twenty seven
"i miss you and your lips...but i miss you more." Paige said as she walked into her hotel room and closing the door behind her.
"Paige it's barely been a day." Athena said, laying down on her bed while on facetime with Paige.
"exactly, a day without your lips."
"is that all i'm good for? my lips?"
"nah, you're good for other things."
"yeah? like what?"
The blonde flopped on her bed, "i guess you're kinda cute, you're good at soccer and a really good kisser."
Athena rolled her eyes, "you'll be back here in a few days and then you can get all the kisses you want."
"really?! you won't make me wait?!"
"do you want me to?" the brunette was not serious, she missed Paige and her lips just as much if not more so then the desperate basketball player she was on call with. the days they spent before Paige had to leave were like heaven. every moment spent in each other's arms and every minute alone spent memorizing the other's lips, again.
the day she left was the hardest, it was only going to be 4 days but they acted like they wouldn't see each other for months.
"ok i have to go" Paige said against Athena's lips as they stood at the door of her apartment.
"mhm" the other hummed back, kissing her again.
Athena moved one hand out of the taller's hair to her cheek but kept the other there. Paige only had one free hand and that was placed on Athena's lower back as the other held the strap on her backpack on her shoulder.
it went back and forth like that, one of them saying Paige should leave but not making any effort to actually do that. it got to a point when Paige dropped the backpack off her shoulder to let her hand join the other. she nudged Athena backwards, urging her to walk to the nearest surface. you'd think they should be sick of this by now, seeming as they have been locking lips for nearly the entire day but they couldn't stop.
Paige picked Athena up, resting her hands on the back of her thighs then gliding up to her ass. the soccer player wrapping her legs around Paige's waist as she walked to the nearest chair. taking a seat on the single person rocking chair that was closest, Paige sat down, keeping Athena's entire body in contact all the way from the lips on the legs.
"you really have to go." Athena breathed out as she felt Paige raise one hand up to her jaw and push it away from her for unrestricted access to her neck.
"i'm leaving right now." she said between kisses, trailing her path to her chest.
the brunette fisted her hair, pushing down and keeping her in that spot. it was when Paige started to lift her shirt that she forced them apart.
"i can't have Geno hate me because i made his star player late for the bus."
"we're taking a plane baby"
"whatever...you have to go. now."
"but i don't want to, i want to stay here. with you. doing this." Paige tucked her head in Athena's neck, rubbing her palms up and down her back underneath the shirt she wore.
"i want to too, but you have to go crush Caitlin Clark and prove you are ten times better then her. go show the world that she's just another hot basketball player and not all that."
Paige pouted, "i love Caitlin...i don't love the part where you called her hot," Athena shrugged, "but you're right."
"when am i not? actually don't answer that." the girl placed one more long kiss on the blonde's pouting lips then got off her to stand up.
she held a hand out to help Paige get up, the later accepting it and keeping her hold on it as they walked back to the door. Paige picked up her earlier discarded backpack and threw it over her shoulder. she leaned in for another kiss, a final one before she wouldn't see her gir-...Athena for almost a week.
they never defined what they were, it wasn't friends but it wasn't a relationship...more situationship type. it's not like they didn't want it to be official because they wanted that more then anything, but with Paige being in the middle of the NCAA tournament, she barely had any free time long enough to take Athena out for a proper date.
pushing against her chest, Athena broke their kiss with a laugh, "leaveeee!"
Paige rolled her eyes, taking 2 steps out the door then dropping her bag on the floor, turning back around and cradling Athena's face. she connected their lips again, never getting tired of the taste and feeling, then releasing her, picking up her bag and going to her car.
Athena was left a blushing mess, biting her bottom lip while smiling and watching Paige drive away. she closed the door and rested her back against it, reaching up to touch her lips with the same finger that contained the star ring Paige bought her.
later that day, Athena bought two tickets.
"no! don't! i can't survive without them."
"fine...i won't."
a moment of silence passed between them, "i really do miss you. i hate that i'm hundreds of miles away from you right now."
"i know P, i hate it too...i miss you."
"no i didn't!" Athena argued.
"yes you did! swear on my life." Paige said back.
the two somehow got onto the topic food, Athena currently defending herself because Paige accused her of stealing almost all of her fries when they last went out to eat.
"and i swear on my-" Athena was cut off by a yawn.
"you tired?"
"no," Paige gave her a look, it was around 11pm, almost 2 hours after they first called. "i want to keep talking to you."
"we can talk in the morning...you're tired Thea, go to sleep."
it's true, Athena can barely keep her eyes open but she didn't want to say bye yet, Paige's voice was so soothing to hear and she didn't want to cut her off. she then thought of an idea, "can you- no, never mind."
"tell me...can i...?"
"nothing, it's stupid."
"baby, nothing you say is stupid...please?"
"can you...stay on the phone? if not and you think that's weird then that's fine you don't have to do that. actually i don't know why i suggested that, you probably think it's weird having someone potentially watch you sleep and-"
"Athena! take a breath." Athena stopped talking, "i would be more then happy to stay on the phone with you...was actually hoping you would say that."
"really?"
"yeah"
"can you also...i don't know, talk? it'll help me fall asleep."
"of course, what about?"
"anything. just want to hear your voice...it's soothing."
Athena got herself situated in bed, turning off the light and getting under the covers then propping her phone up so Paige could see her and vice versa. Paige started off talking about her plan for tomorrow and her plans to tour around after their shoot around. then she drifted onto the topic of Athena, it was hard not to when the girl was looking so peaceful sleeping. with every word she spoke, her smile widened.
she complimented everything about Athena, literally every. single. thing. it was in such a soft tone that anybody with a pulse could tell she meant it, so truthful that she was pass a polygraph test with flying colors.
Paige noticed the soft snores coming from the girl on the phone, she got herself situated on her bed. then turning off the light and saying a final goodnight, "night baby...i love you." the blonde said in the quietest voice she almost didn't hear it. it was a little cowardly to tell her she loves her when the brunette was clearly asleep and couldn't hear her but she didn't care. Paige has been holding back for weeks, she needed to say it out loud at least once, it didn't matter if it was heard or not.
---------------------------------------------
the next morning Athena's alarm started blaring in her ear around 6am. she hit the snooze button as a reflex then turned her head the other way. 10 minutes later when her 2nd alarm rang, Athena groaned and threw her phone across the room but forgot to turn of the ringing.
her phone sat on the floor, playing 'fien' as her wake up song, thanks to Paige. the blonde stole her phone one day and decided to pull a prank on her, changing her calming alarm sound to the travis scott song and it scared the shit out of Athena. she thought somebody was coming to kill her in the middle of the night with the ominous beginning and shuffling around she heard around her. turns out it was just Paige who tripped over her t-shirt from the previous night.
Athena got up and dragged her feet over to turn off her phone, then going to her bathroom to splash her face with water. with her feet guiding her, she walked out of the bathroom and towards her closet to get dressed. she already knew what she was going to wear, a pair of sweatpants and Paige's basketball hoodie she snuck out of her room the night before they left.
the girl was more awake now, going into the kitchen to make a small breakfast before she leaves her apartment. after Paige left her apartment, Athena bought a round trip ticket to Cleveland and a final four ticket right next to where Paige's family would be. she was nervous because this would be the first time she saw her parents in years, they didn't leave on a sour note but Athena never said goodbye to them or reached out again.
also, Athena is not her 'friend' anymore, they are more then that. Athena is so close to being her actual girlfriend and if it was up to Paige, she would be. she's never been around Paige's parents as her girlfriend or whatever they were, in high school it was easier because they were still considered friends but if Paige called her a friend now, Athena would break her leg. not kidding.
she knew that it would all be alright as soon as they started talking again but for now she was shaking. Athena finished her breakfast, grabbing a water bottle our of her fridge then heading back to her room to grab her backpack. she packed up her laptop and a few more necessities before going back to the living room. Athena grabbed her keys and suitcase and was out the door by 6:45.
driving to the airport, Athena blasted a playlist that consisted of both her and Paige's favorite songs. she would never admit to the blonde that her music taste was actual top tier because then she would never hear the end of it.
parking her car and getting out to wait in sub 10 degree weather for the shuttle was not something she wanted to on a Saturday morning but for Paige, it was worth it. Athena always liked traveling alone, she loved being alone and sitting with music and a good book while waiting for her plane to board.
except now, she was famous. people knew who she was and there was nowhere she could go without a few people recognizing her and asking for a photo then that leading to more joining. this day was no different. Athena started off good, going through security without a problem and being able to sit at her gate for a few minutes. that was until a little girl approached her while she was reading.
she looked about 12, blonde, and wearing one of the new hoodies her and nike came out with, it included her number and last name on the back along with the breast cancer symbol on where the heart is. it was fairly new, something she and her, her dad, the basketball team, and Paige are extremely proud of. they never failed to make sure she knew it, her dad sending her constant messages about how proud he was and the girls taking her out to celebrate both the day she told them and the day they dropped.
Athena looked up at the voice, taking out her headphone and saying hello.
"uhm...can you take a picture with me?" the girl asked.
the brunette was hesitant to answer, not because she didn't want to but because she looked horrid. her hair was in a messy bun, she was in sweats, and had no makeup on.
"yeah, of course. love the hoodie by the way." she responded, getting up and placing her book on the chair behind her.
who Athena assumed to be the girl's mother, came over to take the picture. the soccer player leaning slightly down to be closer to her height as the little girl wrapped her arm around Athena's waist.
after taking the picture, the girl had the brightest smile on her face, "thank you so much. i'm Abigail and i'm a big fan. i watch all your games and want to be just like you when i grow up."
"wow, thank you," Athena replied, smiling down at the girl, "do you play?"
"yeah, and my coach says i'm the best on the team."
"i don't doubt it."
the little girl gave Athena an unexpected hug, then running off towards her mom, the interaction leaving a smile on the player's face. then she felt another tap on her shoulder, turning around was a man that was much older then 12, maybe around 24 ish. he too asked for a picture and when Athena agreed, he got some poor, random guy to take their picture.
grabbing his phone back, the man tried to start a conversation.
"you're really good"
"thank you"
"you know, watching the TV doesn't do you justice. you're so much hotter in real life."
"thanks..." Athena said with an awkward laugh.
"do you have a boyfriend?"
"oh...uh no but-"
"perfect, could i get your number?"
"i don't think that's a good idea.."
"why not? you're single and i think you're really pretty so"
"yeah well i'm not entirely single."
"so you do have a boyfriend?"
"no...a girlfriend."
the man's face dropped, clearly unexpecting the answer. his tone shifted into a more awkward and uncomfortable one, "oh...i'm sorry about all this then. please forget about my embarrassing attempt and uh...bye." he walked away without another glance, leaving Athena to the small crowd of people that had now recognized her and gathered around.
finally sitting down in her window seat, Athena closed her eyes and played music through her headphones. flying wasn't her favorite thing, certainly something she wouldn't do willingly. something about having a very heavy object fly her through the air at hundreds of miles per hour freaked her out. she gripped the arm rests next to her and kept her eyes closed for majority of the flight, being able to fall asleep 15 minutes into her 2 hour flight.
once landed, Athena was able to get off and to her pickup fairly easy and fast, not getting stopped by anybody again once she put her hood up. by then the time was 11, 5 hours after she last ate. her breakfast was small, just a piece of toast because she knew she doesn't travel well on a full stomach or empty one so it was just enough to keep her stable until Athena got back on land.
the plan was for the Bueckers' to pick up Athena and drive her to their hotel. the girl reached out to them just yesterday, texting Paige's mom a very long paragraph about how sorry she was for not keeping contact but also hoping they could talk at the game. Paige's mom being the sweet lady she is, offered to not only take Athena to the game but also pick her up from the airport AND pay for her hotel room.
Athena spent multiple minutes getting the woman to back off about the hotel, coming to a compromise that she would step back as long as Athena agreed to let her drive her around everywhere. the girl tried to deny but with the perk of not being 25, she couldn't rent a car and would have to uber everywhere so she accepted the deal.
Athena made Paige's mom promise not to tell Paige she was here, wanting it to be a surprise for the blonde. at first Paige's mom was confused, but later dropped it when Athena never gave her a straight answer. she had heard from Paige that the two of them were back to talking and how they were in high school and she couldn't be more excited. Paige was always the brightest around Athena and could tell it was the same for the other, which is why she was so disappointed when they spent years without speaking when they both clearly need each other.
she wasn't blind, as much as the two tried to hide it, it was pretty obvious they both had feelings for each other. her mom waited until Paige was ready to tell her about said feelings but that time didn't come until freshman year of college when she caught Paige staring a little toohard at Athena's instagram post.
her daughter broke down, spilling everything that happened senior year and waiting in silence as her mom processed what she just heard. Paige was shocked to hear an 'i know' come out her mom's mouth instead of an 'oh...' her head shot up in disbelief. her mom sat down next to her on the couch and explained how obvious they were, plus she walked in on them once. she was just coming home when she noticed Paige's door slightly opened and saw her daughter tackle Athena onto the bed with their lips connected.
Paige's mom was shocked for a moment but carefully tiptoed her way over and shut the door, walking back to the front door, opening and closing it again. the two emerged from her bedroom, Paige with slightly messy hair and Athena with her shirt backwards.
Athena walked towards the pickup, looking around for her second parents. she was quick to spot Ms. Bueckers along with Mr. and Drew. smiling as she walked over with her hands in her pockets, trying to hide their shaking manner. Drew was the first one to spot her, running over and giving her a big hug. Athena stumbled back a little by the force but reciprocated it, laughing.
she greeted the rest of the family, catching up as they walked to the car. the drive to the hotel consisted of the parents asking Athena how she was and what was new while Drew showed her all the new things he's done in the last few years.
while in the car, Athena felt a buzz from her phone. taking it out, she saw a message from Paige finally answering her text from earlier.
good morning 3
you'll never guess what just happened to me
good morning ml
you finally got that squeaky wheel fixed??
no but thanks for reminding me??
sorry???♀?
what happened to you
so i was at the coffee shop right?
and this guy came up to me asking for a picture
then he starting going off about how much better i look in person
quote "TV doesn't do you justice, you're much hotter in person"
true
but you're still hot on TV
anyways...
then after he was all "you got a bf?"
and i said no and tried to say i was for the ladies but he cut me off
rude
right?!
then he tried to ask for my number and when i said no he got all defense
"you said you single, why not?"
on the other end of the phone, Paige was sitting at breakfast worried. she didn't really want to hear about other people hitting on Athena, as much as she knew this guy had no chance it brought the reality that she really could have anyone she wants. that's not a great confidence booster for her, especially right before she's about to play a big game against the #1 draft pick for the upcoming 2024 draft.
this is kinda where i feel bad
because he seemed so hopeful but also smug with his stupid smirk
but it was SO funny when i crushed his spirits with "no, a girlfriend"
his face DROPPED in the middle of the cafe
i wish you were there to see it
i think if i was there he would've walked away before he could have the chance to ask you for your number
aint no way am i letting someone ask you for your number right in front of me
a minute passed, Athena not knowing how to respond to that. then another text came from Paige, Athena immediately typing out her answer.
do i have some competition??
absolutely not
you know how i feel about you paige
good
so girlfriend huh??
shut up
it was just to get him off my back
but we aren't that far away from it
right?
baby if it was up to me you would've been my girlfriend months ago
scratch that
5 years ago
Athena smiled down at her phone, multiple times had Paige said she badly wanted to be together back in high school, and she definitely wanted that too but it doesn't matter. they have their whole lives ahead of them, who cares about 5 little years when many more are in front.
well me too
but someone had to mess that up??
details...
i wish you were here
i miss you so bad
i want to be able to stuff you in my pocket and take you wherever i go
you're already short enough for it
wowww
and to think i missed you too
now im not talking to you for the rest of the day
wait no im sorry
please dont
theaaaaaa
baby please
im sorry
i need you
?? i wont play good without you
my loveeeeee
pleaseeeeee
im sorry
it was supposed to be like a compliment yk
you're so pocket sized its adorable
theaaaaaaa
dont make me fly back there right now
im not playing
dont do that
i need you for my bracket
THATS what gets a response
my bracket is my baby
i need you to win so i dont lose
is that the only reason you still talk to me?
i thought you knew this
??
just for that i might throw the game
dont you dare.
i will hunt you down
that doesn't sound so bad
think i'd enjoy that
don't you have to go warmup or something
its 10:30 in the morning
so?
seems like you need the practice
ok now
need i remind you i'm prospected to be #1 pick next year for the draft
need i remind you you're playing the #1 pick for THIS years draft
go shoot some balls
or else i'm hitting up clark after the game
you wouldn't dare
???♀?
i do actually have things i need to do though
ill text you later
fine
will you call me before the game?
i need to hear your voice
of course
5:30 sound good?
perfect
thank you thea
you can thank me by coming home with a win
OH before i forget
i talked to your mom earlier today
really??
about what
just catching up
figured if im going to be involved with her daughter then i should reach out again
"involved"
would you rather me say "aggressively kissing" instead?
...
involved is good
thought so
ill call you later 3
can't wait :)
"who you texting?" Drew asked, peeking over Athena's shoulder to look at her phone.
"no one." she responded in the most unconvincing voice with a smile.
"is it paigey?"
"no" yes.
"can you tell her i said hi"
"i would but me being here is supposed to be a surprise and that would ruin it. plus you can tell her later this evening."
the car pulled up to the hotel, Mr. Bueckers grabbing Athena's suitcases out the trunk because she was preoccupied with Drew climbing on her back. she always use to give Drew piggy back rides when he was younger and now that he was older it was no different. Paige wasn't the only one to lose Athena, her whole family did. they adored Athena and griefed her absence much like Paige.
they weren't that broken up about it, knowing she was doing big things for her future. but every summer, they were expecting to see her only to be disappointed when she took every chance to avoid them. Drew was the most depressed about it, he loves Athena and Athena loves him. he was like her little brother and he looked up to her along side Paige.
when his parents told him that Athena was coming to visit, Drew was ecstatic. he had so much to catch her up one, the first thing being his new collection of legos. something Paige had gotten really into, making Athena build a few sets with her. to hear that the siblings shared the hobby was heartwarming, almost as if since they were miles away, they still both shared this to stay connected.
Athena thanked the Bueckers for the ride and went to her room, immediately dropping her bags and going to take a shower. she felt icky after traveling, no matter what. her teammates knew that for the first 15 minutes they got the room, the bathroom was reserved for Athena.
the afternoon flew by, the 4 of them going out for lunch to catch up and eat. finally it was time to leave for the game, Athena wearing one of Paige's jerseys, her hoodie on top of it. she realized that most of the clothes she packed where actually Paige's but it was her own fault for leaving them at her apartment--Athena stole them.
meeting the Bueckers in the lobby, they headed out to the arena. the drive consisted of talk about the game and, of course, the match up between Bueckers and Clark. it was the talk of the entire season, constantly comparing the two of them together. Athena lost count of how many times she had to reassure Paige to not listen to them.
after arriving at the arena, Athena excused herself to the bathroom. Paige's family insisted on arriving early enough to see the full warmups, getting there at 5:30 on the dot. once in the bathroom, Athena pulled out her phone to call Paige. it rang twice before a voice was heard on the other end.
"hey." Paige said softly, Athena could tell she was nervous.
"hi...how you doing?" Athena responded, closing the door to the bathroom behind her.
"honestly? i'm freaking out. this is a big game and i feel so much pressure. i know it's just a game but i can't help but feel like i'll let everyone down if i lose."
"Paige...you won't let anybody down. i know we are all proud of everything you have done this season, especially me. i know coming back from injury is never an easy thing but you did it and have made sure everyone knew it. forget about everyone else, focus on yourself and your team. tune everything else out and play the game you know, because that's all it is. just another game."
Paige sighs, "i really wish you were here. i want to hug you right now."
"trust me, there is nothing i want more. but i have a surprise for you."
"you do?"
"your parents have it. go to them after the game and they'll give it to you."
"can you just tell me what it is? it'll calm my nerves."
"no it won't."
"worth a shot...can you just- talk about your day?"
Athena spent the next 10 minutes making up lies about her day, convincing the blonde that she had a relaxing day at her apartment instead of traveling to the same state she was to watch her play. Paige leaned her head back against a wall, closing her eyes and being able to picture Athena. each sentence she could imagine the smile or frown on her face, the exact facial expression based on her tone.
"i'm sorry to cut you off but coach wants us in the locker room."
"of course, no problem. go kick Caitlin's ass superstar, i believe in you."
"i'll call you later."
"bye"
"bye"
Paige hung up the phone, taking a deep breath before entering the locker room.
the huskies ran out on the court for the fourth quarter, it was a constant back and forth game. Iowa was putting up a tough fight but so was UConn, the lead changed at least 10 times. Currently UConn holding it by 6 but that didn't last long, Clark hitting 2 deep 3s to tie them up, then another player making a driving layup and free throws to increase their lead.
with 1 minute left, UConn was down by 4. Paige was able to drive down the court, passing the ball to a wide open Nika to hit a 3 to decrease the distance between points. the forced another turnover without points, driving down to their side and being able to run their offence. 12 seconds left on the clock, an illegal screen was called on UConn giving the ball back to Iowa.
Clark dribbled down, being fouled immediately. Paige had her back to Caitlin, not expecting her to hit it off her leg and back out of bounds before she could get there to bring the clock down to 2.1 seconds. the huskies tried their best to force a turnover but it was too late, the buzzer sounding and yellow confetti falling.
UConn walked off the court with their heads down, tears already forming in their eyes. Athena and the Bueckers were in disbelief and depression, sitting back down in there seats with hands on their heads. Athena leaned forward, holding her head in her hands.
Paige was called over for media, meaning it would be a minute before they saw her but the crew was able to go down in the tunnel because they were family. plus they didn't want to see the celebration of Iowa.
it took about 20 minutes for the players to be released from the post conference then another 10 to come out the locker room. Paige was one of the last ones out, walking with her head down and hands in pockets. Athena hid behind her family, wanting to let them hug their daughter and sister first before she ultimately stole her away.
Paige was quick to find them, dragging her feet and giving a small smile before hugging them. Drew gave her a long hug, telling her the Iowa is stupid and would get crushed next round, which wasn't untrue.
"uhm...Athena said she gave y'all a present for me?" Paige said, momentarily forgetting about the loss.
her parents looked at each other with confused faces then looking back at Paige and shrugging. finally it was Athena's turn to unveil herself, taking a step forward and placing a hand on her shoulder.
Paige was quick to turn around, thinking it was one of her teammates but was pleasantly surprised when she saw the girl she had been thinking about all day.
"hey superstar." Athena greeted with a soft smile.
Paige was speechless, grabbing Athena's hand and pulling her in for a much needed hug. both of them closing their eyes and enjoying this moment they both clearly needed. Paige's parents realizing they should be alone, took Drew and went to speak with the other parents that were there while the two of them had their reunion.
"doesn't matter what the score is, you played amazing." Paige buried her head in Athena's neck, squeezing her arms around her waist and closing her eyes while Athena had one on Paige's back and the other holding the back of her head.
the blonde hummed back, squeezing even tighter. Athena pulled back briefly, shifting her hand from down to her neck and rubbing her thumb back and forth, her eyes looking between both of hers, and a small comforting smile on her lips. Paige slowly blinked a few times, then going back to her place in Athena's neck, the shorter softly scratching the back of her head.
that night, Paige went back to the hotel her parents and Athena were staying at. the car ride home included Athena being forced into the middle to have not one, but two Bueckers lean on her. on her right was Drew, who started off strong but got tired and slept on her for majority of the ride. on her left was Paige, the car hadn't even started before Paige leaned her head on Athena's shoulder and grabbed her hand to play with her fingers.
the blonde laced their hands together, the brunette leaning her head on top of Paige's the entire ride back. getting out of the car was a struggle for Drew, him being fully asleep on Athena. Mr Bueckers had to come out to grab him and carry him inside. Paige was better, she was conscious, exhausted but conscious. she still insisted she hold Athena's hand, the only time she let go was to get out the car then immediately grabbing it again causing the brunette to bring the joined hands to her lips and place a kiss on the back of Paige's.
dragging Paige into her room, Athena closed the door behind them. the defeated basketball player taking a seat on the bed and looking at her lap. Athena walked over, standing between her legs and raising Paige's chin by her fingers. "stop trying to find all the things you did wrong. you played good and so did Iowa, don't beat yourself up about it. you still have another year."
Paige nonverbally responded with a nod, leaning her forehead on Athena's stomach as the other ran her fingers through her hair. Athena leaned down to place a kiss on the top of her head, then taking a step back, "i'm gonna change then we can go to bed, ok?"
Paige agreed, scooting to the top of the bed and laying down on the pillows. Athena changed into shorts and the same hoodie she loves so much then crawled into bed with the owner of said hoodie.
she laid her head on the pillow, opening her arms for Paige the blonde not protesting and cuddling into Athena. she was like a warm blanket, something so comforting she never wanting to leave. she felt as the brunette softly combed through her hair, something that always put her to sleep in minutes. before submitting to her coma, Paige lifted her head to look at Athena. the girl giving her a smile and tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.
"thank you...i'm really glad you're here."
"i'll always be there for you superstar."
Paige leaned up, placing a delicate kiss on Athena's lips then pulling away, it almost felt uncertain, like she was not allowed to do that. Athena pulled Paige back in, kissing her again but for longer, affirming that Paige was allowed to kiss her whenever she wanted.
pulling away, they smiled at each other and fell asleep in their comfort place.
in each other's arms.