Work Text:
Fuck, it’s cold.
Paige shivered as she walked out of the team bus toward the hotel they were staying at in Toronto. She hunched her shoulders and curled into herself, picking up her pace to get into the lobby and out of the crisp December air.
She’d forgotten how cold it could get this early in the winter and she was wholly unprepared for the shock of it, having been too preoccupied to even think about packing adequately for the weather. They were about to play their third game in five days and the hectic rush of preparing to go home for their short break had taken most of her attention, especially trying to coordinate with a certain injured teammate.
The moment Azzi left campus to start her recovery at home, things had been…rocky between them. The heightened emotions of Azzi’s injury and what the team was going through was only made worse by the distance. They were both stubborn and refused to back down when their tempers flared. What would have been easily solved or avoided had they been in close proximity, had been exacerbated by them being in different states.
Now two weeks of constant bickering later, Paige was tired. She forgot why they were in their feelings in the first place, much like always when either of them got into their little moods. While they loved each other immensely and probably more than either could put into words, they were also hard headed best friends who both refused to let things go. Part of the struggle of them being best friends and loving each other so much was their ability to know how to get under the other’s skin and piss them off by being petty.
Once one started it was a battle of who could piss the other off more; they’d go back and forth for days, which drove everyone around them crazy. When the two girls got into one of their arguments, the rest of the team knew to leave them alone for their own sanity. Neither were particularly fun to be around when they fought either. They’d end up complaining and venting about the other, which would garner eye rolls and scoffs from their friends since nothing said during this time could be taken seriously.
Eventually, one would shuffle into the other’s room and simply lie down on the bed, they’d have a silent battle with their eyes, occasionally a quiet apology or truce was called, and they’d be back to being PaigeandAzzi. Or they’d go out, get drunk and suddenly all they wanted was each other, forgetting all about pretending to be mad. A little alcohol in their system got them happy, possessive, and horny. By morning after mind blowing make-up sex, you’d never even know they’d been at each other’s throats mere hours before.
Being apart made it a lot harder. While they texted and facetimed, it’d been mostly to argue with no real end, causing both to act out even more. They still grudgingly told each other goodnight and I love you before bed, but were too stubborn to say sorry. By now, both girls were exhausted and just in need of holding the other.
As Paige waited next to her teammates in the lobby of the hotel for one of the team's managers to hand out room keys and assignments, all she wanted was to talk to Azzi. Thanking the heavens above that she was rooming with Ice, Paige grabbed her key card and made her way to the elevator with the younger girl. Ice had grown accustomed to the couple’s antics and would usually just ignore them to let them figure it out without too much judgement.
The two girls threw their bags down, tired from their traveling. As Paige flopped on the bed closest to the window, she checked her phone for any messages.
“I’m gonna shower first,” Ice mumbled, grabbing her things from her bag.
Paige nodded, “Ok, I’m gonna call Azzi.”
“Good luck,” Ice responded before closing the bathroom door behind her.
Paige took a deep breath, mentally psyching herself up for the call. She decided in the spirit of Christmas, she’d be the bigger person and apologize. It seemed like something of a Christmas miracle, but if she was honest with herself, she always gave in when it came to Azzi.
The facetime tone rang and Paige stared at Azzi’s contact picture, anxiety pooling in her stomach. Five rings seemed like a million, but finally the younger girl’s face popped up on the screen and Paige let out the breath she had been holding.
“Hey,” Paige exhaled softly.
“Hi,” Azzi replied, propped up against pillows. “How’s Canada?”
“Cold as shit,” Paige complained.
“You’re a big baby. Aren’t you used to the cold, Miss Minnesota?” Azzi teased.
“Not anymore,” Paige shook her head. “Plus, you’re not here to warm me up.”
The blonde’s tone was suggestive and flirty, extending out an olive branch of sorts. She hoped Azzi would bite, but knew it would be a toss up.
“Hmm, yeah I guess I could’ve lent you a jacket or something to keep you warm if I was there,” Azzi told her with a smirk.
Paige laughed, glad her girlfriend seemed to have taken the bait, “Yeah, you could’ve gotten Ice to trade rooms and figured out a few other ways to warm me up.”
“Guess you’ll just have to wait a few more days,” Azzi winked at her.
“I can’t fucking wait,” Paige’s voice was hoarse. Then, biting her lip she gently admitted, “I miss you.”
Azzi’s face visibly softened at the declaration, “I miss you too.”
They stared at each other through their screens in a calm silence for a moment.
“Are you guys done for the day?” Azzi asked as she adjusted herself against her pillows.
Paige nodded, “Yeah, Ice and I are probably gonna order room service and I’m sure KK will come bother us at some point.”
Azzi laughed, but she felt a rush of sadness. She missed her team and she wished she was there in Canada with them celebrating Aaliyah and getting to have fun with her friends. She tried to push the feeling down and hoped the hotel wifi was bad enough that her girlfriend couldn’t tell.
“Are you leaving right after the game tomorrow?” Azzi asked, trying to steer the conversation.
“Nah, we fly back at like five am. We’ll probably go out after since we gotta be up anyway,” Paige told her. “One last team outing before the break. Get drunk and then get on the plane.”
“Oh,” Azzi let out. She hadn’t expected the flood of FOMO to trigger something within her that just opened the floodgates of anger. She needed to tamper it before she started another fight. Clearing her throat she tried to move on, “When are you driving down?”
“Friday, the girls going back to Storrs wanna go out when we get back so depends on how fucked up we get,” Paige told her, looking up at Ice who had walked out of the bathroom, unaware of how her girlfriend would react.
It drove Azzi over the edge and before she could stop herself she sneered, “You’re going to wait even longer to come home? What about me?”
Paige gaped at the younger girl, eyes shifting to Ice who also looked shocked at Azzi’s tone and words. The blonde stammered, “Uh, babe, I’m gonna be running on no sleep. I don't think it’s safe for me to drive that long by myself right away.”
“Yeah, because going out with the girls is gonna help with the sleep,” Azzi scoffed bitterly.
“Woah, relax ,” Paige warned, getting angry and defensive. “We’re just gonna blow off some steam, it’s been really stressful for all of us lately.”
Azzi glared, “Imagine how bad it is for me. I’m alone in a different state, injured, while my teammates, friends and girlfriend are all partying and having fun together. I fucking miss you and you care more about getting drunk than seeing me.”
Paige’s eyes widened at the hurt in Azzi’s voice, “Az, what? I didn’t call to fight with you again. I do want to see you, so fucking bad.”
“Really? Because it seems to me like you don’t and would rather hang out with everyone who you’ve seen for the past two weeks than with me.”
“Bruh, you’re being crazy,” Paige closed her eyes.
“You know what? Whatever, have fun. Maybe you can find someone to keep you warm when you go out since you’re not coming to see me.” Azzi knew she needed to stop, but she couldn’t help it.
“Azzi!” Paige’s eyes widened. “Stop, look I’ll be there soon, ok?”
“No,” Azzi shook her head, blinded by her jealousy that she wasn’t with the team at the moment.
“What?” Paige asked, confusion clear in her voice.
“Don’t come see me at all. I don’t want you to come,” Azzi said harshly.
“Az-” Paige pleaded, unsure how they got here. This was supposed to be a light conversation about being excited to see each other, but now her girlfriend was telling her to not come see her at all.
“Have fun, hope you find someone to keep you warm because it sure as hell won’t be me,” Azzi spat and promptly hung up the call.
Paige stared at the phone screen for a few seconds, shocked at what had just happened. Finally she looked at her friend who stared back with wide eyes.
“What the fuck?” Ice finally said. Paige groaned and face planted into the bed, she wasn’t sure what happened or where she fucked up, but she knew she needed to fix it.
“I gotta go tomorrow,” Paige announced resolutely. She opened her phone to search for flights to Virginia. Five minutes later and her five am flight to Connecticut had been switched to a four am one to DC.
She began a flurry of text conversations to work out logistics for the sudden change of plans. First she texted the Fudds letting them know the situation and asking to be picked up from the airport when she landed. Then she texted Kayla, who was still in Storrs, to ship all the Christmas presents she was supposed to drive home with to her dad’s place. She also texted her dad letting him know the change of plans and to expect a box of things for her that she’d pick up when she could.
Once she was done, Paige threw her phone down and rubbed her face in distress. She tried to think about where she went wrong and berated herself for trying to sweet talk her way into her girlfriend’s good graces instead of flat out apologizing. She thought about how bitter and angry the younger girl sounded and looked and it broke her heart.
“So…I assume we’re not going out tomorrow?” Ice broke the silence they were sitting in as the blonde had gotten lost in her thoughts.
Paige whipped her head to glare at her friend, “No, we’re not fucking going out tomorrow. Or at least I’m not. I gotta beg for forgiveness and figure out a way out of the fucking dog house.”
“My bad,” Ice held her hands up in surrender.
Paige just slapped the bed, frustrated by the turn of events. Picking up her phone again, she decided to text Azzi, she didn’t think she’d get a response but needed to at least try.
I’m sorry, I love you
I’ll be there on Thursday
Paige sighed, knowing the text would stay on delivered, but she hoped Azzi would at least read the preview and know she meant what she texted.
“Your Christmas gifts are good, I think you’ll be fine. She probably just misses you. You know how you two get,” Ice rolled her eyes. “As soon as she sees you, she’ll forget all about being mad and telling you to stay away.”
“I hope you’re right,” Paige sighed, getting up to go shower. Maybe the hot water would warm with the cold she felt in her heart.
–
The joy of seeing Aaliyah’s happy homecoming and an absolute demolition of a game was short lived. As soon as Paige re-entered her hotel room after a final team dinner, the memories of the conversation she’d had with Azzi the prior night came back. She didn’t even have it in her to be petty and go out with her teammates to celebrate Aaliyah. All she wanted to do was be in Virginia and hold her girlfriend.
Most of her teammates were getting ready to go out to a few bars, but Paige made her way to her bed as Ice and KK followed her into the room. Paige switched on the tv and scrolled through the channels landing on ESPN and letting whatever game play, too distracted to actually pay attention at the moment.
Paige checked her text messages, but her texts to Azzi from the night prior were still unread and she hadn’t heard from the girl since their facetime call. There was no “goodnight” or “i love you” text and Azzi hadn’t even sent the usual good luck text before the game. Paige was starting to worry. She worried that she was in deeper shit than she thought, she worried that her change of plans wouldn’t be received well, but most of all she worried for her girlfriend.
“I’m gonna go live,” KK announced, hoping it would allow Paige to get out of her head. Secretly, she was hoping that a certain girl in Virginia would join to see Paige was in the room with KK and Ice.
Paige nodded, not really paying attention and tried to focus on the game being played. One thing that she could always count on to help her stop overthinking was basketball. A few minutes later and KK was off live and Paige looked at the clock on the nightstand, hoping it was almost time to leave.
She huffed and looked out the window, it was dark now and she could see some lights coming from outside. She wondered if it was snowing because all she felt was cold. Burrowing further into her pillow and bringing the covers up to try and warm her up, she slowly drifted into a light sleep.
Two more fucking hours.
–
The sun was rising as the plane began its descent toward DC. Paige leaned closer to get a better look of the city that was starting to become more and more familiar to her, she could feel the cold air through the window pane.
Almost home.
She found herself going through the motions of exiting the plane as she coordinated with Tim on where to get picked up. She wondered if Azzi knew she was coming. It was still early in the morning and she doubted the brunette was up.
After customary greetings were exchanged, the pair were off toward the house when Paige broke the silence, “Does she know I’m coming?”
Tim shook his head, “She’s been in a mood the past couple of days. Locked herself away yesterday. Even the boys can’t get anything out of her.”
Paige sighed, she had her work cut out for her. When Azzi got like this, Paige was usually the only one that could pull her out of the depths of her mind. The shooting guard had a tendency to let her demons consume her and shut the world out while she stewed in her misery. Paige was her lifeline, the light at the end of the tunnel, the sunrise after a dark night. Her comfort person and the only thing that Azzi truly needed or wanted whenever things got bad.
Oh.
Suddenly everything made sense.
Azzi was cold, too.
She was alone and hurt, away from her friends, missing out on doing what she loved with people she loved.
Fuck, I’m the worst girlfriend ever . Paige thought throwing her head back in annoyance, of course Azzi was feeling disconnected and lonely. She knew the feeling all too well and she promised herself she wouldn’t let Azzi feel like that, yet here she was not keeping that promise.
She was going to fix this. Turning to Tim, she asked, “Can we stop at the store? I need to pick some things up.”
–
Paige juggled the bouquet of flowers, the bag of stuff she had picked up, and her luggage as she struggled down toward the Fudd’s basement. It was still rather early, but by now it was past eight o’clock and she figured Azzi was up or close to it.
Finally getting to the doorway, she froze. Time stopped for a second as she locked eyes with Azzi, who had been sitting up in the bed and scrolling through her phone. The pair stared at each other for a long moment, both too afraid to move or speak.
Finally, Paige dropped her carry on and the plastic bag on the floor.
“Hi,” she whispered.
Azzi swallowed, “You’re here.”
“You needed me,” Paige told her simply, beginning to walk over. “I’ll always come when you need me.”
She sat on the bed, facing her girlfriend and handed the flowers over. Azzi took them with a shaky hand and bit her lip. The younger girl could feel her eyes start to water.
“Thank you,” Azzi choked out, hoping the blonde understood it was for everything, not just the flowers.
Paige lifted her hand to cup Azzi’s face and let her thumb stroke her cheek as she gave her soft smile, “Always.”
Azzi flung herself into her girlfriend’s arms at the word and it felt like the weight she’d been carrying for the past couple of weeks had been lifted as she let the tears of frustration and sorrow fall.
Paige rubbed her back soothingly, cooing at her and placing soft kisses on her head. She could tell Azzi needed this release and Paige was the only person she would let see her like this.
As her sobs turned to hiccups and she felt herself begin to calm down, Azzi pulled her face out of the crook of Paige’s neck.
“Sorry,” she sniffed, trying to wipe her face.
“Hey, stop. You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m sorry,” Paige told her. “I was frustrated with how the team was playing and so caught up in feeling sorry for myself that I forgot you’re hurting even more. And instead of talking to you and comforting you, I was picking stupid fights.”
“So was I,” Azzi shook her head. “I was feeling miserable. You guys are starting to figure it out and look like you’re having fun playing again and I got jealous. I want to be out there with everyone and I want to be at school, not at home by myself. I wanted to go to Toronto for Aaliyah. I wanted to be out there helping the team win. But I can’t because I’m stuck here. So I took it out on you.”
“But I should have known that was why, I was just being stubborn. You know I don’t think clearly when it comes to you.”
Azzi shrugged, “Can’t say I do either. Sorry for what I said the other night, by the way. I didn’t mean it.”
Paige laughed, “I know and just to be clear, I didn’t go out with the team or find someone to warm me up, the only person I want is here in this bed.”
“Good,” Azzi smirked, but she winced. “Remind me to text Ice later, she told me I was being crazy and I ignored her.”
“She’ll be fine,” Paige waved her off. “Just, promise me next time you won’t hold it in and let it blow up next time you feel like this.”
“I’ll try,” Azzi countered, knowing both of them understood how she operated. Her trying was as close to agreeing as she could truthfully get.
“Ok,” Paige nodded. It was good enough and she promised herself she would make sure to consider how Azzi could be feeling during the rest of her recovery.
Azzi smiled, “I’m really fucking glad you’re here.”
“Me too,” Paige returned the sentiment and leaned in, letting their lips meet for the first time in weeks.
The kiss felt like home and comfort, soft and slow, warming them both up from the inside out. Paige moved to let one hand cup Azzi’s face as the other pushed her to lay down and play with the hem of her sleep shirt.
“I really fucking hate that there’s no door down here,” Paige muttered between pecks.
“Do they know you’re here?” Azzi raised an eyebrow.
Paige nodded as she brought Azzi in for another kiss, trying her best to keep it PG.
“They won’t come down here,” Azzi said breathlessly. “I’ve been a bitch all week, they’re avoiding me. They know you’re the only one that can help and you’ll get them when it’s safe.”
Paige pulled back to really look at Azzi, scrutinizing her face to see if she was being serious. She looked at the doorway and then back at her girlfriend, before biting her lip nervously, “Are you sure?”
“Positive,” Azzi nodded. “C’mon please? It’s been two weeks. I missed you.”
And really, how could Paige ever deny the girl anything, especially when she’s laid out so prettily and begging?
“What about your leg?” Paige tilted her head toward the brace.
“Hasn’t stopped you before. Get creative,” Azzi challenged.
Paige’s eyes narrowed, “Can you be quiet?”
“Cocky,” Azzi scoffed as Paige tried to maneuver them into a comfortable position for her.
“You love it,” Paige rolled her eyes, sitting on her knees in between Azzi’s legs. She reached for the waistband of the shorts her girlfriend was wearing, forgetting her earlier qualms about where they were.
December was starting to feel really warm.
–
Azzi smiled, sated and happy as she snuggled into Paige’s arms. She reveled in the closeness and feel of her girlfriend after what felt like far too long apart.
“We need to shower,” Paige whispered. She didn’t want to break the moment, but she knew it was starting to get late and Azzi’s family would be wondering about them soon. She didn’t need them catching them like this. As close as they all were, she didn’t exactly need a lecture from Azzi’s parents.
“Five more minutes,” Azzi bargained, leaning in to inhale Paige’s scent and place a soft kiss on her collarbone.
Again, how could the blonde ever say no to her?
“Five more minutes,” Paige agreed with a kiss on her girlfriend’s forehead.
Twenty minutes and a struggle of a shower later, the two stepped out of the bathroom in robes as Paige helped Azzi back to sit on the bed. She rushed over to grab the bag from the store and happily pulled out a few items.
She proudly presented a snowman printed pajama set to the girlfriend, “I got one too, so we can match!”
“You know, for someone who complains about being corny, you do a lot of corny stuff,” Azzi laughed, but grabbed the set anyway.
“Stop pretending you’re not excited,” Paige whined. “We’re gonna make hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies!”
Azzi giggled, “Help me put it on.”
“Knew it,” Paige said smugly. She grabbed the pants and carefully slid them up Azzi’s legs, mindful of her knee. As Azzi buttoned up the top, Paige went to change into her own set.
“Ok, I’m gonna go make some hot chocolate and get snacks and bring Jose and Jon for a movie marathon. Brb.” Paige told her before rushing up the stairs.
Paige made her way to the kitchen, grabbing a slice of bacon as she began to prep the drinks. She grabbed a plate and piled on some food since she figured she and Azzi could both use breakfast.
“She good?” Tim asked the blonde girl, hoping she had pulled his daughter out of whatever funk she was in.
“Yeah,” Paige nodded. “She just missed the team and let it build up. Cried it all out and then actually talked to me.”
Tim nodded, grateful for her daughter’s best friend to be home to help her. Azzi was his pride and joy and seeing her in pain and upset was devastating for him.
She turned to the two younger boys in the living room, “Aye, come help me bring this down so we can watch movies.”
The brothers got up and began bringing down the mugs as Paige grabbed some snacks for them to have later before following them down toward the basement.
The group of four made themselves comfy on the bed and couch. Paige fussed over making sure Azzi’s leg was propped, before sliding herself behind the girl so Azzi was sitting in between Paige’s parted legs.
The pair picked at the plate of breakfast food as Jon pressed play on the first move of the day. As Paige felt Azzi lean back into her, she wrapped her arms around the girl. The four of them laughed and commentated on the movies, relishing in the quality time they were getting to spend together.
It was good to be home for the holidays.
–
Christmas morning came soon after. Paige had gone home to see her dad and brother, making sure they got their gifts that Kayla had sent up from school. She enjoyed seeing the delight on their faces as they ripped open the wrapping paper. The biggest perk of NIL was getting to use the money on her loved ones.
Once all the gifts were opened and all the shredded wrapping paper was discarded, Paige felt herself start to fidget in impatience. Her dad noticed and rolled his eyes fondly at his daughter’s antics.
“Go see her,” he nudged her with his elbow.
The basketball star sprung up from her seat on the couch, giddy at the thought of seeing Azzi and finally getting to give her her presents.
“Are you sure?” Paige checked.
“Yes, go. Tell them I said Merry Christmas,” he laughed.
Paige grinned, giving her dad a hug and kiss on the cheek, “I will. Love you!”
She stopped and hugged Drew before she ran to grab the presents for Azzi and her family. The drive to Azzi’s house is a blur, but she makes it there safely.
Azzi’s mom opens the door with a smirk when she rings the doorbell, “You held out longer than I thought.”
“Merry Christmas to you too,” the younger girl teased as she walked in and slid off her shoes.
Katie chucked, closing the door, “Merry Christmas, Paige.”
Paige dropped the gifts for the other members of Azzi’s family in the living room, letting them know they could open them.
“She’s back downstairs. She was up early so she was tired,” Katie told her as she handed Paige a couple of bags. “Those are from us, she kept the ones she got down there.”
“Thanks, love you guys!” Paige gave her a quick hug as best as she could.
She bounded down the stairs, excited to see Azzi. She practically crashed onto the bed, letting the bags and wrapped gifts be dumped onto the bed. Azzi giggled at her girlfriend, who was like a little kid this morning.
“Merry Christmas!” Paige cheered, leaning to kiss the girl on the bed in greeting.
“Merry Christmas,” Azzi echoed, turning to eye the gifts on her bed.
Paige saw and narrowed her eyes, “Hey, where are mine? No gifts if I don’t see mine.”
Azzi simply pointed to the side of the room where there were three presents neatly wrapped. Paige ran over and grabbed them to bring to the bed with all the other ones. She shoved Azzi’s gifts toward her and kept hers.
They each opened their gifts and laughed at how similar they were. They each had gifted a matching item of clothing, shoes, and silly stocking stuffer items.
“Ok, I have one more for you,” Azzi told her, reaching over to grab a small, rectangular box.
“Me too,” Paige told her, grabbing her last box.
“You go first,” Azzi told her excitedly.
When Paige opened the velvet box, she was met with a nice gold chain.
“I know you only wear earrings and necklaces, so I wanted to get you something nice. And I think you look good in gold,” Azzi explained.
“You do? So this was for selfish reasons,” Paige teased as she took the necklace out of the box.
“A little bit,” Azzi admitted.
Paige shot her a devilish grin, “You want it to dangle in your face when I fuck you?”
Azzi blushed and pushed her girlfriend, unable to answer out loud because yeah, she did. She couldn’t wait to get back to campus where Paige could, but she couldn’t admit that right now. Paige laughed, deciding to show mercy in the spirit of Christmas.
“Thank you, I love it,” Paige told her sweetly, giving her a short kiss.
“You’re welcome,” Azzi told her, trying to forget about the image Paige had put in her head.
“Ok, your turn!” Paige exclaimed, shoving the small box into her girlfriend’s hands.
Azzi smiled, slowly opening the box. She gasped when she saw the two rings inside.
“Oh,” she said in awe, moving the box around to stare at the rings in as many angles as she could.
“It’s us,” Paige told her simply. “Like yin and yang, sun and moon. We’re opposites, but connected and we balance each other out. Can’t have one without the other.”
“They’re perfect,” Azzi agreed, pulling out both rings.
She slid the moon ring on her left middle finger and then grabbed Paige’s left hand to slide the sun ring on her finger. She was calm and quiet like the night, and Paige was bright and loud like the day.
“Moon and sun,” Azzi told her brightly, continuing to admire her ring.
“Sun and moon,” Paige told her, eagerly accepting the kiss from her girlfriend.
“You can put it on your chain if you don’t wanna wear the ring, I know you forget about them,” Azzi told her gently.
Paige nodded, pulling the ring off and slipping it onto the gold chain Azzi had gotten her. She handed it to Azzi and turned so the other girl could put it on for her. The blonde felt a soft kiss on the back of her neck as the clasp fastened and the chain fell into place.
She turned back around and pulled Azzi in for another kiss, pouring love into it.
“I love you,” Paige expressed, placing a peck on the girl’s nose when they pulled away.
“I love you, too,” Azzi replied with a giggle. She loved when Paige kissed her on the nose, it felt extra intimate and special. The two fell onto the bed giggling and talking about their mornings. They admired their rings in between kisses. This was home. This was warmth. This was love.
No more lonely, cold Decembers.