pbxaf4life

[pbxaf4life]

Tbh I wasn't really planning on finishing The Long Game because I got stuck and reallllyyyy busy. (sorry guys) But a few people now have said they want more, so I have a new chapter😁 and I hope to have more soon. It's out on my new blog tho @coldestduointhenation I only made it because this is a side blog and I can't turn on asks or anything, so gonna be strictly posting on there from now on.

[pbxaf4life]

And she’s still leaning in like Azzi is supposed to be there😭😭😭

someone said this

reminded them of this

do i cry or do i cry?

[pbxaf4life]

yall never fail to piss me off. all these think pieces of how you feel about the fact that paige isn’t posting azzi are dumb as fuck.

(and the people who are interacting with that account are just as sad as the op.)

just because paige isn’t posting things about them doesn’t mean she don’t want azzi😭 paige is down BAD for that girl and it’s so obvious. shes just focused on her rookie year and nothing is wrong with that.

paige will post eventually, it’s not like she’s quitting social media. i bet when uconn season comes, paige is gonna get every chance she gets to post her girl.

(this is just for awareness purposes!)

please, leave p alone and stop making it seem like she hates azzi😭🙏🏾)

[pbxaf4life]

And don’t come round here saying anything different🤏🏽🤏🏽

Paige and Azzi locked in beyond comprehension of the average human mind

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 10

Paige x Azzi

Masterlist

Okay finished it faster than I thought I would. Love-hate relationship here. Lmk what y'all think. Did not edit it very hard. Also, I don't meant to alarm anyone, but something is coming...

Summary: Azzi declared herself Paige's to Paige's face, and now she had to deal with the consequences of that. A version of Paige she had yet to see. But she was into it.

Word count: 1770

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Chapter 10: You Were Bold - Azzi

At practice the next morning, Azzi could feel Paige watching her. She always did.

She stretched deeper into her warm-up, keeping her gaze fixed forward, even though she could practically feel Paige's eyes on her like heat on her skin. She knew that look too well by now—the one that simmered slow and low, the one that made Azzi's chest go tight and her head go fuzzy. One glance and she'd forget what she was even stretching for.

Her body betrayed her constantly when it came to Paige. A single look could make her pulse skip. A lingering stare could make her thighs clench. It was ridiculous, and she hated how aware of it she was—how hot her skin felt under the weight of Paige's gaze. How her stomach flipped at just the thought of being near her.

She wiped her forehead with the hem of her shirt, a little slower than necessary. She wasn't above pushing back.

During the scrimmage, Azzi hit a three from the top of the key. Instinctively, she looked toward the bench. She shouldn't have. Paige was smirking at her, eyes steady and full of something dangerous. Something Azzi wanted more of.

Her knees felt weaker than they should've. She tried to shake it off.

At the next water break, Azzi strolled over to the bench, sweat dripping down her temple. She kept her voice low, just for Paige.

"Stop looking at me like that," she said, breath still catching.

Paige's smirk widened. "No."

Azzi blinked. "No?"

Paige leaned in, her tone soft but sharp. "This is how I look at you."

Azzi's chest tightened. She turned away before she could show how much that line undid her.

After practice, the locker room was buzzing with the usual chaos. Azzi kept her eyes on her locker, trying to stay in control. She peeled off her sweaty jersey, standing there in her sports bra, trying to cool down.

That was when she felt it.

A hand. Light on the back of her neck. Not playful, not aggressive. Just... deliberate. Steady.

Then a voice, low and close to her ear.

"You look good today."

Azzi froze. Paige.

Her body reacted instantly—her breath caught, a shiver ran down her back, heat pooling where it shouldn't. She hated how easy it was for Paige to do that to her. She hated how much she wanted her to do it again.

Before she could react, Paige's fingers traced lightly down the center of her back, and then she was gone. By the time Azzi turned, she was already halfway out the door, walking like nothing had happened.

Azzi changed fast and caught up to her on the way to the dining hall. They grabbed lunch and sat down next to each other. Nika and Ice took seats across the table.

"Y'all looked sharp today," Paige said casually.

Nika snorted. "Yeah, one of us more than the rest."

Ice laughed, giving Azzi a knowing look.

Azzi raised a brow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm just saying," Nika said, hands raised in mock innocence.

The conversation drifted from basketball to classes, to nothing in particular. Azzi tried to follow, but her focus was elsewhere—specifically, on the hand Paige slipped onto her thigh beneath the table. Casual. Like it had always been there.

Her whole body went tight. Paige's touch was firm and effortless, and somehow more intimate than anything they'd done. Every slight movement made Paige's fingers shift against her bare skin, reminding Azzi that her hand there wasn't an accident. And it drove her insane.

Every slight movement made Paige's fingers shift against her bare skin, reminding Azzi that her hand there wasn't an accident. And it drove Azzi insane.

She nodded at something Ice said, though she had no idea what it was. Her skin was buzzing. Her legs were tensed, practically shaking with the effort not to move. She was barely breathing. Then Ice paused.

"You good?" she asked.

"Yeah," Azzi said quickly. "Just thinking about homework."

Paige's grip on her thigh tightened, and Azzi felt a flush rise up her neck.

When Ice and Nika got up to refill their drinks, Paige leaned in close again. Azzi felt the brush of her breath at her ear.

"You're being so good."

Azzi froze. Her heart jumped. She turned just slightly, met Paige's eyes.

"Better be careful," Azzi said, voice a little shaky. "You're playing dirty."

Paige tilted her head. "I'm not playing."

Azzi opened her mouth to say something else, but nothing came out.

Paige stood and gathered her tray. Before walking away, she leaned back in one last time, voice lower than before.

"You're the one who should be careful. I bite."

Then she was gone.

Azzi sat there, hands trembling under the table. Her body was still buzzing. Her skin was still warm. Her stomach was tight and aching and full of something she didn't have words for.

She wanted Paige. Bad.

That night, Azzi lay in bed with her phone in her hand for fifteen minutes before finally giving in.

Azzi: Are you messing with me?

Paige replied almost immediately.

Paige: Define messing with

Azzi: The touching, the whispering, all of it

Paige: Then yes. I did do that

Azzi couldn't help smiling.

Azzi: I know. But why?

The typing bubble blinked in and out.

Paige: I can't help it. You're so easy to mess with

Azzi: You're the worst

Paige: You love it

Azzi rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling, heart racing. She did love it. And she hated how much she did.

She typed the next message before she could overthink it.

Azzi: Come over

A beat passed.

Paige: On my way

Azzi tried to sit on the bed casually. She didn't really plan to have Paige over. Not consciously anyway. She pretended like it was a normal night and she wasn't waiting for Paige to come over to do God knows what. 

Azzi knew what she wanted. She wanted to see if Paige would follow up on the way she'd been acting all day. Teasing. Playing. Being bolder than Azzi had ever seen her. Even bolder than when she was on the court talking trash and taking ballsy threes. Paige was never like this for anyone. Except for Azzi apparently.

Finally, one soft knock.

Azzi opened it quickly. Like she didn't care if Paige would think she was waiting by the dorr.

She didn't say anything. She didn't need to. Paige looked at her like she was the only thing in the world that made sense.

Paige stepped inside, and the door clicked shut behind her. The lock turned.

They didn't speak, but the air between them was full. Full with the weight of everything they hadn't said yet.

Azzi leaned back against the edge of her desk. Paige stayed by the door.

It felt like there was a canyon between them, even though the room was small. Azzi's heart was pounding in her throat. Her hands were shaking, even behind her back pressed against the desk.

She didn't know what to do with any of it. All she knew was that she wanted Paige. Badly. Wanted her in a way that scared her a little—because it wasn't just about attraction. It was about gravity. About pull. About how the thought of Paige with anyone else made something inside her burn.

"So..." Azzi said, the sound barely breaking the tension.

Paige gave her a half-smile. "So..."

A beat.

"You were bold today," Azzi said folding her arms across her chest.

Paige shrugged. "I thought you'd like it."

Azzi let out a small laugh. "I did."

Paige took a step toward her. She swallowed. "And would you like it if I was bold right now?"

Azzi's face went soft. She opened her mouth to say something but it seemed to get stuck in her throat, so she just nodded.

Paige caught it. She closed the rest of the distance between them. They were almost close enough to touch noses.

Azzi's eyes flicked from Paige's eyes to her mouth and back up. She still didn't say anything. Just stared at her with parted lips like she was already halfway gone. Paige leaned in until their foreheads touched. Her voice dropped, soft and steady. "Tell me to stop."

"I don't want you to stop," Azzi whispered, her hand sliding up Paige's back to the nape of her neck.

Paige brushed her lips against hers—barely there, like a question. Azzi answered it, chasing the contact, kissing her properly. Paige exhaled through her nose and leaned into it, gripping Azzi's hips like it was the only thing anchoring her to the moment.

Azzi's mouth was soft and open lost herself in it. The kiss deepened quickly—too quickly—and Paige didn't try to slow it down. She let it get messy, let it get breathless. Azzi wanted Paige close, needed her closer, and every press of their mouths lit her nerves on fire. Her whole body buzzed with want. Azzi clung to her hoodie with both hands, like she couldn't stand the idea of Paige pulling away, not even for a second. Her body tilted forward instinctively, chasing the heat of it, the pressure, the weight.

Paige backed her into the desk, hands slipping around her waist, pulling her even closer until there was nothing left between them but the sound of their breathing and the sharp, electric buzz of everything they hadn't touched until now. Azzi sighed into her mouth—needy, unguarded—and Paige kissed her harder, like she was trying to memorize the shape of it. Like she had something to prove.

Azzi's hands were in her hair now, fisting gently, keeping her there. Her whole body trembled under Paige's palms. Paige could feel it. And she loved it. Loved that she had this effect on her. That Azzi wanted her just as bad.

For a minute, there was nothing else—just mouths and breath and the low burn of finally having something they'd both spent too long pretending they didn't want.

Then Paige slowed it down. Just barely. Her hands found Azzi's waist again, grounding them both. The kiss softened, unraveled, lips brushing lazily like they didn't want it to end. When she finally pulled back, Paige rested her forehead against Azzi's, her chest heaving, her thoughts a mess.

Azzi didn't speak. She just stared, eyes half-lidded, lips swollen, looking at Paige, who looked so undone Azzi could barely breathe.

"Wow," Paige said still trying to catch her breath. She took a step back to give Azzi room to breathe and to just look at her. 

She was gorgeous. Azzi saw everything she wanted. 

Without saying anything else, Azzi let go of Paige. And turned her focus to the bed. She crawled into it and lifted the blanket for Paige to join her. 

Paige obeyed without a word.

They didn't go farther that night. Just allowed themselves to tangle limbs and hold onto each other like a lifeline. 

"Azzi?" Paige said into the dark. Voice hoarse and quiet.

"Yeah?" Azzi said barely above a whisper.

"I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything as much as I want this."

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 9

Paige x Azzi

Masterlist

As promised :) Chapter 10 will be out either within the hour or in the morning

Summary: Paige has put some of everything out on the table. But there's more. There's so much more. She still can't place all of it, but she can try. She can say brave things.

Word count: 1116

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Chapter 9: Call Me Yours - Paige

Paige was trying to play it cool. She really was. As cool as she could be after telling Azzi that she knew what she wanted. And she meant it.

Well, mostly. She definitely knew she wanted Azzi. But she didn't know what exactly she wanted from her. Plus, she wanted a lot of other things too.

Paige wanted to get better. She wanted a national championship. She wanted to go first in the WNBA draft. She wanted to make history. She also wanted all of those things for Azzi. Maybe even more than for herself. She wanted Azzi to have the world.

It had been a few hours since Paige left Azzi in the ice bath when Azzi texted. Paige practically leaped for her phone without even trying to pretend she wasn't waiting on something.

Azzi: Wanna go for a walk?

It was late. Dark outside. The hours when everything felt too honest. Paige didn't hesitate.

Paige: Headed down now.

When Paige stepped off the elevator, Azzi was standing by the front doors, scrolling on her phone, waiting. She wore a thin hoodie. Paige's hoodie. Paige couldn't help but smile.

Azzi looked up, and her face softened.

"Hi," Azzi said with a big exhale. It felt heavy.

"Hey," Paige said.

Without saying anything, they walked outside and started down the sidewalk. They didn't talk for a little bit. Just enjoyed each other's company.

After a few minutes, without looking at Paige and without breaking their stride, Azzi broke the silence.

"What are we doing Paige?" she asked quietly.

Paige sighed. "I wish I could tell you."

Azzi let out a small breathy laugh. "I just... I didn't mean for things to get like this."

Paige looked down at the ground. "Me neither."

Paige thought about what Azzi said the night before. I'll let you ruin everything. The truth was Paige didn't want to ruin anything. They were two of the best basketball players in the country and the best of friends. Complicating that felt scary.

"Do you remember what you said last night?" Paige asked.

Azzi cocked an eyebrow. "Which part?"

"Right before you went to sleep, you said, 'I'll let you ruin everything.'"

Azzi got quiet. She inhaled sharply. "Yeah, I remember that."

Paige added, "You also said to ask you again when you're sober. You said you'd have the same answer."

Azzi looked down playing with the hem of her hoodie sleeve. "So ask me again," she mumbled.

Paige bit her lip. Her heart pounded at the inside of her chest. "Do you want me?"

Azzi turned her head to look Paige in the eye. "Yeah, I think I do."

The words hit Paige in her gut. The palms of her hands got sweaty and her legs started to feel like jelly. Azzi wanted her.

It felt good. Really good. Maybe too good. Like Azzi just gave her the green light to claim what's hers.

Paige nodded. "I think I want you too."

Azzi smiled and let out a shaky breath. "You think?"

Paige shook her head immediately. "No. I know it. I know. I just... don't really know what that entails."

Azzi nodded slowly, not pressing.

Paige kept going. "I don't want to rush into something or put pressure on us to be anything. But I also don't want to lie to myself. Because I think about you all the time. And I'm so tired of acting like I don't want you."

Azzi reached for her hand, almost absentmindedly, like her body knew what to do before her mind caught up.

"We don't have to be anything yet," she said. "We just have to be honest."

Paige looked down at their joined hands. "Okay. I can get down with that."

They walked a little more. The silence felt easier now, like they'd both unclenched something that had been held too tight for too long.

"I kept checking my phone today," Azzi said suddenly. "I was trying not to, but I did anyway. Every five minutes like a crazy person."

Paige smiled. "I kept writing texts and deleting them."

Azzi laughed under her breath. "Coward."

"No, just... I didn't want to say the wrong thing," Paige said.

"You didn't," Azzi said. "You just didn't say enough."

Paige nodded slowly. "Fair."

They kept walking until the path looped back toward the dorms. The air felt heavier again, like something unsaid had caught up to them.

Paige broke the silence this time. "I was scared it would change everything between us."

Azzi looked over. "And now?"

"Now I'm scared it won't."

Azzi stopped walking. Paige did too.

"I don't know how to do this," Paige said. "Like, I know how to lead a team. I know how to handle pressure. But this? You have me so lost."

Azzi tilted her head. "Are you afraid of me?"

Paige paused. "Terrified."

"Why?" Azzi said, half-laughing.

They stood in the middle of the path, dorms glowing softly in the distance. Neither of them moved.

Paige looked at her. Really looked at her. "I think you have me in a position where you could do a lot of damage. I don't know where your head is at, but I can't let myself get too deep if this won't end well."

Azzi didn't say anything. Just listened. Nodded. Processed.

"I've been trying to play it cool," Paige added. "Like this isn't that deep. But I think you've been in my head since we met. It's just taken me this long to recognize it."

Azzi blinked. "That's a long time."

"I know."

Azzi breathed deeply. "I don't want you to think this is just you. It's not, just to be clear."

Paige nodded silently. But slowly like she was still learning to trust Azzi when she said that.

"But I don't think either of us are in a space where we can be running around calling each other girlfriend."

Paige raised her eyebrows. It stung a little bit to hear Azzi say that. But she understood. "Yeah," she said a little shorter than she intended. 

Azzi caught it. "Not that like that's off the table–I mean not never–I just think this is something that needs a lot of figuring out before we worry about calling it anything."

Paige silently agreed. She knew Azzi was right. She knew how she got when things got to be too much. When people--girls--got to be too clingy. She got the urge to run and nothing was other there to stop her. Azzi would stop her. She was sure. But still, she wanted to play it safe. Play it right.

"So, what do I call you?" Paige asked curiously. 

Azzi shot her a confused look. "What do you mean?"

Paige stepped closer to her. They were still standing on the path outside of the dorms. They weren't close enough to kiss, but close enough to look intimate. 

"I mean, you're not just my friend anymore. So what do I call you?" Paige clarified.

Azzi looked down at the ground. Then back up at Paige.

"Call me yours."

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 8

Paige x Azzi

Masterlist

So sorry for slacking, guys. Also so sorry that this chapter is so short but the next one is coming right up, I promise. Thank you for reading. Truly means a lot. 🫶🏽

Summary: After the night they had, Azzi has to confront things a little more head-on. There's a conversation that still needs to happen. And it does... sort of.

Word count: 1028

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Chapter 8: Yours For a Long Time - Azzi

Azzi woke up to the pale morning light spilling through the cracks in the curtains, and for a moment, she forgot where she was. Then she turned her head and saw the empty side of the bed. The crumpled sheets where Paige had been. And everything came rushing back.

The kiss.

The heat of Paige's hand against her jaw, the soft, desperate way their mouths had found each other. The weight of it. The rightness of it. Azzi shut her eyes tight and groaned into her pillow.

God, what had they done?

She could still feel Paige everywhere. The brush of her leg tangled with hers under the blanket, the press of her forehead against Azzi's after they pulled apart, laughing breathlessly like they couldn't believe it either. Azzi rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling, heart pounding.

It wasn't supposed to happen. But it had. And it had been good. Too good.

She wasn't supposed to think about kissing Paige again. She wasn't supposed to think about touching her, holding her, wanting more. She wasn't supposed to crave it.

But she did.

Azzi pulled the covers over her head, wishing she could rewind time. Or maybe fast-forward, past this messy, terrifying middle part where she didn't know what the hell to do.

She had practice later. She had a game coming up. She had a whole team depending on her. She needed to get her head right.

But all she could think about was Paige's mouth..

By the time she found Ice in the dining hall for breakfast, she was doing a terrible job pretending everything was fine.

Ice gave her a look the second she sat down.

"Are you okay?" Ice asked, tilting her head suspiciously.

Azzi blinked, trying to play innocent. "What are you talking about?"

Ice just smiled knowingly, stabbing her fork into a pile of scrambled eggs. "You got a look on your face."

Azzi flushed and quickly looked down at her food.

"You gonna tell me what's bothering you?" Ice pressed, still watching her like she was a puzzle half-solved.

"Nothing's bothering me," Azzi mumbled. "I'm just thinking."

Ice leaned forward, smirking. "Mmm. Thinking about a certain blonde point guard who happens to be on our team?"

Azzi froze, eyes wide, a piece of toast halfway to her mouth.

Ice laughed and shook her head. "Girl, please. I clocked you two all over each other last night. Not to mention the last few months."

Azzi dropped the toast and buried her face in her hands.

"And," Ice continued, grinning, "I probably shouldn't tell you this, but the rest of the team's got a bet running on when you two are gonna cut the shit and get together. I got money on February, so if you could chill for a while, that'd be great."

Azzi groaned into her hands. "Is it that obvious?"

Ice shrugged like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "To everyone but you two apparently."

Azzi peeked up at her, cheeks burning. "I don't know what to do."

Ice popped a grape into her mouth, completely unbothered. "Well, what do you want?"

Azzi hesitated, twisting her napkin in her lap. "To play ball."

Ice gave her a look.

"And Paige," Azzi admitted quietly.

"Right," Ice said, laughing softly. "So what's the problem?"

"It's not that easy," Azzi said, frustrated. "It'd get messy fast. We have to think about the team."

Ice shrugged again, like it really was that simple. "Look, think about yourself, think about the team. But also think about how you deserve something that's yours. And Paige? She been yours for a long time."

Azzi stared at her, the words hitting harder than she wanted to admit.

After a long pause, she said, hesitantly, "We kissed last night."

Ice's eyes widened. "You're lyingggg. How was it?"

Azzi laughed, helpless and a little wrecked. "Good. God, it was so good. But... we were drunk."

"So?" Ice said, grinning. "Everybody needs a little liquid courage sometimes. You gonna do it again sober?"

Azzi hadn't even thought about that. The idea made her heart slam against her ribs.

"I... I don't know," she said honestly.

Ice smirked, gathering up her stuff. "Yes, you do. Let me know what happens, I gotta go."

Azzi watched her walk away, feeling more terrified—and more alive—than she had in a long time.

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

That night in the training room, Paige and Azzi finally ended up alone. They sat side-by-side in the ice baths, the room quiet except for the hum of the fluorescent lights and the soft sloshing of water.

Neither of them spoke at first.

Paige finally broke the silence, her voice awkward and low. "So... are we gonna talk about it?"

Azzi wrapped her arms around herself tighter. "We probably should."

Paige let out a breath, staring down at the water. "I mean... I was drunk."

Azzi nodded quickly. "Me too."

"But not... that drunk," Paige said, voice cracking just a little.

Azzi smiled. Small, nervous. "Me neither."

The silence stretched between them again, heavy and full of things neither of them knew how to say.

"Obviously, things have been... different," Paige said.

Azzi looked up at her. "A good different or a bad different?" she asked, nervous for the answer.

Paige snapped her head toward Azzi like she asked a stupid question. "A good different," she said like it was the only thing she knew for a fact. 

Azzi's shoulders relaxed. "Yeah. Really good different," Azzi admitted. She stared at her hands under the water. "I don't really know where we go from here."

Paige turned to look at her, face serious in the harsh light. "Me neither."

There was a long pause. Paige looked away first, swallowing hard.

"What do you want?" Paige asked quietly. Like she didn't want to say it. But like she had to. Because one of them had to be the brave one. 

Azzi's heart twisted. She thought about saying it. You, I want you. But the words lodged in her throat. She wasn't ready. Maybe she never would be.

"I'll have to get back to you on that," she said instead, voice barely a whisper.

Paige nodded slowly, like she understood, even if it gutted her.

She stood, grabbing a towel and stepping carefully out of the bath without saying anything. Water dripped onto the tile floor around her.

Before she left, she paused, glancing back over her shoulder.

"For the record," Paige said, her voice low and certain.

 "I know what I want."

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 7

Paige x Azzi

Masterlist

Here is Chapter 7. Sorry for getting it out later than I said I would. I had a night and I rewrote a good portion of this chapter. Lowkey in my head about it. Posting it now so I will stop editing and overthinking. Personally, it's one of my faves, but that could also just be me. Anyway, lmk if you guys have suggestions. There's a little foreshadowing in here. I will not elaborate🤭 Enjoy🤗

Summary: Paige and Azzi have been walking on eggshells for obvious reasons. A game with a lot of emotions, followed by an after-party with too much liquor, makes it difficult for anyone to keep that charade up.

Word count: 1811

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Chapter 7: Ask Me Again When I'm Sober - Paige

During the game, Paige watched Azzi from the bench, her stomach tight with frustration. Tight with a lot of things if she was being honest.

They didn't get a chance to talk at all before the game. Not after their borderline-awkward interaction in the lobby that morning. It wasn't necessarily on purpose. Paige had physical therapy and rehab all day. Azzi had her pre-game rituals to do. But it also wasn't like they were super eager to see each other. More accurately, they were avoiding the conversation where things finally have to be said out loud. 

Paige knew what she would say if there were no consequences. I think I'm in love with you. By now, she had accepted that she was probably in love with Azzi. A small part of her thought she might've been going insane, but those two things weren't mutually exclusive. 

Unfortunately for Paige, for them both, there were plenty of consequences. A 5-year friendship like no other. The best backcourt in the nation. A team that promised a national championship. All of which suddenly seemed very fragile. Because if this--whatever this may be--ended badly? Paige would never forgive herself. She knew Azzi wouldn't forgive herself either. 

Tweeeet.

Despite having already received a warning from both the ref and CD, Paige was on her feet as soon as the ref pointed at Azzi for the foul. 

"Are you kidding?" she shouted at the ref a few feet from her. "She didn't touch her. Are we just making stuff up now?"

Geno shot her a look that said, "sit your ass down before I kick you off my bench."

Paige threw her hands up. "Man, whatever. These refs are shit," she said. Not loud enough for the refs to hear this time. Paige was boiling.

But it wasn't just the refs. 

Azzi wasn't herself tonight. Not even close. Her shots were rushed, her body language stiff. She kept glancing at the bench—at Paige—but then looking away, like she didn't know where to put herself.

The game against Duke was slipping. UConn still had a lead, but it wasn't comfortable, and Azzi looked like she was stuck in her own head.

Paige hated watching it. Hated sitting here useless while the person she cared about most in the world flailed.

Coach pulled Azzi at the last timeout before halftime, and Azzi trudged to the bench, face blank, jaw tight. She collapsed into the seat next to Paige without a word.

Paige leaned over, voice low enough for only her. Not sweet. Not gentle. Exactly what Azzi needed.

"You're the best player on this court. Start acting like it."

Azzi's head snapped toward her, eyes wide.

Paige held her stare. Steady. Certain. Unshakable.

Azzi blinked once, like she was processing it — and then something in her lit up.

She didn't say anything. Just a small nod, sharp and focused.

When the third quarter started, Azzi came alive.

She played angry. Sharp. Efficient. She racked up fourteen points in the second half alone like she had something to prove—and she did. Paige sat back, arms crossed over her chest, biting back a smug smile.

Azzi was playing for herself. But maybe, just maybe, she was also playing for Paige. Paige liked to think so anyway.

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

After the win, the team was all headed to Nika's apartment for the unofficial after party. Paige didn't really want to go, but Azzi was going. So it wasn't even a question. 

Nika's apartment was chaos at first. Music thumping, drinks flowing, everyone yelling over each other.

Paige stuck close to Azzi all night without really meaning to. Or maybe meaning to more than she wanted to admit.

They drank too much, too fast. Cheap vodka, warm beer, something awful Nika insisted was a cocktail.

By 2 AM, almost everyone was gone. It was just Nika half-asleep on the kitchen floor, still clutching the aux cord, and Paige and Azzi sitting on the floor with their backs against the couch.

They were too close and not close enough at the same time. 

The room was dim. The music was low. It felt like the whole world had shrunk down to just this: Paige, Azzi, and the few inches of air between them.

Paige watched Azzi pick at the rip in her jeans, her curls falling into her face.

"You know you killed it tonight, right?" Paige said, voice slurring from the alcohol.

Azzi smiled, slow and a little shy. "Yeah?"

"Fourteen in one half?," Paige said, kicking Azzi's shin lightly. "You wanted to show out for me that bad?"

Azzi laughed and leaned back against the couch. "No, I just got some encouraging words from the bench."

Paige smirked. "Oh yeah? From who?"

Azzi tilted her head, pretending to think. "Some blonde who thinks she's my boss."

Paige laughed. "I'm not your boss."

Azzi leaned in just a little closer. Her voice dropped. "You sounded like it."

Paige's breath caught, just for a second.

Azzi's smile was lazy now, loose from the drinks. Dangerous. Paige knew it was dangerous to get drunk with Azzi given their recent exchanges. Yet, she did it anyway.

"It was kinda hot," Azzi said.

Paige felt her face go hot instantly. She ducked her head, grinning against her own shoulder.

"You should do it more," Azzi added, bumping her knee against Paige's.

Paige looked up at her through her lashes, her heart pounding so loud she was sure Azzi could hear it.

"Why, because you like the way I get mean during a game?" Paige said lowly, almost a dare.

Azzi's mouth curled into a crooked smile. "I like the way you do a lot of things."

Paige exhaled harder than she meant to. "Are you flirting with me?" she asked even though she already knew the answer. 

Azzi held her smile. "Depends. Is it working?"

Paige looked away to hide her face. Of course it was working. She tried to think quickly of something flirty to say back. Her head snapped back toward Azzi. "I think it's working more than you want it to."

The tension snapped tight between them. Paige could feel the pull in the air. Thick, electric, inevitable. 

Their knees bumped again, harder this time, but neither pulled back. Azzi's hand dropped casually to the floor, just a breath away from Paige's.

They looked at each other, neither of them smiling anymore. Azzi's eyes were filled with drunkenness. With lust. Paige's fingers brushed hers. Azzi didn't move.

Neither of them was breathing right.

Paige could see it in Azzi's face. The decision already made before either of them moved.

"You're dangerous," Paige said without ever looking away. Hardly blinking.

"I don't want to play safe anymore," Azzi returned. 

Paige leaned in first. Or maybe Azzi did. It didn't matter. Their mouths met in a kiss that was all teeth and softness, clumsy and perfect.

Azzi's hand found Paige's jaw, fingers threading through her hair without thinking. Paige sighed into it, tasting vodka and adrenaline and months of everything they hadn't said.

It didn't last long. It didn't have to.

When they pulled apart, Azzi's forehead rested against Paige's, her smile dazed and giddy.

Paige laughed breathlessly, bumping their noses."Come on," she whispered. "We should probably go."

Azzi nodded without hesitation, grabbing Paige's hand. They stumbled out into the cold night, still laughing, still clinging to each other like they were afraid to let go.

And maybe they were.

They didn't say anything about spending the night together. When they got to Azzi's room, Azzi unlocked the door. She stepped inside and flicked on the lights, illuminating Paige in the dim hallway.

Paige stood frozen staring at Azzi. Like she wasn't sure she was allowed inside. 

Azzi turned around and looked back at her. She smiled, shook her head, and grabbed Paige's wrist to pull her inside. They both laughed. 

Paige watched Azzi cross the room and flop on the bed so effortlessly. She took off her shoes but didn't bother with the rest of her clothes. Azzi locked eyes with Paige again. They were still filled with everything Paige wanted.

"Come here," Azzi said softly. In a way that made Paige's stomach lurch.

Paige silently obeyed and crossed the room to join her, kicking off her own shoes in the process.

They faced each other on their sides not touching, not talking. Just breathing, staring, trying not to catch on fire.

Paige reached out to brush a strand of Azzi's hair out of her face. Azzi caught her wrist, but this time she didn't smile. She just... held it. Light. Careless. Heavy.

"You always do that," Azzi said, her voice low, rough at the edges from the liquor and something else Paige couldn't name.

Paige tilted her head. "Do what?"

Azzi's thumb brushed over the back of Paige's knuckles. "You always touch me like you don't even know you're doing it."

Paige's throat closed for a second. "I know," she said, almost too honest.

Azzi smiled. Small, private, dangerous.

The space between them shrank without either of them moving.

"You're so full of yourself," Paige said, smiling crookedly, trying to keep it light.

"You like it," Azzi murmured.

Paige leaned in, close enough to feel Azzi's breath. "I like you."

Azzi's eyes dropped to Paige's mouth, lingering there, then back up.

"You're trouble," she whispered.

"You're worse," Paige said, matching her whisper.

Azzi shifted closer, her leg pressing against Paige's under the blanket. Her hand slid slowly down Paige's wrist, her fingertips ghosting along the inside of her forearm.

"You're dangerous when you look at me like that," Azzi said, voice almost trembling.

Paige smiled, soft and wrecked. "How do I look at you?"

"Like you're gonna ruin me."

Paige's heart stuttered violently. The air was so thick it was suffocating. "Is that a bad thing?" Paige rasped.

Azzi leaned in, her forehead bumping against Paige's. Not a kiss. Not yet. She was smiling, but it was sadder now. Realer.

"I wouldn't even stop you," Azzi whispered.

Paige let out a broken sound. Almost a laugh, almost a sob. "You're so drunk," she said, half begging for it to be true.

Azzi smiled against her cheek. "Maybe. But you should ask me again when I'm sober. I'll give you the same answer."

Paige froze.

Azzi's hand slid up to the back of Paige's neck, tugging lightly at the hair there.

Paige's body answered before her mind could. She pushed forward, kissed the corner of Azzi's mouth. Clumsy, desperate, reverent.

Azzi chased it, catching Paige's mouth properly this time. The kiss was slow and messy and so full of almosts it made Paige's chest ache.

When they finally broke apart, Paige's forehead pressed into Azzi's, both of them breathing hard.

Paige swallowed thickly. "You should go to sleep," she whispered, her voice wrecked.

"You should stop pretending you're not down bad for me," Azzi whispered back.

Paige swallowed hard. "You're crazy."

Azzi smiled, her eyes already fluttering closed. "And you're scared."

Paige didn't deny it. She couldn't.

She just lay there. Heart pounding, body burning, wondering how long she could survive pretending she didn't belong exactly where she was.

Azzi didn't move away.

Instead, her fingers traced the side of Paige's neck, featherlight. Still smiling. Still dangerous.

And then, just before her eyes fluttered shut, like it was nothing, like it was everything, Azzi whispered:

"I'll let you ruin everything."

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 6

Paige x Azzi

Masterlist

Be excited for the next one. We getting somewhere🤭 I'll get Chapter 7 out tonight.

Summary: Azzi has to navigate being away from her best friend for a few days right after they both rocked the boat. She's trying to get Paige to admit it first.

Word count: 1259

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Chapter 6: You Can't Look At Me Like That - Azzi

Azzi didn't know what she was doing. She didn't know what she meant by what she said.

I think I miss you more than I should.

Real subtle, she thought, immediately covering her face with both hands. Why had she sent it? It was two in the morning. Of course, Paige was going to think she was thirsting for her—and the worst part? She kind of was.

Because she did miss Paige. A lot. In the kind of way that made her feel like something was missing. Like she wasn't fully herself without her.

Her phone buzzed. She whipped around to grab it.

A text from Paige.

Paige: I've been thinking about u all day

Azzi's stomach flipped. She dropped the phone, then scrambled to pick it back up and reread the message. Then reread it again. Her mouth curled into a smile she couldn't fight off.

She felt bold. Bold and slightly insane.

But the things you say at 2 AM don't count, right?

Azzi: I keep thinking about what you said at the airport

Send.

She watched the typing bubbles appear. Disappear. Appear again.

Paige: I didn't really mean to say that out loud

Azzi frowned.

She wished Paige would just say it. Just admit it. Just be first for once so Azzi didn't have to be.

Azzi: But you did

Send.

Azzi: And I think you meant it

Send.

Bold. Maybe too bold. She felt bold anyway. She also felt like throwing up. But she wanted to know. She needed to know if Paige was in the same spiral she was.

Paige: I did.

Azzi's lips parted just slightly. Her heart thudded hard in her chest. She let her fingers hover over the screen before tapping out the next message like her life depended on it.

Azzi: So now you have to tell me

Send.

Paige's response came fast.

Paige: Tell u what?

Azzi: Tell me what I do to you.

Send. No hesitation this time.

The typing bubble appeared. Vanished. Reappeared. Then vanished again.

Paige: I don't really know how to talk about it.

Azzi let out a groan into her pillow, resisting the urge to chuck her phone across the room. She wanted to scream. Or climb into Paige's lap and force the words out of her.

And then:

Paige: Just know it's different.

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

Azzi missed Paige more than she let on. Even more than that 2 AM text admitted. Three days wasn't long, but it was the longest they'd been apart in months. Everything felt slower. Quieter. Lonelier.

Even surrounded by family, Azzi felt off. Like the best part of her routine was missing. Like she was supposed to be somewhere else. With someone else.

She hated how badly she wanted the week to end.

By Friday morning, she was already at the airport by 5 AM, eager to get back to Storrs. She tried not to seem too eager. But she'd never been happier to leave her hometown.

She and Paige hadn't made any plans to see each other. Paige hadn't texted. Azzi hadn't either. It stung a little. But after the night they'd had, Azzi didn't know what else to say. And she definitely wasn't ready to keep the conversation going.

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

She hadn't spoken to Paige at all on Thanksgiving. It wasn't intentional. She just couldn't find the right moment to step away from family.

Eventually, after dinner, she faked a stomach ache and went upstairs. She sat on her bed, stared at the screen, and typed.

Azzi: Happy Thanksgiving wish you were here

Paige responded instanttly.

Paige: I was just thinking about u

Azzi smiled hard. Her face felt hot. Her heart felt like it was trying to jump out of her chest. She wanted more.

Azzi: What were you thinking about me?

The pause felt longer this time.

Paige: Thinking about something Nika said the other day

Azzi narrowed her eyes at her screen. Her jaw tightened.

She knew Paige hung out with Nika, but for some reason, that still made her stomach turn. She couldn't explain why. She wasn't trying to be possessive. Paige wasn't hers.

But it was easy to forget that sometimes.

Azzi: What did she say??

Paige: She said we in love lol

Azzi stopped breathing.

That was the first time she'd read it out loud. In love. She'd danced around it in her mind for weeks—maybe longer—but never really stepped into that possibility.

Her mouth went dry.

She didn't know what she was. But maybe she wanted to find out.

Azzi: Is she right?

The reply took longer.

Paige: Idk u tell me

Azzi's stomach dropped.

That wasn't the answer she wanted. Not even close.

Azzi: Goodnight Paige

And then she turned her phone off.

Because if Paige wouldn't say it first, Azzi wasn't going to say it either. Not yet.

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

The plane back to Storrs felt longer than usual.

Azzi sat by the window, headphones in, staring out at the blur of trees and frozen fields, but she couldn't focus on anything. Not music. Not the book in her lap. Not even the coffee cup in her hand, gone cold an hour ago.

Her phone was still off. She didn't want to turn it on yet. She didn't want to know if Paige had replied or followed up. Because if she had, Azzi didn't know what she'd say. And if she hadn't... well, that felt worse.

She kept thinking about Paige's last message.

I don't know, you tell me.

Azzi hated that answer.

Hated that Paige could drop a line like that and still not be fully honest. Hated how badly she wanted to know if Paige meant any of what she said at the airport. Or on the plane. Or how she curled up against her on the couch.

It was all spinning in Azzi's head.

The way Paige looked at her. The silence. The teasing. The shift.

And now they were going to be back on campus. Practicing. Around everyone again. Pretending to be normal.

Azzi didn't know if she could.

When Azzi got back to Storrs, she got an Uber. Everything was quiet at 7:40 in the morning, but Azzi couldn't hear anything over her thoughts anyway. 

She was halfway through the dorm lobby when she heard her name.

"Azzi!"

Her head snapped. It was Paige.

She was leaning against the wall by the elevator, hoodie pulled tight over her head, hands in the pocket of her sweatpants. Her hair was messy. She looked like she hadn't slept. Or maybe like she couldn't.

Azzi froze.

"Hey... what are you doing here? It's early," she said softly.

"I was coming back from PT," Paige said, "and I knew your plane was landing soon, so figured I'd see you here eventually."

Azzi swallowed. "You waited?"

Paige just shrugged. 

They stood there in that weird in-between space—neither walking away, neither stepping closer. Just there.

"You get in okay?" Paige asked.

"Yeah. Plane was delayed a little bit," Azzi said. "But it was quiet."

Paige smiled softly. "You like quiet."

Azzi's mouth twitched. "Not always." It sounded almost a little snappy.

A pause. Just long enough for everything unsaid to press in.

Paige shifted her bag on her shoulder. Her voice was lower now. Not flirty. Not dramatic. Just honest.

"I don't know if I said the wrong thing last night or--"

Azzi cut her off. "No. You didn't say anything wrong. I just feel like you didn't say enough."

Paige blinked at her. "I'm sorry, it just caught me off guard."

"I figured," Azzi said. 

They both got quiet.

"Did you... want to finish that conversation?" Paige asked.

Azzi shook her head. "Not today. I need to get ready for the game."

Paige nodded silently and started heading for the elevators. 

Azzi grabbed her arm. Didn't say anything. Just looked at Paige. Paige was looking back. Hard. Azzi's mouth parted like she was gonna say something, but she didn't. The tension was palpable.

Azzi's finger brushed Paige's forearm lightly. Paige leaned closer. Before walking away, she said:

"You can't look at me like that and expect me to know what to say."

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 5

Paige x Azzi

Masterlist

Icl I really like Chapter 5🌚

Summary: No matter how much Paige tries to convince herself that this is nothing, she keeps feeling... something. She doesn't quite know how to place it yet, but apparently, other people do. And when someone calls her out about it, suddenly things feel more real.

Word count: 1183

----------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: Don't Be Scared - Paige

Paige felt possessed.

She didn't really decide to go back to Azzi to say that. Just did it. You have no idea what you do to me. What was she thinking? She might've just upheaved their entire friendship for what? Just to be cute? Flirty? No, it was more than that. Paige felt it in her bones. 

Paige buried her face in her hands on the plane. She tried not to think about what Azzi might do or say. She tried not to think about what would happen if Azzi didn't do or say anything. For some reason, that felt worse. Paige shuddered.

Deep down, she knew what she was doing. She wanted to rattle Azzi. To see how she'd react. Paige didn't like what she was thinking. What she was feeling. It was all getting to be too much, but not enough at the same time. 

She didn't want more. She wanted things to stay the way they were because it worked. But she craved more. Without trying. While trying not to. 

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

Paige had been back in Storrs without Azzi for exactly seventeen hours when she realized she missed her.

Not in the casual, "my best friend is four states away" kind of way. It was the kind of missing that gnawed at her chest and made everything else feel irrelevant. The kind that haunted.

She'd spent most of the day in bed, alternating between staring at the ceiling and staring at nothing. It was hard to think about anything other than Azzi and basketball. Two things she didn't have right now, and the only two things she really wanted.

Wait, she didn't want Azzi. She kept having to remind herself that.

Eventually, when the silence got too loud, she reached for her phone.

Paige: hey what r u doing

Nika: about to get drunk. come over.

Paige shoved the covers off, got up for the first time all day, and made her way to Nika's apartment.

The bass from the music reached her halfway down the hall. Yeah, Nika had definitely started without her. Paige knocked twice. Then again, louder.

The music cut off. The door flung open. Nika grinned and pulled her into a hug.

"Missed you, P."

Paige froze for a half-second before returning the hug. It felt... off. Like she shouldn't be hugging anyone else. And she didn't know why that mattered. She didn't belong to anyone. Not technically anyway.

"Missed you too," she mumbled, stepping inside.

Nika dropped back onto the couch where shot glasses were already lined up like little soldiers on the coffee table.

"Come on. You've got catching up to do," she said, pouring Paige one.

Paige let herself smile and sank down beside her.

They drank. Laughed. Got a little loud. For a while, Paige let herself forget what she was trying to forget.

By their sixth shot, Nika leaned back and said, too casually, "So. How was Virginia?"

Paige narrowed her eyes. "It was good. Why?"

Nika shrugged. "Just asking."

The silence that followed was longer than it should've been.

"I miss Azzi," Paige said.

It slipped out so easily. Too easily. Like it had been waiting for the first crack to escape through.

Nika's face lit up, smug and unsurprised. Paige braced herself.

"You know what I think?" Nika said, swirling her shot glass. "I think you love her."

Paige rolled her eyes. "Obviously. She's my best friend."

"No," Nika said, deadpan. "I think you're in love with her."

That shut Paige up.

"Nah," she finally muttered. "It's not like that."

Nika groaned. "God, don't do that. You literally just said you miss her."

"You can't miss your best friend now?"

"If it's not weird," Nika challenged, nodding toward her phone, "text her. Tell her you miss her. Right now."

Paige raised a brow. Fine.

She pulled out her phone.

Paige: I miss you bad

Delete,

Paige: Miss you

Send.

She held the screen up to Nika for proof, then locked her phone and shoved it facedown on the table.

"See? Not weird."

"Okay, sure," Nika said. "But she's not just your best friend anymore. Best friends don't look at each other the way you two do. Don't you ever notice how they never sit you next to each other in press conferences anymore?"

Paige opened her mouth. Closed it. That couldn't be real. Could it?

She picked at the cuff of her hoodie. Anything to keep her hands busy. Anything to avoid thinking too hard.

Then, quietly, like she didn't mean to say it:

"She told me she had a dream that I kissed her."

Nika let out an unholy shriek. "Oh my god. Tell me everything. I am a Pazzi truther."

"A what?"

"Pazzi. Paige and Azzi. Your ship name."

Paige actually laughed. "We don't need a ship name. There's nothing to ship."

"Uh-huh. And what happened with the dream?"

Paige hesitated. "I didn't say anything. But... she was acting weird after."

Nika smacked her arm. "Girl, what? That could've been your moment!"

"There's no moment!" Paige shot back. "We're just friends."

Nika crossed her arms. "Paige. No one tells their friend they dreamed about kissing them. She's down bad. And so are you. Deny it all you want—it's gonna happen."

Paige didn't answer. A part of her wanted to argue. Another part didn't have the energy to pretend anymore.

Later, when she got back to her apartment, Paige crawled into bed and pulled the covers over her head. Her head was spinning from the liquor, but her thoughts were even worse.

She wasn't waiting on a text back.

She really wasn't.

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

That night, Paige's sleep was restless. The kind that comes and goes in waves. Shallow. Warm. Dangerous.

At some point—she wasn't sure when—Azzi was there.

Not in the gym. Not in a place at all. Just... there. Close. Too close. The space around them didn't matter. The way Azzi looked at her did.

She was wearing something soft. Paige couldn't tell what. Didn't care. Her skin looked warm, smooth, like it would burn to touch. Her hair was down. She smelled like something Paige didn't have words for.

Azzi reached for her.

Her hand slid under Paige's hoodie, slow and certain, fingertips grazing the bare skin of her stomach. It made Paige shiver. Azzi smiled like she knew.

Paige breathed in sharply. Her hands found Azzi's waist like it was muscle memory. Like her body already knew the way.

Azzi leaned in, mouth brushing the corner of Paige's jaw. Not quite a kiss. Just a dare.

"You always look at me like you want to do something about it," Azzi whispered.

Paige couldn't speak. Couldn't move. Couldn't even think.

Azzi's lips ghosted over hers. "So do it."

Paige wanted to. God, she wanted to.

But something in her held back.

Azzi's hand slid higher, thumb brushing just under the edge of Paige's sports bra. Paige's breath hitched.

"Don't be scared to want me," Azzi murmured against her neck.

And Paige shot awake.

Heart racing. Throat dry. Sheets twisted around her legs like she'd fought them off in her sleep. She blinked hard in the dark, struggling to breathe steady.

She looked at the time. 2:17 AM.

She could still feel Azzi's hands. Still hear her voice.

She lay back, arm over her eyes, teeth sinking into her bottom lip.

This was getting bad.

Really bad.

She checked her phone. 2 missed texts from Azzi. The first 2 hours ago:

Azzi: I miss you too

The second 10 minutes ago:

Azzi: I think I miss you more than I should.

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 4

Paige x Azzi

Masterlist

This chapter is a little slow compared to the ones coming, so just stick it out. Trust.

Summary: Azzi doesn't really know where her head is at, but it's starting to eat her up inside.

Word Count: 1287

--------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: Don't Run From It - Azzi

Azzi didn't move after she said it.

You kissed me.

She didn't turn around. Didn't clarify. Just let the words settle in the air like smoke. Visible, lingering, impossible to ignore.

Paige didn't say anything. Azzi could feel her behind her, still lying on her side, still facing her. Still quiet.

Azzi didn't know what she wanted Paige to say. She wasn't even sure why she said it. The words had been on the tip of her tongue since she woke up from the dream, and now they were out in the world.

And Paige was still silent.

Azzi's heart sank just a little.

Maybe she shouldn't have said anything. She probably shouldn't have said anything. It was going to be weird.

She closed her eyes and hoped the awkwardness would dissolve overnight.

It didn't. Because she had the dream again. This time, it was much more vivid. It felt real. It felt right. But Azzi wasn't ready to deal with that.

When she woke up the next morning, there was still a pang in her chest. A quiet panic. Azzi didn't move. She just blinked at the wall watching the sun shine in. What was she going to do? It was getting harder and harder to keep those thoughts away. She knew this probably wasn't going to end well. She could sense it. 

Eventually, Paige started shifting and sat up rubbing her eyes. "Good morning," she said stretching with a hoarse voice.

Azzi rolled over halfway. "Hi," she said. She didn't ask if Paige had heard her last night. She knew she did. She didn't ask Paige why she didn't answer. She didn't want to know.

The morning was soft, quiet, and... weird. Not bad weird. Just different. Like they were walking on ice that hadn't cracked yet. They went downstairs to get breakfast and ate like they were still the two perfect best friends. Meanwhile, Azzi could feel cracks forming in the tank of her thoughts. It was hard not to speak her mind with all of this. Although, she didn't really know what was on her mind about all of this. All she had were a couple of intimate moments and a dream. That could all mean nothing. Right?

Azzi and Paige got into a routine over the next couple of days. Wake up, eat breakfast, Azzi would shoot while Paige rebounded, they'd play 2K, make TikToks, then nap together. No basketball or school to interrupt them.

Azzi's favorite part of their routine was their naps. She loved to sleep, but that was only part of it. She got the best sleep of her life with Paige. Paige was warm, comfortable, safe. They didn't really have sleepovers anymore. Living in the same building, they had no excuse to. So Azzi savored their naps as much as she could for the three days Paige was with her. She didn't dare say any of that out loud. 

On Monday, the day before Paige left, they crashed on the couch after lunch. Paige laid on the inside of the couch facing the ceiling. Azzi went to sleep on the outside of the couch facing away from Paige. They shared a blanket. Their legs tangled. 

When Azzi woke up, she felt warm. Probably because Paige was spooning her. 

Azzi opened her eyes wide. She didn't move. She tried to keep her breathing under control. Paige's arm was draped over her. She could feel her body pressed into the back of her. She kept her eyes open, face blank, trying to pretend her heart wasn't racing. Paige was still asleep, pressed into her back, warm and steady. Her breath brushed the curve of Azzi's neck. Her hand rested just below Azzi's ribs. Azzi could feel every point of contact.

She didn't want it to stop.

She didn't want to admit that.

And then, she heard footsteps in the hallway.

Her eyes flicked toward the side of the room—just in time to see her mom walk past. She didn't say anything. Didn't make a sound. But she saw.

Azzi's stomach twisted.

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

Later that night, while Paige was in the shower, Azzi sat on the couch scrolling through her phone when her mom walked in.

"Hey," Azzi's mom said sitting on the other end of the couch.

"Hi mom," Azzi said without looking up from her phone.

Her mom sighed. Azzi had a feeling about what was coming. 

"You know, you can tell me," she said quietly.

Azzi played dumb. Even though she knew her mom could tell something was different. "Tell you what?"

"If there's something going on... with you and Paige."

Azzi looked at her. She knew her face would give her away, but she didn't really care. "No," she said almost a little too quickly. Almost defensively. 

Azzi's mom scanned Azzi's face. "Okay... but you want there to be?"

Azzi looked away. As if she might've burst into tears if she kept looking at her mom. "I don't know."

Azzi's mom nodded. "Don't run from it just because you're scared," she said getting up. With that, she walked out of the room. But her words lingered.

Azzi thought about what her mom said for a while after she said it. She wasn't running. Not really. She was still hanging out with Paige. She was still being honest (for the most part) and vulnerable (for the most part). 

The way Azzi saw it there were two potential courses of action here. She could a: tell Paige about all of the thoughts she's been having, or b: not say anything and keep on pretending like everything is fine. With option a, if Paige didn't reciprocate, it'd wreck her. But with option b, if she kept shoving it all down and never talked about it, it'd also wreck her.

So, she didn't say anything. Not yet.

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

Tuesday morning, Azzi drove Paige to the airport to see her off. 

The car ride was mostly silent. The air was thick with the thoughts they both had but wouldn't share. They never talked about what Azzi said in bed the first night. Just went on with their normal game. Catching each other's eye just a moment too long. Letting their pinkies touch while sitting next to each other. Azzi wasn't sure just how long she could take it.

As Azzi parked the car, she finally said something. "I'm sorry you have to spend Thanksgiving in Storrs."

Paige shrugged. "Nika couldn't go home either so we'll probably get together or something."

Azzi could feel her face getting hot. Like she was jealous. But she didn't know why. Paige wasn't hers. She could have Thanksgiving with whoever she wanted. But Azzi wanted Paige to have Thanksgiving with her. She shook away her thoughts. "That'll be nice I'm sure."

Paige nodded silently before opening the car door and stepping out. She grabbed her bags from the trunk. 

"I'll walk you in," Azzi said joining Paige.

They walked close into the airport. Not too close. Nothing weird. But close enough to feel the heat off each other. Close enough that their shoulders bumped every few feet.

When they finally got to TSA, they stopped. Azzi couldn't go any farther without a ticket. They stood in the middle of a crowd just looking at each other. Neither one wanting to say goodbye first.

Azzi wrapped her arms around Paige's neck and pulled her in. "Thanks for spending time with me," she said softly into Paige's shoulder. 

Paige pulled away and smiled. "Thanks for giving me the chance." She started walking for the metal detectors but stopped a few feet from the line. She turned around. Walked back toward Azzi.

"Did you forget some--" Azzi was cut off by a second hug. This one was deeper. Paige held her close. She put her lips at Azzi's ear. She whispered before walking away without another glance. Shattering Azzi like it was nothing.

"You have no idea what you do to me."

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 3

Paige x Azzi

Masterlist

Haven't gotten any feedback yet (ahem 👀) but people are liking, so I guess I'll keep it going. I have a bunch of chapters pre-written. My faves are coming🤭

Summary: Paige didn't mean to make it awkward. And it wasn't awkward. Well, kind of. Now that they're settling in at Azzi's place in VA, Paige has to figure out what kind of trip this is. She knows what it should be. She also feels what it might be.

Word count: 1321

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Chapter 3: Buzzing - Paige

Paige didn't mean anything by what she said on the plane. She was kidding when she accused Azzi of dreaming about her, but based on Azzi's reaction, maybe she really was dreaming about Paige.

I know you dream about me. As soon as she said it, Azzi's face went blank. Like she had just been caught. Paige saw it. She didn't really want to open that can of worms, so she laughed a little obnoxiously and just said that she was messing around. But she still thought about it.

What was Azzi dreaming about that had to do with Paige? Why did she say Paige's name so softly, so delicately? What was Azzi thinking right now?

Paige decided she didn't need the answers to those questions right then and went back to staring out the window.

When the plane finally landed in DC, Azzi got out of her seat to retrieve her suitcase and get off the plane, and Paige followed. They were almost at the exit when Azzi slipped.

Out of instinct, Paige put her arms out and caught Azzi before she hit the ground. Her hands were around Azzi's waist. Paige didn't really know why but her heart started to beat faster. Her stomach felt tingly. For some reason, Paige thought about how pretty Azzi is. Thought about how she smelled good. Paige shook her thoughts away and hoisted Azzi back to her feet. 

Azzi turned around to look at her. She was blushing. "Careful, it's slippery."

Paige smiled at her. "Thanks for the heads up."

They got their luggage and exited the plane. The airport was shoulder-to-shoulder crowded, so Azzi grabbed Paige's hand and led her through the terminal. 

Paige focused on how their fingers were interlaced. Once again, she was blushing. She started to recognize how Azzi had that effect on her. 

As soon as they arrived at the Fudd residence, Azzi's parents both gave Paige a hug and made her feel welcome. Paige appreciated that.

They settled in nicely. Not doing much, but they didn't want to do anything anyway. For a while, they played horse in the driveway. Then they made TikToks with Azzi's brothers. Then they watched old clips of Azzi's mom in college. 

"Mrs. Fudd, I had no idea you were cold like that," Paige said at one. 

Azzi nudged Paige in the arm. Probably thought Paige was sucking up. 

Azzi's mom laughed. "Where do you think your friend over here got it from?" she said.

Paige didn't know why but she got stuck on the word friend. It's true, they were friends. But that word didn't feel like it did Azzi justice. Azzi was starting to feel like everything to Paige, and friend? It was a simple joke. Nothing serious. So why was Paige reeling? She was reeling a lot more than usual. 

"You okay?" Azzi said noticing Paige got quiet. 

Paige faked a yawn and stood up to stretch. "Yeah, I just got really tired all of a sudden. Ready for bed?" 

Azzi nodded, said goodnight to her mom, and followed Paige back to Azzi's room. When Azzi shut the door behind them, Paige felt herself get a little flustered. That seemed to happen whenever they were alone now. There was always some warm, twisty, fluttering thing that settled in her chest every time the door closed and it was just the two of them. Paige chalked it up to comfort. Familiarity. Safety.

But that night, it was strong. Buzzing beneath Paige's skin. It was loud. 

Azzi crossed the room like it was nothing, flopped onto the bed like she always did, scrolling through her phone while her curls spilled across the pillow. Paige just stood there for a second, suddenly unsure of what to do with her hands.

"Wanna watch something?" Azzi asked casually.

Paige realized she was staring. Thankfully, Azzi didn't notice. "Uh... yeah. Yeah," she said crawling into bed next to Azzi. 

Azzi grabbed the remote off of her nightstand and put a Netflix movie on. 

Paige kept her eyes on the screen but didn't register anything that was happening. She was too aware of Azzi's body next to hers, the smell of her shampoo, the heat of her leg just inches away. Everything felt different now. Louder. Like the air between them was charged. Paige wondered if Azzi felt it too or if it was all in her head.

She was trying not to overthink it.

But then again, Paige was always overthinking things when it came to Azzi.

Halfway through the movie, Azzi fell asleep. She stirred for a while. Turning over back and forth. Until she turned a little more and landed on Paige's chest.

Paige froze. She didn't move. She didn't blink. She stopped breathing for a second. Her heart pounded on the inside of her chest like it was trying to get out. Her throat was dry all of a sudden. Paige could feel the thing buzzing under her skin all over her body.

Carefully, Paige slid her arm out from under Azzi and put it around her. And when Azzi sighed in her sleep, Paige turned her head just enough to look at her.

Her features were soft. At peace. She looked comfortable when she slept. Paige's chest tightened again.

She wanted to kiss her.

The thought came out of nowhere. It hit her like a punch.

She blinked fast and looked away, suddenly too aware of every inch of space—or lack thereof—between them.

She told herself it was nothing. Just a thought. A random, fleeting, sleep-deprived impulse.

But she didn't really believe that either.

Paige pushed everything she didn't want to think about out of her mind and went back to focusing on the TV. She laid still for the rest of the movie. 

The credits were halfway through when Azzi finally woke up, blinking slowly as she lifted her head.

Paige turned toward her. "Hey," she said, voice quiet. "You fell asleep pretty quick."

Azzi rubbed her eyes, her voice hoarse with sleep. "Sorry. I didn't mean to."

Paige smiled. "Don't apologize. You should sleep."

They didn't say anything for a few seconds. The TV was still playing soft music, the room dim with just the glow of the screen. Azzi's gaze dropped to her lap, and Paige couldn't help but notice the shift. Something unspoken was hanging between them, and it wasn't going away.

Azzi looked back up. "Can I ask you something?"

Paige nodded. "Yeah."

Azzi hesitated. "Did you mean what you said on the plane?"

Paige blinked. "What part?"

"That you know I dream about you."

Paige immediately opened her mouth to laugh it off. It was a joke. Obviously. She'd said it with a smirk. But now, Azzi was looking at her differently. Gently. Vulnerably.

So Paige didn't laugh. She just shrugged, eyes soft. "I don't know. You definitely said my name in your sleep. Then, you looked like you were thinking about something. Felt like the truth."

Azzi was quiet for a long beat. "I did dream about you."

That caught Paige off guard. She swallowed. "Oh." She didn't ask what the dream was about.

Azzi exhaled through her nose. "It was nothing. I don't know. A weird dream. You were there. That's all."

Paige didn't push it. But she didn't look away either. They looked at each other. Their eyes full something they weren't familiar with yet. 

Eventually, Azzi broke their mutual gaze, turned off the TV, and laid on her side facing away from Paige. Paige stayed facing Azzi.

Azzi was quiet. Not the relaxed kind of quiet. The kind of quiet that's like walking through landmines. If someone steps the wrong way or says the wrong thing, everything gets blown up. 

"What are you thinking about?" Paige asked after a while. She knew Azzi wasn't sleeping yet. Her breathing was different.

Azzi took a long breath. Paused for a second. "That dream."

Paige got hot all of a sudden. She swallowed. "Do you... want to tell about it?" she asked softly. 

Azzi didn't move. She didn't turn around. She didn't do anything but say three words that shattered Paige in that moment.

"You kissed me."

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 2

Paige x Azzi

Masterlist

This one is from Azzi's pov, but I'm not sure if it's the right move to alternate perspectives. Let me know what y'all think😁 Chapter 3 is where the tension starts to pick up fr

Summary: Azzi hurts for Paige. She understands what she's going through like no one else, and all she wants is to make it better. She wants to be what Paige needs. But maybe she's tried too hard to be that, and now, maybe she needs Paige just as much. Needs her in ways she never meant to.

Word count: 1720

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Chapter 2: She Knows I Dream About Her - Azzi

Azzi didn't let go first.

Neither did Paige.

Paige was warm, and Azzi savored it. Paige relaxed her body and leaned on her. Azzi could feel some of the weight Paige was carrying. Not all of it, but enough to know it was too much for her to carry alone. Paige's breathing steadied. Azzi knew Paige needed this, and whether she was willing to admit it or not, she needed it too. 

They finally jumped apart when Steve came back into the room. Not that there was a problem with two best friends hugging. It was just an intimate moment between the two of them and no one else.

Paige went back to her workout, and Azzi went back to watching her, but the intimacy lingered in the air. It was quiet. Deep.

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

Azzi thought about Paige a lot. More than she meant to. In the middle of a game. During class. Sometimes it wasn't a big thought. Just a glance, or a memory, or a simple feeling. And sometimes it kept Azzi up at night.

It wasn't just her injury, though that was part of it, but also the way Paige carried it. Quietly. Heavily. Like she didn't want to be a burden, yet didn't know what to do with everything she wouldn't say out loud. Azzi could see it all over her face. 

How could she not? She knew Paige better than anyone. And lately, Paige was struggling in a way she didn't know how to talk about. Azzi saw it in the way she clenched her jaw when someone asked about rehab. She saw it in the way Paige stared at the court longingly. Wanting something that she couldn't have but was being dangled right in front of her face.

Azzi understood it. She understood what Paige needed from her. Because when she tore her ACL a couple years prior, Paige was that for her. Within a week of Azzi's injury, Paige had flown to Virginia from Minnesota to take care of her. Azzi didn't ask her to. She didn't even know Paige was coming until she was already on a plane. Paige didn't ask Azzi what she needed. She was just there. 

And now Azzi was trying to do the same. Not out of pity or obligation or because she was trying to be a good teammate but because she wanted to. Because she hurt to see Paige hurt. Because Paige was her person. Had been ever since they were teenagers.

They first met at tryouts for the U16 Team USA in 2017. Azzi hardly paid attention to Paige. She knew who she was, but didn't expect much from her game and expected to beat her out for a spot on the team. That was until Paige scored six possessions in a row, and Azzi started to think Paige was the best player she ever watched. And she still thought that.

Azzi adored Paige. Every version of her. Not just the Paige that dropped 20 for most of her freshman season and the Paige that smiled for the world to see. Azzi adored the Paige that walked her home to make sure she was safe. The one that could mess with her to no end while at the same time making her feel more loved than she had ever been. The one that was always everything Azzi needed even when she had nothing left for herself.

Azzi loved Paige for all of it. She loved all of her. Even the hard parts. Especially the hard parts. 

Lately, they'd been inseparable. They ate just about 3 meals a day together. Watched film together. Studied together. Azzi even started going to PT with Paige. Paige protested at first, said Azzi had better things to do, but Azzi didn't agree. She wanted to be there with Paige.

She said it out loud the other day. I want to be here with you. Azzi didn't plan on saying that, but it stumbled out of her lips all on its own. It was mushy and they were both still pretty new to mushy. She didn't mean to catch Paige off guard, but she could tell that it did. So she quickly saved it with a joke. 

Paige got quieter after that. Her cheeks went a little red, and she went back to her workout. Azzi smiled to herself. She wasn't used to sweet moments like that. She wasn't used to how easy it had grown to love Paige. 

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

With Thanksgiving break upon them, Azzi caught herself dreading going home for a few days and being away from Paige. She loved her family, but she also loved her best friend. She didn't want to be away from her for a few days after being together for so long. Mother Nature must have heard Azzi's silent prayers because she delivered. 

"Bro, what am I supposed to do?" Paige said into her phone pacing back and forth in Azzi's dorm room.

Azzi couldn't hear the other end of Paige's call, but she did hear the words "blizzard", "flight canceled", and "stuck here" come out of Paige's mouth. With zero hesitation, she decided Paige was joining her for the Fudd family's Thanksgiving. 

"You good?" Azzi asked when Paige finally hung up the phone. 

Paige plopped on the bed right next to Azzi. Close enough that their legs were touching. "I can't go home for Thanksgiving. There's a blizzard in Minnesota, so my flight got canceled." Paige seemed upset. 

Azzi casually put her hand on Paige's, and offered: "Why don't you just come home with me?"

Paige raised her eyebrows. "Like to Virginia?"

Azzi shrugged. "Why not?"

"I really don't want to impose. Plus, I'm supposed to be back on Tuesday so I don't miss too much PT, and you're not coming back until Friday for the game," Paige said pleading her case.

Azzi rolled her eyes. "You would never be an imposition, Paige. You know my parents love you. Besides, if you're leaving Tuesday, you wouldn't even be there for Thanksgiving. You stay with us all the time. I don't see what the problem is."

Paige opened her mouth to say something but didn't. She closed it and nodded. "Okay."

"Perfect!" Azzi said maybe a little too excitedly. "Let's get you a plane ticket."

The next morning, Paige drove them both to the airport. She carried Azzi's bag without a word but not without Azzi noticing. Azzi blushed a little.

On the plane, Paige took the window seat, and Azzi took the aisle sea. No one booked the middle seat, but neither of them thought to take it. Azzi started to wish she had, but the plane had already finished boarding, and she didn't want to make it awkward. 

Paige stared out of the window, and Azzi observed her. Quietly. Paige caught her eventually and let a smile creep across her face. 

"What?" Paige said still smiling.

Azzi couldn't help but grin herself. Paige's smile was infectious in that way. "Nothing, you're just funny," she said shaking her head.

Paige shook her head back. "You're so far," she said gesturing at the space between them. 

Without saying anything, Azzi moved to the seat next to Paige. They smiled at each other before Paige went back to staring out of the window and Azzi put her earbuds in. A couple songs in, Azzi fell asleep.

She dreamt while she was asleep. Dreamt about Paige. And it wasn't the kind of soft, floating dream you forget within seconds. It clung to her. Heavy. Vivid.

In the dream, they were in the gym. But it was quieter than it ever really was. No bouncing balls, no yelling coaches, just light pouring in through the upper windows like something holy. Paige was on the court, moving like she hadn't in months. No brace. No limp. Just her body in motion. Confident, fluid, free. She looked good. Too good.

They were playing one-on-one. No score. No clock. Just the two of them. Paige kept looking at her with that mischievous glint. The one she got when she was about to pull something slick. Azzi tried to stay locked in, but her limbs felt too warm. Too heavy.

Paige crossed her up and drove past her easily, laying the ball in like it was nothing. Azzi didn't even care. She watched her jog back out, sweat on her brow, smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. And then Paige turned to her still smiling, but softer now. The whole court felt quieter.

Then Paige walked toward her. Slow. Deliberate. Azzi didn't move. Couldn't. Her heart was pounding, but the rest of her was frozen. Paige got close. Closer than she ever had. Close enough that Azzi could smell the sweat and shampoo on her skin.

And then she kissed her.

Not tentative. Not shy. Paige leaned in and kissed her like she meant it. Like she had been waiting to. Azzi felt herself melt into it. She didn't even question it. There was nothing to question. It felt right. Like this was the thing they hadn't been saying out loud for years, and now that it was happening, everything else fell into place.

Paige touched her waist, and Azzi let her. Her hands curled into Paige's shirt. It wasn't just a kiss. It was full of something Azzi didn't have language for. Something she'd never let herself imagine. Not really.

And then Paige pulled back and whispered something, but Azzi couldn't remember what. Maybe it was her name. Maybe it was please. Maybe nothing. But her voice was warm and low and reverent.

Azzi woke up with a jolt.

Her head was on Paige's shoulder. Her hand was resting on Paige's forearm. Her entire body was tingling with the ghost of something that hadn't even really happened.

She yanked her hand away and sat up like she'd been caught red-handed. Her heart was racing. Her skin felt hot. What the hell was that?

"Good morning, sunshine," Paige said smiling. 

Azzi forced a stretch. "I hope I didn't snore," she said. 

Paige shook her head. "No, no snoring. You were mumbling something in your sleep though. I couldn't catch all of it, but I heard my name"

Azzi froze. Her breath hitched.

Shit.

She forced a laugh that sounded too high. Too fake. "Weird. I don't remember that."

Paige side-eyed her like she was trying to read her mind. Then she leaned in a little, just enough to make Azzi's nerves scream.

"Azzi, I know you dream about me."

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: First Quarter, Chapter 1

Paige x Azzi asf

Read the prologue first!

Masterlist (read the notes here for more info about the story)

As a former wbb player who tore her ACL and was down bad for my best friend/teammate, I feel this so bad that I am absolutely projecting. Hope it helps 😁 Please let me know what you think, I'm looking for all the feedback I can get.

Summary: Paige is struggling to deal with her injury. Thankfully, her best friend Azzi is always there for her. Lately, a lot more than usual. Paige doesn't know how to describe it, but something is different.

Word count: (1699 words)

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Chapter 1: Get Back To You - Paige

Paige was never good at sitting still. She needed to be moving. Her hands, her arms, her legs. Because if she wasn't moving her body, she was moving her mind. More accurately, her mind was moving her.

Since her injury, Paige had all the time in the world to sit with her thoughts. On the sidelines, at physical therapy, lonely bus rides after wins she had no part of. She just thought. Sometimes she'd dribble a basketball, but every time she heard the soft thud against the court, she pictured the thud her body made when she hit the ground after tearing her ACL in practice in August. So she usually settled for silence and her thoughts. No matter how treacherous they may have been.

She thought about getting better, probably more than anything. She dreaded how exhausting it was and would be to heal. Cringed at how her left leg would be smaller than her right for a while. Worried about the fact that she had a higher chance of hurting herself again. Sulked about having to leave her team to play without her for that whole season and maybe some of next. Pushed herself to the verge of tears, thinking about leaving Azzi to play without her.

Azzi.

Azzi was Paige's person. At this point, they had been best friends for over half a decade, and they were closer than ever. When Paige went down, Azzi was the first one at her side and looked even more distraught than Paige did. When Paige had surgery, Azzi had to do 100 suicides for skipping two practices to make sure Paige was settling in okay. When Paige was going through the worst pain in her life, Azzi made her feel better.

Before Paige knew it, it was November, and she still had not seen the court. She saw plenty of the training room and PT office, but absolutely no action. Not for a long while. Doctor's orders. Paige hated that doctor. She hated everyone who told her she couldn't play, even though she knew they were just doing their job, and whatever happened to her knee was not their fault. Nonetheless, her injury grew to feel like a cage.

That cage was especially hard to handle when all of her closest friends played her game right in front of her, and all she wanted was to play with them. She watched Geno bark corrections at Nika and Ines. She watched Ice give dirty looks when the coaches weren't looking. She watched Azzi glance over at her any time she had a second. And she smiled every time.

"Hey, how you feeling?"

Paige had zoned out and missed when Coach Geno dismissed everyone from practice. Azzi walked straight over to the bench where Paige was sitting and sat down next to her. 

Paige smiled at her. "I'm feeling like I could play tomorrow."

Azzi tilted her head toward Paige. "Yeah, okay. Says the girl who was crying real tears last week trying to do leg lifts."

Paige chuckled a little. "Okay, maybe not. But I wish. So bad." She wasn't laughing anymore. 

Of all the physical pain Paige felt in her knee, which was really bad, she felt more pain in missing the game. She could tell Azzi saw that. 

Azzi placed her hand on Paige's good knee. "I know. It breaks my heart too."

Before Paige got hurt, her and Azzi joked and laughed much more than they talked about anything serious. Just basketball, music, shoes, things that any two hooper best friends would talk about. Not that they weren't close enough to talk about anything real. Azzi was always open about her mental health, and Paige helped her a lot. Paige walked around with what felt like the weight of the world on her shoulders and everyone's eyes on her, and Azzi was the only one who could understand what it was like. They both just got each other. And sometimes that was better than anything either of them could have said.

After the injury, things were just heavier. Paige didn't have the energy to make Azzi laugh every chance she got, and Azzi wasn't interested in pretending things were okay for Paige. For them both. So, they talked. A lot. About their future, their fears, their insecurities. And it drew them closer. If she wasn't before, Azzi was definitely Paige's rock after.

Paige didn't say anything for a few moments. She just let Azzi's hand rest on her knee like it gave her strength. In a way, it did. It made Paige feel safe. Like things would all be alright. 

"I miss playing with you," Paige blurted out of nowhere for no particular reason. Just to make sure Azzi knew. 

Azzi looked at Paige and gently squeezed her knee. "Me too."

Things felt heavier while they talked but also while they didn't. During those brief moments where they were looking each other in the eye and that was all the communication they needed. Time seemed to slow down for Paige. She just felt at peace when Azzi was looking at her. Sometimes, just for a second, Paige felt like it didn't matter if she got better or not. As long as she had her best friend at her side. 

They went quiet again for a moment before Azzi stood up and broke the silence. "C'mon. Let's go eat." She held her hand out to Paige to help her up.

Paige didn't need help. She and her brace were just fine standing up from a chair. But Azzi was thoughtful like that. Paige took her hand anyway and stood up. They didn't drop each other's right away. They let the touch linger but nothing either of them would be weird about.

"I have PT. I can't go right now," Paige said hoping Azzi would catch on that "right now" meant "I want to later."

Azzi caught on. She always did. "Okay then I'll go with you, and we can get food after."

Paige smiled and started walking toward the tunnel with Azzi at her side. Paige playfully bumped Azzi's shoulder with her own. Azzi bumped back. They laughed and continued walking. 

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

Azzi came to Paige's appointments a lot, which Paige was thankful for. It reminded her that she was putting in all that work for a reason. To get back to sharing a court with her best friend. The first time Azzi went, Paige expected Azzi to sit in the waiting room and play on her phone or whatever, but Azzi always went back with Paige and talked to her the whole time.

That particular time, Paige caught Azzi staring out the window sitting on the bench next to Paige, who was doing light leg presses. Paige wouldn't have admitted it, but she was struggling a little bit.

"You bored?" Paige asked trying to hide the strain in her voice. "You don't have to stay. I hate to make you sit here and watch me get tortured."

Azzi turned her head to look at her and grinned. "You don't make me do anything. I want to be here with you."

Paige paused in the middle of her leg press. That caught her a little off guard. It was sweet. She was still getting used to sweet. Her cheeks got a little red, and she couldn't think of anything else to say. 

Before she could, Azzi grinned again and added, "Have to make sure you're taking care of the knee that's supposed to get me a national championship next year."

Paige laughed, shook her head, and went back to her workout. It shouldn't have made her break a sweat, but the thigh of her hurt leg was now half the size of the other, and she had hardly any muscle. She was ready to go back to normal. She was tired of taking it easy. After her therapist Steve walked away, she sneakily added 5 pounds. And she was feeling it.

Azzi wasn't grinning anymore. She tilted her head at Paige, who was trying her damnedest to not make a face. 

"Does that hurt? You're scrunching your face," Azzi asked worriedly.

Paige shook her head. "All good," she said but not without her voice cracking. 

"I'm gonna go get Steve," Azzi said and went to stand up. 

Paige stopped her reps and grabbed Azzi's forearm. "C'mon don't be a tattletale. I added more weight. Steve keeps babying me."

Azzi folded her arms across her chest and tilted her head to the side. "He's 'babying' you because you are a baby. Why can't you just take it slow and trust the process?"

Azzi sounded annoyed, which annoyed Paige. But also told Paige that she cared. A lot. And that made Paige feel good.

Paige didn't really have an answer. It seemed obvious that she was in a rush to get back to playing, but it was also about getting back for Azzi. No one could keep up with her like Paige did. And Azzi deserved someone who could. 

"You know..." Paige's voice dragged. "I need to hurry up and get back to playing, get back to the team, get back to you."

She didn't really mean to say the last part. It kind of just came out. Not that she didn't mean it. Not that it was weird she said it. She hoped it wasn't weird. 

Azzi blinked. "Paige, I'm right here. The team is here, basketball is here. It's not like everything is gonna just up and leave you while you're trying to get better. We're in this together."

Paige got off the leg press machine and faced Azzi from a few feet away. "Exactly. We are in this together, and I left you. You deserve to have someone like me on the court. I'm trying so hard to be that for you." Paige's voice was passionate. Desperate almost.

Azzi didn't say anything. She stared at Paige. She took a step toward her. Then another. Paige swallowed. Azzi slipped her arms under Paige's. She rested her head on Paige's shoulder.

Paige was a little stunned and took a second to register that Azzi was giving her a hug. She wrapped her arms around Azzi and tucked her head into Azzi's neck. Neither of them said anything for a minute. Until Azzi did. 

"You don't have to earn me, Paige."

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game (Paige x Azzi) Masterlist

This is the slowwww burn story of best friends Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd falling in love during their time at UConn and beyond. The prologue is set in the future, several years after Paige has retired from playing and is transitioning to being a coach. The rest of the story is broken down like Love and Basketball, since that's Paige and Azzi's favorite movie. First Quarter starts at the end of 2022, while Paige is still recovering from her knee injury. Second Quarter will start at the beginning of 2025 when Paige is about to complete her final season as a Husky. Third Quarter will cover the early days of Paige's WNBA career. And Fourth Quarter will be about the end of Paige's time in the W. Overtime picks up where the prologue left off. The story is meant to be long. When I say slow burn, I mean heavy on the slow. There's a lot of back-and-forth. But it will be worth it, trust🙏 Down for requests or whatever. Begging for pointers, advice, literally anything, please. My plan is for this story to be so full of torment and angst, but also a little of everything (fluff, smutt, the whole shebang). Full disclosure: This is the first fic I'm publishing, so ntm on me. The chapters are very short (1000-2000 words a pop) because I have the attention span of a toddler, but I have several written already, and I write every day, so I plan on them coming pretty quick. But we'll see if anyone fw this first. Actually, I'll prob see it through even just for myself because I fw it heavy. Okay done rambling. Enjoy 🤭

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Prologue

First Quarter: Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11

[pbxaf4life]

The Long Game: Prologue

Paige x Azzi

Summary: Over 15 years into the future, Paige is gearing up to take over as head coach of women's basketball at UConn. She goes on a podcast with a podcaster who very quickly reveals that she is only interested in dragging something--or someone--up from Paige's past😏

This is the beginning of what is intended to be a long series. The plan is for the end of the entire thing to pick up where the prologue leaves off. Chapter 1 flashes all the way back to the beginning. It's already written and coming right up! Please let me know what you think. This is my first fic ever and I'm scaredddd. Thankful for any and all feedback🙏 For more info about the story, read the masterlist.

Word count:

(1271 words)

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Prologue: She Was Everything - Paige

"Welcome back, Rach Nation, to 'The Rundown with Rachel.' I'm Rachel, and today we are live with the legend herself, Paige Bueckers, to talk about her new position as the head coach of women's basketball at her alma mater UConn," Rachel says to the camera at an unnecessarily high volume. "Thank you guys for tuning into this special live interview. And Paige, thank you for taking the time to sit down with us today."

Paige has seen 'The Rundown with Rachel,' and she doesn't think much of it. Rachel Olay only covers celebrity gossip and scandals, which is why Paige was skeptical when she reached out to have her on her YouTube channel. She didn't intend to spend her Saturday in front of a camera, but Rachel has a massive following, and Paige's team said it'd be good for the brand. That is the only reason she's here.

She smiles. "Thanks for having me. My nieces are big fans of the show, so I couldn't say no."

"Let's get right into it, shall we?"

Rachel proceeds to launch a barrage of questions about team chemistry, recruiting, championships, and every other topic that was on the list she sent over before Paige came on. Paige practiced her response to each question and perfected the entire interview from start to finish.

They just finished a conversation on Paige's time in the WNBA, so the next topic should be Coach Geno, but Rachel pauses. She looks past the camera to one of her employees. Paige follows her gaze and sees he's walking toward them with a manila folder. She immediately tenses up knowing that there could be nothing good in there.

"Now Paige, I hope you're not too offended by my asking about this, and I don't mean to ambush you, but some rumors are resurfacing about you." Her face says she feels guilty but almost excited to talk about whatever she's about to bring up.

This is an ambush. Paige knew she shouldn't have agreed to do this. Rachel couldn't possibly have anything on her. She's the cleanest athlete in decades. She received media training when she was sixteen.

"A couple of weeks ago, someone posted a photo of you and... someone else," Rachel says dragging out the anticipation and making Paige dig her nails into the palms of her hand. "Have you heard anything about this?"

Paige maintains a straight confused but not worried face. "I can't say that I have, but please, do tell. I'm curious now."

Rachel pulls a piece of paper out of the manila folder and hands it to Paige without revealing it to the audience. Paige grabs it and slowly turns it around to look at it. Her heart drops.

It's a picture of someone she loved harder than anything else in this world. Azzi Fudd.

She manages to maintain a straight face and keep up the confused act. Paige flips the picture around for the camera and shrugs her shoulders. "Azzi Fudd was one of my old teammates. That's not a secret."

Rachel cocks her head and smirks a little bit. "Teammates, Paige? That's so crazy because I thought you guys were more than that way back in the day." Her tone reeks of disingenuousness. Now, Paige is scared.

Once again confused: "Well, yeah. Azzi and I were really great friends through high school and college. Also not a secret."

It hurts to call the love of her life a friend, but she has no choice but to downplay whatever this is as much as possible.

Rachel pulls out another photo from the folder. Paige is quicker to grab it this time. This one is a picture of her and Azzi looking at each other during a press conference after a UConn game. It had to have been taken 15 years ago.

What Paige wouldn't give to sit up there with Azzi again.

She wouldn't give her career. That's the goal. That's always been the goal.

Paige has managed to maintain a straight face once again.

"Oh, c'mon, Paige. You can't deny those looks. You can't tell me you look at all of your 'good friends' that way," Rachel says putting air-quotes around "good friends."

No. Only Azzi. In fact, she has really never looked at any of her other friends at all. Not after she fell for Azzi.

Paige nods and shrugs. "What can I say? We were best friends."

She's praying Rachel is going through all of this to find a friendship and not more. Because this would not be good if this were to get out.

"Friends, Paige?"

Shit.

Rachel pulls out a third photo from the folder and slowly hands it to Paige. She doesn't even want to look at this one. Somehow, she manages to lift her arm and grab the paper from her. Her heart drops again, and this time, her face does too. She looks down in defeat.

The photograph is a screenshot from Ice Brady's Instagram Live back in the day while the 2024 UConn team was out at a bar. Ice's head takes up most of the frame but Paige and Azzi are in the background. They're kissing. Paige remembers this moment.

"Paige, this doesn't look like you're friends."

With what little dignity she has left, she manages to pull together another confused look. "I have to tell you, Rachel, I don't remember this. It must've been some 15 years ago. Again, we were close. It was probably loud in there, and I was trying to talk to her," Paige says as convincingly as possible.

The picture is blurry enough to deny. Azzi's back is to the camera, and you can't see either of their faces, so not the end of the world. 

As if she hadn't already been ruined, Rachel opens the folder and quickly passes her a photo. This one is later than the first by about 5 years. It's a little less damning yet still not a good look.

Paige was at a basketball game for some team she can't even remember. Azzi was there too. They were in the tunnel standing really close. Almost nose to nose.

Azzi looked so good in that outfit. Paige couldn't stay away.

She should've.

Before she can react, Rachel hands Paige another picture from the night Paige got drafted. Paige and Azzi were in a tucked away corner no one should have been able to see them in. But someone did. And photographed it perfectly. So now, the few million people on this livestream are about to see what they always wanted. Paige and Azzi kissing like they were the only two in the room.

This one is the nail in Paige's coffin. The picture is undeniable. It's not even blurry. Under different circumstances, Paige would've stared at it for hours. Saved it to her phone. Thinking about what should've been. Paige doesn't see how she can talk her way out of this one. She looks up at Rachel.

"Don't worry, my team is posting these photos in the live stream, so no one is missing anything," Rachel says.

Paige slumps in her chair and places the photos on her lap. She folds her hands and places her elbows on the armrests of the chair. There's nothing left she can say to fix this.

"Paige, I'm sure this is a lot, but you seem... caught. I know the audience is is hoping to put the Pazzi rumors to bed, so tell us once and for all. Who was Azzi Fudd to you?"

Paige looks at the ground and thinks for a second. She has nothing but the truth.

"She was everything."

[pbxaf4life]

And yk what? I was fed 🍽️😋

Okay game is over ready for post-game Pazzi content😁😁😁😁