twenty two
Athena leaned into Paige, placing her hands in their normal spot in the blonde hair. Paige's hands gripping Athena's hips as she craned her neck down to kiss the girl. They were both in heaven right now, neither of them wanted to be doing anything else, just this. Athena's mind was blank, just feeling Paige's lips on hers, but after a minute or two she came to her senses.
She placed a hand on Paige's chest and slightly pushed her away, enough for them to separate. Paige chased after her lips, not getting enough the first time but Athena held strong, "Wait."
"Why?" Paige whined, leaning in again only to be pushed back again.
"Because we shouldn't be doing this..."
"We shouldn't be doing anything butthis."
"Paige."
"Fine, fine." Paige took a step back, dropping her hands only to be pulled back.
"Doesn't mean you have to stop touching me, you just can't kiss me."
"Well but all i want to do is kiss you....Come on why can't i, you clearly don't seem to mind..." Paige said with a smirk on her face.
"Stop," Athena playfully slapped her chest, smiling but serious, "Paige we can't."
Paige's face turned serious, "Why not Athena..."
"Just...not yet. I-"
"Then when?" Paige cut off.
"I don't know. I just know that i'm still dealing with what Alex did and-"
"Stop thinking about that sick excuse of a girlfriend. She didn't deserve you then, and she doesn't deserve to be in your mind now. Everything she did was wrong."
"Then who does? Who is going to do it right?"
"Who do you think? Me. I will. I swear on everything that is mine, i will treat do it right this time. Athena i lo- i really really like you and i know you know that so just-...let me prove it."
"I know Paige, but there are things that are getting in the way. I'm still hurt, what she did was cruel and broke my trust. That's something you know i can't get over after a few weeks, last time it happened i shut down for months. It wasn't until...well, you that i came fully out of it....and also it's the middle of the biggest tournament of the year, and you need to be fully focused on basketball. Maybe after you lift that national champion trophy and i'm on the other side of dealing with remnants of Alex, we can revisit this."
Paige groaned, throwing her head back. She so badly wanted Athena to just kiss her and take let her out on a date. But she knew Athena needed to heal more before jumping into another relationship and was also right about being focused on basketball. "Fine...but i swear as soon as that buzzer sounds and we win, i am finding you in the crowd and asking you out, then you're gonna say yes and we'll be together."
"You confident in that?"
"Yep, because i know that you can try as hard as you want but you won't be able to resist me."
"Ok just for that i'm making it 'til July."
"We'll see."
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Paige left later that day, going back to her dorm because KK was going to kidnap her if she didn't. They cruised through the weekend, not sharing another kiss just like Athena said. Paige tried, every time the two met up she tried to lean in for a kiss hello but Athena would dodge her, making Paige's lips land on her cheek and then pull her in for a hug. Paige wasn't offended, she knew that Athena would do that but she wanted to try anyways.
It's now Wednesday, 5 days after their night out and 4 since their kiss the next morning. Paige was at practice, working her ass off so she could be prepared for their game on Friday. She was mid water break when KK came over and starting talking, "So boogers, what's up with you and mother Athena?"
Paige shrugged, "nothing."
"Please, you act like none of us saw y'all last week on the dance floor, and how she not so subtly dragged you away to a different room. What happened in there? Don't even think about sayin' nothing because we know you lying."
The rest of the team gathered round, wanting to hear the drama. Everybody has been routing for them, it was so obvious they both liked each other and would be so good together. They all tried interfering between them, ditching last minute group plans with Athena so they could be alone. Paige rolled her eyes but as she thought about their conversation, a smile she couldn't hold back appeared, "We might've kissed at the bar...but we were drunk!"
A mix of gasps and cheering ensued amongst the group, "Girl boo, drunk or not it don't matter! PUH-LEASE tell me you hooked up as well."
"No. We weren't that drunk...but we did sleep in the same bed..."
"Ain't nothing special about that. That's normal for y'all."
"True...but then in the morning, we kissed again, fully sober."
"YESSS! So y'all are dating now right?!?!"
"No, not yet. We-"
"Get back on the court, we're running 3s!!" Coach Geno yelled, cutting off Paige's tea time and forcing them back to the court. The team walked back to the court, disappointed their gossip got cut off. Paige was a little thankful, she loved her teammates and loved how supportive they were of the idea of her and Athena together, but she also would've liked to keep it on the down low at least until they made things official.
After practice, they were back in the locker room getting dressed and doing their own thing. Paige didn't shower, she knew she was going to be able to shower in Athena's nice, not-shared shower at her apartment so she just changed back into her clothes. The same group that was pestering her during practice circled her locker, forcing Paige to look at them. Paige looked up, "What...?"
"Finish what you were saying earlier, about Athena and you." KK persisted.
"Really? Do you really need to know about this?"
"Yes, you two are annoying and it's finally getting somewhere so we need to be involved." Nika, this time, stated.
"Fine. What i was saying is that no we are not dating, butit's not nota possibility. Basically the morning after, i kissed her again and she kissed me but then pushed me away and said 'we can't do this' and i was like 'why not, you know i like you' and stuff. Then she was all 'i like you too but you're in the middle of the biggest tournament ever and need to be fully focused on basketball and i need to get over Alex.' Which i get and everything so i said 'fine but right after that buzzer and we win the natty, i'm taking you out on a date.' Then she agreed so...yeah."
"Wait get over Alex? She's not over her?"
"Well not fully...she's over Alex as a person, but not fully good with her actions. Would be better if Alex just begged for forgiveness and left her alone but i doubt that skunk would do that...maybe i can force it out of her."
"I'm with you." KK agreed.
"Anyways...so y'all are talking?" Nika asked.
"Please have you seen the two of them, there is no way they can be classified as talking. They are practically married." KK said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Everybody else agreeing and nodding their heads.
"Ok let's not go that far. We haven't talked about what we are, we are just two people who know we like each other and are bound to go on a date at some point. There, easy."
"Sure...anyways have y'all kissed again since then?"
"No. Athena's the type of girl who wants to be charmed. She wants to wait until our first date to do it, and i'm gonna give her that because she deserves it, especially after Alex."
"Ugh, never mention that troll again. I hope she's rotting in her bed, stalking Athenas social media and regretting her decision. Whatever, so what's your plan when she is ready?"
"I don't know, i haven't thought that far but it's going to be amazing whatever it is."
"Better be. And don't let the fact that if you mess this up we will all take her side and never talk to you again put any pressure on you."
"Great, no pressure."
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Friday arrived, the huskies were fortunate enough that they ranked high enough to host the first 3 rounds if they made it that far. The arena was sold out, tickets selling in seconds after they won the first game. Paige told Athena not to buy tickets, telling her she was able to get them for her without her paying a dime. She got her the same seats as last time, in perfect place right behind the Husky bench so Paige could look back at any time and see her.
Hours before the players had to be at the arena, Paige was in the comfort of Athena's arms. Naturally Paige was nervous, even though Athena told her she had no reason to be knowing they would absolutely crush their opponent. Athena wasn't too sure who they were playing or just didn't care because she had that much faith in the girls to move on.
The brunette had a very specific way of calming Paige down, one that worked every time without fail. It was the same thing she used to calm down, the way her mother taught her when she was nervous or scared. She made Paige sit up from her laying position on Athena and sit across from her. She grabbed Paige's hand and applied pressure on gap right between her thumb and pointer finger.
Paige took a deep breath, closing her eyes then leaning her head against Athena's as she continue holding pressure. Athena held it for about a minute, releasing then moving to place her thumb in the middle of Paige's palm and press down there. The two stayed silent, Athena not speaking because she didn't want to ruin the moment and Paige not speaking because she was too busy thinking about how good this felt.
After another minute, Athena moved to the outside of Paige's hand. She pressed on the depression in between the wrist and the pinkie at the base of her palm. Paige's mind quieted, her nerves about the game fading away and being replaced with calmness. Athena did two more, one on the other side of the palm just between the thumb and wrist, and another on the back of the hand at the top of her wrist.
Even though Athena was done and Paige was fully relaxed, they still kept their hands and foreheads together. Athena had closed her eyes when Paige did, doing the rest of it with them closed. It was like she was doing the physical calming technique on Paige but the blonde was her technique, just her presence and touch was enough to make her feel like she was relaxing on the beach.
Two minutes later, Paige twisted her hand enough to interlock their fingers and moved her other hand up to do the same with Athena's other one. None of them spoke a word for minutes, keeping the peace. It wasn't until Paige's alarm rang, signally for her to leave soon that their silence was disturbed. Paige pulled back one of her hands to shut off her phone, them not pulling away and still staying in their position.
"Do you have to leave?" Athena softly spoke.
"Not yet." Paige said back, "I still have 5 minutes."
"Shouldn't you be getting ready then?"
"Maybe." They still didn't budge.
5 minutes later when another alarm rang, Athena reluctantly pulled away. "Go get ready superstar, they need their star player to be on time to the game."
"Fine." Paige stood up, releasing her hold on Athena's hands and going to prepare her bag. 2 minutes later, she walked back to the couch, in front of Athena, "There. Done."
"Good job, now leave."
"Can you walk me to the door?"
"It's 5 steps."
"Please?"
Athena sighed, getting up and walking the 5 steps to the door, "Happy?"
"Mhm. I'll see you at the game?" Paige said, pulling Athena into a hug.
"Wouldn't miss it. Do you want to meet up after or do y'all have some team thing planned?"
"Technically we do, but i want to see you so i don't care."
"Paige. They are your team, you need to be with them." Athena pulled away from Paige, staring at her with a serious look.
"Yeah but you're my-...you're my you.Come with us. Please they would all love it."
"We'll see, depends if you impress me or not."
"Deal."
"Ok now leave, i'll see you later tonight."
"Do i get a good luck kiss?"
"Paige."
"Fine. Bye Thea, i'll see you later."
Paige took one step out the door but was tugged back by Athena grabbing her arm and spinning her back. She reached her hand up to cup Paige's cheek then got her tippy toes to press a kiss to her cheek, stepping back down and smiling at her. "I never said no. Good luck superstar."
Paige smiled so bright her face hurt. She turned back around and practically skipped to her car. Once in her car, the blonde reached up to touch the place that Athena just kissed, biting her lip while smiling and shaking her head.
Paige got to the locker room on time, walking in with a smile of her face. Azzi noticed the pep in her step and spoke up, "what's got you all smiley?"
"Athena's coming to the game."
"That's why you're smiling so bright it's hurting my eyes?"
"She kissed me...on the cheek but still counts."
"How you two manage to make me want to throw up and be happy for you is something that needs to be studied. I am happy you're happy though Paige, thought you were lost for a while."
"That phase is over, i'm loyal to Athena now."
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Athena dragged Ashely and Olivia with her to the game, just like she did last time. Ashley managed to hold off any questions about Paige and her, for now. Even when Athena told her that Paige gave her the blonde's actual game jersey to wear, she still held back and waited for the perfect moment.
The three sat with their popcorn and sodas in the stands, taking .5 pictures of each other to past the time during warmups. Athena took a break, wanting to watch Paige for a minute before they went to the bench for their talk. It was perfect timing, Paige was waiting in a shooting line and looked out in the crowd, she couldn't remember the exact seats Athena is in but knew the general area. It took exactly 20 seconds for her spot Athena in the stands, smiling when they locked eyes and slightly raising her hand to wave.
Ashley broke when she saw that, "Y'all dating?" She was getting tired of asking it, always knowing what the answer was going to be but when Athena just shrugged instead of telling her off, her eyes widened. "Did you just- not say no to that then chew me out?!?" She looked over at Olivia to make sure she saw that right, getting the same look back from the girl. "Are you guys dating?!?!"
"...Not really..." Athena said, keeping her eyes on Paige.
Ashley grabbed both Athena's shoulders and made her look at her, "What do you mean?! You had a development in that relationship and didn't tell me?!?! How dare you!"
"I mean, technically i don't owe you anything."
"Athena, i have been praying every night and day that you two idiots shut the fuck up and make out and you're telling me you finally did and didn't say shit to me. I am the fucking founder of y'all's ship, i deserve the updates! Whatever, just tell me what you mean by not really."
"I mean not really. We aren't dating, but we're not not dating." Ashley and Olivia looked at her with confused looks, "Ok, last Friday we went out and got super drunk and i guess ended up making out in the bathroom. The morning after we kissed again, sober, then i told her that she needed to focus on basketball right now and i need to get over Alex. I am over her but like not what she did, anyways i told her we could revisit this after the tournament and when i'm healed. She agreed and now we're here. Not dating but not unaware of our feelings."
"Ugh why do you have to be so mature. Me personally i would've thrown it all out the window, said 'fuck it' and jumped her bones right there. You're so boring."
"Thanks, love you too."
"Anyways, have things been like...different? Like have been acting more coupley, not like you haven't been already, but more so now?"
"I don't know, i guess? I mean we are extra touchy and she compliments me a lot more now...and i kissed her cheek before she left my apartment for the game but other then that no."
"All of what you just said is stuff people would only do with the person their dating....Whatever i'm just happy you guys are finally done making my head explode. Seriously i was close to losing it, especially when you got with Alex and Paige was in her ho phase."
"Ho phase?"
"You don't know? Paige went into this ho phase for a few months, hooking up with a new girl almost every night. She was the talk of the school for a while, everybody knew to stay away from her because she would break your heart. Who knew it was all because of you?"
"Is she still in it? Does she still hook up every night? Would she still even we have a...thing?"
"Oh! Girl no! Please Paige is hopelessly in love with you, i mean the reason she probably did all that was to distract herself from you being with Alex. When y'all broke up was around the time she stopped."
Athena didn't know that, she didn't know Paige was doing all that because of her. To her Paige looked totally normal, granted she was in a place where she couldn't see her as often but every time they talked Paige seemed fine...happy. Athena used Paige as her support system for months, not knowing it crushed her every time she spoke, just giving her the best advice regardless of her feelings and being supportive.
Athena saw Paige in a different light, not a bad one, a great one. She meant so much to her that Paige was torturing herself daily just to keep her promise, keep their code. Athena suddenly wanted this game to be over and be able to hold and kiss Paige until she was blue. She promised herself that she would never kiss anybody unless they are her girlfriend but Paige is different, Athena's always been hers. It didn't matter they hadn't been out on an official date because every time they were together was like one.
Athena wasn't thinking about Alex, she wasn't thinking about the things she did or the way she hurt her, instead she was thinking about the blonde she was watching play her favorite sport. Athena thought it would take a few more weeks to get Alex out of her mind but really it only took a few days. The entire game not once did Alex cross her mind, she was solely focused on her basketball player and imagining her post game.
UConn was up by enough that Geno was able to sit Paige for the 4th quarter, letting the subs play for the rest of the game. The first thing Paige did when she sat down, was turn and look back at Athena. It was the first time all game they made eye contact, always missing the timing beforehand. They smiled at each other, staring until Azzi who was sitting next to Paige told her to pay attention.
The game ended in a husky win and the players shook hands before heading back to the locker room. Athena scrolled on her phone, not expecting to see Paige for a little while but when she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see the very person she was thinking about, she was confused but still smiled. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in the locker room?"
"I have a minute, Coach is doing post game and i wanted to see you." Paige said.
"You couldn't have waited 25 minutes?"
"You know i'm impatient." Paige stepped forward, looking to hug the brunette but was stopped.
"Nu uh, you are sweaty and gross. You can hug me once you shower."
"Seriously. Come on, i just showed off for you the least i can do is get a hug, please."
"If i let you, it'll cost you."
"Name your price."
"Hm...milkshakes on the way home."
"Deal. Now come here." Paige opened her arms for Athena, the brunette walking into them and hugging the taller girl. In reality, she didn't care if Paige was sweaty, she just wanted a free milkshake. Paige was more then happy to treat her to the milkshake though, especially if she got a hug too.
The stadium was mostly cleared out, a few fans lingering for autographs and stuff but Paige would get to them later. "You played amazing, i'm proud of you superstar." Athena mumbled into her chest, tightening her hold.
"Thanks hat trick."
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Since it was a later game, the team decided they would be able to celebrate tomorrow. Athena waited outside the locker room for Paige, playing a game on her phone. When Paige walked out, she perked up and walked towards her, "you ready?"
"Mhm." Paige said, nodding her head then holding her hand out for Athena. The brunette took it and interlaced their fingers and wrapped her other arm around Paige's then they walked out side by side to Paige's car. Paige opened the door for Athena then got in her side, driving the two to get milkshakes.
The whole drive Paige kept her hand in Athena's lap on her thigh, only letting go when she grabbed the two milkshakes from the guy in the drive thru, ordering a chocolate milkshake for herself and a cookies and cream one for Athena. Paige drove the two back home, sacrificing not taking a sip of her milkshake and instead keeping her hold on Athena's lap.
The two walked up to Athena's apartment, letting go of each other's hand for the shorter to open the door. Paige immediately flopped down on the couch, Athena following shortly after, settling between Paige's legs and turning on a random movie that was playing on TV. She knew she wanted to kiss Paige, but also knew that Paige wasn't going to initiate anything because she told her 'no' so many times Paige stopped trying.
Athena formed a plan in her head, "Can i have a sip?"
"Of course." Paige handed Athena the milkshake, letting her take a sip before taking it back. "good?"
"Very...you want to try mine?"
"yes please"
Athena sat up, confusing Paige, then straddled her thighs. Paige's free hand moving to her hip as she looked up at the girl with her mouth slightly agape. Athena took a long sip of her milkshake, placing it down then leaning towards Paige, she placed one hand on her cheek and the other on the top of her shoulder. Paige was in shock of what was happening, not processing it fully until Athena's lips were on hers. As if on autopilot, she kissed her back and opened her mouth when she felt Athena's tongue poke her lip.
Athena transferred the milkshake from her mouth to Paige's, pulling back a second later with a satisfied smirk. It might be gross to other people but Paige? Paige was so turned on right now she can't even think straight...literally. Her mind was consumed with Athena, not believing the same girl who told her they would never be a thing just basically spit in her mouth.
Paige gulped down the milkshake that was now in her mouth, staring at Athena with pure lust in her eyes. She wanted nothing more then to grab her and kiss her all night long but wasn't sure if that was just a one time thing or not.
"Is it good?" Athena had the courage to ask, acting as if she didn't just do that. Paige nodded, not trusting her voice enough to use her words. She took a sip of her own milkshake, hoping it would trigger Athena to do that again, and it did. Athena leaning down as Paige placed it on the table and connecting their lips. Paige was quick to transfer the liquid to Athena, the later girl pulling back briefly to swallow it then leaning back in to reconnect their lips this time without the milkshakes.
Paige's hands wondered until the jersey she gave Athena, resting them on her bare hips and squeezing lightly. One of Athena's hands moving to tangle itself in her blonde hair, and the other grabbing at her bicep. The blonde's curious hands moved more south, almost hovering on Athena's ass for a minute as if testing how she would react. When Athena reached the hand that was on her arm behind her and pushed Paige's hands down, she took that as a opportunity to squeeze and push her hips forward.
They continuing for a few minutes, it wasn't until Paige gripped at the bottom of Athena's shirt and lifted that they separated. Athena placing her hands on top on the ones that were holding her shirt, "We should probably stop."
"We could...but we definitely shouldn't." Paige said breathless.
"Paige. I'm not hooking up with you until we go out a few times."
"You said that about kissing but we just did that."
"Yeah well, i learned some things today that just made me want to kiss you. But no more until our date."
"What did you learn?"
"Your 'ho phase' as Ashley put it."
"Oh...i hoped you wouldn't know about that..."
"Was it really all about me?"
"yeah...you were with Alex and i just-...it was a bad way to cope. I'm sorry."
"Paige i'm not mad."
"Really?"
"No. Were you expecting me to be?"
"I don't know, i guess. Azzi sure was."
"Well that's because she's Azzi and always mad at you. But i was with Alex and didn't know about my feelings for you. If i'm mad at anyone it should be myself."
"Why would you be mad at yourself? You didn't do anything."
"I kinda caused it.."
"no. you didn't. Don't blame yourself for my stupid mistakes."
"Can you tell me why?"
"Athena...it's not a good story."
"I don't care...please?"
"Ok...well uh- when you got with Alex, i was crushed. I mean you told me multiple times before that we would never...i just thought i could maybe have a chance but then i heard from Nika that you went on some dates with Alex while i was kinda ignoring you. Then you guys started dating and i just lost it. I knew i didn't have a chance but seeing it was something else, seeing you be happy with someone else was physically painful. I tried to be supportive, be the good friend you needed but i had so many feelings built up that i didn't know how to get them out."
"First it was extra long practices, then it got to the bars and girls. It was horrible for me, physically and mentally but it got rid of the thoughts for a while....it went on for a few months, then Azzi brought me back to reality and made me stop....the months i wasn't doing it, i felt lost, like i was drowning. I was happy you were happy, but devastated that it wasn't with me...anyways that's the depressing story."
"Paige..."
"Don't. Please...i don't want to be pitied."
"I wasn't going to."
"You had the look in your eye."
Athena still had the same look in her eye, like it was pity but blinked it away. She, instead, looked at her with a softer look, her eyes flickering down to her lips. Athena leaned in to place a soft, delicate kiss on Paige's lips, Paige reciprocating. She placed a few more pecks on her lips before pulling away and getting up. "Come on, it's late and i'm tired."
The two walked to Athena's room, throwing the empty milkshakes away on the way then cuddling up in her bed. Athena laid on Paige's chest, tilting her head up to kiss Paige again then laying back down and closing her eyes. Paige placed a kiss on the top of Athena's head, peacefully falling asleep with a slight smile on her face.