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plot: in which, monica falls for her usc teammate

trope: teammates to lovers

pairings: wbb! cheryl millers sister reader x monica wright / reader x love & basketball

warnings: toxic, cheating, foul language, alcohol use, sexual implications

a/n: seen an edit of monica and got inspired 🫦 we can all agree she should've been a lesbian cuz quincy wasn't shit 😒 ANYWAYS, for the voting options, we have jackie young, georgia amoore, kate martin, cecilia zandalasini, nalyssa smith, veronica burton, and paige bueckers

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Y/n Miller was a senior, USC center/forward and the best on the team. She was ranked first in her class, and considered the best women's basketball player currently in college. Her sister was a basketball legend at only 24. You could confidently call her the greatest person to touch a basketball ever. Her brother was Reggie Miller, Pacers shooting guard. He was a really good player too, but he wasn't better than his older sister.

She was 6'5, and had a playing style mixed with both Miller's. Cheryl trained with her more than her brother did because he was focused on the NBA, obviously. She spent more time with her sister, meaning she spent more time becoming the best. She even chose USC over UCLA. They'd been training with her since she learned to walk. It was safe to say, she was going to be one of the greatest players of all time and cement herself into the record books.

But first, she needed to get through senior year.

One of their players had gotten pregnant so they needed another guard and ended up with Monica Wright. Y/n only knew who she was because she heard her coaches talking about how many tantrums she's thrown in high school. Y/n may have gotten pissed at calls but she never threw fits. She didn't like players who did, players who couldn't control their emotions.

Cheryl told her one thing. "Don't let nobody come in and affect the way you play."

Her brother told her something similar, but worded it differently. "Don't you let no freshman come in and fuck up your game. You tell that girl to pass you that damn ball."

Y/n was sitting in the locker room getting ready for their first practice. "Hey, did y'all meet Zeke McCall's son yet? My man is friend's with him." She rolled her eyes as they gushed over him. She didn't like boys from a very young age. She remembered the time she asked to play ball with a group of boys and they laughed and said girls couldn't play basketball. She continued to mop the floor with all four of them. She didn't even like boys in high-school. They didn't like her either, and the ones that did only wanted to use her to meet Reggie.

She liked girls. Pretty, foolish girls who didn't know what was good for them.

Their freshman, Monica Wright walked in, greeting some of the girls with a smile. Then it went quiet when she got to y/n. She stuck her hand out, y/n glancing up as she tied her laces. "Hey, I'm Monica."

Y/n stood up, Monica tilting her head to look up at the taller girl. "You don't pass that ball and I'll have you benched for the rest of the year. Got it?" She didn't wait for an answer, pushing past the freshman to leave the locker room. She always got to practice way too early. She warmed up before everyone, also got extra gym time in. She wasn't like the other girls. She was serious about basketball. She wanted this.

"Don't worry 'bout her. She think she better than everyone 'cause her sister is Cheryl Miller." Shay said.

Monica wasn't hearing it. She knew. She knew y/n was the best on the team. She knew she had that ego for a reason. She couldn't blame her. "She kinda is better than everyone."

Allie chuckles, "she's coach's favorite for a reason."

The first practice was rough. College practices were an entirely different level to high school ones. Y/n stayed late to work on her footwork, Allie staying behind to help her out as she was the one who came off the bench for her. Monica considered staying, wanting to get some tips from a Miller but she didn't know if her body had it in her. So she didn't.

"How you like the freshman?" Allie asked, catching her teammate's rebound.

Y/n scoffs, "she probably got a poster of my sister in her bedroom." Allie chuckles, catching her rebound again. She had a big problem with that. Being used for her name. She didn't tolerate it from boys or girls. "Don't be so hard on her. Even she does, that's not why she made it here." She shrugged again, "ain't my problem. She can suck all she want but let her mess up my numbers and we gon' have a problem."

"You goin' to the party tonight?"

"What party?"

"Darrell's party. You comin'?"

She sighs, catching the ball, "yeah, I guess I could."

Y/n and Allie walked into the big house, Michael Jackson blasting on the loud speakers. Everyone jumped to greet the Miller, she grinned, dapping some of her friends up. "Where the drinks at?!" He pointed down to the kitchen and she thanked him before pulling Allie along to the kitchen. "Is that who I think it is?!" She turned, Darrell, one of their star basketball players walking over with a grin. "You caught me."

She dapped him up and Allie passed her a drink when she pulled away. "Aw, come on, you not drinkin' that cheap shit. Lemme get you somethin' real." Darrell pulled open a cabinet and grabbed a bottle of Hennessy and began mixing it up with some of other stuff. "You tryna get fucked up?" She chuckled, "wouldn't be here otherwise."

He passed her the drink and she took, taking a gulp of it to approve. "A'ight, c'mon girl. I want you to meet someone." He took her hand and led her through the crowd of dancing college students. They went out to the backyard, some people were playing spades, others were dancing, the white boys was upside down chugging out the keg. "Yo, Q! I want you to meet someone!"

They got to the group of basketball players, Kara already there leaned up against her man. To y/n's surprise, Monica was standing by Quincy, his arm thrown around her like she was a trophy. N.W.A. was blasting outside, Darrell arm thrown over y/n's shoulders. He was one of the few on the men's team she got along with. He even joined her family for Thanksgiving. "This my boy, Quincy McCall. He gon' be on the team this year. Q, this my girl Y/n Miller. She the best basketball player on this campus."

He chuckled in a cocky manner, "she used to be."

Darrell shot him a look, "aye, you just got here. You ain't neva seen this girl play. You know who her sister is?"

Quincy grins, "you know who my dad is?"

Y/n laughed, looking down at him like he was a child in adult shoes. "Please, my brother would break yo' Daddy's busted ass ankles more than you average points."

He glared at her, "don't be talkin' 'bout my Pops."

"Don't be talkin' 'bout my sister." Darrell smirked, loving when she could handle her own. She didn't back down from nobody. "C'mon, let's play some spades," he took her hand and led her away from Quincy before he said something else that'll piss her off. Monica looked over to Kara, "are they together?" Her teammate shook her head, "nah, she like girls."

Quincy pulled her away before she could reply, taking her over to the table they were playing spades. "Let me in." Darrell passed him some cards, "you got money on you?"

"I'm good for it."

Y/n scoffed, placing down a clip and staring directly at the freshman. "You wanna play, you gotta somethin' down. Unless you wanna offer up yo' girl to me." She smirked, Monica's eyes widening slightly. "Fuck you." Quincy pulled off his watch and tossed it on the table. "That's more like it." Monica grew concerned, "that's your dad's watch." He shrugged it off, "it's fine. I'mma win."

She glanced up, eyes landing on one of her girls, Simone. "Come here, baby." She beckoned her over, Monica glanced over to see who she was talking to. Simone walked over, heels clicking against the cement before she found herself in Y/n's lap. She was short, about 5'5, '7 with heels. Her skin was a dark brown, and it glistened against the lights. She wore tights black shorts and a short top that showed off her cleavage. Her hair was braided, and she wore gold jewelry. She was gorgeous. There was no doubt about that.

More time passed, and naturally, y/n won and took all their money. She picked up Quincy's watch and smirked, loving how pissed off it made him. "A'ight. Good game. I'm out." Quincy furrowed his brows, quickly standing up to stop her. "Nah, you can't go. I need to win that back! That's my Pop's watch!"

Y/n smirked, arm slung over Simone's shoulders. "Whatchu' gon' do for it? I'm tired of Spades."

He sighed, "I'll play you for it."

She laughed, his boys laughing with her because they knew how that was gonna do. The whole boys team couldn't beat her. She caught the look on his face. "Oh, you serious?" She pursed her lips, taking it into consideration. Darrell turned down the music, getting everyone's attention on this interaction. "A'ight. If you can score 10 points on me in five minutes, I'll let you have your Daddy's watch back. But if you can't, you gotta walk around campus tomorrow wearin' my jersey."

"Don't do it. She just wants to humiliate you. Just tell your dad you lost it." Monica spoke, trying to get through to him. She seen first hand just how good y/n was. She knew this wasn't going Quincy's way.

"Deal."

They walked down to the basketball hoop Darrell had in his backyard because his parents were rich. She pulled off her baggy shirt so she was just in a sports bra. She got into a guarding position, allowing him to get the first possession. He took off his shirt and tossed it to Monica. She had a disapproving look. "Don't worry. I'll end this quick for you babygirl," she smirked, blowing a kiss at her and Monica looked away.

People gathered around, some of the guys placing bets. Of course the majority of them were in favor of y/n. "Timer's set. Let's do this!" Darrell announced. Quincy kicked it off with a step back 3, and she smirked hearing the swoosh of the basketball. "Best on campus, right? Sissy ain't teach you to contest, did she?" He taunted. Darrell passed the ball to her, she didn't let anything get to her. She was a stone wall on the court. Trash talk never got to her. Her sister taught her that.

She tried a quick dribble but his quick hands stole the ball, people cheering in shock. She chuckled, and Monica didn't like it. She wasn't falling for this act like everyone else. She saw right through her. She knew what y/n's plan was. She just wanted to humiliate Quincy. He got the layup on her, a layup she didn't bother to stop. He had five points now. It was 5-0.

She had the next possession. She dribbled with expertise, too quick with her handles, she got around him and shot the ball for the layup he wasn't tall enough to block. He expected some trash talk but she didn't say anything, just smiled and tossed him the ball. 5-2. He tried to shake her up with his hands and get past her for the layup only for her to smack the ball away. The crowd cheered, and she grinned, tossing him the ball. "Go ahead. I got time today." They were confused when she gave up the possession but Monica wasn't.

He tried to hit a stepback 3 next only for her to contest the shot, smacking it out of bounds. Darrell grinned at the money he was making off of this. She got the next possession. Her handles were tight, and she stepped back, Quincy tripping over his feet when she pulled out the 3. Tie game. 5-5. They kept going, the next possession consisting of Y/n blocking his shot again. Her next possession, she tripped him up and hit a smooth layup, fingers almost grazing the rim. 5-7.

"Get up. We ain't done yet." He pulled himself to his feet as Monica begged him to stop this.

He got the ball, dribbling it between his legs. He tried to copy her move but she seen it coming and stole the ball, getting another lay up. 5-9. One more point from beating him. He took the next possession, already losing all his confidence he had in beating her. Monica ran onto the court to whisper something to him before stepping back out of the way. Y/n stepped into a defensive position.

Instead of dribbling, he threw the ball between her legs and ran, recovering it and getting the layup. Y/n blinked, that move catching her by surprise. She glanced at Monica who was grinning proudly, boosting that confidence back into him. Oh how it enraged her. Her eye twitched, Quincy throwing the ball to her with a smirk. She let it go on too long. Time to wrap this up.

Monica whispered something to him again as they got ready for y/n's possession. She dribbled the ball, he tried to reach in for the steal but she saw it coming and pushed past him. He ran after her, trying to keep up and jump in the air to block but she dunked the ball, holding onto the rim as he fell to the concrete. The crowd of drunk students cheered as Monica ran to her boyfriend's side. She pulled him up and y/n grabbed her shirt and pulled it back on.

She turned to the couple, Simone's arm wrapped around her waist and hers slung over her shoulder. She tossed Quincy the watch. "Keep it. That retirement money ain't gon' hold you over long when your Pops spendin' it all on his hoes." She went to leave but turning back around to add something else, "and for the record. I would've gave it back if you asked nicely."

"See you at practice, pretty girl." She winked, turning on her heel and leaving.

The next day, they were at practice and Coach had pulled y/n to the side as everyone did drills. "You wanna tell me what Quincy McCall was doing walking around campus wearing your jersey?" She rubbed her neck, a little chuckle escaping her lips. "Yeah uhm..he was runnin' his mouth a lil too much for my liking. Had to show him who the real champs of USC is."

To no surprise, her coach grinned and cracked a chuckle. "Alright. Don't let it happen again."

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It was the weekend of Thanksgiving, and her brother Reggie was gonna be in town as the Pacers were gonna play the Lakers. He invited the entire USC women's basketball team to come to the game with courtside seats. They were all super excited, especially Monica because y/n said she could sit beside her and her sister Cheryl. She told Quincy about it and of course he was sour because the boys team didn't get invited.

"You excited to see Reg" Cheryl asked, parking the car in the lot.

"Yeah, I missed him." She smiled, climbing out the car. They walked over to the entrance and spotted Monica sitting on the floor, headphones on. Y/n nudged her shoe to get her attention and she quickly looked up, pulling down her headphones. "What are you doin' here so early? The game don't start for another two hours."

"Oh- um, I'm sorry. My boyfriend had to do something so he dropped me off early." She explained, still shocked Cheryl Miller was standing right in front of her. She was definitely seeing the resemblance now. "A'ight, come watch practice wit' us since you here." Y/n stuck out her hand and Monica hesitated before taking it, letting the tall girl pull her up.

"Hi, I'm Cheryl. Nice to meet you." Her sister stuck out her hand with a polite smile and Monica grinned, taking it happily. "It's so nice to meet you. I'm Monica. You're like my idol. I literally wanted to go to USC because of you." Y/n already began walking, Monica a little embarrassed now. "I'm sorry- I know you probably get that a lot. It's probably why she doesn't like me," she mumbled.

Cheryl tilt her head in confusion, "well, why would you say that?"

"Uh- because she has done literally everything she can to humiliate my boyfriend. She literally made him walk around campus all day wearing her jersey." Cheryl chuckles, tucking her hands in her pockets. That did sound like something her sister would do. "Sounds like she just don't like your boyfriend." Monica furrowed her brows, not sure why y/n would have such a problem with him when she barely knew him.

They got down to the court and y/n spotted her brother talking with his teammate Chuck. "Reggie!" He turned around at the sound of his little sister's voice and grinned. "My little grapevine!" She ran over, jumping into his arms and he always picked her up despite how tall she was. Monica smiled at the interaction, watching as Reggie spun her around.

"I missed you." Y/n held onto him, and he held onto her, rubbing her back in a soothing manner. He knew she had a lot of pressure on her going into the new season. He wished he could be there to comfort her through it but he had be in Indiana. Thankfully, his sister was taking care of her. "I missed you too, sis." He pressed a kiss to her head before pulling away, taking a look at her, making sure she was doing good physically too. He always had to tell her not to push herself too hard. The last thing they needed was an injury.

"I'm doin' good. Don't worry. I'm takin' breaks in between." She assured.

Reggie noticed the nervous girl a little ways behind standing next to his sister. "Who's your friend?"

Y/n waved her over and Monica was quick to walk over. "This my teammate Monica Wright." He stuck out his hand and she took it with a huge smile. "It's an honor to meet you. I would say I'm a big fan but...you're UCLA." Reggie laughed at her joke, and even his sister cracked a smile and she never smiled at anything Monica said. "I can't blame you. But uh- I'm glad my sister has a teammate like you. It's gon' be a tough year for her. She needs all the support she can get."

Monica seen how uncomfortable this subject made y/n. Now she knew her brother clearly wasn't aware of her relationships with the girls. She didn't exactly have a best friend. A lot of their teammates only tolerated her. And she knew many of them were just jealous of how coach favored her, and how people only showed up to the games in her jersey, cheering her on. She was probably the only one who wasn't jealous, or threatened by y/n's greatness. "Definitely. I'mma be there for her, you got my word."

Y/n internally sighed in relief, grateful she didn't make her look bad in front of her brother. She could've called her out, told him about her antics at that party, and the attitude she gave her in practices. She had to do something. Something to get even. She didn't like anything held over her. "Hey, Reg. Monica's actually a huge fan of Magic. You think you can bring him out here so she can meet him? Please? For me?" She pouts, and he couldn't ever say no to her.

Reggie sighs, "I'll see what I can do. Give me a minute." Y/n said hi to Chuck and the rest of her brother's teammates in the meantime.

Her brother walked back through the halls and managed to ask the Lakers staff if they could call Magic out. He listened and came out to meet him in the hall, shaking his hand in greeting. "I'm real sorry about this but as you probably know, my little sister is here, and I haven't seen her in weeks. She's got her teammate with her, and she's a big fan of you man. I'm tryna score some points so I'd really appreciate it if you could come out say hi."

Magic smiles, nodding his head, "it's no problem at all. You know I'm a family man."

"I appreciate this man. Thank you." Reggie grins and they walked down the hall towards the tunnel. "Are they friends or just teammates?" Magic questioned. Reggie furrowed his brows, not exactly sure. "Uh, to be honest, I don't know. My sister don't ever do stuff like this. If you ask me- I think she's just tryna impress her." He smirks, knowing exactly how his sister worked. If she liked a girl, she'd do anything to impress her. Just like her brother.

Y/n spotted Magic and her brother coming over, Monica's eyes lighting up like the 4th of July. She leaned down to subtly whisper in her ear, "now we're even, Wright."

After meeting Magic Johnson, the Lakers team had come out for practice and Pacers went back to the locker room. Monica watched the practice, completed fascinated and starstruck. Now that she thought about it, Quincy never did nothing like this for her. He had the strings to, but he didn't. It was probably why he was so mad the boys team got left out. He was stuck trying to compete with Y/n. Trying to bring the USC team to the Final Four because Y/n had done that three times and was gonna do it again before she left to play overseas.

She glanced at y/n who was watching the practice. She observed her, closely. She leaned back, legs spread like a man. Her hair was straightened, a little bit of makeup on but it was enough to make her features pop. She had on some baggy jeans, and her brother's jersey, along with some sneakers. She looked like she belonged in this type of setting. She oozed confidence. And she looked damn good. Monica wanted to curse at herself for thinking that. The first time she ever looked at a girl like that and it was y/n of all people? She hated Quincy, so she definitely didn't like his girlfriend.

Why did she care anyways? She had a boyfriend. She didn't care if y/n liked her or found her attractive. At least she shouldn't have cared.

Besides. She ran through women more than she ran suicides.

All Monica needed was to be on her good side. If you got on her good side, you got court time. Coach didn't tolerate players who didn't work well with Y/n. Dora had gotten benced for two weeks because she took a terrible 3 and missed instead of passing it to the wide open y/n when they were down 2 points with 10 seconds left.

The rest of the girls got there as the game was twenty minutes away from starting. Y/n stood up and glanced down at Monica, "yo, you want somethin' to eat?"

"Oh, I don't have any money."

She took a breath, "I didn't ask if you had money. I asked if you hungry. Yes or no?" Monica blinked, and she couldn't help but say yes. She hadn't eaten since that morning. Some food didn't sound so bad. "Uh, yeah. I'm hungry." She nodded, leaving her seat to go and get them some food, not asking any of the other girls.

Sidra leaned over to say something to her. "Don't think 'cause y/n like you, you gettin' special treatment. Good graces with a Miller only gets you so far, freshman."

After the game, y/n let the girls stay back to say hi to her brother. Usually, y/n would invite the next best player on the team to join them for dinner, but this time she didn't. She didn't ask Sidra like she always would. It even surprised the girls. She'd always invite Sidra to come have dinner with them. Reggie pulled his sister to the side and Sidra still waited, waited for her invite even though it was a taking a little bit longer to be extended. "Hey, invite your friend to join us for dinner."

She raised a brow, "Sidra?"

Reggie shook his head, not a fan of the ego on that woman. "No. I mean Monica. Invite her to dinner. I'll meet you out there." He pressed a kiss to her head and walked back through the tunnel.

Y/n was walking towards Sidra, the girls watching when she suddenly she went right past her. Sidra turned, eyes wide to see y/n stop in front of Monica. "Hey, you wanna join me and my family for dinner to tonight? We'll drive you back home after we done so your little boyfriend don't trip."

Getting over her shock she nodded, "yeah, yeah, definitely. I'd love to. Thank you."

"Come on 'fore Sidra try to fight me," y/n nudged her, tucking her hands in her pockets as she strut over to her sister. Monica smiled, following the tall girl, ignoring the sharp glare she got from Sidra.

She climbed in the backseat with y/n, Cheryl in the passenger as they waited for their brother. He skipped press to get there quick. He always did. He didn't care if he got in trouble for it. He climbed in the car and y/n reached over to turn on the radio after he turned on the car. "Why you messin' wit' my radio, girl?" Reggie scolded, smacking her hand away. "C'mon Reg, ain't nobody wanna listen to your oldies!"

Cheryl chuckled at their bickering. "She ain't wrong, Reg. Let the kids listen to their stuff."

Y/n furrowed her brows, "we almost the same age."

Reggie shook his head, "uh uh, we just got our butts whooped tonight. I'mma listen to my oldies."

Y/n rolled her eyes, "you always listen to the same song."

Reggie grins, "and you gon' sing along every time." He put in his CD and the song Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye played throughout the car. "Listen, baby. Ain't no mountain high. Ain't no valley low. Ain't no river wide enough, baby." Y/n fought a smile as he sung the lyrics, trying to encourage her to join in as Cheryl mumbled along.

She folded, again. "If you need me, call me. No matter where you are. No matter how far." He jumped back in, "don't worry, baby." She grinned, singing her favorite part. "Just call my name. I'll be there in a hurry. You don't have to worry. Cause baby there." Monica smiled, jumping in to sing with them. "Ain't no mountain high enough. Ain't no valley low enough. Ain't no river wide enough. To keep me from getting to you, babe."

They drove to the restaurant, singing and laughing. It was the most fun Monica had since she got to USC. She didn't know Y/n could be so much fun. It was nice. She liked this side of her. The carefree, playful side of her. If only she could be this carefree around her family. Her mother judged everything she did. She liked y/n's family. They knew how to joke around, be comfortable in their own skin, and just have fun.

Getting to the restaurant, they got a table for four. It was a fancy place. They were in a private seating area so they wouldn't be bothered. Monica sat beside y/n. The two Miller siblings sitting across them. They ordered their food, Reggie encouraging her to get whatever she wanted. Money was no issue in this family either. They never brought it up or fought about it. Not even Quincy's parents could relate to that.

"So, Monica, what position you play?" Reggie asked.

"Point guard, but I'm probably gonna be riding the bench until Sidra graduates." Monica answered.

"No, you won't. Y/n, can put in a good word for you if you need it. But you gotta show you're capable of leading point." Cheryl nods, adding in her own advice. "You gotta be able to read the plays, and make up ones on the spot if it goes sideways. Without your point guard, you're not a team. Point guards are leaders. You a leader?" Monica nodded immediately at her words. "Yes, ma'am. I'm a leader."

"You wanna be the leader, you gotta learn how to boss around y/n. You learn to do that, you're already better than Sidra." Reggie stated, and his sister smirked.

Monica chuckled nervously, "I don't think anyone's capable of that. She don't listen to nobody."

"Oh, she'll listen to you. You just gotta be firm with her. Stand your ground. Don't let her intimidate you. I had to learn to." They laughed at his last couple of words. Of course he'd be a little scared of his sister. What brother wasn't scared of their sister?

After dinner, they drove Monica back to campus. Y/n lived with her sister so she didn't live on campus. It was a precaution to keep her safe. They stopped and Monica climbed out. Y/n got out to say her goodbyes, and obviously make sure she didn't say nothing to the press. She had a teammate do that before and her coach got them transferred. They didn't play about their privacy.

Monica stopped by the sidewalk, shivering at the cold night. "You cold?" Y/n pulled off her jacket and handed it to her. She smiled softly, pulling it on to keep warm. It smelled good. It was a little big too, bigger than Quincy's jackets. "Thank you. I'll give it back tomorrow."

"I ain't trippin'." She shrugged, brushing her hair back.

"I had a really nice time tonight. Thank you for this. I needed it." Monica spoke, a little nervous as she stared up at her. Y/n rubbed her neck, "yeah, uh, you can't tell nobody 'bout this. Not even your boyfriend. We very private people. We don't like our life out there in the press. You gon' keep it quiet?"

Monica nods immediately, understanding the circumstances. She knew Quincy was not gonna be happy to hear that when she promised she'd tell him everything. "I won't say a word. I promise."

Y/n nods, tucking her hands in her pockets. "Goodnight."

Monica smiles for a split second, "goodnight."

She walked back over to the car and climbed in the backseat. Reggie glanced back at his sister as they waited for Monica to get inside. He knew what his sister liked. He knew when she had her eyes on someone. But he also knew she needed a push. She needed to be told what to do. And the only people she listened to was her siblings and parents. "I like her. She's good for you, sis."

Y/n stared out the window, watching her teammate. "She got a boyfriend, Reg."

"What did I teach you, y/n?"

She turned to look at him. "A boyfriend is just an obstacle."

"And what do we do when we are faced with an obstacle?"

"Never let them get in the way of achieving our goals."

"Bingo."

The next day at practice, y/n finally wasn't picking on her. Monica considered it as her being nice 'cause she messed with everyone. She didn't mess with her that morning. She even offered her an extra muffin she had for breakfast right in front of the other girls. They were beyond confused. One minute y/n was picking at everything and now she was sharing breakfast? One day with her brother and she was new person.

The next day at practice, Monica had gotten into a little trouble after she pulled a 3 and left her hand up in what looked like a pose instead of getting back on defense. Prior to that, she had actually been playing good against Sidra. The other girls laughed at her when Coach made her stand in that pose for the rest of practice. Y/n didn't laugh, just told them to shut up and keep playing.

She ended up walking past her, her pose still up. "More time you spend wit' him, more time you play like him." Monica didn't know what that was supposed to mean.

Back in the locker room, they were getting undressed, ready to take hot showers and get out of there.

"What was up with practice today?"

"She tried to kill us," Kara butted in.

Y/n was undressing, trying to ignore the locker room conversation. Shay came in, mocking Monica's pose and they cracked a laugh. "That's what you get for tryna show out, freshman," Sidra comments. That got y/n's attention, but she didn't turn around or anything. She still kept doing what she was, not giving them her time.

"I was just playin' ball," Monica replied, quick to defend herself.

"You were trying to make me look bad," Sid argued.

"I didn't have to try very hard," Monica shot back. Y/n smirked as she pulled off her shirt.

Sid did not like her mouth and stood up, ready to give her the truth. "Girl, don't you know you just sloppy seconds?" Y/n glanced over her shoulder, "Sidra, let it go." She wasn't listening. No. She had to say it. She had to one up her. "The only reason you here is 'cause Tanya Randall got pregnant and decided not to come. They were done recruiting."

"That's cold, Sid." Allie said, shaking her head.

Sid pulled off her shirt, shrugging her shoulders. "Just thought the girl should know."

Sarah leaned over to reassure her. "Don't even trip, Mon. She's just mad 'cause she bowlegged."

Y/n followed Sid to the showers, some of the others in there. "Get out. All of y'all. Out!" They whispered and whistled before rushing out, quick to tell the others. They ladies immediately ran over to the showers, standing outside them to try and eavesdrop. Sid pulled down her shorts, unfazed with y/n's request. "What do you want now, y/n? I told you I'm done wit' you."

"This ain't 'bout us." Y/n leaned against the sink, eyes only on her face cause that was the only thing she wanted to confront right now.

"What's it about, hmm? You came to apologize? You should."

"Nah. I ain't got nothin' to apologize for. But you do."

She raised a brow, pointing to herself. "I do?"

"That shit you just said out there? Ain't none of that was necessary. You supposed to be a leader and you out here tryna intimidate our freshman 'cause she played some D on you? That ain't gon' make us respect you. You handle your own on the court and it handles itself in the locker room." Y/n stated, voice strong and firm like it needed to be.

Monica shared a look with Sarah who was smirking, just waiting for them to kiss and get over it like they always did. "You wanna talk about leadership like that shit wasn't handed to you 'cause of who your sissy is? Now you care about it? After what? I hurt your little freshman's feelings?"

Y/n rolled her eyes, annoyed with her attitude. "This is a team. This ain't the Sidra show. We are a team. Our freshmans are apart of this team. They need to feel listened to and included just like the rest of us are. We don't beat them down. We lift each other up. We need to boost confidence into our freshmans so they can step up when we need them. We don't win if we are divided."

Sidra fully undressed, stepped into the shower, "that was a cute speech. You gonna join me now?"

Y/n took a breath, trying to stay calm and collected. She walked towards her, not caring that water sprayed on her. Sidra smirked as she looked up at her. "Beat down one of my freshman's again and I'mma do more than just warn you. This is me being nice. Do not get on my bad side, Sid."

She stepped out and grabbed her stuff, walking towards the door and everyone quicky ran back to their lockers, pretending like nothing happened. "See y'all Wednesday."

"See you," Monica mumbled.

It was a night after a game, they got the win thanks to y/n's 46 points and 14 rebounds. Monica didn't come off the bench the whole game. She knew it was because she wasn't proving herself during practice. She needed help. The last person she wanted to go to was Quincy. He was too busy being a star on the men's team. All eyes were on him. Just like all eyes were on Y/n. Quincy didn't want to admit but he was still competing with her. She scored 32 points one night so he had to one up her and score 34. It was one sided. Monica knew y/n paid him no mind.

"Sidra called earlier. What's going on there?" Y/n glanced up from the tv as Cheryl came to sit beside her. "Nothin'. She just tryna get back in my good graces."

"Talk to Reg?"

The doorbell rung throughout the house. "I'll get it." Y/n jumped up, expecting it to be Darrell. She didn't tell many people where she lived. She walked over to pull open the door, and to her surprise, it was Monica. She glanced behind her to make sure she wasn't followed. "How you know where I live?"

"Paid Darrell to tell me. Can I come in?" Monica asked, pulling her jacket close, the jacket that happened to belong to y/n. She had yet to take it back. Her boyfriend kept asking where it came from and she lied, said it was from a thrift shop.

She pulled open the door to let her in and shut the door, locking it. "What do you want?"

Monica turned to her, trying to get over how beautiful the house was. "I want you to train me. Teach me to be better than Sidra. I need this, y/n. I'm tired of only being seen as Quincy's McCall's girlfriend. I'm my own person. I'm a basketball player, and I want people to see that. I want people to look at me the way they look at you." Y/n crossed her arms over her chest, Monica's eyes flickering to her muscular arms before she looked away. "No, you don't."

"What?"

"Being the best comes with pressure, and I know you don't see that 'cause your little boyfriend got it easy. But you gotta understand. People look at me and see the school's savior. They see a basketball legend in the making. They see my sister, my brother. They see money trees, and stats. They don't see me. If I have one bad game, everyone hates me and suddenly I'm the worst Miller to touch a basketball. They don't view me as a person. I'm not allowed to have a bad night, Monica." She shifted uncomfortably, regretting her words now that she knew that. "So no, you don't want that. You just want to play basketball, and that's okay."

Her eyes brightened, "you're gonna teach me?"

"Nah. You already know how to ball. I'mma just show you how you can be better." Y/n began walking, Monica quick to follow her. They got to the living room, y/n leaning over to the couch to press a kiss to her sister's cheek. "Me and Mon gon' be out by the court. Don't wait up."

"Y'all be careful. Goodnight, sis." Cheryl pressed a kiss to her cheek and stood up, ready to go to bed.

"Love you." She started walking to the door as Monica offered a shy wave to Cheryl. "Come on, Mon." She smiled and quickly caught up to her. They walked down to the basketball court built in their backyard. "From now on, when I get to practice early, you get to practice early. And when I stay late at practice, you stay late at practice. Is that understood?"

Monica nodded, pulling her jacket off and y/n tugged her shirt over her head. "Understood."

She walked over to her, awfully close when she stopped in her tracks. "I don't do this for just anybody. If you make me look bad even once..this is over. You got that?"

Monica gulped, nodding her head, "I got it."

"Good. Let's get started then."

The next game, Sidra got injured after spraining her ankle. Y/n started pushing on Monica harder after that because she knew she was gonna get more minutes. One might, Monica thought she was pushing her a little too hard. "Come on, Monica! You lose the ball. What do you do? You know this!"

Monica ran a tired hand down her sweaty face. "I run after her and plant my feet, take the charge so we get the offensive foul." She pants, holding a hand over her stomach. "Can we take a break? I'm tired."

"Do you know why we're doing this, Monica?"

"'Cause Sid is injured and you need a point guard to win another championship," she sassed. Y/n rolled her eyes, adjusted to this attitude of hers already. "Wrong. I'm not doing this for me. I'm doing this for you. The Trojans need a star player when I'm gone, and I know you want it to be you. That's what we're doing. We're setting you up to take over USC basketball. You got potential like no other, Monica. You'd think I'd put so much time into you if you didn't?"

"No." She mumbled.

"Don't mumble. Say it with your chest, and look at me when you do."

She looked up at her, "no," she restated firmly.

"You can go now." Y/n grabbed her towel and walked back to the house. Monica was quick to run after her, not ready to leave just yet. It's not like she had friends to go back to. "Don't you wanna go over film?" She shook her head, wiping her face with her towel as she kicked off her shoes before entering the house. "Take a break, Mon. Go out. Hangout with friends. Do something."

Monica kicked off her shoes and followed her inside. "I don't have friends. I just have you."

Y/n turned, tilting her head slightly, "ain't you got a boyfriend?"

She sighed, "he's not...you. When we talk, you listen to me. You don't make things about yourself. I need someone to listen to me, to validate me every once in a while." Y/n chuckles, turning to walk up the stairs. "I see. I'm your emotional side chick when yo' boyfriend is actin' like a chick." Monica rolled her eyes, following her up the stairs. "Don't say it like that! We're friends!"

"Fine. You can stay for dinner." She huffed, and Monica smiled in satisfaction.

She ran down to the guest bathroom to shower, and got done quick compared to y/n who was still in there probably washing her curls. She walked down the halls, looking over all the pictures on the wall. She glanced at a door towards the end of the hall. She wondered what was in there. Nobody ever went in there from what she seen. Maybe it was a closet. Being nosy, she walked over and grabbed the handle, pushing it open. She flicked on the light and her eyes widened at the cases of trophies and achievements.

She walked over, eyes set on the NCAA championship trophy the Trojans won last year. Y/n scored 60 points in that game. 22 boards, 3 steals, and 4 blocks. Monica remembered watching it with Quincy. She wanted to be teammates with y/n so badly. She was beyond relieved when y/n announced she was doing another year. She wanted to be just like her.

"60 points in that game. Would've been more if Sid passed the ball instead of taking bad shots." Y/n noted, leaning against the doorframe.

"That sounds arrogant."

"It's not arrogant. It's smart. I'm not mad she took the shots. I'm mad she took bad ones. I always had to clean up her mess." Monica nodded, taking that into account. Now she knew to never take bad shots in front of y/n. "What you see in Sidra anyway?"

"Jealous?"

"No." Monica scoffed, looking away from her.

"Don't ask stuff you can't handle the answers to. Let's go." She pushed off the door and walked away. Monica shut the light off and closed the door before following her to the kitchen. Her sister was out of town so she was gonna have to cook for herself. Usually they'd play 1v1 and whoever won had to cook dinner. "Where you playin' overseas after you graduate?"

"I don't know yet. I got offers from everywhere. Might go to Barcelona, might not. I ain't made a decision yet." Y/n said, pulling out some meat from the fridge and some vegetables to pair with it. "You hear who USC is tryna recruit when you graduate?" She asked, wondering if y/n knew who was taking her position next year.

"Lisa Leslie. I heard. She's gonna be a good addition to the team." She grabbed the potatoes she prepped earlier and boiled some water. Monica smirked, "I heard she taller than you and dunk better too."

Y/n scoffed, taking offense to that. "Nobody dunk better than me."

Monica got up and poured herself a glass of water. "Who taught you to cook?"

"My momma. She said cookin' is a human necessity and everyone should know how, man or woman. Cooking is how we survive. You get stranded somewhere and don't know how to cook, you already dead." Monica hummed, not sure how to respond to that when she didn't know how to cook herself. "I never learned how to cook.."

"Come here. I'mma teach you." Monica didn't argue. She got up and walked around the island, washing her hands in the sink first. "We makin' steak, mashed potatoes, and asparagus. I do the steak last 'cause I want it a certain temperature." She grabbed the rinsed asparagus and brought them to the cutting board. "You gotta cut it right here." She pulled Monica in front of her and set the knife in her hand. "What if I mess it up?"

"You won't." She placed her hands over hers, her body pressed against her back. It made Monica tense, not uncomfortable, but also not sure how to feel. She cut the asparagus and smiled, "hey, I did it! I didn't mess it up!" She turned, looking up at her as she smiled, throwing away the extra bits they weren't going to eat. "I told you."

"What do we do now?"

"We add butter to this pan here." Monica nods, getting a scoop of butter and plopping it into the hot pan. Y/n tossed the asparagus into it and handed Monica some of the seasoning she used. "How much do I put?"

"As much as you think it needs." Monica sighed as the vague answer, and sprinkled the seasoning over the food, stopping when she thought it was enough. "You got any music 'round here?" Y/n nods, pointing to the stereos over by the tv. Monica went over there and kneeled down, looking through the CDs. She picked out some Michael Jackson and played Rock with You.

She looked through the movies she had on the stand as y/n continued dinner. "Y'all got some old ass movies," she mumbled. "I'mma take offense to that!" She chuckled, shuffling through the VHS tapes. "How you want your steak cooked?" She hummed in thought before answering, "medium well!" Her eyes landed on The Karate Kid and she picked it out of the stack. She hadn't seen it yet but she knew it came out a couple years ago.

Y/n finished up with dinner and brought their plates over. Monica paused the music to turn on the television and insert the VHS. "What did you pick?" She asked, getting comfortable on the couch. She knew her sister wouldn't like it but she didn't have to know. "The Karate Kid. I ain't seen it yet." She walked over to sit down beside her, taking her plate with a smile. "Thank you."

"It's a good movie. You'll like it."

They finished their food about halfway into the movie. Monica got cold and y/n left to get a blanket for her. She brought it back and Monica insisted that they share it so y/n wouldn't get cold either. The movie wrapped up, but they were still wide awake. "You want me to take you back to your dorm?" Y/n asked, turning to her.

Monica leaned against the cushions, "can we just stay here and talk? It's been months and I still feel like I don't know anything about you."

"I think it's the other way around actually. You know about my family. You know about me. But I don't about you. You don't ever talk about your family and you damn sure don't want me to meet them." Monica sighed, not liking how well y/n could read her. "It's not you- I swear. I just- It's complicated. My mom is...she ain't familiar with the times, ya know?"

Y/n chuckled, "you mean, she not with the gays."

"She's old fashioned, okay? She think it's a choice and I know it's not. She don't want me to have gay friends cause she think they gon' turn me gay. And she would probably lose it if I said I was a lesbian." Monica rambled, y/n just staring at her, admiring her beauty. She looked really beautiful in the light. It was a shame she was so foolish. "And my sister- well, she'd try and say I like you and my dad, he just wouldn't know what to do or how to react."

"Why would she say that?"

Monica gulped, realizing how that sounded now. "What?"

"Why would your sister think you like me?"

She tried to shrug it off, "she just play too much is all. She don't like my boyfriend, so...yeah she'd probably prefer if I was a lesbian."

"You never tried it?"

Monica blinked, "um..no? Is that like..a thing? You don't just know?"

"It's different for everyone. Some women don't realize it until they're in their 40s. I realized it at a pretty young age, but it's not always like that for everyone. Some girls gotta know they gay by doing gay stuff. It's the experience. You ain't never tried to kiss a girl?" Monica was beyond flustered talking about this but shook her head at the question. She was so hung up on Quincy she never thought to. "You enjoy sex with men? Your boyfriend?"

"Is that really...important?"

"It's important to know what you like."

Monica took a breath, "I can..I can trust you, right? You won't tell him?" Y/n shrugs, "I don't even like lookin' at him. Why would I endure a conversation with him?" She chuckled, rolling her eyes at her friend's disdain for him. "I guess, sometimes it makes me a little uncomfortable. But, I like him, it's just not something I enjoy doing all the time. I would rather sit and talk, spend time together. I don't think sex is everything. What about you?"

"Have I ever had sex with a man?" She nodded, curious to hear her answer. "No. I'm not sexually attracted to men at all, so it never felt necessary to explore that. I know what I like."

"What do you like?" There it was. Her way in. She knew what to do now. "I like pretty, foolish girls who don't know what's good for them."

Monica had a feeling this was about her. She felt the tension, the feelings that slipped through her words. She gulped, pulling legs closer to her. She was almost scared to ask. "How am I foolish?" Y/n smirked, leaning her head back on the cushions. "You stick around for a man who doesn't value your love, or your patience. A man who only keeps you around because he enjoys the hold he has on you, when really, he wants a housewife, a lady he can parade around in front of his friends with no consequences. You let him play in your face and still go back to him because you think he's the only one who could ever be capable of loving you. That, is what makes you foolish."

A tear ran down her cheek, and she was quick to wipe it away. "So what? You think you can love me better? How am I supposed to know you're any different than him?"

She leaned in, reaching up to rest her hand on her cheek, thumb brushing over her scar. "'Cause I would never take advantage of your love. I would never feel threatened, or intimidated by it." Monica sniffled, "I can't do this to him." She shook her head softly, wiping that stray tear, "why not? He's already done it to you. Don't your feelings matter too, Mon?"

In a flash, Monica was on her lap, lips crashing against hers. Her hands slipped around her waist, keeping it respectful but Monica didn't want respectful. Not when she was cheating on her boyfriend. She needed it to be the worst kind of cheating. She needed y/n to have her in ways Quincy didn't. She pulled away and pulled her shirt off, a black sports bra under it. "You gon' take me to your room or what?"

Y/n turned off the TV and lifted Monica up like she weighted nothing. She carried her up the stairs to her bedroom and laid her down on the bed. Monica propped herself up on her elbows, watching as y/n pulled off her shirt, sweatpants hanging low on her waist. Her abs glistened against the laps. Her body was something serious. She took her gym time real serious and it was paying off. Now she understood why all the girls were after her.

"Those genetics?"

Y/n chuckles, crawling over her, hands slipping beneath the seams of her shorts. She was gonna enjoy every second of this because she knew when Monica woke up tomorrow, she was going back to Quincy. "I wish they were, baby."

Monica smirks, bringing her down to press a kiss to her lips. "No wonder you're so cocky."

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The next day was important. They had a game and coach was starting Monica on point per y/n's request. She promised that Monica was ready. She even got her sister to come to the game, and Monica's sister and dad also came and sat beside her. They had a lot to prove tonight. They had seconds on the clock, USC with the possession. Y/n was trying to get open for Monica to pass but the team they were up against had another tall player to put some pressure there, make her uncomfortable.

"Get open, y/n!" Cheryl shouts from the bleachers.

"Pass it!" She held out her hands and Monica threw the ball to her but it was hit from y/n's hands when the person on her hooked her arm to bring her down. The ref didn't see it, too busy following the steal. Monica ran, planted her feet and took the charge. The ball went in, but the ref blew the whistle, announcing it didn't count, offensive foul. Trojans won.

Y/n got up and ran over to Monica, lifting her up as the team ran onto the court to celebrate.

In the locker room, they were all talking, Coach called Monica to her office. Y/n smiled because she knew what this was about. She was gonna take Sidra's spot as starting point guard for the rest of the season and next. After that, the team went out to dinner to celebrate. And from there, they went to a party Darrell threw to celebrate y/n breaking a Trojan record.

Y/n climbed up on the roof with Darrell, his arm slung around her. "You keep goin' like this and you taking home another championship."

She took a drink of her beer. "That's the plan."

"I uh..I was talkin' to my girl yesterday. Told me she pregnant." Y/n looked at him, a little surprised to hear that but not at the same time. "Whatchu' gon' do?" He sighs, taking a gulp of his beer. "I'mma do what I gotta do to support my family. Play ball overseas for as long as I can. I ain't got the pull Q got, but I think I have a strong chance of being recruited overseas."

She smiled, "I got some pull in Indiana."

His eyes brightened, "you'd do that for me?"

"I owe it to you. I wouldn't have gotten through college without you. It's the least I could do." He grinned, bringing her into a hug as she chuckled. A tear ran down his cheek, grateful he had such a good friend in her. "I love you man." She pat his back, "name the baby after me and we even," she joked.

He laughed, "gotta go over it with the wifey but I'll get back to you on that."

A clearing of someone's throat had them looking over their shoulders. Monica stood there, "can I talk to y/n?" Darrell nods, "catch you later." He left and Monica took his spot beside y/n. "I already know what you're gonna say. You can save it." Y/n muttered, taking a gulp of her beer.

"You don't know what I was gonna say-"

"You're gonna say, that last night was a mistake, and it can't happen again. You're gonna say how much you love Quincy, and that you're always gonna choose him. And I'mma be okay with it, 'cause I already knew what you were gonna do." Monica sighed, hating how this was clearly making y/n feel. "Relax, Mon. I'm used to the disappointment. Ain't the first time I've been the disposable girlfriend."

"I just wanna say, thank you, y/n."

"For what?"

"For making basketball fun again."

"Glad I could be of a service." She went to stand but Monica stopped her, looking into her eyes. "I'mma get you that championship, y/n. If it's the last thing I do."

"Don't trip. I'm a Miller. I was gettin' it with or without you, pretty girl."

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ • 。* 。° 。* 。 • ˚《

Years passed since 1990. Y/n played overseas, in the Olympics, and cemented herself as one of the best. She left college in her past, but there was nights she woke up thinking about Monica, what could've been. She went on with her life. She was a godmother to NBA player Darrell Jackson's daughter. And in 1996, the NBA Board of Governors announced the WNBA. It was a league created to provide a view of professional women's basketball in the United States.

Y/n was one of the first players they contacted. She didn't give them an answer right away. She was only in her late twenties, still young and fit enough to keep playing for another decade. It wasn't about her body. It was about her love for the sport. Over the years, she fell out with it. She didn't feel excitement stepping out on the court. She didn't feel the thrill. She felt she accomplished everything she needed.

That was until they announced one of the players signed. Monica Wright-McCall.

She married the bastard. Had a kid with him and all.

Quincy got his happy ending, and y/n didn't. It bothered her. It kept her up at night. What did he do to deserve her? What did he do that she didn't? What did he give her that she couldn't? It didn't sit right with her.

Like her brother said. A boyfriend was an obstacle. Well, that applied to husband just the same.

He was just an obstacle. An obstacle y/n wasn't gonna lose to again.

She sighed at the very last minute, on one condition. She was drafted to the same team Monica Wright was. They agreed, obviously. She brought in an NBA audience just with her affiliation with Reggie. They were going to give her whatever she wanted.

That morning of training camp, Monica got there early like she had been doing since training with y/n. The name felt weird on her tongue. She was never to spoken about in the Wright-McCall house. Only because, anytime her name was brought up, her body betrayed her. She'd get flashes back to that night. Her tongue on her skin, her mouth on her neck, her hands...it was an experience that lived with her for years. She even had dreams about it.

She walked into the locker room, thinking she was the first one there. Until she froze, eyes landing on the back of a tall, 6'5 woman. Sweatpants dropped low on her waist, a Nike sports bra on her chest. Her long curly hair was loose, and she had a couple small tattoos on the visible parts of her skin. She prayed, prayed that her mind was playing tricks on her and this wasn't who she thought it was. "Hello?"

The woman took a breath before turning around, a knowing smirk on her smooth lips. "Hey, pretty girl."

Her bags dropped from her hands, face pale with shock. There was no way. She thought she retired. "Wh-What are you doing here?"

"Miss me?"

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