Random Oneshots

Because I Love You - Azzi Fudd

Part 2

You didn't think you would be here in this moment. Sitting in front of Geno Auriemma to determine your future.

"So Y/n tell me how many shots you missed today?" He starts. You were nervous beyond belief. Instead of keeping it simple you fucking ramble.

"I didn't keep track. My own individuals stats aren't what's important. Being a superstar isn't the focus because talent and selfishness can only take you so far. Because there will be a humbling experience somewhere in the road and it depends on how one wants to go about it. It's two roads. One less travelled by and another that everyone takes because they think it's the easy way to the top." He smiles at what you said.

"So what road are you taking?" He's looking for a few things. Motivation and dedication.

"The one that's less traveled by. The one where I dedicate my time and skills. I do all the behind the scene work that not many want to do because they already think they are great. While I just think I haven't even unlocked my full potential." He nods. He can definitely see why you and Paige get along so well.

You both think alike. You both kind of display similar leadership roles. You are willing to be on the team to pick it up. It's not all about you.

"Well to inform you. You made 86% of the shots you took the entire practice. You took a lot of shots. Yet you also set other players up for great looks to the basket. You have great skills. Leadership even. So why didn't you pursue basketball after highschool? Music your true dream?"

"Yes, but not as much as basketball." You fidget with your fingertips. "I didn't pursue it because my family was in a tight situation financially. Me going to college....." You take a deep breath and start shaking your leg.

You don't want him to feel bad for you. But you do really want the chance to fill a spot on this roster. It might be a little late. Maybe not. But it doesn't hurt to try.

"Me going to college meant different things to everyone around me. To my family it meant I was no longer going to be home. Sitting through the struggle I would be away from it and taken care of. To my best friend it meant I got to be with her. Spend every second of everyday together. Smiling, laughing, joking. All in comfort. But to me it felt like I was running away from my problems. I was abandoning my family to struggle alone. So I just made the choice. I'll carry the pressure and weight so they can breathe a little. Choosing the quickest way to money. Instead of hoping and praying for the long term to benefits us."

"Do you regret it?" He was once again looking for one answer.

"No. Not at all. I would pick helping my family over and over again. Without a doubt. I'll never regret that. Because here I am once again. Hopefully with the same opportunity I wanted and wished for 3 years ago."

"Why basketball?" He wonders, because it seemed like you had an easy time kind of abandoning it a few years ago.

"Basketball is something that kept my family connected. From playing in person, watching, or even playing 2K. It was our way of connecting. Even if we were going through a rough time together. We always connect through our love for basketball. They always made sure to come watch me play. No matter what. But also basketball has been my safe haven. Besides music. I knew everything about basketball before I even got into music really. I dream big and it hurt when I couldn't pursue this dream anymore. But I completely understood why I couldn't. I just need one more shot." You look at him nervously. You are being so open and honest with him.

It didn't take much convincing from the girls for you to come to practice and practice with them. A bit of a pep talk from them though made you not so nervous.