Work Text:
UCONN lost in the final four and Paige was heartbroken for her girl. She saw that scared and lost look in Azzi’s eyes, but this time she was too far to take her aside and tell her that she dan do it, to lock in and just shoot. She wanted to run to that court and shake the fear out of her girl. She knew how much she wanted it and how big it would be for her to leave school with two championships, to be Husky of honor and all that she ever dreamed of. But she also knew it was now up to her to support her and be her rock, like Azzi has been during her W season and Unrivaled. She knew this pain. She felt it and she knew what Azzi and the team were feeling. Nothing she could say would fix it. She just wanted to get to the locker room and see her. She knew that holding her would make her fall apart and she would do it in private. In private, she would let her cry, scream or simply be silent, like she was in Azzi’s arms all those years ago after losses in high school or even UCONN. DT stood beside her, just looking at her face. She was sad too, but far from what Paige was feeling. She put her hand on Paige’s shoulder and smiled at her.
‘’She will be ok kid. The team will recover too.’’
‘’I know…I just… I don’t know how to help.’’
‘’You will be there with her and do what you do best.’’
Paige just looked at her. She had no idea what D was talking about.
‘’Tonight it is your turn to pick up the pieces of the broken dream. You went out with a bang, with a Nattie…and she failed…well, feels like she failed.’’
Azzi’s family was also sad and heartbroken for her. Paige went to them and hugged Katie.
‘’ I am so sorry… I wanted her to win this… I think she wanted it too.’’
‘’I know, but it was simply not in the cards for her.’’
‘’I know…What should I do?’’
Katie gave her a sad smile.
‘’What you do best, love her.’’
Paige nodded. Yes, she could love her. She loved her through every up and down they had and she will keep loving her tonight when she feels like her dream was shattered.
She got to the locker room and entered. Atmosphere was very familiar, like after every big loss she experienced. Heads were down, morale was low and everyone felt guilty for the loss. Silence was heavy. She was greeted by K9 and Karoline. They stood closest to the door. She gave them a hug and comforted each one of them. K9 was sad and blamed herself. Paige told her that she knew how she feels and told her that many of them have next year.
‘’Many of you have next year and years after to win. Maybe even more than one. I know you will hold that trophy again. You had an amazing season and don’t let this erase all the good things you did. You were spectacular. It is not the end. For many of you it is just a beginning. You have a team that can do it. I know you will do it again.’’
Fish was crying.
‘’We wanted to do it for Azzi.’’
‘’And she knows it. You will all make us proud some other time.’’
‘’But she leaves without championship.’’
‘’She has one.’’
‘’Yes, but that one was for you. We didn’t give it to her…a proper sendoff…’’
‘’That championship is for every single person on the team…Not just mine… It is everyone’s.’’
Azzi, KK and Sarah entered the locker room after the press confidence. KK was first to hug Paige. She was sad and crying and Paige held her and gave her words of encouragement. She also held Sarah who was angry crying. Paige understood that too. She moved out of Paige’s hands quickly and Paige looked at Azzi. She made step towards her and Azzi just put her hand in front of her.
‘’I can’t…Not now…Not here…’’
Paige just nodded and moved back. She knew Azzi didn’t want to fall apart in front of her team. She kept it together and gave them a speech she didn’t even think she had in her. She told them how proud she was and how she knows they will bring it back to the UCONN and that she would be there to see it. She told them that it was her honor to play with all of them and that they are her family no matter how this night ended. Geno entered the locker room and gave them a speech. He was angry, disappointed and told them that their behavior lost them a game. He pulled Paige aside and told her to take Azzi with her.
‘’Keep an eye on her. She is not ok.’’
‘’I know…’’
‘’See you at the hotel.’’
‘’Sure…’’
Paige left the room and went to meet with Azzi’s family. They all knew she wouldn’t want to go for dinner or do anything tonight.
‘’Take care of her Paige. She needs you.’’
‘’I know… I wish I knew how to help.’’
Katie and Tim smiled at her.
‘’Well, you do know. You’ve always known. You’ve been Azzi whisperer for years. She will open up to you rather than any of us. You know when to ask questions, when to let her talk and when to let her be silent. You know what to do. You’ve been there.’’
She hugged them and waited for Azzi to get out. They saw her with the team walking to the bus. Her family went to the house they rented and Paige took an Uber to the hotel. She texted Azzi when she got in and her room number. Few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Azzi entered and Paige closed the door. She looked at the other girl and it was clear she was about to cry. Paige just opened er arms and Azzi run into them and started sobbing. Paige held her and let her cry without saying a word. She just held her tight to show her that she was there and not going anywhere. When she finally calmed down, she moved away from Paige and just looked at her. Paige gave her small smile.
‘’Hi baby…’’
‘’Hey P…’’
Paige gave her a peck on the lips
‘’What do you need?’’
‘’To die.’’
Paige made a disgusted face.
‘’No, no can do… What else?’’
‘’Someone to beat the shit out of me for being so stupid. I’ve missed so many chances.’’
‘’Baby, game is over…’’
‘’And there will be no next time. I fucked it up. We had an amazing season.’’
She was crying again. Paige wiped her tears and tried to comfort her.
‘’Baby, I will admit you had few games that made me very angry because I know that lost look in your eyes and I know you were not locked in…But you also had amazing games… And let me tell you, no matter where you land, you will have good and bad days…But I can also promise you it is not end of the world. You are going to stay off social media for a few days, lick your wounds and recover from this. You are an amazing player… My favorite player and your legacy is more than this game. You showed people so much good that I don’t think you should be judged by just this game. You came back from serious injuries and played better than many who never got hurt. And you will keep playing amazing and you will have crap games…and that is life of a basketball player. ‘’
‘’How can anyone recruit me in their right mind? I will ruin the team I am on. I can’t shoot…’’
‘’Shooting slumps happen to the best of players…and you know it.’’
‘’What if I can’t shoot?’’
Paige just looked at her and stepped away. She opened her bag and took out pair of sweats and she changed into them and pair of workout sneakers. Azzi was looking at her with very confused look.
‘’Paige?’’
P opened another bag and got the ball out.
‘’What are you doing?’’
‘’We are going to the playground close to hotel and we are shooting.’’
‘’No, I can’t.’’
‘’Ok, then you can sit and watch me shoot. I am in a mood to work out again.’’
‘’Paige, I don’t feel like it.’’
‘’Azzi, this night was shitty night…I admit…But you are still hell of a player and now my favorite W player… I think also an all-star…’’
She smiled at Azzi and kissed her.
‘’I don’t care what others do or say…In the world of Paige Bueckers, you have been and MVP for about eight years and you are not losing that spot over slump you think you are in.’’
Azzi didn’t want to go…but she also wanted to go with Paige. Court was not big, but it was well lit. She took a seat on the bench close to it and watched Paige shoot. Soon she joined her to rebound and then they were both shooting. At first, her shots didn’t fall, but then when she relaxed a bit and Paige rage baited her, she didn’t miss any of them from different parts of the court. In the end Paige was rebounding and Azzi was just shooting. Azzi was so focused on shooting that she barely noticed anything else. They stopped when she felt really tired. Smile on Paige’s face made her feel a lot of things. She was grateful Paige forced her to shoot, she was happy she still had it and angry again they didn’t fall during the game.
‘’Can we go back to the hotel? I am really tired…and don’t want to see anyone.’’
‘’Sure… Are you hungry? Do you want me to order us something?’’
Azzi smiled.
‘’Mack and cheese. I could go for it now.’’
‘’Ok, baby girl…’’
They came back to P’s room and Azzi went straight to the bathroom to wash her hands and face and P went to her computer to order the food. Her phone was empty so she had to unpack her computer. She ordered what Azzi asked for and added two chocolate puddings and drinks.
Azzi dried her hands and came to Paige. She hugged her and nuzzled into her neck.
‘’I missed you.’’
‘’I missed you too baby.’’
‘’Are you coming back with us to Storrs or with my family?’’
‘’I think with them. I shouldn’t be with the team. I love you all, but I don’t want anyone to point fingers and Geno and CD. After tonight, Geno is…Well, people will look at everything he does. I don’t like what her did and how he spoke to Dawn…but I will not fuel more rage toward him.’’
She couldn’t see it but Paige was sure Azzi was pouting now.
‘’That sounds smart…and I don’t like it.’’
Paige smiled and kissed crown of Azzi’s head.
‘’I will be there baby. I will be there and I will help you pack and label boxes.’’
‘’I will miss UCONN…’’
‘’I know. It will miss you too. But think of it as a home you are always welcome to.’’
She stepped away from Paige.
‘’I am scared.’’
‘’Of what?’’
‘’Of ‘’after’’ UCONN. For five years I knew what to expect. I knew pretty well who will greet me when I come back from holiday, away games. I knew all the people in the kitchen, librarians, people at the gym. And now… I am new kid again.’’
Paige was very familiar with a feeling.
‘’It is scary, I will not lie. It is one of the scariest things you will ever have to face. Stepping away from the comfort of UCONN and going somewhere new was so scary and paralyzing at some point. Yes, you came after me to Dallas just few days later and stayed as long as you could. You were so helpful and made my transition from college to W easier, but I will not lie and say it was easy. New people, more expectations and what was hardest for me, empty apartment, distance, no way to see you or be with you. Yes, we did our best with facetime and all the things we could, but sometimes you need to be held and to be close to your person. If we are lucky, you will come to Dallas and we can build this thing together. Now, with Jose, we have better chance for a team to look like we know what we are doing and even if we suck, I have you. I have our little bubble where I can bitch, moan and be angry, cry and feel safe to be all that. And then I can pick myself up and start new. New day, new grind, new challenges.’’
‘’I hate Dallas…but I think you are cute Bueckers.’’
‘’Well, thank you Fudd.’’
Azzi kissed her and smiled into the kiss.
‘’You are an asshole.’’
‘’But you love me.’’
‘’Nah…sometimes.’’
‘’Sometimes works for me.’’
They started kissing again and after some time Paige broke the kiss.
‘’Before we get into what we both want to get into…’’
Azzi rolled her eyes at her but continued to listen.
‘’We need to brush our teeth, get our lenses out, put our phones and other things on chargers.’’
Azzi started laughing.
‘’Should I be insulted you are thinking of all this when I am trying to get into your pants?’’
‘’No, you should be glad we are doing this before so we don’t get interrupted or surprised tomorrow when CD comes to wake you up because you are late for bus because your phone died. I’ve managed my entire college career without CD seeing me but naked in bed with you. I am not breaking that streak, you hear me Fudd?’’
‘’That does make sense.’’
‘’I know. Now, go to the room and plug your shit.’’
Azzi went to the room and got her things out of the backpack. She plugged her computer, iPad, and phone.
‘’When should I set the alarm?’’
‘’When are you leaving the hotel?’’
‘’CD said nine at the front desk.’’
‘’Six thirty…’’
‘’Six thirty? Are you crazy?’’
Paige just peeped from the bathroom.
‘’I want to have my way with you in the morning too Fudd…’’
‘’Six thirty it is…’’
She got off the floor and got back into the bathroom. Paige was with her glasses now brushing her teeth. Azzi found Paige with glasses very cute and sexy. She always had a thing for it. Azzi got her tooth brush out and started brushing her teeth along with Paige. After they were done, Paige left the bathroom and took off her pants and took off the shirt. Azzi watched her in her sports bra and boxers. It was still ‘’her’’ Paige, but different in many ways. She was not skinny menace anymore. She bulked up a bit and there was more swager to her, even though she was still her silly Minnesota girl that talked her ear of for 14 hours. She could see the superstar people were thirsting over, but she also saw her girl. Paige put her glasses away and turned to face Azzi.
‘’Are you done staring?’’
‘’Never…’’
She put her arms around Paige and nuzzled up to her back.
‘’I missed you…I miss you all the time. This year was hard. And I am scared of what will be now…if we end up on different teams.’’
‘’I missed you too Azz…’’
‘’I am a bit sad…but also so happy to have you with me.’’
‘’I know…I am sad for the loss and how it affected you, but I will never be sad for a chance to be with you.’’
Azzi was breathing her in when she spoke again.
‘’I was already in love with you when I came to UCONN. I was always in love with you and madly attracted to you…but those braids…Damn! You took my breath away when I saw you for the first time. I had to leave your room for my rehab and when I came back, you took my breath away… Is it strange that you still take my breath away?’’
Paige smiled. Was it strange? Well, then they were both strange. Azzi took her breath away pretty much on a daily. Yes, she loved when Azzi dressed up or discovering that under all those casual clothes, she could rock some dirty girl lingerie. She loved finding some satin and lace under washed out UCONN hoodie… But she took her breath away just by being there…lost in her book, doing her homework, practicing her shots. Simple things gave her butterflies and she loved it about their relationship. After eight years of being together, they still knew how to make each other stop and be stunned.
‘’No, because you do it to me too… There are days I wonder how did I get so lucky… I love you Azzi…You are my everything too. I didn’t get to tell you that as often as I wanted.’’
She turned and faced Azzi. She put her hands on her cheeks and smiled.
‘’You are my everything too. My baby girl, my pretty girl, my rock, my back court partner, my silent assassin, my sanity, my confidant, lover, partner, part of who I am. I wouldn’t be this person if I was not loved by you and I will forever be grateful for that gift of love you gave me. You loved me when it was hard, when I was not easy to be around and I appreciate it. No one wants to be there when you are down, and you loved me, nursed me and lifted me up when I was hitting my bottoms. That is love and partnership Azz…’’
Azzi’s eyes were wet.
‘’You are making me cry.’’
‘’I am sorry… But I had to tell you… I see you Azzi and I love you.’’
She kissed Azzi and it turned into very heated make out session. Clothes were off in a matter of minutes and the only thing that remained was this raw presence of two people who loved each other through good, bad and ugly. It was clear to both of them that they would not sleep. Their night started hot and spicy, but ended in deep intimacy, a lot of tenderness and intense feelings. They were tangled in Paige’s bed sheets on the opposite sides of the bed leaning on their arms just looking at each other. Paige’s index finger was tracing Azzi’s scar below the knee. Famous injury that ended up in many photographs. She was silent and focused on that scar.
‘’What is it P?’’
‘’It’s just… I don’t know…Sense of pride?’’
Azzi was confused.
‘’Because of the scar?’’
‘’Because of all of our scars…Ones you can see and especially those you can’t.’’
Azzi noticed Paige’s eyes were wet. She was very close to crying and Azzi knew better than to interrupt moments like that. Paige was everyone’s rock, but it took a lot for her to show any sign of weakness. She moved and kissed Azzi’s scar.
‘’I was so scared that day…’’
‘’Of my surgery?’’
‘’Yes, that day too… I meant when you got hurt… I was gutted… I felt as I suffered the injury too… I wished I did so you wouldn’t have to do this again.’’
Azzi, stroked her hair.
‘’Oh, Paige… I am ok now… I recovered…’’
‘’I know…but I wish you didn’t have to do it at all…’’
‘’Baby, look at me.’’
Paige did what Azzi asked of her.
‘’In a perfect world, we would have been all our lives without any injury…but we both know it doesn’t work that way. We have been through a lot, but all of that made us into what we are today. You don’t take your time on the court and playing for granted anymore…neither do I. We were close to losing it all, but we made it back…back and better than before.’’
Paige smiled at her.
‘’ We beat the odds.’’
‘’Yes, we did.’’
Paige kissed her and smiled.
‘’I love you Azzi…I love you so much.’’
‘’I love you too P… Always and forever.’’
She opened her arms for the older girl to cuddle up to her. She held her tight and just enjoyed closeness and silence. Teen Paige would tell you that her favorite time with Azzi was spent in bed naked getting frisky, this Paige would tell you that her favorite time with Azzi was intimacy…moments like this. When they are silent together, wrapped up in each other and just enjoying the moment. Don’t get me wrong, she still loved having sex with her girl, but she learned that there is more to being together than just being physical.
‘’This is why I would love for you to come to Dallas…’’
‘’Sex?’’
‘’No, just you… Not going to bed alone ever again. Knowing that we have our little bubble. I know we are kids Az, but I am pretty sure you are it for me. You are my person… I know I want future with you.’’
‘’Me too.’’
Paige lifted her head from Azzi’s chest and just looked at her.
‘’I don’t know if you are looking at me like that because you are blind as a bet without your glasses or because you love me.’’
Paige made insulted face.
‘’Azzi!’’
‘’What? You know I was right to ask…’’
Paige pinched her and stole a kiss.
‘’Both, you asshole.’’
Azzi giggled again.
‘’I love you too…even when you are blind as bat.’’
They were silent again soaking up each other’s presence. Azzi was tracing some imaginary patterns on Paige’s back and Paige was napping on her favorite human pillow.
‘’I am so scared.’’
‘’Of what Az?’’
‘’Of draft, of the future… Did I screw everything up with this game? Will people change their mind? What if they don’t pick me and we don’t end up together? I am excited too. New city, new beginning, new team…new system… A chance to reinvent myself…’’
‘’It is normal… I was terrified… I had no idea what to expect in Dallas…I had no idea if we could make it…’’
‘’You doubted us?’’
‘’Not in a way you think… I was sure I love you… I knew you love me too, but sometimes things happen and relationships implode. I am proud how we handled it. I was scared for a minute.’’
‘’And now? We both know that there is that one percent chance I end up somewhere other than Dallas.’’
‘’I know there is tiny chance for you to be somewhere else, but I am not that scared anymore. We will play each other few times. We will have some days off and we could fly to see each other. We would have calendars that are pretty similar so we could work with that.’’
‘’Hm… You are right. We will figure it out. Maybe after your rookie contract is done you can come where I am… Everybody wants you P…’’
‘’I will work on giving us best possible future baby…’’
‘’No, WE will work for it. It is our responsibility to make things work…not just yours.’’
They spent their time together holding each other, making love and giving themselves a moment to dream of life together in Texas.
‘’If I come to Dallas.’’
“WHEN you come to Dallas…’’
Azzi smiled.
‘’When I come to Dallas, we would need a bigger place. Yours is tiny.’’
‘’Do you want your own place?’’
‘’Why would I want it?’’
‘’I am just asking… I don’t want to assume anything. I would love for us to live together, but I also want you to know it is perfectly fine with me if you need your own space…or at least to know you have your own space.’’
‘’I don’t need it. I want us together.’’
‘’OK, then I will start looking for a new place and packing up mine.’’
‘’Maybe we can start from your place, get a storage for things we don’t need at first and then look for an apartment.’’
‘’Baby, we will not have time for that. Tempo is crazy from the moment you land. Press things, practices, recovery, lifting, games. We have to do it now. And I will do it for us so you can come to the done thing.’’
‘’Paige, I want to help.’’
‘’I know. Maybe we can pick a place next year together…. after the season ends.’’
‘’Sure… I just want to be with you. I don’t care where we live as long as we live together.’’
‘’Me too.’’
In the morning, Paige walked Azzi to her room and helped her pack up what was out of her bags and walked her to the meeting spot with the team. She said her goodbyes to all of them and took a chance to kiss and hug Azzi again.
‘’Love you… See you in the evening.’’
‘’Love you too P.’’
Around eight in the evening, Paige showed up with a backpack and bunch of things Azzi needed for packing. Jose helped her carry it into Azzi’s dorm. Entire team was there and from the moment Paige walked in, she saw it was a pity party.
‘’Ok, this ends here… You lost and next year you have a chance to fix that. Maybe you will, maybe you will not, but you will have a chance to change things. Now, celebrate what you did accomplish. You’ve reached final four undefeated, you had players get awards. Celebrate that. Pity party doesn’t help.’’
Jose left the boxes and things in the corner of Azzi’s room and took car keys from P to go back to cottage. Paige spent some time with the girls in the common room and she helped them feel better. She made KK laugh and joke about things, Sarah was mumbling trash about some of the players guarding her during the tournament. And she lifted their spirit. Azzi sat by her side and watched her say to each player what they needed to hear. She really missed Paige, not just as her girlfriend but the backbone of this team. She wished she knew how to do what Paige was doing and she wondered if the team would have won if she did that. But now it was too late to think of all that. They went to bed around midnight and Paige felt very strange sleeping in student dorms again. It did feel like home, especially smell of Azzi’s sheets and room freshener, but it was also very foreign. Azzi got under covers and cuddled up to Paige. Her bed was much smaller than Paige’s so they had to sleep very close.
‘’I missed you in my bed.’’
‘’I miss you in mine all the time.’’
‘’I hope we will never miss each other again.’’
‘’As long as I have say in things, we will not miss each other.’’
Paige was surprisingly more efficient packing up Azzi than she was packing up her own boxes just a year before. Azzi was pleasantly surprised by her girlfriend. It looked as that year apart and her being alone helped Paige mature and grow in a new way. She was always very mature and responsible under that goofy surface and Azzi knew that, but this was new side of Paige she still had to get to know. She was fast, efficient and Azzi let her organize things. With different stickers she marked what was going to cottage, what was going to Dallas and what her roommates and teammates could take. During the packing she even found some of her old things and just looked at Azzi.
‘’Do you want them to say or you want them in the cottage so we can decide later?’’
‘’Leave it with them. It is like small tradition now.’’
‘’Ok, babe… Marked as ‘’take me’’ item.’’
In one day, Paige and Azzi managed to pack most of Azzi’s room. Her brother and dad moved boxes to the cottage from where some of them would be sent to Texas. Sad part was that Paige had to leave for Dallas before the draft. There were some pre-draft events she would have to be there for. She told Curt and Jose that she has to be there for Azzi and that draft party would be fine without her. They knew people wanted to see her there, in the arena. But they also knew that her sitting at the table would also bring visibility to the team and organization… especially knowing who they were drafting. Curt was teasing her that she might need a bigger apartment. He gave her contact of his agent and told the lady that Paige would call her. Since she was Texas darling now, she got to see places that were not officially listed yet. Paige found a house that was in the gated community, houses were not that close, so they would have privacy, they had good security and owners needed the money, so she pretty much got it for lower price than it really was worth. It was a good investment even if they leave Texas and go play somewhere else, she could rent, sublet to some of the players.
Paige arrived to New York day before the draft. She told Britt what she needed for draft and asked her to get few options for her. She knew that she wouldn’t get to spend much time with Azzi because she knew how many things girls had to do and what the program was. She would see Azzi when she gets back to the hotel and probably when they go to sleep. They did talk about Azzi’s outfit, because Paige wanted to know and wanted to know how to complement Azzi’s look. Last year they coordinated their clothes so it would suit Paige’s idea. Azzi was gorgeous in that black dress, but this year it was her turn to be the star of the couple. Azzi would be in a pink short puffy dress and silver sandals. Paige hasn’t seen the dress but both Katie and Azzi said it was very much princess like. Her hair would be straight and makeup in pink and silver tones. To everyone’s surprise Paige was very silent about what she would be in. Even Azzi had no idea.
Only thing Azzi knew was that they would be coordinated this year too and that it was it. She promised she would make her draft special and in Azzi’s mind it was very particular piece of jewelry. (KK made a comment that she thinks P would pop the question and now that was on Azzi’s mind more than the draft itself.)
Paige had few hours before Azzi came from dinner with the draftees and some players who spoke on the CBA and some other topics they believed were important for the future players. She had time to chat with Courtney and some other players and around eleven she went back to the room. Paige was already in bed with her iPad watching something.
‘’Hey, baby… How was it?’’
‘’It was fun… But I feel so tired. We were in that room for hours and we had so many speakers. I think I forgot a lot of things they said.’’
Paige smiled. She had the similar experience last year.
‘’But, the goodie bag is awesome.’’
‘’I am glad at least something was making the princess happy.’’
‘’I missed you P.’’
‘’I missed you too baby.’’
Azzi went to the bathroom to get ready for bed. She got out just in her underwear and opened Paige’s suitcase. She got one of her old UCONN shirts and put it on.
‘’Living in my language again Fudd…’’
‘’You love when I steal your things.’’
‘’Nah… I think YOU love it.’’
‘’I never said I didn’t.’’
She got under covers and cuddled up to Paige .
‘’Hi…’’
Paige smiled and kissed her.
‘’Hi, Az.’’
Paige put her iPad and glasses away and she got herself comfortable so Azzi can cuddle up to her. She knew the drill pretty well by now. Azzi was a bit tipsy and wanted to cuddle before falling asleep.
‘’I can’t believe draft is tomorrow.’’
‘’How do you feel about it?’’
‘’I am trying not to think and have any expectations.’’
‘’I am sure it will work out.’’
‘’I just want to know where I am going so I can just know what is ahead of me…well, us.’’
‘’Sleep, baby… Tomorrow we will know what is in the cards for us… Together or apart, I will give my best to make it work.’’
‘’Me too…’’
‘’We have offseason and Unrivaled to be together if you don’t end up with me.’’
‘’And we can sneak a day or two in the meantime.’’
‘’I promise it will all work out.’’
‘’How do you know?’’
‘’Because I know us. We had so many reasons to give up on our relationship and we never did.’’
Soon Azzi was sound asleep in Paige’s arms and all Paige could think of was how soon they would get to do this every night.
They woke up around eight because Azzi had makeup and hair stylist appointments. She put on Paige’s sweats and her sneakers and went to her parents’ room to get ready. Paige had few more hours before she had to go and see Britt. Her dad and Drew were in the city and were excited for Azzi’s draft. Drew even got her a present from the pocket money he was saving. Paige offered to pay him back, but her didn’t want to take the money from her. He explained that it was his present for Azzi and that he wanted to spend his money on it.
Brit had rack of ten different ideas how to dress Paige and Paige sat in the chair with a very sad face. She did have bet with A’ja and now it was her turn to keep her end of it. Her hair and makeup people did their magic and, in few hours, Paige was different person. Britt looked proud of her work and she took few pictures to send to Cam. She promised she would send them in a few hours, so Azzi could be the first to see it.
Paige called Azzi on the phone and told her she was at the door. Azzi asked her to enter and she said that she wants Azzi to open the door for her. She was in absolute shock when she opened her room door and in walked Paige with a hair in a perfect bun with a braid in front and two strands out and lightly curled, perfect makeup and long navy off shoulder dress and with diamond earrings. She looked like million dollars but far from boyish looks she was recently into. Azzi, KK and Azzi’s family stood completely stunned by how good Paige looked. Azzi approached her first. She laced their fingers and smiled at the other woman.
‘’Babe, you look…. Wow!’’
‘’You like it?’’
‘’Like? I love it!’’
‘’I wanted to try something different.’’
‘’Well, different it definitely is.’’
KK was just looking at her.
‘’This is wrong.’’
Both Azzi and Paige turned to look at her.
‘’What?’’
‘’This is wrong…’’
‘’Why KK?’’
‘’Because I think you are hot and that is wrong. You are my P Boogers…My dad…And here you are dressed as hot mami.’’
Now all of them laughed.
‘’I guess, thank you KK.’’
‘’No, no! I am freaking out.’’
‘’Well, I can promise I have different outfit for the party.’’
Walking the carpet this year hit different. This time there was no doubt if Paige came as a friend or girlfriend. She held Azzi’s hand and stepped away when Azzi had to take individual pictures.
Paige was at the table with Fudd family and Geno. He was giving her looks and when no one was looking she was making faces at him. Azzi sat between Paige and her mom and under the table, she was holding Paige’s hand. Before the draft officially started, some people approached them to take pictures. Azzi was nervous, but she did it anyway. Draft program started and Paige noticed how Azzi was nervous about it. Paige squeezed her hand and smiled at her. She mouthed that she loved her and Azzi smiled back. Kathie came to the stage with pick from Dallas and Paige took a deep breath. She hoped Curt and Jose were not playing her.
Az expected, Azzi was drafted by the Wings. It was surprise to no one that backcourt duo that won the National Championship was reunited. Paige and Azzi writing history again. Paige knew Azzi would be first pick because of all the hints from GM and Jose and the fact that Curt pretty much sent her to find a bigger place. She promised she would not tell Azzi and she kept that promise. Not for them, but for Azzi to know it was all about her talent not them as a couple. This draft was different because this time they actually shared a kiss in front of everyone. Paige promised Azzi they would stop hiding and sharing a peck in front of the world was huge for them, especially with Geno sitting at the table with them and the family. Azzi went to the stage to take her jersey and Paige took a seat back on her chair. Geno was looking at her smiling.
‘’You are so proud of her.’’
She turned back at Geno and smiled.
’’I’ve always been proud of her. Never doubted her.’’
‘’Same could be said for her. Even when you were in a slump, Azzi never let me tease you.’’
‘’That’s my ride or die.’’
Geno didn’t say anything… He just looked at Paige and the way she was looking at Azzi. Azzi stood on that stage, taking pictures, but he knew she only saw Paige. She even mentioned her in the speech. She said she got here because of all the love from her family, tough love from Geno and unconditional love from Paige. Paige wiped tears pooling in the corners of her eyes and mouthed I love you babe that made Azzi nod and smile even brighter.
After the draft, they went back to the hotel to change for Azzi’s party. Paige and her parents made arrangements and Paige knew it would be lit. Azzi was in black pants and tank top with very comfortable flats. Her hair was up in a very tasteful bun and she had very light cardigan over. She returned all of the diamonds and borrowed jewelry to the stylist and her team and now it was time to pick what she would put on. Paige was in the robe sitting on the bed.
‘’Any suggestion for the jewelry?’’
‘’Keep it simple.’’
‘’Nah! I vote statement pieces.’’
‘’In that tiny box you have statement pieces?’’
‘’Sure do.’’
Azzi winked at her and opened the box. A minute later, she turned back with Paige’s birthstone ring on her finger and P necklace around her neck.
‘’I see you Fudd… Those are statement pieces.’’
“I told you so.’’
‘’Ok, if that is the way we are going…’’
Paige went to the closet and took out black pants and white shirt. And from her jewelry box she got the set that matched Azzi’s.
‘’I see we are going all out Fudd…’’
‘’You know it Bueckers… I am done with internet claiming you as theirs. You are pain in the ass, but you are my pain.’’
‘’Ah, what a romantic love declaration. I am sure you’ve found it in some of your books.’’
Azzi narrowed her eyes at Paige and just gave her a look.
‘’I love you too Fudd… ‘’
‘’You better.’’
Paige was excited to see Azzi’s reaction to the venue. She worked with Mack and some other people to make this happen for Azzi and she had a feeling her girl would love it. She gave Mack Azzi’s baby pictures, some pictures from her childhood, high school, UCONN, USA basketball, everything she had (that could be made public). Mack blew up the pictures and made arrangements to put them all over the venue. At the place where the food was, she put Azzi’s baby pictures where she was mussy and hands in her plate, Azzi eating corndogs at the Minesota fair, Azzi mussy from the ice cream. In the section with her old jerseys there were pictures of her in each of them. In the friendship section, where everyone would write message to her in a special notebook there were pictures of her and her friends, including Paige since they started out as friends. Family section had pictures of her from the day Katie’s bump was visible until recently. That section was the biggest. It made Paige cry with pride of how loved Azzi was by aunts, uncles, grandparents and especially her parents and brothers. One more thing that was notable was in how many of them Paige was. When it came to the family, they came out pretty fast. They kept it quiet for a few months and then after one phone call they agreed to come out to their families. They were very lucky to be accepted and given so much love and support. Paige’s mom took some time but eventually she came to it and now Azzi is her third daughter. There were pictures in that section of Azzi, Paige, Bob and Drew. Azzi was Bueckers as much as Paige was Fudd.
As Paige predicted, Azzi loved the venue and she started crying. What got her to really break down was Drew in a shirt with her picture with no. 1 Pookie written on it. Paige’s dad and brother were there to support Azzi and it was simply given. There was no doubt they would be there and support her. She hugged Drew and thanked him.
‘’I knew you would be no. 1. My sisters are the best.’’
‘’Thank you Drew.’’
Drew got small box from his pocket and gave it to Azzi. She looked at him and then at Paige. Paige just shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
‘’It was all him. I have no idea what is inside.’’
Azzi opened the box and found inside heart shaped locket and when she opened it, there was picture of her and Paige with their brothers. It was one of the first pictures they took. Drew was tiny and Jose and John were also very young. On the opposite side of the picture was engraved Love & Family.
Azzi wiped her eyes and gave Grew a hug.
''Thank you.''
‘’You are welcome…’’
Paige was also touched by the gesture. She hugged Drew and thanked him for the present he gave to Azzi.
Azzi greeted Bob and her family and along with Paige, she joined their friends. DJ invited her to the stage for a short speech and Paige knew Azzi would cry. She took the mike and thanked everyone for being there. She spoke of her family how important they are on her basketball path and how she knows they will never stop being her biggest support and fans. She spoke of high school team, UCONN and how they shaped her and gave her sense of home and team and how Geno and CD became family too. She spoke of team, all the ups and downs. Injuries they all faced and hard times of sitting on the bench not being able to help. In the end she spoke of Paige. She didn’t tease her; she gave Paige her flowers and told everyone that Paige is her rock and her home. She told them that Dallas was already a home because her heart was already there for almost a year and that now she doesn’t have to live without her heart anymore. She stole Paige’s dirty Shirley and lifted it looking at her.
‘’In the end, I have just one thing to say…’’
She winked at Paige.
‘’Honey, I’m home.’’
Crowd erupted and Azzi got off stage straight into her girlfriend’s arms.
‘’Yes, you are…always…’’
Paige kissed her and tried to back away, but Azzi pulled her back.
‘’Not so fast…’’
Azzi pulled Paige back into a kiss and kissed her for real…in front of everyone. No more hiding. No more pretending they were best friends. Azzi was reclaiming her role as girlfriend and telling every doubter that she is still there and not going anywhere. She and Paige put up with months of trash written about their relationship and now she was done. She was reclaiming her woman and telling everyone they were wrong. They were still together and the trolls had to live with it.
They were being teased for all the PDA but none of them cared anymore. Now they were free to hold hands and kiss whenever they wanted. No more NCAA and CD rules over their heads.
Azzi started talking about Paige’s apartment again and how she was not sure if their things would fit. Paige avoided the conversation telling Azzi everything would be fine. She wanted to surprise Azzi who was pretty sure she was coming to Paige’s small apartment and panicking about lack of space and how many boxes she already had. Paige told her not to worry and to think about unpacking and space WHEN she comes to Texas and to focus on enjoying the post draft interviews and everything around it. Paige gave new address to Katie since she was the one labeling all the boxes. She knew Azzi would be too distracted to read the address. She was just paying attention to big letters saying COTTAGE or TEXAS. Paige also flew her dad to Texas to be there for her boxes from the apartment. He was in charge to just be in the house when everything arrives and to set up the bedroom and living room so they could at least sit somewhere. She ordered bed online and matres Katie told her about. She knew Azzi was in earth tone era so she ordered gray bed that looked like one in Azzi’s house, but was much bigger. She ordered all the bedding too so they could just make the bed when they arrive. When boxes started arriving, Bob put them all in the bedroom on the ground floor. Upstairs they had master bedroom and three more rooms. He was sure that Drew and Azzi’s brothers would visit them as much as they could to enjoy their sisters’ house. He was sure that ground floor one would be turned into some sort of office, since both girls needed that sort of space and that finally all the medals, nets and trophies will have their ‘’home’’ in this room. Katie sent Azzi’s boxes and when everything was unloaded and placed in the room, there was barely any space.
He hoped girls would know how to clear the clutter. He loved the house and how much space and light it had. He was excited for the girls. First home and start of the new chapter. He made them small plank for the front door with Bueckers Fudd carved in cursive letters and he placed it on the kitchen counter. He wanted girls to be there when they put it by the door. Before girls arrived, he checked into hotel and rented a car for day after they arrive. He was using Paige’s car for the time being and now he needed his own because he wanted to help them unpack. Tim and Katie, along with papa and nana Karen were coming too in a few days. Entire family was coming to help them move in but that was Paige’s surprise for Azzi. She had no idea they would be all in Dallas in a few days. She was sad and commenting how much she would miss them.
He was waiting at the airport for them when journalists recognized him and approached him.
‘’Mr. Bueckers, are you waiting for Paige and Azzi?’’
‘’Can we get a short statement from you about girls playing together again and this time as partners and not friends?’’
Bob knew he had to be careful with his words because often journalists knew how to twist them.
‘’I am very happy to see them play together again. I am sad that they didn’t get to play that much in college, but I am sure this is just beginning of new era of their game. They both elevated their game since 2017 when they started playing together and I am sure they have many good years in them to give us all what we want to see on that court. I know in my house we are very excited for the season to start and them to continue their basketball journey. Maybe another rookie of the year in the family… Who knows?’’
‘’You see Azzi as a family?’’
Bob was surprised by that question.
‘’Well, yes… She is part of my family and I know for a fact that Paige is seen like that in the Fudd house too. They grew up in both of our houses. Azzi is my third child and nothing can change that. And Tim calls Paige his white daughter. I am proud of both of them for all the things they accomplished, together at UCONN and apart this year in college and WNBA.’’
‘’Do you expect a ring soon?’’
‘’That is up to them. I would be happy to have Azzi officially as a member of the family, but it is up to them.’’
Lady smiled at him.
‘’I meant championship ring.’’
‘’Oh, well, that is also up to them…and their team and staff. I would want them to win every year. I am a dad…and I want to see them succeed… I know it is not realistic, but I want them to accomplish every goal they have.’’
‘’It was nice talking to you…’’
‘’Thank you…’’
Paige and Azzi had exciting time at the airport. There were some kids who wanted to take pictures with them. There were some college kids who came to tell them they watched their games and followed their careers from the start. They got a lot of positive comments and it felt good to hear that someone really sees what you are doing. Paige got a lot of you are the reason I started following basketball and it made her very happy and sad at the same time. She knew she was good, but she was sorry that some of those people missed so many good players, not just UCONN, but in general. And there was group of young women looking at Paige like she was some delicious meal they would love to devour. THAT is what bothered Azzi. Since they were out of college and CD’s instructions how to behave, she was getting very inpatient with this disrespect. In the past, people didn’t know and they had reasons to believe that Paige was single, but NOW… No, she was not tolerating it now. She didn’t cause a scene; she just took Paige’s hand and leaned toward her to press their foreheads together.
‘’Are you ok?’’
‘’I will be when we get home.’’
Paige smiled… Home… they were going home… Azzi believed it was Paige’s old apartment, but Paige was excited to see Azzi’s face when she sees the house.
Paige pecked her lips.
‘’I am already home.’’
‘’Me too…’’
They stood like that for a moment and then it was time to board the plane. They were flying in business class so they didn’t have much interaction with other passengers. People around them were nose deep in their computers and they had time to enjoy their new adventure uninterrupted. They had four hours flight ahead of them and they both hopped for a nap. Azzi fell asleep first and Paige took away her laptop and covered her with her travel UCONN blanket. Since there was space and entire panel they could lift between their seats, she couldn’t hold her, but she could hold Azzi’s hand. They found a position that was fine with both of them and Paige heled her hand for most of the flight. They shut the panels facing other passengers, but they kept their opened. Paige had window seat since she loved looking out and Azzi spent most of her time on a plane doing homework or sleeping, so it was somehow implied that it was their sitting arrangement. For all the years they flew together, they never sat differently. Paige was watching a movie and from time to time she would look at Azzi that was sound asleep. Yes, Azzi was very excited and nervous, but again she was so tired from the pressure of NCAA, wining number 13, draft and narrative that she was drafted only because she was Paige’s girlfriend. Her final four and finals game showed everyone WHY she was getting the no 1 spot and now she finally could breathe and relax. Paige smiled at the sight of her sleepy girlfriend and went back to her movie. Flight attendant came with their food and Paige took both trays. She knew Azzi would be hungry when she wakes up. She opened container of her food and as she knew it would happen, Azzi woke up smelling grilled mushrooms and stake.
‘’Hello, sleepyhead.’’
‘’Hey babe…Mumm…It smells so good.’’
‘’Tastes good too…’’
She put her seat in sitting position and took her tray from Paige.
‘’I am so hungry…and sick…and nervous.’’
‘’I know. You will be fine.’’
‘’I know there will be a lot of people waiting for us at the airport. Fans, journalists…curios people to see how we look like…’’
‘’That is part I am not too happy about, but I understand. They love us and they are coming to show their support.’’
‘’And observe us…Paizzi in the wild.’’
Paige smiled at her.
‘’Love you…’’
‘’Love you too…’’
‘’Baby, it will be ok… We will give them short interview say few words and the rest is for the press conference. I am sure day after tomorrow our chaos is starting when it comes to media, pictures and all the other things. We will be fine. We are in this together.’’
Azzi smiled.
‘’Together…’’
They left the language claim and went to the exit. As predicted a lot of fans and press was there. Paige handled most of the talking and Azzi also spoke to them. She said she was happy to be here not just as visitor and said she has high hopes for the team and her time there. After they were done, they found Bob who hugged them both.
‘’Welcome home girls.’’
‘’Thanks dad.’’
Azzi smiled at him and just kept hugging him.
‘’It is nice to see familiar face.’’
‘’I am sure… Let’s go girls.’’
He helped them put their things in the car and Paige took her keys from him.
‘’I’ll drop you off at the hotel and then call you in the morning to see when you want to come.’’
‘’Sure kid.’’
Bob left them soon and at one point Azzi noticed that this was not the usual route to Paige’s place.
‘’Babe, isn’t your apartment in opposite direction?’’
Paige smirked.
‘’Yes, it is…But we are not going there…’’
‘’Where are we going?’’
‘’That is a surprise Fudd…’’
Paige got a blindfold from ger glove compartment and gave it to Azzi that gave her a look.
‘’Really? Glove compartment?’’
‘’My dad put it there for this surprise.’’
‘’Good to know it is no there all the time. You would have a lot of explaining to do.’’
‘’Well, NOW I can keep it there…since you are here…’’
‘’No…’’
Azzi put the blindfold on but she huffed a few times and that made Paige laugh.
‘’I hate surprises.’’
‘’I know, but you will love this.’’
They arrived to the house and Paige opened her own door to get out. She helped Azzi out and put her arm around her.
‘’Take it off baby.’’
She did as she was told and was met with a house.
‘’Paige, what is this?’’
‘’This is home…’’
‘’What?’’
‘’Well, let’s say NIL helped finance not living in that tiny apartment.’’
‘’Paige!’’
She gave the key to Azzi.
‘’Check out your new home princess…’’
Azzi was not happy that Paige picked their home without her, but it all faded as soon as she entered the house. It was everything she ever wanted and she loved the view to the artificial lake and small pool on the side of the house. What she loved the most was that neighbors were not close. You could see them across the lake or on the sides just as small dots. She checked every room and she loved it. Yes, house was empty and they had a lot of work to do with getting furniture and unpacking, but she was excited to do this with Paige. It was their home.
‘’We have so much work. House is pretty empty.’’
‘’I know. That is why my dad and your family are coming tomorrow. We have today…well…for us…’’
‘’I really love it P. Thank you…’’
‘’Do you want to check online for some furniture so they can deliver at the time when families are here?’’
‘’Sure… But first, I want to relax with you for a minute, just sit here in the living room and look at nothing.’’
‘’We can do that babe.’’
She checked the kitchen and found that Bob has stocked their fridge with things they could eat right away without cooking. In the corner was also bottle of very nice champagne. On the side of the bottle was a note.
To my girls. Happy new beginning and enjoy your first home.
Love Bob
Azzi showed the bottle to Paige and smirked.
‘’Your dad has game.’’
‘’What can I say, it’s us Bueckers.’’
Azzi just rolled her eyes at Paige.
‘’What? You fell for that Fudd…’’
‘’Unfortunately.’’
‘’Love you too Fudd.’’
‘’Want to open it now?’’
‘’No, save it for later. Now let’s start fixing up what we need for at least today and tomorrow. My dad sad he placed boxes in different groups, like bathroom, kitchen, closet…’’
‘’I love how practical he is. If you were here, all would be mixed.’’
‘’Bro…’’
‘’Just saying.’’
Before they unpacked anything, they went online and ordered the furniture they wanted for each room. Azzi insisted she pays for it and Paige didn’t object. She understood that she wanted to feel like she was contributing to making this a home. They agreed that they would share office and if Azzi was doing her podcast or interview, they would manage to use some other room if they needed to work. Both of them worked on laptops so they were pretty mobile. And Texas had pretty fine weather, maybe even one of them could work outside for the time of the taping. They were excited to make this house a home.
‘’Do you want to go to Target run?’’
‘’Why? What do we need?’’
‘’Air mattress.’’
‘’What?’’
‘’Do you think our brothers would leave this house?’’
Azzi looked around.
‘’No way.’’
‘’Well, I am sure that we are having family sleepover. We might have to let your grandparents or parents have our bed, two can sleep on the sofa and the rest has to sleep on mattresses.’’
‘’So, five?’’
‘’At least… And our team will visit… KK will want to stay with us…all of them would.’’
‘’I can’t wait for all of them to visit.’’
‘’And we will get them tickets for home games…and they will have both of our jerseys…5 and 35…’’
‘’What if 35 is taken?’’
‘’I don’t think it is… But you can take 40 no one has that.’’
‘’I would prefer my number.’’
‘’I know baby…and I know you will have it.’’
An hour later they got confirmation that furniture would arrive tomorrow between three and four in the afternoon. They also ordered mattresses for the bedrooms and hoped that at least some of the family would sleep in the bedrooms.
Paige went to the bedroom and opened her backpack. Azzi stood at the door looking at her. She took out framed photo of them when they were sixteen and placed it on the fireplace mantle.
‘’I can’t believe you still have it.’’
‘’I have all of them. All of the important moments of us…’’
She placed few more from UCONN, Minnesota lake house, cruise, Azzi’s prom picture, and picture of them kissing. That was something no one has ever seen. Azzi smiled at it.
‘’I had no idea someone took that picture.’’
‘’I think it was Nika…’’
‘’We have to thank her.’’
‘’We will… She is still recovering. Maybe we could find time to call.’’
‘’I would love to call her.’’
‘’Maybe before bed?’’
‘’Sure…’’
Azzi’s phone started ringing and it was KK.
‘’Hi mom, Hi dad… WOW! That is not Bugger’s apartment… Where are you?’’
Azzi looked to her side and saw Paige smirking. She knew KK would notice.
‘’We are in our new home KK.’’
‘’Show me! Now!’’
Azzi got up and showed KK around. As she was showing the house, the rest of the team gathered and she had to show the house three times.
‘’I see Buggers cashed out for a castle since princess was coming. She didn’t mind living in that small ass apartment until you were drafted.’’
Paige was blushing and Azzi was smirking.
‘’Are we in for the new princess treatment when I am with her tick tock?’’
‘’No, I’ve been upgraded to a queen.’’
‘’Honey, you’ve been her queen for years…’’
Paige put her arms around Azzi and smiled.
‘’That is true…’’
Sarah was looking around and noticed a pool.
‘’You have a pool there. Now you will never get rid of KK when summer comes.’’
‘’And I am sure you will come to babysit too?’’
‘’Well, we all will come…if you invite us.’’
‘’You are agents of chaos.’’
‘’And you love us.’’
‘’We do… We are your parents.’’
KK went silent for a moment. She just looked at them with a very serious face.
‘’What is it KK?’’
‘’You look happy.’’
‘’We are happy.’’
‘’Well, then we are all happy for you. I know that season didn’t end like we wanted it to end, but you got to go home to P in the end. And that is what matters the most. You ended up where you wanted to, with your girl.’’
Both Paige and Azzi smiled at that.
‘’We are grateful for this chance and we will give our best to justify the trust invested in us. I know it will not be championship right away, but buildup towards it…that is what we can do.’’
‘’I know two of you will give hell to many people there…And Fudd…shoot the damn ball…’’
‘’She will… I will get her out of her head. She is still my best player in the country… I will get the girl I know to come out and hoop… I did before and I will again.’’
Azzi just rolled her eyes at them.
‘’I am hanging up… You are ganging up on me and I don’t like it.’’
‘’We love you Fudd…Love you Buggers and see you at your pool as soon as school ends.’’
‘’We know KK. See you at games.’’
They spent some more time unpacking their clothes and most of the bedroom things and it was close to midnight when boxes were empty, clothes in the closet and two of them very tired.
‘’Shower?’’
‘’Yes, please.’’
Paige kissed her shoulder and smiled.
‘’You go first baby and I will make sure that the house is locked, alarm activated and all the things done before we sleep.’’
‘’How about you do all that and join me?’’
‘’Oh…’’
‘’It is after all our first night in OUR home…and after a long time we are really alone…’’
‘’I love your idea baby…’’
‘’Go, hurry!’’
It took Paige about two minutes to do all the locking and checking before she climbed the stairs to the bedroom where Azzi was taking her first shower in the new home. She took off her clothes and threw them to the side where Azzi’s were and joined her.
‘’Took you long enough babe…’’
‘’Maybe, but in the end I am here.’’
They kissed and Paige really took her time with Azzi that night. They made love in the shower, on the bathroom counter and in the end their new bed. Luckily blinds were down so they didn’t really give the show to the neighbors but they sure did enjoy the night. Being alone and away from people reminded them how liberating it can be to be vocal, loud, say what you want in a normal tone of voice. Their time of whispering and being terrified if anyone heard them was over. They dropped to their pillows and held each other close.
‘’We can’t do this when our families are here.’’
‘’Have sex?’’
‘’No, be loud Paige.’’
‘’Well, you are the loud one.’’
‘’ME? And what about you?’’
‘’Well, that is your fault too.’’
Azzi narrowed her eyes at her.
‘’Watch it!’’
Paige just smiled and kissed her.
‘’I can’t believe we have our house.’’
‘’I can’t believe it too.’’
‘’I know that my season didn’t really end in a way I hoped it would…but…I am happy I am here with you and I wouldn’t change a thing. I am home.’’
‘’Yes, you are…’’
Paige kissed her and pulled her closer.
‘’Azzi Jazlyn Fudd, you are my forever home…No matter where we live and how many times, we move in the future… You are the only home I have…’’
‘’And what about kids?’’
Paige just looked at her.
‘’Our UCONN kids or babies we would eventually have?’’
‘’Our babies…’’
‘’Well, they are part of us, so they are also home… But that home starts with you. You are the foundation of everything happening after. You becoming my girlfriend, wife and mother of my children…it all starts with a bit pouty girl that didn’t remember me in the camp.’’
‘’You will never let that go.’’
‘’Until my dying day…’’
Azzi smiled at that idea… Being with Paige until their dying day… That idea didn’t scare her, it excited her. Growing old with her best friend was something special for her. Not many had that privilege and she hoped that their love would grow and mature into something even more special. She was excited for the W and a chance to play together again, but she was even more excited for what happens off the court, life they would build together. Maybe this season didn’t end the way she hoped it would, but the ‘’rest of her life " started just as she wanted it to.