BETWEEN OUR LIPS. paige bueckers

twenty six

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, waking Kai slowly. She turns to find Paige still sprawled across the bed, her hair a tousled mess. Kai smiles, recalling the game against Marquette from the night before—it had been an easy win, a perfect opportunity for Paige to showcase her skills without much pressure. And her teammates were able to get some more minutes as well.

"Hey, superstar, time to wake up," Kai whispers, giving Paige a gentle nudge. Paige groans softly, hooking her arm around Kai's waist. Kai smiles, peppering the blonde with light kisses. Paige opens an eye, smirking at the brunette.

"Good morning," Paige says in a morning raspy voice—one that Kai loved very much.

Paige grabs her phone, Kai rolls her eyes and climbs over her. "Where are you going?" She asks.

Kai stops, her mind reeling for an answer. "Why do you care, you have your phone." She snaps at the blonde. Paige's eyes go wide before shooting up out of bed and goes to block Kai from the door. "Move."

"Nah," Paige says, purposefully making Kai look up to her. "Why you acting all bratty?"

Kai crosses her arms across her chest, turning her head to the side to avoid the deadly eye contact of Paige. Paige wasn't having it. She grabs Kai's chin, forcing her to look at her. Kai's resolve crumbles as Paige's eye contact makes her knees go weak. "You always on that phone." She grumbles.

Paige snickers, waving her phone in front of Kai's face. "Jealous of a phone?" She taunts. Kai scoffs, snatching the phone out of the blondes hands. Paige's eyebrows raise at the action. "Oh?"

Kai slips the phone into her pocket, grabbing the back of Paige's neck. Kai slips her tongue into Paige's mouth. Paige moans into the harsh kiss, being caught off guard. Kai smirks, breaking the kiss and pushing Paige's waist towards the bed. Kai straddles the blonde, taking the phone out of her pocket. She opens the phone, hastily typing in the passcode and going to the camera app.

"Sex tape?" Paige questions with a smirk. Kai scowls at the lewd and stupid suggestion. She grabs Paige's face and sticks her tongue out before licking the side of her cheek and taking a picture. Kai looks at the picture before setting it to be Paige's background. Paige laughs, grabbing the phone.

"I wanna fuck you with your strap." Kai says unexpectedly making Paige shake her head vigorously. "Big baby."

-

The gym feels like a haven, the echo of bouncing basketballs and squeaking sneakers creating a rhythm Kai's started to find comfort in. She lines up for another shot, the form instinctual by now. Knees bent, elbows in, follow through. The ball arcs through the air and—clangs off the rim.

"That one had potential," Paige calls from the sideline, her voice teasing but warm. She's watching Kai with that familiar grin, arms crossed, relaxed but clearly enjoying the view.

Kai sighs dramatically, running a hand through her hair as she walks to retrieve the ball. "You're way too positive for someone watching me brick half my shots."

Paige chuckles, pushing off the wall and strolling over to her. "I'm positive because I know you're good for at least one in three. And hey, it's a huge improvement from the first time." She brushes Kai's shoulder lightly as she passes by, picking up the ball.

Kai smirks, rolling her eyes but feeling a warmth bloom in her chest. "Yeah, because someone was a little too eager to give me hands-on coaching."

Paige raises an eyebrow, tossing the ball back to her. "I mean, you didn't complain. And you're hitting more shots now, so... looks like my methods work."