Can't Seem To Hide It

The Journey Home

 Chapter 17: 

The final morning of the camping trip dawned bright and clear, the storm from the night before leaving the air crisp and cool. The team packed up their tents and gear, working together to clean up the campsite and make sure everything was in order before they headed back to campus. There was a sense of contentment in the air, the kind that comes after a weekend of bonding and adventure.

As they boarded the bus, there was a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction on everyone's faces. The trip had been a success, filled with memories that would last long after they returned to their normal routines. The team settled into their seats, ready for the journey home.

Paige and Azzi found a spot near the back of the bus, away from the rest of the team. They were both tired, but it was the kind of fatigue that came from having too much fun, rather than from being worn out. Paige yawned, stretching her arms above her head as she settled into the seat beside Azzi.

"Long weekend, huh?" Azzi remarked, her voice soft as she looked at Paige with a gentle smile.

"Yeah," Paige agreed, leaning her head against the window for a moment before shifting to rest it on Azzi's shoulder instead. "But a good one."

Azzi wrapped an arm around Paige, pulling her closer. The bus rumbled to life, the gentle hum of the engine and the rhythmic motion of the wheels lulling them into a peaceful state. It wasn't long before Paige's eyelids grew heavy, the exhaustion from the trip finally catching up with her.

She sighed contentedly, snuggling closer to Azzi, who adjusted her position to make Paige more comfortable. Within minutes, Paige was fast asleep, her head resting in Azzi's lap, her breath even and calm.

Azzi looked down at Paige, her heart swelling with affection. She brushed a strand of hair away from Paige's face, smiling to herself as she watched her sleep. There was something incredibly sweet and vulnerable about seeing Paige like this, so peaceful and unguarded.

The rest of the team, scattered throughout the bus, had noticed the tender moment as well. Kk, Ice, and Aubrey exchanged knowing glances, their earlier teasing replaced with genuine warmth. They could see how much Paige and Azzi cared for each other, and it was heartwarming to witness.

Ice, who was sitting a few rows ahead, turned around to look at Kk and Aubrey, a soft smile on her face. "Look at them," she whispered, nodding towards the back of the bus. "They're so cute together."

Kk grinned, leaning back in her seat. "Yeah, they really are. Who would've thought Paige Bueckers, the most competitive person I know, could be such a softy?"

Aubrey chuckled, her voice just as quiet. "It's sweet, though. They balance each other out."

Azzi, overhearing their conversation, blushed slightly but didn't say anything. She didn't mind their observations; if anything, she found it endearing that her teammates cared enough to notice. She continued to gently stroke Paige's hair, content to let her sleep for as long as she needed.

As the bus continued its journey back to campus, the other girls drifted off to sleep as well, the exhaustion of the trip catching up with them. The atmosphere on the bus was peaceful, the quiet interrupted only by the occasional murmur of conversation or the soft sounds of snoring.

After what felt like hours, the bus began to slow as they approached the familiar streets of their college town. Azzi glanced out the window, recognizing the landmarks that signaled they were almost home. She looked down at Paige, who was still fast asleep, and gently nudged her awake.

"Paige," Azzi whispered, brushing her fingers against Paige's cheek. "We're almost there."

Paige stirred, blinking sleepily as she lifted her head from Azzi's lap. She stretched, her muscles sore from sleeping in such an awkward position, but she didn't mind. If anything, she felt more relaxed than she had in days.

"Thanks for letting me sleep on you," Paige murmured, still half-asleep as she leaned into Azzi's side.

"Anytime," Azzi replied with a smile, pressing a kiss to the top of Paige's head.

As the bus pulled into the parking lot, the team began to gather their belongings, the atmosphere still relaxed and easygoing. They filed off the bus one by one, each of them glad to be back but already missing the simplicity of the weekend they had just spent together.

Paige and Azzi were among the last to step off the bus, taking their time as they stretched their legs and gathered their bags. The rest of the team waited for them near the entrance to the dorms, and when Paige and Azzi finally caught up, Kk couldn't resist one last tease.

"So, how was the nap, Paige? Comfortable?" Kk asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Paige rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the smile that tugged at her lips. "It was perfect," she said, glancing at Azzi with a soft expression.

Azzi blushed, ducking her head slightly, but she was smiling too. The team laughed, the camaraderie between them stronger than ever. It was moments like these that reminded them of why they were such a good team—both on and off the court.

As they made their way back to their dorms, the sun beginning to set on the horizon, Paige slipped her hand into Azzi's, giving it a gentle squeeze. The weekend had been exactly what they needed, a reminder of the love and friendship that bound them all together.

And as they walked into the warm embrace of their college home, Paige knew that no matter what challenges they faced, she and Azzi would face them together—hand in hand, side by side, just as they had on that long bus ride home.