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"THE START."
march, 2024
LE'ANA WAS PREPARED FOR HER first March Madness game at UConn. This is truly where she belonged. As the girl's eyes cast around the arena she felt a sense of familiarity overcome her. Suddenly her uniform was the iconic purple and yellow. Suddenly the team was huddled around coach Kim as she screamed at them to 'just win it'. Every seat was filled with fans wearing purple and yellow and even more chanting her name.
The chants remained, whilst the colours changed. The arena found itself plastered in white, Geno Auriemma sat on the bench with his team and preparation for the game began.
It was clear the minute their shoes stepped on the court that the UConn women's team were winning this. Le'ana's performance on the court that night was nothing short of spectacular. With pinpoint accuracy, she dominated the game from start to finish, leaving her opponents scrambling to keep up. When it came to shooting, she was unstoppable, sinking three-pointers with ease and finesse. By the end of the game, she had not only led her team to victory but had also earned the respect and admiration of everyone in the arena. Le'ana Rodes was here.
Le'ana and Paige stepped off the basketball court, their adrenaline still pumping after a hard-fought victory against Jackson State. The crowd's cheers echoed in their ears as they made their way to the locker room, their spirits soaring high with the win. They exchanged high-fives and hugs with their teammates, basking in the euphoria of their triumph.
Le'ana and Paige wrapped their arms around each other's waist as Le'ana praised a soft kiss on the girl's shoulder. No matter how sweaty she was, moments like this were what she admired. Paige's shoulders eased despite her not even realising they were tense. They fell softly and levelled down matching Le'ana. As their eyes met the duo just softly smiled, appreciative of this moment.
"That was insane P!" Le'ana said, wiping the sweat from her brow as they entered the locker room. "We did it!"
Paige grinned, her eyes shining with excitement. "I'm so proud of you." No matter how well Paige played she always acknowledged Le'ana's achievements first. If the girl dropped thirty she was proud, if the girl dropped two she was proud.
Geno entered the room, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Great job, everyone! That was an incredible performance. Remember, it's just the first step. We've got a long way to go, so let's stay focused and keep working hard."
Le'ana and Paige nodded in agreement, their determination burning brighter than ever. As they showered and changed into fresh clothes, they couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment wash over them. They were ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.
Once they were ready, Le'ana and Paige left the locker room together, their laughter mingling with the sounds of celebration echoing through the arena. As they made their way outside, the cool night air greeted them, a welcome relief after the heat of the game.
"Le'ana?" Paige said, rubbing her stomach with a grin. "Do you- uh wanna- go on a date with me?" Even after they had been dating for over four months Paige always got nervous about her endeavours with Le'ana.
Le'ana's eyes lit up at the question. "Always."
Hand in hand, they strolled through the city's bustling streets, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they relived the game's highlights. Le'ana couldn't help but admire Paige's easygoing nature and infectious laugh, feeling grateful to have her by her side both on and off the court.
They soon arrived at a cosy little restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner, its warm glow inviting them inside. The host greeted them with a smile and led them to a table by the window, where they could watch the world go by as they dined.
As they perused the menu, Le'ana couldn't help but steal glances at Paige, her heart fluttering with affection. She had known Paige for months, but tonight felt different somehow, she had found herself appreciating Paige more and more.
"Hey, Le'ana, what are you having?" Paige asked, snapping her out of her reverie.
"Oh, um, I'm thinking pasta," Le'ana replied, hastily scanning the menu. "What about you?"
Paige grinned. "Oh- I'm definitely taking some of that! I'm feeling the take- I don't know."
Le'ana nodded, smiling as she watched Paige flag down the waiter to place their order. There was something about the way Paige's eyes lit up when she talked about food that never failed to make her smile. As they waited for their food to arrive, Le'ana couldn't resist reaching across the table to take Paige's hand in hers. Paige looked up, her eyes widening in surprise before a soft smile spread across her face.
"Hey," Le'ana said softly, her heart pounding. "I just wanted to say thank you for tonight. For being here with me. Well- I know it's like your career- so you're here as well but I meant like-"
"I got it, Le." Paige's smile grew even wider as she squeezed Le'ana's hand. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. And besides, we make a pretty great team, don't you think? That girl on Jackson State was busting her ass to try to get us."
Le'ana felt her cheeks flush with warmth at Paige's words, her heart swelling with affection. "Yeah, we do."
Their food arrived soon after, but Le'ana found it hard to concentrate on her meal with Paige sitting across from her, her laughter filling the air like music. They talked and laughed late into the night, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they lost themselves in each other's company.
As they left the restaurant, once again hand in hand, Le'ana couldn't stop smiling, her heart overflowing with happiness. Tonight had been perfect, she realized, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held for her and Paige, both on and off the court.
And whilst they walked home beneath the stars, their laughter mingling with the gentle night breeze, she knew this was where she was meant to be.
ELLE'S NOTES !!! 100k ??!?!? ur all insane thank u sm 🤗🤗 like i know its just a stupid lil fanfic but you guys are amazing. dont make me emotional. bye.
