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mainstreamangel · 2 months ago

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IM A SURVIVOR

Platonic!UCONN x Fem!Reader P. Bueckers x Cheerleader!Fem!Reader

Summary: You were deemed the team mom, always showing up for games and when problems arise they know they can count on you to take care of it.

Genre: Fluff

Warning(s): mentions of small injuries like papercuts, mentions of illness, inaccurate medical terms, religious mentions (just prayers).

A/N: Based off of Reba's song not Destiny's Child

WC: 4.7k

I was born three months too early.

Your mother had a home delivery and it wasn't planned. Now you were born under certain circumstances and when you were finally taken to the hospital and delivered to the PICU, the doctors had given your parents the rundown.

"Your child has suffered a few respiratory issues due to premature birth and there is a chance that she could have a weaker immune system since she was born so early. There is also a chance for seizures, intraventricular hemorrhage. This mean she could suffer brain bleeding and neurological damage. We would like to keep her for a bit to watch her over and make sure she's okay. This will also allow us to closely monitor and catch potential issues that may be caused by premature birth." The doctor explains.

Your parents' worlds shattered. They weren't sure what to do. Their baby was born so early and the doctors hadn't delivered good news.

"You should sleep. You must be exhausted from giving birth. I'll stay up to make sure we don't miss any information." Your father says to your mother.

"Alright, I'll try." Your mother wanted to say she was fine and she needs to be up but she's exhausted and can barely function.

She lays down on the uncomfortable bed and tries to catch some sleep.

The doctor gave me thirty days.

A little bit later a doctor comes in holding a tablet.

"Sir? Do you have a minute?" She asks.

Your dad jolts up and slowly walks towards the doctor.

"Your baby is beautiful, she is truly a gift, and I hate to deliver this to you under such circumstances. But because of how early your baby was born... It is likely she will pass give or take 30 days." The doctor says professionally.

Your father just stands there with a horrid expression. How was he going to break the news to your mother? Especially after everything you two went through to have this pregnancy. It was a miracle you weren't a miscarriage. It was difficult to get pregnant and by some miracle you were conceived under the moonlight.

He thanked the doctor and she went off to attend to another patient. Your father slumped back into the uncomfortable hospital chair staring at a random spot on the floor.

He tried to wrap his head around how this could've happened. Was it him? Was there something wrong with him genetically?

When your mother woke up from her sleep, she could see the distressed look on your father.

"What is it?" She mumbled.

"I... While you were asleep a doctor came in." He swallowed hard.

"She said our daughter only has 30 days to live."

Your mother broke down. Her shoulders shook and her sobs rang out. Your father tried to console her but he was pretty broken himself.

"We haven't even given her a name." Your mother cried.

"Well what were you thinking?" He asked.

"I don't know!" She threw her head into her hands again and cried harder.

Your father didn't know what to do. He tried to be strong but he just couldn't. He silently shut his eyes and looked down. Praying for a miracle. Anything that could turn this nightmare into well, anything else.

Your father mumbled a small prayer and then, a name popped up. Randomly in his head he took it as a sign. He said the name that had appeared in his brain.

"What?" Your mom asked.

He said it again.

"It's perfect." She smiled.

That's how you had gotten your name. As you fought in that PICU you had gained a few traits from your parents. Your father's determination and strength, your mother's will and empathy. Also, you had inherited her need to always be prepared. You had inherited her motherly love which you hadn't known you were going to use for a certain group of girls.

Time went by and your mother had been discharged from the hospital. They would go home and rest, recharging for everyday activities and then they would come and visit their sweet baby.

That day was like no other, work went on and then they would come and see their child. They had expected no progress and they had gotten even more solemn as it neared the passing date.

"Ma'am, Sir. There is something I'd like to discuss." The doctor said.

They had become a regular and had created a tight bond with your doctor. She had taken them to a quiet room as they sat down next to each other, your doctor across.

But I must have had my mama's will. And God's amazing grace.

She opened her tablet and turned it so it faced your parents.

"I don't understand?" Your father looked at the doctor for a better, verbal explanation.

"Your daughter is showing great signs of improvement. She's going to be alright and she will a live a healthy life.

Your parents start crying. They had prayed for a miracle and whatever they had done, they were granted that gift.

"She's going to be alright." Your mother hugged your father.

So I guess I'll keep on livin'.

The doctor stood with a bright smile, the joy she felt when families were going to be alright could never be matched in any different field.

By day 30, you were released from the PICU and were taken home and raised like a normal child. Your parents had loved you unconditionally and been there for every first. They spoiled you and treated like their princess because, well, you were their princess. A gift from God, and a miracle that only the special few get to experience.

Even if this loves to die for.

You had made it through elementary, and then middle school, you even got the chance to graduate from high school. All the schools you attended were local. Close to home and close to your parents.

Until college rolled around. Now you didn't really know where you were going to go. You never thought you would get the chance to get this far. Your parents had explained your situation and you were sad to hear about the things your parents experienced but you had ultimately agreed that you were happy that you got the chance to live.

You weren't sure what you wanted to do in the future and that made it difficult to choose which university to attend. You looked at different majors and read their descriptions trying to make some sense of it all.

Your parents were there every step of the way. Told you to consider things like can you see yourself doing said thing in the future? How's the pay? Will the field make you happy for a long time?

That's how you landed on the University of Connecticut. You were going to major in elementary education. You wanted to teach young children and change the lives of them at a young age. Help them grow, and shape their future selves.

'Cause your bags are packed and I ain't cryin'.

Your parents were in tears when you packed your bags, getting ready for the long trip to Connecticut. The journey was filled with laughter and solemn moments and relived memories. But nothing lasts forever. You arrive on campus and your parents help you settle in.

You're walking out and I'm not trying. To change your mind 'cause I was born to be.

"My baby's all grown up." Your mother cried again and you gave her another hug.

"I know you don't want to leave and I'll miss you too, but mumma you gotta go. It's getting late and I know how cranky you get when you don't get enough sleep." You murmured.

"Come on," Your father tears her away and they both say their goodbyes.

You take a deep breath and you look around your empty dorm. It was nice. Being alone. But it was also scary. Your roommate was supposed to be here before you but they had got transferred to a different university and now you had your own place. Double the luxury.

You literally spent the whole night making your dorm your new home. From cute fairy lights to posters of your favourite interests. You arranged furniture and made it a comfortable space.

It was about 2 AM and you finally finished. You didn't bother getting ready for bed, you kind of just crashed.

But your one goal was to join the cheer team. And through determination and a little bit of luck you were able to claim your spot with a good team who loves and supports not only you, but each other.

The first game you cheered at was the UCONN Huskies' women's basketball team. You wore a proud smile as you moved in your uniform. Your hair pristine and tidy and your energy full of life.

Paige noticed you immediately. It's not like she always looked at the cheer team, she never really gave a shit. She would just focus on her game and her team. But something about your energy stood out from all the boring cheerleaders.

You brought more to the table.

She came over to you after winning the game and you instantly hit it off. At the after party you two got drunk and she introduced you to her friends. They loved you and you loved them. You grew close to your girls even though you participated in different sports.

Because you inherited your mother's love you tend to rub it off on other people. Including your basketball friends.

Only 2 years have passed since then and you had grown closer to your girls. Especially Paige. She had asked you out after knowing each other for a bit and you two have never been better. In every waking moment of your time at UCONN, you've cherished and loved. They had deemed you the team mom, always tending to their needs and being the support that they can rely on. Your love is unconditional and you're always prepared.

That brings you to now, and a few times your "team mom" skills come in handy.

1. Azzi's papercut

You were in the library, a few books that were cracked open. Azzi had decided to join you even though you two had different work.

"Snoopy says it's time for a dance break! Snoopy loves a good dance break." You said sweetly.

You were tasked to practice reading out loud without stuttering and stumbling. You held up the book showing Azzi the pictures. She was your test subject and she was attentively listening to you. Kind of.

She was multitasking, pretending to be interested in your little story time and doing her work at the same time.

"He dances with Charlie Brown! He dances with Lucy! He dances with Linus." You add enthusiasm to each sentence and continue to practice your eye contact.

"You don't have to add little quirks it's just me." Azzi jokes

"I'm treating you like a child for the sake of practice, now listen." You laugh.

"I guess I am a child. Since you're the team mom, we're just your super energetic but amazing children." She says proudly.

"I wouldn't say amazing."

"Oh, so you hate us."

"Maybe." You try and say with a straight face but a small smile cracks on your face.

She shakes her head and picks up a loose paper.

"Fuck. Jesus." Azzi dropped the paper abruptly.

"You alright?" You asked, slowly lowering the children's book.

"Papercut. Fuck it stings."

Your baby cannot be in pain. Not on your watch. You dig into your bag and pull out a small travel first aid kit.

"Are you bleeding Az?" You ask, popping the lid open.

"No it's just open."

You nod and take her hand, assessing the damage. You hold her hand as you apply some healing cream and a bandage that fits the cut.

"That feel better?" You asked, looking at her.

"Yeah, thanks MOM." Azzi jokes.

You lightly hit her arm.

"Hey! I am an injured woman. I'm not sure I can play basketball anymore."

"The team would still function the same." You joke.

"Hey!"

You laugh and pick the book back up, where you left off. Azzi got back to your homework and thankfully you two were able to finish up in the library without any other "life changing" injuries.

2. Kaitlyn's fall

You were sitting against the wall as you wrote in your journal, occasionally watching your girls practice. It was a very squeaky environment, from the sound of voices constantly talking and the squeaking of sneakers on polished floors. It was a miracle you were able to get anything written in that book.

But you were used to the noise. Your girls were very noisy you had to say. Some more than others but you were not going to hold it against them.

A yelp cut your thoughts up as your head snaps as you see Kaitlyn Chen laying on the court holding her ankle. Quickly, you bolt up and race over to the girl. Her teammates were circled around her but not doing anything.

"Move." You pushed Paige out of the way.

"Hey, ma. Chen just had a nasty fall.

You get on your knees and look at the girl.

"Are you hurt? Does anything hurt?" You asked quickly.

You took her wrist and started to measure her pulse.

"Heart-rate's good." You lean down and closer to her mouth.

"Breathing's good."

"I'm fine." Kaitlyn laughs.

"Thank God. Does anything hurt?" You ask again.

"My ankle feels a little sore." She sits up with the help of KK and Paige.

You scoot closer to her ankle and take her shoe off. You peel back a bit of her sock and press around it. She winces at some spots and you let go.

"It's a little bit swollen but nothing too bad. Not twisted, cracked, sprained, or anything. It's going to be sore for a bit so just sit around, rest a bit and it should be better before game day. Avoid mass pressure for long periods of time."

You put her sock back on and help her put her shoe back on too. The girls help move her to the wall and she just sighs, thankful for a break. Auriemma had been pushing them more since their last loss.

"Damn, went all doctor on her, ma." Paige smirks.

"Again, there's a reason she's the team mom." Ice states, tossing a ball towards the net.

"Just trying to support where I can." You shrug. "She's all clear!" You shout at Geno from across the court.

He gives you a thumbs up and starts directing again.

"P, you better get back in there." You smile.

"Hold on, I just was wondering if you wanted to grab a bite after practice?"

"Sure, babe." You lean up and give her a quick kiss before sending her back out on the court.

3. KK's bedtime

KK and Paige were live, doing some fuckass dance featuring Paige's bad singing.

You shook your head and close your laptop.

"Alright, I'm going to bed. You two better keep it down." You stated.

Standing up, you walked over waved to the camera and gave Paige a light kiss on the head.

"You coming to bed soon?" You asked her.

"Yeah, soon, ma." She smiled.

UCONNIC5: they r literally so cute omg

PBNJ: i wanna be either of them idc who

azzifuddaround: their mom making sure they behave lol

You nodded and bid the two goodnight. All nice and ready you fell asleep quickly but were suddenly awakened by a loud crash. Looking at your phone's clock you noticed that it had only been 2 hours since you fell asleep.

When you get awakened from your sleep, you are not happy. You throw the covers away, your body soaking in the cold air. You wrap a blanket around your shoulders, the fabric following like a billowing cape.

You walk into the general area and still see the two on live. Now this time before you fell asleep, everything was fine. But now? There was furniture moved, new stains on the countertops and still 2 energetic children entertaining a bunch of people, virtually.

"What. The. Fuck." You furrow your brows.

The music they were playing stops abruptly and the pair turn to look at you.

"Hey, baby..!" Paige chuckled nervously.

"You said you were going to be in bed soon. Why did I wake up to an empty bed?"

"Lost track of time I guess. Sorry, I'll go get ready now." She hangs her head low and sulks. She gives you a quick kiss on the cheek and walks into your bedroom.

Now it was just you and KK.

"Hey..." She smiles, lopsided.

"You need to go to bed. You have practice in the morning and classes after. You're going to be exhausted." You scolded.

"It'll be fine." She dismisses.

"KK." You say, lowly.

You can literally feel the fear radiating off of her, with your tone.

"Going now. Goodnight." She scrambles away and shuts the door to her room.

You sigh and start to clean up. Move the furniture back, clean up garbage and wipe down surfaces. You were exhausted too, but it had to get done or else your brain would have started your day off as bad.

Finally, you were ready to go back to bed but realise that KK's phone was still propped up and on live. You furrow your brows and roll your eyes.

Comments still flooded the screen and you scanned them quickly.

opalopaque: damn she got that mama bear in her

tiredhipreplacement: if i got told off like that id want the ground to swallow me.

grandpounded: paige is lucky to have such a strong willed woman

You smiled at the loving comments and quickly say your goodbyes and goodnights. Ending the live you knock softly on KK's door.

A faint "Come in." was heard and you opened the door, carefully.

"You left your phone." You hand her the device.

"Thanks."

You sit on the side of her bed while she's snuggled under the covers.

"You doing okay? You know I only used that tone so that you would get a good nights rest."

"I know, and I'm grateful for that because I know I will literally die without sleep tomorrow."

"Just doing my job." You smile and rub her arm softly.

"Good night KK."

"Night."

You turn off the lamp beside her bed and shut the door with a soft click. Padding back to your room and saw Paige laying in bed, scrolling on her phone.

"Hey P."

"Hey, baby. Time for bed?" She put her phone down.

"Yeah."

You climbed back under the covers and then you decided that the space between the two of you was not good enough. So you shift closer and you put your body next to hers.

"It's nice that you care for everyone."

"I'd do it again, anytime."

"You'd be the perfect mother, you know."

"I fill the role because I know everything will crash down if I don't." You joke.

Paige turns the lamp off and you two lay there, winding down from the day.

4. Ice's jersey

You were getting ready to head to your final cheer practice before the big game. The huskies also had practice just in a different area of the facility. You were doing your hair before a knock at the door.

"Come in!" You shout.

Ice Brady walks in, her figure broad as she watches you curl your hair.

"Have you seen my jersey?" She asks.

She always misplaces her jersey before games and you have taken it upon yourself to make it a routine.

"It's hanging in the closet by the entrance."

"Thanks." She gives you a smile and walks off.

You hear more shuffling and the sound of her jersey being taken off the hanger. A moment of silence loomed around you as you counted up to a minute. Like clockwork she called again.

"Where are my-"

"Theyre under the shoe rack." You call again.

She finds her pair of sneakers and thanks you again. You shook your head as Paige pops into the bathroom.

"Do you know where my hair tie went?"

You sighed. This one was new. Paige had usually always kept responsible tabs on her belongings but not everyone can be perfect I guess.

You pull open a drawer and fish one out before handing it to her. Also, you slide her hair gel over to her so she can do her signature slick back for practice.

"Hey! Do you know where my-" Ice yells.

"Your keys are in the dish with everyone else's keys. You know this!" You roll your eyes and Paige laughs.

"Thank you for keeping track of our belongings, ma."

"Yeah, yeah. Don't know what you'll do without me when I'm gone."

"I don't plan on letting you leave that easily."

You smile and give her a soft kiss.

"Hey!"

You break the kiss and let out a frustrated groan.

"Your ID is literally in your pocket. It's where you always leave it. I'm literally going to start making you a list so you remember." You stormed out of the room.

Paige shakes her head and starts to do her hair. She also wonders what she's going to do when she leaves UCONN. What you two will become.

5. Cheering them on

Game day had arrived like clockwork and you were hyping up the crowds. Loud voices filled the court as fans from all over had come to watch the national champion game. UCONN v. USC it was an anticipated match and there were a lot of people rooting for both sides.

You pranced around in your uniform, your hair perfect as always. Your smile was bright as you cheered on your girls.

They were currently warming up and stretching as you did your routine.

By the time the game started you had finished the routine and now it was time for your girls to bring home the championship. The score was tight, 78-64, but your girls had managed to pull through.

Confetti rained all over the court and over people. You were ecstatic. You knew they had worked so hard to get to this point and with Paige's last year, you knew this meant so much more to her than you could ever imagine.

That's why, you stepped onto the floor and she came bolting through the crowd until she picked you up and kissed you in front of everyone.

Now your relationship was public but it was more on the back burner than the main focus of Paige's career. Sure it brought her attention but she stated specifically she wanted to be known for her skills on the court and that the moments with her close group was just a bonus.

"You did it, P." You mumbled in her ear.

"We did it." She kissed you again and put you on the floor.

"That hat looks good on you babe." You smirk, tilting it down slightly so it covered both of you.

"Yeah? Gonna keep it on later." She winked.

You lightly hit her and she ran off to go bug Auriemma.

You stood with your team and smiled happily as you basked in the win.

You really wanted to get home but unfortunately Paige had been stopped for a bunch of interviews and pictures.

You didn't mind though, she deserved it. She signed autographs and talked with fans. Now, you weren't as popular or famous as her but there were times where they wanted you in the picture or you signature and you happily obliged.

"So, Paige, what can we expect now that your time here at UCONN is up?" A reporter asked, pointing the mic towards Paige.

"Uh, hopefully enter the draft as the no. 1 pick and have my friends and family with me as I continue and hopefully improve my career." She smiles, looking at you.

"It's said that it is also your girl's last year here too? How will you two cope with the upcoming draft?" She asked.

"Our bond is so strong nothing could tear us apart. Whatever she wants to pursue, I'll support her and I know she'll support my dreams too." She smiled and waved at you after you waved first.

"Thank you, Paige. And good luck."

Paige walked back over to you and gave you a hug.

"You know, we wouldn't be here without you. Taking care of us and what not."

"It was a team effort then."

You smiled and leaned in, capturing her lips in a sweet but savoury kiss.

6. Paige's draft

The 2025 WNBA draft had arrived sooner than either of you had expected. Paige had shown up in a custom fit as she took the carpet. Her energy was attractive and her hair was alluring. Reporters and photographers shouting to get just one moment of her time.

"Paige, what team are you hoping to get picked by tonight?"

"Paige, we see you're rocking a nice outfit. Who's it by?"

"Paige, I see your girl is here to support you. Will she be in the crowd this evening?"

"Paige! Paige! Paige!"

Your girl handled it all with ease. Like it naturally came to her and you were so proud of her. Then you noticed something. There was a bit of red fuzz on her suit, promptly matching your red outfit for the draft.

Quickly, you walk up to her and brush it off her suit, and fixing her hair that was out of place. You leave a soft kiss on the corner of her lips and you wave to photographers before leaving.

In the time while you were gone, she had apparently got mic'd up and she warned you that she was.

"I'm mic'd. I'm mic'd." She smoothed her suit, this time a black suit, compared to her brown one she debuted on the carpet.

"Alright, P." You laughed.

You saw your friends in the crowd and gave them a little wave.

Paige's former coach, Geno Auriemma had taken his seat at Paige's table and you gave him a slight wave. You two had a good relationship. It wasn't as close as Paige's to him but it was still good. You both held respect for each other and you believed that was all that mattered.

"And with that, the first pick of the 2025 WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings select..."

You held your breath and waited in anticipation.

"Paige Bueckers, University of Connecticut."

You smile brightly and stand up along with the rest of her family. She turns and gives you a hug first and you give her a kiss on the cheek.

"You did it baby," You mumbled.

"All thanks to you, ma." She gave you one final hug before hugging the rest of the people at your table and going up to receive her jersey.

You pulled out your phone and started recording like a proud mother who just watched their child accomplish a major milestone. To you, she had.

"Paige Bueckers' girl is out in the crowd tonight. Looks like she's recording like a proud mother." One of the announcers says on TV.

"I'm sure she is very proud, along with herself and her teammates. The public can't wait to see what Paige accomplishes during her time in the WNBA. Her collegiate career had been phenomenal, there's no telling what she will do in the bigger leagues."

"As the no. 1 pick overall, she will be ensured to be a positive contribution to the Dallas Wings and furthermore."

Paige had sat back down and you gave her a proud smile.

"I'm so proud of you baby."

"Thank you. I love you."

You gave her a soft smile and held her hand under the table.

"With the second pick of the 2025 WNBA draft, the...." You continued to listen as best as you could but you couldn't have felt prouder of your girl.

She was on the road to greatness and you knew you would be there by her side.

It was time to retire the title, "Team mom" and start a new era as just... you. :)

A single mom who works two jobs. Who loves her kids and never stops. With gentle hands and the heart of a fighter, I'm a survivor.

#wbb #wnba #paige bueckers x reader #paige bueckers #paige x reader #wnba draft #first draft #basketball #womens basketball #ncaa wbb #ncaa women’s basketball #ncaa march madness

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