Archive of Our Own

"I swear Professor Bishop is the WORST...." 

"If you get Professor Bishop, you need to transfer out -- that class is hard as shit" 

"Wait -- you got Bishop? Good luck to you" 

"Professor Bishop kicked me out of class for the stupidest shit" 

It was the buzz Carina DeLuca was hearing when she had gotten her schedule for her second year of graduate school; she had graduated medical school but wanted to pursue into her field of physical therapy farther. Hoping that she'd get to be in sports therapy. 

Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience and so much more needed to be learned within the graduate studies for Carina to go on to apply for either basketball or football if she so very well chose to. Women's basketball is where she was looking at, she didn't care what team, she cared that the women were cared for. 

Blowing out the air from her mouth, her eyes looked down to see her Human Anatomy & Physiology professor being one BISHOP. 

"Great" mumbling. 

"Who did you get" Amelia asked, showing her schedule. 

Amelia Shepherd, they'd met a few years ago and hit it off instantly. The other brunette was going for Medical also but choosing a different pathway than physical therapy. 

"Bishop -- I'm hearing so much chatter about that professor...and now I think I want to transfer out" 

"I heard that professor is hot as fuck though...I don't know if it's a man or a woman but I'm going to say if it's either and they're hot? But tough? I'd power through it..." shrugging to look at her best friend with a smile. 

"Okay who did you get smart ass" Carina looked over and saw Amelia's face go from smiling to frowning. 

"Bishop too..." 

"What happened to if they’re hot I'll power through it" laughing as the two girls walked to the school store to buy all their books for the semester. 

"Okay well I didn't think I'd also get Bishop!" Amelia said with a small groan. 

The things that were said about this Professor Bishop were getting to the both of them. Hopefully they could just power through the whole class and pass with flying colors. 

A few days later the girls were both sitting in a big classroom looking down at the front where a big desk was, a projector with a screen in front of it, and a podium to the right where they assumed where the professor would be the entire time. Sitting together, they opened their laptops to pull out the books and sat there chattering till the door opened about twenty minutes later. 

Blonde hair, beach waves with a black suit and a black jacket, heels that Carina swore clacked a little too hard on the linoleum floor. The whole classroom went silent as the woman who was now in the classroom, intimidated everyone as soon as the heel hit the floor on the way in. 

"Please say that's the TA...she's fucking hot...." Amelia said in a whisper to Carina who just hit her best friends arm with a small silent laugh. 

"Shhhh -- you haven't even see her face" Carina tried to reason, her own eyes looking over the backside of this mystery blonde. 

The blonde then turned around and looked up at the class of scared faces, confused faces, drooling ones and ones that looked like they only just woke up. When the blue eyes of this woman got to Carina she held the gaze a little longer till she moved onto Amelia; grabbing the papers that she had placed right next to her on the desk. 

"How many of you know the human anatomy...." she started off. 

The whole class raised their hands, some of the boys chuckling, the whispers of 'I'd like to know her anatomy' between classmates had this well dressed woman just not saying anything. 

Pushing herself off of the desk, she held the papers close to her chest off to one side. The low cut shirt she wore still giving off an eyeful to the whole class. 

"That doesn't....have to do with sex..." her eyes raised a bit to see some of the male hands going down, making her smirk a little bit. "That's what I thought...anatomy...it's more than just sexual -- " looking at one of the boys. "You all are here for one reason, and one reason only...you want to excel in your fields, being the best of the best..."

Walking up the steps she started to hand out packets to each row before walking back down. 

"This class isn't for the weak, it’s for the very dedicated and Professor Bishop will not...go easy on you. You're second years, you should be graduating after these last two semesters; this class might break you. You should know your shit -- you spent how much money to be here? Bishop expects you to know what's going to be happening each class. You guys are going to be spending three hours....three days a week...one of those days being a lab. If this class isn't for you...get the fuck out" sitting back down against the desk down in front. 

"Great...at least she's only the TA..someones totally going to hit on her" Amelia whispered again. 

"Are you wanting to share with the class....??" looking at Amelia. 

"I uh -- Amelia Shepherd...and do I have to?" sinking down a bit. 

"I would suggest you do. Amelia Shepherd." the blonde said. 

Carina just looked down at her paper to which then looking back at her best friend and then the gorgeous blonde up front. 

"I said...that since you're the TA...someone's going to totally hit on you?" squeaking out gently. 

A laugh. A god sent laugh came from the blonde as she walked to the wipe off board to pick up a pen. Writing her name on the board. 

PROFESSOR MAYA BISHOP -  Human Anatomy & Physiology 102

"I'm Professor Maya Bishop....welcome to human anatomy and physiology...I suggest -- to every one of you...think about if you want to take my class..and not about how much you want to bang or hit on me" looking straight back at Amelia who just sank farther in her seat.

"Shit..." groaning, trying to make herself look small. 

The Italian just looked at Maya up and down slowly, her eyes eventually meeting the professors again -- the second time it happened while she was now talking about what to expect through the class. She hadn't said anything the whole time, her whole attention was on one Professor Bishop. 

When class was up, everyone left in a slight hurry, either deciding to stay or keep the class. Amelia was already trying to figure out if she wanted to stay or go since she made a fool of herself. Carina however was going to stay, she was now walking past the blonde, taking one more small look at the hotly dressed professor. 

"Why don't you stay for a second...." Maya piped up to have Carina stop. 

"Me?" 

"Yes. You. Shepherd's friend..." 

"Okay.." standing there as the rest of the students filed out.

Carina tried to not check out her professor for the third, fourth or tenth time, she honestly lost count while she was listening. Hearing the door close to leave the two of them alone, Maya looked at the brunette. 

"Carina DeLuca...correct?" Maya asked with folding her hands in front of her. 

"Si -- yes...is there a problem?" 

"I was told by your professors from first year that you're one to watch...I do hope you stay in my class. I think you'd get a lot out of it compared to my colleagues who go easy on their students. What are you looking to get into after you graduate? What is your preferred medical field" 

"Physical Therapy...specifically sports therapy..hopefully women's basketball -- professor" Carina said slowly. 

Maya nodded as she looked on her desk and grabbed one of her cards to give it to the brunette. 

"When you graduate, I want you to call me...I have a few friends in the basketball world looking for someone promising like you -- if you're really interested, I can even introduce you to them now depending how you get on in my class" 

"Really?" taking the card slowly to see the professors name on the card along with her phone number. 

"Oh, Ms. DeLuca I don't joke about that...but let me see that for a second..." taking back the card she flipped it to then write something on the back to then give it to her. "If you stay in my class, give me a call and I can set up a meeting -- " the straight face of the blonde had Carina just smiling looking at the number. 

"Good thing I was planning on staying...thank you...I'll see you next class professor.." Carina said sweetly with a smile. 

"See you next class..." Maya said to watch Carina leave and her eyes trailed down to the brunette's backside, her own eyebrows raising a bit. "Get a hold of yourself Maya. She's a student and you're a well respected...feared...professor" saying to herself.

Grabbing her jacket a little tight to straighten it out slightly. 

Two weeks turned into four and the whole class was tiring the hell out of Professor Bishop’s teachings. As hot as she was, the whispers weren’t kidding, she was a hardass. Amelia groaned almost every day she walked into the class where as Carina just had been acing the whole thing. The brunette leaned over at her friends paper. 

“You can’t be serious?…you got another A?! What are you sleeping with her” Amelia whisper yelled a bit. 

“What?! No! I just…she’s a good teacher..hard but..I like the challenge” smiling a bit as she looked down to where the professor stopped talking and stared to look at them. 

“Are you two done? Anything you want to share?” Maya asked while looking between the two. 

“I said you were a good teacher. You’re a hardass but I like the challenge…” sitting there but she didn’t put on a smug smile or anything the two just looked at one another. 

“And that….is why I am the way I am…” Maya started to walk around with her teachings again. 

“I need a drink…bar tonight” Amelia asked in a whisper to have Carina look at her friend with a nod. 

Class was over and the girls walked out with no problem with only Maya looking at Carina when she walked out and then back to her paperwork. 

“Maya Fucking Bishop….” A voice the blonde knew all too well showed up with a close of the door. 

“Andy Motherfucking Herrera” smiling as she got up to hug her best friend. 

“It’s been too long, and you’re getting hotter by the second….please tell me you’re doing to come back —“ Andy squeezed her best friend. 

“You know I can’t” the ex basketball player said to her best friend, who she met their first year as a Seattle Storm. 

Which felt like a couple decades ago. In reality it was only one. 

The professor still took online courses through her WNBA career which then got her into graduate school eventually. Needing something under her belt god forbid something happened. 

Maya’s first year was to be the best of the best out of the rookie class. Being drafted at the second round, the blonde was going to be one of the best, all the teams knew that. Wearing that green and yellow had her feeling on top of the world. 

Tearing her ACL not just once, but twice in the same leg had Maya retiring early at her fourth year of professional basketball. The torn ACL came with the cartilage of her knee to thin out each year, having the doctors really recommend her to end it early before she kept going down the road she was going. 

Graduating school, she found herself going back to the Seattle Storm and applying for their physical therapist. Still traveling with the team, still very respected throughout the league. She put her own knowledge to use and her schooling to be the best of the best. 

It’s why she was so hard on everyone who came through her classes. Maya had her own physical therapists help her to get where she was now. Even with no basketball.

Maya settled on her home team, before leaving to become a professor to get the next set of doctors ready. Sports medicine was highly needed. 

“Even as a coach?” Andy asked with a big smile. “Or..our PT point..”

“Andy. I can’t. You know that’s going to make me want to play again…and I was for three years…you just miss me touching you” teasing as she looked at the Latina.

“No one’s got a touch like you when we fuck up” smiling as the basketball player just grinned. “Drinks?” 

“Please. Plus…I might have someone once she graduates for you guys..” saying to her as they walked out together. 

That night at Joe’s bar Maya was causally dressed, no suit. Jeans and a t-shirt with a flannel over it — painfully gay with a Seattle Storm hat on as they walked in. Andy was dressed just as casually but no flannel, sitting at the bar and ordering their drinks. 

A booth in the corner held Carina, Amelia, their friend Teddy also who was in class but thankfully transferred out of Bishop’s class. 

“Hey isn’t that Professor Bishop?” Amelia asked with a small groan. “She hates me” 

“You make stupid comments, and…surprisingly it is..who’s she with?” Carina wondered. “Wait is that Andy Herrera?? She plays for the Seattle Storm..point guard” trailing off. 

“Wait..that’s Professor Bishop? Why did I think it was a fucking dude???? That’s Maya Bishop, she used to play also..” Teddy piped in with looking back at the duo at the bar, she was now completely in awe.

“Wait what?” Carina looked over at Teddy confused. "Professional" 

“Mhmm yeah, shooting guard for the Seattle Storm…torn her ACL twice..she was the rookie to beat before she retired early in her fourth year..something about if she kept going she’d have to go under a full knee replacement at twenty-five…she was fucking amazing…fuck — so that’s Bishop everyone complains about. I can see it though" 

Maya and Andy were laughing and drinking, even taking a couple shots. Carina took note on how good the professor looked, eyes looking over her body slowly as she sipped her wine. 

“I think you have a admirer…back booth…” Andy smirked. “Can Bishop get laid tonight..” 

Looking back she saw Carina sitting there with Amelia next to her, another girl, assuming it was a student with their back towards her but facing her own students. Maya just looked back at the brunette shaking her head a little bit, another swig of her whiskey.

“Yeah no. Hard no on that..they’re my students” Maya took the last shot that was in front of her, getting up she patted Andy’s arm for the girl to get up. "Come on, we're done now -- thanks Joe, you have a good night" 

"You too, Maya..Andy always a pleasure seeing you in this small bar" 

"Awe man, don't be going and saying that...Joe's is iconic" fist bumping the man for her to look at Maya next. “Girl might be your student..but she's hot though….” Andy said with a wave of her fingers, even if the girl wasn’t into women she’d still flirt. 

Carina just smiled to wave back seeing the blonde professor take the girl out of the bar. Brown eyes took in the liquid that sat left on the bar, getting up she walked up to the bartender to have him stand there looking at her. 

“Hi..uhm..question..what..kind of drink was the blonde drinking?” 

Joe laughed with a nod. 

“Maya takes a whiskey neat — “ just watching the brunette nod slowly. 

“Grazie…can I get another white wine please?” Smiling at him. 

The bartender got Carina another wine before she was off back to her booth. Shooting the shit with the girls for another couple hours and a few more shots with them going back to their offsite apartment. 

“Class is going to be fucked…” Amelia laughed. “Bishopppppp…why do you hate me so much..” 

“Do not! It was embarrassing enough that we saw her out!” Carina said with her mind with going how good the blonde looked. "You're the one who started this whole downfall..." 

Laying there in bed she looked at her ceiling as she thought about what Teddy said. Maya Bishop was once a much loved athlete, turned a teams PT, then now she was having a hand in the students education from personal experience. But those eyes, that smile and the laugh she heard, she thought that would haunt her even more than the way the older woman looked at her. 

Turning in her side she hugged her pillow to fall asleep, not seeing Professor Bishop till the day after tomorrow she’d be thinking about her. 

-----------

Maya had a routine every morning, running, protein shake, shower and then it was dressed for class for the remainder of the day, anything after that was done in her office. With Andy here, her routine was thrown off — no school means that the basketball player was forcing Maya out into the court. 

“Oh come on..I don’t have time for this, I need to go do some work Andy” Maya whined with her being dragged by her hand down to the outdoor courts of the campus. 

“And I’m in off season, so…plus it’s not like your incapable of playing..one scrimmage..you miss playing with me” smiling. 

The Latina threw the basketball down as they were walking, dressed in spandex shorts and just regular t-shirts. Getting onto the court, Andy threw Maya the ball for her to catch it and immediately lay one up so far from the net, her hand up to follow through. 

Landing into the net so perfectly, Andy ran over to grab the ball. 

“Someone’s still got it…” smirking as she walked over to her best friend. 

“I gave you a run for your money Herrera…admit it…be glad we were on the same team..” walking closer to the brunette. 

Carina was walking to class when she saw two people on the basketball courts. Stopping by the light pole she watched the two of them, recognizing Andy so the other was probably her professor. 

“Always the run for my money…we made a good team…” Andy smiled with light pouncing of the ball against the blacktop between her hands. 

Walking forward still, Maya stole the ball to run with it, passing it between both of her hands before she laid it up into the basket letting it fall down and into Andy’s hands. The basketball player huffed a bit watching her best friend.

“Knee might be fucked but come on Herrera..ten years in…still have nothing over me” Maya held her arms out while the two squared up again.

"You retired six years ago Bishop...you sure that's not rust on your feet?" smirking. “That girl is back…someone’s got the hots for the professor…” Andy’s eyes went to Carina who was watching the two of them. 

“You gotta stop..” Maya gritted. "No rust -- it's like you don't know me, 23.." 

"Come on 19....show me what I've been missing.." stepping off to the right to have Maya follow her. “You think she’s hot too…I know that tone…” smirking as she pulled a fast one on her best friend to have the blonde run after her and grab the ball to take it to the other side of the court. 

Jumping up she slammed it in the best she could, dropping down and her knee gave out just a tiny bit but she recovered. Running to grab the ball to pounce it back and forth with a smile on her face. 

"Don't -- I've got a good thing going for a almost three years with this school...like fuck am I going to let a graduate student ruin that just because of anything" saying only to Andy who just rolled her eyes. 

Andy started after Maya who backed away with a small spin and took the shot which went in like butter through the hoop and the basketball star just grunted a bit. 

"You infuriate me...you're not fucking in and you still move like you do -- I should have made you but your brace on" 

"I don't play often, brace isn't needed in very small...pathetic game against you" smiling. 

"Oh you can fuck off right now Bishop..." laughing to then both of them started at the half way mark to then scrimmage and play against one another again. 

Doing it again. Again. Again -- it was giving Carina such a different side of her professor but at the same time she thought that maybe the blonde didn't want anyone to know about this, she'd have to keep it hush. Maya went in for another lay up as she went to come down her knee gave out which had the Latina running in fast to catch her best friend who was holding onto her tight. 

The basketball player felt how hard Maya was grabbing her hands as the pain of her knee giving out was something she didn't predict. Carina stood up straighter to take a step but saw the brunette shake her head when they made eye contact. 

“Fuck..fuck fuck..” grumbling angrily, holding onto Andy. 

“Breathe, breathe through it...” Pulling the professor back up to her feet. "You okay?" 

Maya stepped slowly as she nodded to just try and ignore Carina who was just watching in concern. 

“Yeah. Let me just walk it off..” saying as her hand hit the ball so she could walk with it. 

Massaging her knee a little bit she stretched like she would tell any basketball player. Letting the ball pass between her hands, Maya then did a couple runs with it and then laid up a three pointer to look at Andy. 

Playing for about twenty more minutes, Carina just enjoyed herself watching the two go at each other before they were walking off of the court and passing her. 

“Professor…” Carina said with a smile. 

“Ms. DeLuca..” Maya smiled professionally, her insides screaming. 

“Andy Herrera…what’s your name?” asking as she stopped in front of the younger girl, she swore she heard a 'dear god' muttered from the blonde. 

“Carina DeLuca…I’m in Professor Bishop's anatomy class..you're on the Seattle Storm? 

"Absolutely I am, look at that...a fan" smiling to make the Italian laugh a bit with a nod. 

"A fan and a much wanted goal in my career -- if you don't mind, can I ask a question Professor?” Asking the two of them while Andy and Carina shook hands. 

“I have no problem, what about you…Professor…” smirking. 

Maya just took a look at Andy and sighed a bit. She wasn't sure what to do with her best friend and this student of hers. 

“Okay shoot, what is your question..” turning into her professional mode. 

“I’m assuming you suffered from at least one ACL tear? By that scar…and…” 

“Degenerative knee..” Andy offered before Maya could get to it. 

“Yeah. Thanks Herrera” glaring a bit, turning her attention back to Carina. "It was two tears, I have another scar that's just right next to it" seeing the brunette nod slowly.

“So since you do play basketball still…have you thought about the kinetic tape just for easy play? Or is it just something you play with and push through?” 

“I’ve used it, I just didn't today because it wasn't supposed to be real play..it won’t help my condition unfortunately, but after my first tear I used that and a brace after the second time since I tore it worse, for the added stability..and recovery” the blonde rattled off slowly. 

“She played in the WNBA with me…shooting guard, Seattle Storm” 

“Herrera…” Maya scolded.

“Interesting, and you’d recommend that to all ACL tears..” looking at Maya with her eyes filing up and down her body slowly. 

“Depends on how bad, I did it back to back with the loss of cartilage..it’s a tricky situation” Maya had no pockets in her spandex so she wasn’t sure what to do with her hands. “Every injury is different…but don’t you have class to get to?” Raising her eyebrow. 

“Si — I do..but not for another forty five minutes, I was just going to do some reading for class tomorrow…” 

“Smart” Andy smirked watching the two talk back and forth. 

“We have to go though. I suggest you get going in your studies..I will, see you tomorrow Ms. DeLuca..” saying slowly to the Italian in front of her. 

A hand went to the Latinas arm to kinda push her a little bit. Andy mumbled and tried to grab Maya’s arm to make her stop. One look had the basketball player shutting up. 

“See you tomorrow Professor Bishop…Andy, nice to meet you” smiling. 

“Yeah so nice to meet you, Carina” walking with a stumble thanks to the blonde.

When the best friends started to walk together, Maya slyly looked back to see Carina look back and smile at her. It was a smile that reached her eyes, make them sparkle. The bite on part of her bottom lip had the Italian just tilting her head that certain way to make the blonde just look forward and then over at Andy who was just teasing her now. 

"You need to stop, she's my student" whisper yelling at her to have the basketball be pushed into her chest. 

Carina just went to the library to get a jump on the next days topic to wait for her next class to start. 

--------------------------

Walking into the classroom about fifteen minutes early the next day, Maya adorned a blush pink suit with a white shirt underneath; her hair was pulled back into a low ponytail with her heels still clacking on the ground to get ready. Putting everyones test face down, she memorized already where all her students sat, getting to Amelia and Carina's seats she slid the Italians test down and turned it around so it was facing her whenever she picked it up. 

Getting back down to the desk she opened her book and started writing what today's class was going to be about. Hearing the door open, she looked over to see Carina standing there with a small smile. 

"Good morning, Carina..." finally using her first name. 

"Buongiorno, Professor. How was the rest of your day, yesterday?" genuinely wondering as she walked over slowly. 

Maya looked over again from her writing and took in what the brunette was wearing. Dark blue t-shirt, it was slightly big but at the same time it was hugging the younger girl in all the right spots, some grey toned sweatpants. Looking comfortable. 

"Um, It was good..thank you for asking -- and your studies..how was that" asking since Carina asked her. 

"Good, how’s your knee?” Walking closer to the blonde slowly, her books pressed a bit to her chest. 

Maya paused for a second with her writing again to just bring the wipe off pen down to look at the Italian student. Her accent, it honestly drew you in, today however there was a certain draw to it. 

“Semi brand new, using the kinetic tape today..” she hated she had to resort to that, but the pain this morning was too much to bare just with nothing. 

“I won't tell anyone what I saw, or what I know...about you, Professor.." now closer than ever to the blonde who couldn’t help but try and sneak a peak. 

“I would appreciate that” blue eyes went to Carina’s lips for only a second. “You’re fifteen minutes early..can I help you with something?” 

 “Actually..yes — have a question about what we're learning today and was hoping thattt...since no one else is here right now, if you could explain it to me?"

"I have some time, what are you wanting to ask me about today’s lesson..." 

"Si, yes..um...here..." Carina put her book down and the professor pulled her chair out for Carina to sit, to which she did. 

Placing a hand on the back of the chair and one on the desk, Maya looked over the book she was flipping through. Carina’s hand was close to the blondes. 

"I’m...just curious...the nervous system, so lets say you feel something..." her hand, Maya noted that it had at least three gold rings, so perfectly placed, at least on that hand. "Here" Carina's hand wrapped under the blondes arm to run a ghostly touch up her arm. "How come sometimes you don’t feel that pain in lets say your foot" looking up now at the professor. 

"Well...you shouldn't..but your brain is a sensitive place when it comes to your nervous system, it's why when you get hurt, your adrenaline kicks in.." sitting down on her desk as she was facing her body towards Carina. "Then when you're body settles..that's when your brain kicks in -- says hey, don't numb...this area..this is where it hurts" rubbing her hand over where Carina first touched her. 

“Even when your nervous system is literally a web through your body…” Carina asked.

The professors touch sent a shiver up the Italians arm. 

"Without your brain telling it where to go, I’m sure you’d be feeling it in more places — But, let’s say you see something in a movie, and...the character gets..pinched...or stabbed..your brain can process that and that's why you can feel something like that happening -- or " picking up Carina's hand to turn it over with the palm up, the brunette's hand was soft to the touch. 

Maya ran her finger gently over the palm of the students hand. 

"Say, you get a cut years ago --here" running the pads of her fingers over Carina's index. "You get it stitched, it heals..then you go and say you see me..do a motion, it could trigger a reaction to your brain that effects your nervous system, sending little sensors down..." shooting her finger down Carina's and then up her arm mid way. “It’s still sensitive, boy body knows of the trauma”

"Does that happen to you..." the question was so innocent, but their touching was anything but that. 

Fingers now hovered over the covered knee of the professor as she then placed it down where the double scar would be. 

"You see someone get hurt, fall on their knee -- your brain sends that pain down to where it happened to you" now fully wrapping her hand around her knee cap. 

The professors hand went right over Carina's for them to just stare at one another. 

“Sometimes..” clearing her throat a bit. “Did you have any other questions….” 

“Pain and pleasure…they intertwine..” trailing off as her hand gently moved over the professors knee slowly. 

“Ms. DeLuca…what exactly are you asking me right now” 

“Professor..” standing up so she was taller than the blonde at the moment. “Not so much asking…just saying they can intermingle…” smiling to then pull her hand off and grab her books when she heard the door open. 

Nodding slowly as Maya watched Carina go sit down at her chair, flipping over the test to see her face light up in a smile. 

110/100 — extra credit was perfect. 

Amelia walked up the steps and plopped herself next to her best friend and flipped her test over. 

“Hey look at that…one hundred…maybe winning the professor over after all” smiling. 

Carina just smiled as her eyes went back to Maya who was back writing on the board. Amelia leaned in to also look. 

“She’s just a little too hot — and the fact that she’s a ex —“ Carina quickly shut her best friend up. 

“Shhhh there’s a reason for everything, leave it in your head” scolding a little bit but the blonde writing just smiled to herself hearing the small exchange. 

Sitting down, Maya went over her class notes as everyone started to file in and sit down till the whole room was full. About fifteen people transferred out, the rest stayed. Through out the class, the two were exchanging small glances, it was getting progressively worse with each class. 

Even with classwork, Carina at least once would walk down and ask the professor a question, just to be next to her. The only way she could describe what she was slowly feeling though out this four, ongoing five weeks was electrifying.

Professor Maya Bishop was m a g n e t i c. 

In all of the years of teaching, Maya never once thought about crossing that line with a student. It wasn’t worth it. Were girls pretty? Sure. But no one had stuck in her head like Carina. 

They could fight it, they could keep their glances, even the ‘questions’ Carina had, keeping them professional with that slight boundary pushing.  

If Maya gave in — would this be the one of many? Or the only one? Her pride, her ego, her own self would self sabotage anything that were to come in between her and the career she built after losing basketball as a whole. Seattle Storm was yet again knocking on her door asking for her to come back and be their PT. Maya was excellent at her job, both physical therapist and professor. 

Carina was a weakness she was wanting to dip into, and it didn’t help that Andy was encouraging it each time they talked. Amelia also noticed the glances between them, but the Italian would just brush it off. 

“You’re doing it again, admit it…you think Bishop is hot too…that skirt today…how far does that cut go up…” Amelia tilted her head. 

Week six. 

The third time Carina showed up in class at least thirty minutes early had the blonde with mixed feelings. Wanting to see her, but also wanting to put her at arms length. Hearing the door close so softly. 

“Another question about today’s class Ms. DeLuca?” Saying without even looking. 

“No, I just wanted to see you before class…is that a crime?” Her voice getting closer. 

Looking over finally, the skirt Carina was wearing was sinful. 

“No, of course not” 

“I like it when you call me Carina, Professor….” taking a seat now on the blondes desk, crossing her legs. 

“And I think you should tread lightly here DeLuca” placing the pen down from the board to look at the Italian fully. 

“I am, you look nice today..” smiling. “I hope your partner knows how lucky they are…” 

Maya slowly took a couple steps forward towards the brunette with a small laugh. 

“Let me buy you a drink after class..” Carina then offered. 

“I’ll politely decline, you’re my student” 

“I’m twenty-five..” cheekily saying. 

“Still wrong for you to by me a drink..even if you’re of legal age..” uncross the Italians legs slowly, her hand staying a little big longer than it should. “Don’t be stupid here, you’re the smartest person in my class…I’ve thought about advancing you..and like I said, if you’re here to hit on me”

“Or bang you to get out of your class…I’m not stupid, but I see the way you look at me..” her hand gently wrapped around the thin black tie Maya had around her neck today. “I’m not looking to bang you..it’s called buying you a drink, I think you have an interesting story..I want to know more and call me slow but I’ve been wanting to ask you for weeks” 

“Why now” simple. 

“Cause I can’t take not seeing you on the days we don’t have class..because I know I can learn a lot from you…professionally…maybe personally..unless—“ Carina smiled with a bite of her bottom lip. 

“Unless?” Raising her eyebrow a bit. 

“You have someone..you never did answer that question..” her thumb running over the silk tie. 

“No.” Maya’s hand gently going over the brunettes. “No partner that is..” 

“Into..women?” Asking more. 

“Very much, into…women…” getting closer to the Italian.

“What about me..” sitting up taller on the desk. 

“You’re, very attractive…but” leaning down to make it look like she was going to kiss Carina’s cheek, her lips going to her ear instead. “You’re my student..” whispering. 

Turning her head, their noses touching just a little bit. Adjusting the tie that was around Maya’s neck better, a small smile painting her lips. 

“So you can teach me things..” low, seductive. 

“Why do I have a feeling you don’t need to be taught in that department…” a small chuckle. 

“Do you need me to teach you a few things?..Professor Bishop..” Carina looked at the clock. “But, ex pro athlete…hot shot Professor…who wouldn’t want to learn from you?” 

Pulling her head up to look at the Italian straight on, she picked the girls head up with her index finger under her chin. 

“Why don’t you go take a seat..class is starting..” now taking a step back to have Carina slide off the desk with a smile. 

The class went off like any other class, Carina was present through the whole thing, Maya had a feeling this wasn’t just a ‘I want to get far in class’ type of deal. Sending the whole class off with homework, the blonde watched Carina leave with Amelia. 

Getting home at about six, Maya was on the phone with Andy. 

“Dude I told you!!!! She wants on that Maya Bishop…” 

“God just stop, I’m going for a drink you want in?” Asking as she got changed. 

“Can’t. Coach has us in tonight running drills…but —“ Andy started. 

“Goodbye Herrera. Call me later” hanging up to pull on her jeans and shoes to top off the plain top and blue and green flannel. 

Going with a Seahawks cap, Maya was grabbing an UBER to Joe’s where she sat in the same spot. 

“No Herrera tonight?” Joe asked. 

“No, she’s off doing cool basketball things…” smiling a bit as he sat the whiskey in front of her, a double instead of a single. 

“I didn’t..ask —“ 

“She did, end of the bar…she was asking about you weeks ago” he smiled to go and wash some more glasses. 

Looking over to see Carina sitting there with her glass of wine, tilting her head a bit at the blonde; who just tipped her glass. Contemplating a bit, Maya got up and walked over to the end of the bar to take a seat next to the Italian. 

“Double?” 

“Figured you needed it..you seemed off” Carina reached her hand out to gently place her hand against the professors. “All you have to do is say no, and I’ll back off…” 

Taking a sip of her whiskey, Maya just looked at Carina. The Italian was a little over eight years younger than her. Noting how in class she said her age. Looking around a bit to see if anyone she knew was in the bar tonight, she opened her hand more. More of the liquid courage; two wine glasses and Maya’s double down, they were fused at the lips in the bathroom of Joe’s bar. 

Hands of the blonde wrapped so perfectly around Carina’s waist with the brunettes around Maya’s neck. Moving one of her hands up, the Italian took her hat off and just flipped it around so it was backwards on the professors head. The smallest of whimpers came out of the students lips. 

Carina was thinking of all the girls this perfect woman must have gotten when she was an athlete. Pushing her professor from her she breathed a little heavy looking at the swollen lips of the blonde. Her kisses were pure perfection. Maya dipped her toes in and now she was getting addicted. 

“How old are you?” Maya eventually came to, trying to confirm what she heard earlier in the day.

“Twenty-five..can I ask the same thing about you?” Smiling to pull Maya in for another kiss. 

“Thirty-three..” breathing out to kiss Carina deeper, their tongues massaging against each other. "Mmmm" 

“Mhmm can I call you Maya?” Hands cupping either side of the blondes face, thumbs caressing her jawline slowly. 

That alone had the professor shuttering at the Italian flare Carina gave to her name. 

“Yeah, fuck…Carina..” the kiss getting deeper. 

Going from Ms.DeLuca to Carina had the Italian pulling the blonder closer to her, feeling her hands moving down to cup her ass. 

“Maya, mhmm…” biting the blondes bottom lip a little bit. 

“Come home with me.." kisses pressing against the students jawline slowly, then down to her neck to have the Italian falter a little bit. 

Gripping onto Maya more to keep herself from falling backwards with what the kisses on her neck were doing to her body. Sighing to turn her head more so the blonde had more room to kiss. 

"Si -- yes...take me home..." it was a whisper but right now her body was winning over more than her mind or voice. 

Pulling back slowly, the professor kissed her lips once more, to have them part only inches away just looking at one another. Changing the position of her hat to facing forward, Maya took a deep breath as her mind was reeling on what she had just done, what she was about to do as Carina walked closer. Leaving the bathroom, the blonde patted the bar where Joe was and smiled. 

"Two shots please...do you want one" looking back at Carina who nodded. "Make it three.." and the man got them ready for her. 

"Take it easy Bishop, don't make me call Andy for ya" he joked and that made the blonde just laugh. 

"You're a funny guy Joe..cheers.." giving a shot to Carina and then picking one up, having the the two cheers. 

Taking it quickly, Maya downed the second one as Joe gave her the card back she used. 

"You put her wines on there too?" asking, the man just nodded. 

"You didn't have to, I can pay for that.." Carina was close to the blonde with her fingers playing with the flannel Maya was wearing. 

"Nonsense..I got it" looking back at her with a small smile.

Ordering the UBER, they didn't have to wait long till it said it was outside. Placing her hand hovering over the Italians backside they walked out with saying goodnight to Joe first of course. Opening the door for the brunette to watch her get in, she slipped in after her. Touches were the things that could only be done in the back of the car. Trying to remain neutral as ever. 

The short nails Carina sported just lightly scratched the inside of the professors palm, making her look over. 

"I don't do this, for the record.." Maya explained in a whisper, her lips so close to the brunette's ear. 

"Neither do I..but...I can't help myself this time..." whispering back to turn her head more so she could bite her own lip in anticipation. 

When the UBER pulled up to an apartment complex, the blonde got out first as she waited for the brunette to pull herself out, helping with grabbing her hand to then walk into the building with a smile. Behaving was what the two didn't want to do, but with Maya being who she was they needed to at least for the moment. Pressing the elevator button, a few people walked by. 

"A good night Professor Bishop?" the doorman walked by with a smile. 

"Absolutely a good night, see you Charlie" 

The doors opened for the two to step inside as Maya hit her floor number, 10. Pulling Carina to her body, the Italian smiled for her to lean down that small bit and kiss her again, letting a small moan escape her lips. Having the ding go off, the two parted quick so the blonde could walk down to her door. Apartment 7. Opening her door she shoved it open for them to walk in quickly, only to have Carina now pulling the flannel off of the professors shoulders. 

Pressing the blonde against the door almost like she was trapping her there with her hands behind her back, the flannel effectively 'cuffing' them there. Kisses were green lit again, Carina's hands had full reign of the older woman. They were almost needy, borderline desperate to feel every inch of her, the lips she kissed in the bar just got better at the blondes apartment. Maya was able to pull the rest of the flannel off, pulling her hat from her head and drop it on the ground. 

Maya went to go pick up the Italian but the student just stopped her as she pulled her body away teasingly. 

"Don't pick me up...which way is..." pointing where the bedroom could be. 

Following with her footsteps, Maya was pulling her shirt off and dropping it on the ground with seeing Carina's coming off too; leaving a perfect white lace bra under there. 

Fuck. I'm so fucked. Maya mused to herself. 

"Straight back...to the right...why can't I pick you up.." now following the student who's clothes were being slowly discarded on her floor.  

Blue eyes drinking in the Italian before her, the way her fingers popped open the buttons on her jeans, so many buttons, but so worth seeing the white lace under them. 

"Because as hot as it would be, I know about your knee -- I'd rather you use the strength there to do other things..." smirking to round into the blondes room where her jeans came off. 

Pushing her own jeans down she stood in a sports bra, boy shorts with her hair down, Carina was the complete opposite. Maya felt like thanking whatever was in the water in Italy, calling the DeLuca's and saying she was a huge fan of their work -- Carina was an Italian goddess in her eyes. 

Now they were pressed against each other, the brunette stopped right at the side of her bed just doing what Maya was doing to her, taking all of her in. Noting the muscle definition under those clothes, the toned stomach, her thighs. Noting the red kinetic tape that was on her knee; thanking herself for denying Maya that most wanted action. 

Hands running down to the brunette's hips where her panties started, they were playing push and pull with their kisses, not wanting to press their lips together but so painfully wanting to. Reaching back to undo her bra, Carina let it fall to watch the blondes eyes turn into saucers, seeing her breathing getting heavier -- her chest that was so deliciously confined in that sports bra speeding up her heaves. 

"Ti piace?" (do you like it?) biting her bottom lip, not knowing if Maya could understand what she was saying. 

Something broke when Carina spoke Italian to her, she knew the twenty-five year old spoke it, the accent was clearly there but until now she never heard her. A blush painted the blondes neck and into her cheeks to make the grad student just tilt her head with a small giggle, her hand running through her dark hair to flip it a little bit. Nothing out of the blonde yet. 

Pushing her panties down that Maya was at one point wrapping her fingers around she just so innocently stood there looking like a five star meal for the ex-pro. 

"Jesus christ...Carina..." Maya eventually spoke up as her heart and insides were flipping like they were on the USA gymnastic team. 

"Allora è un sì?" (so is that a yes?) smirking with the biggest smile. 

Nodding hard, the only word out of that she knew was 'si' -- and YES to whatever the brunette was saying to her right now. The way Maya was looking at Carina right now had the brunette just feeling like the biggest school girl, there was lust of course, the two were both dripping with it since they entered that bar bathroom but now and knowing that neither of them did this; it felt different. 

Carina got onto the bed, biting her bottom lip seductively, Maya was now taking a couple steps forward with her hands pulling off her sports bra and then pushing her boy shorts down to step out of them. The blonde was hoarding a perfect chest within that fabric and Carina thought she was going to die right there looking at how hot her professor was. 

Kneeling on the bed, Maya leaned in to meet the Italian, kissing her deeply, her tongue swiping inside of her mouth to make them both moan. 

"You're so sexy.." Carina whimpered out, she couldn't wait to go down on the woman. 

They knew what they were doing, the drinks -- they only encouraged what the two wanted to do, it didn't drive them, it didn't control. 

"God not as sexy as you, what did they chisel you from a diamond" smiling to hear Carina laugh. 

"Oh mio dio, fermati.." kissing Maya passionately to feel her body being pressed down by the blonde. 

"I have no clue what you're saying..but it's so..very...I'm just lost.." whispering to feel their naked bodies pressed against one another. 

"Good thing you're not an english professor.." teasing to just have the two of them laughing, teeth hitting each other in between their kisses. 

Maya was able to get Carina's hands above her head, it was like the Italian let her, they were just looking at one another now, the dazed and locked in looks, the lingering. It was all built up and somehow they both knew this wasn't some 'fuck' or anything quick. It was real connection that was happening. Letting her hand roll down over the perky breast of the grad student, cupping it to give it a slow squeeze, she let out a soft moan, eyes never wavering from the professors. 

Carina pushed her chest up into the blondes hand to then feel her lips start at her own and down their way down, wrapping her mouth around the perfect breast she sucked gently for a few seconds pulling away with a small pop then doing the same to the other one. Moaning as she did it. 

Kissing to the middle of the Italians body she moved her body down with her lips making a trail till she got around her pelvic bone. Carina was having almost like white shoots of pleasure that were all pooling at her core with how turned on she was with all of this, with all of Maya. Pressing her head into the pillow with a moan when the lips made it to her mound. 

"Cazzo...fuck..." whimpering, the anticipation was killing her. 

Maya casted her blue eyes up as she watched each and every movement the grad student made, the way her body reacted. Running her hands up the tan thighs she looked down at the glistening core, even seeing how the girls arousal was wanting to drip right out between those folds. 

About to dip in and Maya heard the sexiest thing that came out of Carina's mouth in the moment. 

"Professor..." moaning as Carina's hips moved a bit, wanting her mouth on her core, needed to feel her hot tongue pleasure her in the most sinful ways. 

"Fuck..." Maya dove in, swiping her tongue through the drenched folds of her student before wrapping her mouth around her whole core. 

A gasp left the Italians lips along with a long moan. Maya sucked on her clit, her tongue rolling over afterwards to sooth it before diving back into her folds to gather more wetness. Carina tasted sweet, if Maya was thirsty she wasn't anymore, her mouth working over the most sensitive parts of a woman's body. Wanting to bring the brunette to the best orgasm she could deliver her. 

"Maya...oHh, yes..." 

Closing her eyes, the professor ate her out, sucking, licking, flicking -- the sound of how wet the Italian was with Maya's tongue was to be studied. Everything had the two of them moaning, Carina's hand was pressed into her eye while the other was threading through the blonde hair to keep her there. Canting her hips gently into her mouth, the shocks from Maya's tongue flicking over her clit fast was making her toes girl in a delicious way. 

"Ohmygod...oh...fuck...Maya...please...oh..." Carina moaned out while she was feeling her eyes rolling back from so much happening, from how amazing it felt. 

Maya only moaned deeply in response, her eyes lazily opened with her mouth attached so deeply to Carina's core, she couldn't get any closer. Happily sighing with the choices she went with tonight. Fingers running up and down ghostly over her thighs, every lap of her tongue brought music to her ears with the Italians moans, gasps and whimpers for 'more'. 

Pulling her mouth off, she breathed for a few moments to look at Carina, the brown eyes looking down with a shake of her head like she didn't want Maya to stop. 

"You...taste amazing..." smirking to just see the younger girl just cover her face with her hands. 

"Mi stai uccidendo con quella lingua..." (you're killing me with that tongue) breathing out with another loud moan when the blonde went back in again. 

Her body arched as she wanted to cum, she needed that release that Maya was so perfectly building for her. Slapping her hand over onto the side table to grab at it with all of her little strength she had, clamping her legs shut around the professors head as she came, moaning so loud she thought she needed to shut her mouth somehow. Throwing her free hand over her mouth she closed her eyes while the rolled up, her body being racked with a hard orgasm. 

Maya was living her best life between the Italians legs, her tongue lapping up everything that her student was giving her. Somehow 'professor' in a sexual way really turned the blonde on in the beginning. Moaning to just stay dormant until the girl wanted to let up her legs. 

After a few minutes, the brunette parted her legs to have Maya finally be able to pull back and kiss on them. Wiping her mouth not in a bad way, but the glistening of her juices were on her chin - watching the Italians body breathing hard. Leaning down she kissed the brunette to have her kiss back, just trying to catch her breath. 

Humming into the kiss, Carina wrapped her arm lightly over the blondes neck, tasting herself on the professors tongue. Parting from the hot kiss, they breathed in the hot air with smiles. 

"Your turn..." Carina said to flip them over, having Maya moaning within a matter of minutes. 

A few hours, a few rounds went by, their bodies exhausted but so satisfied. Carina's head was placed on Maya's shoulder while the blonde was drawing small circles into her shoulder, then going down her upper arm to then come back up and do it again. The sheets were around their bottom half, tangled between their legs. Pressing her lips against the brunettes forehead, she hadn't felt this good in what was like years. 

"Tell me about what happened...I know you told me, but tonight...at the bar, you needed that double, I want to know why.." turning her head up to look at the professor. 

Maya sat there for a second, looking down at the Italian who was just laying in her arms. Giving her a small kiss she just nodded, usually for her it was fuck and go -- Carina was anything but that. 

"I tore my ACL at the last quarter of the season my third year in..I had been playing great, stats were amazing...and when I tore it they said, okay we can repair it -- so they did, I did PT, got myself in a brace and by next season I was able to play again, yet again...started off great..even in a brace I felt like I was still able to do everything..about the last quarter again, I tore it again...this time it was worse, this time was the end of it...uhmm..they told me with also the tear I was having cartilage loss in the same knee, that if I kept going professionally..it wouldn't be the best move -- full knee replacement is something I would be looking into" pausing a moment to just reflect on a career she loved. 

"Then you retired, only four years in..where Andy is sitting at?" Carina questioned. 

"Ten. Ten years in and I retired before I really got started...so I fell back on sports medicine, got into physical therapy, became the Storms PT for three years. I got to travel with my family, and then it got to be too much cause all I wanted to do was play" looking down at Carina. 

Letting her thumb gently move over her cheek in a small caress, those brown eyes were so beautiful, she knew something held so much in them. 

"So you left" 

"So I left, I became a professor at the college I attended, well respected -- I was oddly a success story in a way of having a back up plan..so now I just help get the next round of sports medicine doctors, therapists ready to help players like me, like Andy..making sure they know this isn't something to play with" her voice was strong, but so small at the same time. 

Carina sat up a little bit, bringing Maya in for another long kiss, feeling the blonde melt into it like she was also. 

"What happened tonight" asking when the kiss parted. 

"Andy is on off season, asked her if she wanted to get a drink like we normally do -- said she couldn't, coach was having them run drills...and it just made me miss it all over again" a small sad smile. 

"Bella...it's okay to miss it, your passion for it is still there" laying her head back down on the blondes shoulder. 

"Very much, Andy has been asking me to come back as their PT, I keep declining because I know myself..I know I want to play again" kissing the girls forehead. 

"For the record, for someone who's had as much trauma to their knee like you, you play effortlessly, I wish I could watch it all the time...even if it's fun.." smiling a little bit, her arm coming up to rest on Maya's chest. 

"Thanks...I do love a little scrimmage with Herrera...what about you, why are you doing sports medicine...I figured lawyer, any other type of doctor would be something you'd be taking.." smiling. 

"My brother. Andrea. He was a big sports kid...I was a dancer, but he got injured pretty badly when he was in high school, played baseball..I watched the physical therapists tiredly work on him, almost like they didn't know what else to do for him..his shoulder wasn't really the same and something in me said I needed to change that, so I went into it; I realized also women's health was important when it came to sports so that's why I wanted to do a woman dominated sport" smiling to herself. 

"What's he doing now? Since baseball was no longer an option.." 

"Studying to become a surgeon -- no baseball anymore but my baby brother is going to be the best surgeon ever.." snuggling into Maya more to have the blonde pull her in. "You know I didn't do this for any sort of special treatment..I'm...attracted to you, Maya...I want to learn from you, there's a reason why you're a professor that no one wants to get, but I'm so happy I got you" all sincerity. "I want to know all about you" 

A small sigh left the blondes lips as she looked down at the gorgeous Italian in her arms, and then a small laugh. 

"I wasn't going to give you any sort of special treatment anyways.." laughing to then have Carina just laugh also. "I'm attracted to you too -- I just....don't know how to navigate this, Carina.." 

"Neither do I, but I have a feeling we will figure it out...I only have a year left of schooling till I graduate..then I can find a job..." trailing off as she smiled. 

"That -- that...I can help you with..." Maya leaned down to kiss the brunette. 

"You know what I want you to help with now?" Carina asked with a hard kiss to her lips. 

"What is that..." 

"Getting me off again..." giggling. 

Falling back into another few rounds of hot sex, the two spent the night just learning each others bodies, what they liked, what they didn't like. They learned about each other more, little things you would learn on a first date, food, color, what their favorite candy was. 

Classes went off as normal, they didn't change the way they acted, Maya was still a hardass -- she wasn't about to let up on anything just because Carina was coming over at night for them to fall into bed with one another. Exchanging numbers, the two had what felt like the easiest connection there was. 

It was about another three months and the two of them were getting on a steady schedule on how they were going to navigate between school and pleasure. Neither took the label of 'girlfriend' they just were. Carina walked down the steps of the classroom to look at Maya with a smile on her face. 

"Professor..." 

"Ms. DeLuca..how can I help you?" straight face like the first day of classes. 

Seeing the last person leave the classroom, she just then smiled at the brunette. 

"The text you sent me last night...what was that even about" looking at the blonde. 

"I would like to take you to a game..I want to introduce you to some people, see if I can get a job rolling for you, if you'd like..maybe see if a PT assistant at first would be a good fit?" 

"Seriously?" 

"Very serious, Seattle Storm which is my team is looking for a PT point..as much as I would love to go for it again, I can't. But, you...can. I would like to see if you fit in with the team...they're playing the Golden State Valkyries tonight, I also know a few players on that team..what do you say?" 

"A thousand times yes, are you kidding me?!" dropping her books to hug Maya tight to which the professor hugged her back just as tight. 

"Not even kidding, I told you...I see you doing something amazing, and I want to make that happen, you're smart, you're great at everything I've seen...I want to make your dream career a reality Carina the best way I can.." 

"Maya...Bella.." whispering both to have the blonde blush with a nod. 

"Go..I'll pick you up at six..be comfortable..." smiling as the Italian left the classroom with a smile on her face. 

Getting a few paces ahead she turned back and opened the door to have Maya look back at her. 

"Can I tell Amelia? About me going and what's going on?" 

"I don't see why not? Just a professor helping out a student...you have a specialty that I know about, something I've excelled in..I don't see why you couldn't tell her that I'm helping you find a job after you graduate" a smile spreading on her lips. 

"Have I told you how amazing you are Professor Bishop?" blowing her a secret kiss as she left the classroom again. 

Carina that night was getting ready as Amelia was sitting in her room with her, mouth dropped open with what her best friend was telling her. 

"Okay so wait. Professor Bishop is taking you to a game tonight, for you to talk to the coaches and owner about a job after you graduate?! What the FUCK..what am I doing wrong still!?" Amelia said with a laugh. 

"Mhmm! It's only to see what's going to happen, nothing is like official...and you keep making comments about how hot she is, granted she seems better at taking your outbursts but..you're not even going for PT, you're still going all sports brain medicine...or whatever it is..." 

"Sports neurologist.." Amelia defended. "It's a needed field! You know how many players of any sports...especially football come out with head injuries?" watching her best friend pull on some jeans. "And she is hot..you can't deny that.." 

The Italian just shook her head laughing. Of course she thought their professor was hot, last night the two of them were making out for at least an hour or two, hands all over each others body. 

"She's pretty hot, I'll give her that" playing it off, hearing her phone go off she looked at it. 

[Professor Bishop]: Outside. 

"That's her...I gotta go...sooooo....watch the game tonight from the TV..." teasing her as the girls both left Carina's room. 

Maya had gotten out of her car to stand outside for the brunette. Seeing the door open and both classmates appeared all the blonde did was wave. 

"Hi Professor Bishop" Amelia said sweetly like she was trying to also go to the game. 

"Hi, Ms. Shepherd..." Maya responded with a small smile. 

"Have fun Carina! Tell me everything when you get home...wait you're coming back here right?" asking her best friend. 

"I should be, I don't see why I wouldn't be...if I don't I'll let you know" 

"Hey if you crash on her couch can you tell me what her place is like?" whispering to just have Maya raise her eyebrow, clearly the whisper wasn't as quiet. 

"Amelia" scolding a bit. "Of course I will.." hitting her friends shoulder playfully as she got into the professors car. 

Rolling the window down the brunette popped down to look at the two. 

"Have a good night Amelia...." Maya said with a smile and the brunette's mouth just dropped as the blonde drove off. 

When they were about five minutes from the apartment, their hands slipped into each others, clasping together perfectly. Maya even brought it up to kiss the back of the Italians hand slowly, lovingly even. 

Carina laughed just out of the blue as she looked over at the older blonde with a soft smile. Maya looked over, placing their hands down when they came to a stop light. 

“What” 

“Her face was priceless..” a small pause. “I could kiss you right now…” brown eyes dropped to the blondes lips. 

Bring her hand up to caress the younger girls cheek with her thumb while her hand was wrapped gently around the back of her neck once the car moved again. Getting on the expressway they just chatted, about life, about one another, it gave them the time to just really get down to who each other was besides the physical attraction. 

Pulling her hand away, she pulled in seeing Andy waiting at the back gates for her with a security guard. Putting the car into park in a spot when they let her in; RESERVED parking. 

“Come on” smiling at the brunette who got out. 

Andy wrapped Maya up in a huge hug. It was the season opener, the blonde went to every home game. 

“I hope you wore your brace like I asked you too” 

“I brought it with me, you sure you want to do this?” Maya asked pulling away to look at her best friend. 

“Coach demanded it..” seeing Carina walking over she just smirked. “...Bishop brought company….”  

“Stop, she’s here because she’s graduating this year and I know you guys are hounding me on coming back — I want to see if she’s going to fit into the team, I offered to help her find a job” smacking Andy’s shoulder. 

“Yeah yeah yeah! Hi Carina! Been too long..” Andy hugged the Italian and then talked to Maya in just mouths. 

“Nice to see you again Andy….” Laughing in the hug. 

The security guard took them all in after Maya grabbed her bag from the back of her car. Carina’s hand kept bumping into Maya’s and the girls just looked at one another, leaning over she whispered into the professors ear. 

“Is this a date?” 

“Yes, this is a date..” smiling to have her eyes going to her lips. “I could kiss you too by the way..I will later” smirking to then let Carina go in front of her to follow Andy since she knew the way around already. 

Walking into the locker room, the whole team was getting ready in their home jerseys. It was bustling with music and loud talk, something Maya missed. 

“Maya Bishop…it’s about time you grace us this year…anymore on that offer?” Coach Natasha Ross said as the two shook hands. 

“You know I have, but I’m going to keep declining you coach..I did however bring you someone who I think would be perfect after she graduates, Carina DeLuca..meet Coach Natasha Ross” introducing the two. 

“So very nice to meet you, must be good if Maya is recommending you…” shaking the Italians hand firmly. 

“Nice to meet you also, I would say I’m very good..I have a perfect teacher” smiling as they parted hands. 

Andy threw a bag at Maya as she was now wearing her jersey and shorts, just walking around with no shoes on.

“The hell is this?” Looking at the green and yellow jersey. 

Putting her bag down, she turned over the clear bag to see BISHOP. 19. Written on the back. She felt like she was twenty three again. 

“Just a little bit, Bishop..it would have been your tenth season too..” Ross said a little hopeful. “Have your recommendation tape you up, I expect you out there 19…” patting Maya’s back.

“I can’t” Maya said to Andy, the team as she looked at all of them. 

“Why do you think I made you scrimmage with me in off season…this has been a season in the making..come on..give us a little time…” Andy asked to then have the team pipe in. 

One of the girls threw Carina some green and yellow kinetic tape. Catching both to just smile at the blonde.

“Tape her up!” Jones yelled which had Carina walking over and grabbing by the woman’s shirt to have her sit down. 

“Get dressed Bishop” Carina sweetly said. 

“Oh fuck not you too..” laughing as she just huffed. 

“Oh, me too…I said I wanted go see you play; now I get to..” teasing. 

Undressing, the whole locker room hooted and hollered seeing Maya undressing again. Undoing the buttons on her jeans she pushed them down to then grab her bag. Pulling on her spandex shorts she always used to wear, an undershirt before she pulled on the jersey so very missed. Tucking in the top, pulling it out a little bit to have it spill over. 

“I might have had these made for you also..” Andy mentioned, placing some sneakers down on the bench for Maya to shake her head. 

“I can’t believe you have me doing this..” looking at her best friend. 

“Stand up Professor..” Carina sweetly said while watching the blonde do it. 

Pulling the basketball shorts down to her ankle, Carina started to tape up Maya’s knee. Hands warm rubbing over the tape as she slid the ends perfectly in place. Maya looked down to check her work, spot on. 

Grabbing her bag she pulled her brace out to have Carina pull her shorts back up again. 

“She’s good at pulling those shorts down…are you sure….” Andy joked to have Maya push her best friend. 

“They’re basketball shorts?! Head out of ass Herrera…” snapping her fingers in her face. 

Carina got up to then watch the blonde place the brace on as tight as it could go. Helping with her sneakers next, Maya put her hair up into a ponytail, taking Carina behind the lockers to talk. 

“This isn’t —“ 

“No, Bella…this is perfect” taking Maya’s hands in her own she brought them up to kiss her fingers. “Hands on, I want to do this, I want to watch you..” pulling the professors hands behind her back so she could hold her. 

“It won’t be for long” Maya countered. 

“Something is better than nothing, you forget I love basketball as much as you..” smiling as the two shared a small kiss. 

Andy went to go find the two and rounded the corner to see the two of them lip locked and the Latina cheered internally. Knocking on the lockers she watched the two of them part. 

“Ready? Professor??” Slyly smiling at the blonde. 

Maya pulled Carina in for a deeper kiss before pulling back, taking her hand in her own to walk her out and the best friends just talked and bickered. 

“How long has that been happening?!?!?!?” Whispering to her blonde. 

“Oh god god this is a later conversation Herrera” shaking her head. 

The whole team waited for the two players to come back and they started off their cheer. Ross watched as they hyped themselves up, looking over at Carina who was watching with a smile. 

“Test starts tonight, I’m giving you a chance to prove what you learned…and trust me, I know her reputation” 

“I won’t let you down coach..” Carina nodded to be handed a Storm white TEAM MEDIC shirt which the brunette quickly changed into. 

“WHO ARE WE” Maya yelled. 

“SEATTLE STORM…” 

“WHAT ARE WE BRINGING…” Maya yelled again. 

“RAIN! THUNDER! LIGHTNING!!” The team yelled. 

“WHO ARE WE?!” Acting like the captain, Andy was gladly letting her step in. 

“SEATTLE STORM!!” The team yelled again.

“WERE BRINGING THE MOTHER FUCKING STORM” the blonde yelled as everyone cheered and walked out all hyped up. 

Carina saw a whole new side of the blonde professor she was falling for. This was Maya Bishop, shooting guard for the Seattle Storm. 

This is why her classes were so tough, this is why Maya pushed her students to be the best; she was passionate about the sport she once played. 

Letting the team walk out and be introduced it was the announcers who then were surprised at the name on the roster for tonight.

“We’re in for a treat tonight, we have not only a player who we lost a little too soon for this great Seattle team, but a player who went on to become someone important to our family here..for tonight only, numberrrrr 19, shooting guard Mayaaaaaa Bishoppppp!” They announced and the crowd went crazy as she walked out looking around to just take a deep breath. 

The big screens played her stats from her last year as a Storm. Carina looked up at it to see a twenty-six year old Maya. Serious, ready to play the game before she broke out into a smile. The screen Maya twirled the ball between her hands. 

PPG (Points Per Game): 19.5
RPG (Rebounds Per Game): 4.1
APG (Assists Per Game): 5.3
GP (Games Played): 34
Starts: 34
All-Star Selections: 2016, 2017 WNBA All Star

Seeing Carina clapping with the white team shirt on, she ran down the players to slap their hands and even saw Vic who was traded to the Valkyrie’s right before the season started. Walking over she hugged the old Seattle Storm player tight. 

“Hughes” 

“Bishop” going their handshake with one another.

“You going to bring your all I hope?” Smiling while she walked back. 

“Hey if you’re back, I gotta give you a run for your money there Bishop” 

Carina stood and watched everyone getting into position. The shooting guard sat out for this small period to watch Maya step in. Looking over the Italian just smiled widely at the blonde, winking at her the professor just shook her head with a smile before the game started. 

Maya’s feet his the court perfectly as she was running and eventually got the ball to run it down to their basket. Seeing the flashes of purple and black she was able to throw it up and lay in a three pointer which made her celebrate with Andy. 

“Ain’t it great to see her back even if it’s only for a little bit..right Jeff?” The announcer said. 

“Absolutely, Maya Bishop was well on a hot streak when she started here ten years ago. If you don’t know, number 19 was second round draft pick, went to the University of Washington, go Huskies…ended up retiring early due to some injuries but came back as the teams physical therapist for three years and now she’s a well renown Professor at UW..” they rattled off. 

“It’s like they’re telling your whole life story here dude” Andy laughed as the two of them ran together. 

“Well fuck right?” Laughing as they got the ball again. 

“You doing good ten minutes in?” The Latina checked in as the blonde nodded. 

“Come on 19! Let’s go!” Clapping her hands Carina saw the older woman with the ball again.

“Your girls cheering you on…” Maya ended up passing the ball to Andy when two Valkyries skidded in front of her. 

Some girls weren’t very nice as they passed Maya on her right and the blonde had to take a sharp left, right on her bad knee which made her slip a bit and fall a bit. 

“MAYA!” Carina was about to go out when she saw the professor hit the floor. 

Ross slammed the clipboard down to just motion to go over and the brunette ran over fast to kneel down and hover her head over the blondes knee. Vic looked over and ran over to check on her friend but the ex pro just curled into the Italian. 

Andy got into the players faces as now they’re was an altercation. 

“Are you fucking serious??? You know exactly what’s going on and you’re still going to play dirty????” Her voice raising. 

Vic grabbed the jerseys of her team as she just gave them dirty looks. Carina moved down to her knee where she was holding with her brace. 

“Can you move it? What’s the pain Bishop…” Carina rattled off.

“Eight…fuck…fuck!” She yelled into the students lap, it’s all she could remember on what happened at her final game. 

SIX YEARS AGO

Maya stood in the empty arena, she was on crutches, angry, disappointed and utterly heartbroken. Giving the news to coach Ross about the doctors findings; suggesting that she retire now before she fucked her knee up anymore. 

Natasha was disappointed, she was losing her perfect shooting guard just at the start of her career. She wasn’t sure how to help her now, watching her walk out of the office slowly. Andy walked in to see how upset coach was and she just gave Herrera a look. 

“Go help Bishop pack up her locker…she’s retiring — “ was all she said and went back to paperwork to distract her head from this loss of her team. 

No Maya in the locker room, no maya in the main entrance; the court. Walking in slowly she heard the soft cries of her best friend standing there in the middle of it all. Maya had finally made it, her dream — to just be shattered in the mere seconds.  

Shoving her crutches down she limped over and grabbed the ball. Hoping that the doctor was wrong. Taking a step and instantly having her knee gave out made her piss. 

“FUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCKKKKKKK” she yelled to just throw the ball across the court and at the basket. 

PRESENT TIME

Andy was still trying to square up the other players when Carina yelled for her to help get Maya up. 

“She’s done, she’s done…no more” Carina made the call to see Maya in that much pain. 

“No, no I don’t want to be done let me just…walk it off..” saying as Andy was slinging her best friends arm over her shoulder while the other went to Carina's. 

“Maya..come on, you can’t play on it..you said an eight” trying to argue with her professor. 

“Please, let me walk it off...." looking to her student. 

Carina knew that players would often fight on advice but this was not only the woman she was falling for, but her professor at that. 

"If you can't walk it off you're done.." Seeing the blonde nod and with Andy's help she put pressure on it to walk around a little bit. 

"She's good..." Andy mumbled. 

"And you're an idiot going after the players...you know better..." Maya just huffed a bit. 

"Dude, how could I not?" 

Carina walked back to stand next to Ross as she looked at the younger girl. 

"How bad is Bishop" 

"Eight, she wants to walk it off and see what she can do and I told her if she can't just walk it off then she's done for the night, she's only playing a little bit anyways..knee isn't swollen badly, she didn't fall on it, I'll make her ice it as soon as she gets off and then she can watch from the bench" Carina looked over at the coach who just smiled a bit, she didn't smile often. 

"Spoken like Bishop. You're good..." 

The ball was passed to Maya who was now walking by herself and the players who went after her were coming back for more. Pouncing the ball on the ground, the blonde barreled through them with Andy's help to then shoot the ball into the net with her swooping it in. 

"There she is, Number 19 herself back at it...man is good to see her play again..." 

After about another twenty minutes, Maya had to bow out of the game as the shooting guard got up from the bench to not only shake her hand but hug her tight. Hearing the crowd just cheer on the blonde had Carina doing the same thing to see a slow fist bump between Ross and Bishop happen. The rest of the game Maya was walking up and down the side cheering on everyone and basically helping, normally she'd just be sitting down and watching, cheering on her team but this felt different. 

Carina stayed in the rest of the night, helping, assisting, being the team medic that Maya knew she could be. At the end of the game, Storm won be 4 points over Golden State. About to go back into the tunnel, to the locker rooms, Vic ran over to grab at Maya's jersey to push hers into her hand, having her under armor on under the thing. 

"I want this to be yours...I don't want yours...I missed you Bishop" smiling as the black and purple jersey was against the blondes chest. 

"I'm so proud of the player you've become Hughes, I miss you" hugging her friend tight, she sighed into it. 

"And I'm so proud of the professor you've become, you've always got a home here, no matter what team I play for...always going to be bringing the Storm" smiling to then part from the blonde who walked back to see Carina waiting for her. 

Putting the jersey over her shoulder she put her hand on her students back to lead her to where she'd change in the locker rooms again. Passing coach Ross' office, her voice rang out for both Maya and Carina, stepping inside soon after the two girls looked at the woman who sat at the desk. 

"She's good, Bishop you...you're good at what you do, and I never doubted that; but this.." looking to Carina with a nod. "This is solid..I know you'll never accept my offer, but will you accept part time, home games, Carina as assist...and Carina you..once you graduate you come on as full time -- I want you on this team, Maya will be there to help with home games, get your barring the first year, because it's a lot" Standing up as Carina looked to Maya. 

"Maya...what do you think?" looking to the blonde as she nodded slowly to just shake Natasha's hand. 

"One year. Part time, only home games --" 

"Only home games, so. DeLuca..." Natasha looked over at the brunette who just instantaneous put her hand out to shake it. "We will talk numbers once you graduate, call me a week prior to graduation, in the mean time...will I see you both here when we play home" smiling. 

"You know I'm always here when I can be" 

"and I will be where my professor is..thank you again, for this...tonight was..thrilling, amazing and I can't wait at all" Carina smiled with a nod that made Maya just smile back. 

"Perfect, have a good night...and Bishop -- happy ten year..thank you" Natasha said seriously to make Maya nod slowly. 

"You too coach, thank you" walking with Carina out of the office, she walked the two of them to the bathroom while the team was in the locker room. 

The twenty-five year old put her arms around the blondes neck, kissing her like she wanted to do hours ago in the car. Maya's hand went to the middle of the brunette's back to pull her in while she melted into the kiss with her. The professor didn't let up just because her and Carina were sleeping together, she wouldn't dare, if anything she was pushing her harder to be the best like she knew she could be. Four months in and Carina couldn't get enough of the older woman. 

"How much more amazing could you get?" Carina said in the kiss. 

"Only to you" whispering. 

"I'm falling for you...so badly" whimpering to fuse their lips together again to make Maya moan softly. 

"That makes two of us..." eventually getting out to kiss the brunette a little bit longer till she needed to change. 

Walking out of the facility with the bag in hand she just looked over to Carina with a smile and the brunette smiled back. Carina spent the night as she showed Maya just how amazing she thought she was, treating her like a queen between gasps and moans throughout the night. 

The days of teaching went back to normal for Maya, the semesters changed and that's when Carina looked at her professor to tilt her head. 

"Is this it" Maya said simply to watch her student sit on her desk a little bit with a shake of her head. 

"No, I made sure this upcoming semester I had you also..lets just say I like how much of a hardass you are in the classroom" smiling to just make the blonde nod with a small laugh. 

Second and last semester, Carina had two last classes with Maya, out of her four classes before she was graduating. The sneaking around got harder, but the classroom never changed, it couldn't change. 

Maya then sat the week prior to graduation watching Carina make the call with coach Ross, giving her a number to start with. Maya told her to up it with just a thumbs up. A quick 'Bishop I know you're with her' making the blonde just shrug, a quick 'I want whats best for my student, you're getting the best of the best Natasha...she's worth it' just making eye contact with the Italian. 

Definitely worth it all. 

The professor attended graduation, she watched all her students graduate, shaking everyones hand except for Amelia who went in for a hug making the student body laugh. Getting to Carina she just smiled and shook her hand with a small caress. 

"Professor Bishop" 

"Ms. DeLuca...congratulations on graduating...I hope to see you do great things" smiling widely to make Carina do the same. 

In a years time, Maya was still teaching at the University; she was part time PT lead for home games for the Seattle Storm. Carina was full time working with the same team, gaining a fast reputation for being good, maybe even slightly better than Maya. The blonde would take it, she did her time, she made her moves and everything she needed to do to be where she was now. 

They both talked about what they wanted, what they wanted together. 

Carina was coming home almost every night to Maya's place; when she wasn't out on the road with the team. Moving in a week before the first home game, she made the blondes place a home. Eventually telling Amelia who was screaming at the brunette as she knew that Carina thought their professor was hot as hell. 

Two Years time. 

Tonight was no different, Carina walked in the door to Maya watching the game that had just ended; but the Italian shouldn't have been coming home, she was in LA for the Storm/Sparks game. 

First game of the season. 

Carina was still with Seattle as Maya was now just full time professor again, still attending home games but from the sidelines watching her student become the pro now. 

"Wait...I thought...shouldn't you be with the team?" Maya asked getting up slowly from the couch, her knee was acting up more lately to the point where she was having Carina tape it a lot of times before work. 

"I asked Coach if I could leave tonight...and come home" 

"Why, are you okay?" asking to walk over towards her now girlfriend. 

"Everything is perfect, I just...wanted to be home with you, celebrate tonight" smiling to bring Maya in for a long kiss. 

Humming into it, the blonde wasn't objecting but she was also very confused as to what they were celebrating. Hands pulling the brunette into her body a little more. 

"Am I missing something? Our anniversary isn't until next month?" The blonde was so very organized, Carina realized that when they got deeper into them. 

"I mean I wouldn't call it an anniversary...but...I wanted to kiss you, two years ago and four months ago you changed my life....and it completely slipped because I was with the team in their off season and getting things ready for them..and I'm sorry, Bambina" 

"Hey, I know...I know the job, don't be sorry for that babe" smiling at to where this could be going. "What was two years and four months ago?" tilting her head a bit. 

"The first day of your class..the day I decided that I was going to stay...the day I started falling for my professor" smiling to just make Maya blush at that realization. 

"Right. That. You're right too...I didn't think I would ever..ever, fall for a student of mine -- till I met you" bringing Carina down for a long kiss. 

"I love you so much, Professor Bishop" cheekily saying. 

"And I love you just as much, Ms. DeLuca..." bringing her in again for another kiss.