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stewiesclark · 3 months ago

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Second Nature: Chapter Two

Full Series

To be completely honest, Harriet had sort of blacked out that she gave Breanna her number the night before. Not that she blacked out. More so that she completely forgot about it. But she could not ignore it when in the middle of making breakfast with Grace, ding.

Unknown Number: Hi it’s Breanna, this is Harriet, right? If not, this is extremely embarrassing lol

She laughed at the text, but when she went to go pick up her phone to answer it, Grace side-eyed in a light hearted way. “What?” She deadpanned Grace, who was nice to the people that she liked, but was always skeptical over anyone in Harriet’s life that she did not know.

“Who’s that?” She dragged out the syllables of her question to tease Harriet who had always been somewhat secretive about her personal life. It’s not that she doesn't like people to know who she is dating. She just knows that queer relationships operate differently than straight ones and even if the person she is dating or talking to is comfortable with their sexuality being out - you never know. She’s always safe rather than sorry.

Granted, she was not dating Breanna, it just had a romantic connotation and she does not know her nearly well enough to make these judgements on Breanna. “Oh. It’s just a friend who I met last night and before you ask, it’s not like that.”

Grace nodded without saying anything because they both knew that she was half lying. Even though she believed Harriet in theory, she knew that everything revolving around Harriet’s personal life was so closed off in recent years and they both understood why and her boundary was respected but it sometimes made it hard to communicate with Harriet.

Once Grace was doing her part in making breakfast and Harriet finished for the time being she texted back.

Harriet 📖: Yes! This is Harriet. Hello!

Breanna 🦅: Oh cool, if it wasn’t I think I would have to flee the country.

Harriet 📖: Ctrl + Alt + Dlt really got to you that’s crazy.

Breanna 🦅: Enough about me fleeing to Mexico! I was wondering if you were free Friday night? I liked talking to you and I would like to get to know you better.

To be perfectly clear, that message made Harriet laugh more than she should have.

Harriet 📖: I would love to!

Now, it’s Friday. The soft glow of the Italian restaurant’s lights bathed the small dining room in a golden hue, reflecting off the rustic brick walls and casting a warm, welcoming ambiance. The low hum of chatter mixed with the occasional clink of silverware, and the faint scent of garlic and basil filled the air. It was the perfect blend of cozy and intimate, which suited Harriet just fine. As she pushed open the heavy wooden door, her eyes quickly scanned the room for Breanna, and she spotted her near the window, fidgeting slightly with her napkin.

Breanna looked up, her face lighting up with a mixture of relief and excitement when she saw Harriet approaching. Despite her calm exterior, Harriet could sense the underlying nerves; Breanna had the look of someone who was both eager and slightly out of her element. It was endearing, and Harriet couldn't help but smile.

"Hey," Harriet greeted, sliding into the seat across from Breanna. "Sorry if I'm a little late."

"No, you're fine," Breanna waved it off with a shy smile. "I just got here a few minutes ago." She paused before adding, "I wasn't sure if you'd remember… you know, agreeing to this."

Now it sounds like a business meeting, great.

Harriet let out a light chuckle. "Honestly, I almost forgot until your text. But I’m glad I didn’t."

That seemed to put Breanna at ease. The two exchanged casual pleasantries—talk of classes, the typical stress of balancing school and life. As they settled in, the conversation naturally turned to food.

“I’m really into pasta, honestly,” Breanna confessed, her eyes brightening. “There’s this dish, fettuccine Alfredo with extra garlic and a little bit of spice—it’s like heaven. I always get it when I’m stressed.”

Harriet raised an eyebrow. “A comfort dish, huh? I get that. Italian food is kind of my go-to too, though I’m more of a classic spaghetti and meatballs person. Nothing too fancy, but when it’s done right, it’s unbeatable.”

Breanna smiled wider, clearly pleased by the food talk. “Right? There’s something about good pasta that just makes everything better. Plus, it’s kind of hard to mess up.”

“Well,” Harriet said, grinning, “that’s debatable. I’ve seen some culinary crimes committed in the name of ‘pasta.’”

Breanna laughed, the sound genuine and full of warmth, and for the first time that evening, Harriet realized how comfortable she felt. It wasn’t often she allowed herself to just sit back and enjoy moments like these. She noticed how Breanna’s enthusiasm seemed to bubble over when she talked about things she was passionate about, like food. There was an openness to her that Harriet found both refreshing and intriguing.

“So, are you always this passionate about pasta, or do you have other things you get worked up about?” Harriet asked, leaning in slightly, her tone playful.

Breanna blushed a little, but her smile didn’t waver. “You caught me—I get pretty worked up about a lot of things. Basketball, obviously but I don’t really think that counts. I could talk about it for hours, though I’m trying to tone it down so I don’t bore you on our first… hangout.”

Harriet smirked at the small hesitation before “hangout” and chose not to comment. “I don’t think you could bore me if you tried.”

Breanna’s eyes flickered with surprise at Harriet’s words, but she quickly recovered. “We’ll see about that.”

The conversation flowed easily from there, the initial nerves on Breanna’s side giving way to a comfortable rhythm. Harriet found herself genuinely enjoying the exchange, feeling a connection with Breanna that was rare for her. She wasn’t sure what it was yet, but she was curious—curious enough to let her guard down, if only a little.

As the waiter came by to take their order, Breanna glanced over the menu. “You ever try their lasagna? I’ve heard good things.”

Harriet shook her head. “No, but I’m willing to try anything once.”

Breanna grinned. “That’s a dangerous statement to make.”

Harriet smirked. “I like living on the edge.”

Breanna rolled her eyes playfully, but there was a glimmer of excitement in them, and Harriet could feel the same excitement building inside her. This evening was turning out to be much more interesting than she had expected.

Harriet noticed there were pits of tomato within the sauce which grossed her out and the expression spiked an interest from Breanna. “I just hate tomatoes,” she laughed off.

“Oh wow, I love them.”

“You try this then,” she joked and Breanna took a bite, enjoying herself which added to the banter and fun of the evening.

Breanna and Harriet settled more comfortably into their seats. The atmosphere had shifted from their light, playful banter to something deeper as they began sharing more personal stories.

Breanna took a bite of her fettuccine Alfredo, savoring it for a moment before setting her fork down. “You know,” she started, her voice thoughtful, “basketball wasn’t always something I thought I’d be serious about. It was just this thing I did when I was a kid, kind of a way to burn energy, you know?”

Harriet nodded, listening intently as she twirled her spaghetti on her fork. “So, what changed?”

Breanna smiled at the question, her eyes lighting up with the memory. “It was my first major game. I was 15, and I got called up to play in a regional tournament. I was nervous, totally freaked out, honestly. It was the kind of game that could make or break you. I remember walking onto the court, my heart pounding so loud I thought everyone could hear it. But once the ball was in play, everything just… clicked. All the noise, the pressure, it disappeared, and it was just me and the game.”

She paused, eyes distant as she recalled the rush of adrenaline, the way everything fell into place. “We won, and I played the best I ever had. After that, I knew basketball wasn’t just a pastime. It was something I could do, something I wanted to do for real. The discipline, the teamwork, the physical and mental challenge—it became my life.”

Harriet was quiet for a moment, processing what Breanna had said. There was an intensity in Breanna’s voice, a raw passion that she admired. “That’s... amazing. I can’t even imagine the kind of pressure that comes with something like that. I mean, having everyone’s eyes on you, expecting you to perform at your best.”

Breanna shrugged modestly. “It’s a lot, but I thrive on it. There’s something about pushing myself that makes me feel alive. Plus, basketball’s given me a lot—a scholarship, a chance to travel, meet new people. I owe it a lot.”

Harriet smiled softly. “It sounds like it really shaped who you are.”

Breanna nodded, but then leaned forward, her gaze curious. “What about you? I mean, I know you’re into engineering and economics, which is, like, so far from what I do.” She chuckled a bit before regaining eye contact with her again.

Harriet chuckled, a little self-conscious. “It’s definitely different from basketball, that’s for sure. But yeah, I’ve always been fascinated by how things work—how systems fit together, whether it’s mechanical systems in engineering or economic systems in society. There’s something satisfying about solving complex problems and making things more efficient.”

Breanna’s eyebrows lifted in interest, and Harriet continued, feeling more at ease now that they were talking about something she was passionate about.

“I think what really hooked me was this project I worked on last year,” Harriet said, her voice gaining momentum. “We were tasked with designing a sustainable energy solution for rural communities, something cost-effective and easy to implement. My group and I ended up creating a solar-powered water filtration system. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked, and the idea that something we designed could genuinely improve people’s lives? That was it for me.”

Breanna’s expression shifted to one of genuine awe. “That’s incredible, Harriet. I mean, that’s not just studying for the sake of studying. You’re actually doing something that can make a real impact.”

Harriet blushed slightly, unused to this kind of attention for her work. “I guess. I just... I want to use what I’m learning to make things better, especially in places that don’t have access to the resources we take for granted. There’s a lot of inequality in the world, and I feel like economics and engineering are tools to address that, to build solutions.”

Breanna rested her chin on her hand, watching Harriet closely. “You’re really driven. It’s impressive. Most people don’t even know what they want, let alone have a plan to get there.”

Harriet gave a small smile. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about it. But honestly, I’m still figuring it out. There are days when I question everything, and wonder if I’m even on the right path.”

Breanna nodded, her tone softening. “I get that. There are games where I mess up so bad I wonder if basketball’s even the right thing for me. But then I remember why I love it and what it’s given me. It sounds like you’ve got that same kind of drive, even if you’re still figuring out the details.”

Harriet looked at Breanna, feeling a deeper connection forming. There was something about hearing Breanna’s journey, the parallels of their different worlds—sports and academics, physical discipline and intellectual pursuit—that made her feel understood in a way she hadn’t expected.

“I guess we’re both just trying to make sense of things, huh?” Harriet said with a small smile.

Breanna grinned back. “Yeah, I guess we are.”

The conversation lulled as they both took a moment to enjoy their meal, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable. Harriet could feel the weight of the stories they had shared lingering between them, creating a new layer of understanding. She was impressed by Breanna’s dedication to her sport and the quiet confidence she carried despite her struggles. And Breanna, for her part, seemed equally intrigued by Harriet’s intellectual curiosity and her ambition to change the world in her own way.

The warm lights of the restaurant gradually faded behind them as Breanna and Harriet strolled through the quiet campus, their takeout bags in hand. The evening air was crisp but not too cold, and the sky had taken on a soft shade of purple as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was Breanna’s idea to move to the nearby park—something about the fresh air and the open sky seemed to call for a more laid-back atmosphere, away from the noise of the restaurant.

Harriet glanced at Breanna as they walked, the soft glow of the street lamps highlighting Breanna’s relaxed expression. There was something calming about the way Breanna carried herself now, less nervous, more at ease. The casual flow of their earlier conversation had done its job, breaking the tension and bringing them to this more comfortable place.

“You sure it’s not too chilly for the park?” Harriet asked, though she already knew the answer.

Breanna shook her head, her lips quivering into a smile. “Nah, I love the cold. Plus, it’s not like we’ll be out here all night.”

They arrived at the park, its winding paths illuminated by soft lighting, and Harriet immediately noticed how quiet it was. A few people were scattered here and there, but for the most part, it was peaceful—just the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees and the distant hum of traffic from the city.

“There’s a bench over there,” Breanna pointed toward a spot that overlooked a small hill. “Perfect view.”

Harriet followed her lead, the two settling down on the bench with their takeout bags. The city skyline twinkled faintly in the distance, and the moon hung low, casting a silver glow across the park. Harriet couldn’t remember the last time she’d just sat outside like this, appreciating the simple beauty of the night.

Breanna leaned back on the bench, stretching her legs out in front of her, and sighed contentedly. “This is nice. I don’t get to just sit and chill like this very often.”

“Yeah?” Harriet asked, setting her food on her lap. “Always on the go, I’m guessing?”

Breanna nodded, taking a bite of her pasta. “Pretty much. Between basketball, classes, and trying to keep up with everything, it feels like I’m always running around. But moments like this… they’re rare, and I like them when I can get them.”

Harriet smiled, relating in her own way. “I get that. I’m usually buried in work, trying to meet deadlines. It’s easy to forget how nice it is to just... be.”

Breanna looked over at her, a soft expression on her face. “Yeah. It’s good to slow down sometimes. To actually have a real conversation, you know?”

There was something about the way she said it that made Harriet’s heart skip a beat. This wasn’t just a casual hangout anymore; they had crossed into something more, though it was hard to define exactly what that was. Harriet wasn’t sure if Breanna felt it too, but there was an undeniable connection growing between them.

“So,” Breanna said after a moment, breaking the silence. “What made you switch to economics and engineering? You said you were fascinated by how things work, but... was there a specific moment that sparked it?”

Harriet hesitated, her fingers playing with the edge of her food container. “I guess it was gradual. Growing up, I didn’t have much, and I watched my family struggle with money. I grew up in this small town in Indiana, and there wasn’t a lot of opportunity. It got me thinking about why certain places thrive and others don’t. I realized that so much of it has to do with access—access to resources, education, infrastructure. I wanted to understand that better, and engineering felt like a way to do something about it, to create solutions.”

Breanna’s eyes softened. “That’s… wow. It’s like you’re trying to fix the world. One project at a time.”

Harriet laughed quietly, a bit self-conscious. “It sounds ambitious when you say it like that, but I guess, yeah, that’s the goal.”

Breanna leaned back, gazing up at the sky. “I think it’s amazing. Most people just live their lives without really thinking about the bigger picture. You’re out here trying to make a difference.”

There was a pause, a moment of quiet as they both took in the weight of what had been said. Harriet wasn’t used to this—someone genuinely appreciating her, not just for her intellect but for what she wanted to do with it. It made her feel seen in a way that was new, and that realization both excited and scared her.

“And what about you?” Harriet asked, wanting to shift the focus. “You’ve got this amazing career in basketball ahead of you. Have you thought about what comes after that?”

Breanna was quiet for a moment, as if she hadn’t fully considered the question before. “Honestly, I don’t know. Basketball’s been my whole life for so long, and yeah, I love it. But I know it won’t last forever. I know that I will likely go to the pros but after that I’m not quite sure. Maybe coaching? Or something completely different. I just... haven’t figured that part out yet.”

Harriet nodded, understanding the uncertainty. “You’ve got time. No need to rush into it.”

Breanna smiled at her, and for a moment, they just sat there, enjoying the cool breeze and the peacefulness of the park. The openness of the conversation, the vulnerability they had shared—it felt like they had crossed some invisible threshold. Harriet realized that she was more comfortable with Breanna than she’d been with anyone in a long time.

Breanna broke the silence again, her voice soft and thoughtful. “I’m really glad we did this. Tonight, I mean. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but... it’s been nice.”

Harriet met her gaze and smiled, feeling the warmth between them. “Yeah. It really has.”

The soft glow of the city lights in the distance cast a faint shimmer on the park as Harriet and Breanna sat quietly on the bench. The gentle hum of the evening breeze made the moment feel peaceful, as though time had slowed down just for them. After finishing their meal, they had fallen into a comfortable silence, enjoying the stillness of the night. But Harriet could sense that there was more beneath the surface—more to be said, more to be shared.

Breanna was the first to break the silence. “So, biomedical engineering, huh? That’s pretty intense.” She turned to face Harriet, her expression curious but warm.

Harriet smiled, though there was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. “Yeah, it’s something I’ve always wanted to pursue. There’s so much potential to make an impact in that field—like developing technologies that can save lives or improve people’s quality of life. I mean, who wouldn’t want to do that?”

Breanna nodded, but she could sense there was more to the story. “Sounds like it’s more than just a career choice for you. It’s personal.”

Harriet looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the sleeve of her jacket. “It is. I guess, for me, it’s about combining my love for engineering with something that feels meaningful. Don’t get me wrong, I love economics—it’s like this big puzzle that explains how the world works. But biomedical engineering... It's about people. It’s about helping people directly. Plus, I think pursuing economics professionally can turn into something evil and money first which is not for me.” She kept it vague for sake of a trauma dump.

Breanna’s expression softened as she listened. “That’s huge. I mean, not everyone has that kind of clarity about what they want to do. You’re driven in a way that most people aren’t.”

Harriet’s smile faded slightly. “Yeah, but sometimes... I wonder if I’m too driven. Like, I’m so focused on my future, my goals, that I don’t leave room for anything else. Especially when it comes to personal stuff.”

Breanna tilted her head, sensing the vulnerability in Harriet’s words. “You mean relationships?”

Harriet nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on the distant city skyline. “Yeah. It’s hard to balance everything—school, projects, trying to be fulfilled in every area of my life without making myself miserable. And then there’s this other part of me that wants connection, that wants to have people in my life who actually matter. But it feels like I have to choose one or the other. I can’t have both.”

Breanna leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees as she looked at Harriet. “I get that. I mean, basketball... It's my life. It’s given me so much, but the pressure to keep up, to be the best, it’s exhausting. There’s this expectation that I always have to perform, to be perfect. It’s like people are waiting for me to slip up, and sometimes, I feel like I’m carrying the weight of everyone’s expectations on my shoulders.”

Harriet’s eyes softened as Breanna spoke. There was something incredibly raw about the way she described her struggles—an honesty that Harriet wasn’t used to hearing from someone so outwardly strong.

“That sounds like a lot,” Harriet said gently. “I can’t even imagine what that kind of pressure feels like.”

Breanna shrugged, though her expression remained serious. “It’s tough. Don’t get me wrong, I love the game, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it’s given me. But there are times when I wonder if it’s worth it. Like, what if I don’t live up to the expectations? What if I’m not good enough?”

Harriet’s heart ached at the vulnerability in Breanna’s voice. “Breanna, from everything you’ve told me, it sounds like you’re more than good enough. But I get it—the fear of failing, of not meeting expectations, it’s real. I feel it too, especially with the pressure I put on myself.”

Breanna met her gaze, her eyes searching Harriet’s face for a moment. “It’s comforting to hear that, you know? That I’m not the only one who feels like this. I think... I spend so much time trying to act like I’ve got it all together, but the truth is, I don’t.”

Harriet smiled softly. “No one really does. We’re all just pretending half the time.”

Breanna chuckled, the sound light but tinged with a hint of relief. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“You know,” Harriet said quietly, her voice softer now, “it’s really brave of you to open up like that. A lot of people would just hide behind the mask of being ‘perfect.’”

Breanna glanced at her, her expression a mixture of gratitude and something else Harriet couldn’t quite place. “I guess I feel like I can be real with you. You don’t judge me, and you actually listen. That’s rare.”

Harriet’s heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in Breanna’s words. She hadn’t expected to have this kind of impact on someone like Breanna—someone who was so confident and put-together on the outside but had her own set of fears and insecurities lurking beneath the surface.

“I’m glad,” Harriet said softly. “Because I feel the same way. It’s hard for me to open up to people, but with you... it feels different.”

Breanna smiled, her eyes warm and understanding. “I’m really glad we did this tonight, Harriet. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I texted you, but I feel like I’ve known you for longer than just a couple of days.”

Harriet returned the smile, a sense of calm washing over her. “Yeah, I feel that too. It’s like... we just get each other.”

Breanna nodded, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. They didn’t need to. The shared vulnerability between them had deepened their connection in a way that words couldn’t fully capture.

As they sat there on the bench, the night growing darker and the city lights twinkling in the distance, Harriet realized that this was the kind of moment she had been missing in her life—the balance between ambition and connection, the feeling of being understood by someone who wasn’t afraid to share their own struggles.

As the evening air grew cooler and the lights of the park started to flicker on, Harriet and Breanna gathered their things and began the walk back toward the edge of campus. Their conversation had slowed, not from lack of interest, but from the comfortable silence that had settled between them after such a meaningful exchange. The rhythmic crunch of leaves beneath their feet and the distant hum of traffic filled the quiet.

Harriet glanced sideways at Breanna, who seemed more at ease now than when they’d first met up earlier that evening. There was a lightness to the way she moved, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“So,” Harriet started, breaking the silence, “what’s the verdict? Did my company live up to your expectations, or were you ready to call it quits halfway through the night?” She grinned, a playful edge to her voice.

Breanna chuckled, shaking her head. “Oh, absolutely. Halfway through, I was planning my escape route. You know, a quick fake phone call or something,” she joked, looking over at Harriet with a mischievous glint in her eye. “But then you made me laugh, so I decided to stick around.”

Harriet rolled her eyes with a mock sigh of relief. “Phew, glad I could convince you to stay.”

“Nah, honestly, this was great,” Breanna said, her tone shifting to something a little more sincere. “I really enjoyed tonight. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but... I don’t know, I’m glad we did this.”

“Me too,” Harriet replied, her voice softening. She felt that same sense of connection stirring again, and it made her both excited and slightly nervous. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a night like this—just talking and getting to know someone.”

They walked a little further, the campus lights coming into view as they neared the main road. Harriet realized that she didn’t want the night to end—not yet, at least. There was something about Breanna that made her feel open, relaxed in a way she hadn’t expected. And as much as she wanted to hold onto that feeling, she knew that their time tonight was winding down.

“So, about that rematch,” Breanna said suddenly, breaking Harriet’s train of thought.

“Rematch?” Harriet asked, raising an eyebrow. “Did we have a match in the first place?”

Breanna gave her a playful nudge. “Not yet, but we will. You play basketball?”

Harriet laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, no. No, no. I’d embarrass myself out there.”

“Come on,” Breanna teased, stepping in front of her and walking backward for a few steps, her smile wide and inviting. “You can’t be that bad. I’ll take it easy on you. Plus, I need someone to help me practice my coaching skills.”

“Is that what this is?” Harriet asked, grinning as she stepped around her. “A scouting opportunity for your coaching career?”

“Maybe,” Breanna said, falling back into step beside her. “Or maybe I just want an excuse to hang out again.”

Harriet’s heart did a small flip at the honesty behind Breanna’s words. “I see what you did there,” she teased, though the smile on her face betrayed her own excitement.

Breanna laughed, a light and carefree sound that hung in the evening air. “Hey, I’m just being honest. I like spending time with you.”

Harriet couldn’t help but smile. “Well, in that case, I guess I can’t say no to a rematch. But don’t say I didn’t warn you—I’m really bad.”

“Challenge accepted,” Breanna said, her voice filled with playful confidence.

As they reached the edge of the campus, where their paths would split off toward their respective transportation, they both slowed their pace, as if neither wanted to be the first to leave. The moment stretched out, a quiet acknowledgment that this was the end of their night together, at least for now.

“So,” Breanna said, turning to face Harriet fully, “we’ll set up that rematch soon, right?”

Harriet nodded, her smile soft but genuine. “Definitely. I had a lot of fun tonight, Breanna. I’m looking forward to hanging out again.”

Breanna’s eyes twinkled under the streetlights, and she gave a small, satisfied nod. “Same here. It was really nice. We’ll figure out a time soon.”

They stood there for a brief moment, both unsure of how to end the night but equally content to let it linger. Finally, Harriet spoke.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you soon, then,” she said, her voice warm.

“Count on it,” Breanna replied, a grin playing on her lips.

With that, they parted ways—Harriet heading toward the bus stop, and Breanna walking off toward the parking lot. Harriet couldn’t help but glance back once, seeing Breanna give a small wave before disappearing into the night.

As Harriet walked toward her bus, she felt a quiet sense of excitement bubbling inside her. It wasn’t just the potential friendship or even the chemistry between them—it was the feeling of having connected with someone in a real, honest way. Including the fact that Breanna had offered to drive her back but Harriet insisted on going back on her own. She can be stubborn like that. But nonetheless, she felt optimistic, like this was the beginning of something good.

Breanna, meanwhile, climbed into her car, still smiling to herself as she replayed the evening in her head. The conversation, the laughter, the shared vulnerabilities—it all felt so natural, so right. And as she drove home, she found herself already looking forward to their next hangout, eager to see where this budding connection would take them.

As Harriet sat on the bus, the gentle sway of the ride pulling her into a state of quiet reflection, her mind kept drifting back to the evening. The warmth of Breanna’s laughter, the sincerity in her voice, the easy way they had slipped into conversation—it all felt like a breath of fresh air. She couldn’t stop replaying moments from their time together, each one leaving her with a smile.

She leaned her head against the cool window, watching the city lights blur by, but her thoughts were focused entirely on Breanna. There was something about her—an authenticity that Harriet hadn’t expected. Breanna was open and honest in a way that disarmed her. It wasn’t just the vulnerability they’d shared, though that had left an impression. It was her passion for basketball, the way she spoke about her drive and her struggles. Breanna wasn’t afraid to admit that she didn’t have it all figured out, and Harriet admired that more than she realized.

It was strange, really—how quickly they had connected. Harriet was usually so guarded, so careful with her personal life, yet here she was, feeling completely at ease with someone she had only just met. And not just ease. There was a spark of excitement, a curiosity that Breanna had awakened in her. She found herself wondering what other layers there were to uncover, what else they would share in the coming days.

Harriet’s thoughts wandered to the moments when Breanna had made her laugh, when they had playfully teased each other like old friends. There was something so natural about it all, as though they had known each other far longer than just a couple of days. She liked that. She liked the way Breanna could be both confident and unassuming, strong but unafraid to show vulnerability.

As she thought about their next hangout, about that playful challenge to a basketball rematch, she couldn’t help but feel a growing anticipation. Breanna had made an impact on her tonight. More than Harriet expected. She felt seen and heard, and in return, she had seen a side of Breanna that was real and genuine. It was rare, refreshing, and for once had Harriet filled with a sense of optimism.

#breanna stewart #wlw #uconn wbb #lesbian #breanna stewart x reader

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