#caitlin's posting through her feelings again

[goldfades]

𝐀 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐒 ─ PB⁵

౨ৎ ─ summary | request -> "paige x iowa!reader (pre-relationship) on game day where maybe r is mic'd up the whole time so fans hear how they flirt, joke around, etc so they start shipping them? the other uconn/iowa girlies always tease them abt it and one night they all go out to a bar tg and someones on live and accidentally catches p and r against a wall kissing or smthn 🫣" for my lovely disco nonnie!

─ word count | 2.6k

─ warnings | teasing, lots and LOTS of teasing, mention of injuries, so much flirting, teasing, slightly suggestive, kissing.... oh and did i mention teasing????

─ taglist | guys idk why my taglist isn't working pls help me and lmk

─ ev's notes | okay so i want to know if yall like the little comment section i put in some of the posts, because i love doing them and i wanna know what ur thoughts are.

"OKAY, HEY LADIES and gents. It's your favorite, me. Y/N L/N," you tried to whisper into the mic secretively as you looked around. Before you could continue talking, you felt Caitlin grab your shoulders and shake you, eliciting a yelp from you.

You sent her a glare as she giggled and walked away, causing you to roll your eyes. "Anyways, sorry for that stupid interruption. It's game day here at Iowa and we're going against... I don't even remember their names."

You were obviously joking, you had plenty of friends on the UConn basketball team and it was running joke that you didn't like them. You smirked into the camera, knowing full well that your faux ignorance would rile up some competition.

"But hey, who needs names when we've got game, am I right?" You grinned, your enthusiasm showing. "So, while we prepare to show those other guys what real basketball looks like, let's talk strategy."

Leaning in closer to the microphone, you adopted a more serious tone, though the mischievous glint in your eye remained. "First off, we gotta dominate the boards. Rebounds win games, folks. Then, we'll run those fast breaks like there's no tomorrow. Speed kills, baby."

You paused for dramatic effect, pretending to adjust an imaginary headset. "And of course, let's not forget about defense. Lock 'em down, make 'em work for every shot. That's how we do it here at Iowa."

You turned around to see some of your teammates giggling at you, causing you to roll your eyes. "I'm getting bullied again, guys. Remember amazing, hot and very cool players have feelings too, okay?"

"Can you shut the hell up and come stretch with us?" You heard Caitlin shout from the court, causing you to sigh dramatically.

With a playful wink at the camera, you turned away, joining your teammates on the court for the pre-game warm-up. As you stretched and bantered with them, you saw the opponents walk in. You couldn't help but bit your lower lip as you averted your gaze from a particular blonde whom you've gotten close to these last couple of months.

After last year's game, Paige followed you on Instagram and you began talking more. However when you two got injured around the same time, it caused you two to talk more and form a closer bond. Eventually, it turned into Paige texting and calling you every single day and now, it's like you two have known each other your entire lives despite you guys seeing each other face to face three times.

You couldn't help but steal glances at her as you stretched, a small smile playing on your lips whenever your eyes met. The familiar banter and teasing between your teams seemed to fade into the background as you found yourself drawn to her presence.

But amidst the closeness, there lingered an unspoken tension ─ a delicate balance between friendship and something more. You couldn't deny the flutter in your stomach whenever Paige's eyes met yours, or the way your heart raced whenever she flashed you a smile.

Caitlin's voice broke through your thoughts, snapping you back to reality. "Yo, Y/N! Focus up, we've got a game to win!"

"Oh my gosh, look it's serious Caitlin I'm so scared," you spoke into the mic quietly, hoping that she wouldn't hear you. Unfortunately, she did and she got up, holding up her hand as you put your hands over your head. "No, I'm sorry!"

Caitlin laughed at your antics, her laughter infectious as she waved off your dramatic apology. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today, Y/N," she teased, giving you a playful shove before turning back to the team. "But seriously, let's focus up. We've got a game to win, and I don't plan on losing to those guys."

"Yeah, me neither." She helped you get up from the floor as you walked to the bench. "Thanks, Cait," you said with a grin, falling into step beside her as you made your way to the bench.

As you settled onto the bench, you took a moment to mentally prepare yourself for the game ahead. The familiar sounds of sneakers squeaking on the hardwood, the echoing noise of the crowd, and the anticipation building in the air all served to fuel your determination.

You rose to your feet, eyes fixed on the court ahead. With a quick glance at the UConn's lineup, you immediately spotted Paige among their starting players. Your heart rate quickened slightly as you realized the task at hand — you needed to guard Paige and shut down her scoring opportunities.

In any other situation, it would be easy. Even if the person you were guarding was someone you were friends with, you always made sure to stay professional but this was slightly different. Paige had been the theoretical shoulder you'd been crying on for the last year about your injury that you'd just healed from.

As you stepped onto the court, Caitlin's words from earlier echoed in your mind. You couldn't afford to let Paige get the better of you, not today. You made your way toward Paige and as she met your eyes, she gave you a small smile. You could still talk to her, right? She held out her hand for a quick dap-up and you accepted it gratefully.

"Bro, me and Nika were just talking about how your hair is probably gonna be perfect. You have the best game day hair," Paige spoke finally as you laughed nervously, your gaze momentarily averting to the floor then back to her.

You felt yourself blush under her gaze as you playfully brushed off the compliment. "Oh, you think so, huh?" you smiled, trying to keep the mood light despite the butterflies fluttering in your stomach. "Well, what can I say? Gotta look good for the cameras,"

Paige smirked in response. "Oh, trust me, you always do," she teased, her words laced with a playful flirtation that made your heart skip a beat.

You looked into Paige's eyes, you couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that washed over you. There was something about her presence, her easy smile, that made you feel at ease, even in the midst of a game.

"Says you, with your cute braids. You gotta teach me how to do those one day, you know." You playfully nudged Paige's shoulder, a smile spreading across your face."Now you're just showing off," you teased, your tone light and playful as you admired the braids that framed Paige's face.

Paige chuckled, a soft sound that sent a shiver down your spine. "Or I can just do them for you once you actually visit Connecticut, like you promised."

You just realized that you were mic'd up, as you glanced down at the mic. You laughed nervously, shaking your head. "Alright, alright, you've got yourself a deal," you replied with a playful wink.

You then felt Kate's hand tap on your shoulder, motioning for you to come to the bench with her. Paige gave you a small smile as she did the same, your heart fluttering at the sight of her smile. With one last glance at Paige, filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation, you followed Kate to the bench.

"Are you gonna lock in, Y/N?" Caitlin's voice rang out as you glanced up at the tall brunette. You saw the slight smirk on her lips as she gazed at you, teasing you without saying anything. She was practically screaming "you're whipped!" as she did.

"Yeah, I'm locked in," you responded as you averted your gaze, laughter echoing in between your teammates as a blush covered your cheeks.

"You know, cus if you're not, I can guard Paige while you go shoot-"

"Oh shut up, Caitlin I hate you." You groaned, causing her to laugh along with the rest of the team. Caitlin's teasing banter was a familiar part of the pre-game ritual, and despite your protest, you couldn't help but smile at her antics.

"Hey, just looking out for you, Y/N," she teased, her tone lighthearted as she flashed you a grin.

As the referee's whistle blew, signaling the start of the game, you shook off any lingering distractions and locked into the moment. This was it the moment you had been waiting for. With a deep breath, you blocked out the noise of the crowd and zeroed in on the game plan.

At one point, as you and Paige push for position under the basket, you couldn't help but let out a laugh as Paige jokingly accused you of stealing her post moves. "Hey, imitation is a form of flattery, right?" you quipped, earning a playful shove from Paige in response.

But perhaps the most memorable moment came when you and Paige found yourselves face-to-face during a heated confrontation for the ball. With the game hanging in the balance, you couldn't help but exchange a playful smirk with Paige, feeling a slight warmth on your cheeks.

Iowa had ultimately won the game but there was no bad blood between the two teams (thankfully), players from both teams exchanged handshakes and congratulatory words, acknowledging the hard-fought battle that had unfolded on the court.

Sure, some of the players were a little hurt but it wasn't like it was the end of the world. However, you knew at some point the two teams would have to play against each other during play-offs but you didn't let yourself get too worried right now. Right now, it was important to savor the moment, to celebrate the hard-fought victory with your teammates and bask in the camaraderie of the game.

──

"You looked good," Paige spoke as she leaned against the wall of the bar. Some of the girls on the team wanted to go out and celebrate and the UConn girls wanted to join. And that was how you found yourself standing next to Paige, a little tipsy as you leaned against the wall beside her, a warm flush spreading across your cheeks at her compliment.

"Thanks, you too," you replied, unable to hide the smile that tugged at the corners of your lips. You felt yourself shy away from her gaze, a stark contrast to how you usually were ─ teasing and outgoing.

Paige noticed that quickly, a small smirk appearing on her lips as she took a tip of her drink. "Aw, look at you, all flustered," she teased, her tone light and teasing as she nudged your shoulder gently.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," you replied, rolling your eyes in mock exasperation. "Gotta stay humble, right?"

Paige laughed, the sound sweet and infectious as she leaned closer to you. "Don't worry, I think you can handle it," she said with a smirk, her words sending a shiver down your spine.

She gazed at you for a little longer as you looked away, only for her to grab your chin and hold it so that you kept looking at her. With a soft chuckle, Paige leaned in closer, her breath warm against your ear as she whispered, "You're cute when you're flustered,"

"I never thought that you could be shy, you know... with all that shit-talking on and off the court." Paige remarked as she let go of your chin, her gaze still heavy on you. "It's kinda giving me an ego boost,"

"Oh shut up," you mumbled as you took a sip from your own drink, Paige's gaze following your lips. There was something about the way she looked at you, the way her eyes seemed to linger on your lips, that made your heart race.

As you lowered your drink, you met Paige's gaze once more, a playful glint in your eyes. "You're not so bad yourself, you know," you replied with a smirk.

Paige chuckled softly, the sound like music to your ears as she leaned in closer, the warmth of her breath sending a shiver down your spine. "Oh, I know," she teased, her voice low and teasing as she leaned back slightly, a playful twinkle in her eye.

She wasn't usually ever this cocky, sure she's had her moments but never to this extent ─ she didn't know if it was the alcohol or just you. There was something about her self-assured demeanor that was both enticing and captivating, drawing you in with each exchanged word and shared laugh.

"Well, aren't you just full of yourself tonight?" you teased, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of your lips as you leaned in closer to her.

"Can you blame me?" Paige replied with a grin, her confidence unwavering as she met your gaze. "I mean, if you had a pretty girl getting flustered over every word you say, even after her beat team yours, you'd be feeling pretty confident too," she continued, her playful tone tinged with a hint of desire as she leaned in closer, the warmth of her breath grazing your skin.

"Well, I guess I can't argue with that," you replied with a grin, your tone light and teasing as you leaned back slightly, a playful twinkle in your eye. "But just remember, I'm not one to stay flustered for long."

With a playful smile, she leaned in closer to you. "Well, lucky for you, I happen to enjoy a challenge."

Her eyes kept flickering down to your lips as she downed her drink, putting it down on the table next to you. She leaned in closer, as if to test the water, grazing her lips against yours as your breath hitched.

She took your reaction as a yes, her hands finding your hips as she pushed you against the wall. She pushed her lips into yours in a hurried kiss, the intensity of her touch sending a jolt of electricity coursing through you.

You responded eagerly, your hands finding their way to her shoulders as you pulled her closer, the world around you fading away as you lost yourself in the moment. With a sense of urgency, Paige deepened the kiss, her hands exploring the contours of your body with hunger.

The taste of her lips was intoxicating, a heady mix of alcohol and longing that left you breathless. You forgot all about your teammates and who might see this and recognize the two of you, because neither of you really cared anymore.

Jada drank her water as she kept skimming through the comments of the live, reading them and chuckling at every remark toward you and Paige. Kate was behind her, momentarily blocking from everyone seeing what you two were currently up to.

Kate heard someone call her name as she quickly got up from her spot, turning to respond to the voice. As she moved away, the brief obstruction she provided from prying eyes was gone, leaving you and Paige momentarily exposed.

As Jada's gaze flickered to the screen, she froze, her eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected sight before her. "Oh shit- I mean, shoot." She quickly moved her phone as she glanced at the sight, giving the camera a shocked look as she thought about what she should do.

She had basically just outed the two of you but to be completely fair, it was on you two for making out in a very public bar. "Guys, don't worry that wasn't Paige that was just some other blonde. Sorry guys, you know how Y/N has a thing for blondes."

She sighed as she locked eyes with Kate, who gave her a shocked expression as she looked down at her phone. Kate gave her a look before Jada looked down at her phone, laughing as she waved.

"Looks like we are gonna have to end the live, sorry guys. Love you, bye, mwah mwah."

Paige finally broke the kiss, leaving the both of you to catch your breath. She smiled as her finger swiped your bottom lip, tracing the outline of it gently. You couldn't help but catch your breath, the taste of her lingering on your lips like a sweet memory.

"You're fucking beautiful," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur as she leaned in to place a soft kiss on your lips again.

↳ make sure to check out my navigation or masterlist if you enjoyed! any interaction is greatly appreciated !

↳ thank you for reading all the way through, as always ♡

[mapis-putellas]

𝑷𝒉𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒐/𝑳.𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒔𝒐𝒏

You finished packing away the resistance bands and wipes into the cupboard in your treatment room when Beth walked in, her brow furrowed as she rubbed her thigh. “Got time for me?” she asked with a wince. You gave her a quick nod, gesturing to the padded bench in the middle of the room. Beth hopped up, stretching her leg out before you.

“This one again?” you teased, moving to retrieve the massage oil from the counter.

Beth groaned in response. “Yeah, don’t remind me. Feels like there’s a rock buried in my muscle.”

With a sympathetic smile, you got to work, your hands kneading into the tense fibres of her thigh. She let out a dramatic sigh of relief as you worked out the knot, chatting with you about the upcoming match and laughing about something Caitlin had done during training. Beth was easy to work with—she trusted you completely, even when your thumbs dug into particularly sensitive spots.

When you finally finished, Beth rolled her leg and tested the motion. “You’re magic, you know that?” she said, hopping off the table with a grin.

“Don’t tell the others, or they’ll never leave me alone,” you joked, packing away the oil and wiping down the bench.

Beth waved you off, but before she could leave, her eyes flickered to the doorway behind you. “Speaking of never leaving you alone…” she murmured, smirking before walking out.

You turned, already knowing who it was before you even saw her. Leah was standing in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest, leaning against the frame. Her hair was still damp from her shower, and she was dressed in her post-training hoodie and joggers, but her pout was unmistakable.

“Baby,” she drawled, her voice laced with a familiar whine.

You raised an eyebrow, crossing your own arms as you leaned against the counter. “Leah,” you mimicked, your voice a touch teasing.

She pushed off the doorframe and sauntered into the room, her pout deepening. “My legs hurt,” she said, stopping in front of you and tilting her head dramatically.

“Do they?” you asked, feigning scepticism as you reached out to place your hands on her hips.

She nodded earnestly, her eyes wide and imploring. “They’ve been giving me trouble all day. Really tight, darling. I need you.”

You tried to hold back a smile, but it was impossible. Leah was many things—cheeky, competitive, fiercely protective—but she was also the biggest baby when it came to getting attention from you. “Alright, trousers off and on the bench,” you said, pointing to the same spot Beth had just vacated.

Leah perked up instantly, shimmying out her joggers leaving her in just a pair of shorts before climbing onto the bench and stretching out with all the grace of a cat. She wiggled her legs at you, her grin now replacing the pout. “Thank you, my girl. You’re the best.”

You rolled your eyes fondly, grabbing the massage oil again. “You’re so lucky I love you,” you muttered, moving to the end of the bench where her feet were dangling off the edge.

“I know,” she said smugly, resting her head on her crossed arms and peering at you over her shoulder.

Starting at her calves, you worked your way up her legs, applying just enough pressure to knead into her muscles. Leah hummed contentedly, her whole body visibly relaxing under your touch. Despite her initial dramatics, her legs did feel a bit tight, likely from the extra sprints she’d been pushing herself through during training.

“You’ve been overdoing it again, haven’t you?” you asked, your thumbs pressing into her hamstrings.

She didn’t answer immediately, her eyes fluttering closed. “Maybe,” she mumbled, her voice muffled against her arms

You let out a small sigh, but there was no real frustration behind it. Leah was always pushing herself, always giving everything she had. It was one of the things you admired about her, but it also made her your most frequent visitor in the treatment room.

Once you’d finished her legs, you gave her calf a gentle tap. “All done.”

But instead of getting up, Leah craned her head back to face you. “My back’s tight too,” she said, though her grin betrayed her.

“Leah,” you said warningly, though the corners of your mouth were twitching upward.

“Please, darling,” she said, her voice dripping with charm. “Just a little bit? I promise I’ll be good.”

Shaking your head with a laugh, you leaned over her, your hands finding her shoulders. She was warm and soft beneath your touch, and you couldn’t help but let your fingers linger for a moment. Leah’s grinned up at you, and she gave you a cheeky wink.

“Flirting won’t get you anywhere,” you teased, though the warmth in your chest betrayed you.

“Oh, but it’s working,” she countered, her grin widening.

You rolled your eyes again but indulged her anyway, giving her shoulders a quick rub before stepping back. “There. Now you’re done.”

Leah sat up slowly, swinging her legs off the bench. But instead of standing, she turned towards you, her expression softening. “Can I just…” she trailed off, her hands reaching out for yours.

You tilted your head in question, but she didn’t wait for your response. Pulling you closer so you were stood between her legs, she wrapped her arms around your waist and rested her head against your chest.

“Leah,” you said, laughing softly. “What are you doing?”

“Cuddling,” she said simply, her voice muffled against your shirt.

“In the middle of the treatment room?”

“Yes.”

You let out a sigh, but it was full of affection. Running your fingers through her still-damp hair, you allowed her to hold you for a moment before gently nudging her back. “We can cuddle at home, baby. I need to finish up here.”

Leah looked up at you with a pout that could rival a toddler’s. “But I’m tired,” she whined.

“Then go take a nap in the lounge while I finish this paperwork,” you suggested, already knowing she wouldn’t.

Sure enough, Leah shook her head, her grip on your waist tightening. “No. I want to stay with you.”

Before you could respond, she pulled you down onto the bench beside her. She shifted so that she was straddling in your lap, her head tucked against your shoulder as her arms looped securely around your shoulders.

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes fondly as you wrap your arms around her waist, letting her settle against you as you nuzzled your nose against her shoulder. You breathed her in for a second before trailing your hands down her back until they met her thighs. You squeezed once, softly, before bringing them back up so they rested just above her behind, slipping just beneath the material of her hoodie to rest against warm skin.

“Comfortable?” you asked after a moment.

“Mm-hmm,” she murmured, already sounding half-asleep.

You pressed a kiss to side of her neck, your fingers tracing lazy circles on the small of her back. Leah let out a contented sigh, her body relaxing even further. The room fell quiet, save for the faint sounds of voices and footsteps from down the hall. You knew you should have been working on your paperwork, but with Leah in your arms, it was hard to care.

Leah’s breathing slowed as she drifted off, her weight pressing more heavily against you. You shifted slightly, slipping your hands beneath her thighs and scooting her a little closer to you. She stirred briefly, mumbling something incoherent before nestling her face into the crook of your neck.

“Sleep, baby,” you whispered, returning one of your hands to the small of her back whilst the other combs gently through her damp hair.

**

Tags:

@ceesimz @marysfics @girlgenius1111 @codiemarin @simp4panos @silentwolfsstuff @goldenempyrean @xxnaiaxx @liloandstitchstan @ktgoodmorning @chelseacult

[bangchanwifey]

‘i just wanna be one of your girls tonight’ - caitlin clark !

pairing(s): caitlin clark x female!reader

warnings: language, smut w no plot, strap sucking, strap on use, kinda aggressive cait

caitlin continued planting kisses to your neck as you started to move yourself against her lap. she smirked as she watched you, she could tell that you were needy.

your lips met again and you felt as her tongue lightly grazed over your lip. you felt her slip her tongue into your mouth causing you to moan, yet again.

she deepened the kiss as she pulled you closer to her, the space between you barely visible anymore. you could hear her breathing start to pick up as you moved yourself on her again.

“baby… need you so bad.” you whispered into her ear, practically sending shivers down her spine. your words caused her to get up from her spot. when she came back you noticed she had on the strap she had used on you many times before.

“get on your knees.” she spat out. you did exactly what she said, getting on your knees so you were now level with the strap. “start sucking, baby.” she said and you swore you could already feel yourself getting wet from her words.

again you did exactly what she said, your mouth making its way to her strap. you started to suck on it and you watched as she leaned her head back. “yeah… just like that. such a good girl.” she let out, causing you to move faster.

you sucked harder on her cock, your head bobbing as you moved. she brought one hand up to your hair pulling on it. the other one made its way to your face. she lightly grazed her thumb across your cheek causing you to moan against her.

“want me to fuck you now?” you quickly nodded at her words. she signaled for you to stop what you were doing and get on the bed.

once you were comfortable she made her way over to you. without a warning she was already lining her tip up with your entrance. “gonna make you feel so good.” she whispered into your ear before slamming into you.

you let out a pornagraphic moan causing her to pick up the pace. she grabbed onto your hips to keep you still. you knew there was gonna be marks later from how hard her fingers were digging into you.

“oh cait… feels so fucking good!” you moaned out. you saw her smirk at your praise. this caused her to slam harder into you. you heard her whimper underneath you making you smile up at her.

“taking me so well baby. love how pretty you look riding my cock like this.” she said before placing her lips against yours once again. you kissed her back eagerly, your hands moving to wrap around her neck.

“gonna cum cait!” you whispered looking into her eyes. she placed one last kiss to your lips before encouraging you to cum all over her cock.

you did just that, legs shaking from the overwhelming pleasure. you moved yourself off of her as you came down from your high. you stared at caitlin as she was trying to catch her breath.

her eyes finally met yours and she smiled at the fact that you were watching her. “i love you so much.” you let out, moving closer to her. you laid your head on her shoulder and she wrapped her arms around you.

pulling you closer to her she whispered, “i love you more.” she placed a soft kiss to your forehead before covering you up with a blanket. you moved your head to rest in the crook of her neck and she giggled at the contact.

“goodnight baby.” you whispered as you placed kisses along her neck. “goodnight y/n.” she replied

⇾ be sure to checkout my masterlist if you enjoyed! any type of interaction is appreciated :,)

⇾ ty for reading all the way through 💌💌💌 i hope you guys liked this one!!!! i promise i’m going to get to more requests soon i’ve just been really busy and these next couple days i’m also going to be busy but tysm for being patient! my bday is tomorrow so i’m gonna try to post a fic then for the fun of it!!! i love y’all

[baigepueckers]

Caitlin Clark X Reader

Out of Frame Part 3

The morning creeps in soft and gray. Rain patters against Caitlin’s apartment window like it’s trying to lull her back to sleep, but it’s too late for that. She’s already up, already sitting on the edge of her bed with her phone in her hands staring at a blank screen and pretending she isn’t waiting for your name to light it up.

It doesn’t.

She scrolls through your old messages instead. Most are work related…shoot schedules, post approvals, quick jokes about captions or emoji choices…but there are a few that linger. Ones where you sent her photos just because the lighting hit her right. A few where she made you laugh so hard you forgot to hit send on the final edit. One where you told her she looked calm. She had stared at that one for a few minutes.

Calm.

She doesn’t feel calm now.

Practice is still hours away, but she heads in early…hoping muscle memory will drown the static in her head. The gym lights are dimmed when she gets there, the air still cool and untouched. She dribbles alone for a while, letting the sound echo, until it becomes rhythm instead of noise.

She almost misses you.

You’re sitting cross legged on the floor near the sideline, camera in your lap, scrolling through preview frames. You’re wearing that oversized crewneck you always throw on when you’re editing…navy blue, sleeves baggy on your arms, thumb absently toying the drawstring as you hum under your breath.

She freezes mid dribble.

You haven’t seen her yet. And for a second, she’s tempted to leave. Pretend she wasn’t here first. Pretend she didn’t spend last night writing and deleting a confession she still doesn’t have the guts to say aloud.

But then your name slips from her mouth.

You glance up immediately, that warm look spreading across your face before your eyes fully focus on her.

“Didn’t think anyone else would be here yet” you say, your voice still rough from the early hour. “You okay?”

Her pulse stutters.

She drops her shoulders and nods. “Yeah. Just needed to shoot. Clear my head.”

You pat the floor beside you like it’s reserved. “Stay a bit. You’ve got time.”

She doesn’t even hesitate.

The ball rolls to a stop near your feet. You pick it up, spinning it idly between your palms like you’ve done it a thousand times. Your fingers brush the seams with a kind of familiarity that makes her chest ache.

“I’ve been going through some B roll,” you murmur. “I think I caught one of your assists from yesterday in a perfect tracking shot.”

“You didn’t even look at me yesterday” Caitlin says before she can stop herself.

The words come out softer than she intended…half hurt, half sarcastic, fully vulnerable.

You blink.

“I…what?”

She tries to shrug, but it lands wrong…stiff and too casual. “You were busy with the new guy. I didn’t think you saw.”

You frown, setting the ball down carefully.

“Caitlin…”

She doesn’t let you say anything else. The words inside her are too close to the surface now, pulsing with every beat of her heart.

“I hate that he made you laugh.”

Silence.

It drops between you like a pin in an empty room.

You straighten, eyes searching hers. “What?”

“I saw you two. You were laughing. Smiling. Standing close.”

Your brows draw together, confusion laced with something else. “He was asking about shutter speed.”

“You touched his wrist.”

“I was adjusting the lens….”

“You’ve never done that for me,” she says quietly.

Your mouth opens, then closes. She watches you cycle through thoughts you’re not sure how to voice.

She knows she’s not making sense. Or maybe she’s making too much sense. Either way, she can’t stop.

“I just….” she runs a hand through her hair, voice cracking. “I know it’s dumb. I know we’re just… this. But I liked thinking maybe it was more. Even if you didn’t know it.”

She finally looks at you. And it nearly guts her.

Because you don’t look mad. You don’t even look confused anymore. You look gentle. Guarded, but soft.

“Caitlin” you say again, slower this time. “Why would it matter if I laughed at him?”

Her breath catches.

She wants to tell you everything…that you’re all she thinks about, that your smile is the only thing keeping her anchored most days. That she’s rewritten every interaction with you a hundred different ways in her head just to see how they might end.

Instead, she says, “Because I want to be the one who makes you laugh like that.”

You go quiet.

She sees your throat bob as you swallow, something unreadable flashing in your eyes.

And for a second, she thinks maybe she’s ruined everything.

Then.

“I didn’t laugh at him” you murmur.

Her brows pull together.

“Not really,” you continue. “I was being polite. I thought you were ignoring me. You didn’t even say hi at shootaround.”

Caitlin looks away, shame flooding her chest. “I couldn’t. I was… I didn’t trust myself to sound normal.”

You shift closer. Just barely. Your knees touch.

“I always notice you,” you say softly. “Even when I shouldn’t.”

She lifts her gaze again.

Your smile is small. Real.

“Maybe we’re both terrible at saying things,” you add.

Something tight in her chest loosens, just enough for air.

She laughs, breathless. “We should probably work on that.”

You bump her knee. “Probably.”

Neither of you moves. The silence between you now is warmer, not thick with tension, but pulsing with something else.

Promise.

Still unspoken. Still fragile.

But real.

[enwoso]

back to you | alessia russo

masterlist

you'd always known that football was unpredictable. players moved teams all of the time, it was part and parcel of the game.

but when you heard a certain blonde english striker was signing for arsenal — your stomach dropped.

you found out the way in which most of the world did. through an instagram post. you being mid-scroll when you refreshed the page, the content getting a bit repetitive when you saw the announcement video. her last name on an arsenal shirt in big white bold letters: RUSSO.

alessia russo. at arsenal. at the same club you played for. the same team you played for.

it had been bad enough when you left manchester yourself almost a year and a half ago — you having played for the blue side. bad enough knowing you wouldn't have to see her in the same area.

bad enough pretending that your breakup of whatever you had been hadn't ruined you. bad enough having to hear her name in passing but knowing she wasn't yours anymore. but this? this was different.

it wasn't just playing against alessia twice a season anymore. it was seeing her basically everyday.

you were still staring at you phone when caitlin sat down beside you, peering at the screen before giving you a wary look, "you alright?"

you swallowed the lump that was forming in your throat and locked your phone, "yeah, just didn't expect it."

caitlin hesitated before nudging her knee with your own, "we don't have to talk about it, but.. if you want to, you know where i am."

you forced a small smile, thanking her. caitlin was probably the only one to know you had a history with the english striker.

that being through no fault of your own when you had a few too many and away came the drunken tears and you told the australian everything that had happened between the two of you through broken sobs, after only been at arsenal a few months.

you of course not remembering it until caitlin the next morning asked if you were okay and if you needed anything caitlin was there for you — you standing hungover and confused until caitlin explained the situation.

let's just say on every night out after that you made sure you only had a couple of glasses.

—

the room fell into an uncomfortable silence the moment, the blonde english international walked in.

it was brief, just a few second, but it was enough. enough for the tension to settle into the air, thick and unignorable. enough for you to feel every set of eyes flick between them, waiting to see if something was going to happen.

she didn't look up. didn't react. just kept tying her boots like she hadn't noticed.

but she did. she always noticed.

and then the conversations started again—forced, unnatural, everyone too aware of the shift of energy in the room.

you clenched your jaw, eyes narrowing at your laces as if it was the most important task in the world.

you heard the way some of the girls spoke a little too cheerfully, like they were trying to overcompensate, trying to smooth over the awkwardness with fake enthusiasm.

no one mentioned your name. no one dared.

it wasn't just the one fight that ended the two of you. it was all of them. the slow, painful accumulation of too much distance, too much silence, too much resentment.

at first, the two of you had been able to make it work. long drives between manchester and london, sneaking weekends together, facetimes that lasted until either of you fell asleep. but then, things started to shift.

alessia got busier while you got angrier.

you didn't mean to be. but you were exhausted—exhausted from always being the one to make the trip, cause alessia had too busy of a schedule meaning she couldn't leave manchester as freely as you could leave london.

you clearing your schedule just to be left waiting when alessia had to cancel again cause her shoot ran over. from feeling like you were constantly second place to a career you understood but couldn't help resenting.

the  fights became more frequent. petty at first—"why didn't you text me back?" "i don't know, y/n, maybe because i was at training?"— but then as time went on they were more brutal.

the kind of arguments that left them exhausted, gutted, questioning why you were even doing this.

the night it ended, alessia had been standing in your apartment doorway, arms crossed, eyes red-rimmed and tired.

"i can't keep doing this," she'd said, voice small, defeated.

and maybe that should have been the moment you softened. maybe you should have reached for her, should have tried to fix it.

but you were too angry. too hurt.

so instead, you scoffed, arms folded tightly across your chest. "then don't."

alessia flinched. and then she was gone. and you hadn't spoken since.

—

you weren't drunk enough.

not for this. not for the way alessia looked from across the bar, laughing at something beth said, all golden skin and annoyingly perfect.

not for the way her stomach twisted when their eyes met for a split second before alessia would look away.

your blood was already simmering, something between anger and regret clawing at your chest. and you knew it was stupid, you knew you should just ignore it, but instead, you found herself searching for a reason, any reason, to pick a fight.

so when alessia walked past her towards the bar, you seized the opportunity.

"didn't take you long to settle in, huh?" your voice was too sharp, too full of something you didn't want to name.

alessia froze for a second, shocked at the fact you were one talking to her and your sharp tone, before she turned to you. "what's that supposed to mean?"

you shrugged, swirling the dregs of your wine in your hand.

"just saying. you seem pretty comfortable here. thought you'd at least pretend it was an adjustment."

alessia narrowed her eyes. "it is an adjustment."

"right," you scoffed not convinced by her words "cause you look like you’re really struggling."

alessia's jaw clenched, and for a second, you thought she might just bite back. but then something in her expression shifted, softened, and she just sighed.

"i don't know why you're finding every opportunity to fight with me," she said, voice quiet but firm. "i see right through it, y/n. just stop."

you froze. because alessia was right. and that made you even angrier.

but before you could say anything, alessia shook her head, looking almost... tired. "i'm not doing this with you," she murmured, turning away.

and for some reason, that hurt more than anything else.

the night went on and you drank glass by glass of the same cheap white wine, watching as your teammates danced around. beth trying her luck to try and get you to dance but you were having non of it.

instead you found her later, she was tucked into a quieter corner of the club, eyes shining under the dim lights.

"you really hate me that much?" alessia's voice was quiet, hesitant.

you  scoffed, but it lacked the usual venom it had earlier in the night. "i never said i hated you."

alessia exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "then why does it feel like you do?"

your chest ached. "cause you left," she whispered. "you left, and then you moved on like i was nothing."

alessia's face twisted. "y/n, i never—"

"don't." your voice was sharper now back to its original sharpness. you shook your head, looking away. "you didn't even try to fix it."

silence. then, so quietly you barely heard it—

"i never stopped caring."

and that was it. you breath hitched and suddenly the tears that you hadn't even realised were building were spilling over before you could stop them.

alessia moved closer and she was there holding you, pulling you in like she'd never let go, again.

and there it was a kiss. soft. tentative. familiar. her lips moving against yours in a way that should of felt so wrong but ultimately felt so right. like they belonged there.

and you knew you shouldn't. knew you were exes for a reason. but then alessia was smirking against your lips, whispering in such a convincing way that you couldn't say no, "we're exes for a reason, you know."

you let out a breathless laugh, rolling your eyes. the alcohol you'd consumed maybe was clouding your mind but you were also in a state of mind where you knew this was what you wanted. she was what you wanted.

"yeah," you grabbed alessias shirt, pulling the blonde back in towards you, forgetting about the many eyes which were definitely watching on, "but we were also idiots."

and as your lips crashed together again, hands tangling and clinging to anywhere they could find on the others body, your breathing both hitching. you didn't let go.

maybe you'd both get it wrong again. maybe it would still hurt.

but right now? you didn't care.

[lalaluna20]

Supposed to go

Azzi x reader warnings: heaveyyy angst, 2024 final four 😬, heavy use of italics (sorry), uh yea…

this wasn't how it was supposed to go

At least not for azzi

For the first time, you were finally able to go to one of azzi’s games in her collegian career.

but

she didn't want it this way, this was never how it was supposed to go.

because now, she's sitting on the bench, unable to play on her biggest stage for the second time. feeling disappointment as heavy as the world, she looks over at you desperately seeking for your comfort.

but

this wasn't how it was supposed to go. because now you're sitting in the other section, covered in black and gold. sitting with her family.

you were supposed to be here for azzi, not for her.

azzi couldn't help but to get lost in thought. all the possibilities, all the things she could've done, should've done, all the regrets.

she regrets it all.

when you told her you were going to iowa for their creative writing program.

when she contacted her friend caitlin clark. they grew rather close while on fiba's U16 usa team. their friendship only grew while on U19. so azzi reached out to her, asking her to help you around and just be a familiar face. azzi knew you would be in good hands. caitlin's kind, funny, charming, she would bring you in with nothing but welcoming arms.

god she regrets it.

when you moved down to iowa city, you and azzi kept your routine. call once in the morning, text during lunch breaks, and call once after all your classes. but as time went on calls changed to once a day, to no texting over lunch breaks, to calls once a week.

until around a two weeks before her first season; azzi texted you out of no where.

hey, im sorry i haven't been able to talk much lately. things are just getting really busy with basketball. i dont think i'll be able to talk much until the season is over.

but of course you had to be a sweetheart. you always were.

it's okay az i understand just call/text me whenever you're free i miss you :( love you <3

if she could take it all back she would. but she can't.

she snaps out of her thoughts, feeling a tear filling her waterline. she forgets how much her heartbreaks thinking about how things went down.

she remembers how caitlin would post photos of the two of you, hanging out, getting coffee, books, you name it. but azzi never thought anything of it. she was too focused on her career.

but when she tore her acl it all changed. for the first time you were no longer there to comfort her. and although she had paige and her teammates, they never compared to you. not even close. but you’re 1046 miles away from her a 17 hour drive (not including traffic) now you were way too far and busy to even come back and comfort her. that didn’t mean you didn’t try, of course you did. you guys started calling twice a day again, started texting during lunch breaks again. it all helped the aching hole in azzi’s heart.

that was until she was scrolling through insta. watching insta stories while waiting for her physical therapy session. that’s when caitlin’s story pops up. it was a photo of you acrossed the table. the biggest, brightest smile on your face. one she hasn’t seen since you guys were kids. it made her heart ache, wishing she was the source of your happiness. but the nail on the coffin? was the caption. “one year with my beautiful girl 🖤 forever grateful to call her mine.”

for the first time the world stopped azzi felt a pain she has never felt before. far more painful than any acl tear.

all azzi could do was ask why? why didn’t you tell her? why did you start dating caitlin? why not her?

once again, snapping her out of her thoughts. Ice taps her on the shoulder. “azzi? you doing okay?”

god she needs to turn her mind off. “yea im fine ice.” she states far to quick to be considered normal. but ice doesn’t push it. especially not with how close the game is going.

that’s when gasps fill the stadium. yours sticking out the most to azzi. watching you stand in horror as you watch kate go down. kate martin being one of your first friends at iowa, after caitlin introduced the two of you. azzi would hear all about the adventures you and kate would go on over the late summer early fall months. whether that would be going to the farmers market in downtown, the apple orchard in the outskirts of iowa city, or the author visits the two of you would go to at this local bookstore. she watched as anne held you in her arms, telling you kate was going to be okay. she watched as you lit up seeing kate return to the floor, sighing a breath of relief.

but just as quickly, that breath was sucked back in. “THE OFFENSIVE FOUL ON EDWARDS” the commotion in the in the stadium louder than ever. the Iowa pep band rubbing salt into an already painful wound. the mix of defeat and frustration geno held making an uncomfortable huddle. emtions are high as caitlin heads to the line, shooting for two.

but azzi could care less, her eyes lock on you. watching your hands clasp together, your lips reading “we need this baby, just two more, please”. watching you practically shake with anticipation.

she watches as you cheer. 1.1 left on the shot clock as sydney takes the ball. you look exactly like you did when you got all A’s on your final report card back in high school. azzi felt her heart swell, but just as fast as she feels the warmth.

“clark bounces it off of bueckers out of bounds. with just one tenth of a second remaining.”

azzi feels her heart drop yet again. the guilt of being unable to support her team swallowing her whole. as they reset the time to 0.8. she watches her team. seeing the pain in their eyes, seeing the frustration and defeat in her coaches. she can’t bare to see it. she look at you, seeing the shaky hope in your eyes. knowing your little saying “you haven’t won till the buzzer hits zero” you’d say as you guys cuddle up on the couch watching wnba games.

god everything hurts.

the buzzer goes off. the rigging bringing you joy, but brings pain to azzi’s ears. she watches as you jump in the arms of caitlin’s family overcome by joy.

“AND THAT WILL DO IT!!”

“IOWA SURVIVES CONNECTICUT!!”

as they high five, azzi tries to hide her pain. giving a weak smile to her team usa friend.

this was never how it was supposed to go

as azzi waits in the locker room, waiting for her teammates to get done with interviews, waiting for the locker room discussion. she watched the livestream taking place. watching as caitlin goes to look for you. watching as she hugs her father, mother, brothers. then she watches as caitlin picks you up, twirling you around and kissing you on the lips. “baby we did it.” caitlin says with the biggest grin. “i’m so proud of you” you state before kissing her again, cheers erupting from her teammates, coaches and supporters.

azzi shuts her phone off, feeling sick to her stomach. it shouldve been her. you should be in her arms, she shouldve been playing, she should be the one going to the championship. but it’s not, and all she could do now was wish it was her. she tries to hold back her tears, but before she even knows it, they’re flooding out like an uncontrollable river.

this was never how it was supposed to go.

after a month i finally wrote it T~T thank you for reading! i hope you enjoyed! taglist: @ashortyluvsports, @itsssports, @salemsuccss, @d1paigebueckersglazer, @laurenmcucm, @sweetbcgs, @bueckersverse, @mariahthealchemist, @pbno5

[moonlight-alexia]

Starfish and Caitlin comforting Katie after the lose to Slovenia on Facetime.

not really posting/writing atm but i couldn't not do this one <3 so pls enjoy i really hope you do

any and all feedback, comments, reblogs etc are very appreciated and welcome <3

gentle connection ᡣ𐭩 •｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅

‘Mammy!’ You exclaimed when you saw your mammy’s face through the screen of your mummy’s phone. You were on camp with your mummy and you tried to talk to your mammy whenever you got the chance. But mostly you were out like a light from running around with Harper and the other Australia girls all day.

‘Starfish, inside voice remember,’ Your mummy reminded you, you hadn’t had a big day like the last few so you were excited that you were able to talk to your mammy. 

Caitlin had called Katie a bit earlier while Alanna and Kyra were distracting you so your mummy could comfort your mammy a little. They were both lucky, you understood emotions and what other people needed often but sometimes they still need those moments just the two of them. 

‘Hi mammy,’ You whispered, giving a little wave to Katie who was on the other side of the phone. 

‘Hi my little Starfish,’ Katie smiled softly, giving you a little wave back. Seeing you, even if it was through a screen, made Katie’s day a lot better. Your mammy, not that she would really admit it, had been missing you a bit more this camp. A lot for her to adjust to and if it wasn’t for Australia’s kit debut, you would’ve been there with her instead. Something that Caitlin now felt a little guilty about now after seeing how deflated Katie was.

You sat in your mummy’s lap, her arms wrapped around your waist while you happily talked your mammy’s ear off. It wasn’t often Katie was this quiet, but she was more than happy to listen to everything you’d been up to right now. The first time you’d been away from your mammy where you’d barely been able to talk to her, and listening to you talk, the familiarity helped your mammy. 

‘I’m having lots of fun mammy, but I miss you and counting down the days til ‘m home with you,’ Your voice trailed off, you were observant, your mums knew that but they often forgot just how observant and in tune with others you were, that it might become a problem for you later on. 

But now, you gave your mammy a small smile while she told you how much she misses you and can’t wait til you’re all home again, ‘Mummy,’ Your voice cut through the little silence that had floated between the three of you, you turned your head looking at Caitlin. Your mummy hummed a little in acknowledgment, ‘Can I talk to mammy, just me and mammy please,’

Caitlin smiled and placed you down in the middle of the bed, making sure you were all comfy against the pillows. There used to be times Caitlin would feel a tinge of insecurity if you’d want to just talk to your mammy. Perfectly normal, not feeling like she was integrating well into yours and Katie’s dynamic, but she was long over that and enjoyed seeing that bond you had with your mammy, ‘I’ll be right across with Kenzie if you need me,’ 

Your mummy placed a kiss against your forehead before leaving you and your mammy alone. You yawned a little, Katie almost jumping in to suggest you having a little sleep while she stayed on the phone with you, but your voice stopped her before she could say anything, ‘Mummy said you might be a bit sad, you’re more quiet,’ 

Katie gave you a small smile, they tried to be as open with their feelings with you in hopes that when you’d feel safe enough to talk to them about your feelings, ‘It’s been a hard day Starfish. A big loss but seeing you now makes it all better,’ 

Your little eyebrows furrowed while you were thinking, ‘Y’know mammy, mummy lost big too. Yous are the same!’ Katie smiled, a little laugh at the way your eyes lit up when you’d made the connection. Your mummy’s games hadn’t been going all that well either.

‘I guess we are, aren’t we,’ You were happy that you could get a little laugh from your mammy, your efforts to comfort her you believed to have succeeded. You tried to not think too much so you wouldn’t accidentally frown and worry your mammy, but you were starting to realise how hard it was when you were away from either of your mums when they were upset. Wishing they could be happy all the time and never sad.

‘Gonna give you a hug mammy,’ You held the phone against your chest. Katie smiled and, even though you couldn’t see, she held her phone against her chest. To anyone else it might seem strange but to Katie it was really comforting, even though the slight ache in her chest wishing that it was real.

‘I love you Starfish, you give the best hugs,’ Soon enough you’d be home and able to give your mammy a real hug.

[foreingersgod]

babes ur writing is so good , can you write something where the reader is going to indiana with caitlin but is nervous that cait will forget about her ???

*i think i interpreted this wrong so i’m so sorry lmao

Champagne Coast . CC

pairing: caitlin clark x reader

synopsis: request ^

A/N: y’all i’m so sorry for how long this took me!! and i feel like my writing has really deteriorated so please give me feedback and let me know if you like it or totally hate it lmao, thanks for your patience!!

also sorry i had to use YN like ONCE !!

wc: 10.6k

Finishing eight or nine?

Tell me, what's the perfect time?

your bowl had been placed in the dishwasher long ago, countertop cleaned and leftovers placed in the nearly empty fridge. dinner was growing cold and you hadn’t cared to wait, opting to eat alone yet again before residing in the living room. the tv played in the background with some arbitrary doctors show from the 90s as you sat patiently watching the clock. the hands were beginning to collect dust, you noticed, though it had only been up for a few months upon your move to indiana. each tick seems to mock you the more time dragged on.

she was supposed to be home long ago. practice would have been done at 8 or 9 and it was now approaching 11. this is what it always was, waiting up for her well into the night when the street lamps turned on and the sky grew dark. and you’d wait up like you always did as you were unable to sleep without her. especially in this new home, new bed, new sheets, new life. it never quite bothered you that caitlin would show up late every once and awhile, but it had started to become a habit, and you were left cold and alone. pestering her about being home at a certain time wasn’t fair to her by any means, knowing that she was just going and getting to know her team some more. but recently it felt like you were navigating this milestone in your life by yourself-your girlfriend hardly around to comfort your racing mind.

when caitlin had been drafted, you knew immediately in your heart that it was going to be rough. change was something of a challenge for you and it terrified you more than anything. you recalled sitting at that table, hearing her name announced and the deafening cheers, thinking about how excited you were for her. and even though you were thrilled for her, you couldn’t help but think about how your perfect world was going to slowly crumble. caitlin insisted that things wouldn’t fall apart, just adjust for the future you were going to build together. but now you were here, in this house-not home-trying to convince yourself that all of it was true.

suddenly, you were pulled from your period of musing when the lock of the front door clicked. it was followed by the faint creaking of hinges, old brass from the 70s, your land lord had claimed. you thought she was full of shit. weary eyes traveled to the opening door to see a very tired caitlin walking in. her hair was tousled, post practice shirt just slightly wrinkled, the slightest bags under her eyes that she insisted weren’t there. she was struggling with the move just as much as you, though she’s never admit it.

“hey,” you uttered just enough to be heard over the television. feelings of your isolation had begun to dissipate the moment you saw your girl, relief running through your veins “you’re home”

“yea” she cleared her throat as she let her bag fall to the floor. the squeak of her shoes echoed against the walls when she toed them off, eventually setting them on the rack beside the door. there was an uneasiness laced in her voice you had picked up on. she didn’t seem angry nor irritated, but she was far from her usual self when she was home. she’d typically be thrilled to see you, ready to be in your arms again and let the stress from the day wash off. you were the first thing she’d looked for when she stepped across the threshold. but tonight, her eyes were hesitant to find yours.

“are you alright?” you watched as she shuffled into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water, skipping over the leftovers that you had considerately set aside just for her. her favorite meal dished into the nicest tupperware you owned. her slim figure leaned against the cool marble countertop, taking a swig of the water “you seem a bit…off”

“just tired” she glanced at you, locking eyes for what felt like the first time since she’d been home. a weak smile made its way onto her lips as she studied your position on the couch. you couldn’t lie, she did look tired, but part of you couldn’t shake the feeling that had been consuming you for months. the distance that basketball had created made it feel like you and caitlin were living separate lives, when really, this should be something you tackled together. you couldn’t blame her for any of it even if you wanted to, just hoping that things would go back to the way they were.

you wished she were home more, that her presence would provide you some sort of reassurance. maybe just to convince you that you weren’t going insane, liked you were trapped within these walls for a reason other than her career. it had been a while since you felt like you were living a life that didn’t solely revolve around caitlin’s.

“okay” you smiled back bitterly without pressing any further. any energy you had for a conversation like that had left your body hours ago. reaching for the remote and lifting yourself off the couch, you motioned to the stairwell. considering she didn’t even acknowledge the food, you assumed settling down for the night was what you both needed “ready for bed?”

she blinked rapidly, kissing her teeth silently when she noticed the annoyance in your voice. guilt consumed her as she saw the look on your face, the twinge of desire lost from your eyes.

“mhm” she hummed in agreement as she followed you upstairs to the bedroom.

maybe you both just needed some sleep, caitlin thought. neither of you were mad nor cross with each other, but you’d be fools if you didn’t sense the tension in the air. things had been different for quite some time now, all of it too confusing to address, leaving you to wallow in the awkwardness for days now. but if there was any time, any place, where all that was left at the door? it would be here with each other in bed. it was something of a safe haven, nothing else mattered when you left your worries at the door and held each other tightly.

like clockwork, you stripped of your typical daywear down to your lace panties and one of caits t-shirts. it had a worn down high school logo on it, the design fading from the countless times it had been through the wash. she, likewise, pulled her sweaty gym shirt off her body to replace it with one from her closet. you crawled under the covers whilst you took off your earrings, setting them on the small tray on your nightstand-something you picked out at target when you and caitlin went decor shopping for the new apartment. you had barely noticed caitlin also climbing into bed as the memory of that day overtook you. no words were exchanged as you both settled into the sheets, pulling the thick duvet over your shoulders and finally letting your muscles relax. it was only when a pair of burley arms wrapped around your waist, a familiar nose prodding against your collarbone, did the silence break.

“love you” caitlin whispered, breath warm on your skin “m’sorry i was late tonight and that i missed dinner. i’ll make it up to you”

“s’ok cait,” you murmured, sleep tugging at your eyelids. you brought a hand up to her head as you raked your fingers through her hair, she always loved it when you did “i love you too”

it mattered not what she did to make it up to you. she could do anything in the world, buy you countless gifts, take you on a million trips, but it wouldn’t change the one thing your heart desired for.

her.

I told you I'll be waiting

Hiding from the rainfall

trying to navigate to the locker room was a difficult task, having to push past the cheering crowds in a stadium you weren’t familiar with. you were surrounded by a blur of seattle’s green and yellow jerseys as you looked for any sort of path to follow. indiana had just taken quite the loss against the storm and you knew, the second you heard the buzzer sound, that you needed to find caitlin as soon as possible. eventually, you found where you needed to be and beelined for the locker room, hoping she hadn’t already gone looking for you.

the large metal doors stood tall in front of you when you arrived at the locker room entrance. the shift from the excitement out on the stadium floor to this quiet displeasure was staggering and you weren’t even inside yet. whatever you were about to be faced with would break your heart, you could already see it now. you pictured caitlin sitting down, head in her hands as she tapped her foot anxiously and made her best attempt to hold back her tears. she had been struggling with everything recently-the move, the new team, the continuous losses-it was slowly chipping away at her.

however, after pushing the doors open and stepping inside, it was quite the opposite from what you expected. the doors clicked shut behind you, causing the noise to reverberate around the desolate room as you took in the sight before you. and just as you imagined, your heart slowly began to twinge. caitlin sat there on the bench alone, head leaned against her locker as her chest heaved up and down. tears cascaded down her face and her lip quivered the more she sobbed. wispy strands of hair stuck to her forehead from all the sweat and her hands clutched the sides of her head in frustration. you had never seen her in such a state. caitlin was typically reserved, even with you, not wanting to be open and vulnerable. but here you were, seeing her with all of her guards down.

“caitlin” you breathed, immediately rushing over to her. you fell to your knees, body slotting between her thighs. shaky hands came to rest on her legs hesitantly as to not make matters worse “hey, hey what’s going on baby?”

she made a weak attempt at looking at you, tears blurring her vision. a hiccup escaped her chapped lips when she felt your soothing touch on her clammy skin. caitlin couldn’t even manage the words, thoughts lost in her own mind, only tangling more as she continued her cries. she managed to push herself off the locker, letting herself collapse into you as she shook her head. something to signal her unwillingness to talk. her large arms and heavy torso clashed against you as you enveloped her into a hug. warm tears dropped onto your shoulder as she pressed her cheek into your clavicle, creating a damp spot on your indiana fever t-shirt.

“shhh, i know you’re upset,” you rubbed circles onto her back, palm running across the fabric of her jersey “but i need you to talk to me, i can’t make it better if you won’t tell me”

“i just-” she croaked, voice wavering “i feel like…like a failure”

your body went stiff, the movements of your hand stopping momentarily. you hoisted her back up to face her in disbelief. the confession had taken you aback-not that caitlin had been anything but humble, but she knew how amazing she was, of her immense impact on the sport. to hear that word tumble from her lips, masked by a series of desperate whimpers, was enough to break you.

“caitlin,” you dragged on, feeling yourself at a loss for words. everyone thought so highly of your girl and it crushed you to hear her say those words “you are so far from that”

you watched her throat bob as she swallowed harshly. she tugged at the bottom of her jersey, bringing it up to her face to wipe some of the sweat away. in reality it was just an excuse to hide her blood shot eyes. another shake took possession of caitlin’s head to deny your statement.

“yea well my performance begs to differ”

“one bad game isn’t-”

“it’s not just one game” she cut you off before you could even begin to disagree. she had stopped crying by now, intense emotions now overtaken by aggravation “it’s several games. i keep fucking up. missing shots, turning over the ball-shit”

her rambles trailed off in a rampage of huffs and groans, her breath hot as she breathed angrily out of nose. she was always too hard on herself, lost in the heat of the moment and not giving herself any grace for all the hard work she’s put in thus far. it was a topic that began to consume your daily life. caitlin couldn’t seem to shake off the struggles of the day, in turn bringing them home where they became your baggage as well. of course you didn’t mind being there for your girl-hell, you’d do anything for her no matter what-but it was all starting to get exhausting.

you hated that you had these thoughts in the first place, feeling like a bad partner because you couldn’t bare the repetition of these conversations. time after time after time again you’d beat yourself up over it. caitlin deserved the world and more, but you deserved that just as much and these restless nights weren’t providing that. you didn’t even know what to say anymore, torn between how you wanted to proceed.

“there’s a lot on your plate,” you reassured, getting off your knees and taking a seat next to her on the bench. caitlin’s head automatically went to your shoulder as you took one of her hands in yours “you’re just starting out…don’t be so hard yourself. i know it’s rough, but you’re doing what you can and that’s what makes you so amazing. give yourself some grace, babe”

“i know but,” she sniffled, feeling a sense of calmness rush over her as you toyed with her fingers. it kept her distracted, grounded her for the time being “i don’t know, i’ve just been wanting to be the best all the time-for everyone-and i can barley even keep my head straight”

“i think i can speak for everyone when i say you’ve blown us all away” you traced along her lengthy fingers “your fans, your family, me…we’re all so proud of how far you’ve come”

she sighed deeply, you could practically feel the relief dispersing in her veins. in trying times like this, this is exactly what she needed. you were the shoulder to cry on, the answer to all her problems.

“you always know what to say”

she was right, you did. you’d always have the most thoughtful response lined up, no matter the reason or time. partially because it came so naturally to you, having an empathetic heart since forever, but partially from the consistency of these conversations. you couldn’t even count on your fingers the amount of times you’d sit with caitlin on tough nights, rubbing her back and whispering softly in her ear to bring her back to reality.

“well it’s the truth” you chimed “i’m always going to be here for you, cait”

you always are.

she offered you a smile through puffy pink lips, sore from biting them in strain. caitlin found the strength to pull away from you as her hands left yours, only to plant them right back onto your cheeks. her hands felt heavy on your skin when she brought your face to hers gently. your lips met in a sharp yet delicate kiss, caitlin eager to feel you against her again. but it hadn’t felt usual to you, as your bottom lip caught between her teeth and as your tongue collided with hers. it lacked that passion, that thrill of reveling in your lovers embrace. what was once fire was now a mere ember is a pool of spreading ash. you had feared this feeling for quite sometime although you’d never admit it, it felt as if she was slipping through your fingers.

bit by bit.

Tell me, what's the joy of giving

if you're never pleased?

she had changed.

locking herself away and distancing herself further from you as the season went on. she had always been hard on herself, but even then, she knew when enough was enough and what her limits were. but it seemed that after each game, she lost control of herself more and more. you had never seen her be so critical, so judgmental about her abilities.

it was hard to watch one of the most important people in your life shut themselves away. you wanted nothing more than to be there for her, but she put on the same facade each time and claimed that it as a slump to overcome. but could you really call it a slump when it was starting to weasel its way into the foundations of your relationship?

you hated to think it, but you felt neglected; your wellbeing didn’t feel like it was a priority to caitlin anymore. she used to be so sweet, attentive and caring when you were back in iowa. you wished that you were just as important as basketball. but the mere thought of accusing her of abandoning you seemed harsh when you considered bringing it up to her, because in all fairness, she was undergoing one of the biggest milestones in her life. but that didn’t mean that pushing you aside was fair either. you were taking care of the apartment, running all the errands, helping her balance her schedule, comforting her every single night as she saught after you for solace…and then managing your own life on top of that.

some days it felt like she didn’t even bat an eye at the lengths you went for her. how her laundry was done and set on her dresser, how dinner was made each night, how you picked up her favorite protein powder at the grocery store because you noticed that she was running low? she had began to expect it the more you pushed, not even offering so much as a ‘thank you’ or any regard of appreciation.

you could only give so much with little in return, you need her just as much as she needed you.

On my last strength against you

Baby, tell me what you need

you were happy for her, truly you were. it was so rewarding to see caitlin bond with her team and start to navigate her place in the W. she was beginning to believe in herself and that’s all a girlfriend could want for her partner. but something continued to gnaw at you.

you were doing everything in your power to make more time for caitlin-even if it should be the other way around. maybe by clearing up your schedule, it would make it easy for caitlin to make time for you. but you were sorely mistaken, you couldn’t force someone to make time for something that barely crossed their mind. and perhaps it was a foolish thought. an accusation a bit too cruel, but it was hard to watch caitlin celebrate life without you when most of it was owed to you. no one else served as her backbone, her crutch as she climbed her way to the top.

it was a bittersweet feeling for the most part. you smiled when seeing all the team pictures posted on instagram, chuckling lightly when caitlin retold stories of practices as she got ready for bed each night-the only time you seemed to get with her nowadays. but then there were the tears when you ate meals alone at the head of the table, staring off into the empty seat where she should be sat. and of course the mornings where you didn’t feel like getting out of bed because facing reality of your crumbling relationship was too much to bare.

it was an unfair truth; as she glances off in another direction, you’ll be glancing back to her.

Young as I want to know

I will never let you go

“baby?” her voice felt foreign in your ear. you hadn’t heard that pet name in a while.

“hm?” you responded mindlessly, unable to form a genuine reaction.

you were sat on the balcony of you apartment, the sliding glass doors open behind you. it would let the autumn chill into the house, you told caitlin many times to not leave it open. but she disregarded your commands as she leaned against the frame of the door. you had a small blanket draped over your lap to protect your bare legs from the nippy weather of the changing seasons, your chin resting on your palm as you over looked the view of indiana. your mind felt blank and overcrowded at the same time and trying to clear your head with some fresh air didn’t seem to help at all.

you hadn’t realized she would be home so soon. after all it was 5:00 on a friday evening, you presumed she’d be out with the team or running extra drills with aliyah, hell even at a media event of some sorts. you never knew what it was anymore with her. she didn’t bother to text or update you, most times you only knew of her whereabouts from socials or her family.

“are you ok?” she asked again “it’s freezing out here, you should be inside”

“it’s too stuffy” you sighed, inhaling sharply as the breeze brought in another gust “i can’t be in there right now”

you felt her tense up behind you, the image of her shoving her hands into her pockets formed in your peripheral. this was the most you two had interacted in a while, but your moody attitude appeared sudden to caitlin.

“why not?”

“jus’ can’t”

an unsteady silence filled the atmosphere. the only noises left to be heard were the sniffling of your red and runny nose and the traffic blaring below the apartment complex. you had hoped she’d leave you alone and walk back inside. the optimism of trying had started to disappear and you didn’t think you had much fight left in you. you planned to savor the last bits of energy you had to keep this alive, although today didn’t feel like one of those days. you continued to look out into the distance when she finally moved. you felt the spot next to you plunge as she took a seat.

“you never answered me,” her hand came to rest reassuringly on your thigh. despite the blanket that separated your skin, the contact still felt cold “are you doing ok?”

she had already picked up on your weariness, you were never so shut off when you were with her. but you couldn’t pretend to care when she couldn’t either.

“mhm” everything in you fought to not make it sound so obvious, the sound of your heart breaking as you croaked out the words “i’m good”

caitlin was doing so well and you couldn’t bring yourself to be the bitchy girlfriend that was groveling for attention. you weren’t okay, your relationship wasn’t, but if you just sat in the quiet and let it blow over then maybe it would be. you feared being seen as selfish and you felt guilty as you pushed caitlin away with your short answer.

she huffed, pulling her hand away from you as she hunched over her self, elbows on her knees and head in her hands.

“weeks ago you were talking about how excited you were for fall” she muttered “so that you could put out decorations and we could cuddle up on the couch and watch those old scary movies you love so much”

you allowed yourself to look in her direction, noticing how her face was covered by her beautiful long hair. but you didn’t need to see her to know that she wasn’t pleased.

“but the house looks the same and you’ve been sitting on the balcony every day even though you know it’s gonna make you sick” she craned her neck to look out across the city and you could see the trail of tears in her eyes. just glossy, but not enough to fall “it doesn’t sound like you’re ok”

you couldn’t do this, not right now.

“i’m sorry” you breathed “i understand your concern. i just think i’m a little stressed is all you know? just got a lot going on right now and i guess my focus has just been elsewhere. i’m sorry”

a nearly complete lie, all your focus had been on her these days.

“no need to be, i get it, and you know you can always talk to me about these things. but you gotta come inside, babe” she prodded “you’ll catch a cold”

with reluctance, you gave into her request and pushed the blanket off your lap. caitlin watched as you folded it and draped it over your arm before taking your hand and guiding you inside. the warmth and the calming pumpkin scent of your candle enveloped you like a hug, putting you at ease for the time being.

the both of you fell back into your typical routine almost instantly. no words were exchanged as she headed upstairs to shower, and you moseying into the kitchen to start on dinner. some polite conversation was made when caitlin came back downstairs with wet hair and freshly moisturized skin to help you finish dinner, but that’s as far as it went. no hugs from behind as you stood at the stove, no kisses on the neck, no laughter that was pure enough to make your stomach hurt. but it was simple and it was nice, enough to hold you over until the rubber band holding you together finally snapped.

Trading a baseball lover as I face the snow

“alright,” you said as you walked into the living room, heels padding against the carpet of the hallway and your dress itching at the skin on your legs. your fingers fiddled with your last earring, making you huff in relief when the clasp finally shut “i’m ready!”

it was date night tonight, the first in what felt like years, and there weren’t any words that could describe how ecstatic you were. just the thought of some much needed bonding time with caitlin gave you hope. yes times have been tough, but there wasn’t anything a little quality time (and maybe some good sex) couldn’t fix. you had been planning this night for sometime, making sure you both had the evening off and meticulously scheduling every last minute of the night. you were optimistic that tonight would open up a new door for progress.

but when you walked into the living room, your heart sunk. here you were, all dolled up with the prettiest smile on your face, waltzing into the most disappointing sight.

caitlin sat on the couch, legs spread and back against the soft cushions. she had her phone in hand, hair pulled back like always…and most definitely in a dirty tee shirt from her hamper and a pair of sweats. certainly not date attire, you knew.

“cait” you stood blankly “it’s 7:00”

“uh yea” she responded, only looking up from her phone for a moment, then quickly doing a double take once she realized your physical state “what’s with the dress? i mean you look as beautiful as always but-”

“are you serious?” you scoffed. you couldn’t believe what you were hearing. never in a million years did you think this would happen in your relationship. caitlin wasn’t like that.

“what do you mean ‘am i serious’?” she was taken aback, frustration already evident on her face as her checks glowed a shade of red “i just asked a fucking question”

“you really don’t know?” shoulders slumping when you realized she actually did forget.

she shook her head, brows furrowing as she awaited your response. a quick “no” fell from her lips.

“is the 24th caitlin” you chewed at your lip nervously, trying to hold back tears. you voice wavered as it caught it your throat, making you sound weak and defeated “our date?”

the color drained from her face in seconds, gaze softening and lips downturned. she was off the couch in seconds as she stumbled towards you, bringing your hands into hers. but you pulled them away swiftly and shot her a glare. you were done with the excuses, done with being left in the dust

“babe, i’m so sorry” she shook her head and brushed off the sting that came with your reluctance to her touch “i totally spaced, i could’ve sworn it was next week”

“i’ve been talking about this for months, caitlin” the words stumbled out from gritted teeth, jaw clenched in anger. you had no idea what to say anymore.

she gulped deeply as she looked down to her feet, she was in the doghouse for sure. although you’d consider her fate to be much worse than that. you began to sniffle upon her silence. could she really not manage to say anything right now?

“let me make it up to you” she tried to compromise. part of her knew she’d never be able to outlive this, but she was delusional enough to still believe she could somehow fix it.

“no,” you breathed, bending down to take off your heels. there wasn’t even a point in salvaging this tonight “just forget it”

“no really, you’re upset and this meant a lot to you and i want to fix it”

that was your breaking point. perhaps she didn’t mean it that way, but did she really only see this as something important to you? did she care at all about spending time with you? you wouldn’t be dumb to think that she wouldn’t, she had hardly done anything recently to make you think otherwise.

“really?” you sneered again, there was nothing holding you back anymore. you tossed your shoes onto the couch, leaving them as a problem for later “you want to fix this because it meant a lot to me?”

caitlin tried to study your facial features as she said nothing yet again. she couldn’t tell if you were genuinely mad or just annoyed, willing to forgive or prepared to hold this against her. she noticed the deepened tones of your cheeks and nose, the twitch of your left eyebrow, and the motion of your tongue darting out to sooth the previous bites on your lip. she had never seen you this mad, not in the eternity she had known you. you were such a sweet and loving person, incapable of talking bad about someone or staying mad for long. but she’d be damned if it felt you hadn’t changed within a second.

“i thought you would’ve cared too” you continued “you know, since i’m your girlfriend and you should also want to spend time with me”

“i do spend time with you”

“the fuck you do”

“what the hell does that mean?” she questioned angrily “of course i do, i’ve just been busy”

“please enlighten me then” you couldn’t help but roll your eyes “when was the last time we spent time together?”

“well what about tuesday, huh? when we, uh..when we watched that movie before bed? or when we both went to the team dinner the other night? that was spending time together wasn’t it?”

“no i watched the movie, you barely talked to me all night and the crawled into bed and went to sleep with your back turned,” you choked up as you recalled the memory, you remembered how much it broke your heart. your fingers came to pinch the bridge of your nose as the familiar sting of tears washed over you. “and really, the team dinner? you call that spending time? is it really that if you just chat with your buddies the whole night? you practically ignored me the entire time”

she kissed her teeth at you, clearly aggravated, but deep down she knew you were right. she hadn’t been good to you at all these last few months. and if she were to really be fair to herself, she’d have to admit that it was taking a toll on her too. she didn’t know why she was doing this, why she was acting this way, but she had already made her bed and she’d have to lie in it. this was a habit she knew she’d been baring for quite some time, pulling away when things got hard, leaving her loved ones to cope with the pain from her mistakes. and it broke her heart each time, but with you, it was like she was losing air.

“i’m trying here, alright?” her throat was dry as she tried to give you some poor excuse. she was too caught up in her own shame that she was digging her grave deeper.

“look caitlin,” you glared “i don’t know what the hell is going on with you, but i’m tired. trying just won’t cut it. i know you’ve felt the distance too, we haven’t been normal for a while now and it’s killing me. i can’t eat alone every night, have you come home just to ignore me, and the only time i get with you is under the public eye or with your friends. i know you have shit going on, cait, but you keep pushing me further and further away from you and i don’t know how much longer i can take it. i’m here for you time and time again and you can’t find it in yourself to set aside one fucking night for me”

you chewed at your lip, carefully navigating your next move before continuing.

“i left my entire life behind for you, caitlin. my friends, my family, everything that i have ever known. i left it all to be here with you and support you. and the fact that i spend every day mourning you when you’re in the same house is suffocating, i just can’t do it”

body shaking with anticipation, you looked down at your bare feet. you couldn’t bring yourself to look her in the eyes anymore. before you could stop it, sobs racked your body, tears cascading down your face. the emotions were too much to handle.

“babe-” she cooed, voice softening upon your confession. she’d never felt so disappointed in herself.

“stop,” you said meekly, cutting her off through your own sniffles. you forced yourself to look at her briefly, wiping away the mascara that had definitely accumulated under your eyes. whatever she had to say, you couldn’t hear it tonight. whether it be an apology or total rejection, the end to this period of suffering was about to end and you weren’t ready to deal with it head on yet “i think we need some time, caitlin. i just-i’m too upset and i’m hurting and i think time will do us some good”

“wait what?”

“you need to work out your shit. i don’t know, i think i’ll go to one of my friends places or something for a while..because i can’t put myself through anymore of this”

“no,” it came out as a blurt, her mouth moving before she could think. although she wouldn’t want to think, the image of you leaving plaguing her mind already “please, no, we can figure this out! god, fuck- just please don’t leave me”

you watched her slowly breakdown, she was becoming increasingly hysteric as begged you to stay. you gulped hard when she started crying along with you, another one of the few times she had shown you this side of her. it pained you to see the sight, your instincts told you to take it all back and reassure her everything was ok. but you had to keep your head high and remind yourself that things wouldn’t be ok if you didn’t look out for yourself, even if that included stepping away from caitlin for a few days.

“i’m not…i’m not leaving you, cait. just gonna take some time away, we both need to think about how this relationship is going to continue. and i can’t have an open mind if the cycle continues. but i promise it’s not goodbye, ok?”

she breathed through staggered hiccups, trying to force her body to relax. she couldn’t stand to be without you, even if it didn’t seem like it these past few months. her calloused hand came up to run down her face, taking the tears with it in an attempt to calm down.

“yea” she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. she hated this, but she knew you both needed the time. you were always right “yea, ok”

and with that, you reluctantly stalked to the bedroom to pack a bag for a few days. shoving random shirts and shorts into the small duffel, avoiding the ones that you’d previously stolen from caitlin over the years. she had opted to sulk alone in the living room, bracing herself by sitting on the couch. she still couldn’t process any of this, the fact that she wouldn’t be with you for more than a day made her sick. even more sick at the fact that you couldn’t talk this out right away, you’d both have to navigate your feelings alone for a while.

she was perched at the edge of the couch, knee bouncing at an alarming rate. her gaze was fixed at the wall in front of her, staring at the variety of pictures that you’d hung on the wall. some of you both when you were younger, others of pictures with your families, and a few from the vacations and holidays you two shared since you’d been together. but her favorite ones, the ones she couldn’t bring herself to look away from, where the one of just you both. her eyes flickered across each and everyone, looking at the way you smiled at her, eyes almost welling up again when she saw how happy you guys were. she’d do anything to have those moments back, go back in time and stop herself from treating you so horribly.

she was disrupted from her period of musing when she heard you walk down the stairs for the second time tonight. you came into view with a bang slung across your shoulder, high heels replaced with a beat up pair of converse. you grabbed your keys as you stopped momentarily to give caitlin a saddened look, lips drawn in an apologetic smile. but you had nothing to be sorry for, caitlin thought when she gave you a similar look in return.

“hey,” she said before you could reach the front door. you turned your head, hand resting on the knob. desperation lingered in her eyes “i love you, and i’m so fucking sorry”

you dipped your head and pursed your lips, letting her know of your approval before fully opening the door and beginning a solemn ascent to your friends apartment.

“i know”

On my last strength against you

Baby, tell me what you need

it had been 6 days. 6 agonizingly long days.

she had nothing but time to think, and yet, she couldn’t seem to gather her thoughts at the same time. her mind was everywhere, bouncing from regret and guilt, to anger and dissatisfaction, and of course the remorse and pain. this is what caitlin was afraid of doing, pushing herself so far away that it had finally gotten to you. she’d gotten caught up in her head so deep that she failed to realize how much you were hurting. she’d never forgive herself for this.

everything felt gloomier without you, she noticed that now. there was a certain comfort in you being there, even if she did ignore you and push you to the side, you’d always be there and she abused that luxury. from the moment you left the essence of your shared home shifted uncomfortably. it was like a storm had unleashed its wicked winds to reign terror over the household, dulling your spirt that had kept it so pleasant and welcoming.

but she had to admit, the time was good. she needed to sit and make a change, promise herself that she’d get better for you. even if that did mean she’d have to sleep alone for a few nights, order takeout because her cooking would never amount to yours, brush her teeth before bed and come home from practice with you nowhere in sight. it was a necessary torture, but only temporary, she reminded herself. maybe she’d never know why she was acting the way she was, have to come to terms with the fact that she’s a shitty girlfriend and doesn’t deserve the apology she hoped you were willing to give. but despite knowing or not knowing, at least she could catch the poison that was her troubled subconscious before it could sink too deep. it was time to give up the self loathing and internal ridiculing. she wouldn’t let herself hurt you anymore

caitlin had always struggled with holding herself to an unachievable standard, convincing herself that she would never be enough or worthy of all this attention. she couldn’t believe that so many people wanted to watch her play, that she was first pick and that she was finally playing pro like she always wanted-part of her thought it was too good to be true. but she didn’t want to wake up from this implausible dream, forcing herself to go above and beyond just to hold onto it. and in the process, she’d forgotten to make time for you too. it was foolish, to ignore you like she had, you were her everything. every waking moment, at every practice and at every game, you consumed the entirety of her mind. at the end of the day, she was doing this all for you.

it was easy to get lost in the fame and the excitement and the pressure, but it shouldn’t have been enough to make her neglect you. nonetheless, she managed to do it anyways. so she took these 6 days to reflect and really target why she felt like she needed to act like this. she would go to the ends of the earth for you, willing to pick herself apart if it meant making it up to you.

Come into my bedroom

Come into my bedroom

her foot tapped nervously against the coir fiber of your friends doormat. a faded “welcome” written in black felt contradictory as she tried to find the motivation to knock. you hadn’t texted or called, hadn’t reached out to caitlin at all to let her know you were ready. but she needed you like she needed air and just had to see you. she had to finally apologize for how terrible she was acting, beg for your forgiveness because being away from you was eating her alive.

she let out a shaky breath as her closed fist met with the white wooden door, sending a loud pounding noise through the other side. caitlin could hear your friends dog barking and scratching against the door, followed by rushed footsteps that got increasingly closer. she barley had a moment to regather her thoughts before the door was pulled open harshly.

“caitlin?” your friend came into view, disheveled as she tried to keep her dog from running out the door. she quirked her eyebrows at caitlin’s presence, shocked and confused-and definitely a little angry-as to why she was at her door “what’re you doing here?”

“i um,” caitlin cleared her throat as if to stall, wanting more time to think of the right thing to say “i was hoping i could talk to-”

“i don’t think she’s ready to see you, cait” your friend muttered, trying to keep her voice down so you couldn’t hear. and you probably didn’t, caitlin was extremely aware of that.

“i know i know” caitlin urged “but i just need to see her ok? i need to make this right”

your friend chewed at the inside of her cheek as if contemplating her next move. you were her best friend and she’d do anything to protect you. after a few seconds, she shook her head and began closing the door, offering caitlin an apology and a goodbye as caitlin continued to beg for just one chance.

“no please, just let me see her! just a few minutes!” she said louder this time, slotting her sneaker clad foot in the doorway “i just need a second i swear to god-”

your friend put all she could into getting caitlin to leave, trying to push her out the door as quickly as possible. but she was persistent and continued her pleas.

somewhere in between the endless banter, through caitlin’s desperate cries and your friends agitated dismissals, came the answer to caitlin’s prayers. you were napping in the guest bedroom when she walked up the steps to your friends home, having been exhausted from sobbing throughout the night. just like caitlin, you hated sleeping alone. but your efforts to seek out peace were quickly interrupted when you heard subtle shouts from the the other room. curious and worried when you heard your friend raise her voice, you hurried to see what the commotion was all about.

you were surprised to the see the scene unfolding in front of you. your friend wrangling the door shut as her legs fought to keep the dog at bay, cussing out whoever was behind the door. you could’ve about laughed at her antics until you suddenly realized who it was that she was trying to shut out. you had assumed maybe an ex or maybe even a family member would have been the culprit, but the long silky black hair that glimmered through the gap in the door quickly corrected you.

“caitlin?” you questioned just as your friend had before. you stood back a few feet front the door, although your voice was loud enough to make the both of them stop.

their heads both whipped in your direction, the door creaking open wider so you could see her in full view. your friend huffed, rambling about how she thought you were asleep and how she was sorry that they had woken you up. but you discarded her as your eyes locked with your girlfriends. there was a certain look of grief in her eyes, the color almost fogging over in despair. your head told you to look away, the sight too depressing to stand, but your heart yearned for her nonetheless, unable to tear your eyes from her.

“YN” she spoke. it was like a cliche movie scene, like out of a fairytale, when the prince sees his princess in her natural beauty for this first time. whist she was hardly a prince and you hardly looked the part of a princess, the feeling was all the same. that feeling of reassurance and love. you were here, right here in front of her in your pajamas and bunny slippers, and suddenly she felt some sort of relief wash over her.

you walked over to them, assuring your friend that it was ok and asking her to give you some privacy. she walked away hesitantly after giving your shoulder a supportive squeeze. she shot caitlin a disapproving glare as she disappeared back into the house. you ushered caitlin to follow you out to the front porch, motioning to the swing that croaked in the afternoon breeze.

“what’re you doing here cait?” you asked, not looking at her, as you settled on the swings cushion, using your foot to keep it from rocking back and forth “i thought we agreed to take some time”

she took the spot next to you slowly as if not to scare you off, she worried she’d mess this up with you. she so badly wanted to reach over, rest her hand against your thigh and feel the soft skin of your palm rest atop it. but she opted for her own lap, picking at her nails mindlessly.

“i know,” a sigh that had nestled deep in her chest had finally met its release when she began “but i couldn’t take it anymore. this week has been fucking torture for me…i had to see you”

sadness washed over you for a moment, like the sun in a day of mist when it has nothing to shine upon, only dissipating when you felt her shoulder brush against yours. there was almost a faint smile on the corner of your lips, you’d also missed her touch over these past few days. but reality was cruel as it brought you back to the present moment.

“it’s torture for me too” you admitted. you despised being away from her, constantly yearning to be with her whenever she was away.

“really?”

“of course” you snorted, shaking your head as you look out across your friends lawn. you eyed the hydrangea bushes that weaved its way through the porch railings, the patches of yellow that spread through the grass-what a statement to question “i always miss you when we’re apart, why wouldn’t i?”

it sounded stupid to say, you realized once the words left your mouth. nothing you had done would insinuate you missing her, especially leaving her to wallow in your apartment alone, if anything it did quite the opposite.

“cause i’ve been a fucking asshole” she blurted “i wouldn’t miss me either to be honest”

she wasn’t lying, she was an asshole. the pain and loneliness that you endured over the past several months were dreadful, and she was finally ready to admit that it was all her fault. there were no more excuses to hide behind, not when your relationship was at stake. as she reminisced on the many years you’d been in each others lives, she found no reason to validate her behavior. you were everything she could ever need, ever want, and she was taking that for granted.

“nothing could stop me from missing you, cait”

a bitter taste filled your mouth as you anxiously responded to her. you’d been biting down on your lip so hard that you had started to bleed, barely even noticing it through the stiff tension between you. it was silent again for a while as you both pondered on your next moves. should caitlin beg for your forgiveness, get on her knees in front of you and cry? or maybe it should be you, convincing the both of you it was a misunderstanding and you should just forgive her and go home? you’d been straining yourself with your own stubbornness and you didn’t know how much longer you could keep it up. part of you wanted to hold your ground and let her know that you wouldn’t except this treatment, but the other part of you just wanted to fall into her embrace and forget about the whole thing. but before you could conquer this battle within your brain, caitlin beat you to it with a rapid burst.

“baby, i-” she said, stoping herself to think-was she even allowed to call you that anymore? her tongue clicked and her eyes squeezed shut, this feeling of guilt was insurmountable “i can’t tell you how sorry i am. how much i regret everything”

she sounded defeated as she fought to get the words out, a whimper threatening to spill at any moment. her nose stung as she sniffled back cries. she thought she’d never get through this, that she wouldn’t even be able to look you in the eyes. but to much of her dismay, your delicate hand met with hers, forcing her fidgety fingers to relax. she turned her head to look at you through damp lashes, and finally seeing your sparkling eyes looking back at hers, found the courage to continue.

“i get so…caught up in myself, and i forget about what’s right in front of me. practice, games, all the hate i’ve been getting recently-christ everything just starts beating down on me and i get so lost. i isolate myself and i push away anyone who tries to break through this damn wall i’ve put up..and when they do..i just end up hurting them” she watched your face contort as she spoke, your lips turning downward to a sympathetic frown. you were always too sweet to her, too good for this world “and that’s what i’ve done to you, the most amazing person in my life and i won’t ever forgive myself for it”

“honey..” the pet named rolled off your tongue effortlessly. caitlin would be lying if she said that hearing it didn’t put her mind at ease. you stuttered, trying to find the words yet again, but she urged you to let her finish.

“i’ve let my shit get in the way of loving you the way you should be. there’s no excuse for how i’ve treated you since the move to indy-not tough games or being homesick or any of that-and i’ve regretted every minute of it. you don’t deserve to go to bed alone just because i was upset, o-or to feel like you have to deal with your stuff by yourself…i know moving has been hard on you, especially since your entire family is back home…and the fact that i haven’t been any support to you is unacceptable and i take full blame for that. and for everything else too, like making you feel neglected? it’s fucking breaking my heart knowing that that’s what i’ve caused, that i’m never around and that i’ve been the furthest thing from a girlfriend. we’re supposed to be a team, we are a team, and all i’ve done is let you carry the weight of both of us. i’m so incredibly sorry and i’ll keep saying it until you believe me”

her chest rose and fell ever so faintly as she breathed deeply. she had run out of air as the words left her in a haste, eager to get her apology out. these past days were spent planning each word, each motion, each action so meticulously and she needed it to work.

and with her final huff, there was a gentle silence again, the wind chimes hanging from your friends porch ceiling clinked softly together. you removed your hand from caitlin’s, letting it rise to her and face and resting it on her cheekbone. the pad of your thumb rubbed into her soft skin, feeling the prominence of her defined cheekbone. she felt warm, probably worked up from the heightened emotions, but it was soothing in a way.

“i believe you, cait” you breathed. you felt her instantly relax into you, the weight of her head pressing into your palm. her eyes fluttered shut and her brows furrowed, she felt undeserving of your reluctance “and i know you’re sorry, it’s okay”

“it’s not” she mumbled against your hand “it’s far from okay. and i’m going to do everything i can to gain your trust back”

“you’re right, it’s not. but i know you’re actually sorry…and you don’t need to gain my trust back, babe. you’ve always had it” her lips quirked when she heard the lighthearted tone of your voice “you really hurt me, and these past few days have been straight from hell. but the fact that you came and owned up to it all shows me that you’re going to work on it”

she nodded frantically, agreeing with every word. because it was true, she’d go the extra mile to ensure you never felt like this again.

“i can’t imagine a world in which i’m not spending eternity with you..so i’m willing to forgive, but my heart won’t be able to bare this again and i need you to promise me it won’t happen in the future. i know you have so much going on in your life, you’ve gone through a lot, but it can’t continue to get in the way of us. i’m here for a reason, to listen and to help in any way i can. please talk to me instead of shutting me out-i want to be there for you okay?”

“of course, i’m going to be better. for you. you deserve more than what i’ve shown you and that’s far from how i want to be, we’re in this together and i want to change. i love you so fucking much and it’ll never happen again”

with a hand still on her cheek and a smile tugging at your lips, you leaned in closer to her. the denim of your jeans rubbed against the swing cushions as you moved nearly into her lap, close enough to press your lips to hers. you could tell the kiss caught her off guard when you felt her body jolt, but quickly relaxing when she fell under your enchantment.

it was a feeling that was hard to explain, like a flame being reignited or a spark nestling in the depth of your chest. you hadn’t kissed caitlin in quite some time, and when you did all that time ago, it had felt meaningless. but here it was different, the taste of jovial tears mixing with that of your lips, creating a rejuvenated feeling of love and adoration. there as a kick to this kiss as she pulled you in deeper, her hand coming to the back of your head to cradle you. it felt good again and you couldn’t be more grateful.

“i love you too”

Come into my bedroom

Come into my bedroom

it had been about a week or so since you decided you were ready to come home and work on healing your relationship with caitlin, and it had already been going better than you had expected. even though the conversation on your best friends porch went smoothly, you had only imagined the fights and anger that would be exchanged once you came home. but caitlin had shown quite the change already and you could already feel the rips and holes of your relationship beginning to mend. she had been just as doting and soft as she was at the beginning of your relationship.

she was treating you to candlelit dinners, drawing you the most relaxing baths, and fitting time into her schedule for you no matter how long it might be. she even took you golfing with her and was dragging you along to outings with the team and occasional press events. you hadn’t felt this excited in a long time, it was like you were crushing on her all over again.

for the first time since your life started in indiana, the little things were beginning to matter.

and now it was a quiet weekend night in, the plushness of the living room carpet weaving between your bare toes as caitlin’s hands rested quaintly on your hips. the furniture had been been pushed off to the outskirts of the room in order to give your bodies plenty of space to sway freely. the overhead light fixture had been long forgotten once the evening sunset began to bleed through the window, creating the sweetest source of light. the old record player, the one you brought with you when you moved away from home, sat on the the table in the corner as it spun yours and caits favorite album. the tune hummed quietly as its scratchy notes bounced off the walls, yet it was perfect for a night like this.

maybe it was cheesy, the way you and caitlin rocked side to side as you danced in your pajamas to sappy love songs, but you wouldn’t have it any other way. it was like a page out of the romance novels you read in high school. you were convinced this was all you needed in life, no luxury clothes or fancy dates, just you and caitlin soaking each other in as you danced around the apartment. it healed something in you as she spun you in her arms, laughing heartily when you stumbled. she was finally back to being your caity girl once more.

“what?” you giggled breathlessly after catching yourself from almost falling, pushing a loose strand of hair out of your face. she was staring at you when you faced her again, dimples evident as she grinned at you. her eyes had a softness to them, similar to the softness of her hand that snuck under your shirt to lightly pinch your side.

"nothin'" she shook her head with a wavering sigh "you're just...everything i've ever dreamed of, and i don't know- i just can't believe this is real"

she seemed choked up, in genuine disbelief that you were standing right in front of her, and it made your heart melt. it was moments like these that you craved, where her walls came down and she was completely herself with you. no pressure to look strong or tough, no holding back tears or true emotions, just pure love.

"of course it's real cait" you titled your head with an appreciative pout. you pulled her in with a comforting hand to the back of her head, leveraging yourself on your tiptoes to place a kiss to her forehead "what do you mean, baby?"

"like," she tried to find the words as she cleared her throat "like i can't believe that you're still with me. i don't know anyone who would stay through anything like the pain i've cause you. and the fact that you're right here in front of me, been so patient with me and understanding...i just feel so undeserving"

"hey, of course you're deserving" you politely scolded "we all make mistakes and sometimes they're bigger than we intend. but i love you more than words can describe and i know you've been trying to mend them. everyone has rough patches in their relationships, but i'm here to stay, caitlin. i'm not going anywhere"

you watched as her shoulders fell drastically; it was apparent that your words meant more than you had originally thought. she had always need reassurance, having always doubted herself in anything she did, and it was an unmatchable feeling knowing that you were the one to soother her. she nodded, not saying anything as leaned into you even more. so, you confided, not prying for a response. this vulnerability was already a big step for her.

you rested your forehead against hers, arms coming to loop around her neck. her long lashes fluttered as they tickled yours. the music was still playing in the background, allowing you both to fall into another oscillating rhythm. although it was cut short again when you felt her lips part, a quiet voice barely escaping her.

"it was you" it came out almost inaudible, leaving you confused on whether you hear her correctly or not.

"hm?"

"it was you," she said clearly this time, foreheads till touching and eyes shut in romantic bliss "from the second we met i knew it was going to be you. like a soulmate or life partner..whatver you want to call it, i just knew that you were going to be it for me"

as you stand there, your heart races, the world about stops spinning. each syllable strikes a chord deep within you, resonating with the echoes of past moments you’ve cherished with her. you could hear those words over and over and never get tired of it. The weight of uncertainty from the past months finally lifts, replaced by an exhilaration that makes everything else fade into the background. nothing else mattered anymore, no stress and no disdain for the road ahead, just you, caitlin, and an eternity together.

"you're it for me too," you said "in every lifetime"

-

A/N: FINALLY!! it's finished!! i definitely didn't spell check this, so if you catch any mistakes, feel free to DM me so i can fix it! i love you and thank you for your patience with this fic :')

[ouiouibaguettt]

Despite the Storm

YN YLN -> your name & your last name

2,8k of words!!!!

masterlist (1) - (2) - (3) - (4)

It was never supposed to end the way it did.

Back when you were just two girls with nothing but a ball at your feet and a thousand dreams in your chest, everything felt simple. Easy.

You signed your first pro contract in 2017, leaving everything you knew behind to chase your dreams in Italy with Juventus. Kyra stayed in Australia, starting her own journey with Melbourne Victory.

"It’s just distance," she said, laughing into her phone speaker, her voice brighter than the sunrises you missed watching together. "We’re stronger than that."

And for a while, you believed her.

Mornings were for your texts — sleepy and rushed before training sessions. Nights were for her calls — her soft voice crackling through the line, filling the lonely corners of your cold apartment.

"One day," Kyra whispered once, half-asleep, "we’ll wake up in the same city. Same bed. Same everything."

You clung to those promises like lifelines. You built a future around them.

Every offseason, you found each other. Two weeks stolen from the world — airports, long hugs, hurried kisses — breathing each other in before time tore you apart again.

When Kyra moved to Western Sydney Wanderers in 2019, you celebrated her milestone from across oceans, sending her a clumsy video of you popping a bottle of prosecco alone in your tiny Turin kitchen.

"I’m so proud of you, baby," you had grinned into the camera, cheeks flushed, heart bursting.

You kept telling yourself it was temporary. That soon she’d come to Europe, that soon you’d stop counting the hours, the missed moments.

But soon started stretching further and further away.

You moved to Arsenal in 2020. A dream fulfilled. A loneliness sharpened.

Kyra, instead, went back to Melbourne Victory. Home. Safety. Familiarity.

You told yourself it was okay. That maybe she needed more time. That loving her meant being patient.

But deep down, you felt the first splinter.

The late replies. The canceled calls. The birthdays spent apart, your phone cold and silent in your hand at midnight.

Love, no matter how deep, started to feel like water slipping through your fingers.

When Kyra finally signed for Hammarby in 2022, a tiny ember of hope lit inside you. Finally Europe. Finally closer. Finally maybe… fixing what had cracked.

But it wasn't the same anymore.

She was trying to survive a new country, a new league, a new weight on her shoulders. You were fighting for trophies, games, your place at Arsenal.

The distance wasn't oceans now. It was the space between two hearts who didn't beat in the same rhythm anymore.

The last conversation was quiet. So much quieter than you deserved.

"Maybe we’re not enough anymore," Kyra said, her voice trembling through the line. You wanted to scream. You wanted to fight.

But how do you fight for someone who’s already half out the door?

"I’ll always love you," she whispered. "That’s what makes this hurt so damn much."

And just like that — the future you built together shattered into a thousand tiny pieces.

Weeks. Months.

You buried yourself in football. In new friendships. You stopped checking her socials. You stopped letting yourself wonder what if.

You tried so hard to forget.

Until tonight.

You were curled up in your apartment, the London rain tapping against the windows, scrolling absently through your phone when a notification lit up your screen.

Caitlin had texted.

"Look who’s joining us. 😳👀" Followed by a screenshot of Arsenal’s latest post:

"Welcome to Arsenal, Kyra Cooney-Cross!" Her smile, all sunshine and wild dreams, staring back at you.

For a long moment, you just stared. Breath caught somewhere between your ribs.

You didn’t even realize your fingers were trembling until you almost dropped your phone.

Kyra. Here. At Arsenal. At your Arsenal.

No warning. No heads-up. Just a name and a jersey and a club post that ripped open a wound you thought had long scarred over.

You sank back into the couch, the world tilting slightly. You didn’t know if you wanted to cry, laugh, or throw your phone across the room.

All you knew was this:

You weren’t ready. Not for her smile. Not for the memories. Not for the storm she still carried inside you.

And tomorrow?

Tomorrow you’d have to see her in person.

Face to face. Heart to heart. Past to present.

And you had no idea if you were strong enough to survive it.

You should’ve known.

You should’ve stayed home a little longer. Pretended you were sick. Anything to avoid this moment.

But you didn’t.

And now here you are, standing on the side of Arsenal’s training pitch, boots scuffing the grass, arms folded tightly across your chest, heart hammering in your ears — watching her.

Kyra Cooney-Cross.

Wearing Arsenal red. Smiling. Laughing with Leah and Lotte like she’s belonged here all along.

And god, she looks good. Stronger. Fiercer. Her hair tied up messily like always, a stubborn curl falling across her forehead, cheeks flushed from the drills.

You hate how your chest tightens at the sight of her. You hate how the air around you crackles — thick and heavy, like a storm’s about to break.

You don’t even realize you’re staring until Caitlin nudges you with her elbow, a knowing look flashing across her face.

"You okay?" she murmurs low enough that no one else hears.

You nod too quickly. "Fine."

Liar.

Training winds down, and you grab your water bottle, pretending to be busy — tying and retying your laces, adjusting your shin guards, anything to avoid the inevitable.

But then you hear her.

"Hey, Y/N."

Soft. Tentative. A voice you haven't heard in months. Not really. Not since that night everything ended.

You look up. And she’s standing there.

Close enough to touch. Close enough that you can see the freckles dusting her nose, the scar just under her jaw from a game you watched on TV but didn’t text her about after.

Time freezes between you.

For a long moment, neither of you says anything.

It’s all there in her eyes — the apologies, the regrets, the what-ifs. It’s mirrored right back in yours.

"Hi," you finally breathe out.

It’s stupid how shaky it sounds.

Kyra shifts awkwardly, kicking at a clump of grass with the toe of her boot.

"I didn’t know if you’d wanna… talk. Or… anything."

You swallow hard.

There’s so much you want to say. So much you’re afraid to say.

"You didn’t tell me you were coming," you say instead, and it comes out sharper than you mean.

Kyra flinches. Just slightly. But you catch it.

"It happened fast," she says, voice small. "I didn’t know how to… if I should…" She trails off, helpless.

You nod stiffly. You don't trust yourself to speak.

Not when part of you wants to yell. Not when part of you wants to pull her into your arms and pretend the last year never happened.

The silence between you stretches, taut and aching.

Around you, teammates laugh and joke, oblivious to the wreckage unfolding between two broken hearts.

"I missed you," Kyra blurts suddenly.

Your throat tightens.

Because that's the thing about storms — even after they're over, the damage lingers.

You want to tell her you missed her too. You want to ask her why it wasn’t enough before. You want to scream and cry and kiss her stupid mouth all at once.

But you just say:

"Welcome to Arsenal, Kyra."

And you walk away before she can see the tears burning at the back of your eyes.

You should’ve known Kyra wouldn’t let it end like that.

The knock at your door comes barely an hour after training. Sharp. Relentless.

You debate pretending you’re not home. But part of you knows — she won’t leave. Not this time.

With a heavy breath, you yank the door open.

And there she is. Still in her training hoodie. Hair messy. Eyes wild.

"Can we talk?" she says, voice already cracking.

You don’t answer. You just step aside, wordlessly letting her in.

The second the door clicks shut behind her, the air shifts — thick with all the things you never said.

Kyra stands in the middle of your living room like she doesn’t know where to start.

Good. Because you sure as hell don’t either.

"You can’t just show up here, Kyra," you snap, harsher than you mean — but god, it’s easier to be angry than shattered.

"I didn’t know how else to—"

"You don't get to do this," you cut in, heart pounding so loud you can barely think. "You don’t get to leave. You don’t get to break my fucking heart and then walk back into my life like nothing happened."

Kyra flinches, her eyes wide and glassy.

"I didn’t want to break anything," she whispers. "I just… I was scared. I didn’t know how to handle it back then."

"You didn’t even try," you hiss, voice thick. "You promised we were bigger than the distance. That we were stronger than this. But the second it got hard, you bailed."

Her hands are shaking now.

"I hated myself for it," she chokes out. "You think I didn’t want to fight for you? I did. Every fucking day. But I was drowning, Y/N. New country. New pressures. I didn’t know how to ask you to wait for someone who was falling apart."

The words hit you square in the chest.

Because you recognize it — the panic. The fear. You lived it too.

"You didn’t even give me the chance to stay," you say, softer now, voice breaking.

Kyra’s lip trembles.

"I know."

The silence is a living, breathing thing between you — so full of grief it hurts to stand in it.

Tears spill over before you can stop them. Hot. Angry. Helpless.

Kyra steps forward, desperate. "Please… don’t cry. I can't—"

"What do you want from me, Kyra?" you snap through your tears. "You want me to pretend it didn’t hurt? You want me to pretend I didn’t spend nights wishing you’d pick up the damn phone? That I didn’t check flights to Sweden a hundred times and delete them every time because you didn’t ask me to come?"

Kyra breaks then. Fully.

Tears streaking her flushed cheeks, her whole body shaking.

"I just want you," she says, wrecked. "I want to fix this. I want to try again."

You shake your head.

"It’s not that simple."

Because you’re scared too now. Scared of letting her in again. Scared of loving her just to lose her all over.

"I know I don't deserve another chance," Kyra whispers, stepping closer, "but I'd spend every damn day proving you still have my heart if you let me."

You squeeze your eyes shut. You feel her hand hovering — not touching — waiting for permission.

"I never stopped loving you," she says, voice broken.

You open your eyes. Meet hers. And god, the love is still there. Shining. Shattered. Real.

You should say no. You should protect yourself.

Instead, you whisper:

"Then show me."

Kyra lets out a breath like she’s been drowning for years. And finally — finally — she closes the space between you.

She pulls you into her arms so tightly it steals the air from your lungs.

And this time, you let yourself fall.

Not into the pain. Not into the past.

But into the tiny, fragile hope that maybe — just maybe — love could survive the storm after all.

Healing isn’t some dramatic, cinematic thing.

It’s slower. Quieter. Messier.

It looks like you and Kyra sitting on your couch later that night, a cautious distance apart, talking about everything you never dared say when it still mattered most.

It sounds like broken confessions whispered into the spaces between you. Small apologies. Bigger ones.

It feels like Kyra reaching out — hesitating — before barely brushing her fingers against yours on the cushion between you, like she’s terrified you’ll pull away.

You don't.

You turn your hand over instead, lacing your pinky with hers. Not fully holding her yet. But letting her know:

I’m still here. I’m scared too. But I’m willing to try.

The next few days are cautious and strange.

At training, you avoid each other��s eyes more than you should. But there's a difference now.

When you pass her in the hallways, her fingers graze yours — a whisper of a touch no one else sees.

When you catch her eye during drills, she gives you a tiny, crooked smile — and it twists something deep inside your chest, something painfully hopeful.

On a Wednesday night, after a long, rainy practice, Kyra shows up at your flat again.

No excuses. No warning.

She’s dripping wet and shivering, standing awkwardly at your door.

"I didn’t bring an umbrella," she says, sheepish.

You roll your eyes, but your chest warms in that way it only ever has for her.

You pull her inside without a word. Hand her a towel. Throw one of your old sweatshirts at her — the one she used to steal when she stayed over, back before everything fell apart.

She hesitates, fingers tightening around the fabric.

"You sure?" she asks, voice small.

"It’s yours," you say simply.

The way her face crumples at that — like it’s the kindest thing anyone’s ever done for her — almost breaks you.

Later, you're curled up on the couch together, knees brushing, a movie playing low in the background — not that either of you is watching.

Kyra’s head slowly drops to your shoulder. You stiffen for half a second — and then relax.

Her hand finds yours again, easier this time. Your fingers intertwine naturally, like they were always meant to.

You turn your face slightly, breathing her in — the smell of rain and your sweatshirt and something that's just Kyra.

She looks up at you then. So close you can count her eyelashes.

"I missed this," she whispers. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," you whisper back, voice cracking.

For a second, neither of you moves.

Then — so softly you barely realize it’s happening — Kyra leans in.

And finally — finally — your lips meet.

It's not a desperate kiss. It's not the kiss of people who forgot what they meant to each other.

It’s slow. Careful. Reverent.

A promise, not a plea.

When you break apart, you stay close, foreheads touching.

You don't say anything. You don't have to.

Because sometimes rebuilding isn't loud. Sometimes it’s quiet nights, borrowed sweatshirts, forehead kisses, and holding each other like you’re both a little fragile — but trying anyway.

It’s different now.

Not perfect — you’re both still learning how to carry the past without letting it crush you — but it’s better.

You see it in the way Kyra waits for you after training, leaning casually against the locker room door, arms crossed, trying (and failing) not to look like she was counting down the seconds.

You see it in the way your hand finds hers as you walk through the training center parking lot, no longer hiding.

You see it when Caitlin notices, quirks a brow, and says with a smirk, "Finally."

No one’s surprised. Not really.

Everyone around you seems to breathe a little easier, like the universe is finally slotting something back into place.

A few weeks later, it's a quiet Sunday morning.

Sunlight spills through your apartment windows. The sheets are tangled around your legs. Kyra's head rests on your chest, her fingers lazily tracing shapes over your skin.

You’re scrolling half-distractedly through your phone when you feel Kyra shift.

You glance down.

She’s staring at you with that look — the one that used to undo you completely, back when everything was raw and unsure.

It still undoes you now, but differently. Softer. Deeper.

"You’re really staying this time, huh?" you tease, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.

Kyra smiles — a little broken, a lot beautiful.

"I'm not going anywhere," she says, voice steady.

And this time, you believe her.

Later that day, a soft little buzz from your phone catches your attention.

Instagram.

Kyra tagged you in a post.

Curious, you open it.

It’s a candid photo — you hadn’t even realized she took it — from the night she showed up soaking wet at your door.

You’re handing her the towel, your face a perfect mixture of exasperated affection. Kyra’s looking at you like you hung the stars.

The caption is simple:

"Home isn't a place. It's you. 🖤"

You feel your heart stutter in your chest.

Because for all the years, the heartbreak, the distance, the almosts and the could-have-beens —

You finally found your way back to each other.

Not despite the storm. But because you survived it.

Together.

[crazydestinymilkshake]

Caitlin Clark x Paige Bueckers Ch6, Part 2

October, Caitlin spending Paige's birthday with her in MN. Had to split this chapter into two posts because of ~word count~ apologies, but they'll be up back-to-back.

I obviously don't own any of the rights to these characters etc.

TW: internalized homophobia, panic attacks, gender envy, explicit language for sure. Smut. CC's first time, f!ngering, edg!ng, dom/sub (power play tones / dynamics) def at play, dom!paige, praise k1nk, but consensually as always. We <3 soft aftercare !

So much smut, I'd apologize but I actually mean you're welcome.

NSFW: 18+, f/f all the other previous warnings apply etc.

(aka the aforementioned dirty smut)

Later that night, Caitlin sat on the edge of Paige’s bed, one sock on, the other lost somewhere under the comforter. She’d changed twice already. First into jeans. Too stiff. Then into leggings. Too much like practice.

Now: a black skirt Paige had pulled from the bottom of a drawer and tossed without warning. “You’ll look hot in that,” she’d said, already halfway to the bathroom.

Caitlin had laughed. Put it on. Paige said she'd look hot in it, didn't she?

But now, she was sitting, bare-legged and restless, tugging the hem of the skirt lower and trying not to think too hard.

The top she’d found herself - a soft gray long-sleeve she’d knotted at the waist. Just fit well enough to feel intentional. Just loose enough to feel like armor.

Music pulsed through the cracked bathroom door - something poppy, remixed, too fast. Paige’s voice rose with it, off-key and shameless. Caitlin curled her hair a little - not a full effort, just enough for texture. Something different. She leaned into the mirror and fixed the smudge of mascara under her eye. Her phone buzzed.

Abby: u look hot stop freaking out.

The bathroom door creaked open.

Paige leaned against the frame like she’d always known how to make an entrance. Her shirt was black, button-down, cuffed twice at the sleeves. The collar hung open, just enough to catch on the thin silver chain at her neck. Pants: black, fitted, rolled at the ankle. She’d left her blonde mane damp - swept back, still curling at the ends. No makeup, just mascara and highlighter on her cheekbones from something Caitlin didn’t see her apply.

She looked like someone who didn’t try. Paige caught her staring and smirked. “Wipe your chin, Clark.”

Caitlin blinked. “You wore that on purpose.”

“It’s my birthday,” Paige said, stepping into the room. “I can wear what I want. And I get what I want. We went over this.”

Caitlin crossed her arms, leaning against the dresser. “And what exactly do you want?”

Paige’s eyes dropped, slow, deliberate - tracing Caitlin from hair to hem and back again. “You,” she said, like it wasn’t even a question.

Caitlin flushed, heat crawling up her neck. “You’re obnoxious.”

“You’re blushing.”

Paige stepped in close. Tucked a finger under the knot at Caitlin’s waist and gave it a slight tug. “You look good.”

Caitlin swallowed. “So do you.”

They stood like that for a moment while the music still pulsing faintly behind them, the world quieting to a hum. Then Paige kissed her, quick and easy. Just enough to press their mouths together. 

Just enough to promise more later.

“Come on,” she said. “Help me make people jealous.”

The bottle of Pink Whitney hit the desk with a thud. Paige barely flinched, twisting the cap off with her teeth like she’d done it a hundred times. 

“C’mere,” she says, nodding toward the floor where she’s already cross-legged, two plastic shot glasses between them. Caitlin sat slower, palms clammy.

Paige tossed hers back in one clean motion. Caitlin winced, coughing a little.  “Still a rookie,” Paige smirked and brushed a thumb under Caitlin’s lip where a drop spilled. She held her hand there, soft against Caitlin’s jaw, until Caitlin swallowed and looked away. 

“Let’s do another.” Paige challenged.

Caitlin was never one to back down from a challenge.

Downstairs, Caitlin heard as one of Paige’s friends yelled something to the effect of, “Paige better not collect any repeats tonight,” followed by loose and teasing laughter. It was harmless to them. 

But Caitlin shifted, cleared her throat, “So,” she coaxed out, too casual to be casual, “How many girls that you’ve hooked up with are gonna be there tonight?”

Paige froze. She planted both of her knuckles on the windowsill, white. Her voice was low and tight. “You really wanna have this conversation now?”

Caitlin crossed her arms, shoulders tense. “It’s just a question.”

“No,” Paige said, turning slowly. “It’s not.”

Silence stretched. The radiator clicked in the corner. Paige finally exhaled, jaw clenched. “Four. Maybe five if you count that New Year’s Eve thing with Madi. Which I don’t. But she might.”

Caitlin’s throat locked. “Cool.”

“You’re pissed.”

“I’m not.”

“Bullshit.”

Caitlin stood up. “I’m not judging you for your past, Paige. I just want to know if I’m walking into a room full of people you used to want more than you want me.”

Paige’s mouth opened, then shut again. She looked like she wanted to pace, punch something, or disappear. Instead, she walked over.

“Look at me.”

Caitlin didn’t.

“Caitlin.”

Her name sounded different in Paige’s mouth this time. Not a tease. Not a command. Something caught in between.

Caitlin lifted her eyes to meet Paige’s unflinching gaze. “There’s no one else there for me,” she said, voice low, rough. The words hit like a strike to the ribs. Caitlin nodded, barely.

Paige stepped in close, crowding her gently. One hand braced against the bed frame, the other curled loose at her side like she was holding something back. Her breath smelled of vodka and spearmint gum, hot against Caitlin’s cheek.

“I want you to be mine tonight,” Paige murmured, not like it was a question. Then she leaned closer, her mouth just above Caitlin’s. “And I’ll say it. To their faces. Every girl I’ve touched. Every one who thinks they still get a look.”

Her eyes dragged to Caitlin’s lips, then back up, unhurried, hungry. “I’ll say it with my mouth locked onto yours,” Paige whispered, “and then I’ll take you home and say it again between your legs.”

Something inside Caitlin twisted - tight, sharp, aching. Like her body couldn’t hold the heat all at once. Her thighs clenched before she even realized it. She didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. Just stared at Paige like she was trying to memorize this exact second.

She could have said something. Pushed back. Laughed it off. But her mind had gone white noise and she could hear her pulse pounding in her ears. No one had ever said something like that to her. Not with that voice. Not with that weight behind it.

Paige didn’t blink. Her eyes stayed locked on Caitlin, the intensity between them thickening with every second. 

Then she moved fast. Her hands on Caitlin’s hips, yanking her backward until the sharp edge of the desk dug into her lower back. She didn’t give Caitlin time to adjust. Her hands were already hauling her up like she weighed nothing, positioning her exactly where she wanted: ass on the desk’s edge, legs dangling.

“Spread,” Paige commanded. It wasn’t a suggestion.

Caitlin didn’t hesitate. Her thighs parted, and Paige felt a rush of heat flood her chest. It was that easy.

The way Caitlin obeyed.

The way she didn’t need coaxing.

God, I’m going to ruin her tonight, Paige thought as she stepped between Caitlin’s spread legs. She dragged her body in slowly feeling every inch of tension in Caitlin’s frame. Her own breath grew shaky, the weight of the moment making her pulse throb.

Caitlin was on spread. On the desk. Skirt barely covering anything. Fucking soaked.

She grabbed Caitlin’s knees, forcing them wider with a possessive grip. She could feel the tremble beneath her touch — the soft, desperate pull of a body ready to yield completely.

She trusts me, Paige realized. Completely. I could make her do anything.

She paused to let it settle, watching Caitlin. It was a heady thing, seeing her like this. Open. Eager. Waiting for Paige to lead. The vulnerability in Caitlin’s eyes made her want to push further.

And god, it turned her on. The way Caitlin listened so easily. The way she wanted to please. It was the sweetest fucking temptation.

I won’t let myself break her, Paige thought - not a threat, but a promise.

Paige’s nails dug into Caitlin’s thighs, mouth close to her pussy, barely covered by the miniskirt Paige dreamed of her in. She dragged her hands up soft skin as her hands slid toward the apex of her legs. Holding her open, holding her still.

Then she grabbed Caitlin’s wrists - firm, without hesitation - and pinned them behind her. The position arched Caitlin’s back just enough to bring their mouths level, to expose the vulnerable line of her neck.

Caitlin's mouth was dry. Heart racing. Paige right there, looking at her like she was already hers.

Every inch of her felt exposed, aching, begging without a word.

Paige leaned in again, just a breath away. Her voice dropped—low enough to rumble through Caitlin’s chest. “You’re telling me that doesn’t turn you on?” she whispered, dark and knowing. “Not even a little, baby?”

Caitlin exhaled like she’d been hit. Her chest heaved, legs trembling beneath Paige’s grip.

Paige didn’t let up. She pressed in tighter, thigh slotted between Caitlin’s, mouth brushing the shell of her ear. “You’re telling me it doesn’t drive you fucking insane that every girl wants me…”

Then, lower, meaner, she grabbed Caitlin’s right hand, dragged it under her shirt, and pressed it hard against her bare nipple. Her other hand pinned Caitlin’s left wrist above her head. “But you’re the only one who gets to touch me?”

“You think I gave a fuck about them?” Paige growled. Her lips dragged along Caitlin’s jaw, grip unrelenting. “Every time I’ve been inside someone since last summer, I’ve had to choke your name down while I fucked them. Because this...” her hand slipped under Caitlin’s skirt, pressed against her clit through soaked fabric, hard enough to make her jolt, “has always been mine.”

She didn’t move. Just hovered, breath steady, eyes locked. “Say it.”

Caitlin shook. Couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think.

Paige pressed down harder, a slow circle that made Caitlin whimper. “Say whose it is.”

Her voice broke. “Yours.”

Paige’s smirk was savage. “Louder.”

A breath hitched. Then Caitlin gasped it out, desperate now. “Yours.”

Paige kissed the corner of her mouth, quick, possessive, filthy with satisfaction. “Damn right.”

Caitlin surged forward. Her hands broke free, fists tangled in Paige’s shirt, yanking her close. Their mouths collided - wet, wild, frantic. Caitlin kissed her like she needed to mark her. Like she wanted to crawl inside her skin.

Paige ground against her, rough and hungry. Her hands locked tight around Caitlin’s thighs, keeping her wide open, devouring every sound she made.

When they finally broke apart, Caitlin's chest was heaving, lips kiss-bruised, pupils blown.

And fuck, Paige looked proud of what she’d done.

Five minutes later, they stepped out onto the front porch.

The cold hit fast, sharp against flushed skin, slicing through sweat and heat like a slap. Wind whipped up Caitlin’s bare thighs, making her shiver. But she didn’t reach for her sleeves. Didn’t say a word. Down the block, someone laughed too loud. The smell of weed drifted in on the breeze, earthy and sweet. The porch light buzzed overhead. Night settled into its own kind of rhythm.

Paige lit a cigarette one-handed, her lighter flicking stubborn in the wind. She shielded the flame with her palm, took a slow drag, then passed it over without looking.

Caitlin hesitated, but then took it.

She’d never done this before. Not really. But she inhaled anyway, lips still tingling from the kiss, lungs pulling tight.

It burns. It steadies her.

Because something about Paige makes her want to try everything.

Makes her want to be reckless.

Want to burn inside.

—-----------------------------------------

The moment they walked in, Paige drew attention like it was gravity. She didn’t announce herself. She just existed, and the room reoriented.

A drink appeared in her hand without her asking. Someone threw their arms around her neck. There was laughter, shoulder squeezes, the thud of shoes stomping to the bass. Caitlin hovered behind her, half a step removed.

But Paige glanced back, then pulled her forward, her hand low on Caitlin’s back, fingers pressing through fabric.

“This is Caitlin,” she said. No label. No explanation. Just her name, spoken like it meant something.

People looked. Not unkind. Just aware. Taking note. Caitlin nodded when they nodded. Smiled when they smiled.

The music was loud. The kitchen was full. Paige was ten conversations deep by the time Caitlin found a corner to lean in, something too sweet in her cup, her palm clammy against the plastic.

She watched Paige from across the room, the way she laughed, her posture, the way her wrist rolled when she gestured. She wasn’t putting anything on. She was just more here. Amplified. Easy.

A girl leaned in to whisper something to Paige, and she threw her head back and laughed, easy, careless, like it meant nothing. Her arm brushed the girl’s hip. Maybe by accident. Maybe not.

Caitlin’s throat went tight. Heat bloomed under her skin, low and unwelcome.

But Paige found her instantly.

She slid in behind her like a secret, body flush to Caitlin’s back, hands already slipping under her shirt to her bare waist. Lips at her ear, voice all smoke and sin. “Miss me?”

“You’re drunk,” Caitlin said, steady.

“Drunk doesn’t mean blind.”

Paige pressed closer, hips grinding into Caitlin’s ass. One hand dropped low, fingers brushing her thigh; the other slid higher, palm flat against her stomach. Caitlin’s breath stuttered. She jolted forward, caught herself on the edge of the counter, pulse thudding between her legs.

Paige didn’t stop.

Didn’t soften.

“You look so fucking good I want to rip this shirt off you,” she murmured, mouth brushing Caitlin’s neck, voice rough with hunger. “You want that?”

Her hand skimmed higher under the shirt, grazing the underside of Caitlin’s bra. “Don't worry... No one here knows who you are, baby.” Her mouth was hot at Caitlin’s jaw. “No one’s gonna blink when I’ve got you pinned against the counter, soaking through your panties while you try not to fucking moan.”

Then lower, darker, words like a match struck inside her: “But you’ll remember. You’ll remember exactly where my hand was. Exactly how wet you were. Exactly how bad you wanted me.”

Caitlin’s knees buckled. Her hands gripped the counter. She didn’t say yes.

But right then, someone in the living room yelled, “KINGS IN THE CORNER, BUECKERS, BIRTHDAY GIRL, LET’S GO!”

A ripple of movement pulled through the crowd. Cups refilled. People shifted. Someone grabbed the deck. Someone else was already clearing bottles off the table. Paige’s hands lingered for another second. Then she exhaled a groan like she had just been yanked out of a dream.

“Saved by the bell,” she muttered, pressing one last kiss behind Caitlin’s ear. Then she stepped back, just enough to let air in.

They drifted toward the circle. Paige led. Caitlin followed, her legs still shaky. “You ever played?”

Caitlin blinked, still catching up. “Yeah. Once. Maybe.”

“You’ll learn fast.” Someone passed them a half-full cup of something clear. Paige’s hand brushed hers as she sat, casually grounding her. A reminder. A silent don’t forget what I just did to you.

The first card was drawn. Two. “You, drink.”

Laughter. Shouts. Rules no one really remembered. Someone pulled a Six, and all the girls screamed “CHICKS!” and started chugging.

Paige didn’t stop touching her. Not really. Her hand draped casually across the back of the couch behind Caitlin’s shoulders. Her knee pressed against Caitlin’s. Her pinky tapped a rhythm on Caitlin’s thigh like she was bored, but her eyes never stayed away for long.

Another card. Seven. Heaven.

Everyone’s hands shot up. Caitlin was late. She drank. Paige smirked. “Rookie.”

Then came Ten.

“Categories,” Paige said, already grinning. She didn’t even pause to think. “Things you want in your mouth.” The group groaned and cheered at the same time, half scandalized, half delighted.

“Tequila,” someone blurted.

“Popsicle.”

“French fries.”

“Cigars,” said a guy across the circle, puffing his chest like that was edgy.

It was Caitlin’s turn. She tried to stay cool. “Gum,” she said quickly, then took a sip like she needed cover.

All eyes turned to Paige. She sat loose, slouched, legs spread, cup dangling from one hand. And when she said it, she didn’t blink.

“Caitlin’s tongue.”

Silence. Someone choked on their drink. Another yelled, “Jesus, Paige!”

Paige just shrugged and grinned. “What? I said what I said.” Caitlin nearly dropped her cup. Her face went crimson. She stared straight ahead, hoping if she didn’t move, no one would see her combusting.

Paige leaned in with a mock-innocent smile and clinked their cups together. “Your turn, Clark.”

Laughter burst like fireworks around the circle. Someone threw a couch pillow. Paige just sipped and leaned back, smug, eyes locked on Caitlin the whole time.

The game moved on. New cards, new rules. But Paige didn’t. She leaned back into the couch like it was a throne, arm stretched behind Caitlin, legs wide, completely relaxed. 

When someone pulled a Five, Guys drink, Paige downed hers with a smirk, then wiped her mouth on the back of her hand and said, “Oops. Forgot I’m the one who actually makes girls come.”

Everyone roared. Caitlin choked on her drink. Paige didn’t even glance her way, just stared ahead, casual and cruel, riding the power.

Then came Eight. Mate. Paige didn’t hesitate. “I already have one.” She nudged Caitlin’s leg with hers. “She drinks when I drink.”

Caitlin lifted her cup without thinking. No hesitation.

Paige turned to her, just enough to make it feel private. Her eyes were dark. Her mouth curled. “You like that?” she asked, voice low and thick with dare. “Doing what I tell you to?”

She said it loud enough for the closest few to hear. Smirks flashed. One girl laughed awkwardly and muttered, “Jesus, Paige, get a room.”

Paige grinned, unfazed. “Eventually.”

Another card. Categories again. Paige’s idea. “Things you’re not supposed to want.”

Caitlin stiffened. The answers flew.

“Your best friend’s ex.”

“Gas station sushi.”

“Your teacher.”

Then Paige said it. Not sloppy. Just bold, cruel, and crystal clear. “Your hands tied behind your back while someone goes down on you but won't let you come.”

The circle exploded.

Shouts. Laughter. Jesus fucking Christ, Paige. Someone knocked over a drink. Someone else wheezed into their cup.

Paige just shrugged and took a slow sip—like she hadn’t dropped a live wire in the middle of the room.

Her eyes never left Caitlin.

Like the whole game was for her.

Caitlin’s legs trembled. Her jaw locked. She hadn’t looked at Paige in three rounds, but she felt her. Like static. Like heat at her ear.

“You’re turned on,” Paige said, low.

Caitlin blinked. “You’re insane.”

Paige’s hand landed on her leg, just above the knee. She tapped once. Twice. Then held. “No, baby. I’m not crazy.” Her mouth curled. “I can feel it.”

“You don’t know shit.”

Her hand moved higher. Firm. Sure. Thumb brushing just under her skirt.

“You’re wet right now. Aren’t you?”

Caitlin’s face burned. She turned toward her, eyes sharp. “You need attention so bad you’re gonna get me off in front of your friends?”

Paige smiled. “No. I just want them to know you’d let me.” Her hand kept climbing.

“I swear to God, Paige.” Caitlin grabbed her wrist, nails digging in. Not to stop her. Just to feel something that held.

She pressed her forehead to Paige’s. Her mouth stayed near her skin. Barely moving.

“If you don’t take me home,” she said, pushing forward once against Paige’s thigh, hips grinding sharp, “and fuck me right…”

Her fingers clenched.

“I’ll ride your fucking hand the rest of the night. Right here. In front of everyone.”

Her voice cracked. She had to be a little drunk to be saying this. That’s what she told herself.

“I’ll come on your thigh so hard it soaks through your jeans.” She pulled back, eyes locked. “And I’ll never fucking forgive you.”

Caitlin stood. She didn’t look back. She left her drink on the floor.

The music kept playing. The game stuttered. Someone let out a low whistle.

Paige watched her walk away. The swing of her hips. The fists at her sides. She exhaled, wrecked, like she had just lost and won something all at once.

Then she stood.

Tossed her cup on the table. Didn’t say goodbye. Didn’t explain.

And followed.

Not fast. Not slow.

Just sure.

Because Caitlin had asked for it.

Because Caitlin dared her.

And Paige had never been the kind to back down.

—------------------------

“You good to drive?” Paige asked, already handing over the keys. Caitlin didn’t answer. Just started the engine.

Caitlin kept her eyes on the road. The air in the car was thick, heavy with everything unsaid. Paige sat quiet in the passenger seat, her hand clenched in her lap like it was the only thing anchoring her.

The party still buzzed behind their eyes, laughter and shouted rules echoing faintly in the back of Caitlin’s skull. But the cool night air on their walk to the car had sobered them both, just enough. The edges were soft, a little blurred, but their minds were clear. Every breath felt sharp. Every second, louder than it should have been.

Caitlin turned into Paige’s driveway and parked. The engine cut. Silence pulsed.

Then Caitlin got out.

By the time Paige unlocked the door, Caitlin was already inside.

The bedroom was dark. Familiar. The scent in the air hit hard, Paige’s skin, her sheets, something warm and unnameable. Caitlin stood in the middle of the room like she belonged there.

Paige shut the door behind her.

Thank god no one was home.

Because then Caitlin was on her.

Fists in Paige’s hair, yanking her close. She bit at her lip like she didn’t care if it bruised. Paige kicked the door shut blind. Her jacket hit the floor. Caitlin was already backing toward the bed, mouth parted, eyes wide, wrecked.

“Get on all fours,” Paige said again, voice dropping lower. Rougher. “Now.”

And Caitlin moved.

No hesitation. No questions. She turned and crawled onto the bed, smooth and certain, breath ragged. Her chest rose fast. Her back arched like she’d never done it before.

Paige knew she hadn’t.

That was what did it.

Not experience. Obedience.

She paused, staring. Chest tight. Palms damp. Her jeans clung like a problem.

Caitlin had listened.

She wanted to be told what to do.

She just fucking obeyed.

Caitlin crawled forward, slow, knees sinking into the mattress. The air felt charged. Her skirt didn’t ride up all the way, just enough.

It bunched at the crease of her hips, clung to her thighs, stretched tight over the curve of her ass.

Not off. Not hidden. Just offered.

She wasn’t naked. She felt more naked.

That was the thing. The fabric didn’t protect her. It exposed her more. Made her aware of every inch, what touched air, what stayed covered, what begged for fingers.

And the posture, knees wide, spine curved, hands flat against the bed - turned her into something else.

Not passive. Not controlled.

Open.

Like the shape of her body could speak. And right now, it said: take me, look at me, ruin me if you want to, just don’t look away.

Her thighs trembled.

It was too much.

And exactly right.

She had never felt more exposed. Or more wanted. Or more sure she wanted it too.

“Fuck,” Paige whispered. It slipped out unguarded.

She moved in, peeling off her shirt, crawling behind Caitlin with the hunger of someone trying to hold herself back. Her hands found the backs of Caitlin’s thighs, steady, reverent.

Paige slid her hands higher. Over the curve of Caitlin’s ass, up her waist, until her chest hovered just behind her back.

“You looked so fucking good tonight,” she said, voice rough against skin. “All squirmy. All mine.”

She kissed Caitlin’s shoulder. Her spine. Then bit the base of her neck, sharp enough to drag a sound from her throat.

Paige’s fingers slipped under the hem of her shirt. “Can I take this off?”

“Yeah. Please.”

Paige pulled it off, bra too, her knuckles brushing bare skin, hands following close behind. Caitlin tossed the shirt aside and dragged her own hands down her back, offering herself.

Paige trailed her palms after them, thumbs brushing along Caitlin’s spine. She let out a low sound and cupped her hips, then pulled her closer and slid her hands up, grabbing her breasts from behind.

She pressed in, skin to skin, her chest tight to Caitlin’s back. Her thumbs rolled over her nipples, slow but firm.

Caitlin moaned. Her hips shifted into the touch.

“You like being like this?” Paige asked, voice dark and steady. “On your hands and knees for me?”

“Yes,” Caitlin said. “I do.”

“I like it too.” Paige’s voice dropped. “I like being rough. I like giving orders. I like the way you fucking listen.”

She squeezed Caitlin’s breasts again, harder this time. Her breath came faster. Her body locked in close, tension coiling through her.

“You don’t have to give me more than you want,” she said against Caitlin’s neck. “But if you let me, I’ll show you what I like.”

Her mouth skimmed her shoulder. She kissed her once, then added, “And if you like it too, just tell me to keep going.”

Caitlin pushed back into her without a word.

Paige smiled. She rolled her hips forward, filthy and unhurried, dry humping against Caitlin’s ass. One hand braced low on her back, guiding her into it. “I love how wet you already are,” she murmured. “You’re gonna be soaked when I finally touch you.”

She stilled, one hand flat between Caitlin’s shoulder blades, the other gripping her hip, fingers sinking into flesh. “You okay?”

Caitlin nodded fast. “Yeah. Just…” She swallowed hard. “Promise me.”

Paige leaned in, lips grazing the back of her neck. “Promise you what?”

“That you won’t stop.” Her voice cracked open. No mask. No game. Just want. “That you’ll let me come. You said if I asked…”

“I remember.” Paige kissed between her shoulder blades. Her mouth slowed, grounding both of them. “I promise. I’m not gonna stop.”

She thrust forward again, once, deep and hot. Caitlin cried out.

“I’m not gonna edge you.”

Paige’s hands slid up her ribs. She cupped her breasts, thumbs teasing her nipples, and Caitlin arched into it like her body was answering a command.

“If you let me,” Paige said, her voice low and steady, “I’m gonna put my fingers inside you. And fuck you deep. Steady. Until your whole body shakes. Until you can’t hold yourself up.”

She leaned in, mouth close to Caitlin’s ear.

“And then I’ll finish it for you.”

Caitlin nodded like it was the only thing keeping her grounded.

Paige kissed the dip of her spine. Then lower. Gentle. Certain. “I’m not just gonna fuck you, Caitlin.”

The air between them felt quiet, not heavy. Paige wrapped her arms around her waist, holding her close, not tight. “We’re sharing this, me and you, both of us together.” she said, voice low. “And I’ve wanted that since the moment I knew you’d trust me like this.”

She kissed the small of her back again. Slower. Calmer. “I want this part too,” Paige said. “Not just the sex. You. Us. Right now.”

She pressed forward, chest against Caitlin’s back, mouth close to her ear. “I’m not doing this to get off.”

Her breath stayed even. Her voice steady.

“I want you to feel safe. I want you to feel everything. And I want you to know I’m right here with you. The whole time. And that you can always say stop, or not yet, or anything. I’ll listen. Nothing has to happen if you don’t want it to.”

She let her hands rest lightly at Caitlin’s waist. No pressure. Just presence. “If I say something you’re not sure about, or touch you somewhere and it’s too much - just tell me. You don’t need a reason. You don’t need to explain. We stop, we breathe, we stay right here.”

She pressed a kiss to Caitlin’s shoulder. Then another, higher up. “Do you still want this?”

Caitlin’s voice came quiet, but sure. “Yes. I want it.”

Paige nodded, kissed the back of her neck. “Okay,” she said. “I want it too.”

Then she paused again. “I’m gonna touch you. Over your underwear first. Just with my hand. Can I do that?”

“Yes,” Caitlin whispered. “Please.”

“Good,” Paige said softly. “Thank you for saying yes.” Paige exhaled, her breath warm along Caitlin’s spine. “Turn over,” she said, voice rough at the edges but quiet now. Measured. Honest. Then she added, softer, almost shy. “Please.”

Caitlin turned without hesitation. She lay on her back and looked up at her. Eyes open. Trusting.

Paige shifted above her, keeping her weight light, gaze steady. “I wanna see you, baby,” she said.

Her hand moved up Caitlin’s side, fingers gliding over skin. Her thumb passed gently across her breast. Paige felt her own hands shake a little. Not from nerves. From care.

“You’re sharing your first with me,” she said. Her voice held stillness, something deep and grateful. “And I need you to know what that means. I won’t ever take this lightly. I won’t ever forget it.”

Caitlin swallowed. Her voice wavered, but the words came clear. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. I just want it to be you.”

Paige leaned in, touched her forehead to Caitlin’s, and stayed there. She breathed in through her nose, steady and soft.

“I’ve got you,” she whispered.

Caitlin nodded. Her eyes were glassy but steady. “I know.”

Paige pulled back just enough to breathe. Just enough to look at her. Her hand moved across Caitlin’s stomach, fingers warm and steady, sliding lower.

“Caitlin,” she said softly. “Will you look at me?”

Caitlin opened her eyes.

“Can you tell me how you like to touch yourself?”

Caitlin froze for a second. Her body felt too aware of itself. Paige stayed right where she was, calm and quiet. Her thumb traced soft circles at her hip.

“You don’t have to make it sound sexy,” Paige said, almost smiling. “I just want to learn. I want to do what feels good for you.”

Caitlin reached down. She took Paige’s hand and guided it between her legs, resting it there. Not under the skirt. Just over. Just close.

She showed her. Pressure, rhythm, the shape of her want.

Then she let go.

Their eyes met. Caitlin didn’t say it out loud, but everything in her body said yes.

Paige breathed through her nose, jaw clenched like she was holding something back. Her hands settled at Caitlin’s waist, firm and certain. “Lift,” she said.

Caitlin did. Hips raised, offering herself.

Paige pushed the skirt up, inch after inch of soft skin revealed, the soaked-through cotton clinging between Caitlin’s thighs.

She watched Caitlin’s face as she peeled the underwear down. Not rushed. Not shy. She wanted Caitlin to feel every second of being undressed by someone who knew exactly what she was doing.

Paige tossed them to the floor. She ran both hands up Caitlin’s thighs, spreading her gently. She paused there, hands resting, fingers splayed like she was holding her open. Then she leaned in, kissed the inside of one of her. Slow. Soft. Not to tease. Just because she couldn’t not.

Caitlin's breath came jagged now. Her chest rose fast.

And suddenly, Paige's jeans felt too tight. She looked down at Caitlin, flushed, open, stripped bare, and something in her cracked.

She pressed her forehead to Caitlin’s stomach, kissed her once, then looked up. “Nah. I can’t leave you like this.” Her voice dropped. “Naked. Spread out. Dripping for me. And I’m still dressed?”

She pushed up onto her knees, her breath thick. “I need to take these off,” she said, fingers brushing the waistband of her jeans. “Not just because I want you so bad I can barely breathe,” she leaned in, kissed her neck hard. Bruising.

“but because you're trusting me with your whole body. And I want you to see what it does to me. What you do to me.”

Caitlin nodded, eyes wide, chest rising fast.

Paige sat back on her heels, fingers working the fly of her jeans. She unbuttoned. Unzipped. Pushed them down slow, steady, until they were off.

Boxers. Black. Soft cotton. Low on her hips. Nothing underneath.

She stood at the edge of the bed, breathing heavy now. Her hands hovered at the waistband, but she didn’t move.

Instead, she looked at Caitlin.

“Take them off for me,” she said. Dirty. Honest. “I want your hands on me.”

Caitlin froze for half a second. Not from doubt, but from how badly she wanted to.

Then she reached up. Curled her fingers under the band and dragged them down. Slow. Steady. Watching every inch as they slid off Paige’s hips, then her thighs.

Paige’s breath shuddered. She stepped out of them, letting Caitlin see all of her.

Now they were both bare. Equal. Open.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Paige said, like it hurt to admit it out loud.

They were stretched out now, Caitlin open on the bed, her head lifting slightly from the pillows. Paige knelt between her thighs again, hands resting on her skin, thumbs stroking the softest part near the crease.

“I’m gonna take my time,” she said. “You tell me if you want more. You tell me if you want less.”

“I will,” Caitlin said, breath catching. “But I won’t want less.”

That made Paige groan under her breath. “I’m not gonna make you wait,” she said. She kissed her again, higher now, just beneath her breast. “But I am gonna make you feel it.”

Caitlin inhaled, lips parted, body humming with want. “I already do.”

“Relax, baby.” Paige kissed her again, mouth open, dragging. “Let me worship you a little first.”

Her kisses moved lower, lips sweeping across her chest. Her tongue traced the swell of one breast, then the other, savoring.

Caitlin moaned. Her body arched toward the heat. “That feels…”

“Tell me,” Paige whispered, lips right against her skin.

“So good.”

“Good.”

Paige flicked her tongue over one nipple, then sucked hard enough to make Caitlin gasp. “Then I’m gonna stay here for a while.”

“God,” Caitlin cried. Her hand found Paige’s hair, fingers curling tight.

“That’s it,” Paige murmured, her mouth still on her. “You like that? When I suck your tits like that, baby?”

“Yes,” Caitlin breathed, voice shaking now. “Yes.”

Paige smiled against her skin. “You sure do.”

She kissed lower, right down the center of Caitlin’s ribs. Each touch landed hot and open, no rush, just claiming.

“You’re so fucking responsive,” she said, mouth brushing the edge of Caitlin’s stomach.

Caitlin jolted beneath her. Paige pressed both hands to her thighs, spreading them wider, settling between them like it was her home.

“You’re so fucking good for me,” she whispered.

She kissed the inside of Caitlin’s thigh, open-mouthed and wet, tongue dragging just enough to make her squirm. “Letting me touch you. Letting me see you like this.”

Caitlin moaned, low and broken.

“You’re gonna be loud when I make you come, aren’t you?” Paige’s voice stayed close to her skin. “Gonna fall apart for me. Gonna soak my fingers. Say my name.”

Caitlin arched, her whole body trembling. “I want it so bad,” she choked out.

Paige dropped her hand.

Caitlin felt it coming, the air around them pulling tight. Her body opened and tensed at once, desperate and ready.

Then Paige touched her.

One slow glide through soaked heat. Fingertips dragging through her folds like she already knew every inch. No tease. No games. Just pressure and presence.

Wet. Deep. Perfect.

Caitlin gasped. Paige circled again, lower now, slick and slow. “There,” she Caitlin. “Right there, P.”

Paige moved again. A little firmer now. Not rough, just certain.

Caitlin’s hips shifted. Her fingers curled in the sheets. Her thighs twitched, but she held them open.

The pressure coiled low and warm, threading into her spine. She felt like she was being unzipped from the inside.

Her mind blanked.

“Breathe, baby,” Paige said. She pressed her free hand to Caitlin’s hip, thumb working slow, calming circles into her skin.

“I’m right here,” she whispered. “Let yourself open up for me. It’s gonna feel better if you don’t tense.”

Caitlin nodded, her breath unsteady. “I want it,” she said, voice rough with need. “I want you inside me.”

“I know you do.”

Paige slid her fingers lower, back through soaked heat, until she was circling Caitlin’s clit with just enough pressure to make her whimper.

Caitlin’s hips jerked. Paige caught them with her other hand, palm pressing her gently back into the bed. “That’s it,” she breathed. “Stay right here. Don’t chase it yet. Let me take care of you.”

She wasn’t teasing. She was holding Caitlin at the edge to keep her steady. “You’re so fucking ready for me,” she murmured, her voice wrecked now. “Dripping. Hot. Begging to be filled.”

Her fingers slid lower again, wet with Caitlin’s want. “Inside now, baby?”

Caitlin nodded, chest rising too fast. “Yeah,” she gasped. “Please, P. I need it.”

Paige kissed her once more, then pressed in.

One finger. Deep. Sure.

Caitlin gasped, eyes fluttering. Her thighs trembled, but she didn’t pull away. She opened for it.

“That’s it,” Paige whispered, her finger curling inside. “You feel so good. So wet for me.”

Caitlin moaned. Her head tipped back. “Oh my god.”

“You like that?” Paige asked, pushing deeper, filling her all the way.

“Yes,” Caitlin said, breath sharp. “More.”

Paige gave her more. She fucked her with one hand, her other gripping Caitlin’s thigh, holding her steady. Her body stayed low, her mouth brushing over Caitlin’s stomach, her chest, anything she could reach.

“You’re taking me so well,” Paige said. “You’re not holding back. You’re giving it all to me.”

She curled her fingers again and Caitlin cried out, louder this time. Her hips jerked. Her legs shook. Her body lit up like it had been waiting. “Right there,” Caitlin gasped. “Fuck, right there.”

Paige watched her. Her eyes dark. Her breath heavy. Her smirk came slow and sure.

“Yeah?” she said, her thumb sliding over Caitlin’s clit, working her open. “That’s it, baby girl. You like when I fuck you like this?”

“Yes,” Caitlin said, barely able to speak. “Yes. Don’t stop.”

Caitlin couldn’t answer. Not with words. She moaned, loud and wrecked, head thrown back, hips jerking in Paige’s grip.

Paige leaned in, voice rough. “You gonna come on my fingers, baby?” She pushed in another finger. Wet. Deep. No warning.

Caitlin cried out, thighs locking around Paige’s wrist like she couldn’t take it. “Paige - ”

Paige didn’t stop. Her fingers kept fucking her, knuckles deep, pace steady. “You’re so close,” she said. “You’re dripping. You’re shaking. You were made for this.”

Caitlin shook her head like she couldn’t hold it all. Her whole body trembled, too much sensation, too much need. “You can have whatever you want,” Paige said.

She added a third finger. Caitlin gasped. Full now. Stretched wide. Her eyes rolled back. Her mouth dropped open.

Paige watched as she fell apart. Her eyes were dark, her jaw tight, a smirk curling at the edge of her mouth.

“Paige,” Caitlin said, grabbing her shoulder. Her voice cracked, high and desperate. “I need, please, tell me I can.”

Paige didn’t blink. Her fingers didn’t stop. They kept moving slick and deep inside her, fucking her open, working her to the edge.

“Can what, princess?”

Caitlin squirmed beneath her, already gone, too fucked-out to say it. “You know,” she whimpered.

Paige grinned. Sharp. Possessive.

She couldn’t help it. Caitlin was so far under. So tuned to her voice, her hands, her rhythm.

Already trained to ask for permission like her orgasm belonged to Paige. Like her body only knew how to come when Paige allowed it.

And fuck, that did something to her.

“If you can’t say it,” Paige said, curling her fingers deep and firm, “you can’t have it.”

Caitlin screamed. Her whole body went tight, legs shaking, cunt gripping Paige’s hand like it didn’t want to let go.

“Say it.”

“I need to come,” Caitlin sobbed. “Please. Can I come? Let me come, Paige.”

Paige’s voice dropped, thick with pride and heat.

“Good girl. You can.”

And that was it.

Caitlin shattered. Loud. Messy. Legs spread wide, pussy pulsing around Paige’s fingers as she came hard, soaking everything.

Paige watched her come apart, eyes locked on her like she never wanted to forget the sound of it. The shape of her. The way she asked.

She whispered again, softer this time.

“Come for me.”

And Caitlin did.

Her whole body seized. She sobbed through it, hands clawing at the sheets, legs spread wide around Paige’s wrist, her cunt pulsing around her fingers.

And Paige never looked away.

Her back arched. Her thighs clamped around Paige’s wrist. A moan tore from her throat, loud, raw, honest. She didn’t hold it in. It rolled through her in waves, high and hard and endless. Her legs shook. Her mouth opened on another cry, then another.

She had never been this loud in her life.

But it was too late. She was already over the edge. Caitlin’s body writhed under her, hips twitching, chest heaving, thighs locked tight around Paige’s wrist. She was still coming, long and loud and wild.

A broken “Oh, oh, fuck, Paige.”

Then a sobbed breath. Not from sadness. Just full.

Overstimulated. Overcome. Alive.

Her hands clawed at the blanket, then reached for Paige’s shoulder, like she needed something to hold onto or she might float away.

Paige didn’t move.

She didn’t pull out.

She stayed right there, her fingers still inside, her mouth moving gently over Caitlin’s chest and jaw. She whispered over and over:

“You’re okay.”

“I’ve got you.”

“Let it happen. Let it all out, baby.”

And Caitlin did.

Her moans slipped into soft sobs. Little “ah, ah, please…” sounds, not asking for more, just trying to find somewhere to put all that feeling.

“Fuck, that’s it,” Paige whispered. “You sound so good.”

Caitlin moaned again, a broken, dizzy sound. “Ngh, fuck, Paige... don’t stop.”

And Paige didn’t. She just praised her. 

“You’re so fucking beautiful when you come.” She stroked her slower now, staying deep. “You’re good Cait. I’m here” Her mouth kept moving, shoulder, jaw, lips, the center of her chest. “You’re mine,” Paige said, her voice softer now. “I’ve got you. I’m right here.”

And when Caitlin���s body finally started to come down, trembling and open, flushed all the way to her ears, she whispered:

“Don’t let go yet.”

And Paige answered, her voice steady, immediate.

“I won’t. Never.”

Caitlin’s body twitched again, smaller now. Her thighs spasmed once, then settled. She was limp. Her chest rose fast, uneven. Her lips were parted. Eyes glassy.

Paige didn’t move. Not her hand, not her body. She stayed inside her. “Breathe with me,” Paige murmured. “Just like before. You’re okay. You’re safe.”

Caitlin swallowed hard. Nodded. Tried to pull air in deep.

Paige felt the way she flinched, not pain, just raw. So she kissed her again. Mouth to temple. To the forehead. “You did so good, baby.”

Caitlin let out a shuddery breath. “That was…” She couldn’t finish.

Paige did it for her. “Everything?”

She eased her fingers out slowly, gently, careful enough that it felt like a second kind of intimacy. Caitlin whimpered at the loss.

“Hey,” Paige said softly, kissing her lips now. “Still here. I’ve got you.”

She shifted up beside her, pulled Caitlin’s body into her arms, thighs tangled, chest to chest, one arm draped around her middle, holding her tight.

Caitlin curled into her like she had never wanted to be anywhere else. She stayed quiet for a while. Just breathing. Just coming back.

Paige brushed her hair back from her forehead. “You okay?”

“I spent so long scared of what it would mean to want this… and then I wanted you more than I was afraid.”

“That’s why I wanted it to be me.”

Caitlin stayed pressed against her, breath slowing. Paige was quiet now, fingers combing gently through her hair, the other hand tracing slow circles into her back. The room smelled like sweat and sex and comfort.

She kissed Caitlin’s temple. Her cheek. Her jaw. “You good?” she murmured.

Caitlin nodded, voice soft. “Yeah.”

Paige smiled. “You’re destroyed.”

“I’m very destroyed,” Caitlin mumbled, grinning into her shoulder, lazy and glowing.

They lay tangled together, sweat cooling between them, breath settling. Paige’s hand traced lazy circles along Caitlin’s back.

But Caitlin wasn’t finished.

Her hand slid higher, fingers moving across Paige’s chest. Slower now. Focused. Her thumb brushed over one nipple, circled back, teasing.

Then she did it again, firmer this time.

She remembered the way Paige had moaned that morning when she sucked there. The way her voice broke when she said harder, almost shy. The way she had rutted into the sheets when Caitlin bit down. The way her thighs had locked like she needed to be pushed.

Caitlin pressed her thumb in and pinched, just hard enough to make Paige flinch.

“You remember what you told me earlier?” she whispered, lips brushing her collarbone, heat trailing behind.

Paige exhaled, sharp and shaky. “Yeah.”

“You said you wanted it rough.”

Caitlin’s mouth dragged across the swell of her breast. She bit again, a little harder. Paige gasped.

“You said you could take it.”

She bit again. Then licked where her teeth had been. Paige’s body jerked like she couldn’t decide whether to pull away or beg for more.

Caitlin smirked. “Still think you can?”

Paige let out a wrecked sound, low and desperate, her fingers digging into Caitlin’s hip. “You’re got another one in you. I can see it. You want more. You want me to fuck you again, make you come until you can’t fucking think, don’t you?”

The words hit harder than they should have. Paige's voice had shifted. She wasn’t teasing. She was ready to take control again.

Caitlin met her eyes, no hesitation. “I’m yours, Paige. However you want me.”

Paige didn’t wait. She kissed her hard, deep, tongue sweeping in like she owned her. It stole the breath from Caitlin’s lungs. It said one thing: get ready.

Then she pulled back just enough to look her in the eye.

Something in her shifted. Not shy. Not nervous. Just locked in. Clear. Wanting something real.

“There’s something I want,” she said. Her voice was rough, scraped with need. “And I haven’t done it with anyone before. Not like this.”

Caitlin held her gaze. Steady. “Tell me.”

Paige bit her bottom lip, then spoke. Honest. Raw.

“I’ve got this harness. No strap. Just a bullet that sits against me. It vibrates when I move.”

She watched Caitlin’s eyes darken. Felt the tension coil low.

“I want to finger you from behind,” she said. “I want to grind into you while I do it. Let it hit me while I make you come.”

Caitlin’s breath caught. Her thighs pressed together under Paige’s body. “Okay,” she whispered.

But Paige didn’t touch her yet.

“I know what this is for you,” she said. “I’m not asking for more than you’re ready to give. But I want this. I want to fall apart while I’m inside you. I want to come with your name in my mouth.”

Caitlin’s voice came out wrecked. “You’d come from that?”

“I’d come so hard it’d make me see stars.”

Caitlin’s body was already responding, just to the thought. Her legs twitched. Her thighs clenched.

She didn’t even try to hide it. Because the way Paige said together sent heat rushing low in her belly. Like her body already knew what was coming.

The idea of Paige inside her again - steady, deep - and grinding down against her, losing it right there while Caitlin fell apart?

It was too much. It wasn’t enough.

She clenched again, instinctive. Needy. Her breath caught.

“God,” she breathed. “Can you just… can you fuck me with it?”

She said it too fast. She hadn’t planned it. It wasn’t a tease.

It just came out because the want was everywhere. In her chest, in her gut, in the way her skin reached for Paige’s. The thought of Paige grinding into her, moaning, losing control—it made her pulse with need all over again.

She didn’t care if it was too much. She wanted it anyway.

Paige stopped.

“Baby,” she said. “No.”

Caitlin groaned and buried her face in Paige’s neck. “It’s your birthday…”

Paige kissed her temple. “Exactly. That’s why I get to choose.”

She pulled back enough to make Caitlin look at her.

“You’re not ready for that.”

Caitlin opened her mouth, but Paige raised an eyebrow.

“You’re sore. You just came hard. I watched you lose it for me. That means something. You don’t need to give more.”

Caitlin sighed. Her face was flushed. She was still catching her breath.

“Fine,” she muttered.

Paige smiled. “You really want to be good for me, don’t you?”

Caitlin looked up, heat crawling up her neck. “I just want you.”

Paige leaned in and kissed her.

“Then let me show you,” she said against her lips, “how good you already are.”

Caitlin moved, quiet and certain, onto her hands and knees.

For the second time tonight.

“Good girl,” Paige whispered.

But this time was different.

No skirt bunched at her hips. No cotton clinging to her thighs. Nothing between them now. Nothing left to cover her.

She was bare.

Caitlin stayed in position, chest low, back curved, thighs wide. She didn’t speak. She didn’t look away. She just waited.

The air hit her thighs first. Then her back. Then the full ache of being so open, so bare, so seen. A shiver ran through her, not from fear, not from hesitation, but from how suddenly real it all felt.

She stayed like that, trembling, breath tight in her chest. The sheets were cool beneath her knees. The air was sharp along her spine.

And then Paige touched her.

Palms sliding up the backs of her legs. Warm. Steady. Claiming.

She felt Paige move in behind her. Closer. Heavier. Skin on skin. Heat pressing into her spine like it belonged there.

“Shh,” Paige said. Voice low, steady. “I’ve got you.”

She strapped in fast. The harness hugged her hips, the small bullet already pulsing against her clit. Paige hissed through her teeth, sharp and breathless. Just that was enough to make her dizzy.

She stepped up behind Caitlin. Her palms slid over bare ass, down the backs of her thighs, gripping tight.

“I’m gonna fuck myself all over you, princess.”

Her voice was wrecked. Hot. Focused. “You ready for my fingers again?”

“Yes,” Caitlin said. “Please.”

Paige leaned in. Her chest pressed to Caitlin’s back, mouth right at her ear.

“I’m gonna fill you while I grind into you. I’m gonna come with you.”

She kissed her spine.

Then pushed her fingers back inside.

Caitlin jerked forward, gasping.

“Still so wet for me,” Paige whispered. Her fingers curled, deep and hard. “You’re dripping. You want it bad.”

Caitlin moaned, legs shaking.

Paige kept fucking her with one hand, the other gripping her hip, pulling her back into it.

“You gonna come for me like this?” she said, voice thick. “While I ride you? While I soak this harness all over your ass?”

Paige set a rhythm. Her fingers moved smooth and full. Her hips rocked forward, slow and controlled. The soft press of the harness bumped Caitlin’s lower back with every thrust, and the vibration pushed hard into Paige’s clit.

Paige gasped. “Shit, fuck, yeah…”

The vibrator pulsed harder, her breath hitching with every grind. Caitlin’s arms shook. Her forehead dropped to the sheets. She moaned without restraint.

The room was slick with sweat and silent except for their breathing, the soft slap of hips, the slick sound of Paige’s fingers moving inside her, and Caitlin screaming.

Every time her hips met Caitlin’s ass, Caitlin gasped… closer, closer, closer.

Then Paige leaned in, mouth brushing her ear, her voice low and rough through her chest. “You said something this morning. Before you were even awake.”

Caitlin moaned. Her whole body twitched. “What?”

“You know.” Paige kissed the back of her neck. Bit her shoulder. Caitlin whimpered, too far gone to answer.

“You said it into my pillow,” Paige said. “All soft. Like you didn’t even mean to.”

Caitlin whined, thighs twitching. “What?”

“You know what.” Paige bit again, just hard enough to make her jolt. “Don’t play dumb.”

“I didn’t…”

“You did.” Paige kept fucking her, slow and deep, fingers curled tight. Caitlin couldn’t hold a thought. Couldn’t form a sentence. She was open. Wrecked.

“You woke up thinking about my mouth,” Paige whispered. “And you called me your pretty girl.”

Caitlin groaned. Her face pressed into the mattress, flushed and shaking.

Paige grabbed a handful of her hair. Not rough. Just enough to lift her.

She leaned in close. Voice low. Right in Caitlin’s ear.

“Say it again.”

Caitlin whimpered. “I can’t - ”

“Yes, you can.”

Paige slowed the thrusts. Stayed deep. Let the pressure drag.

The harness pressed into her clit. The bullet pulsed hard now. Steady. Unforgiving. It hit her with every movement, sent heat tearing through her.

Caitlin’s thighs tightened. Paige could feel her clenching. Holding everything in.

“Say it,” Paige said again. Her voice was a growl now. “Call me your pretty girl.”

Every grind sent a ripple of heat through her core. Pressure coiled low, sharp and rising, the friction impossible to ignore. She could feel Caitlin tightening around her fingers, could hear the soft, broken moans, and it pushed her closer - too close.

Her fingers stroked low and full, hips rocking slow and deep. “You want to come again?” she whispered, voice frayed.

Caitlin nodded, desperate now, panting into the mattress. “Yes, yes, please.”

And Paige almost lost it right there.- from the sound of her voice, from the way her body opened like she was meant to be held like this, wrecked like this.

It wasn’t just the rhythm or the grind.

It was Caitlin.

Then Caitlin gasped it. Barely a whisper, but sharp as a blade.

“Pretty girl.”

And Paige broke — not just from the sound, but from what it meant. From the truth in Caitlin’s voice. From being wanted like that. Named like that. Claimed without shame or question.

Her hips stuttered. Her breath caught. Her rhythm fell apart. And then she was coming - grinding down hard, buried deep inside Caitlin, mouth open, eyes wide, shaking with it.

She came with a sound that ripped out of her, raw and guttural. Her hips bucked hard, jerking into Caitlin’s ass as the vibrator crushed against her clit, pulsing fast, wild, relentless. Her whole body seized. Her thighs locked. Her jaw dropped around a curse she didn’t finish.

Caitlin started to shake. And Paige rode it out on top of her, groaning into the space between her shoulder blades, body shuddering with every aftershock.

Then Caitlin said it again - louder this time, no shame, just heat.

“My pretty girl, fuck, yes, yes. I’m coming too, baby.” It hit her mid-sentence.

Her voice cracked as her whole body locked. Her back arched. Her thighs clamped around Paige’s wrist. The orgasm surged up from deep inside, sharp and endless, ripping through her like she’d been waiting her whole life to let go like this.

The sound of it dragged Paige under again.

Caitlin’s body clenched, legs trembling, hips grinding back into Paige’s hand. Her moan cracked open, high and rough, wrecked with how much she wanted this, how much she felt it.

And Paige didn’t stop.

Not until Caitlin was trembling under her, whimpering, soaking her hand, still whispering it.

Pretty girl. Pretty girl. My pretty girl.

Caitlin stayed curled into her, one hand pressed lightly to Paige’s ribs, the other caught in the blanket. Her cheek rested against Paige’s bare shoulder, her breath soft and shallow like she wasn’t all the way back yet.

Paige held her without speaking. One arm across her back, the other in her hair, stroking slow and steady.

She didn’t move. She didn’t rush.

She just stayed, letting Caitlin breathe.

A minute passed. Maybe more.

Then Paige shifted, just enough to press her lips to Caitlin’s temple.

“Hey,” she murmured, her voice low and sure.

Caitlin hummed, almost asleep. “Mm?”

Paige rubbed her thumb along her spine. “You’re okay,” she said. “You’re safe.”

Caitlin stayed tucked against her, warm and quiet, her breath still catching every so often like her body hadn’t fully come down. Paige kept her arms around her. One hand moved softly along her spine, the other curved at her waist, holding her close like she might float off if Paige let go.

Paige waited. Let Caitlin settle. Let the room get so quiet she could feel the rhythm of her chest, rising and falling slow against hers.

Then she leaned in and pressed a kiss behind her ear. “Can I tell you something?”

Caitlin nodded, eyes still closed. “It’s not sexy,” Paige said, smiling a little into her hair.

Caitlin hummed. “Okay.”

Paige shifted slightly, brushing hair from Caitlin’s cheek so she could see her face. “After sex, it’s important to pee.”

Caitlin blinked. “Wait, really?”

Paige nodded, soft and steady. “Yeah. It helps your body stay healthy. Flushes out bacteria. Lowers your risk of infection.”

Caitlin was still for a moment. Then said, “I didn’t know that.”

“I know.” Paige kissed her temple. “I didn’t either, at first.”

Another pause. “You don’t have to go right now,” Paige added gently. “Just soon. Before you fall asleep.”

Caitlin nodded slowly. She was quiet, not embarrassed, just thoughtful. Safe. “You always take care of people like this?” she murmured.

“Nah,” Paige said. “You just matter.”

That was it. Nothing more.

And Caitlin closed her eyes again, face tucked into Paige’s neck. She wasn’t ready to move yet. But now she knew.

And when she finally got up, it wouldn’t be because she was told.

It would be because someone cared enough to teach her how to care for herself.

[calicoheartz]

need need need something about going to watch Caitlin play with ur friends and ur sitting courtside and for the whole game she keeps on looking, smirking and flirting with you, and your friends keep on making fun of you because you're going insane and as soon as the game finishes she runs to your seat and kisses you in front of everybody, and the next day you two look at ship edits that went insane with this

Court-side ; Caitlin Clark ﹒﹒✧

summary : just caitlin teasing and flirting with you while watching her on courtside , (basically the prompt)

wc ; 383

warnings : teeny tiny bit suggestive , mainly fluff

my master list ㇀♡

a/n : ok wait this actually such a creative and cool prompt! tysm for trusting me with this idea :) enjoy ! ◡̈

You managed to score courtside seats for Cait’s big game for you and your friends.

Excitement buzzes through the air as you watch her completely dominate the court with her amazing and breathtaking skills. Throughout the game, the brunette kept stealing glances at you, flashing playful smirks and winks, which only makes your heart race with want and anticipation.

Your friends, quickly noticing the attention youre receiving from the star point guard, start teasing you relentlessly. Nudging you and making exaggerated faces every time she looks your way.

Despite trying to play it cool, you can feel yourself blushing under every glance and slight remark, getting more flustered by the minute.

During breaktime, shed whisper downright nasty things in your ear, while planting soft and tender kisses on your cheek.

As the game nears it’s end, Iowa is in the lead. With only seconds remaining on the clock, the brunette makes an amazing buzzer-beater shot, securing the win. The crowd immediately erupts in cheer, but Caitlins eyes are still locked on you, as she makes her way off the court and towards you.

Whilst ignoring the cheering fans and the obnoxious cameras, Caitlin rushes over to where you are sitting, pulls you up and out of your seat, and plants a passionate and deep kiss on your plump lips. Causing a collective gasp from the audience, as you feel their stares in all the directions around you.

Youre momentarily stunned, unsure on what to do or even how to react, butt the feeling of her soft lips moving against yours quickly eases any worries or doubts you once had.

The stadium once again erupts into a mix of cheers and applause, with your friends cheering the loudest, now in full support of your relationship. Caitlin takes your hand, leading you through the crowd of reporters and coaches, and you can’t help but feel like the luckiest person in the world.

The next day, as you and Cait are cuddled up on the couch scrolling through social media, you stumble across the ship edits of the both of you that had exploded overnight, ranging from sweet and romantic to downright hilarious.

You both laugh at the creativity and enthusiasm of your fans, feeling grateful to have eachother amidst the whirlwind of attention and adoration.

sorry for the short post !! I try not to make these requests super super long as I alr have a lot of longer fics on the way! as always tysm for reading & don’t forget to request!

[gpcwsl]

please could we get a fic of caitlin coming home from camp and katie’s like not herself because of the hate she’s been getting after the game on tuesday she doesn’t say anything at first about it but then caitlin notices her scrolling or whatever and comforts her

Caitlin Foord x Katie McCabe

- Not alone -

WC: 500 (exactly 500 is crazy.)

MasterList

Warnings: swearing, sad Katie, kiss, short.

Song: Home – Gabrielle Aplin

Caitlin sighed as she unlocked the front door, exhaustion pressing down on her like a weight she couldn’t shake. Camp had been brutal, and the loss still stung—a 3-1 defeat that left her feeling like she hadn’t done enough. She knew the feeling all too well, but this one lingered more than usual.

Stepping inside, she expected to hear Katie’s usual greeting, maybe some sarcastic remark about how she should’ve scored more. But the house was eerily quiet.

Frowning, Caitlin set her bag down and walked through the flat, eventually finding Katie curled up on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Her body was tense, her expression unreadable, but the slight crease between her brows told Caitlin everything.

“Katie?” she said softly, moving closer.

No response.

Caitlin dropped onto the couch beside her, catching a glimpse of the screen. Comments flooded Katie’s latest post—harsh words, insults, blame for Ireland’s 4-0 loss to Slovenia. It was cruel, undeserved, and Caitlin felt her own sadness momentarily replaced with anger.

“Katie, baby,” she murmured, gently prying the phone from Katie’s hands and placing it on the table. Katie didn’t fight her, just let out a shaky breath and stared at her lap.

“They hate me,” Katie muttered after a long silence. Her voice was small, broken in a way Caitlin rarely heard.

“They don’t,” Caitlin countered instantly. “They’re just—” She exhaled, struggling to find the right words. “They’re frustrated. But that doesn’t mean they know anything about you, about what you give every single time you step on that pitch.”

Katie let out a bitter laugh. “Doesn’t feel like it.”

Caitlin didn’t argue. She knew better than anyone how words could cut deeper than any tackle on the field. Instead, she reached out, pulling Katie into her arms. Katie resisted for half a second before melting against her, burying her face in Caitlin’s neck.

“I’m so tired, Cait,” she whispered. “So fucking tired.”

Caitlin tightened her arms around her. “I know, baby. I know.”

She pressed a kiss to Katie’s temple, then another to her cheek, her forehead. Katie’s fingers curled into Caitlin’s hoodie, pulling her closer, silently asking for more. Caitlin didn’t hesitate. She kissed her softly, again and again, letting her lips linger as if she could transfer all her love through every touch.

Katie sighed into the affection, her body slowly relaxing. Caitlin shifted, guiding them down until they were lying on the couch, tangled together.

“You’re not alone, you know,” Caitlin murmured against her skin. “You’ve got me. Always.”

Katie lifted her head slightly, their eyes meeting. “Promise?”

Caitlin cupped her face, brushing a stray strand of hair back. “Swear on my life.”

Katie exhaled, then nudged her nose against Caitlin’s, silently asking for another kiss. Caitlin gave it to her, lingering this time, pouring everything she felt into it—love, reassurance, devotion.

And as they lay there, wrapped up in each other, the outside world and all its cruel words faded away.

[yeeterthek33per]

Jealousy's a B**** (Steph Catley x Reader x Caitlin Foord)

A/n So this is officially my fifth attempt at this, I've accidentally managed to post it twice, way too early, and I'm honestly still not happy with it.

Also, sorry it took so long, y'all. 😅

But yeah, Caitley Fluff. (Caitley? Staitlin? Stetlin? Coord? Catoord? Fortley? Footley?)

Caitlin's been acting weird lately.

She's more clingy than usual, hands finding some part of you whenever you're just feet from each other.

You're sure Steph's noticed it too, but she hasn't said anything either. Just that she has a knowing look on her face whenever Caitlin latches onto you for the fifth time in an hour.

Normally, you wouldn't have minded, but when she does it at training... it gets a little distracting.

Particularly when practising marking for corners. It feels like she uses every opportunity to be pressed against you. She goes out of her way to mark you, to be the first to mark you despite not even sharing positions.

Her hands find your waist, gripping you tightly, and you have to smack them away with red cheeks so that you avoid being both held in place and also teased by the others.

She doesn't do it with Steph as much, but it's still prominent when you aren't a part of the drill.

Usually, you're pretty observant of anything going on with your girlfriends, but this has you completely befuddled.

Well.

That is until the game against Chelsea.

It'd been rough from the start, both teams eager to get the london derby underway from the start of the season, eager to see who could test the other the most in the coming days.

With Arsenal out of the Champions league, this was the most important game for your team to win. Arsenal needed to set itself up for precendence early.

With that came physicality. And fast. Every opportunity for a header was met with being held down by the waist. Every time you had the ball, it was met with a slide tackle. Every run was met with being held back by the arm or your shirt.

It was getting on your last nerve.

You knew the captain and her partner well. You loved them both like family, having spent years growing up with Magda and others playing on the same team as Pernille. Playing at Arsenal was the only time either of you had been separated.

Unfortunately, that fondness didn't translate onto the pitch.

Magda was the first one to take your feet out from under you, and Pernille was constantly on you, both of them knowing how well you linked up through the midfield and that you were a constant danger at any time on the ball.

Football is a physical game. You knew that.

But it was getting a little out of hand at this point.

Which brings you to now.

There's a foul just outside the penalty area winning Arsenal a free kick, which converts into a corner after the ball ricochets off Cuthbert.

Stood in line waiting for the in, you shift, ready to leap up for the header. As soon as the ball is lofted into the box, hands grip your waist, preventing you from making the header.

You shake it off the first time. And the second time.

The third time, Magda completely takes you off your feet, and you hit the turf with a groan of frustration. How was the ref not catching any of this?

The fourth and fifth times, you brush it off, but you can see Caitlin practically death glaring Magda as the swede pulls you up again.

What you didn't see was the constant hole Caitlin was boring into the Chelsea Captain's head when she even so much as stood near you. It got particularly bad when Magdalena dropped you on your butt.

The last time it happens that half, Caitlin spins around to yell to the umpire. The sideline ref spots it too, Magda is warned but nothing more.

Caitlin growls but returns to position with a look from you.

Half time can't come quick enough for you. The lockeroom is alight with various chatter as they all fire off strategies and mid game plays that need to be fixed. Your girlfriends sit either side of you, Caitlin's hand tightly gripping your leg, a beset half glare on her face.

"I need you all to just keep pressuring. My strikers, you're doing good, but it's just getting in for those shots where you need to be. Try to shake your defenders."

With a nod from all of you, you all make your way back to the pitch in a hopeful search of goals.

It's just minutes into the next half when it happens, you fight the hold, but in the end, you hit the pitch again. This time, it sets off the firey striker.

She sees you get pulled down and sees red, she gets right up in the captains face with almost no hesitation.

"What the hell is your problem?" She shoves the swede away from you, followed by the piercing screech of whistle behind her.

"Nothing, what's your problem?"

Magda shoves back a little, which leads to the others quickly pulling her away.

"Keep your hands off her. It's that simple Eriksson."

Realising your partner is about two seconds away from a yellow, you jump between them, too, quickly grabbing her by the shoulders to walk her away from the situation.

"Alright, that's enough outta both of you. Caitlin, you need to cool it. Do not get booted for this. It's not worth it."

"But she-"

"Caitlin! It's not worth it. Let it go."

She grunts but walks away, accepting the yellow card pointed in her direction.

The rest of the game goes as smoothly as it can. Occasionally, you catch Caitlin getting a little pushy with Pernille, too. But it's nothing major in the end, and the whistle blows in a nil all draw.

Exhausted but still in an okay mood given the results, you walk around to shake hands with the chelsea players and specifically go find Magda as well.

"Hey Magda, sorry about earlier, you know how feisty she gets. I'd say she's sorry as well, but-"

The blonde chuckles.

"Probably not, given the glare I'm receiving right now. Speaking of, how are your lover girls?"

You smile softly, a small flush creeping up your neck.

"Loving, sweet, caring as usual. Normally well behaved, I swear." She laughs at that.

"It's fine. What happens in the game stays in the game. Sorry about dropping you on your butt a lot there."

She winces slightly. You just jab poke her in the ribs and wrap an arm around her shoulders.

"Nah, that's nothing. It's not the worst thing you've done to me." It's a soft prod and she huffs at you.

"Excuse me. I thought we let that go already. Just because we used to torture each other as kids."

"We? You mean you used to do it. I was a total angel as a child."

"Oh, I'm sure you were, I heard all about your innocent professions from Magda's mum."

Pernille wraps her arm around your other side, hand ruffling your hair.

"Yeah, just like you weren't getting pushy either today." You look up at her, being unfortunately shorter than the platinum blonde.

"I have no idea what you're talking about søde."

A nudge from you makes her chuckle.

You chatter away with them in your second language, having learnt Swedish whilst living with the captain in sweden from the age of 10.

Your parents were travelling business people (Magda would call them deadbeats, but that's another story) having moved to Sweden when you were just five, growing up next to Magda for five years before your parents wanted to move back to Australia.

However, given that you'd become so close with the Eriksson family, they quickly agreed to let you stay with them, the travelling lifestyle rather cumbersome on a child your age.

You loved your parents, but they were more deadbeat than they liked to admit, and so Magda's mother became like your own, and Magda, a sister to you after accepting adoption by the swedish family.

As you banter away with them, Caitlin watches on from her position by the bench, a small scowl on her face.

They were clearly way too touchy with you. Pernille kissing your cheek occasionally, Magdalena's arm wrapped tightly around your waist, occasionally brushing away your hair as you talk animatedly, a small blush on your cheeks at one particular moment makes the heat rise in her chest.

But she wasn't jealous.

No.

Why would she be jealous?

A small poke to her side brings her out of her thoughts.

"What's up with you, grumpy?"

Steph's shiteating grin makes her roll her eyes.

"Nothing."

"Uhuh, right, like I'm sure Eriksson and Harder haven't felt the holes you're glaring in the side of their heads either."

She scoffs.

"I am not." Her cheeks turn red at the incredulous look she receives in return.

"Babe, you do know they're not flirting, right? Magda definitely isn't into her, and as far as I can tell, those are loving sibling noogies our girl is receiving from Pernille."

Caitlin turns back to you. Steph's right. Still, she doesn't like the way they're holding you.

At some point, you must feel her staring because you look over with a soft but mildly concerned smile, raising a brow in her direction.

She shakes her head and turns away, arms still folded across her chest as she moves to go into the locker room.

"What's up with your girl, Stephy?"

Steph chuckles softly.

"Oh, nothing. Just our girl getting attention from her adoptive sister, apparently. I don't think she knows."

Beth snorts.

"No, I don't think she does either."

They watch as the pair continue to rib you, eventually hugging them goodbye and promising to meet up at some point in the next week or so. Wandering back over to Steph, theres a mildly confused look on your face.

"What happened with Cait? Is she still upset over Magda taking me down?"

Steph shrugs.

"Maybe. You know why?"

You shrug as well.

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

The bus ride back is even more confusing.

She ends up planted in the spot next to you but far too quiet. Normally, she's sat next to Katie, where the two would be either bickering, playing card games, or giving each other shit over small plays during the game.

None of that, though, and it stays that way until you've returned home.

"Okay, what's going on with you? You've been quietly sulking since we got back."

The forward shrugs in response, having been pretty silent for the whole ride home, save for occasional hums as you and Steph chat about team drama and the girls' post game antics as well.

You exchange a look with Steph, who looks like she knows more than she's letting on with the small smirk that pulls at her lips.

Confused by the action, you turn back to your other girlfriend, whose eyes are locked on the ceiling now, avoiding your meeting your own.

You can't think of any reason she'd be upset. The game hadn't been majorly eventful aside from that one yellow card. Magda certainly wasn't malicious in her tackles, so there's no way she'd be holding a grudge over that. You'd basically gone straight home after the game, too.

She was acting fine up until-

Oh.

Oh.

A mischievous grin crawls across your lips, and you move to sit in the striker's lap, surprising her mildly.

Your hands force her to look up at you.

"Baby, were you jealous?"

She scoffs, stumbling slightly over her words.

"Wha- no, I have no idea what you're talking about."

You sit back slightly, hand on your chin in faux confusion.

"Hm, I could've sworn you were glaring at Magda and P earlier. You saw that, right, Steph?"

You turn to the brunette, who is watching on clearly amused if anything.

"Oh, I sure did, I mean, if looks could kill."

You chuckle at the pout that makes its way onto Caitlin's face.

"I was not-"

She huffs at the growing smile on your face.

"It's really cute that you think they were flirting, baby. But no, there's no reason for you to be jealous, baby."

"But I wasn't jealous. They were just far too touchy, and-" the raised brow you give her makes her sigh softly.

"Okay, maybe a little bit, but still, they were all kissy, and it was getting way too touchy."

"Babe."

"But honestly they kept hugging you and after the game where they kept holding you and tackling you and-"

Cutting off her rambling, your finger sits on her lips and you hush her.

"Cait. I grew up with Magda. She's my adoptive sister. And Pernille definitely was not flirting. She's far too taken with Magda. Plus, she treats me like a little sister, too."

"Oh." Her cheeks flush.

"Honestly, baby, I thought you knew this already?"

Her cheeks go a little redder.

"No, why would I know? You've never told me about that."

"I'm out with them every other week. I usually tell you both, too."

"When? The only time you go out with friends, all we get from you is 'Hey, you two, I'm going to lunch with my sister and her girlfriend-' oh."

Both you and Steph lose it at that, Steph face palming as she falls back onto the couch, chest shaking with laughter.

You bury your face into her shoulder, shoulders jumping as you try to hide your giggles.

Caitlin rolls her eyes affectionately.

"Yeah, yeah, very funny, you two."

It takes you a minute to catch your breath again, hands moving to cup her cheeks, eyes alight with mirth.

"You're adorable. God, I love you. Also, wanna talk to us about why you've been extra touchy lately, too?"

She shakes her head and pulls you down to kiss her fully.

"Shut up."

You chuckle but comply, letting her have her way for now.

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

Caitlin didn't think she'd end up getting the third degree on her day off, but here she is, being teased mercilessly, stuck between you and Steph while you all rib her about last weeks game and the hickies you turned up to training with.

Between Steph, Beth, and occasionally Magda and Pernille, it really wasn't ending.

"Honestly, I don't know how you two didn't see it, really. She looked ready to implode after you kissed her cheek."

"I did not!"

"Baby, please, you were so red in the face."

"I'd just played 90 minutes. What do you expect?"

Beth pokes the girl with her shoe.

"Please, there was steam coming out of those ears."

Laughter rings out across the table.

"Tell me again why you thought I was flirting during the game by tackling her?"

Caitlin rolls her eyes at the swede.

"I didn't say that either."

You scoff playfully, turning to the chelsea defender.

"Ah yes, the swedish charm never fails you, huh Mags?"

"Sweeping girls off their feet since age ten."

Caitlin shakes her head.

"Okay, but like, what about the handsyness during the game? Harder, you were the worst of it."

The dane shrugs.

"It annoys her. That's literally it. Frustrate your opponents, and you have an easier time winning."

You scoff.

"Excuse me, don't say it like it actually worked."

"It did work."

"What part of a draw means you won?"

"I just said it worked."

"Clearly." You cock a brow at her.

The blonde flips you off, taking a sip of her coffee.

You poke your tongue out at her. Pernille chuckles, turning to her girlfriend.

"Childish. See babe, what did I tell you?"

"That I'm clearly the more mature and better looking sibling? See Caitlin? You have nothing to be jealous over. There's no way my girl would leave me for this thing."

Beth snorts and Steph has to cover a laugh when you take a swipe at the blonde.

"Bitch!"

While the other's watch on amused as you both bicker, Caitlin simply smiles, realising she definitely has nothing to worry about and reminds herself how much you show her love constantly.

Her clinginess had come from nowhere, so she'd blown it off.

Steph, however, knew well where it came from. Caitlin just got jealous easily, regardless of her protests to calling it that. Jealousy really is a bitch.

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

[the-wip-project]

Reach for the stars, June 1

Hello writerly friends!

Omg it's June! How did that happen? I had to update my spreadsheet. 

Once again, we'll be reaching for the stars this month. You post your wordcounts, and I'll give you a star. All the way until the last day of June.

As yesterday was the day for planning all the plans, I was musing a little about the ups and downs we always have with our writing. Sometimes it's such a rush and everything flows, and then it's like wading through molasses, dragging one word after the other out of the word swamps. Why is that?

One thing that is for certain — we are not alone in this. This is something every writer struggles with and fittingly, Rachael Herron had this in her latest patreon newsletter:

Seamus Heaney said, “Getting started, keeping going, getting started again — in art and in life, it seems to me this is the essential rhythm not only of achievement but of survival, the ground of convinced action, the basis of self-esteem and the guarantee of credibility in your lives, credibility to yourselves as well as to others.” I adore what he leaves out, what he drops right where he places that second comma. Getting started, keeping going, getting started again. At the second comma, he doesn’t have to say, forgetting to do the thing that works so beautifully and feels so good. It’s implied with that final getting started again.

We all fail sometimes, and then we start again. We start again. We keep writing, through the ups and downs. We accept our process. We start again. 

Happy writing in June!

~ barbex

taglist under the cut

@aleheartilly @midnightswaltz @mareebrittenford @transman-badass @austinpetrini @finchwrites @caitlin-elias @vespaer77 @flowerprose @tryingtimi @bebewrites @daisywords @wilde-writing @narastories @fontainebleau22 @houndsofcorduff @forthesanityofstorytellers @incognitajones @arcanefeelings @ilightmytorch @soldiermom1973 @ten-cent-sleuth @quilleth @samabigailalan @meekhayl-reblog @icannotreadcursive @austinpetrini @ooooshinythings @prudereality @eye-of-the-silver-dragon @squarelyblue @cheerfulmelancholies @heniareth @akaluan @flowerprose @wildswrites @bluejay-in-write @pheita @astorythatwritesitself @tildeathiwillwrite @rhikasa @darthnell @climbinupuraorta @eclectic-like-furniture @burger-the-ham @bardic-tales @battyaboutbooksreviews @bilightningwriter-writing @tramstrams @projecthypocrisy @bebewrites @panticwritten @friendly-neighborhood-goober @narastories @daisywords @leia-organa-fics @tryingtimi @author-a-holmes @did-i-do-this-write @xforeveralonerxx @murphysscribe @friendofozma @faejilly @tales-from-nocturnaliss @spacemomnephmoreau @cedence @illegalcerebral @ltleflrt @ilightmytorch @bad-at-names-and-faces @ink-and-spite @eriquin @fractoluminescence @companionwolf @soldiermom1973 @t-lane-writes @rhoxxia @incognitajones @wayhavenots @marshvlovestv @suzteel @talesfromaurea @cozy-fish-crow @heroofshield @stray-crow @kapandherscratchpad @transannabeth @sarasa-cat @serial-chillr @remexailferous @eiluned @lazyscience @ravenpuffheadcanons @cirianne @forthesanityofstorytellers @sidekick-hero @eternal-sunflowers @cee-grice @after-the-end-times @matchingbatbites @sophellkopter @dilly-dahlying @inhurtandincomfort @avidink @violets-in-her-arms-writes

[demie90s]

Shot Clock’s Heartbeat: Part 3

꒰ 🍒 ꒱ Caitlin Clark X READER ꒰ 🍒 ꒱ MASERTLIST MORE

Part 1, Part 2

⭑ pairing: caitlin clark x reader (fem!reader)

⭑ summary: It’s been months. Reader’s been unbothered and very vocal. Caitlin’s been biting her tongue. But when they meet again on the court… the only thing hotter than the competition is the silence between them. Until Conor speaks.

⭑ genre: sports rivalry, slow-burn tension, enemies(??)-to-lovers, flirty

⭑ warnings: tension, suggestive energy, reader clowning Conor

⭑ word count: ~0.9k

The months between our last game and now were quiet for her, but not for me. I lived. Summer was long, the spotlight warmer than ever, and I made sure to bask in it. Interviews, pickups, gym videos, charity games—I stayed visible. Caitlin? Not so much. She played it safe. Tugged through it. Let her boyfriend post couple pics that got more hate than hearts. Meanwhile, I went on record saying, “Girls are better. To me at least.” And when they asked about Caitlin? I smirked. “She’s nasty on the court. Pure talent. Shame about the company she keeps.” The comments weren’t subtle, but they weren’t deniable either. And she never blocked me. Didn’t unfollow. Hell, she watched every story I posted, even the one where I quote-tweeted one of Conor’s little gym selfies with: “Lifting all that and still can’t carry her team?” It got 250k likes in 2 hours. I didn’t delete it.

Now it’s the night before the game. We’re the main event. Every sports blog from ESPN to some Twitter fan account is hyping it up like it’s the WNBA Finals. But I’m calm. Real calm. I stretched out longer in warmups than usual. Played my music a little louder. Smiled at every camera that panned over. Then game time hit and I was on her the second the whistle blew. Not dirty. Just close. Just personal. We were tied up by second quarter. My layups were clean. My defense tighter than ever. And she? She was locked in but distracted. I knew it. I felt it. Every time I brushed past her, every time my fingers accidentally grazed hers, I saw it in her jaw. She clenched, then flinched, but never said a word.

Halftime came. We were headed toward the tunnel when I felt a presence I wasn’t expecting. Conor. Standing like a mannequin with a pulse, blocking my path near the hallway. The others walked past, some looking, some ignoring. He didn’t say my name. Just, “Hey.”

I stopped. Raised a brow. “Sup.”

“You think you’re funny?” he asked, chest puffed up like a PE coach.

I didn’t answer. Just tilted my head, the corner of my mouth tugging upward, because I could already tell this was gonna be good.

“You keep talking shit,” he said. “Keep making posts.”

I stayed quiet. I could hear the buzz from the crowd behind the hallway. I could smell the court dust on my jersey. I leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “And?”

“You trying to start something?” His voice cracked a little. “You’re not even in her league.”

That’s when I really looked at him. Tall, sure. But wiry. Angry. I was 6’2”, solid frame, and unfazed. I didn’t even look at his face. My eyes drifted right past him—right to where Caitlin had just entered the hallway, towel slung over her shoulders, face unreadable.

I smiled at her. “I’m not in her league?” I said, still watching Caitlin. “Baby, I am her league.”

Caitlin blinked. Froze. Like she wasn’t expecting that. Like she was trying to decide whether to roll her eyes or bite her lip.

Conor stepped closer. “Don’t talk to her.”

I turned back to him for the first time, my face shifting just slightly. “But she likes when I do.”

He opened his mouth to say something else but I walked past him, bumping his shoulder just enough to make him stumble. Not a shove. Just a reminder. Then I passed Caitlin. Real slow. My fingers brushed hers just enough to feel the heat.

“See you on the court,” I whispered, just for her.

She didn’t respond, but she didn’t move either.

That was enough

⸻

After the game—tied in points, fans losing their entire minds—reporters are circling like sharks.

Someone asks about Conor.

You fake a cough. “Oops.”

Another asks about your rivalry with Caitlin.

You just smile. “Rivalry is such a harsh word. I’d call it… unresolved chemistry.”

Twitter explodes. You get 10k new followers before you hit the locker room.

And her? She doesn’t say a word to press.

But when you check your phone later, there’s a new message.

“Come say it to my face next time.”

You type back without hesitation.

“Drop your pin.”

[melmedardasworld]

So I edited this post a few times since what I wanted to convey just couldn't come out, and then I stumbled across this explanation.

And all of this!

To continue with my own thoughts.

I'm not sure where the takes of Mel is more than Jayce's girlfriend or being reduced to just being at a man's side is coming from that is being spouted.... Meljay shippers know this?

People are annoyed and confused to see what was set up from S1 until S2 Act 1 and the sudden a disconnect of how we got to know the relationship was handled and their final conversation. Most of us would've been fine (I know I would) with the breakup if it wasn't so off and lackluster.

It didn't feel like Mel and Jayce, granted they went through the trenches both physically and mentally, but that understanding is only being applied to Jayce in how he behaves. Mel is just a bystander and has to take it, and she was never like that. Or did her time trapped by the BR just make her numb to everything because she feels so much and hasawakenied as a Mage and empath? If so, the writers did shit to make it clear, and we have to fill in gaps and explanations with headcanons.

Most importantly, Mel only gave and gave to others (professionally, non proffesional, platonical, familial, etc) but got nothing of the sort in return.... not even a hug, a hand squeeze, a how are you nada. That apology she got was, again, so offstandish. I didn't expect Jayce to cry out or be a lovey dovey anything, but he was more heated to scold her a beat. Mel barely got a word out there, too, to explain her side. She doesn't even fully understand her powers...

Also, in regards to interactions, why didn't we see a moment between her and Caitlin? When her mother died, Mel told Jayce to go to her, and had she seen how Ambessa did what she did, Mel would've shut things down, too. But we couldn't see the two of them bond over having lost their mothers?

No one in Piltover was concerned with their influential councilor who went missing for weeks/months? It would've been nice had we seen her and Shoola as the last ones standing or talk about the future of Piltover and the convo moving to Mel returning to Noxus and leaving it in the people's/their hands, but not a lick.

We just see her board a ship because she now has the weight of the Medarda line (who she needs to build from the ground up while the Black Rose is still out there and likely has to deal with more politics in Noxus that is more on the violent side) on her shoulders to a country she's been exiled for who knows how long.

Mel is getting to terms with her powers, her legacy, but even with her mother, Kino, Elora and now going back to a country she was exiled from, AND having to lead a faceless army. WHERE IS HER COMFORT!?!?! Who does she have to share all of this with above one minute.

It also doesn't help that people (yes, shippers mostly cause one scroll on your page they barely talk about Mel outside of ship. Not even about the popular 'she has a larger storyline' takes. Just invalidate why Meljay doesn't and never would work or was always doomed takes in response to OG shippers sharing their grievances.

There is weird and fake trolling in the meljay/mel tag when the same people never had something to say about her/ any of her relationship up until the finale and the last few Meljay scenes.

But now everyone can supposedly yap as some fake intellectual and shade others' people being annoyed, sad, and disappointed in the WAY it was written to THEM for their ship.

Meljay shippers literally had to create a niche tag because the main ones are being spammed with bad take after take and where Mel/Meljay is undermined while claiming it is all in balance in the end. Is that not insane?

Please, miss me with that. It is irritating and condescending.

Shippers in fandom love love and just a relationship in general. This is nothing new so why all these bad fate takes? They are allowed to vent their frustration on how the story for their ship is handled. Most of the same shippers also have an analysis of the characters' they ship and larger storyline that was set. Act 3 plot lines were squeezed in such a way with so many minutes left. I am still of the opinion that we should've gotten either 3 or 6 more episodes to tie all the stuff together properly since the writers themselves decided to introduce all these storylines. There was just a disconnect and OOC behavior in Meljay that wasn't expanded upon in a better way imo.