the number one reason. for sure).

But her plans had dissolved into nothingness after seeing the setup Paige had prepared for the two of them. She’d hung some light colored sheets over her windows, the moonlight that was littered with stars barely visible through the thin fabric, and had turned on the sunlamp in the living room. Paige was waiting on the couch for her, nearly swallowed whole by a massive blanket, looking cozy as hell, with a goofy smile on her face as she patted the cushion beside her. 

“No, ‘hi, Azzi’, or anything?” Azzi laughed as she locked the door behind her and kicked her slides off. She set them on the same spot she’d used on Paige’s little shoe rack her first night there, which had turned into her spot. 

“Sorry, sorry. Hi, Azzi. Will you come sit with me?” 

Well, Azzi was just a girl. She couldn’t possibly resist that. She sauntered over to the couch, smiling, before collapsing not onto the spot Paige had patted beside her, but directly on top of the blonde, sighing into her chest as Paige’s arms came up to cradle her head. 

“Hey, this works too.” Paige mumbled into her hair, breathing out a laugh. 

Azzi simply grumbled into her neck in lieu of a response, relaxing further into her embrace as one of Paige’s arms started rubbing her back. She brought her arms out from under her chest and snaked them around Paige’s neck, squeezing tightly and grumbling into her skin again.

“Wassup, baby? You stressed?” 

Yes. “Yeah.” 

“‘bout what?” 

About us. “Everything.” She groaned, tightening her hold around Paige’s neck.

“Ack-” Paige spluttered, pulling Azzi’s arms off of her and causing Azzi to lift her head and look up at her with a pout. “You can’t rant to me if I choke, pretty.” 

Azzi only pouted harder at this, jutting her bottom lip out.

“Princess, my bad.” She pecked Azzi’s lips and moved her arms over to her chest instead, before returning her own to Azzi’s back, resuming their gentle strokes. 

Azzi squinted her eyes at her, “You just want me to touch your boobs, you freak.” She gave them a quick squeeze over the camo shirt Paige was wearing.

“I would never!” Paige gasped in mock offense, her mouth hanging open in a silent ‘o’. “But what’s going on in that head of yours, f’real?” 

Again, this fucking situationship, or whatever. Even though we’re not even intimate like that. Yet-

Azzi sighed, shoving the thoughts away. “I dunno, I’m just tired. I’ve been doing conditioning every morning before practice, and it’s so exhausting.” She dragged one of her hands lower until it reached the hem of Paige’s top. 

“Remind me again why you wake up at the asscrack of dawn for conditioning?” 

“Cuz it’s good for me!” 

“But why so early in the morning!?” 

Azzi rolled her eyes and broke their eye contact, suddenly finding the warm glow of the lamp very interesting. “Cuz I’m busy in the evenings.” She mumbled quietly. 

That was a good way to ease into the convo, right?

She chanced a glance back over at Paige once she’d remained silent for a beat, but was met with an unreadable expression, though she was definitely blushing. Azzi's gaze traced her soft, pink features as her hand slipped under Paige’s shirt, fingers delicately starting to tease her naval. She felt goosebumps erupt on Paige’s stomach under her touch, and watched her flush even deeper, a very clearly flustered look overtaking her features. 

“That’s, uh, nice…or whatever.” 

Azzi rolled her eyes again and felt a flicker of annoyance in her chest at Paige seemingly dismissing the conversation about what they were yet again. Azzi paired the action with her hand moving even higher, fingertips beginning to play with the band of Paige’s bra, just under her breast. 

“I mean, I am pretty busy in the evenings.” She batted her eyelashes at her in what she hoped was a semi-seductive sort of manner that could actually get Paige to talk about it. 

But Paige only shot her an almost bashful smile at this before (irritatingly) redirecting the conversation again, resuming her gentle movements on Azzi’s back, though Azzi felt her abs clench beneath her touch. “Mm, yeah, me too. What else has been stressing you?” 

Azzi studied her face, gaze flicking between her eyes. 

If she’s this averted to talking about it, does she not, like, actually wanna date? I can’t do this situationship shit, though-

“I guess...” She let out a small exhale, “Lots of things.” She punctuated each word with a tap of her index finger on Paige’s ribs, maintaining their eye contact as she raised her eyebrows. 

“Not the media anymore, right?” 

She really won’t bite, huh? Fine, whatever.

“I mean, kinda, actually. But more so like the brand stuff I was complaining about earlier.” She sat up a bit, sliding herself off of Paige and taking her hand out of her shirt as she moved to sit on the cushion beside her, tucking her legs under her body. 

Paige let out what sounded like an involuntary noise of displeasure at the action, but Azzi paid it no mind in her mildly irritated state. Though she still allowed Paige’s hand to slide down her arm and hold onto her forearm (begrudgingly, of course). “Mm, the email stuff?” 

Azzi let Paige throw one end of the blanket around her body, but immediately missed the lack of contact with her and reached for her arm. I’m too soft, man. “Yeah.” 

Azzi had been thrown into national headlines, in what was not necessarily good light, for the first time in her career.

She had gotten away with spending four years in the league without highlighting any drama or being a part of any negative news at all. It was in part due to her work ethic, but also due to her sheer avoidance of getting involved in such things.

But the commotion of her trade wasn’t something she could really avoid. She simply had to get out of New York. Who cared if it caused the media and public to go wild? 

The spotlight had come with its own perks, however. Or annoyances, depending on how you look at it. Her inbox had instantaneously been flooded with brand deals and sponsorship requests, despite the negative attention she had garnered by avoiding questions about her departure from the Liberty. She’d gotten tired of the seemingly endless meetings she’d had with her agent about each opportunity, and had been so close to just saying something like ‘fuck it, just delete my email.’ 

Paige gently threaded her fingers through Azzi's, only holding on lightly since she could clearly sense Azzi’s whiny mood. “It’s good for your brand, though, to get all those opportunities.” 

“Ugh,” Azzi disentangled their hands, crossing her arms over her chest and huffing. She had subconsciously allowed herself to lean into Paige’s side, but now straightened up. Yeah, she was in a mood. “Stop with the whole businesswoman perspective, Paige. I told you I hated that last time, and I’m not in the mood. Especially after your bullshit today.” 

She watched Paige’s eyebrows knit together in apparent confusion, which only annoyed her further at the whole ‘oblivious’ act Paige was putting on. She narrowed her eyes at Paige. 

“My…bullshit? What?” 

Azzi’s gaze almost softened, almost, at how genuinely confused she sounded. But she was no stranger to Paige’s ragebaiting, and was truly not in the mood for her antics, so she looked away. She shifted under the blanket and sat up even straighter, bringing her arms down to her sides, still pointedly avoiding making any contact with Paige. “Stop, I’m gonna leave. I’m actually annoyed, Paige.” 

“Wait, no- don’t leave, baby.” It seemed Paige was finally catching on to the fact that Azzi was actually frustrated with her. Azzi rarely called her ‘Paige’ anymore, and to do it twice in a row meant she was definitely mad at her. “Please stay. I set this whole thing up for us, and I was gonna play the film for your next game. It was-”

“You did what?” Azzi interrupted her, dropping her act of indifference and looking over. 

“I was- this whole thing was so that you’d get to watch film all comfy ‘n shit, cuz you said you needed to watch that tonight for the upcoming Sun game. You- you said that, right?” 

Oh. She watched Paige’s eyes widen as she rambled on, her gaze caught on the warm glow that was reflected in Paige's blown pupils. 

“Oh, that’s- oh,” Azzi mumbled embarrassedly. She felt guilt rise to the top of all the other emotions she’d been feeling that evening, and attempted to swallow it away. “Yeah. That’s actually so sweet, P. Thank you.” 

She reached a hand over to rest it over Paige’s bicep, squeezing it once in reassurance. Paige beamed at this, and seemed to instantly forgive Azzi for being a little cranky. She reached for the remote on the ottoman, “O’course, Az. Lemme pull it up.”

Azzi couldn’t suppress the smile that overtook her features as she watched Paige flick through the apps on her TV, trying to put the film on.

Sure, she might be avoiding the important conversation Azzi’s been trying to have with her, but she was also adorable as hell and seemed to really care about Azzi, both as a person and an athlete. And this film thing? Azzi was honestly endeared. 

She let out a small exhale and shifted closer, letting her legs tangle with Paige’s as she nuzzled her head into Paige’s chest after Paige raised the arm that was holding the remote to let her do so. She brought a hand up to Paige’s midsection again, this time over the material of her shirt, and simply left her hand spread across her stomach, warm and grounding. 

Paige finally got the video to start playing after some time, and Azzi found herself fighting sleep at just how cozy she felt, in the low lighting of the room, the warm embrace of Paige, under the soft blanket. 

She spoke in an attempt to keep herself awake as they watched a few clips of how Olivia Nelson Ododa liked to guard the PNR. “How’d you get your hands on this?” 

“I…might’ve asked Tonya for the file.” She smiled when Azzi giggled at this, adding, “...and I might’ve had to email her a million times before showing up to her office cuz she didn’t think I was being serious.” 

Her words should’ve soothed Azzi and shown her that she clearly cared about her so much, but all Azzi could suddenly think of was the whole dating-a-coworker issue, even though they weren’t technically dating.

“P?” She asked quietly, eyes barely focused on the figures that were now moving on the screen. 

“Yes?” Paige placed the remote back on the ottoman and brought her hand up to Azzi’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze before sending it down the length of her back. 

Azzi shivered under her touch, her fingers flexing over Paige’s ribs. “Can we talk?” 

She felt Paige’s chest pause its steady movements and quickly added, “It’s nothing bad, I promise. I was just thinking after you mentioned Tonya, and, like, her office…should we be this close at work?”

“Oh, uh, that’s a good point, actually. Especially with, like, your teammates-”

“Yeah, I dunno how I avoided telling them about us…hanging out that first weekend.” 

“Mhm, until Gabby saw-” Paige’s voice morphed into a giggle when Azzi squealed, turning to hide her face in her chest. 

“P, can we- can we actually talk about that?” 

✧˖°⋆˚✧｡₊ ⋆⭒˚𐙚｡

“Okay, bye.”

“Bye.” 

“Mhm. Bye.” 

It was sickening, really, how sweetly they were smiling at each other, standing right outside of Azzi’s apartment, as neither made any move to leave. Azzi’s eyes were shining in the light spilling into the hallway through the long window on the wall, and she could almost see their reflection in Paige’s pupils that were beyond blown at this point. 

It was a rare off day for Azzi, but Paige unfortunately needed to head in for work. She always went in before Azzi to the training facility, so it was almost impossible for them to have some alone time together in the mornings, now that Azzi had secretly moved up her training sessions to make more time for Paige in the evenings. 

But Azzi had cancelled her session today, opting to surprise Paige instead. She’d knocked on her door at 5 am, and after a surprised Paige had answered it, Azzi practically pounced on her, unable to help herself. And hey, Paige wasn’t complaining. The Azzi Fudd had shown up at her door before she had to drive to work, in nothing but an oversized t-shirt and a pair of shorts, literally unable to control herself once she’d caught a glimpse of the blonde.

“You gonna be fine without me?” Paige asked, eyes twinkling, as she zipped her phone and keys into the front compartment of her bag. 

Azzi playfully rolled her eyes, but couldn’t manage to school her expression as she looked up at her with a bright smile. “I’ll manage, blondie, don’t worry.” 

“Mmm, I dunno about that.” 

Paige moved forward, stepping into Azzi’s space as she let her backpack fall down her arm and onto the doormat. She placed her forearms on either side of Azzi’s head, her body pressing up against hers, caging her in the doorway in the most non-threatening way possible, considering just how hard the pair were smiling. 

“You sure, baby?” 

Azzi felt heat pool low in her stomach at her words, which Paige amplified with a singular roll of her hips. The contact sent sparks up Azzi’s body, and she suddenly felt turned on again, as if they hadn’t just spent an hour basically consuming each other. She took the bait, though, settling her arms around Paige’s neck as she focused her gaze on her lips and breathed out, “Maybe after this.” 

She leaned in slowly, gently connecting their lips. Paige’s teasing demeanor vanished instantaneously as she melted into it, immediately groaning into the kiss in content. Her arms slid down the door and latched onto Azzi’s waist before one snuck its way down to her hip and eventually to her ass, giving it a hard squeeze over her thin sleep shorts. It was a trick that Paige had come to learn ruined Azzi. She briefly detached their lips, turning her head to laugh, as Azzi let out a little gasp in her ear. 

But Azzi paired it with a hard shove in the chest, effectively disentangling them from one another. 

Paige stumbled back, reaching out to grab her arm, but missed, “Woah, baby-” 

And then Azzi clasped her palm over Paige’s mouth with widened eyes, effectively shutting her up, before turning her head to the side and pointing at something to her left. 

Gabby was standing there, frozen, in her own doorway. She had clearly caught the two of them kissing, considering her hand was unmoving around her keys that were still jammed in her doorknob, and her mouth was literally hanging open. She managed to find her words (unfortunately). 

“WHAT THE FUCK!?” 

“Gabby-” Azzi started, dropping her hand from Paige’s face before picking her backpack up and hurriedly shoving it into her arms. She could feel the heat radiating off of her face as she blushed furiously. 

“Bye, Paige,” she whispered to her, flashing her a small look of reassurance. Azzi couldn’t even begin to characterize her embarrassment as she felt Paige’s hand slip into hers for a moment, giving her a little squeeze in goodbye.

“Yeah, squeeze that instead, Bueckers.” 

“Gabby!” Azzi squealed, sending a fleeting, mortified look towards Paige, who immediately dropped her hand. 

She flashed each of them an awkward smile before heading off to work. It was right as she rounded the corner of the hallway that Gabby spoke again. 

“What the hell was that!? I thought you guys were taking it slow! Did she call you, ‘baby’!?” 

“We are! Stop!” Azzi hissed, starting to walk down the hallway as Gabby followed close behind. “And, uh, maybe- but what the fuck was that comment!?” 

“What was my comment? What was she doing, groping your ass, if y’all are ‘taking it slow’!?”

“GABBY!” 

Azzi whipped around with a shocked expression as they came to a stop. She matched Gabby’s unwavering gaze for a moment as the gears turned in her head. 

What the hell kind of excuse can even cover for this? If I bullshit, she’s just gonna press me, cuz she knows when I’m lying. If I ignore it, she’ll just keep bringing it up. You know what-

She ran past Gabby and darted back to her door. She mentally thanked herself for forgetting to lock the door earlier and slammed it shut behind her, locking it just as she heard Gabby start pounding on the door. 

“Azzi! What!? Get back out here!”

“I can’t hear you, actually.” 

“Are you five years old? The fuck?” 

BANG BANG 

“Is someone speaking?”

“Azzi.”

BANG

“Hmm, nobody’s here, I guess. I’m gonna go make a smoothie and unpack a little. Go relax on my off day, y’know.” 

“Fine, I’m leaving. You little-”

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

It wasn’t long until Azzi’s phone buzzed on the counter. She’d been expecting Gabby to text her much sooner, but hey, she wasn’t complaining. She’d been able to unpack about half a box before she could no longer ignore her texts, as the buzzing now resembled what sounded like a phone call, even though she knew they were all individual messages.  

Azzi sighed, washing her hands and taking her sweet time before coming over to finally pick up her phone. 

Gabs 🥂: 

i lied i’m still here

open the door

bruh

ur such a toddler

u can’t do the uconn thing again

fine i’m leaving now

sike

come on just open the door Az

Azziiiiiii

i’m gonna break your door downnnn

Azzi

Azzi Azzi Azzi

Fudd Fudd Fudd

Fuddalicious

open the damn door

did u hear that? that was MY door getting locked

i’m taking the elevator now

i’m leaving fr

u want me to send pics of my houseplants or smth again u weirdo?

Gabs 🥂sent an image

Gabs 🥂: 

see those r the buttons

i left fr now tell me wtf that was

Azzi!!!!!!!!!

Azzi.

Jazlyn.

Fudd.

Miss Nonchalant: 

hi

Gabs 🥂: 

TF DO U MEAN HI

SAY MORE BRUH

Miss Nonchalant: 

heyy

Gabs 🥂: 

the next ESPN headline is gonna be ‘valkyries shooting guard killed in tragic accident’ 

Miss Nonchalant: 

ur so annoying

Gabs 🥂: 

I’M so annoying??? 

u little asshole 

no ur a big asshole.

u literally ran into ur apartment and locked me out after i caught u fucking making out with Paige bruh

mind you, that lady was GRABBING your ass so you can miss me with the ‘that’s not what u saw’ bs

Miss Nonchalant: 

OK OK

STOP

Gabs 🥂: 

🙄

u finally gonna spill?

Miss Nonchalant: 

no

Gabs 🥂: 

Azzi.

Miss Nonchalant: 

i’m kidding

chill 

gimme like 10

do u wanna call?

ft?

Gabs 🥂: 

no come down to the pool

that’s where i am rn

Miss Nonchalant: 

ur rude ass can’t even say pls

Gabs 🥂: 

please 🥹

now come down

it’s nice out

Miss Nonchalant: 

fine gimme 15

Gabs 🥂: 

u said 10

Miss Nonchalant: 

do u want the tea or not

Gabs 🥂: 

and u said i was rude

fine i’ll be on the west end

Miss Nonchalant: 

u are objectively rude.

okayyy see u

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Azzi pushed the gate open and made her way to the west side of the pool, setting her bag down by Gabby’s on a table and joining her in lounging under a shared umbrella. 

“I knew you’d take longer than fifteen minutes, bruh, but thirty!?” 

“Thirty is reasonable; I had to pack my bag.” She gestured to it as she sat down on the chair next to Gabby’s, crossing her legs as she peered down at her. 

Gabby had on a pair of sunglasses that complimented her two-piece set, and was laying down across her chair, clearly enjoying her off day at the pool. 

“And, like, change.”

“Thirty is still crazy, but okay, whatever.” Gabby sat up a little on her hands, crossing her legs too. “So are y’all finally dating?” 

“No, ‘how’s it going, my beloved teammate?’, or ‘hello, how was your morning?’” 

“Not after I left my apartment to be met with the sight of you and Paige sucking face.” She deadpanned. Azzi could see her roll her eyes behind her sunglasses, which made her smile a bit, but it quickly fell off her face when Gabby added, “And her gripping you, oh my god.” 

Azzi uncrossed her legs and laid back in her chair, covering her eyes with the back of her hands, one, to shield her from the sun that shone around the too-small umbrella, and two, as an attempt to hide her embarrassment. “Don’t say it like that-” 

“The hell else would you call it!?” 

“I dunno- let’s just pretend you never saw any of that and just tan.” 

“No. Anyway, I thought you said you were taking it slow! But I’m not buying that bs anymore.” 

Azzi sighed, lacing her hands together over her stomach. She honestly didn’t know why she hadn’t yet spilled the details to Gabby about the whole dating-Paige-but-not-really thing, and about how conflicted she felt about the whole situation. Gabby was her best friend of six years, and it really wasn’t like her to hide such a thing. 

“We are taking it slow. We just haven’t defined anything yet.” 

She heard Gabby scoff. “Okay, but even if you aren’t girlfriends yet, you’re still kissing up on each other!” 

“Cuz it’s just nice, bro, and I-” 

“Azzi, this is the happiest I’ve ever seen you. Like, genuinely. You’ve been glowing lately. It’s such a nice change from when you were with Mia. And you clearly know you like Paige!”

“I- well, maybe, but…” Azzi’s voice trailed away as she found herself at a loss for words. She did know that she liked Paige, in all honesty. She’d known it since their first ‘date’. Though admitting it to herself was one thing, and admitting it to Gabby was another one. “I’m not 100% sure, but I think I might.” 

“Alright, at least you’re kinda admitting it. But you wanna date her, right?” 

“Yes.” Azzi found herself blurting before her mind could catch up to her mouth. 

“You’re so stupid, Az. So then what are you waiting for?” 

Azzi went silent, actually thinking her response through this time. “I’m just scared, Gabby. What if she doesn’t wanna date, and just wants to, like, keep it casual?” 

“Have you not asked her about it?” 

“I don’t- I don’t even know-”

“Bro, just talk to her about it. Why haven’t you?” 

“Cuz she, like, avoids it every time!” Azzi scoffed, throwing her hands up, her irritation flaring up. “I swear she redirects the conversation anytime I steer it anywhere near the topic. I can’t tell if it’s cuz she doesn’t wanna date me, or if she genuinely can’t tell that I wanna talk about it.”

“Okay, well, look,” Gabby sighed (in the exasperated way friends do when you’re being obtuse). “Let’s say either of those are true. It doesn’t really matter which. You’ll never get your answer unless you’re straightforward about it and just ask her outright. Do you really wanna keep on guessing?” 

Azzi brought a hand up to her forehead, shielding her eyes from the sun while cursing under her breath at her indecision when packing her pool bag, in which she ended up not packing her sunglasses. “I know, but like, I don’t wanna ask-”

“Don’t you wanna know if she wants to date?” 

“Well, yeah.”

Gabby let out a laugh, “Then you just gotta ask her, Az.” 

Azzi groaned, rolling her head back until she was looking straight up at the sky. She knew Gabby was right that she just had to ask Paige outright. But what would she do with herself if Paige really didn’t want a relationship? She couldn’t just put that aside and keep messing around with her. She just couldn’t. Things were going so well, from a physical standpoint, and Azzi wasn’t sure she was ready to let go of that. 

Part of her wondered if she had gotten so attached by recklessly plunging herself into the situation after her messy breakup. And what if Paige had some other, secret, dark reason for why she’d been avoiding the topic? 

There’s no way, though-

“You gonna ask her?”

“Like I said, so impatient.”

“Just ask her, Az, like f’real.”

She looked over and could barely make out Gabby squinting at her, but also saw that she was wearing a serious expression.

“I…will. I also need to grab my sunglasses, though. Hold on-” She stood up and grabbed her phone and keys from her bag before padding away from the pool.

Gabby shouted out, just as Azzi left through the gate, “I’m texting the group chat!” 

Azzi rolled her eyes, scoffing under her breath as she made her way inside the building. 

✧˖°⋆˚✧｡₊ ⋆⭒˚𐙚｡

Azzi laughed, her cheek rubbing against Paige’s shirt. “It was so awkward, oh my god. She-”

“Yeah, so I totally get why you’d wanna keep it on the DL.” 

WHAT? 

Azzi tensed under Paige’s touch, the soft rise and fall of Paige’s chest no longer feeling like a calm, grounding movement. 

It seemed to Azzi that Paige might’ve mistaken her silence as focus on the film that was basically playing in the background at this point, who then added, “Yeah, that…yeah. We should…keep it casual.” 

Azzi felt her heart drop in her chest as she slowly raised her head to look at Paige in the eyes. I’m gonna KILL Gabby. “Right, we-”

“Right?” Paige interrupted her again with what resembled an expectant look, her gaze piercing. 

“...um, right.” Azzi said after a second, unable to read Paige’s face. 

Paige smiled a little at this and tugged her back in, starting to rub her back again. The quiet sounds of Natalie narrating the film filled the living room as Azzi felt the tiredness leave her body, her mind kicking into overdrive. She barely felt Paige’s hand pause its ministrations at the small of her back, and was so focused on hoping that Paige couldn’t feel how fast her heart was beating, that she didn’t even register Paige’s heart running even faster under her cheek. 

Well. Fuck. 

Azzi Fudd wanted nothing more than a clean slate; a new opportunity. To spread her...purple wings.

The exciting trade created more commotion than just ESPN headlines, spreading...internally?

The Golden State Valkyries PR Manager, Paige Bueckers, had long been obsessed with the girl before the trade had even occurred. It takes all of her energy + a little help in Ballhalla to make Azzi even bat an eye(lash).

Azzi had always been reserved, thoughtful, and rather nonchalant. 

And Paige was…um…but she forms a plan. 

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Step 1: Flirt a lil

“Great job again, guys. I’m loving the extra rebounding effort I saw in 3-on-3 today. Keep it up. Remember to take it easy tomorrow for your off-day. Azzi, I’m looking at you.” Natalie pointed two fingers at her eyes and then to Azzi’s with a knowing smile from the center of the huddle. 

“I don’t go that hard-” 

“That’s not what Stewie told me. But, okay, anyway. Everyone ready? Valks on three; 1, 2, 3,” 

“VALKS!” 

“Azzi, you’re such a liar.” Gabby said, laughing and poking her in the ribs as the huddle broke apart. 

Azzi rolled her eyes and simply sent her stumbling into Janelle before jogging off to find Natalie. “Nat? When’d Stewie tell you that?” 

Natalie unrolled the papers clasped in her hand and brought the whistle down from around her neck into her other hand. “Oh, I think it was at the finals last year? I don’t really remember.” 

“Oh.” Azzi didn’t know why this surprised her. Stewie was always very protective of her during her time on the Liberty. I need to text her. It’s been a while-

“What, you worried I’m getting the inside scoop on you?” Natalie joked, looking up at her. 

Truth be told? Yeah, Azzi was kind of worried about that. She hadn’t told anybody the real reason for her departure from the Liberty, aside from the partial truth she had given to Paige. She didn’t think Stewie had any way of knowing this, since she gave her old teammates the same media-darling-esque responses as to why she was leaving, anyway, but the terrifying thought did cross her mind, more often than not, that her friends could become aware of the truth. 

“Haha, no, nothing like that.” She lied, flashing her a smile as they walked over to the end of the gym together. 

“She only said good things about you, don’t worry. The Liberty staff, too, when I talked to them last week. They also said- oh, wait, shoot- is Gabby still here?” 

They looked around the gym but only saw Veronica and Kaila on the court. The rest of them had already left.

Natalie sighed. “Fuck. Azzi, I’m sorry, but can you do media today instead? This is my bad. I know Paige wanted Gabby today, but I dunno where she went.”

“Ugh. Do I haveee to?” Azzi asked, putting on a pout. “What about V? Or Kai?” She asked, pointing at the two of them. 

“You know the reporters would rather speak to you. And, again, the revenue shit and whatnot.” Natalie rolled her eyes in time with Azzi, making them both laugh. 

“Fineee, but you owe me,” Azzi said, taking a few steps back and pointing her finger at Natalie with a smile. “No suicides next practice?” 

Natalie laughed. “No promises, Fudd. Maybe I’ll buy you a Gatorade or something.” 

“Oh, shut up.” Azzi turned around, laughing, and exited the gym. 

This wouldn’t be so bad, she supposed. Well, talking to the media again will be. But seeing Paige again? That won’t be-

“Ah-” Azzi bumped into a solid mass just as she rounded the corner of the hallway, looking up as she stumbled backwards. 

Dude.

“Oh my god, Paige? Sorry I keep doing that. I gotta pay more attention-”

Paige grabbed Azzi’s elbow with surprising strength and settled her other hand on Azzi’s hip, stabilizing her. “It’s all good, don’t worry.” 

Azzi opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out as she felt goosebumps erupt under her practice jersey at Paige's light touch.

'Blue eyes' was all her brain supplied her with. She watched her eyes get bigger and bigger…am I leaning in? Wait-

She wrenched herself free from Paige’s grasp and took a step back, but instantly felt guilty when Paige looked confused. 

“Wait, sorry! Sorry. I just got lost for a second. I don’t know where my mind’s at, sorry.” On you-

Paige chuckled and dropped her arms to her sides. “Nah, no need to apologize. You’re all good. I know my eyes can be…distracting.” She winked before turning around and heading further down the hallway, adding, “You coming?” over her shoulder. 

Azzi’s eyes widened. Is she talking about what happened at the game? 

“9 assists from our distracted shooting guard is still pretty goodddd,” Paige called out without looking back. 

She totally is. Fuck.

Azzi stood in place, blinking a few times, before jogging to catch up with Paige. She watched Paige grab the tiny mic out of her back pocket that Azzi had grown familiar with after having to do media so often, before slowing her pace to allow her gaze to wander shamelessly over the blonde’s lanky frame. 

She was wearing a pair of light, baggy jeans that Azzi vaguely remembered having pink lettering on the front. She had on an oversized grey hoodie, too, which she also recalled having some sort of pink detailing on it. Her gaze moved further down…matching pink shoes, too. She has good style.

Azzi moved to walk alongside her and grabbed the mic out of Paige’s hands, letting their fingertips brush as she did so (she ignored her stomach flipping at the feeling). She registered Paige’s head turn towards her in surprise, eyes wide.

But Azzi only smiled to herself and clipped the mic onto her jersey as they made their way to the media corner. Paige put her hands on her hips as they came to a stop. 

“That’s my job, you know?” She said, pointing at the mic. 

“Oh, is it? I dunno, media girl. I did a pretty good job, myself.” Azzi daintily patted the mic with her right hand, grinning. 

“Actually,” Paige stepped forward, reaching for the mic. “It’s facing the wrong way,” she whispered, unclipping it from her jersey and flipping it. She clipped it around the other side of the strap. “There.” 

Paige patted it herself, now looking into Azzi’s eyes. They were standing quite close, and Azzi could almost feel the heat radiating off of Paige’s face as a small blush appeared on her cheeks.

“So what happened at the game the other day?” Paige started innocently, playfully raising her eyebrows.

Oh my god. Okay, wait, play into it-

Azzi looked away and smiled before snaking her hand on top of Paige’s, pressing her hand further into the mic. “I dunno, maybe you should ask the hot blonde.” 

Paige’s mouth opened at this, and she stepped back, turning away. The lighting in the hallway was not forgiving by any means, though, and Azzi still had a clear view of Paige getting even redder at the comment. Her smile widened.

Paige groaned, bringing her hands up to her face. Her voice was slightly muffled when she spoke. “Ugh, Janelle’s so annoying. Why did she have to do that?” 

“I dunno,” Azzi giggled, stepping towards her again. “I thought it was pretty funny.” 

Paige lowered her hands as she approached her before crossing her arms and pursing her lips. “If the media asks about that today, you’re all on your own. I’m not shutting it down for you.” 

“Paige!” Azzi laughed. “No, come on. You gotta save me if they do that-” 

“Nope. Not doing it.” She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“Come onnn. Please?” Azzi pouted and cupped Paige’s elbows with her palms, stepping even closer. 

Paige’s breath audibly hitched at her touch, though she still refused to open her eyes. Azzi’s face was beginning to hurt from how long she’d been smiling. “Paigeee.” 

She shook her by the arms, giggling again at the sight of Paige’s lips curving into a smile. “Paige, please.” 

But Paige remained silent, still refusing to look at her. Azzi let out half a scoff before coming up with a brilliant idea. She leaned in and whispered sensually into Paige’s ear, “Please, hot blondie?” 

That got Paige to open her eyes. She looked at Azzi, breathing much more quickly than before, as Azzi dragged her hands up along her biceps and onto her shoulders.

Paige sighed rather dramatically before dropping her head, nearly clipping Azzi’s nose with her forehead. “Azzi, I gotta tell you something.”  

No way. Is she gonna say-

Paige kept her head down as she began to speak again. 

Wait, am I even ready for- 

Paige spoke just as Azzi abruptly took her hands off of her.

“The mic’s been recording this whole timeeee.” She lifted her head, eyes crinkling as she laughed. “I’m sending this to Nattttt.” 

Oh-

Azzi rolled her eyes and took a step back. “Bruh. You’re so annoying.” She huffed, turning around and making her way back to the media corner.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” Paige said between laughs, raising her hands up in surrender as she followed her. 

Azzi glared at her approaching figure, crossing her arms with another pout. “What, about the recording thing or the whole ‘I’m not gonna save you from the media’ thing? Cuz neither of 'em were funny.”

“Both, don’t worry, grumpy.” She took a step closer to Azzi, who still wasn’t having it. 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Go get the media, blondie.” Azzi said, pushing her off the platform.

“Alright, chilllll,” Paige called out. She added as she left, over her shoulder, “But that’s hot blondie to you, Fudd.” 

Oh my god.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“…and that’s all the time we have today, thank you.” 

Azzi refused to look at Paige as she ushered the media personnel away, who collected their gear before heading out. 

Paige had not-so-discreetly added two whole extra minutes to her media scrum and kept flashing the timer at Azzi with a smirk when she was mid-answer. 

“Lemme get the mic-” Paige leaned in, but Azzi turned away.

“No, I got it.” She fiddled with the clip for a solid thirty seconds, resolutely ignoring Paige’s stare, before finally managing to get it off. 

“What was that?” Paige laughed, holding out her hand.

“I’m still mad at you, Paige.” She huffed, handing Paige the mic. She tried to ignore the sensation of her stomach flipping as Paige’s fingers brushed against her own, but wasn’t too successful. 

Paige chuckled as she stuffed the mic into her back pocket. “Come on. You gotta admit, it was funny.” 

“Um, no, it wasn’t. You know I hate doing media!” Azzi said, pouting again. 

“Wow, you really are such a princess.” 

“Ugh. I’m leaving.” She turned away and started walking down the hallway. 

“Okay, okay, wait-” Paige caught up to her and grabbed her arm, halting her movements. “I’m kidding. Well, no, not about the princess thing. You really are a princess. Or, like- not an actual princess. Just cuz you’re called the people’s princess. I’m not saying you need saving, or anything like that-”

“Paige,” There’s the switch-up again. “No, hey, you can call me princess, that’s fine. I…like it.” 

Paige blushed again. “Oh, okay. Yeah, I’ll call you that, then, uh- princess.” 

Aw. Azzi smiled at her, feeling something she didn’t want to name quite yet.

As much as she’d have liked to entertain the conversation further, Azzi was beyond ready to have her full rest day after the grueling practices the team had been through during training camp, and especially after the physical game they’d had the night before. She wanted to go home and sleep. It also meant that she wouldn’t see Paige, though, tomorrow. 

“I’m gonna do recovery before I head out. I’ll see you…next practice?”

Paige nodded fervently, her gaze flicking between Azzi’s eyes before saying, “Did you want to- um, actually, nevermind. Yep, I’ll see you, uh, then, princess.” 

Azzi narrowed her eyes at her for a moment before looking away, turning to go back to the locker room. Okay, that was good, right? We talked a lot more, and like, we kinda flirted, too-

“Azzi!” Paige called out. She turned to see Paige’s figure jogging towards her. 

“Yeah?” 

“I, um-” She scratched the back of her neck rather awkwardly, reminding Azzi of their recent encounter in the elevator. The action lifted the hem of her hoodie, revealing part of the flat plane of her stomach, which was…rather toned. Not that Azzi was looking. She snapped her gaze back up as Paige found her words, “Do you maybe wanna- are you busy tomorrow?” 

Azzi paused, searching Paige’s eyes as her pulse kicked up. Wait, is she…gonna ask me out? 

“Cuz, like, if you aren’t…busy, I mean. If you aren’t busy. I’ve had this LEGO set for ages. I, um, if you like LEGOs, we could maybe, uh, build it together? If you want? Tomorrow?” 

Azzi felt her smile widen as Paige went on. Oh, I guess it’s not explicitly a date? But aw, she’s so nervous. She tilted her head, pretending to consider it, before answering, “Yeah, I’d love to. Your place?” 

“Uh, yeah, my place. Cool cool cool.” She said, smiling sheepishly as she tucked a blonde strand of hair behind her ear. “How’s 3pm?” 

Azzi nodded as she pulled her phone out of her back pocket. “Sounds good. Do you need-”

“I already have your number,” Paige blurted, pausing when Azzi’s eyebrows knit together. “Cuz you’re on the team! It’s just cuz you’re on the team, I swear. I have all the Valks’ phone numbers. Uh, I’ll text you tomorrow?” 

“Oh, okay, yeah. Sounds good!” She flashed another smile at Paige before turning away, calling over her shoulder, “Alright, I’m gonna hit the recovery room now, for real.” 

“Recover, um, well! See you tomorrow, Az.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, cheeks throbbing, “See you, blondie.” 

She barely made it into the locker room before she hastily pulled her phone out again. 

Miss Nonchalant: 

so

Gabs 🥂:

what

Miss Nonchalant: 

sooo

Gabs 🥂:

what??

Miss Nonchalant: 

sooooooooo

Gabs 🥂:

r u gonna keep edging me or tell me what’s up? 🤨

Miss Nonchalant: 

so

Gabs 🥂:

azzi.

Miss Nonchalant: 

Paige asked me to come over tomorrow

Gabs 🥂:

OMG FIRST DATE AHHHHHH

Miss Nonchalant: 

nono not a date!

just building legos at her place

Gabs 🥂:

awwwwww

that’s so romantic

do you know what that sounds like…?

a date 🥰

Miss Nonchalant: 

Gabby please 

i’m nervous

Gabs 🥂:

yeah cuz u like her

Miss Nonchalant: 

no 

well maybe

idk

Gabs 🥂:

you’re in denial bruh

also why didn’t u send this in the gc?

Miss Nonchalant: 

cuz i hate the name of it

Gabs 🥂:

too bad im sending them a sc

Miss Nonchalant: 

bro

Gabs 🥂:

text me abt it after

like fr

u secretive lil weirdo

Miss Nonchalant: 

thanks Gabs that makes me want to share more things with you ☺️

(this is a lie)

Gabs 🥂:

im gonna need details too

ooooh ur def gonna kiss

Miss Nonchalant: 

… 

Gabs 🥂:

Azzi and Paigeeee

Miss Nonchalant: 

do u want me to block u

Gabs 🥂:

🙄

that’s u

😅

and that’s Paige

😘😘

and that’s the two of you

💋💋💋💋💋

kissing

Miss Nonchalant: 

ur so stupid

i’m not gonna tell u shit

Gabs 🥂:

😘😘

Miss Nonchalant blocked Gabs 🥂

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Azzi was lying awake on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to finally fall asleep, but her alarm rang out from her nightstand. 

“Ugh.” 

She reached over to turn it off, but ended up knocking her phone to the ground instead, the alarm still blaring. 

“UGH.” 

She groaned, sitting up and reaching around the bed frame to grab it. She finally turned the alarm off and looked at the time. 

She'd somehow spent her entire ‘nap’ just thinking. Thoughts. Thoughts that definitely didn’t include a certain blonde. 

She stood up and stretched before turning towards her bed and smoothing the wrinkled sheets she’d been lying on. She made her way into the living room, closing the bedroom door behind her with a click. 

Azzi didn’t know if she was ready to move on from her ex, and that was clearly the biggest thing holding her back from fully committing to this new thing with Paige. She revisited what she’d gone over in her head during her 'nap' about what she did know about this whole situation.

I was in a four-year relationship. 

It kinda blew up.

We took a break. 

But got back together.

Then it blew up for real.

New beginnings, though. I’m in Cali now. 

So try new things. Talk to Paige.

But what if the same thing happens again?

I can’t think like that- I can’t base all of my decisions off of ‘what if’. 

She rubbed her eyes, socked feet padding her footsteps as she steered herself into the kitchen instead. She opened one of her cabinets and pulled out a small glass. 

But Mia-

No. Don’t think about her.

Think about Paige. 

She grabbed her Brita and poured herself a glass of water, drinking nearly the whole thing before even entering the living room. 

Paige is pretty.

I know Gabby said she was into me. I can see it too. It’s cute when she gets all nervous- 

But why am I nervous? Do I actually like her?

She slid a coaster onto the coffee table before setting her glass down, planting her hands on her hips and surveying the room. Specifically, all of the untouched boxes lined up against the walls. 

How much time do I have?

She glanced at her phone again.

Thirty minutes, okay. 

She'd been meaning to unpack all of her belongings over the last couple of days in her new apartment, but she’d just been so busy with the team. She was honestly glad of how packed her schedule had been, as of late, since it didn’t really allow her to dwell on her thoughts for too long.

Enter team rest day, though. 

She pocketed her phone and made her way over to the box directly under her TV. The seal was already broken since she had unpacked half of it the previous night, so she tugged the folds open and started rummaging through it. 

She removed the small lamp that was tucked into one corner first and set it down on the floor. Then she took out a few board games that were stacked on top of one another in the other corner.

Her breath caught when she saw what was under them.

It was a framed picture. Of her and Mia. It was from when they’d spent a long day at a beach in Europe, when Mia had taken a selfie of the two of them watching the sunset. She was smiling brightly at the camera. Azzi was kissing her cheek. 

She felt her hand tighten around the Monopoly box she was still holding, nails starting to dig into the cardboard. 

Azzi had no recollection of packing it. She'd adamantly told her friend Caroline, who had been helping her pack in New York, that she wanted nothing to do with that life anymore, and that she was definitely getting rid of it. She doesn’t remember throwing it away, either, but she knew for a fact that she didn’t pack it herself. 

Ugh, was it Carol? 

It had to be. Caroline didn’t know the full story of what had happened, either, and she'd always been rather fond of Mia. Azzi knew the lame excuse she’d given her on why they'd broken up hadn’t sat well with her, so she must’ve packed the frame as a keepsake for Azzi, thinking she’d want to reminisce on the relationship. 

It is a nice frame, though. Azzi thought, lowering the board game onto the floor. She reached for the frame and turned it over in her hands, shielding herself from the picture. She delicately pried back the metal wires that held the backing in place and peeled it off, setting it on top of the Monopoly box. 

She closed her eyes for a moment, grimacing, after catching a glimpse of the back of the photograph. She had completely forgotten about it, in all honesty. On the back was a sketch of Mia drinking a martini; the first picture Azzi had taken of her, on the same vacation. The one she had later sketched during her solo flight back. 

She swallowed, nails beginning to dig into the wooden frame, and resolutely tore her gaze away from it, standing up.

She set the frame down on her island countertop and pulled the photograph out of it, making her way deeper into the kitchen and pulling open the drawer that contained her trashcan. She held the photo above it, her hand shaking.

“Fuck you.” She whispered before crumpling it up and throwing it away. She slammed the drawer shut and returned to the living room, breathing unevenly. 

Well, that was settled. 

She nestled the board games into her coffee table’s inner compartment and set the lamp down on a side table before plugging it in. She went through the rest of the box rather easily, as it mostly contained other, tamer pieces of her living room. 

She returned to the box when she had finished and folded it into a flat sheet. She walked over to her door and rested it on the wall adjacent to it, against all the other ones she had left there over the course of the week. 

I should recycle these tonight. 

She checked the time again and saw that she only had fifteen minutes left until her definitely-not-a-date with Paige, her heart rate picking up in her chest again, this time for an entirely different reason.

She went back into the living room to grab her glass of water, finishing it in one gulp before returning to the kitchen to rinse the cup, setting it on the drying rack. 

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Step 2: Get to know her better

After Azzi had changed into a more presentable outfit than the old UConn t-shirt and shorts she'd worn to bed (taking a considerably long time to decide what to wear), and maybe after she put on some light makeup too, she finally started making her way over to Paige’s apartment.

She was holding the bottle of champagne she had bought for the occasion in one hand, and her phone and keys in the other. She locked her door behind her and walked over to the elevator, clicking the ‘down’ button before standing back and pocketing her keys, already lost in thought again.

Don’t be nervous. It’s literally not a date.

The doors opened with a squeak and Azzi stepped inside, grateful that nobody was in it. She peered up to see that yet another lightbulb seemed to have burned out in the already-dingy elevator. The sight reminded her of her run-in with Paige the other night, in the same elevator. 

She was in a tank that night. She looked…hot. Should I have kissed her on the bench? Nah, what am I saying-

She clicked the ‘5’ button and leaned back against the railing. 

I was wearing fucking Care Bear pajamas. She snorted. 

The elevator quickly arrived on the fifth floor and the doors squeaked open again. She clumsily bumped the bottle of champagne against the doors as she stepped out and cursed under her breath, rubbing the bottom of the glass to make sure it hadn’t cracked as she continued walking. 

508

She kept going.

510

512

She paused in the doorway, gaze catching on the welcome mat.

“Welcome in…I guess?” Azzi read under her breath, smiling. “That’s so Paige.” 

She swallowed and raised her fist, knocking twice. 

Not a date. Don’t be nervous.

Azzi felt her phone buzz in her hand right after the second knock, and Paige’s door swung open almost immediately afterward. Paige was holding her phone, herself, and looked a little confused.

“Um, hey?” She said, staring rather blankly at Azzi. 

Azzi internally panicked, her eyes widening. 

Am I early!? 

She felt her heart race as she scrambled for an excuse. Despite her sudden distress, though, she took in the sight in front of her.

Paige was dressed very casually, wearing a pair of black sweats and a hoodie. The black backwards cap she had on was the cherry on top. It had some rhinestones on it that caught the scarce light of the dimly lit hallway. Her hair was up in a low bun again, this time with golden flyaways messily escaping from under the sides of the cap. She was wearing a tennis necklace too, its jewels complementing her cap.

Paige cleared her throat, making Azzi painfully aware of how long she'd been staring.

“Well, you can come in, hi.” She spoke again, stepping to the side and holding the door open for Azzi. 

Azzi shot her a sheepish look and stepped inside, heart racing.

Bro. Calm down. It’s NOT a date.

She turned away to place the bottle of champagne and her phone on the ground while she took her shoes off and then put them in an empty spot on the little rack near the door, occupying herselft. 

Paige cleared her throat again behind her and Azzi froze in place. She spoke again as Azzi grabbed a hold of the bottle and her phone again, preparing herself to straighten up.

“Um. How d’you know where I live? I, like, just texted you my address.” 

OH. 

Azzi spun on her heels, curls whipping around. “Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t even say hi- um, hey. I thought I was really early or something, I just got so anxious…” Her sentence faded away as she fumbled with her phone, shoving it into her pocket, and brought her hand up to cover her face. 

Paige offered her a small smile, “Oh, nah, don’t worry, you’re not early. It’s just- I know you live here, too, cuz of team housing ‘n all that. But how’d you know which floor I was on? And…number?”

“Um-” She swallowed, her heartbeat pounding in her throat. There wasn’t a need to lie about this. It wasn’t that incriminating.  “Gabby told me the other night when I was over at hers.”

“My apartment number came up in casual conversation?” Paige teased, raising her eyebrows. 

Azzi started absentmindedly rubbing the cork of the champagne bottle with her thumb as her gaze dropped to the collar of Paige’s hoodie where a sliver of white was visible under the black hoodie. It was presumably her shirt. “No…well, kinda? I dunno. We were talking about you and I asked where you live, cuz Gabby pointed at the ground.” 

“You guys were talking about me? What were you saying?” Paige crossed her arms and widened her stance, clearly amused. 

“Nothing! Nothing at all. Nothing.” She hastily stepped forward and shoved the bottle into Paige’s hands, looking back up at her. “This is for you. Champagne.” She pointed rather uselessly at the bottle once Paige had grabbed it. 

“Mm, I can see that. Thanks, Azzi. This is sweet.” She stood there for a moment longer before walking into her kitchen, setting the bottle down and starting to rummage through a drawer, clearly searching for a corkscrew. “We can have some while we build the LEGO set.”

Azzi felt herself relax, shoulders dropping a bit. Okay, calm down. She’s not gonna grill me on it, I guess. Thank god. She stepped further into Paige’s apartment and leaned over the island, crossing her arms over the cool surface. “Right, yeah. How many pieces is it?”

Paige found the corkscrew and brought both it and the bottle over to the island to stand across from Azzi. “750, I think? Something like that. But seriously, what were y’all saying about me? Were you talkin’ crap?” 

Ugh. “Okay, what the hell?” Azzi laughed awkwardly, sounding completely unlike herself, which had to be apparent considering the look Paige was currently giving her. She combed her fingers through her hair, resting her elbows on the marble countertop. “What happened to you being all nervous around me? Why’re you making me nervous instead-”

Paige paused her efforts to remove the cork, diverting her full attention to Azzi, smirking. “Oh, I make you nervous, huh?” 

Azzi scoffed at her slipup, feeling a familiar heat creep up her neck as her fingers stilled in her scalp. “Nevermind that. What’s up with you?” 

“Nothing.” Paige lied, returning her attention to the bottle and finally unscrewing the cork with a pop, feeling Azzi’s suspicious gaze burn a hole through her head. 

“I’ll grab some glasses for the two of us. We can build it on the coffee table. Make yourself at home.” She looked up again and gestured towards the space.

Azzi studied her surprisingly pale face for another moment before relenting and heading into the living room. Right. LEGOs. That’s why I’m here.

It wasn’t as furnished as Azzi imagined it’d be, considering Paige had likely been there for two years. But then again, Paige was just out of college, so fair enough. 

It had a light grey couch that spanned across two walls, converging into a single corner, with a wooden coffee table in front of it that sat on top of a small white and grey rug. A TV was mounted on the other side of the room, with a small white stand beneath it, a few board games sticking out of its many compartments, and a few packs of cards sitting on the top surface. The walls were a mute grey, one containing a large rustic painting. It all looked quite modern.

She sat down at the center of one side of the couch, sitting rather stiffly. She rubbed her palms over her thighs before interlocking them in her lap. She was still really nervous.

She watched Paige walk over and hold out a champagne flute to her before rummaging through the space under the coffee table and grabbing two coasters. She set them both down before taking a sip from her glass and placing it down, retreating to what was presumably her bedroom. 

Azzi let her gaze sweep across her figure again. She looked good. She was also in completely different attire than Azzi, who had thought the now-obviously casual activity of building LEGOs would require her to wear something more formal, like the jeans and ribbed tank she was currently wearing. Her thumbs brushed the surface of her jeans as Paige walked back in carrying the LEGO set. 

“Yeah, 749 pieces. Whatever, close enough.” She threw it onto the coffee table, narrowly avoiding Azzi’s glass. “Ope- sorry.” 

“Oh, flowers?” Azzi reached for the box herself, taking in the vibrant packaging. It was a LEGO Botanicals set of a flower bouquet. It’s pretty. But also…romantic?

Paige seemed to read her mind, quickly saying, “I swear it was just one that I had lying around. I don’t wanna, um-” She gestured incoherently and flashed her an embarrassed smile before sitting on the floor in front of her. 

Azzi lowered the box to peer down at her, smiling. “Oh, so you’re not entirely Ms. Confident PR Manager now? Good to know.” 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. D’you wanna start it?” She reached for her glass on the coffee table and took a sip, adjusting her cap with her other hand. 

“Yeah, sure. Lemme-” Azzi moved to sit on the floor across from Paige, placing the box in the small space between them. 

Paige started tearing it open, flinging out the individually wrapped sections, “You like LEGOs?” 

“I loved them when I was little.” Azzi watched her start flipping through the instructions. “I’ve only made one or two of them since, like, high school, though.” 

Paige handed her the open booklet as she continued trying to open one of the packages. “Mm, yeah me too. Actually, no, I’m kidding. I have like ten sets in my closet. I love LEGOs.” 

Azzi laughed, opening up the booklet. “Oh yeah? Which ones do you like? You’re also opening the wrong one, by the way. You’re supposed to start with packet one, idiot.” 

“Oh.” Paige looked up at her, smiling too, dropping it and reaching for the correct one. “My bad, princess.” 

Azzi felt her heart flutter at the nickname. She dropped her head to hide her smile, trying to refocus on the instructions. 

“I thought you wanted me to call you that.” 

She looked up, brows knitting together. “What, princess? Yeah, I like it when you call me that.” 

“So you’re blushing cuz you like it. Got it.” Paige tore the packet open with her teeth (which definitely wasn’t extremely sexy) and eyed the packet in Azzi’s hands before handing her the correct pieces. 

“Oh my god. Literally shut up.” She halfheartedly swatted at Paige’s hand before taking the pieces anyway, setting the instructions down on the table and feeling her cheeks heat even more. 

Fuck. I haven’t felt like this since Mia-

“It’s cute, don’t worry.” 

She narrowed her eyes at her, heart racing. Paige was smirking. Of course she was.

“Alright, I’ll shut up about it. Don’t kill me.” She raised her hands in surrender, beginning to sort the pieces on the coffee table. “Do you like to sort ‘em by color, first?” 

Azzi laughed under her breath, “Yeah, I think so? I really haven’t done this in ages, though. What do you like to do? You’re the LEGO aficionado.” She moved her champagne flute and coaster to set the packet down in its place, sitting up on her knees to help Paige sort the pieces.

She felt Paige look over at her. “I’m not like- come on, I’m not a nerd like that-”

“What?” Azzi laughed, “I’m not calling you a nerd. This is a common hobby, isn’t it?” 

“Well- yeah, exactly-” 

“Why are you nervous, Paige?” She looked over to see Paige reddening under her gaze, holding two pieces in her hands. 

“I’m not! You’re the nervous one. Not me. You literally said so in the doorway.” 

“I said I was anxious, thank you very much.” Azzi felt her heart rate pick up again anyway. 

Paige rolled her eyes before setting the pieces down in their respective piles. “Okay, but you were totally flustered.” 

“As if you weren’t just now?” Azzi raised an eyebrow at her, holding the now-assembled petal in one hand. 

Paige shook her head and returned to sorting the pieces, smiling. Azzi saw that the apples of Paige’s cheeks really popped out when she was trying to hide her smile. It was adorable. That, coupled with her flushed face? Ugh. She’s cute. 

“Have you hung out with the team a lot?” Paige’s voice cut through her thoughts as reached in front of Azzi to flip the page, analyzing it for a moment before handing her the right pieces. 

“Yes! It’s been so much fun.” She clicked the pieces together and sat back on her heels, watching Paige. “Gabby and I went thrifting the other day and we found a lotta good stuff.” 

“Mm, like what you’re wearing now? It looks good on you.” Paige said casually, continuing to sort pieces before looking over when Azzi didn’t respond. “What? It does.” 

Azzi bit her cheek and tried to ignore how her stomach lurched at the comment. “Thanks.” She murmured, accepting the new pieces she handed her. “But no, this isn’t thrifted. I think I bought it all in New York.”  

“So why’re you wearing all that right now?” 

“Um, what?” What the fuck? Is that an innuendo or something?

“Like,” Paige laughed, handing her some more pieces. “It looks uncomfy, that’s all.” 

“Oh,” Stupid. “Yeah, it kinda is.” She absentmindedly rubbed her thighs again with her free hand. 

Paige stood abruptly, “D’you want some sweats? I can bring you a pair. Here-” She headed back into her room before Azzi could respond.

Ugh. She’s considerate too. 

Paige returned with a pair of black sweats slung over her shoulder, wearing a big grin on her face. She awkwardly bowed in front of Azzi, ducking her head as she handed her the sweats and spoke in a royal tone, “Jordan brand for the Jordan athlete.” 

Azzi couldn’t hide her smile this time as she playfully rolled her eyes. “You’re stupid, you know that? Thanks.” 

Paige only smiled harder at this, stupid grin growing, sitting back down and pointing towards the hallway, “Bathroom’s the first door on the left.” 

Azzi threw the finished flower into Paige’s lap before making her way into the bathroom. She clicked the door shut behind her and looked into the mirror at her reflection. She pinched the pair of sweats against her side with her elbow and smoothened her curls with both hands. 

Hair’s still good. Makeup’s still good. She brushed a fallen eyelash off of her cheek.

She moved the sweats a bit higher to start taking her jeans off before pausing. She inhaled. 

The sweats smell like Paige. 

She must’ve subconsciously assigned a certain smell to Paige at some point, because she didn’t remember ever thinking about it, even on the night they spent on the hill. It was a flowery but also woody scent, with some hints of spice. It smelled…comforting. 

She realized she’d probably been in the bathroom for a suspicious amount of time, and quickly shed her jeans, swapping them for the pair of sweats before checking herself out in the mirror one last time and returning to the living room. 

“How do I look?” Azzi had no idea what came over her, but she gave Paige a little twirl in the living room, showing off the sweats as her jeans dangled in her hand. She stopped to face Paige, tilting her head. “Good?”

Paige smiled up at her, twirling the flower Azzi had built, now complete with its stem, between her fingers. “Beautiful.” 

Azzi stood in place, breath catching. She was honestly surprised at how forward Paige was being, but was brought back into the moment when Paige spoke again.

“Come on, princess, the flowers aren’t gonna make themselves.” 

UGH.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“Yeah, well, the east coast has Publix.”

“You are not gonna sit here and tell me Publix is any good. Also, what? There aren’t any in the Northeast, right?” 

“Okay, maybe…”

“Exactly. Cali’s better.” 

They had built about half of the set now, bickering about random things as they continued their simple arrangement of Paige sorting pieces and handing the correct ones to Azzi, who put them together. A handful of flowers were now finished and sitting on the far end of the coffee table. 

“But it’s like a cultural thing, too, y’know? There’s so much diversity in New York.” Azzi snapped a piece onto the petal. 

Paige raised an eyebrow at her. She had her legs spread out in front of her and was resting her weight behind her on her palms, head turned towards Azzi. “You don’t think there’s diversity in Cali?” 

“Well, there is, but like not as much.”

“I dunno about that, Az.”

Azzi tried to hide her smile again, bringing the completed flower closer to her face. That was a new thing, too. Paige had started calling her ‘Az’ after they’d completed the fourth flower or so. Normally, she didn’t like when new people called her that, especially if she didn’t know them very well, but…she found that Paige was an exception. 

“Whatever, P.” 

That was new, too. The nickname had accidentally tumbled out of her mouth when Paige had first called her ‘Az’, but after realizing Paige would smile every time she said it, it had stuck. 

She felt all warm and fuzzy inside at how comfortable they already seemed with one another. She felt at home with Paige, somehow, after only seeing her at work a few times and spending a few hours in her apartment…a mere week after upending her life in New York and moving across the country. The thought terrified Azzi, but it was also exhilarating. Paige was far more layered than what her first impression of her being a bumbling idiot had suggested. 

“Why’d you pick Jordan brand?” Paige asked, handing her more pieces.

“For what?” 

“Like, to be a Jordan athlete, I mean.” 

“Oh, they gave me a really good sales pitch, to be honest, and I really liked the group they’d already signed within the W.” 

“Mm, yeah, like Phee ‘n them?”

“Yeah and Gabby too,” she clicked her tongue as she finished building the flower. “Who, mind you, already told me you’re obsessed with Jordan brand. I mean, you’re literally wearing a whole set and gave me some Jordan sweats too-” 

“When’d Gabby tell you that?” Paige interrupted her, resting her weight on her palms again, tilting her head.

“Back when we got wine-drunk at her place.” Azzi laughed, setting the completed flower down by the others. 

She mirrored Paige’s pose, kicking her legs out as they both took a break. 

“Oh, the night you were talking ‘bout me?” Paige waggled her eyebrows. 

Azzi smiled at her. “Yes, that night. We were talking so much crap, you don’t even know.” 

Paige smiled back before breaking their eye contact, hand coming over to fidget with the corner of the rug between them. 

“You weren’t really, were you?” 

Azzi almost didn’t catch her words. She couldn’t tell if Paige had actually wanted her to hear them or not, the way they’d come out so quietly.

She let out a laugh, “What, talkin’ crap?” 

Paige didn’t offer a response, only nodding as she continued fiddling with the edge of the rug. 

“Hey,” Azzi frowned, tentatively reaching for her hand, stilling her movements. Her hand was surprisingly cold as she squeezed it once and ignored the warmth she felt inside at just feeling her. “I’m kidding, I swear.” 

“Like for real?” Paige murmured.

“Paige.” Azzi impulsively turned her hand over and intertwined their fingers, Paige’s breath hitching. “We weren’t actually talking crap.” 

Paige was quiet for a moment, simply staring at their hands. Azzi soothingly rubbed her thumb along the back of her hand before squeezing it again in silent reassurance.

She spoke up, “Why won’t you say what y’all were talking about, though?” She turned to find Azzi already looking at her.

“Um-” I can’t say- this is so embarrassing. It was Azzi’s turn to look at their intertwined hands, thumb resuming its strokes. “It was just random stuff, I swear. You came up cuz she was asking about my press conference.” 

“Ugh. Please don’t tell me you guys were talking about all the shit I did- Az, I was so nervous, you don’t even know.”

“You were nervous?” Azzi laughed incredulously, “That was a larger crowd than all the finals press conferences I’ve been to. I was dying.” 

“Really?”

“Yeah, seriously. I knew the trade was, like, big. But I didn’t know it was this big of a deal.” 

Paige shook her head with a laugh, “You didn’t think you, Ms. Has-all-the-accolades-you-can-dream-of-getting, were gonna garner a lot of attention with the big move?”

Azzi rolled her eyes and tossed Paige’s hand into her lap, “Oh my god, I’m not all that, dude,” though she was still smiling too. 

“Don’t say that, you literally are.” Paige leaned back on both of her hands again, “You were like the most successful Liberty player, weren’t you?” 

“I dunno, something like that.” 

“You’re such a liar. You totally do know.”

“Okay, maybe, but like- I really wanna put that Liberty life behind me, y’know?” Azzi drew her knees into her chest, staring into Paige’s blue orbs of eyes. 

“D’you think you’ll stay with the Valks longterm?” 

Azzi looked away and turned a page of the booklet, grabbing some pieces to occupy her hands. “Maybe? I don’t really know. I’ve only gotten a taste of what it’s like to be here.”

“Mm.” Paige accepted the pieces she handed her, sitting up, too.

“What about you?” Azzi nodded her head towards her. 

“What, do I like being the PR Manager for the Valks?”

“Mhm. And Gabby said something about you wanting to be a Director of PR someday?” 

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve always been interested in business, and I really liked comms so PR stuff made sense to me.” She tried fitting some of the pieces together, though it was a feeble attempt without the instructions, avoiding Azzi’s gaze. “And a director, yeah. I mean, that’s the goal, y’know? Someday.” 

“Mm, I’m sure you’ll get there.”

“Thanks, Az.” 

Azzi smiled, turning her head again. “Do the Valks even have that position?”

Paige dropped one of the pieces she was holding on accident, and picked it up before responding, “I think theirs is like a Director of Comms or something. Oh, how was your tour? You had one, right?”

“Did I have a tour?” Azzi asked, now raising her eyebrows, still smiling. “Yes, ma’am, I had a tour.” 

“You know what I meannn.” Paige pouted, finally looking over. “Do you like it?”

“I’m just playing. Yeah, I really like it so far. The facility’s massive, has great amenities, and all that.” 

“And your new teammates?” 

“Oh, it’s amazing to finally be teammates with Gabby again, too, and everyone’s been so welcoming and so sweet, including the fans. And…especially you.” She added quietly, turning away again.

Paige paused her silly attempt at putting the flower together, and Azzi saw a smirk overtaking her features in her periphery. 

She’s about to say the most stupid thing ever, isn’t she-

“Well, y’know, that’s what the hot blondes are for.” 

“Oh my god.” Azzi rolled her eyes again, chucking a random piece at her. “Just build the flower, blondie.” 

“Hot blondie, thank you very much.” 

“You’re so-”

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Step 3: Get closer (literally + physically)

“They’re so pretty!” 

They had finished the flowers in what seemed like no time, since their conversation had kept flowing, and Paige was currently holding the bouquet in one hand while trying to find a container to put them in with her other. 

“I know, right? Should I put them in a glass or something?” They’d migrated to the kitchen, bringing their somewhat-forgotten champagne flutes with them. 

“Yeah, sure. Do you have a really tall one, so they don’t fall?” 

“I think so?” Paige rummaged through her kitchen cabinets for a bit longer before finding the glasses she was looking for. “Oh, here.” 

She dropped the stems into the glass, handing it out to Azzi with a smile. 

Azzi accepted them and started looking around the apartment. “Where should we put them?” She walked into the living room again. “Coffee table?” 

“Why not.” Paige followed her in, appearing at her side. 

Azzi couldn’t believe how relaxing the whole thing had been. Sure, Paige was really annoying and liked to push her buttons, but they’d had some great conversations and honestly just had a lot of fun together. She was sure she’d never forget this little…hangout. Her first real attempt at making a friend here, besides her new teammates. 

Azzi had tried pretty hard to clear the thought of ‘I think I might like her’ from her mind, and had been successful for the most part, but consciously allowed it to resurface now as she watched Paige clear the coasters off the table. 

It felt so domestic, the way they had made this little piece together that would be showcased in Paige’s living room. The way she was wearing Paige’s sweats, dressed as comfortable as she now felt around her. She felt so at peace. 

She wanted to commit the moment to memory. I wanna take a picture-

“Paige, c’mere.” She pulled out her phone, gesturing for her to bring the flowers too. 

“Wassup?” Paige said, walking over with the glass. 

Azzi opened her camera app and flipped it, lifting her arm up high. Paige got the message and shuffled in beside Azzi, bringing the flowers between them. 

“You wanna hold ‘em too?” Azzi smiled to herself, watching Paige look at her in the camera and grab the other side of the glass, fingers brushing hers. 

“Smileee,” She said through her teeth, watching Paige scramble to pose for the picture, breathing out a laugh as she finally decided on throwing up a peace sign with her empty hand. Her head tipped towards Azzi’s as she leaned in, who had her now-classic ‘Paige smile’ on her face.

“Thanks.” Azzi lowered her phone as Paige went to set the flowers down. 

“Yeah, ‘course. You’re right, they’re so pretty.” 

Azzi nodded, attention diverted to her phone, at the photo. This is so cute. She didn’t catch Paige watching her as she made her way back to the kitchen. 

Quite uncharacteristically, she opened Instagram and added the picture to her close friend's story, almost adding a caption before deciding against it and posting it. 

She looked up to see Paige watching her, sipping the now-flat champagne. 

“Question.” 

“Hmm?” Azzi hummed, pocketing her phone. She honestly wasn’t ready for the night to end, although they had spent considerable time together that evening. She felt greedy for having the thought, but she simply wanted more of Paige-

“Wanna go get dinner?” 

Oh! 

“Oh, I, um-” She wants to take me out? Would that be an actual date? 

Paige blanched at Azzi’s hesitation, immediately backpedaling, “No, I just- nevermind. I thought you’d be hungry or something, too, cuz we’ve been at it for so long, but I know it’s getting late- my fault-”

“No, no, Paige-” 

“It’s fine, I’m sorry. I don’t wanna, um, rush anything-”

“Paige,” Azzi stepped closer, grabbing Paige’s hand as she gazed into her noticeably blown pupils. “I’d…love to. Let’s go eat.” 

“Yeah, yeah, let’s go. Yeah-” Paige searched her eyes for a moment before taking a step back and walking over to the front door, slipping on her shoes. Or attempting to, at least.

Azzi shook her head at the sight, smiling warmly as she watched her fumble with her shoes numerous times before finally getting them on. God, she’s such an idiot. 

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“They have the best tacos, I swear. D’you like tacos? What d’you normally get?” 

“I do like them, but I don’t really like cilantro, so I don’t typically order them at new places. I usually stick with enchiladas.” Azzi flipped a page of her menu. 

They were sitting in a booth at the local Mexican restaurant Paige had suggested, after Azzi had taken way too long to decide, tucked into a quiet corner. 

“I can’t believe they’re open so late.” Azzi said, examining the entrées. 

“I know, right? This is my go-to spot for a late dinner.” Paige was sitting back on her side of the booth, relaxed, hands playing with the sleeves of her hoodie, resting on the table. 

“Do you come here often?” 

“Hmm, do I come here often, like the hill?” 

Azzi could feel the smirk on Paige’s face, and she refused to dignify it with even a glance. It didn’t help that she had no idea what to say, either, torn about whether to mention the whole bench thing or not. 

What are you supposed to say to your crush-not-a-crush about that? That I was fucking swooning over her being so soft with me in the middle of the night, on a random bench, overlooking the new-ass city I upended my whole life to move to? 

It seemed as though Paige took her silence for more than just uncertainty, unfortunately. “I didn’t- it wasn’t, like, awkward or anything for you, was it? That night? I didn’t mean to-” 

Azzi looked up, setting her menu down. She watched Paige start to nervously tug at her collar. “Paige, no. It wasn’t awkward.” 

“Oh, thank god. I thought- um-” 

“No, seriously.” Azzi said firmly. “I…really enjoyed it. It helped me relax. I slept really well that night.” 

Well, that last bit was complete bullshit. It had taken her an ungodly amount of time to actually fall asleep after getting home, and she had been questioning her reasoning for voluntarily spending time with Paige, who just seemed to make her thoughts run wild. Not to mention the dreams she’d been having-

She took a sip of water before continuing, this time being more truthful, “I…feel really comfortable around you already. I dunno why. Like, I take a while to warm up to people, typically, but with you, I just…” 

Her voice trailed off as she searched Paige’s eyes, who was wearing an unreadable expression, her hands returning to the table.

“Feel safe.” 

Paige immediately smiled at this, eyes squinting into little crescents (Cute.), “Aw, me too, princess. You really take a while to get close with people? Actually, I kinda get that cuz of how you were during all the media availabilities- ow!” She yanked her hand away from the table after Azzi had slapped it, rubbing it exaggeratedly, though she was still smiling. “Rude. I was basically complimenting you-”

“Complimenting me by saying I was being awkward during media?” Azzi deadpanned.

“No! I was complimenting your- uh…” She paused, clearly catching on that she hadn’t actually said anything of the sort. 

Azzi giggled at her mouth hanging open, egging her on by tilting her head and saying, “Uh huh?” 

“You’re really pretty, Az-” Paige blurted, closing her mouth in horror after the words had escaped. Her eyes widened, and she looked down at the table before snatching her glass and taking a sip of water, seemingly to occupy herself. 

Azzi let out a laugh, warmth spreading inside of her, as she watched Paige spill some over the edge when dropping it a little too hard onto the table. 

“Thanks, P.” She looked into Paige’s eyes, watching the blue of her irises shrink in real time, before letting her gaze wander to her pink cheeks that were popping from the way she was trying to bite back her smile, up to the messy strands of hair peeking out from her cap, down to her luscious lips…

“Hey, y’all. What can I get you two tonight? Any drinks?” Their waiter walked up to their table, interrupting her thoughts, 

Oh, shit- wait, what am I getting?

She began hastily flipping through the menu, eyes darting over the items. She heard Paige chuckle across from her, and chanced a glance at her. 

She was simply watching Azzi panic, still sitting back, as she said, “I’m alright. Could I get two of your house tacos, please?” 

“Yes, of course. Did you want to add pico de gallo to that?” He pulled out a pad of paper, jotting it down. 

“Sure, thanks.” Paige said, eyes still locked on Azzi. She raised her eyebrows, shooting her a ‘want me to order for you?’ look that Azzi graciously nodded at, who closed her menu with a snap. 

“She’ll have the chicken enchiladas. And let’s do rice and beans on the side.” 

“Alright…” he jotted that down too before looking up and glancing between the two of them. “Would that be all for you guys?” 

“Yes.” Paige said, finally looking over at him. “That’s all, thank you.” 

“Of course. It should be ready in around 10.” He smiled at them and grabbed the menus before heading back towards the kitchen. 

Azzi watched him leave as her mind started to wander again. 

That was…hot. The way she just took over for me. Why haven’t I let my girlfriends do that for me? Oh, right, cuz I had to do that shit FOR Mia- fuck, Mia-

“Paige?” Azzi blurted before her mind could catch up, feeling whiplash at her thoughts jumping around so erratically. “Can I tell you about my ex?” 

She saw Paige’s expression change in an instant as she crossed her arms and leaned forward onto the table, nodding. “Oh, yeah. Of course. Only if you want to, though.” 

So respectful- 

“I…yeah, I want to.” No the fuck I don’t. “Um, it’s a pretty long story, though. Is that okay?” She started picking at the skin by her thumbnail again, gazing down at her hand as she did so. 

Paige halted her movements with her own hand, muttering. “Don’t do that, princess.” 

Azzi felt herself get even more nervous at her touch, as Paige continued, “That’s totally fine. You can tell me like half of it today, though, if you’re not up for the whole thing.”

Azzi swallowed, feeling her insides flip from both her words and piercing gaze (and Paige starting to rub circles into the back of her hand), “Thanks, P. I think I wanna get the whole out tonight. I dunno if I can even start this conversation again.” She let out a nervous laugh, cringing internally.

She’s gonna think I’m a pussy, bro. I mean, I totally am about the whole thing, but she’s gonna know that now-

“You really don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, Az. I just asked you the other night cuz I was curious- I don’t wanna pry-”

“No, no!” Azzi said quickly, turning her hand and interlocking their fingertips. Again, no game my ass, VB. “I promise you didn’t pressure me, or anything. I just- I haven’t told anyone about it. Like, anyone. I’ve been meaning to for a while, especially to, like, Gabby, but it hasn’t been the right time, the right setting, the right…anything, really.” 

Paige nodded, wiggling her fingers out of Azzi’s grasp to hold them all together. “Okay, if you’re sure.”

I am not sure.

“I…am sure. Yeah.” 

Paige smiled, “You sound very sure.” 

“Ugh-” Azzi rolled her eyes, giving Paige’s fingers an extra strong squeeze. Paige’s fingers were quite cold around her own, but carried a warmth with how carefully her thumb was caressing her pinky. Azzi watched their intertwined hands for a moment before speaking.

“Her name was Mia,” She saw Paige nod in her periphery while continuing her ministrations. “We were together for five years. She was in one of my accounting classes. I honestly thought she was straight for ages, and had kinda lost all hope of having a chance with her-” She laughed softly.

“But she was into girls, actually, and I was apparently so bad at hiding my feelings that she asked me out after class one day. That was our senior year. We went on a few dates, got a lot closer, and I asked her to be my girlfriend, like a month in. We were inseparable, there’s really no other way to put it. Always together, never apart. And it was going really well.” 

She took a breath, and Paige squeezed her hand in reassurance. 

“But I was getting drafted soon, and we didn’t know what that meant for us. It was known that I was going number one, and the Liberty had the first pick, so it was only a question of if she wanted to come to New York with me, or use her marketing degree elsewhere.” Azzi paused again, sighing. Paige’s thumb was still soothingly rubbing circles on the side of her pinky.  

“We had a lot of tough conversations about what we wanted our future to look like, and she ultimately decided that she wanted to come to New York with me. I was, like, beyond excited for my new life there. I told you I’m originally from NYC, right” She finally looked up at Paige, who nodded once. “Yeah, like literally all of my family is there. My parents, my siblings, my grandparents. Just everyone. And I was finally gonna get to introduce them to Mia, too. She found work at a firm a month or so after I got drafted, and it was like our future was finally set in place and not some unknown thing anymore. So she moved in with me, and it was…honestly amazing.” Paige’s hand tightened its hold when Azzi’s voice broke on the last word, but she didn’t pause her ministrations.

“It was the dream life. Well, for me at least. I was living with my girlfriend, in my hometown, playing for the Liberty that was rebuilding. Life was just so good. We went on like that for three years, and it was seriously the happiest I’d ever been.” She paused, to drink some water. Azzi was very grateful that Paige had been silent this whole time. It seemed as though she understood this was something she needed to get off her chest, and that interrupting her would make it a lot harder. 

“Then…everything sort of changed when we went to Mallorca. It was a vacation I booked for the two of us during the offseason, because things were getting heated at her job, and I just wanted to get her away from that to just relax, y’know? I thought I was doing a good thing. For us. I still think it was. We spent two weeks there, had a lot of fun, and then we flew back separately cuz I had a Jordan shoot coming up in Oregon, but she insisted on immediately going back to New York instead. I didn’t know that she’d- I didn’t think-” 

Azzi swallowed thickly, tilting her head back. There they are, the tears. Everything always came back to this moment; it was just so hard for her to talk about. She blinked rapidly to will the tears away and forced herself to continue.

“Hey,” Paige said, voice gentle. “You don’t have to keep going.” 

“No, it’s okay. I want to.” Azzi surprised even herself with her words. “Um, anyway, I’ll get back to that part later.” She took another sip of water, only vaguely registering Paige’s grip get even tighter. 

She’s so kind-

“But it was like we were living in a state of blissfulness and not…reality. It all came crashing down, at least on me, when that June, she told me she wanted to take a break. Like, from our relationship. It was completely out of the blue, so I sorta spent a few weeks in over my head about it, wondering what the hell I’d done wrong, cuz all she’d told me was that our relationship was getting boring, and that she wasn’t sure if I was the right fit for her.” She slid her free hand over the wooden table, fingertips delicately brushing the cool surface before beginning to play with the edges of her napkin.

“She told me to try new things, too, and to see if she wasn’t the right fit for me either. So, for a month, she stayed with a friend while I carried on with basketball and felt like absolute shit. Even my teammates noticed, but I couldn’t muster up the courage to tell them what had happened. I know Stewie thought she’d died or something, and she kept telling me stuff like ‘You’ll get through this, Az’.” She breathed out a laugh, sighing. 

“I didn’t even tell Gabby what had really happened. At All Star weekend, I just told her we were going through a rough patch and that I needed to try new things. Honestly, she watched me hopelessly flirt that entire weekend before finally taking pity on me and setting me up with one of her friends that had attended too. It was…the most awkward date of my life. I hated every second of it. It felt so unnatural to just dive back into dating, especially when Mia and I weren’t really broken up yet. I was so drunk, I called her that night, rambling about how much I missed her and wanted to get back together. God, it was so embarrassing when she didn’t say anything back.” 

Paige squeezed her hand again.

“I dunno if it was the phone call that did it for her, or just her evil fucking mind telling her to do it, but we got back together after I came home. She came over one morning and just started apologizing, telling me about how much of a mistake it was and that she didn’t want anybody else either, just me. And I was such an idiot, Paige. I just believed her and took her back.” 

“Azzi,” Paige finally spoke, voice coming out a little raspy. “You’re not an idiot. Not at all. Nobody deserves to be treated like that. Ever. Don’t blame yourself.” 

“I- I know. Thanks. But, hold on, we haven’t gotten to the half of it. We went on like that, as if nothing had happened, for the next few months. Things pretty much went back to normal, and I went off to Miami for Unrivaled in December, before coming back in early March. And then one day, I got home early from our first preseason away game, against Toronto, only to find a bouquet of roses delivered to our door. I thought she’d gotten them for me, at first, but I dunno who I was kidding. She’s never ever gotten me flowers. I brought them inside and found a note tucked inside, and, well, what do you know, it was from some random guy she was cheating on me with.” 

Paige’s hand slackened for a moment before she twisted their hands up so that she could slot her whole hand into Azzi’s. Azzi finally peered up at her to be met with a pained expression. Paige’s eyebrows were knit together, and she was biting her lower lip. 

Oh my god, why do I think that’s hot-

“And then, um, I- oh yeah, I confronted her when she got home from work. She blew up at me, when I accused her of cheating, and said all this shit like ‘I didn’t ever want to be a WAG anyway, Azzi.’ ‘I was only with you for the money while I kickstarted my career’- no, it’s okay, Paige. Really.” She added when Paige covered her face with her free hand. 

“It turns out she’d been cheating on me for a whole year, with some raggedy guy at her company. And that’s why she’d wanted to break it off with me, at least initially, until she realized he was broke as hell and that she still needed me for the money. That wasn’t even the worst part- I could’ve gotten over her eventually, if she had just cheated on me. No, I’m not tryna downplay it, I know she did me really dirty and that I didn’t deserve it.” She said when Paige opened her mouth to speak.

She continued, giving Paige’s hand a little squeeze before loosening her grip to start playing with her fingers. Paige looked over at their intertwined hands and straightened hers, to let Azzi do it, before looking back at her. 

“She…kinda lied to, like, everybody I know about it.” “What?” Paige interrupted, blurting the word out. “I’m sorry, I’ll let you continue, but what the actual fuck?” 

“I know, I know. It was…yeah. She went around to all of our mutuals saying that I had mistreated her during our entire relationship, and that when she had wanted to break it off, I didn’t let her and made her get back together with me.” She ignored Paige’s gasp, a smile ghosting her face, continuing, “She fed my family all of her lies, too. That’s what did it for me. I had gone to my parents place some weekend after the whole thing had gone down. I wasn’t even planning on talking about it, cuz I honestly just needed to relax after what I’d been through. But I- they didn’t even let me in the door.” 

Paige locked their fingers together again, whole palm beginning to caress Azzi’s, who tipped her head back and blinked at the ceiling.

“My dad started yelling through the door, telling me to ‘get lost’. He said that Mia had already swung by and had told them everything. I guess she’d given them the whole ‘Azzi’s a manipulator’ speech, and he’d believed everything she said. I don’t even know what happened after that, all I remember are a bunch of tears as I somehow crammed into a cab and made my way over to practice.”

“You had practice?” Paige interrupted again, seemingly unable to help herslef. “She did all this during your season!?” 

“Yes. I mean, it was technically still preseason, but- the timing seriously couldn’t have been any worse. But- my family-”

Paige squeezed her hand again, “Sorry, yeah. Go on.” 

“My mom called me that evening, after coach had let me go home early. Thankfully, she hadn’t believed a single thing Mia had said, but she was the only one. Mia had gone around everywhere, apparently, spreading her bullshit. She’d gotten to my siblings, parents, grandparents, even, and literally all of our friends in New York. Since my mom was the only one who believed me, there was a huge rift in our family. They started turning against my mom, too, at least that’s what I heard from her, over the phone. And my dad kept sending me texts like ‘Look what you did’, ‘You ruined our family’, and I honestly couldn’t do it anymore. She had completely ruined my trust, but also all of the relationships I had around me. I only had my mom.” She sighed, looking back down at Paige, whose own eyes were watery. 

“I’ve changed for the better. I know that. I started going on more walks, facetiming Gabby more, being…lighter than I had been in a while. But I knew I couldn’t stay there anymore. I requested a trade on the dl. Like, super secret. I didn’t tell any of my teammates. Not even Stewie or Sab. Only my coach and agent. I was so paranoid that they’d leak the news, and word would get out about the insane narrative about me that was running through my inner circle. I lost so much sleep- I’ll never forget the nightmares I had of the whole world turning on me once they heard the news. I only told my teammates once I had finalized the arrangement with my agent, and understandably, a lot of them were upset with me. I wouldn’t say I left on bad terms, but it was a little…uncordial. I’ve been meaning to text Stewie for ages, actually- I need to do that tomorrow or something.”

“But, yeah. My mindset was that this whole move was a sort of ‘reset’ for my life. I’ve…been having a hard time surrounding myself with new people. After losing, like, all of my friends and family. I haven’t talked to my dad in weeks, and though my mom checks in all the time, I need to branch out here in Cali. I’m not, like, alone. I know. I have Gabby, Janelle, Veronica, you-”

“Az,” Paige said, voice breaking.

They stared at each other in brief silence. Azzi bit her lip, searching Paige's eyes.

“You’re so fucking brave.” 

Oh. 

“You’re so brave for saying this out loud. You’re so brave for admitting that Mia changed you. You’re so brave for coming to terms with the trust issues she gave you. You’re so fucking brave for changing it up.” She took a deep breath. “I’m really proud of you.” 

Azzi squeezed her eyes shut just as her they began to water over.

She’s saying I’m brave for ALL of it. She’s…proud of me. 

Azzi fought back all the emotions she felt at this before opening her eyes and wiping them, looking back over at Paige, who was wearing a warm smile. 

“Can I ask you something? And I mean it in, like, a completely, uh, non-offensive way-”

Azzi smiled at her, still blinking rapidly, “Shoot.”

“Do you feel lonely?” 

Azzi barked out a laugh. She hadn’t expected Paige to be so blunt, even though she knew she didn’t mean it like that. 

“Not in a bad way! I swear. I mean, like, despite you having your teammates and Gabby, especially cuz of the whole family and friends in NYC aspect-”

“It’s okay, I know what you mean, P.” 

Paige’s cheeks turned red as she stopped her rambling. 

“I mean…kinda.” Azzi sipped some water, blushing for an entirely different reason. “I’ve been trying to get out a lot, at least for the first week I was here. But it’s mostly been with the team, yeah. I have been a little…lonely.”

“Az? You have me. Promise” 

Azzi’s heart stuttered. Literally stuttered at this. She felt her breath catch as she looked up into Paige’s eyes, who continued to gently caress her hand. 

“P-”

“Here’s your food, guys. Sorry for the wait! We’re a little short-staffed at the moment.”

Their waiter had returned with their dishes and began setting them down on the table, breaking the moment. 

“Oh, um, thank you,” Azzi said, cringing at how awkward it came out. 

“No problem. Flag me down if you guys need anything else.” He handed them two straws before heading back towards the kitchen. 

Paige drew her plate closer to her, giving Azzi’s hand one last squeeze before gently untangling them. “Mmm, I’m so hungry, bro. These tacos look the fuck good.”

Yeah, yeah. Tacos.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“I had a really good time.” Azzi’s voice was quiet as they made their way back to Paige’s car. Her hands were tucked into the pockets of the borrowed sweats she was wearing, and she was looking down at the sidewalk as she spoke. 

“Me too, princess,” Paige said, who was walking beside her. 

Azzi bit her cheeks again as Paige held the door open for her. I’m never gonna get used to that.

She watched Paige round the car as she leaned back against the car door, the back of her head meeting the glass with a small thump. 

Paige started the car in silence, then threw an arm behind Azzi’s seat, twisting her upper body to get a better look through the rear window, her lower lip caught between her teeth.

Holy shit. 

Azzi let her gaze wander over Paige’s features (again). It went from her toned forearms that peeked out from under her rolled-up sleeves, to the strain of her neck, over to her chiseled cheekbones, and to her pink lips…

Even in the low lighting of the car, Azzi could easily make out that Paige was gorgeous. But it wasn’t that she was just pretty. 

Paige had been so understanding, and so damn respectful the whole night, too. This whole day was…Azzi felt unbelievably comfortable around her already, and had truly enjoyed the time she’d spent with her. 

She thought back to what Gabby had told her about Paige, about how she'd misinterpreted her interest as lust, and about how there was so much more to Paige than she’d first realized.

She’s so sweet. Really pretty too. And I already feel so happy around her…fuck. I like her.

She sighed as she watched Paige start to back out of the parking spot, wrestling with her thoughts. 

Should I tell her? I mean, if she already likes me, too, then what am I doing waiting around? Should we…start dating?

All that was in her way of pursuing this new, albeit scary thing with Paige, was…well, Mia. 

They’d hardly been broken up for three weeks, at this point. Azzi kept getting reminded of her when she’d be out with friends, when she’d make breakfast in her new apartment, when she’d be unpacking…quite often, unfortunately. She knew she wasn’t 100% over her just yet. 

But I can’t let what happened with Mia define my life. I need to move on. 

And what’s that saying, something about the best way to get over someone being to get with someone else?

Should I…do something? I think I really like Paige. Fuck, okay. What was the other shit Gabby told me about her- 

Before she could second-guess it, Azzi blurted out, “Do you wanna get ice cream?” 

Paige abruptly hit the brakes, making both of them jolt forward in their seats. She snapped her head towards Azzi before putting the car in park, breathing out a laugh. 

“Ice cream?” 

“Yes.” Azzi said, voice somehow resolute. See, I’m good at this. “You like ice cream, right? D’you wanna go get some?” 

Paige squinted her eyes at her. “And how do you know that?” 

“Lucky guess, or something.” Azzi looked away, feigning nonchalance. “Do you want to or not, P?” 

“Yeah, yeah, come on. I never say no to ice cream.” 

“Do you know any good places? I haven’t been yet, in Cali.” 

“Oooh, yes I do. I’m sorta an ice cream enthusiast. I dunno what’s open right now, but let’s see.” She pulled out her phone, opening Beli. 

Azzi smiled at the sight, watching Paige’s eyes light up with enthusiasm. 

“There’s this really good place, like, 10 minutes away. Is that fine?” She looked up at Azzi, her eyes sparkling in the light of her phone. 

“Mhm.” AGAIN, no game my ass, VB.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

The two of them were sitting on the curb near where they’d parked, both indulging in their ice cream. 

“Mm, this is really good, P. How’d you find this place?” Azzi said as she ate another spoonful. 

“I honestly think I’ve been to, like, every ice cream place in the bay.” Paige laughed, sticking her spoon in her nearly-empty cup. “This one’s one of my favorites. It was one of the first I tried when I got here.” 

“Well, it’s one of my firsts here, too, so thanks.” 

“Sure, your first, but you got the most plain-ass flavor, Az.” 

“I did not!” Azzi said indignantly. “You got the weirdest flavor ever. You can’t say shit.” 

Paige laughed again, leaning back onto one of her palms as she turned towards Azzi. “It’s not weird, come on. It’s so much better. Compared to boring vanilla, at least.” 

Azzi shook her head as she brought another spoonful up to her mouth. “Stop that- it’s not boring! I can’t believe you wouldn’t take a bite of mine earlier. There’s no way you don’t like vanilla.”

“I don’t dislike it-”

“Exactly. You’re just crazy.” Azzi said, nodding once. “Well, I’m glad I didn’t get toothpaste with chocolate chips, at least.” She mocked, cocking her head at Paige. 

Paige playfully rolled her eyes before sitting back up and grabbing her spoon. “Toothpaste is crazy. I dunno what you’re on about. Mint chip is bomb, thank you very much.” 

Azzi’s lips curved around her spoon, eyes crinkling. “It’s nasty, P.” Her voice came out muffled. 

“Whateverrr.” 

This is so…fun. I can’t believe I met someone like her. It really is so…perfect. I needed to move on from Mia, and this opportunity was literally handed to me on a silver platter- 

Azzi sighed again as she watched Paige collect what remained of her ice cream onto her spoon. She was biting her lip between her teeth, concentrating on scraping the edges of the cup, her shoulders looking as loose and relaxed as Azzi felt. 

Hmm.

Her face was barely visible beneath the streetlight, but she looked almost ethereal in the low lighting. More loose strands of golden hair had slipped out from under her cap, framing her face in what was a messy contrast with her sharp features; the warm glow of the light accentuating them on one end and dissolving into shadows on the other. 

She’s so beautiful. 

She continued tracing her features with her gaze, hardly noticing when Paige turned towards her. 

“Wassup?” Paige asked, taking the last bite. 

Azzi turned away, chucking her spoon into her cup. “Nothing, nothing.” She muttered, the fingers of her free hand beginning to pick at her skin again. 

Oh my god, stop getting nervous. 

“You’re so weird.” Paige's voice came from beside her, followed by a giggle. 

What am I even waiting for? 

Azzi tapped her fingers on the side of her cup, unable to shake her nerves. 

You can do it. 

She swallowed once before setting her cup down on the pavement and turning towards Paige.

Oh, what the hell-

Azzi surged forward and kissed her. 

She felt warmth bloom in her chest the instant their lips met. Her mouth was cold against Paige’s, having just had a bite of her ice cream. Azzi brought a hand up to cup her jaw, thumb gliding across her cheekbone as she pulled away, just enough to breathe, though she remained close. 

Azzi felt a warm puff of air hit her lips as she felt Paige’s lips part against hers, their noses bumping. She couldn’t help but smile, tilting her head slightly before slowly leaning in again to place another gentle kiss, this time on her upper lip. Then another on a spot right next to it.

She opened her eyes for a moment to let her thumb find Paige’s lower lip. She gently pulled it to the side before leaning back in and placing a sensual flurry of light kisses along her upper lip until she reached the corner of her mouth, her attention lingering there. Her hand slid further back until her fingertips tangled into the baby hairs that had long escaped Paige’s messy bun.

She’s so...soft. So-

Oh my fucking god, she’s not kissing me back. 

She paused at the realization and abruptly broke the kiss, eyes fluttering open. She pulled her head back and quickly drew her hand away too, as she felt all of the warmth leave her body. 

Holy shit, did I read this wrong!?

Paige sat completely still, with her lips parted and her eyes closed. She was sitting so rigidly, one hand still wrapped around her empty cup, that Azzi thought she looked almost frozen in time. 

But then Paige let out a sound that couldn’t be described as anything but a fucking whimper before she opened her eyes, set her cup down, and grabbed Azzi by the chin, pulling her into a searing kiss. 

Holy shit-

Paige’s fingers were cold. So cold against her warm skin. But it felt so fucking good. Heat rushed back into Azzi’s chest as she let out a small noise of surprise while kissing her back. She brought both of her hands up to Paige’s neck, her fingers lacing together. She settled her palms, this time, against the soft baby hairs at the nape of Paige’s neck. 

She sighed into the kiss when she felt Paige’s other hand tightly grip her waist over the thin fabric of her top, her pinky dipping under the hem of her sweatpants…

No, wait, they’re literally Paige’s sweatpants. We’re making out and I’m wearing HER sweats-

Paige brought a leg up onto the sidewalk, tucking her foot beneath her other leg as she fully turned her body towards Azzi. She briefly let go of her chin to drag her closer by the waist before bringing her hand back up to cup her jaw, never breaking the kiss. 

Azzi quite literally jolted at the feeling before smiling shyly against Paige’s lips at how much the action had…well, turned her on. 

That was so hot. Her taking over in general is so hot. Having the roles be reversed is so…refreshing.

Paige’s fingers were almost digging into the soft flesh beneath Azzi’s jaw, but Azzi paid it no mind, instead revelling in the feeling of Paige’s warm chest now pressing up against hers. She could even feel the soft scratch of Paige’s necklace against her collarbone, the sting of it getting lost in the other sensations she was feeling all over.

Then her mind uselessly supplied her with an image of her and Mia, all cuddled up under the sheets in their New York City apartment, for what had been the last time before their breakup. Azzi remembered feeling so…broken. How she’d done everything in the world to prove to Mia that she was all in with her. To show her that there was no one else for her, and that Mia was the only one she could be with. 

I’m so fucking naive. She thought as Paige’s thumb began rubbing her cheek. Why did I ever trap myself in that relationship- 

Azzi scooted even closer, dropping one of her hands onto Paige’s shoulder before reaching under the collar of her hoodie to start toying with her bra strap, while their lips started clashing rather sloppily.

This, with Paige, is…everything. I don’t think I ever felt an ounce of…this…when I was with Mia. And this is our FIRST kiss-

Why am I even thinking about her? I should-

But Paige silenced her thoughts by plunging her tongue into Azzi’s mouth, parting her lips with determination. 

Azzi felt heat pool low in her stomach and let out a groan when their tongues met. Paige swallowed it whole, making a faint sound of her own as her hand slid down Azzi’s neck, nails dragging along her side, to rest on the small of her back. 

God. This is how it’s supposed to feel.

She dug her nails into Paige’s scalp as her other hand reached further down Paige’s hoodie, along her bra. She slid her tongue into Paige’s mouth, matching her strokes in a lazy rhythm. It felt so foreign, matching someone’s pace instead of setting her own, but she welcomed it nonetheless.

They finally broke apart when they could no longer ignore the need for air, both drawing in ragged breaths. 

Azzi looked up at Paige through darkened eyes, licking her swollen lips.

And maybe mint chocolate chip isn’t SO bad…

Azzi Fudd wanted nothing more than a clean slate; a new opportunity. To spread her...purple wings.

The exciting trade created more commotion than just ESPN headlines, spreading...internally?

The Golden State Valkyries PR Manager, Paige Bueckers, had long been obsessed with the girl before the trade had even occurred. It takes all of her energy + a little help in Ballhalla to make Azzi even bat an eye(lash).

Azzi had always been reserved, thoughtful, and rather nonchalant. 

And Paige was…um…but she forms a plan. 

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Gabs 🥂: 

have u talked to her again

Miss Nonchalant: 

who

Gabs 🥂: 

stop it

paige

Miss Nonchalant:

no

stop bothering me

i’m busy

Gabs 🥂: 

i literally saw u walk upstairs

Miss Nonchalant:

cuz i’m gonna go workout

Gabs 🥂: 

go to her office first

Miss Nonchalant:

no

Gabs 🥂: 

UGH 

fine whatever 

Azzi rolled her eyes at her phone, turning it off and tossing it into her locker. She stretched in the locker room before heading out with a towel to the gym. 

She was starting to like her life in the bay. She'd lived almost all of her life in New York and found the change of scenery rather pleasant. She’d gone on a few outings with Gabby in the past few days, and she had fallen in love with the West Coast. Not with Paige. Of course.

Though Paige was kind of…always on Azzi’s mind. Not in a weird way, though. Azzi honestly didn’t even understand why she'd catch herself practically daydreaming about the blonde. She didn’t like Paige. She doesn’t like Paige. 

It was just something that her new teammates would tease her about during practice (and outside of it)…that’s it. So it was completely normal for her to be thinking about Paige when she was out thrifting with Gabby. To be thinking about Paige when she was out hiking with Gabby. To be thinking about Paige when she was out…okay, maybe she needed to stop thinking about Paige. And hang out with more people.

Even now, as Azzi made her way up to the third floor, slinging the towel over her shoulder, her mind was completely occupied with thoughts of the blonde. 

They weren’t any explicit thoughts or anything. She wasn’t even admiring Paige (which she wouldn’t do, anyway, because she's not into Paige). She was just fascinated by how the girl acted around her. At least, that's what she told herself.

Azzi had only interacted with her a total of three times, blessedly not having to do media again after their awkward conversation that had ended with Paige’s family...stuff, but literally everything Gabby had told her about Paige’s mannerisms had held true. She really did seem to be a nervous person in general. Especially around Azzi.

She knew that Paige had to be attracted to her on some level, and that Gabby couldn't have just made that shit up, given Paige’s body language and…reactions?

Am I really her type? I know Gabby said she had been fawning over me, which I kinda get now- but like, does she really like me? She’s not ugly…I like her style. Does she do relationships? Am I even ready for a new relationship?

Thoughts of her ex-girlfriend filled her mind, souring the sweet thoughts of ‘what could be’ with Paige.

Azzi had done a pretty good job of staying present the last few days on the West Coast, instead of brooding over ‘what had happened’ and ‘what could’ve been’ in New York, and she intended to keep it that way. She shoved the thoughts out of her mind, literally shaking her head, as she opened the door to the gym. 

She hung her towel on one of the racks before pulling out a bench. She was hitting chest today, so she’d need…

Dumbbells are over here.

She grabbed a set of 45-lb dumbbells and set them down on either side of the bench. She then adjusted the bench's incline, bringing it all the way down before sitting down and swinging a leg over the bench. 

Four sets of eight. Not too bad. 

She stretched her wrists out and grabbed the weights, resting them on her thighs first before fully lying down. She brought them up to be level with her chest and began her reps.

One-

Two-

Three-

Four-

Five-

Mmph-

Six- 

The door to the gym opened, and Azzi glanced over to see who it was, mid-rep. At the sight, she felt her arms slacken and almost dropped the weights before sitting up with a grunt, settling them on her thighs again. 

“Paige?” 

“Oh, hey there, um, Fudd.” Well, Paige clearly wasn’t expecting to see her either. Her face had turned her classic shade of tomato-red, and she started playing with her hands, eyes darting around the room as the door closed with a click behind her.

Ugh. 

Azzi was a little annoyed that her set had been interrupted, but her lips curved into a smirk, an idea popping into her head.

She set the weights down on the ground and swung a leg over the bench to face Paige. She could definitely…put what Gabby had said to the test. See if she was really interested.

She moved her weight forward, resting her elbows on her thighs, keeping her head down while peering up into Paige’s eyes. She breathed a little harder than strictly necessary after not even completing her first set. “What’s up?”

“I- um,” Paige visibly swallowed before continuing, “Sorry, I was looking for Miela-”

“Mm, Miela’s not here. Just me.” Azzi said, shrugging. 

“Yeah, um, I see that. I’ll just- I’ll head out, then-”

“Wait…how’re you doing?” She cringed a little, internally, at just how rusty she was at this, but kept her expression flat. Bruh. Am I testing if I can be an idiot? Well, I passed-

Paige paused, hand gripping the door handle by her side. “Oh, uh, fine, I guess? Or, like, good, actually. Yeah, good.” She flushed an even deeper red, her grip visibly tightening as veins began to stand out across the back of her hand. 

Oh- her hands are…

“Um, how’re you?” 

Azzi blinked, refocusing her attention onto Paige’s face. “‘m doing fine too. Just getting a workout in before tomorrow’s game.”

“Cool cool cool. I’ll just head out, then-” 

“Do we have media tomorrow?” Azzi stood abruptly, stretching her legs out even though she'd only been on the bench for two minutes tops. That’s a solid question, right?

“Uh, yeah? Two athletes always do media after games-”

“I mean me, Paige.” She let out a laugh, smiling and taking a few steps towards her. “Do I have media tomorrow?” 

“Oh- um, I dunno, probably? I mean, I get to choose the players who do media, so like, maybe? Do you want to? I can put your name down-” 

Hmm, she’s definitely not ugly. Her brain supplied her, unhelpfully, as she paused a few feet away from Paige. 

She’s…objectively attractive. I know we keep teasing her about her blushing all the time, but…it is kinda endearing. She’s honestly kinda…cute. And her eyes? They’re kinda pretty…

She wouldn’t really mind seeing what Paige was about. 

“No, no, I was just asking. Wait, you control who does media?” Azzi tilted her head, placing her hands on her hips. She knew full well that Gabby had already told her she does, but Paige didn’t need to know that.

“Yeah. Yeah, I do.” Paige straightened up a bit, though her hand remained flexed around the door handle. “I dunno, Azzi, it kinda sounds like you wanna do media tomorrow.”

Azzi’s mouth upturned in surprise. She’s got jokes… “Mm, I’ll pass. Actually, can you make Gabby do it? She’s been annoying as fuck, lately.” 

Paige laughed, “I mean, yeah, sure. For you, I would.” 

Oh! “Wow, so smooth, Paige.” Azzi pursed her lips, hands remaining on her hips.

“No, wait- like-”

Azzi laughed, stepping even closer. They were only a foot apart now, and Paige had started shrinking against the door. “Would you? For me?” 

Paige broke their heated eye contact, looking over at the mirror on her left. It took her a moment to speak up. “I- yeah-”

Azzi lifted her hand up to Paige’s chin, tilting her face back toward her, and spoke in a low, almost sultry voice, “Thank you, Paige.” Oh my god, was that too much?

“Um-” 

Azzi giggled and let her hand fall, stepping back. That was fine, right? She turned and walked back to her bench as if nothing had happened, though she blinked a few times to steady herself. She grabbed the weights before sitting down again and cleared her throat before asking as casually as she could, “You’ll be at the game, too, right?” as she lay back on the bench, heart racing.

“I…will be there, yes.” Paige nodded, swallowing. “...will you?”

“At the game? Well, yeah. I’ll definitely be there, Paige.” Azzi briefly studied her face with a smile before starting a new set. “See you there.”

“Oh, yeah. Uh, bye, Azzi.”

She heard the door open and close again. 

That was…satisfying.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Azzi sank deeper into the cold tub with a shiver. She nearly dropped her arms in beside her before thinking better of it and choosing to grasp the edges of the tub to prevent her torso from slipping further in (like last time). She hated ice baths. I mean, who doesn't?

She'd remembered to bring her phone with her, learning from the disaster that was last time, which had been the longest 15 minutes of her life (after she'd not-embarrassingly slipped and dunked her whole head in). She grabbed it with one hand and started scrolling through her notifications, pausing at one that caught her eye.

You were added to the group chat: “Paigey’s down bad”: (10 unread messages)

Azzi narrowed her eyes and clicked on it, sensing it was Gabby who was probably up to no good. And she was right. It was a group chat with Gabby, Janelle, and…Veronica.

Paigey’s down bad

Frenchie 1: ok let’s conspire  

Ja: let’s

VB: So how’re we getting them together?

Azzi rolled her eyes, scrolling further. 

VB: Are we locking them in the gym or smth?

Frenchie 1: nah azzi would literally find some way to get outta there

Azzi snorted at the irony.

Frenchie 1: we just gotta keep talking to her abt it

Ja: I’m adding her

Frenchie 1: NONO WAIT

Ja added Fudd

Frenchie 1: oh i thought u meant paige

VB: Stupiddd

Ja: agreed

Fudd: wtf is this

Fudd: what is this name

Frenchie 1: you gotta get with blondie

Ja: agreed

Fudd: single life is good leave me alone

Frenchie 1: u literally cried at the bar the other night cuz u saw a cute couple

Frenchie 1: and u said “im so sad im never gonna find love im gonna die alone”

Fudd: ok

Fudd: so

Fudd: shut up.

VB: Didn’t you have a gf in New York?

Frenchie 1: oof don’t talk abt that 

Frenchie 1: she hasn’t even told me all of what happened but just know that shit went downnn 😬

Ja: ooooh what happened 👀👀

Ja: wait my internet’s bad i swear i sent that before gabby’s

Ja: mb Azzi

VB: Oh rly? Sorry Az

Fudd: you’re fine Ja

Fudd: and you’re fine too V

Fudd: you’re not Gabby

VB: I know I am 😛

Frenchie 1: yall are so stupid

Frenchie 1: well we know paige won’t do shit abt it so azzi it’s on u 

Frenchie 1: u needa make the first move

Fudd: ???

Ja: idk she might

Frenchie 1: who? Paige? what?

Frenchie 1: it’s been like 2 years and she hasn’t done anything girl

Ja: idkkk

Frenchie 1: ?

VB: ???

Fudd: what?

Ja: ignore me

Ja: you’ll see

Frenchie 1: why u being so cryptic

Ja: so are u gonna flirt with blondie, Az?

Azzi gazed at the ripples that formed in the water as she squirmed in place, adjusting the positioning of her legs. What she’d just done in the gym wasn’t really flirting, right? It was more so testing the waters with Paige. Gauging her level of interest. Not flirting. Right. Which had come back…positive?

Fudd: no 

Fudd: i haven’t flirted since like college

Frenchie 1: no problem with it being Paige tho? only ur awful flirting skills? 😏😏

Fudd: and i don’t like Paige like that

Fudd: no my text just didn’t send yet idiot

VB: Oh so you have no game?

Fudd: no like

Frenchie 1: yes her game is awful lmao

Fudd: um ntm???

Frenchie 1: ur too damn nonchalant Az

Ja: agreed

VB: Wait what 

VB: You’re like that around your crushes too?

Fudd: no! gabby’s exaggerating

Frenchie 1: im literally not?

Frenchie 1: did u forget abt last yr’s all star or smth

Fudd: omfg not this again

VB: What happened at all star?

Fudd: literally don’t

Ja: well u gotta tell us now

Fudd: Gabby don’t

Frenchie 1: ok so

Fudd: Gabby.

Frenchie 1: first she got blackout drunk cuz she was tryna hookup with the bartender 

Frenchie 1: cuz she just kept nonchalantly sipping her drinks and ended up having like 6 cocktails before midnight

Fudd: GABBY

VB: Oh so you’re hopeless is what I’m hearing

Ja: LMAO

Fudd: i am not bro

Frenchie 1: then the night after she kept looking away from this girl at the club cuz she was tryna be her little nonchalant self

Frenchie 1: and she just thought Az was actually uninterested and left 😹

Fudd: gabby stfu

Fudd: stop

Ja: AZZI BRO 😭😭😭😭

VB: I’m literally crying

Frenchie 1: and thennnn she was tryna walk all nonchalantly outta our uber the night after that cuz she thought the bouncer was hot…

Frenchie 1: and…

Fudd: gabby istg

Fudd: stop.

Frenchie 1: she tripped over her dress and faceplanted on the sidewalk !!! 

Frenchie 1: she’s like very fake nonchalant but it throws ppl off yk?

Fudd: …

VB: Azzi this is wild 😭

Ja: lmaoaoa

Ja: thank god u have us

Ja: what would u do without us

Fudd: smile more

Fudd: have more hair

Fudd: be more joyful

Frenchie 1: and you’ll have all of that when u get a new gf

Ja: a gf named Paige

VB: Yeah do u and Paige talk at all rn?

Fudd: if i entertain this convo rn will u guys delete this chat

Frenchie 1: no :))

Ja: no

VB: No

Fudd: so

Frenchie 1: just answer V, girl

Fudd: okay like barely

Ja: elaborate

Fudd: i talk to her when i have to do media but like not outside of that

Fudd: so no

Azzi wasn’t lying, necessarily, just because she left out the detail that they had just interacted in the gym. Well, that’s what she told herself, at least. She couldn't think of an outright answer as to why she wasn't telling them about it, though.

VB: Patheticcc

Ja: agreed

Frenchie 1: i also agree

Fudd: im literally not into her? 

Fudd: why is it pathetic? 💀

Frenchie 1: u were literally blushing earlier stop lying

Fudd: bro. i told u it was just hot in there. 

Ja: hot my ass

Frenchie 1: your ass is NOT hot

Frenchie 1: but yeah cut it out Az we know she’s ur type n everything just give it a shot

Ja: bruh

Fudd: if i talk to her tomorrow

Fudd: like outside of media*

Fudd: will u all stfu

VB: No but we’ll be less annoying

Fudd: u know what?

Fudd: fine

Ja: V’s a miracle worker wow

Fudd: i’m not promising anything btw****

Frenchie 1: how come u listen to V and not me 😡

VB: Because I’m her favorite? Obv

Fudd: she’s right Gabs

Frenchie 1: i literally went to college w u???

Frenchie 1: wdym you won’t promise bruh

Fudd: V’s nicer

Fudd: cuz i don’t wanna do ts

Fudd: wait V knows abt the whole Paige thing too? why’s she in this gc in the first place???

Ja: bro i told u like everyone on the team knows abt this

Fudd: i hate yall 

VB: Thank you Az ily too

Frenchie 1: Azzi take it back

Fudd: ay my timer went off im leaving

Fudd: bye bye ice bath i hate u too

Frenchie 1: Azzi bro take it back

Fudd: gotta go byeeeee 

VB: 😘

Frenchie 1: 😒 

Ja: bye Fudd

Frenchie 1: talk to her fr tho 

Frenchie 1: u promised and we’re holding u to it

Fudd: i specifically said i don’t promise

Frenchie 1: mhm

Frenchie 1: just go get ur girl

Fudd: 🙄

Azzi stood by the tub, drying herself, with a little smile on her face.

Talk to Paige tomorrow…she could do that. Maybe after the game, if she stays that long? She wasn’t actually that upset about it, contrary to her texts.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“Paige? Oh, hi.” 

Fuck my life.

The elevator doors had opened to show none other than Paige Bueckers standing inside. 

It was 3 am. Azzi couldn’t think of any reason why she was also awake at this ungodly hour.

Azzi had been so nervous about her game tomorrow that she just could not fall asleep. She’d tossed and turned in bed for over an hour before irritatedly throwing off the covers, getting up, and walking out of her apartment, determined to get some fresh air. 

“Hi.” Paige said rather breathlessly, gaze flicking between Azzi’s eyes. Then it dropped lower, down to her outfit.

Azzi felt a blush creep up her neck as she remembered what she had on. It was a really old set of Care Bear pajamas (that had certainly seen better days) that she’d been gifted back in college. In her defense, they were really comfy. She cleared her throat a little awkwardly, “What’re you doing up so late?” 

Paige looked up, “Oh, I couldn’t really sleep. Wanted some air, y’know.” 

Over the course of their last few interactions, Azzi couldn’t help but notice that Paige tended to talk with her hands quite a bit, or at least that she fidgeted with them a lot while speaking. She was wringing her hands together at the moment, too. 

“Wait, same. I’m nervous for the game tomorrow. I couldn't sleep either.” 

"Oh, really?"

They continued making rather awkward eye contact, both rooted to their spots. 

The doors of the elevator began to close, and Paige held her arm out to prevent them from shutting. “Um, you coming?” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Azzi mumbled, stepping inside. She turned to lean against the corner furthest from Paige, briefly looking her up and down while Paige was occupied with the buttons. 

She was in a pair of sweats that hung low on her frame and had a dark tank on, too. Azzi could make out the outlines of her nipples peeking through the fabric, despite the low lighting of the elevator. Not that she was looking.

It’s not that hot out, bruh. Her gaze moved upwards onto Paige’s exposed shoulders before making its way down her toned arms. Hmm, she’s kinda buff. She looks…hot. 

“Azzi?” Paige turned her body fully towards Azzi. 

Azzi blinked rapidly. “What?” Shoot. Was she saying something-

“I was asking if you wanted to walk together, for a bit,” Paige said. “But it’s okay if you don’t want to, though. No pressure,” she added, shrugging her shoulders. 

Azzi blinked a few more times before answering, her voice coming out unnaturally high. “Oh, yeah, that’s fine. I’d like that.” Bro.

“Mm,” Paige grunted in response, turning towards the door. 

Azzi pretended to look away too, but snuck another glance at Paige before the elevator clamored to a stop on the main floor. The doors squeaked open, and Azzi waited for Paige to step out first. 

Paige just looked over at her with a confused expression, though, and Azzi stared right back. 

Paige nodded towards the door, as if to say ‘you first’. Azzi smiled a bit at the casual chivalry before taking a step forward. Right as she did, though, the doors started to close again because of how long they were taking. She made a small noise in her throat as she quickly took another step forward before glancing back. Paige simply clicked the ‘open’ button and stepped out with a grin, lightly shoving Azzi’s shoulder with her own as she made her way to the front entrance, hands now in her pockets. Azzi followed behind her, biting back a smile. 

The cool night’s air engulfed them as they stepped outside. Azzi was walking a few steps behind Paige since she seemed to know where she was going.

They stayed silent for a few minutes, and Azzi found that it wasn’t really an awkward silence anymore, but more so a comfortable one, with the way the wind was blowing, some birds were chirping, and some car horns could be heard in the distance. Their neighborhood certainly wasn’t the prettiest, but its sights soothed her as they continued walking.

“Where are we going?” Azzi finally asked, falling into step beside Paige, who looked over at her. 

“Just up here-” she pointed forward. “I’m taking you to my favorite spot.” 

Hey, she said ‘I’m taking you’, not ‘we’re going’ or something.

She pushed the thought away, instead blurting out, “Do you come here often?” What the fuck-

“Like, outside? Or like, to my spot?” Paige looked over at her, brows furrowing. 

“Yes, sorry, to your spot,” Azzi said, pointing ahead and throwing on what was hopefully a normal smile. 

“Oh, yeah, sorry. Uh, yeah, kinda? I guess? I dunno, it just depends on the night, I guess,” she rambled, the all-too-familiar dusting of pink settling on her high cheekbones again. 

Azzi felt her smile widen in amusement. The switchup? She’s…cute. 

“Where else do you go when you can’t sleep?” Azzi asked as they started walking up a hill.

“Uhh…okay, maybe this is the only spot I go to,” Paige admitted, grinning. “It has a really pretty view, though, I promise. I think you’ll like it.”

Azzi glanced forward again as Paige said this, just as the skyline came into view atop the peak of the hill. She felt her jaw drop in surprise. 

Paige was right. Actually, she might’ve even been underselling it. It was gorgeous. It had an absolutely stunning view of San Francisco. From the peaks of the city’s skyscrapers, all the way over to the Golden Gate Bridge. All of the light leaking from the city contrasted heavily with the night’s atmosphere and the tiny hill’s ambiance. 

There was a small wooden bench perched atop the hill. It looked like it’d been there for ages, with the way Azzi could make out the wood being splintered at the edges, deep cracks running through the boards, as they got closer. 

“Do you like it?” Paige asked quietly, eyes locked on Azzi, whose mouth still hung open as they came to a halt behind the bench. 

She met Paige's gaze, glancing between the dark orbs of her pupils that were reflecting the city’s glow. She was smiling at Azzi...and definitely looked a bit nervous, too. 

“No.” Azzi deadpanned, closing her mouth and looking back at the view with a poker face.

She saw Paige’s face fall in her periphery and quickly reached out to put a hand on her shoulder, continuing with a laugh, “I’m kidding. I love it, Paige. It really is so pretty up here.” 

Paige was smiling again as she looked over at the skyline, too. “Wanna sit?” She gestured at the bench. 

Azzi lifted her hand and rounded the bench, sitting on the right end before thinking, maybe I can test this…a little more, and scooching down much closer to the middle. She looked up at Paige, who hadn’t sat down yet.

She was glancing between Azzi and the bench and raised an eyebrow at her when she caught Azzi’s eye. 

“Sit.” Azzi said, gesturing right next to her. This isn't too weird, right?

Paige gently shook her head, the stupid (adorable) smile still plastered on her face, and sat down a respectable distance away from Azzi. She looked at the city and wrung her hands together again. 

Azzi glanced over at the city too, for a moment, before looking back down at the distance between them, breathing out a laugh. “Paige, what are you doing?” 

“What?” Paige said quietly, staring determinedly forward. 

“Why’re you sitting so far?” 

Paige looked over again, searching Azzi’s eyes before scooting a tiny bit closer. 

Azzi shook her head with a smile but didn't push it.

They sat in silence again for a moment, listening to the sounds of the city and the nature around them. Azzi saw Paige’s hands wring together extra tight before she abruptly threw her right arm up behind her, resting it against the back of the bench. It was essentially draped around Azzi now. 

Azzi bit her cheeks to stop herself from smiling again as they both continued gazing at the city. 

So slick, Paige.

Paige, in the absence of her other hand to fidget with, began scraping the wood behind Azzi with her fingernails. 

“You went to Caltech?” Azzi cut through the silence, crossing her arms.

“Yeah, um, I did. How d’you know that?” 

“Gabby told me a few nights ago.” 

“Oh, okay. Wait, Gabby? She didn’t say anything else to you, did she?” Her voice came out scratchy at the end.

Azzi giggled before responding, “Mm, not much else, no…she did say you’re hella smart, though. Like, double majored ‘n shit, and got a minor too?” 

Paige audibly exhaled, “I’m not that smart. But, yeah, I did do all that.” 

Azzi laughed, looking over. “Do you like it here?” 

“Like, Cali?” 

“Yeah, that and working for the Valks.” 

Paige chanced a glance at her, only to snap her head back when she noticed Azzi was already looking. She visibly swallowed, her Adam's apple bobbing up and down, as Azzi giggled softly again. “Yeah, I like it a lot. I moved to Cali for college a few years ago. Oh, I’m, like, kinda young, I guess? But like not really- I dunno if anyone’s told you, yet-” 

“Gabby did. She said you’re 23?” 

Paige nodded. 

Ooh, I can say-

“That’s not too young,” Azzi smirked when Paige seemed to have caught the insinuation, who had blushed again. “Gabby thought you’d lived in Cali your whole life, or something, I don’t really remember, though. We were kinda wine-drunk.”

Paige chuckled. “Wine-drunk already?” She added, “No, no, I’m not judging-” when she caught Azzi’s look of mock offense. 

Azzi playfully rolled her eyes, shuffling a little closer to Paige on the bench and crossing her right leg over her left. Just casually getting closer. It's fine. It's casual. “It was a special occasion. With fancy wine. That’s how we justified it, at least.” She giggled.

Paige laughed too. “Do you like it here, Ms. Liberty Star? Is it a good-different from New York?”

“Oh, you knew what I was like at New York, huh?” Azzi teased, leaning back a little so that her upper back made contact with Paige’s arm.

She heard the scratching sounds pause behind her, as Paige seemed to scramble to find an answer. 

“Paige, I know you watched me play for the Liberty.”

Paige looked mortified. “...and how do you know that?” 

“Someone mentioned it...”

“I-” She started, relenting when Azzi cocked her head. “Okay, fine, I might’ve watched you play on the Libs, yeah.” 

“I know, idiot. You literally told me that before I did media the other day. Talkin’ bout my fast release ‘n shit.” Azzi laughed again, watching as Paige’s cheeks reddened further. 

“Oh, yeah, um-”

“You get this flustered all the time?” Azzi leaned further back as Paige looked away again, feeling her biceps flex against her back. “It’s cute.” She added quietly, looking back towards the city as well. 

Don’t got game, my ass, VB. 

Paige cleared her throat and spoke after a moment, “So, did you like New York?”

“Yes…and no. There were definitely a lotta ups and downs. I had a pretty successful career with the Liberty, if that’s what you’re asking.” 

“Well, you know that’s not what I’m asking since you also know I used to watch you play.” Paige smiled at her, eyes crinkling. “I know you’re a Liberty legend, dude. But did you, like, enjoy New York?” 

Azzi allowed her gaze to sweep across Paige’s frame as she smiled again in amusement. The switchup really is crazy. And she actually does have jokes. “Oh, whatever. Yeah, I liked it for the most part. I’ve lived in New York my whole life, basically, before going to UConn, so it’s always felt like home. It got a little boring after a bit, though, for sure.”

“Mhm, I get that. Was it nice being around your family? If they live there, I mean.” 

“Yeah, um, kinda.” Azzi looked away again, clasping her hands together in her lap as her fingers began absentmindedly picking at the skin beside her thumbnail. “...my dad and I don’t really have the best relationship anymore, to be honest, so I’m kinda glad to be away from that.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Paige said quietly, looking forward again, too. “Is that why you left the Liberty?” 

Azzi let out a long, drawn-out sigh, counting some of the skyscrapers she could see in her head before turning her head and answering, “No, I came here cuz of the players, y’know? Like, I wanted to play with the amazing athletes here. There isn’t really another set like them-” 

“Yeah, cuz Stewie’s subpar. I know you were bullshitting in the press conference, Azzi.” Paige was smirking at her now.

Well, okay, Azzi really had clocked her own shit earlier about it being an obvious lie. 

“Well, like, Gabby’s good…” Her voice trailed away at Paige’s expression. “Alright, maybe it wasn’t just cuz of the players.”

The scratching sound picked up again, behind Azzi. “So why’d you really join the Valks? If you wanna say, of course. I’m sorry that one reporter was being an asshole-” 

Azzi studied Paige’s features for a moment.

The sharp outline of her nose, her high cheekbones, her messy bun, her cute little purple glasses…she hardly knew Paige at all, but she felt compelled to just tell her everything, for some reason. More than she had even told Gabby about the whole situation. Paige just seemed like a chill person. Laid back. Someone you could…trust.

Paige’s gaze remained transfixed on the skyline. Her eyes were glowing, her features sculpted in the moonlight…

Azzi looked away again to focus on her breathing.

Just say it. You can do it.

“It was cuz of my ex.” 

Paige noticeably froze, her body going rigid.

Azzi didn’t want to tell her the whole story. At least not right now. But she felt compelled to continue, “She kinda…ruined my life. I had to get away from all that, y’know?” 

She didn’t look at Paige. Couldn’t. She felt her eyes begin to water. It had been such a sensitive subject for her to talk to even her therapist about, and tonight was no different. She sniffled.

Azzi heard some rustling beside her before feeling Paige’s thigh press up against hers. The arm Paige had slung across the back of the bench brushed up against her back, and she cupped her hand around Azzi's shoulder, her fingernails beginning to trace light patterns through Azzi's pajama sleeve.

Azzi felt butterflies erupt in her stomach at the small gesture. Then also some guilt at the thought that she might be moving on too quickly. Fuck- what am I doing?

“We don’t need to talk about it.” Came Paige’s low, reassuring voice, though, squeezing her shoulder once before continuing her gentle ministrations down her arm. 

Azzi exhaled at this, tilting her head back a bit to contain her tears.

Come on, it’s fine. You don’t owe your ex anything, remember? You can move on whenever it feels right to you. 

Azzi took a deep breath before abruptly dropping her head against Paige’s shoulder, sighing softly against her warm skin. "Thank you, Paige." She whispered, lips ghosting her collarbone.

Paige’s fingers stilled, and Azzi felt goosebumps erupt on her bare shoulder under her cheek. But after a moment, she continued to lazily scratch up and down her arm. Azzi felt her heart pound in her chest as she squeezed her hands together in her lap, suddenly unsure if she was being too…forward. And, honestly, she didn’t even know what she was doing in the first place.

She was about to lift her head when Paige let out a deep, unmistakably content sigh and dropped her head against Azzi's.

Oh.

They were both silently gazing at the city again, eyes twinkling. Azzi could feel the slow rise and fall of Paige’s chest beneath her, and could hear her gentle exhales above her head, too. It grounded her. 

They sat like that for a few more minutes, tangled together, the cool night air continuing to envelop them as Azzi’s breathing eventually slowed to match Paige's, her nerves flowing away.

She yawned, bringing her hand up to cover her mouth as she slowly blinked her heavy eyelids, and Paige whispered, “We should head back soon.” 

“Mmm,” Azzi grumbled, nuzzling her head deeper into Paige’s shoulder, whose breath audibly hitched at this. She drew her head up, too, making Azzi giggle again.

She lifted her head to look over at Paige, who, surprise surprise, was beet-red. “Yeah, it’s getting late, I guess.” 

Paige's eyes were shining, small specks of city light caught in her heavily dilated pupils. It was so dark now that Azzi could barely make out the soft pinkness of her lips, the wisps of her long eyelashes...

She's so pretty in the moonlight.

They made their way back to their apartments in complete silence. Comfortable silence. 

She’s…really sweet.

It was the last thought Azzi remembered having before drifting off to sleep, feeling the phantom touch of Paige’s fingers tracing up and down her arm. 

Azzi Fudd wanted nothing more than a clean slate; a new opportunity. To spread her...purple wings.

The exciting trade created more commotion than just ESPN headlines, spreading...internally?

The Golden State Valkyries PR Manager, Paige Bueckers, had long been obsessed with the girl before the trade had even occurred. It takes all of her energy + a little help in Ballhalla to make Azzi even bat an eye(lash).

Azzi had always been reserved, thoughtful, and rather nonchalant. 

And Paige was…um…but she forms a plan. 

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

After the Valks had been released from training camp that evening, Azzi had gone over to chill in Gabby’s apartment. 

It was now nearing 9 pm, and the two of them were sitting at the corner of her kitchen island, indulging in a fancy bottle of wine. 

Gabby had said that she kept it for ‘special occasions’, and had insisted that Azzi’s signing definitely qualified as one. They simply talked while sipping their wine, about anything and everything, catching up with each other. 

Azzi met Gabby in college. They played two years together at UConn, and had honestly…trauma bonded there. They had a great connection, basketball-wise, but the two of them had quickly become inseparable off the court as well. They’d become especially close when they’d shared an apartment with each other during their second year of playing together, and had a lot of fun terrorizing their freshman-roommate too. 

Azzi remembers Gabby’s draft where she and another teammate had both been drafted in the first round; sitting in the audience with the rest of their team, videotaping the whole thing, losing her voice at the afterparties…fond, fond memories. 

They hadn’t kept in touch as much as they would’ve liked to, during Gabby’s first two years in the W, especially since they got drafted to opposite coasts, but they’d rekindled their friendship at Azzi’s first All Star where the two of them had spent hours catching up, and had even ended up attending every event together that weekend. 

It became their little thing, meeting up at All Star weekend. They had fruitlessly imagined what it’d be like to play on the same W team for years, so it was really a dream come true for the both of them now that they were on the Golden State Valkyries together. 

Azzi took a sip from her glass of wine and shifted in her stool, smiling at a stupid joke Gabby had just made. 

“How was your press conference, though? Go smooth?” Gabby asked, taking a sip herself. 

“For the most part, yeah. It went better than I expected it to.” She neglected to mention fuckass Knox Daniels. 

“What, you still get nervous as hell for those things?” Gabby snorted. 

“Bro, shut up. You don’t like media either.” 

“I don’t like it, sure, but I don’t hate it like you do.” Gabby said, taking another sip.

“You know what? That’s fair. I do hate it.” 

“And meeting everyone went smoothly, too? I know the team already loves you, and Nat fucking lovesss you, but the rest of the staff?” 

“I think so? I dunno. I don’t remember meeting anyone who, like, disliked me, or anything-” 

“That shocks me.” 

“You’re so annoying.” Azzi rolled her eyes, “The chef was really sweet, I remember her. One of the performance coaches said she loved my hair- oh, and I think it was one of the PR people? She was sooo weird during the press conference.”

Gabby’s smile turned into a smirk, asking, “Wait, Paige? Paige was being weird around you?” 

Azzi furrowed her brows. “Um, yeah, her. What?” 

“Oh my god, I can’t believe I haven’t told you about Paige yet.” Gabby sat back in her seat, taking some time to make herself comfortable. 

Azzi watched Gabby move around for a bit before impatiently kissing her teeth and crossing her legs. “So…Paige?”

“Yeah, she’s a character.” Gabby reached for her glass and took another sip before continuing, “So Paige has been our PR Manager for two years now. She’s pretty young, actually. She’s only 23.”

Azzi was kind of surprised to hear that. She only vaguely remembered what the woman looked like after meeting so many new faces. It wasn’t that she remembered Paige looking particularly old, or anything, but she was surprised to hear that she was a whole three-years younger than her. She has to be…what, just out of college? Oh wow, I feel old-

“I think she’s been on the West Coast her whole life? I dunno, though. What else? Oh, she loves Jordan brand. I swear that girl would wear Jordan sweatsuits every day if she could. She has an unhealthy obsession with ice cream, too. I think she’s been to, like, every creamery in Oakland.”

She paused to take another sip of wine. “Hmm, she double-majored in comms and PR at Caltech, and got a minor in marketing or something. She’s lowkey hella smart about the whole business-side of the league. It’s kinda fun to pick her brain; it always makes for good convos. But anyway, she went to school for that and got hired by the Valks when she was still a senior in college.”

Azzi raised her eyebrows at this, nodding as she took another sip from her glass. Oh? Impressive.

“I think she said something about trying to climb the ladder to eventually become a Director of PR. She’s pretty good at her job. I’m really glad we have her here. But enough about her career- I met her two years ago, when we both got here. And lemme tell you, she was awkward as hell,” Gabby laughed, setting her glass down. “Like, I kid you not- I have never met someone so awkward in my life. She definitely takes a second to warm up to people. She becomes…semi normal after a bit.”

“Semi-normal?” Azzi asked, brows furrowing again. 

“She’s like- honestly, I’m not even sure how to describe her. It’s like a mix of being…sheepish, I guess? And like, just weird. It’s endearing, though!” She added when Azzi snorted. “Seriously, like, it grows on you. She’s literally always like that.” 

They both paused to take sips.

“Sooo, she has no social skills, is what I’m hearing?”

“You’re so mean, bruh, but yeah, kinda.” They both giggled, Gabby taking another swig from her glass. “She leave a good impression?”

Azzi paused to think for a second. Paige had been awkward as hell. She hadn’t said much to her, but it was definitely awkward. She’d done her job well, though, besides getting distracted for a bit. She’d also made sure Azzi had felt comfortable with the stupid question from Knox, which earned her brownie points in Azzi’s book. “Hmm, okay yeah, that all makes sense. Kinda? She was pretty awkward, and was definitely a little clumsy.” She paused, pursing her lips. “She was also, like, flustered? I dunno if I’m reading too much into it, but she was kinda, like, blushing a fuck ton-”

Gabby was overcome with giggles at this, doubling over and clutching the island with one hand as the wine sloshed around in her glass. 

Azzi laughed at the sight. “What, is that too mean?” 

“No no, you have no idea.” Gabby said between laughs. 

“I would if you told me, bruh.” 

She only continued laughing, though, and even snorted once before Azzi became impatient again.

“Gabby, bro, what is so funny?” 

“So Paige…” Small giggles escaped between her words, “...has had a massive crush on you for years.” She threw her hands up, smiling so hard that her eyes crinkled at their corners.

“She WHAT?” Azzi watched her start giggling again. She didn’t know what she thought Gabby was going to say, but that certainly wasn’t it. “Stop it, that’s not funny. Are you being serious?” 

“Yeah, well, she’s liked you for at least two whole years. I dunno about before that. I’ve seen her fawn over ‘the Lib’s Azzi Fudd’ ever since I joined the Valks.”

“Gabby, say deadass right now.” Azzi’s expression twisted into something even she couldn’t name as Gabby giggled even harder. She was…weirded out. But also…kinda flattered? And like…endeared? 

“I-” she gasped for air, “I’m not kidding, dude. She’s deadass been down bad for ages.” 

Azzi didn’t know what to do with this information. Her mouth simply hung open as she gripped her glass extra tight before taking another sip of wine. A rather large one this time. She looked out the window over Gabby’s shoulder, through the blinds they hadn’t bothered closing, at the night sky, as she sat in thought for a moment, the silence punctuated only by Gabby’s giggles.

Paige isn’t ugly…actually Azzi couldn’t really remember what she looked like. She remembered Paige being…blonde. Slightly taller than me. And, um, a mess? 

She was definitely intrigued to hear that she’d been taken with her for so long, though. Two whole years, when she hadn’t even spoken to Azzi? At least, I think we haven’t spoken before-

She moved her gaze back to Gabby’s shaking body, swallowing another mouthful before lowering her glass. 

“It’s not that funny,” though she was smiling now too. 

“It is, bro- you have no idea how down bad this girl is.” Gabby bit her tongue between her teeth, eyes crinkling again. 

“Gabby.” 

Gabby only continued laughing, now slapping the counter with her free hand. 

Azzi shook her head, laughing softly in disbelief as she watched her slowly begin to collect herself. 

“She’s fun to be around, though. We hang out with her all the time. She’s, like, cooler than most of the coaching staff. And she can’t, like, make you run sprints or anything if you’re an asshole to her, so you can get under her skin. She will make you do extra media, though. She’s not past that.” 

“Ugh. But that’s cute. She hangs out with all of y’all?” 

“Ooooh, you think she’s cute, huh?” Gabby waggled her eyebrows teasingly. 

Azzi rolled her eyes and ignored her, continuing, “Does she get team benefits like housing, too?”

“Hmm, I know she doesn’t get housing, but I dunno ‘bout the rest. She lives here, though, actually.” She pointed at the floor with one hand, grabbing the bottle that had been sitting on the counter with the other and pouring both herself and Azzi some more wine. 

Azzi pushed the bottle up and away from her own glass, “What, like, in this building?” 

“Mhm.” Gabby nodded, setting the bottle down and taking another sip. 

“Does she really? Which floor?” 

“The one below us.” 

“Which number?” 

“Damn, you tryna fuck or something?” Gabby started giggling again. “She’s in 512.”

“Oh my god, don’t start laughing again. And, no, what the hell!? I hardly know her- I’m just curious!” 

“You already said she’s cute.” 

“Hello? I literally did not?”

“Mm, I dunno, Fudd.” Gabby’s words were starting to slur together at the edges. Azzi reached for the bottle herself, setting it down on the far end of the counter, which she hoped was out of reach for Gabby. 

“You should get to know her, though, like, for real. She's actually cool. And, hey, you never know if she’s the one. Cali hottie can replace trashy New York ex.” 

Azzi sighed at this, turning to look at Halle Berry, Gabby’s cat, who was lounging on the couch. She hadn’t told Gabby much about her breakup. It had been messy. Really messy. All she remembers telling her was, while crying on the phone the night they broke up, “I fucked up. She’s not here anymore, Gabby. We broke up.” through choked sobs. She hadn’t been in the dating scene since the recent breakup, and wasn't planning on entering it anytime soon.

She didn’t really know when, or even if, she’d tell Gabby the whole story. Definitely not tonight, though.

“I mean…maybe. But I don’t know if I’m ready to date again, Gabby.” 

Gabby sobered up upon hearing this, straightening in her seat. “Oh shit- Sorry, Fudd. I forgot about the whole-”

“No, no, it’s okay, but I still don’t really wanna talk about it, Gabs.” 

“Oh, okay, yeah, that’s fine. I’ll be here whenever you’re ready, k?” Gabby placed her hand over Azzi’s arm on the counter, squeezing it once reassuringly. 

Azzi looked back into her eyes, “I know. Thanks, Gabs. Love you.” 

Gabby smiled before breaking into giggles again. “You and Paige would look really good together, though.”

“Oh my god.”

And that was the end of…that. The two of them continued trading stories and catching up ‘til the early hours of the morning while sipping the expensive wine (well, Gabby still was).  

They didn’t get drunk drunk, of course (“I don’t want that to be what Nat thinks of me! I have to leave a good first impression!”), but Azzi ended up knocking on Gabby’s couch anyway. She was cuddling a content Halle Berry as the sun began to rise when she finally drifted off to sleep.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

CLANK

“Oh my godddd,” Azzi groaned, running to collect her ball. 

Gabby drained her three and jogged over, snickering. “The hell’s wrong with you today?”

“I don’t even know, bruh.” She passed it to the trainers and headed to the back of the line.

They were running a three-point drill, shooting in two lines on either end of the court; first team to sink 25 wins. 

“14!” They heard VB shout from the other end. They looked at each other and laughed. 

“She’s so competi-” 

“Did we drink too much last night?” Gabby interrupted her with a genuine look of concern on her face.

“What?” Azzi glanced between her eyes. “No, I’m fine.” 

“For real? Then seriously, what’s up with your shot?” 

Azzi rolled her eyes and shoved her arm before turning around and catching a pass from Natalie. She shot another three-ball. A perfect high arc-er, okay…

CLANK

Just kidding.

“Come on, Azzi!” Natalie called out, clapping loudly in encouragement.

Great. 

Her eyebrows knit together in frustration as she agitatedly swung her arms beside her and headed to the back of the line again. 

She had been in a shooting slump recently. Well, not really. She had only been able to drain her threes, as of late, during sessions with her private trainer, and had been missing a lot of layups and middies. Today, though, those were all going in, but her three-ball wasn’t. 

So yeah, she was frustrated.

Am I overcorrecting? Am I altering my shooting form, but like, just from the three-point line? Am I even setting my feet-

“Hey, Azzi!” A semi-familiar voice called out from the stands. 

She looked up and saw their PR Manager sitting in the front row. What was her name…Paige-something? Well, okay, she knows her name is Paige. Thoughts of her kept randomly popping into her head after she'd been rudely woken up by Halle Berry swatting at her face. She wouldn’t say she was fixated on it, but after Gabby had told her all about Paige’s supposed little crush on her, it’d definitely stuck with her. 

So…yes. All that to say she did know their PR manager’s name - Paige Bueckers.

Azzi didn’t speak, only looking over at Paige with her eyebrows raised. 

“Um-” Paige fell silent, eyes very obviously sweeping over Azzi’s frame. 

Azzi rolled her eyes when she heard Gabby snickering behind her. “Wassup?” She called to her, walking over. 

Paige flushed as she came closer, but managed to speak up, dragging her gaze back up to Azzi’s eyes before shooting her an apologetic look. “Need you for media.” 

Azzi sighed, pretending she hadn’t noticed the blush, and glanced back at the team. “I’ve only shot, like, 2 threes. Can I at least finish the drill first?” She looked pleadingly back at Paige. Paige didn’t say anything, but a small smile began to form on her face. 

Azzi’s annoyance only grew at this, so she looked back at the court with a huff. “Ugh, no, like, I’ll still come do media at some point, don’t worry. It’s just that my threes aren’t falling today, and it’s making me mad. Can I at least make a few of them, first? Plea-”

“It’s cuz you’re releasing too early. You’re rushing.” 

Azzi’s head snapped back towards her in surprise. “What? Oh, okay…thanks?” 

Paige knows ball? Azzi didn’t know anything about the girl other than what Gabby had told her the other night, which was, well, quite unhelpful at the moment. 

She was annoyed at herself for also noticing how Paige was not-so-subtly leaning towards her as they spoke, and how her little smile was slowly turning into a smirk. How she was fidgeting with a little mic she held in her hands, how her cheeks were still a little too flushed to brush off as the heat of the gym…

She opened her mouth to speak, almost asking if she had played basketball or something, but paused.

It would be fun to see if Paige would get all flustered again, but what am I doing? 

Her shot wasn’t falling. All she needed was more reps, not a conversation with their PR manager who might have a crush on her. She pivoted. 

“So…can I get a few more shots up first?” She added a “Pleaseee” and batted her eyelashes at Paige, accompanying it with a convincing little head tilt.  

Paige remained silent for another moment, pretending to think about it as her gaze drifted beyond Azzi, seemingly onto the court. “Alright, fine. But just two more, k?” She looked back at Azzi, who was smiling now, too.

Azzi gave her a little tap on the shoulder with a small, “Thanks!” before jogging back into line. 

She kicked Gabby’s shin when she opened her mouth to speak.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“Do I haveeeee to?” Azzi knew she was being annoying, but she didn’t really have it in her to care.

She knew she had basically promised Paige that she’d come do media, but she was so frustrated about her three-ball still not falling, that she wasn’t in the mood to interact with anyone, really. 

“Yes,” Paige whispered. She was at Azzi’s side, standing quite close, fiddling with the small mic that she had clipped onto her practice jersey. They were standing in the hallway near the Valkyries Tunnel where they typically conducted these mid-practice media scrums. 

She looked up before taking a step back, seemingly satisfied. 

“Yay, is the mic good?” 

“Yeah. Also…you’re still rushing your shot.” Paige said, sliding her phone out of her pocket and typing her password in to get a timer ready.  

Azzi frowned at her. She had honestly cleared what Paige had said earlier out of her mind when she ran off to shoot a few more threes, convinced it was something about her form that was off. She hadn’t even thought about her release time. 

She considered why she hadn’t asked Paige how she could possibly know this, earlier, before deciding, alright what the hell, why not?

“Oh? And how do you know basketball things, Ms. PR Manager?” 

Paige looked away, blushing again. Azzi bit the inside of her own cheeks to prevent herself from laughing. “My sister plays. And…honestly? I’ve watched you play for years. That quick-release is so fucking deadly, I really dunno why you’re rushing it. It’s already so, like, um- fast.”

Azzi’s eyebrows raised of their own accord. From what she had gathered from Gabby’s teasing, she'd thought that Paige was just horny for her, or something. She actually watched me play? 

Azzi decided to ignore the compliment as well as the strange feeling in her stomach at her words, “Your sister plays? What, like, D1? How old is she?” 

Paige slowly shook her head, smiling at the ground. “You’re not getting out of doing media.”

“I’m not even-”

“Find me later and I’ll tell you about it.” Paige winked, walking towards the court to go grab the media personnel. 

She’ll be stuttering and shit, but then have the confidence to wink at me!?

Azzi found herself smiling too, though, as she watched her figure disappear down the hallway, wondering who the hell this Paige girl even was.

She stayed after practice to work on her release time. It worked. 

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Azzi was assimilating well into the team. After she got her three-ball back, practice the next day had gone quite smoothly. She also didn’t have to do media, so that was a bonus. She'd called it a night after doing recovery and had gone out with a few teammates to have a fun night downtown after she and Gabby had pregamed in her apartment. 

Despite Gabby having claimed that Paige regularly hung out with them, Azzi couldn’t help but notice that she was absent from their group that night. Not that she was thinking about her or anything. She blamed the alcohol.

Natalie was wrapping up practice the next morning. “Great practice today, guys. I’m really impressed with how we’re meshing so well already, especially with Fudd. We’ll start with rebounding again tomorrow, so we’ll separate into guards and bigs first, k? Valks on three; 1, 2, 3,”

“VALKS!”

“Alright, Azzi, you’re up for media.” Natalie said, pointing at her as the group broke apart. 

“Again?” Azzi groaned, throwing her arms up and clapping her hands over her face, her fingertips pressing into her eyelids as she dragged them downward. “I literally did media two days ago!” 

“Welcome to Balhalla,” Gabby stuck her tongue out at her.

Natalie gave a small smile to Gabby before turning to an annoyed Azzi, “Yeah, sorry, Az, but they’ve been requesting you nonstop since the trade.”

“Ugh. Can’t we just send Gabby again today?” 

“Nah, I’m sorry. Y’know, it brings us a lot of attention, and like, revenue. Ticket sales have apparently been skyrocketing every time you make an appearance. The front office would kill me if I let you skip media again.”

“But- come on, Gabby’s literally better than me, anyway. Why doesn’t the media fawn over her?” She saw Natalie’s expression harden a bit, so she added a very convincing, “I’m just kidding, but please? Pretty please? Just for todayyy.” 

“Go, Fudd.”

Azzi sighed, glaring at Gabby who wore a smug expression, before giving her a little shove and making her way down the hallway. 

“Say hi to blondie for me!” Gabby called after her, earning her a glare over Azzi’s shoulder. 

“Who’s blondie?” Azzi heard Natalie ask behind her. 

She groaned and quickened her steps, shaking her head when she heard faint laughter as she rounded the corner.

But she walked headfirst into a solid mass. 

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry- I wasn’t paying attention to…oh, Paige?” Azzi looked up at her, taking a step back.

She looked…quite good. She was wearing a white polo and some beige slacks. Nothing special, but it honestly looked really good on her. Her outfit paired well with the soft touches of makeup she seemed to be wearing. Soft was definitely one way to describe the look, with her hair down like that, too.

“Hey.” Paige said rather breathlessly. 

“Um…yeah, hey.” 

Paige (to no one’s surprise) blushed. “I was just coming to get you for media-”

“Well, you have me!” What the fuck? Why did I just say that? So cheerfully, too-

Paige’s eyebrows twitched in what seemed to be confusion before she said, “Yeah. Guess so.” Before Azzi could think of a way to fill the awkward silence that followed, Paige continued, gaze flicking between Azzi’s eyes, “Um, I gotta put this mic on you. For…media.”

Azzi smiled at this. “Yeah, I know, dummy. You did that last time, too.” 

“I- oh yeah, my bad-” 

“No no, it’s fine-” Am I being awkward too? The fuck? I’m not even into her. Why am I nervous?

Paige hesitantly stepped closer, raising the tiny mic she held in her hand. Azzi looked down and held the left strap of her practice jersey out to her. 

There was another brief, uncomfortable silence as Paige hovered over her and clipped the mic onto her jersey. Azzi let her gaze wander over the blonde again before looking away when Paige gingerly smoothed the wrinkles the clip had created on the jersey and stepped back. 

Azzi thought back to what they had talked about yesterday. Uh, she fixed my three-point shot, I guess? I can thank her for that…oh, wait! She said to ask about her sister-

“So,” Azzi started as Paige’s eyes locked onto hers, her body freezing in place. “Your sister plays pro ball?” 

Paige visibly relaxed, expression softening. 

She took a breath before revealing that her sister was currently playing overseas instead of being in the league, and that she’d been playing for a while. “She did go D1.” She confirmed, nodding. 

“Oh, that’s so cool. What college did she play for?”

“Um, I don’t really remember- it was so long ago.” Paige began to scratch the back of her neck while using her other hand to pull out her phone, breaking their eye contact. 

“You don’t remember what college your sister went to?” Azzi laughed, crossing her arms and leaning her weight onto one foot. “Is she like, fucking- fifty or ‘sum?” 

“Nah, we’re just not that close anymore, y’know? Family issues ‘n shit.” 

Fuck. “Oh, shoot. Paige, I’m sorry-”

“Nah, it’s fine. Really.” Paige added when Azzi looked unconvinced. 

The usual members of the media filed into the hallway around them at 11:30 sharp, setting up their own recording equipment in front of the Valkyries’ backdrop, as Azzi glanced between them and Paige, who was now occupied by her phone again. “Four minutes…” Azzi heard her mutter to herself. 

She tore her gaze away and stepped in front of the backdrop, turning to the side to clear her throat.

Paige was certainly…more interesting than she had initially thought. 

“So, Azzi, tomorrow, you’ll be playing your first game as a Valkyrie. You came into the squad pretty late. How’s…”

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“When’s the last time you got laid?” Gabby said abruptly, taking a bite of her sandwich. 

Azzi stared at her with genuine shock on her face, simultaneously dropping her fork. “Gabby-” She hissed. “What the hell? We’re literally sharing a lunchroom with all of the staff-”

Gabby paid her no mind, continuing (in a pretty loud voice), “Nah, seriously, when’d you get laid?” 

Azzi looked around the room, pointedly ignoring Janelle snickering in the seat next to Gabby as she narrowed her eyes at Gabby. “Not like, recently, but seriously- keep your voice down!” 

“You should come out with us tomorrow night after the game and get laid. It’d literally take you twenty minutes at a bar, here in the bay.” Gabby said, unbothered, as she unwrapped her sandwich further. 

Janelle nodded in agreement, adding, “Yeah, what? How are you not taken in the first place?” 

Azzi looked over at Janelle, smiling sadly. She didn’t want to trauma-dump on her and say she had just ended a long-term relationship that had come with a lot of emotional baggage, but luckily Gabby cut in for her. “Ay, she’s recently single, Ja. Not too much on my girl.” 

She elbowed Azzi to make a point, smiling at her. Azzi tried her best to reciprocate the energy, but internally, she was struggling to fight off the hollow feeling she had grown accustomed to associate with her past relationship. “Yeah, I’m not really looking for anything right now, Ja.” 

“Ohhh, but Paige isn’t like hopeless hopeless?” 

Azzi’s jaw dropped as Gabby started hysterically laughing around a bite of sandwich. “You know about that too!?”

Janelle laughed too before answering, “Yes? Like, a good handful of us know, on the team.” 

Azzi groaned, lowering her head onto the table. The material felt cold against her forehead. The action only made the two of them laugh harder. “It’s not funny, guys. She’s so- ugh.” 

“But it’s like, the perfect opportunity, though,” Janelle said in a serious tone. “If you’re looking to get over your ex, you have a girl who’s been into you since forever. Like, she’d probably be down to help you get your mind off of things…” 

Gabby started wheezing. Azzi lifted her head to glare at her, kicking her leg under the table. “Ow- you gotta stop kicking me, bro. But she’s right, Az. And guess whatttt?” She sing-songed, smiling at her. 

Azzi sighed before deciding to bite. “What?” 

“A certain blondie has been staring at you this whole timeeee.” She pointed over Azzi’s shoulder (not subtly at all), and Azzi knew she had to be telling the truth when Janelle started giggling too. She groaned again and resisted the urge to smack her forehead on the table (again).

Azzi didn’t want to look. She knew what she’d see. But curiosity got the best of her, and she slowly turned in her seat.

There she was. Paige. She quickly turned away and ducked her head when Azzi made eye contact with her. Azzi now had a clear view of her roots, where the pale blonde hair transitioned into softer, muted, darker tones. She had her hair up in a sleek bun, now, with virtually zero flyaways. 

What kinda slick stick does she use? Wow, the bun looks...kinda pretty on her. Her curled lashes were visible from this angle, too. They were long…much longer than Azzi remembered. Because it’s normal to clock someone’s eyelash length that you are strictly uninterested in. They fluttered every time Paige blinked, which was quite frequent for some reason. Azzi’s gaze dropped to the blonde’s flushed cheeks...oh my god, it’s cuz she’s blushing- 

“Oh my god, Az, are you blushing, too?” Gabby’s voice called out, clearly having noticed Paige’s blush as well before spotting Azzi’s. 

It pulled Azzi out of her reverie, who turned back to look at Gabby. Her eyes widened when her words registered in her mind, and she raised her palms to her cheeks, cupping them. 

What the hell? They ARE warm-

Gabby and Janelle started laughing again.

“Bro, y’all are so annoying. It’s not funny.” Azzi said, looking down at her lap, murmuring the words through the small gap between the edges of her hands. “It’s just hot in here, k? Drop it.” 

“Mm, well you still really need to get laid, Az.” Gabby took another bite of her sandwich, chewing and swallowing before continuing, “You’ve been a lovergirl since our college days, and I know how much you miss it…and the sex.” 

“Ugh, I don’t miss the sex, Gabby.”

“Not just the sex, bro,” she scoffed. “You know what I’m talking about. The relationship, the connection, the love for one another.”

Azzi actually felt her cheeks heat this time, lowering her head even further to try and hide it from Gabby and Janelle. 

In all honesty? She did miss it. All of it. She missed being with someone in general. 

And maybe the sex.

“Okay, fine, I do. Happy?” Azzi looked up again, pursing her lips. 

“No.” Gabby deadpanned before pointing her sandwich at Azzi. “Will you at least give Paige a chance?” 

“Paige? What, are you guys serious about the whole Paige thing?” She glanced between them, raising her eyebrows.

They both cocked their heads at this, wearing identical ‘girl.’ expressions.

“Blondes aren’t even my type-” Azzi started.

“Huh? Why are you lying? I didn’t forget our college days, Az. I know for a fact you only hooked up with tall, blue-eyed, blonde mascs. Don’t act like you’re not into her.”

“Alright, alright, maybe blonde mascs are my type,” Azzi backtracked, wringing her hands together in her lap. “But I’m not- I’m not into her! I hardly even know her. Every time I’m around her, she just starts, like, stuttering and can’t even get a full sentence out-” 

Distantly, Azzi registered this as false. Paige wasn’t always like that. She had spoken some normal sentences to her in their last two conversations. 

“And it’s adorable!” Janelle laughed, “It’s sooo cute watching her get so flustered around you.” 

“Ugh.” Azzi huffed, knowing she wasn’t going to win this argument. “If I at least talk to her a little more, will you two leave me alone?” She tilted her head at them.

Gabby and Janelle looked at each other first before turning back. “For now, yes.” Gabby said.

“If you ever want a quickie, I’m just saying, blondie’s right there.” 

“Oh, shut up, Ja.” 

The rest of lunch passed with little incident, Janelle diving into a story of how her neighbor’s dog had somehow broken into her house and set off her security alarm at 3 am a few weeks ago. Gabby chimed in with a story about how her and Azzi’s apartment complex’s floors were so identical that she accidentally dropped Halle Berry off in an apartment on the wrong floor that had happened to be unlocked, and spent the whole night searching for her, worried sick that she'd escaped. 

Azzi doesn’t really know what they started talking about after that because she'd completely zoned out after the mention of Halle Berry. 

Gabby did make a good point earlier. Paige was totally her type. All throughout college, she had been with 6-foot-tall blondes who were certainly masc-presenting, with those creepy blue eyes. Well, not actually creepy, but like, kind of. She’d had a great time with them, too, before getting with her most recent ex, who had strayed from her norm. 

She vaguely registered the sound of Janelle speaking as she let her head lazily turn towards Paige again. She was no longer looking at her, now in deep conversation with Natalie. Azzi watched Paige throw her head back, presumably laughing at something Natalie had said. Her eyes crinkled, gummy smile showing. She is kinda cute... 

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

The three of them cleared their table before slinging their bags over their shoulders and pushing their chairs in. Gabby was heading to an appointment with her personal trainer, and Azzi the recovery room. Janelle held back, saying she needed to ask Natalie a question about the upcoming schedule. 

They said their goodbyes before parting ways.

Janelle continued standing around at their table, though, scrolling on her phone until Natalie eventually left the room. She pocketed her phone and made her way over to Paige, taking Natalie’s place beside her and setting her bag down by the seat.

“Um, hey?” Paige said, looking over. She speared her fork back into her salad before continuing. “Wassup, Ja?” 

Janelle cut straight to the point. “You’re still down bad for Fudd, right?”

“Excuse me? What!?”

Janelle simply stared at her, lips flattening into a thin line.

“Okay, maybe, but-”

“Gabby told us a while ago about the whole Azzi-kink you have.” 

“My WHAT!?” Paige spluttered, her heart rate skyrocketing as she looked around the room with wide eyes. “Keep your voice down-”

“Alright, my bad,” Janelle snickered, “She just said that you’ve been obsessed with her for ages and that you’re down bad as fuck.” She held her finger up to silence Paige, who had opened her mouth, continuing, “And that when Azzi came to the bay, you didn’t make a single move?” 

“Dude, she’s been here for like two days.” 

“Yeah. That’s two less days you can be with her.” 

Paige started playing with her food, diverting her attention to her fork. Janelle impatiently nudged her foot under the table after a minute had passed.

“Okay, I haven’t been obsessed with her. That’s a total stretch. I just- I think she’s cool ‘n shit, I dunno.”

“I’m not gonna argue about this, bro. Why haven’t you made a move, Paige?” She tutted. 

“Uhh-” Honestly? Paige didn’t have a good answer. 

Now, she knew she was rather attractive. She'd been out enough times in the bay to learn that she attracted quite a few demographics, too. 

And while all of that attention may seem nice, Paige was kinda…shy. As hell. 

Her first day working for the Valks, she had been so nervous to meet the staff that she froze midway through her handshake with Natalie, turning red on the spot as Natalie looked at her with concern. The players were somehow worse, because she met them all at once. Imagine a mob of like twenty people greeting you at once. For Paige, that was terrifying. She liked to keep to herself, for the most part, but if she had to socialize, she definitely preferred 1-on-1 hangouts to group settings. 

Paige landed on, “I’ve just been busy, y’know. With work, here,” hoping the bullshit excuse would suffice. She wasn’t so lucky, though.

Janelle crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, sitting back in her seat. “Yes, because you’re so busy here. You’re only ever here for home games and some practices, bro. But, okay, enough. You’re really into her, aren’t you?”

“I wouldn’t say-”

“Paige.” 

“...yeah, maybe…” She grabbed her fork again, twirling it between her fingers, watching the speared pieces of lettuce spin for a moment before speaking again. “But I don’t even know if she has a girlfriend, Ja. Or a…boyfriend.”

“Well, I know for a fact she doesn’t have either right now. Gabby just said she’s single.” 

“Mmm.”

“And bro, do you wanna be sitting around, waiting for ‘work to calm down’ while someone else wifes her up?”

Paige stopped twirling her fork, glancing up at Janelle. “Well, no-”

“Then make a move, Paige!” She laughed. “She’s not gonna be single forever, like you-” 

“Dude. But wait, like I said, she’s only been here for like two days, Ja. Wouldn’t it seem- I dunno, weird? Like I’m coming onto her, or something?” 

“You literally are trying to come onto her.” 

“But-”

“Paige.”

Paige angrily stuffed the bite of salad into her mouth, exhaling sharply through her nose. She stared across the table at one of the empty seats. 

“Fine. Real talk, what if she rejects me, Janelle? Every time I look at her, she just, like, looks away-”

“And blushes.” Paige looked over at this. “Paige, she just blushed when she caught you looking at her earlier. Now don’t go telling Gabby that I told you this shit, k? She’d kill me. But I honestly think Azzi might already like you…it's just that she hasn’t realized it yet. It’s like her body knows, but she doesn’t, y’know?” 

Paige’s breath caught halfway through Janelle’s words, her chewing becoming more and more infrequent, and her expression becoming more and more…dreamy. She swallowed. “She- Ja, really? You better not be bullshitting. I will literally make you do media after every single game for the rest of your life-”

“I’m not bullshitting, Paige. Gabby and I were literally just teasing her about it, too. She seemed as flustered as you normally are, so that definitely says something- aw, look at you blushing again, Ms. down bad.” She started laughing again, swatting at Paige’s arm, who leaned away, though smiling, too. “Seriously, I think you should give it a shot. We’re gonna convince her to do something, too, if that makes you feel any better.”

“To do what?” Paige dropped her fork back into her salad and turned fully towards Janelle in her seat.

“To make a move on you, idiot.” 

“Why’re you so mean-”

“Will you at least try to be more confident around her?” 

“What? I’m confident enough, thank you very much.”

“Look, you’re a hot blonde, Paige. Why don’t you act like it?”

“Bro-”

“I’m being so serious. Take a leaf outta Azzi’s book and act a little nonchalant for once. A little more…tough.”

“Alright, when did this turn into an ‘insult Paige’ session? But hey, you think I’m hot, Ja?” Paige asked, flipping her hair in an exaggerated motion with a smirk, “I mean, I already know I am, but-”

“Okayyy, that’s better. Now do that in front of Azzi…if you can.”

"You're-"

“Look, I gotta go.” Janelle stood abruptly, stepping around her chair before pushing it in. She settled her forearms over the back of the seat and leaned over towards Paige. “Promise me you’ll try something? Actually, do me one better,” she added before Paige could respond, “Make a plan or something.” 

“A…plan? Hitting on her can’t be a plan- it’s not like planning a heist or something.”

“It totally can, but not just hitting on her. A plan for like, I dunno, bagging her, I guess?” Janelle stretched her arms out a little before reaching for her duffel bag.

“Oh, that’s…kinda smart, actually. Yeah, okay.” 

“Promise me?” She held out her pinky towards Paige.

Paige leaned away, scrunching her face, “You’re so weird-” but hooked her pinky around Janelle’s nonetheless. 

Janelle gave her a small wave before heading out of the room. 

Azzi Fudd wanted nothing more than a clean slate; a new opportunity. To spread her...purple wings.

The exciting trade created more commotion than just ESPN headlines, spreading...internally?

The Golden State Valkyries PR Manager, Paige Bueckers, had long been obsessed with the girl before the trade had even occurred. It takes all of her energy + a little help in Ballhalla to make Azzi even bat an eye(lash).

Azzi had always been reserved, thoughtful, and rather nonchalant. 

And Paige was…um…but she forms a plan. 

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

It was their first home game of the season, with a sold-out home crowd of 18k+ fans in Ballhalla. The arena had been erupting for every single play, whether it was a Gabby Williams steal, a Kiah Stokes block, or an Azzi Fudd three. 

Azzi was surprising even herself with how well she was playing. She’d been expecting to have a rough start to her season, like her rookie year, since it was a completely new team and environment.

But she was doing…alright. She supposed it had to do with her landing on a more well-established and title-contending team than her first with the Liberty, currently surrounded by pieces like Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams, who were all-star-caliber athletes. 

She had racked up a respectable 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. It was only midway through the second quarter, so she had plenty of time to really explode later in the game, before the bench would get minutes.

They had a decent lead, up 25-18 against the Seattle Storm. It was Gabby’s former team, so she felt especially happy after sending a crisp pass to Gabby, who proceeded to drain her three-ball. She held out three fingers down by her right leg and smiled at Gabby as they jogged back towards their basket before locking back in.

“Switch! Kai, switch!” She yelled out, going under Malonga’s screen. 

That was another thing she was surprised by, just how seamlessly they seemed to work on defense together. She could not have reliably switched with half of her Liberty teammates during her rookie season. She was quite impressed with her new teammates' defensive abilities, despite knowing the Valkyries had always been pesky defenders, from when she’d scouted and played them when on the Liberty.

She took a few steps to her left, while still keeping a hand reaching out towards her defender, as she invaded the space of Dom’s drive. She managed to get her fingertips on the edge of the ball and was rewarded for her efforts with a steal, as the ball came tumbling into her abdomen. She started sprinting with the ball and had made it to about half court until she started surveying her surroundings. She noted that Veronica was a few steps behind her, to her left, and that Veronica’s defender was right on her heel. She twisted her head forward again to see where her own defender was now, trying to gauge whether she should just go for it herself on the fast break.

But right as she did so, her gaze caught on something in the audience. In the first row near the scorer's table. 

Blue eyes.

Azzi had no idea what had come over her, but her gaze remained fixed on those striking blue eyes as she dribbled forward almost mindlessly.

Understandably, with her attention elsewhere, the ball was simply stolen right back from her, and the Storm rushed on the fast break. Her gaze was wrenched back towards her teammates when she heard multiple people yelling her name, and she saw Veronica backpedalling while throwing her a ‘wtf?’ look.

Um, yeah. What the fuck?

Never in her (admittedly short) career as a WNBA player had Azzi been distracted in such a way. She loved her fans dearly, but never spared them a second thought when she was on the court. She was always locked in. In fact, she was kind of known for that in the basketball world.

So why the hell did she just get distracted, looking at…was that Paige?...of all people? 

Her thoughts were disrupted by the piercing screech of a whistle from the referee she was now standing beside. The Storm had scored off of Azzi’s turnover, converting her mistake into a three-pointer, and Natalie had called for a timeout. 

The Valkyries jogged over to their bench, all avoiding Natalie’s fiery gaze that was (understandably) narrowed in on Azzi.

“Azzi, I’m not sure what the hell was, but that can’t happen again. Got it?” 

Azzi gave her a small nod of affirmation, still avoiding her gaze. 

“Alright, coaches, let’s huddle up real quick.” She called out to the staff as she gestured for the players to huddle up by themselves. 

It was a new system for Azzi. The Liberty had always had their coach planted in front of their bench during timeouts, with the five that had just come off the court resting. Their coach would go through a few things they wanted to correct, and then would typically draw up some plays on their clipboard. The Valks, on the other hand, liked to have the coaches and players discuss amongst themselves first, before coming together in a big huddle.

Azzi took a seat between Gabby and Veronica, gratefully accepting a Tetra Pak of coconut water from the staff over her shoulder. “Thank you-”

“What was that?” Veronica asked, squirting a stream of water into her mouth from her Gatorade bottle. She swallowed. “Like, genuinely, what the hell was that?”

“Yeah, what? I’ve literally never seen you do that in my life, Az.” Gabby added, frowning. 

Azzi looked at each of them before she landed on, “Nerves, I guess? I dunno.”  

She didn't see the two of them giving each other a look before they decided to drop it. 

Azzi took a sip of coconut water, swishing it around in her mouth. 

It was totally Paige, wasn’t it? Of course it is- those were her bright-ass eyes. I mean, they’re kinda pretty...holy fuck, stop thinking about Paige.

The refs blew their whistle again after Natalie reinforced the idea of being more ‘focused on the ball and your surroundings’, making sure to give Azzi some extra eye contact during her speech. 

She'd called out their lack of rebounding, too, which had boxing out at the forefront of Azzi’s mind, pushing away all thoughts of…whatever the hell that was. 

They jogged back onto the court and into position, Gabby giving her a comforting pat on the back as she passed by. 

They were running a play for Azzi, out of the timeout, to get her three-ball going. It was pretty simple: 

She’d inbound to Veronica in the corner, who’d dribble around Gabby and Dom and get the ball back to Azzi once she relocated, free from Skylar Diggins after she’d hopefully get stuck on the double-screen from Janelle and Kiah. 

Azzi inbounded the ball to Veronica and casually walked back onto the court before sprinting around both Janelle and Kiah. She turned around at the other end of the court, behind the arc, with her hands up in front of her, ready to catch the incoming pass. She quickly glanced towards the hoop and saw that the screens had thankfully worked. Skylar was stumbling towards her, but in the paint. Azzi looked over at Veronica, who was now at the top of the key. 

Now just catch and shoot the open three. Come on... 

Blue eyes. 

Azzi’s gaze had moved just beyond Veronica’s figure, above the scorer’s table, and…right back onto Paige’s eyes. Her breath caught at the realization that Paige was staring right at her, and she briefly allowed her gaze to wander. Paige was leaning forward in her seat, her elbows resting on her knees, chin sitting on top of her intertwined hands. She was wearing her blonde hair down today, golden strands framing her face. 

She looks so soft again…

SMACK

Veronica had passed Azzi the ball, clearly thinking she was ready for the pass, as she had literally been facing Veronica, but Azzi was still completely distracted. And so the ball simply collided with her face. 

“Ow! Fuck-” 

Skylar grabbed the ball that was now just bouncing by itself in front of Azzi and sprinted the floor with it, easily making the uncontested layup as Azzi didn't move. She stood in place, clutching her face in her hands. 

The ref nearest to her blew her whistle just as Azzi crouched down, still holding her face. She felt pain radiating up the bridge of her nose. 

Did I just break my nose!?

“Azzi, what the fuck? Are you okay?” Gabby had jogged over to her and crouched down beside her. She put an arm around her shoulders, leaning closer. “What was that!?” 

Azzi checked her hands for blood, which there was plenty of, unfortunately, before responding, “Um, I dunno- can I get a towel, please?” 

Veronica came jogging over to her other side, bending down to hand her one of their white Gatorade towels as blood continued to pour out of Azzi’s nose. 

“Azzi, dude, are you good?”

“Yes, yes, ‘m fine,” Azzi said in a nasally voice, pressing the towel against her face as she slowly got up, gratefully grabbing the arm Gabby held out to stabilize her.

“But, like, why’d you zone out? We were running the play correctly, right?” Veronica asked, starting to walk alongside them with a frown. 

“Yeah, no, the play was totally fine, I just…got distracted.” Azzi gingerly dabbed the towel on her nose, becoming slightly concerned about the growing red stain. 

“By wha-”

“Azzi! Come here, we got some plugs for you.” One of the athletic trainers called out to her from the sideline. Azzi looked up to see her holding up two cotton plugs. 

“Thanks, Sophia,” Azzi mumbled when she got closer, letting go of Gabby to take them. She gently pushed them up her nostrils, wincing when they caused some discomfort.

She felt more than saw Natalie come over. “Fudd.” 

Fuck.

“First of all, are you okay?” 

Oh.

“Yeah, I’m alright, thanks Nat.” She resisted the urge to tilt her head back, vaguely remembering having read something about that not being what you’re supposed to do with a nosebleed.

“Okay, good. Then I can yell at you without feeling guilty.” Natalie said, crossing her arms.

Fuck.

“What the hell was that!? Were you even looking for the pass from VB? We literally drew up the play, and everything else was in place! The double screen worked perfectly and Sky was stuck in the paint. You were wide open!” 

Azzi grimaced again, shooting Natalie an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry, I know I keep hesitating-”

“Hesitating? You were literally staring off into the distance when V passed to you. What were you even looking at?” Natalie huffed agitatedly.

“Um-” Fuck. “Sorry, yeah, I did get distracted. I thought I saw someone in the crowd-” 

“I don’t care if you see a fucking unicorn courtside, Fudd! Pay attention when you’re on the court! We can’t have you be all distracted. We’ve been a championship-contending team since our franchise was established, and I am not having you fuck that up because you saw some hot guy in the stands!”

Azzi straightened up, blushing at the insinuation that wasn’t true (well, just the ‘guy’ part, but-), “Woah, woah, wait! It wasn’t- look, coach, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I’ll keep my eyes on the ball. I swear this was a one-time thing. I’ve never had that happen to me before.”

Natalie’s rigid posture loosened a bit, but she kept her eyebrow raised. “It better not, Fudd. It looked real similar to when you lost the ball earlier.” 

“I know, yeah, I’m sorry. I’ll lock in. It won’t happen again.” She nodded solemnly, offering her a small smile. 

“Okay, go get some water too, kid. Nose alright for real?” 

Azzi experimentally felt the bridge of her nose, pinching it between her thumb and index finger. It didn’t hurt that much anymore. It didn’t seem broken or anything, thankfully. Likely just a nosebleed. “I will. It seems fine, thanks.” 

She made her way over to the bench again, sighing as she dropped into the open seat beside Gabby. 

Gabby looked over at her but decided not to comment, settling for an expression of ‘the fuck was that?’ instead. 

Janelle wasn’t so forgiving, though, who was sitting on the other side of Gabby. She leaned forward in her seat. “What were you staring at? I thought you were known for being so locked in or something. Family in the crowd?” She took a sip of water. 

Gabby looked at her more intensely, raising both her eyebrows. 

Azzi looked down and started wiggling her toes, watching the material of her shoes shift slightly from the action. 

I’ll never hear the end of it if I tell them the truth, bro. Hmm, I’ll be vague-

“Azzi?” 

“I saw something, and it, like, distracted me, yeah.” 

“Yeah, probably Paige or something.” Gabby laughed, nudging Azzi’s shoulder.  

Dude. Why am I so unlucky.

Azzi could feel heat rush to her face at Gabby's words, so she took her time again to respond, reaching down to unnecessarily mess with her shoes. She reached up to delicately feel her nose with her other hand.

Gabby impatiently nudged her foot. “What, did you actually see her?” 

She looked over at her. Then at Janelle, who was smiling. 

This is so embarrassing. Do I lie? 

But Azzi wasn’t much of a liar. “Ugh. Okay, you guys can’t laugh. Promise?” 

She looked between them, who were already struggling to keep their faces straight, and waited until they both nodded in agreement.

“I…did see her.” She mumbled, turning towards the court. 

Azzi heard Janelle let out a little gasp before saying, “No way, really? Is that why you’re red?” 

Fuck.

Gabby immediately started snickering, earning her an elbow to the ribs from Azzi. “Really!? It was actually her?” 

“You said you wouldn’t laugh!” Azzi’s head snapped toward them, red cheeks and all, frowning. 

Gabby laughed again, “Nah, I take it back. Did you really see Paige?”

“...maybe.”

“And just seeing her made you do all…that?” Janelle joined in on the teasing, laughing too. 

“Twice?” Gabby added with a grin. 

Azzi sighed. There really wasn’t any way to get out of this one. “Yes, okay? I’ll stop looking her way. Don’t lecture me. I know I need to lock in.” 

Gabby snorted. “Girl, we don’t care about that.”

“Yeah, as long as you end up shooting those open threes, Az, it’s okay if you get a little distracted by Paigey.” 

“Oh my god, stop.” Azzi groaned, pressing her palms against her ears. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment before looking over. “I don’t care if you guys tease me, but can you do it after the game? Please?” 

Gabby and Janelle both took a moment to school their expressions before Gabby finally said, “Okay, okay, fine. Let’s all lock in.”

Natalie and the rest of the coaches walked over to them, and Natalie took a seat on the floor in front of them, clutching her clipboard, as the rest of them huddled around behind her. 

“Alright, next time y’all come down the court, we’ll run the same play, k? But for this inbound…

“You’ll invite me to the wedding, right?” Gabby whispered beside her. 

Azzi felt the heat return to her cheeks despite herself, but chose to ignore it. She clenched her jaw and nudged Gabby with her knee instead, focusing her attention on the clipboard Natalie was now gesturing at.

“I’m just sayinggg. Ow!”

The whistle was blown again, and they stood up together. 

…alright, Valks on three, ready? 1, 2, 3,”

“VALKS!”

Janelle tapped her shoulder and said a quick, “Okay, hope you’re good for real, Az,” before jogging to the other side of the court.  

“Thanks, Ja!” Azzi called out after her, turning back towards Gabby. “Is it still bleeding?” She asked, gently pulling the plugs out of her nose, tilting her head up while grimacing slightly.

“Nah, it looks fine, don’t worry,” Gabby said, narrowing her eyes and leaning closer. “Not bleeding anymore, I don’t think.” 

Azzi handed the plugs to the gloved trainer, thanked her, and she and Gabby slowly made their way onto the court together. 

“You think Paige knows?” Gabby said to her under a covered mouth while Azzi adjusted the spandex under her shorts.  

“Knows what? That I was busy staring at her during a play and then got hit in the face?” Azzi grimaced again, shielding her mouth from the cameras as well. 

Gabby giggled, “No, that you’re clearly into her, too.” 

“Gabby!” Azzi slapped her arm, only making Gabby laugh even harder. “I am not! And you said you’d stop!”

“Whatever you say, Fudd. Whatever you say.” 

But as Azzi briefly thought about Paige again, she couldn’t help but notice that she definitely felt something for her. Especially after last night…

The whistle blew again to indicate that Veronica could inbound the ball, and they broke apart, heading to their spots. 

Stop. Lock the fuck in.

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

“…was just a fantastic pass in the 3rd quarter. After those moments where we saw you freeze for the first time in your career, in the second, it was great seeing you really…lock in, I guess, in the second half. 9 assists in your first game here, especially as a shooting guard, is seriously impressive."

Azzi closed her eyes and exhaled, ignoring Gabby’s foot kicking hers under the table in the media room, which was presumably paired with her classic smirk.

"I’m wondering about the team’s seemingly remarkable passing abilities, where you specifically, Azzi, were able to focus so well and find the hot hand, even in such a new and distracting arena like Ballhalla-“

Another voice chimed in, “Yeah, Az! You know, with all the purple feathers, and say, hot blondes in the building, how do you remain focused?”

Paige was going to kill Janelle, who’d crashed their presser and had somehow been given the second microphone. She'd mouthed ‘don’t’, right before she spoke, but of course, she didn’t listen to her. She heard Gabby let out a small laugh.

Mm, she’s right though, I am a hot blonde. 

She turned to her right upon hearing Gabby burst out laughing, immediately preparing to take control of the situation. Gabby, however, was staring straight at Paige. So was Azzi. “Did I just say that out loud? Fu-“ she clapped her hands over her mouth, eyes widening, and let out a muffled, “I mean-“

“Thank you for commenting on our passing, Matt. I think we were able to…

The fading laughter in the room answered Paige’s question as Azzi started answering. She didn’t spare a glance at Paige throughout her entire response.

…and to you, Ja, it really is remarkable that I stay focused when you’re bothering me 24/7.” Azzi ended, turning to smirk at her.

Bless her media training.

“And…that’s all the time we have today, thank you.” Paige stopped the timer and got up, shoving her phone into her back pocket and smoothing her slacks before she busied herself turning all of the microphones off, looking anywhere but at her right.

She could hear Azzi and Gabby bickering as they left the room, amidst the chatter amongst the reporters, and, right as the pair rounded the corner, a distinct slapping sound followed by an “ow!” from Gabby. 

Paige caught a wink from Janelle when she finally chanced a glance upward, before immediately returning her gaze back to the microphones she was unplugging, swallowing dryly.

She felt a buzz in her back pocket and took her phone back out.

Janeeel: 

so have u made the plan yet?

PB:

no?

idec rn why the fuck did you do that

Janeeel:

😜

bro.

make the plan Paige

season’s only so long

PB:

after THAT?

idk if i can ever talk to her again

or see her, even

Janeeel:

omg stop she def thinks it was cute or smth

PB:

…

there’s no way

Paige glanced up again and saw that the whole room had cleared out. She double-checked that she’d taken care of all of the audio equipment before sinking back into her chair with a sigh. She ran her fingers through her hair with one hand as she continued texting Janelle with the other. 

PB:

what happened earlier tho

Janeeel:

when

PB:

like when she froze on the court

i’ve never seen her do that before

like

when she was at NY i mean

Janeeel:

u watched her THAT closely?

gay ass

PB:

literally shut up

i’m putting your name down for media tomorrow

Janeeel:

no wait

PB:

too late

She stood back up and cracked her neck before looking around the room as one last check. She picked up her backpack from behind her seat and headed out of the room, turning the lights off behind her, and opened their thread again.

Janeeel:

bruh

i’m not telling u what happened to Azzi then

PB:

ok fine i won’t make u do media tmr

She started walking up the stairs and eventually made her way to her office on the second floor, flicking the lights on and shutting the door behind her.

Janeeel:

yay ur so easy

ok so idk how you’re not putting two and two together but she literally saw u in the stands and got distracted

so…

PB:

wait that’s what i thought happened

but like

i didn’t know if i was seeing things

Janeeel:

seeing what?

gay asssss

PB:

ur back on the list btw

Janeeel: 

stop

ik ur stupid but u can see she likes u right?

like if she’s never been distracted before

in her entire career

and YOU distracted her tonight

she’s definitely into u

Paige set her backpack down on her chair and took out her computer, placing it on her desk. She moved the backpack to the floor, against the edge of the desk, before sitting down in the office chair and sighing.

PB:

man idk

im scared

Janeeel:

so make the plan then

PB:

idkkkkkkk

Janeeel:

ur so stupid

make the fucking plan Paige

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Paige set her phone down on top of her laptop and sat back in her chair. She brought her hands up behind her head and kicked her legs out under the desk, crossing her ankles.

A plan. Okay.

She sat up again and looked at what was on her desk. 

A stack of papers she’d been meaning to take care of, a cup full of pens, her laptop and phone, colored sticky notes… 

That’ll do.

She grabbed a pad of sticky notes and a pen, pushing her laptop forward to make room on her desk to write, before realizing she had an entire empty surface on her right, thanks to the massive L-shaped desk her office had come with. 

Paige hadn’t woken up one day and decided to be a PR Manager. Well, sort of. She'd initially moved to California eight years ago. She'd finished high school here before starting her pursuit of an engineering degree at Caltech. After a single semester of Calc III and Orgo, though, she realized that was definitely not the career path for her. Her GPA thanked her. 

She spent winter break of her freshman year in her dorm conducting extensive research into what other major she could pursue at Caltech. It took her a while to land on one, but after realizing that she had some interest in the corporate world, she decided to pursue a general communications major. At least, at first. 

She applied to change her major on Christmas Day, as she was away from her family anyway. She'd filled out the form as intricately as possible to do her best to ensure that she’d be accepted into the business program for the spring semester, despite it being such a late application. 

Paige got quite lucky, she thought, since she was accepted into the program and was able to start her business journey that year. 

She found the classes to be much more engaging and interesting, and was very glad that she had changed her career path in time. Her sophomore year was when she decided to pursue a double major, and she added a minor during the fall semester of her junior year. 

Those four years had passed quickly, and Paige found herself reading an email during winter break of her senior year in the same dorm. It had detailed the internship she had been accepted for: An opportunity to work with the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries’ PR team. 

She worked with them remotely for a few months before graduating and was eventually offered a promotion to work full-time as their PR Manager. The move went smoothly, and Paige found herself absolutely loving her post-graduation life. 

When she had come in to work at the facility in Oakland, she’d been shocked to see how fancy it was. The entire facility was quite new, of course, as the Valkyries were a very recent addition to the WNBA as an expansion team, but the fact didn’t dampen just how impressed Paige was during her tour. 

When she’d been shown her office, she had been even more surprised to see that it was absolutely massive. There was plenty of floor space, and even a small couch on one end perched atop a fluffy rug, as well as a smart whiteboard that hung on top of it. 

…so, yeah. After her whole college journey, she now got to sit in this fancy office chair behind a certainly-overpriced mahogany, adjustable L-shaped desk, in the heart of the bay, as the Valkyries PR Manager. 

She clicked her pen and brought the wad of sticky notes closer to her. 

Right, the plan.

Honestly? Paige wasn’t feeling very confident about the whole thing. She knew that she probably had somewhat of a chance with Azzi, that much the whole bench thing had confirmed, but she wasn’t convinced it was a…very big chance. She really couldn’t tell if Azzi was still hung up on her ex or not. 

I mean, she literally cuddled with me-

Yeah, that was true. Sure, Paige had initiated the contact, but Azzi had fully rested her head on Paige’s shoulder. Nevermind that she’d gotten so nervous in the moment that she almost forgot how to breathe; the point still stands. And she had literally nuzzled into her shoulder when Paige suggested they should head back. That was surely a sign that Azzi was at least a little into her, right?

And there was the whole thing that had gone down at the game, earlier. 

Azzi had definitely caught her eye when she was on the court, and definitely just froze in place. Paige hadn’t lied to Janelle, in their texts. She, truly, had never seen Azzi do that before. It was actually something the media constantly praised about her game; how she was always so damn focused.

There was also the whole ‘I am a hot blonde’ thing that had just happened, too. And, well, there wasn’t much saving that one. Paige cringed when thinking about it, lowering her forehead onto her desk and closing her eyes.

Stupid. 

But it would be okay. This was why she was sitting in her office at 10 pm, making the whole plan-thing, right? 

She let out a deep exhale before lifting her head, clicking the pen twice. 

Hmm, ‘how to hit on Azzi Fudd’? 

She wrote it down. 

Nah, that doesn't look right. 

She crumpled it up and threw it in the bin under her desk.

Maybe not ‘how to’. What about “Hitting on your coworker; a plan’?

She didn’t even bother writing that one down. It was a definite no. 

She rubbed her eyes, making sure to angle the pen away from her face. It was getting late. She really needed to get this over with and go to sleep. 

Ooh, I know-

She wrote it down on the pad before ripping the sticky note off of the stack and standing up. She turned around and walked around her chair and over to the whiteboard before realizing that someone could literally walk in at any moment and see this nonsense in her office, so she turned back, deciding to put it somewhere more…private. 

Her desk had a compartment that pulled out for a keyboard, if she were to use a PC, but it was currently unoccupied. She walked back over to her desk and opened the drawer. 

Yeah, still empty. 

Paige placed the sticky note down on the far end of the drawer, right in the center. It was just barely visible if you pulled the drawer out as far as it would go. 

Perfect.

It read:

10 steps to bag Azzi Fudd

Now to…actually come up with those ten steps.

She yawned, cupping her mouth with the hand that wasn’t holding the pen. She tapped her phone to check the time. It was 10:46 pm. She needed to hurry up and go to bed.

After a good thirty minutes, Paige had finally finished detailing the ten steps to bag Azzi Fudd on separate sticky notes and meticulously placing each of them in the compartment. She smiled almost sinisterly at her completed work. 

Perfect. 

She wheeled her chair back to admire it, staring at the one on the far left for a long moment before letting out a sigh. This was going to be a long journey.  

She stood, pushing the drawer all the way in, and packed her belongings, slinging her backpack over one shoulder before leaving her office. She turned the lights off and closed the door behind her as she started fishing her car keys out of her bag. 

One step at a time.   

⋆*・ﾟ:⋆*・ﾟ

Azzi, Gabby, Veronica, and Janelle were heading to the sauna after the game. The Valks had beaten the Seattle Storm, 94-78, and the team had decided to celebratorily splash both Azzi and Natalie in the locker room with water afterward. The trio had waited for Azzi to dry herself before they all piled into Gabby’s car, who drove them over to the training facility.

Gabby wrenched the door open to the sauna and made her way inside, the rest of them following behind her. She took a corner seat, and Veronica and Janelle sat on either side of her. Azzi opted for the other bench because she still despised getting other peoples’ sweat on her. 

“Like I said before, you’re so weird, Fudd. We literally play basketball together.” Gabby said, rolling her eyes as Janelle and Veronica both laughed.

Azzi wiped her forehead with her towel and inched away from them to make a point before responding, “We play together, sure, but you’re still gross, bruh.” 

“Sooo,” Janelle started, leaning towards Azzi. 

Azzi closed her eyes. She knew where this was going. 

“About the game…” 

“Yesss I’m so glad we won by 16! VB,” Azzi turned to look at her, adding, “You’re my favorite floor general,” with an exaggerated smile, holding up a heart with her hands and cocking her head to the side. 

“Aw, thanks, Az-”

“Not that, bro. What the hell was that moment with you and Paige?” Janelle said impatiently.

“Her what? Paige?” Veronica looked between her and Janelle, confused. 

“She’s in love, bro. That’s the first time she’s ever zoned out in a game before.” Gabby explained, laughing. 

Azzi threw her towel at Gabby before requesting it back, barely catching it as Gabby chucked it hard at her and splayed it over her lap. “Okay, that’s crazy to say. I’ve talked to her, like, twice.” 

“But you zoned out because of Paige? What happened?” Veronica asked, still looking confused. 

“Bro, you are not getting out of this. You’ve literally never done that before.” Gabby added. 

Azzi sighed as Janelle continued laughing.

Can I just hop out of the sauna now? No, they’d probably follow me. Idiots. 

“I don’t even know. I, like, caught her eye or something, and it made me…freeze.” Azzi looked down at her towel and started playing with one of its corners. 

Maybe cuz they’re so fucking blue-

“You glanced at blondie and forgot about the game you were playing in?” Veronica started laughing too. “You’re that down bad already?” 

She threw her hands up, “I literally am not! I never said I like her! Y’all are idiots.” She added, scoffing, when they laughed even harder. 

“Mhm, sure you don’t. But can you be real with us for a sec, Az?” Gabby asked seriously, tilting her head back until it made contact with the wood behind her. 

“...okay.” Azzi looked over at her as the three of them (finally) stopped laughing.

“Do you think she’s cute?” 

Oh-

“I- um- honestly, kinda? I dunno-” Azzi felt herself blush as she rambled on, catching Gabby’s amused expression. “Okay, yeah, yeah. I think she’s cute, yeah.” 

“Sooo you’re into her?” She asked, smirking. 

“That’s what it sounds likeeee.” Veronica added very helpfully. 

“No, like- y’all don’t get it.” Azzi grumbled, crossing her arms.

“Get what?” 

She closed her eyes again. “I don’t like her like that! I hardly know her, like, for real. She’s hot, sure, anyone with eyes can see that. But I don’t know much about her cuz we haven’t talked that much-” 

“Oh my god, ‘she’s hot.’ ‘anyone with eyes can see that.’, you’re whipped as fuckkkk.” Azzi blinked her eyes open to glare at Gabby, whose hands were still holding up air quotes. 

She clapped her hands together before resting them in her lap. “But I told you some stuff about her your first night here, didn’t I? You know some shit about her.”

“Yeah, I mean, I guess she told me a little more about herself last night, too, but-”

“Last night?” Gabby interrupted her, eyes widening. 

Oh shit.

“Wait, what? You two talked last night?” Janelle asked, reaching her arms up and lacing her fingers behind her head. 

Fuck.

“Um- yeah, we…talked.” 

“When? Where? Spill.” 

“Uhhh-”

Azzi sighed again. She recounted last night’s events to the three of them, who were definitely way too interested for Azzi’s liking, starting with the awkward encounter in the elevator and the awkward walk up to the hill. 

She conveniently left out her thoughts of Paige looking absolutely mesmerizing in the glow of the moonlight when they had sat together on the bench (Fuck, I’m literally turning just thinking about it-), but felt too guilty about leaving out the whole cuddling part, ending with, “And like- after she asked about how I liked California so far, I like, teared up a lil. So, um, she scooted closer and put her arm around me, like for real, not just over the bench, and started, like, caressing my shoulder, I guess?” 

“AWWW.” Gabby interrupted, smiling, as Veronica and Janelle snickered. 

“Shut up. I will throw my towel at you again, Gabs. And then, okay, this was just cuz I was tired, k? I was getting pretty tired, it was dark out, and, like, I was comfortable…so I dropped my head onto her shoulder…and we were, like, full-on cuddling…” Azzi covered her face in embarrassment as the trio started hollering. 

“OH MY GOD. So you both made a move?”

“And I thought you didn’t have any game.” 

“Azzi, this is so surprising. You’re normally so bad at this shit.”

She uncovered her face, looking over at Gabby. “Oh my god. I’m not that bad at flirting, bro.” She leaned back on the bench, sighing again. “But like, yeah, it was cute. ‘n she was blushing the whole time, I swear. She’s just- she- ugh-”

“This is the same Azzi Fudd who claimed she wasn’t whipped as fuck, by the way.” Gabby deadpanned, making both Veronica and Janelle cackle and Azzi roll her eyes.

“Shut up, Gabby. She’s cute, sure, but I’d need to get to know her better first, before…” Her voice trailed away.

Gabby smirked. “So now you’re against just hooking up with her?” 

“Dude. When was I ever down for that!?” 

“Okay, okay, we don’t needa argue about that.” Veronica butted in, holding out her arms. “So, okay, you think she’s cute, right, Az?” 

“And hotttt,” Janelle murmured under her breath, making Gabby giggle next to her. 

“...maybe.” Azzi said quietly.

“And you’re not opposed to getting with her, right? You just wanna get to know her better first?” Veronica continued to reason.

“Yeah, I…think so, yes.” She nodded. 

“Yay, so you’ll talk to blondie some more, then?” Gabby asked, wiping her face with her towel. 

Azzi took a breath before shaking her head. “Nah.” 

The three of them wore identical confused expressions.

“Alright, you lost me. Why not?” 

Cuz of my evil ex-

“Um, cuz I, like, just got here, to Golden State. I don’t wanna mess anything up by getting with our PR Manager. Like, I’ve been really focused on my career and making decisions that’ll benefit my longevity in the league, this offseason, y’know. I really want to be ‘basketball first’, now that-”

Gabby scoffed and started laughing, interrupting her. “Azzi, what? That sounds like the bullshit we spew to the media. Why’re you saying that to us?”

“Yeah, what was that PR-trained answer?” Veronica laughed, tilting her head.

“I’m being serious, guys.” Three pairs of eyes stared unblinkingly at her. “Deadass! I just wanna focus on my career. Why is that so hard to believe?” 

“Okay, no, you can focus on your career, of course, that’s a great thing, Az.” Veronica said, sighing. “But Gabby told us how much of a lovergirl you are. There’s a piece of you that’s missing right now. And I dunno if blondie’s the one that has it, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to find out.”

A beat of silence passed.

Then they all started laughing, Azzi too. 

“Corny as hell, V.” Janelle said, doubling over.

“Stop! I’m being serious, you guys!”

“Okay, okay,” Azzi started, turning to look at each of them. “I’m just scared, V. What if she doesn’t wanna be with me and I…fuck up our professional relationship or something? I’d still have to see her, like, every day, and that’d be awkward as hell!”

Gabby rolled her eyes. “There already isn’t anything professional about it, Az. She’s been in love with you for years. She literally tried to get me to convince Natalie to let her come to our game at Barclays last year.” 

Azzi flushed again. Oh my god, she was THAT down bad?

“Um- shit, that’s actually really sweet, but still-”

“It’s fine if you wanna focus on your career, of course, that’s great. But it wouldn’t hurt to have some support along the way.” Janelle said, adding as Azzi opened her mouth, “A little extra support. More than just us, bro.” 

Azzi sighed again, closing her eyes and willing herself not to think about what had happened with her family in New York. She tried to relax further into her seat. 

They’re right, it wouldn’t hurt to try…

“If I promise to at least give it a try, will y’all stop bothering me?” 

“Yes.” They all chorused at once, though clearly lying.

Well that was settled, then. Give blondie a try.