#meme: unsent texts | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

akirathedramaqueen · 10 months ago

Text

There's one piece of concept art that made me see the entire Apology Tour disaster in a different light.

So, we've been talking with @warblogs17282 about Stolitz and how their break-up ended up playing out in the 'Apology Tour' episode.

Why ended up? Well, there's a collection of concept art which, to my limited understanding of this craft, is one of the first steps in the production process of animation. This post by @birdy-babe includes a great chunk of it, shared by artists after the episodes aired (like storyboards, but much more stylised, showing how different some original ideas were). Long story short, one of the concept arts from the 'Apology Tour' episode suggests their quarrel was originally meant to be much harsher.

A short summary of the concept art to see what we are dealing with

In the background, you see a lot of apology postcards and silly cutesy stationery, suggesting Blitzø is in the middle of his Apology Tour.

The contact name isn't 'Stols' but 'Bird Dick,' implying their relationship is at an earlier stage, with less respect—at least on Blitzø's part.

There's a photo partially cut by the edge of the messages screen. From the signature gloves and boots, cowboy hat covering Blitzø's private parts, and visible nipples, it appears to be a nude image—replaced in later stages of development with stupid gay affirmation memes (as hard as it is to believe, I couldn't imagine there could be anything worse than the Striker horse gay jokes... well, it could, my dudes, it fucking COULD).

There are three messages, one of which is unsent:

"Stolas, cum awwwwwwn, u no u want it :)"—likely attached to the nude;

"Dude just talk to me"—desperation crawls in; he finally realises the shit has hit the fan;

"Im sowwy :("—an apology, but the text remains unsent, perhaps because it seems pointless, given that the 'Not Delivered' notifications and warning signs indicate Stolas has blocked his number.

Why do I find this fascinating, and why does it fill me with immense hope?

Because they still fucking care so much, and neither has completely closed the door on the other. By comparing the concept art to the final product, you can see how many intentional choices were made in dialogue, visuals, and behaviour to make it clear that these two idiots still want things to continue. Stolitz is meant to fucking live.

Now, if you want to see some comparisons—evidence, really—let's dive into each other's changes, focusing on what we can gather from the concept art.

Blitzø's side

Change 1—thank gods, no nudes. The gay memes are sillier and a bit lighter. Of course, they still showcase utter disrespect, a horrible prejudice against sexuality, and a poor understanding of how deeply Stolas was hurt, but I find them... less bad.

Change 2—no more 'Bird Dick.' Blitzø has actually come up with a real nickname for Stolas! Feelings are boring for you, huh, Blitzø? I can almost hear the song’s lines: "O-oh, hooked, addicted you might say, conflicted in a way…"

Change 3—Blitzø's attempts to apologize now show much more contemplation. Since Stolas hasn’t blocked him, Blitzø knows his words aren’t just being thrown into the void. Although the 'unsent' detail remains, it now carries real weight and impact.

All three changes are seen in these two GIFs.

He knows he did wrong. He knows he wants to salvage it. He might not yet know how to do it healthily, but he tries—he tries so fucking hard!

Look at the range of raw, cutting emotions as he speaks to Stolas and finally delivers his apology—probably the only one he genuinely meant. Well, maybe except for Verosika, a bit later.

It's not that it's hard for Blitzø to say 'sorry'—we've seen him do it a lot lately. He's actually quick to apologise and take responsibility, so Stolas's remark about him not feeling any remorse couldn’t be further from the truth. But the fact that he isn't running away this time—chasing after Stolas and trying his best to mend things—is drastically different from how he treated Verosika back then.

Stolas's side

Here’s the moment that struck me deep. It’s the only change, since the concept art shows Blitzø’s POV, but it’s such a significant one.

Do you think Stolas has moved on? Do you think he’s done with Blitzø? Not convinced, even when he’s literally singing about still wanting Blitzø?

Well, here’s your proof—he didn’t block Blitzø. They scrapped that.

More than that, the entire interaction emphasizes that Stolas isn’t pushing Blitzø away for good.

How do I know this? Stolas is very insistent on using phrases like 'for now,' 'right now,' and 'now' throughout his attempts to tell Blitzø off.

Here are some citations:

"I was hoping my lack of 'ha-ha's' in response to the photos you sent me would be an indicator I didn't want to talk right now."

"Seeing you right now is hard!"

"I'm tired of this! I'm uncomfortable with how you're speaking to me now!"

Why is this so important? Because he isn’t asking Blitzø to leave him forever. All he’s asking for is time.

Even while hurt, Stolas gives Blitzø plenty of chances to explain himself civilly. Look at the hopeful glances each time Blitzø shows any glimpse of genuineness.

Stolas fucking hopes Blitzø will take back all the cruel things said and brash actions done.

You know, Stolas... I've spent the entirety of this morning listening to love ballads, and that was...

For what?! You want me to be like, "Oh sorry, this entire time I assumed the worst because I was convinced a prince could never love someone like me and I've let my self-hatred stop me from apologising to anyone I could ever care about!"

You see the furrowed brows and the sad look? Stolas hopes for the best... but gets the worst because Blitzø isn’t there yet.

I’d even go so far as to say Stolas is acutely aware that Blitzø uses his brashness as a shield to protect himself. He literally sang about it in 'Just Look My Way.'

Unless it's me? And no matter what in this world I could give, it's not enough to get through these walls you've conjured up to live.

So, what gives?

Is this the behaviour of people who want to give up on a relationship they still clearly hold dear?

No. Even when they’re angry, aggressive, hurt, or drunk, they still seek understanding and forgiveness. They continue to listen and try.

They might lack the skills and may choose the wrong time, place, or words to express what truly matters...

One person, scared of being rejected so much that he unconsciously conveys this message by saying, "You don’t have to stay here with me," and carrying it throughout the whole conversation...

The other, coming to terms with his feelings, admits them, and his fears, a bit too late—when his romantic interest is too drunk to comprehend anything…

And in both cases—self-loathing, self-hatred, doubts, scars, trauma… and a lack of hope.

But there is hope. No, this is reassurance, my folks.

You know when it's hardest to stay in a relationship? When it’s hardest to come and say, "I am sorry," when it’s hardest to still love the person?

When you’re hurt. When they’ve hurt you.

And, despite that, you still come to them and still want to talk to them.

If this isn’t ironclad evidence that this is more than just a fling or a couple of fun sex dates, I don’t know what is.

And the 'Apology Tour' fucking proves it, rather than ruins it. It only strengthens the point. It’s easy to live in happiness, but it’s so hard to go through it while you’re in pain. When you see them doing that, you realise it means everything to them.

Stolitz is to live.

#GET OFF MY MEN #they are so stupidly in love I want to smack them sometimes and... idk put them in a cage OR SOMETHING and make them fucking talk for once #they so fucking care for each other they go above and beyond to change for the better #they've already changed just because they want to be better for their love #even though they don't fully realise it #helluva boss #helluva boss spoilers #helluva boss apology tour #stolitz #blitzø #stolas #stolas x blitz #blitz x stolas #blitz #stolas goetia #akira's whimpery metas

176 notes · View notes

stewiesclark · 9 months ago

Text

Second Nature: Chapter Nine

Full Series

It was a Wednesday night, and Breanna was alone in her dorm. The silence stretched long, filling the space with a kind of oppressive quiet she couldn’t escape, not anymore. Her basketball gear lay abandoned in a corner of the room—a reminder of the late practice she’d forced herself through, trying to lose herself in drills and conditioning, the only thing she knew to numb the confusion swirling in her head. But tonight, it wasn’t working. Nothing worked anymore. No amount of hours in the gym could distract her from the weight that had been hanging over her since the kiss with Harriet.

The dim light from a single lamp on the far end of the room cast long shadows, the soft orange glow flickering faintly. Her room, usually a safe haven, felt stifling. The walls seemed to close in on her, as if echoing her own unsettled emotions. She slumped on the couch, staring at her phone resting on the coffee table, the screen dark but loaded with unsent messages, half-typed words she couldn’t bring herself to complete.

Breanna rubbed her hands together, her palms sweaty, heart racing with thoughts she’d been pushing away for weeks. She couldn’t stop thinking about Harriet, about the way her face had lit up when they’d kissed, the quiet vulnerability between them that had felt like something more, something important. That moment had stirred feelings inside Breanna she wasn’t prepared for—feelings that scared her. Since then, she had thrown herself into basketball, her safe place. But no amount of perfect jump shots or extra drills could shield her from the emotional mess she was in. Basketball had rules. Structure. A clear path. Relationships and feelings, those were far more unpredictable, more complicated. She couldn’t control this the way she controlled her game.

She reached for her phone. Her fingers scrolled through their old text messages, eyes lingering on their conversations from before—before things got complicated. The banter between them, Harriet teasing her about her terrible cooking skills, the silly memes they’d send back and forth during late-night study sessions. It felt like a lifetime ago now. Breanna’s chest tightened, the realization sinking in: she missed that easy connection. She missed Harriet.

But every time she’d had a chance to talk to Harriet in the past few weeks, she’d pulled back. Harriet had asked to hang out so many times, and Breanna had made excuse after excuse. Practice, team meetings, study sessions. Anything to avoid facing what was between them. She hated herself for it. Harriet didn’t deserve that.

Breanna leaned her head back against the couch, eyes closing as she took a deep breath. She couldn’t keep running. She was losing Harriet—she could feel it. That ache of distance had grown, gnawing at her every time she thought about her, and Breanna wasn’t sure how much longer Harriet would wait for her: The thought of being too late and losing Harriet all together made Breanna’s stomach twist, and her heart pounded even harder.

It wasn’t just the fear of commitment that kept Breanna away—it was the fear of being vulnerable. Being open with Harriet in a way she hadn’t been with anyone else. Breanna had always been the strong one, the leader on the court, the one people relied on. She wasn’t used to feeling this exposed, this uncertain. She didn’t know how to navigate this, and the thought terrified her. But the thought of losing Harriet terrified her more.

Her phone was still in her hand, the screen lighting up as she scrolled back to their last conversation. It was brief. Harriet had asked her to come over for dinner, and Breanna had said she couldn’t make it. Another excuse. Another missed moment. She swallowed the lump in her throat, her thumb hovering over Harriet’s name in her contacts. This was her chance—her last chance, maybe—to make things right.

Breanna’s fingers trembled slightly as she started typing, the words coming slower than they should. She typed and deleted several times, unsure of what to say: How do you apologize for weeks of silence? How do you explain that you’ve been afraid—afraid of your own feelings, afraid of screwing up, afraid of losing something that matters more than you ever realized?

Finally, she settled on something simple: Can we talk?

She stared at the message for what felt like forever, her heart hammering in her chest as she hovered over the send button. Her mind raced with doubts: What if Harriet ignored her? What if she didn’t care anymore? What if Breanna had already pushed her away too far?

But this time, she couldn’t run. She had to face the music. With a deep breath, she pressed send, the message slipping into the void between them. Breanna leaned back against the couch, the quiet of the room suddenly heavier, thicker with anticipation. The vulnerability of that small act made her feel exposed, raw in a way she wasn’t used to.

She closed her eyes, waiting.

The soft hum of the fluorescent lights in the lab buzzed faintly as Harriet leaned over her work, the glow of her laptop reflecting off the polished metal of the equipment scattered around her. She had spent hours here, deep in the trenches of her latest project on biomaterial for bone regeneration. Normally, it was the kind of thing she loved—losing herself in the intricate details, letting her mind sink into the calm, methodical work of science. But not today.

Every time she tried to focus, her thoughts circled back to Breanna. No matter how hard she tried to concentrate, memories of their kiss kept pulling her attention away from the spreadsheets and simulations. It was all so vivid—the softness of Breanna’s lips, the quiet intensity in her eyes afterward, as though they had both crossed a line they couldn’t uncross. Harriet had replayed that moment in her mind more times than she could count, hoping it had meant something deeper. But the aftermath? That was harder to understand.

Breanna had pulled away. Completely. Harriet had tried to convince herself that Breanna was just busy—after all, basketball season was in full swing. But Harriet knew better. She wasn’t naive. The avoidance was deliberate, and each time Breanna brushed her off, it felt like another brick added to the growing wall between them. The distance had become palpable, like something heavy and unspoken sitting between them whenever they were together. It hurt, more than she was willing to admit, and no amount of lab work could numb the ache.

The sudden buzz of her phone snapped Harriet out of her thoughts. She glanced down, her heart skipping when she saw Breanna’s name light up on the screen. For a split second, she hesitated, her fingers hovering over the notification. It had been days since they’d last spoken, and the silence had been agonizing.

With a deep breath, Harriet swiped the screen open, her eyes scanning the message: Can we talk?

Just three words, but they carried a weight that made Harriet’s stomach flip. For weeks, she had been waiting for Breanna to say something—anything—that would acknowledge the growing tension between them. And now, here it was. A mix of emotions surged through her, relief tangled up with apprehension. This could go so many different ways. She could end it, say that she doesn’t feel the same, or worst of all — regret it.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, nerves buzzing through her as she typed her reply. Yeah. When and where?

The seconds stretched on after she sent the message, and Harriet could feel her heart racing with anticipation. This conversation, whatever it was, felt like a turning point. She could feel it in her bones—the sense that whatever Breanna had to say would change things between them, one way or another. The unknown terrified her, but at the same time, she knew they couldn’t keep pretending nothing had happened. She couldn’t keep pretending. She needed answers, needed to know what was going on in Breanna’s mind.

Her phone buzzed again, and Breanna’s reply appeared: Come over to my place?

Harriet sighed softly, her mind swimming with a hundred different scenarios. She gathered her things, shoving her notebook and laptop into her backpack as she mentally braced herself for what was about to come. This was it. No more dodging the issue, no more pretending. Harriet wasn’t sure if she was ready for what Breanna had to say, but one thing was certain: she needed to know.

She slipped on her jacket and stepped out of the lab into the crisp night air. The walk to Breanna’s dorm wasn’t long, but with each step, Harriet felt the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She couldn’t ignore the unease settling in her chest—the fear that this conversation might end in heartbreak. But she couldn’t keep avoiding it either. Whatever was going to happen, she needed to face it head-on. And if it meant losing Breanna in the process, she would deal with that too.

As she approached Breanna’s building, her hands were clammy, nerves firing on all cylinders. She stopped outside the front door, hesitating for just a moment before she pressed the buzzer. A few seconds later, Breanna’s voice came through the speaker, soft but tense.

“Hey. Come on up.”

The door clicked open, and Harriet pushed through, heading for the stairs. Her heart pounded with every step, the anxiety nearly overwhelming. She took a deep breath before reaching Breanna’s door, steeling herself. This was it.

When the door opened, Breanna stood there, looking both exhausted and anxious, her expression a mix of vulnerability and guilt. Harriet could feel the tension hanging in the air between them, thick and heavy. They exchanged a brief, uncertain smile before Harriet stepped inside, feeling the weight of everything unsaid pressing down on them.

Breanna closed the door softly behind her, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Harriet could feel her pulse quicken, the silence stretching on as they stood there, face to face. Finally, Breanna broke the tension, her voice low and uncertain.

“Thanks for coming,” she said, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I... I’ve been avoiding this, and I know I owe you an explanation.”

Harriet’s breath hitched in her throat, her heart hammering in her chest. This was it—the moment that could change everything. She nodded, her voice quiet but steady. “Yeah, I think we need to talk.”

When Harriet got a look at Breanna, she looked depleted. Her usual self-assured energy had melted away, replaced by an unmistakable weariness in her eyes. She looked as though she had been carrying the weight of their unresolved tension for far too long.

Harriet could feel the charged atmosphere the moment she crossed the threshold. The apartment, once a place of comfort and familiarity, now felt different—heavier, thick with the words they had both been avoiding. The faint scent of coffee lingered in the air, and a blanket was crumpled at one end of the couch, as though Breanna had spent hours sitting there, waiting. It felt intimate and yet distant, the tension between them almost palpable.

Breanna had motioned for Harriet to sit. They moved to the couch, both of them settling into the cushions with a cautious air, the silence stretching taut between them. Harriet could hear the faint hum of traffic outside, but inside, it was eerily quiet. It wasn’t the comfortable silence they used to share. Now, it felt like the calm before a storm.

For a few minutes, neither of them spoke. Harriet could feel her pulse thudding in her throat as she waited, eyes flickering between Breanna and the floor. Her mind raced, wondering if Breanna was struggling to find the right words or if maybe she didn’t have any at all. In that moment, the silence almost felt like an answer itself.

Finally, Breanna exhaled a long, shaky breath, her eyes still focused on her hands as they fidgeted in her lap. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of weeks’ worth of unspoken emotions. “I’ve been avoiding you, and it’s not because I don’t care. It’s because... I care too much, and I didn’t know how to handle it.”

Harriet’s breath caught at the admission, her heart fluttering with a mix of relief and confusion. She watched Breanna’s fingers twist together nervously, her usually steady hands betraying the inner turmoil that had been brewing. Harriet had expected many things—anger, indifference, even regret—but this raw honesty was something she hadn’t prepared herself for.

Breanna’s voice was low and hesitant, as though each word cost her something to say. She didn’t look up, too consumed by her own vulnerability to meet Harriet’s gaze. “It scared me,” she continued, her tone tinged with guilt. “How much I feel when I’m around you. It’s... different. And I’ve never been good at dealing with stuff like this, with emotions I can’t control. Especially when I’m supposed to be focused on basketball, on keeping everything together.”

Harriet’s heart ached at Breanna’s confession. She had spent the past few weeks convinced that the kiss had pushed them apart, that maybe Breanna had regretted it, but hearing this—hearing how deeply Breanna cared—felt like a bittersweet revelation. Harriet shifted closer, her hands resting in her lap, fingers itching to reach out but unsure if now was the right moment.

“I get it,” Harriet said softly, her voice gentle but firm. “I didn’t know what was going on in your head, and I was starting to think that maybe you didn’t want this—that maybe it was just me.”

Breanna’s head snapped up at that, her eyes finally meeting Harriet’s, wide with shock and something close to panic. “No, Harriet, that’s not it at all.” Her voice cracked slightly, showing just how hard this conversation had been for her. “It was never just you. I was just... scared. Scared of messing things up, of letting myself get distracted, of what it would mean for both of us if we... if we went there.”

Harriet’s chest tightened as Breanna’s words sank in. She had always known that Breanna carried immense pressure—being UConn’s star player, the weight of expectations from coaches, teammates, and fans—but she hadn’t realized how much that pressure had been pushing Breanna to lock away her emotions, even at the expense of their connection.

“I missed you,” Harriet whispered, her voice soft but steady, the vulnerability evident. “These past few weeks, I kept wondering what I did wrong or if I should have never kissed you. But the truth is, I can’t pretend it didn’t mean something.”

Breanna closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply as though trying to steady herself. “It did,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “It meant everything. That’s the problem.”

Harriet’s hand moved instinctively, finally closing the distance between them as she placed it on Breanna’s. The touch was light, but it carried the weight of weeks’ worth of uncertainty and longing. Breanna glanced down at their joined hands, her fingers twitching slightly before relaxing into the warmth of Harriet’s touch.

“You don’t have to choose,” Harriet said, her voice steady. “I don’t need you to give up basketball or stop being who you are. I just need you to be honest with me, with yourself.”

Breanna’s gaze softened, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the tension between them eased. The silence that followed wasn’t heavy with unspoken fears but instead filled with the quiet comfort of understanding. Harriet’s thumb gently traced circles on the back of Breanna’s hand, a small gesture of reassurance.

“I’m sorry I shut you out,” Breanna said, her voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t know how to balance it all, and I didn’t want to drag you into my mess.”

“We can figure it out,” Harriet replied softly. “Together.”

Breanna smiled faintly, the first real smile Harriet had seen from her in weeks, and nodded. The vulnerability in her expression was still there, but now, it was coupled with a sense of relief. They weren’t out of the woods yet, but this—this moment of honesty—felt like the first step.

Harriet squeezed Breanna’s hand gently, leaning back into the couch. The air between them felt lighter now, the weight of uncertainty lifting. They had a long way to go, but for the first time in weeks, Harriet felt hopeful.

The words wouldn’t come easily. Breanna sat on the couch, the cool leather beneath her legs doing nothing to ease the nervous energy pulsing through her. The weight of what she needed to say pressed down on her chest, like an invisible force she’d been battling for weeks. She had always been good at compartmentalizing—practices, games, schoolwork, and now this growing tension between her and Harriet. But now, with Harriet sitting beside her, the quiet of the room swallowing them both, there was no place to hide anymore.

The dim light in the apartment cast shadows across the walls, adding to the sense of isolation. Outside, the world moved on—people living their lives, unaware of the emotional storm brewing inside Breanna. She wished, briefly, that she could escape back into that world, back into the routine of practices and team meetings where everything made sense. Where she didn’t have to confront the feelings that had been gnawing at her since the night of the kiss. But she couldn’t escape now. She didn’t want to.

She sighed, her gaze fixed on the floor. “Basketball... it’s always been the one thing I know I can control,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. It felt strange to say it out loud, to admit something she’d never fully acknowledged to anyone. Not even to herself. “When I’m on the court, everything has its place. The game has rules, and if I follow them, if I push myself hard enough, I can make sense of everything. I know who I am out there.”

She paused, her hands resting in her lap, fingers twisting nervously around each other. She could feel Harriet’s eyes on her, the quiet intensity of her presence a stark contrast to the chaos inside Breanna’s mind.

“But with you, with us, it’s different,” Breanna continued, her voice shaking slightly. “I don’t know how to control it and that scares me.”

She looked up then, her eyes meeting Harriet’s for the first time since they had sat down. The vulnerability in her gaze was something she rarely allowed anyone to see, but now, with Harriet, it was impossible to hide. She wasn’t the star player, the leader of the team, or the girl with everything figured out. She was uncertain, afraid, and standing on the edge of something she couldn’t define.

“I’ve seen it happen,” Breanna continued, her voice soft, almost fragile. “I’ve seen relationships ruin careers. Athletes get distracted, and suddenly they’re not the same on the court. They burn out. They lose everything. I didn’t want that to happen to me. To us. So I thought if I kept my distance, if I stayed focused on basketball, I could keep things from falling apart.”

Her words came faster now, tumbling out as if they’d been locked up for too long. And maybe they had been. She had kept Harriet at arm’s length, telling herself it was the right thing to do—that protecting her basketball career meant sacrificing the connection they had. But sitting here, looking into Harriet’s eyes, Breanna realized how wrong she’d been. The distance she had created hadn’t protected anything. It had only left her feeling more lost than ever.

“I’m sorry,” Breanna whispered, her voice breaking as the enormity of her confession settled over them. “I didn’t mean to push you away. I just... I was scared.”

For a long moment, there was only silence between them. Harriet didn’t respond right away, and the pause stretched out, thick and heavy with emotion. Breanna’s heart pounded in her chest, the vulnerability of the moment leaving her exposed in a way she hadn’t anticipated. She wasn’t used to this—laying herself bare, allowing someone else to see the cracks in her armor. But with Harriet, it felt like the only option.

Finally, Harriet shifted beside her, her expression softening as she reached out, her hand finding Breanna’s knee. The touch was gentle, reassuring. It grounded Breanna in a way she hadn’t expected. She felt the warmth of Harriet’s hand seep into her, calming some of the storm raging inside.

“Bre,” Harriet began, her voice filled with a tenderness that made Breanna’s chest tighten. “You don’t have to keep me at arm’s length. I’m not here to distract you. I’m here because I care about you. I want to be part of your life.”

The softness in Harriet’s eyes made Breanna’s throat constrict. She hadn’t realized just how much she had needed to hear that—how much she had needed to know that Harriet understood, that she wasn’t asking Breanna to choose between her and basketball. She had been so afraid of letting someone in, of losing control over the one thing that had always made sense in her life. But now, with Harriet looking at her like this, the fear started to melt away.

Harriet continued, her hand gently squeezing Breanna’s knee. “I don’t expect you to have it all figured out. We don’t have to rush anything. But I need you to know that I’m not going anywhere. And you don’t have to be perfect all the time. Not for me.”

Breanna’s breath hitched at the words. She could feel the tears welling up, and for a moment, she tried to blink them back. But it was no use. The vulnerability of the moment was overwhelming. She had been holding onto so much—her fears, her insecurities, the pressure of being a leader on the court and a role model off it. But now, here with Harriet, it all felt like too much.

“I don’t know how to do this,” Breanna admitted, her voice barely audible. “I don’t know how to balance everything.”

Harriet’s hand moved up to her arm, the warmth of the touch steadying Breanna as she spoke. “You don’t have to figure it out alone,” Harriet replied softly. “I’m here. We’ll figure it out together.”

Breanna looked up, meeting Harriet’s gaze fully now. The sincerity in her eyes—the quiet promise that she wouldn’t have to face this alone—was more comforting than any words could ever be. For the first time in weeks, Breanna felt a sense of calm. She didn’t have to have all the answers right now. She didn’t have to push Harriet away to protect her career. They could find a way to balance it all, together.

“Thank you,” Breanna whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She reached for Harriet’s hand, intertwining their fingers. The simple gesture was enough. It was a promise, unspoken but understood, that they were in this together.

They sat there in the quiet of the apartment, the weight of the conversation slowly lifting. The air between them felt lighter now, charged not with tension but with a newfound understanding. Breanna leaned back slightly, the tension in her shoulders easing as she allowed herself to relax for the first time in what felt like forever.

As they sat in the stillness, the world outside seemed to fade away. There was no need for words right now. They had both said what needed to be said. And that was enough.

Breanna squeezed Harriet’s hand, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “I’m sorry it took me so long,” she murmured, her voice soft but steady.

Harriet smiled back, her eyes warm and understanding. “Better late than never,” she teased gently.

And for the first time in weeks, Breanna felt like she could breathe again. She didn’t have to carry the weight alone anymore. Harriet was here and that made all the difference.

Harriet could feel the intensity of the moment settle between them, a tension that had been building for weeks but was finally ready to break. As she sat there on the couch, next to Breanna, the quiet of the apartment seemed amplified by the emotions they were both holding back. Harriet wanted to close the gap, to reach through the uncertainty and pull Breanna into a space where things could finally be clear between them.

She leaned in a little closer, her gaze steady on Breanna’s face. The vulnerability she saw in Breanna—the athlete who could dominate a basketball court, the friend who could make her laugh with a simple look, the girl who was now struggling with so much internally—made Harriet’s heart ache.

"I know basketball is everything to you," Harriet began, her voice gentle but resolute. "And I don’t want to take that away from you. I’ve watched you work so hard, seen how much you love the game. I’ve always admired that about you—how driven you are, how much passion you put into everything you do."

She paused, her hand still resting on Breanna’s knee, grounding them both in the moment. "But Bre," Harriet continued, her voice a little softer now, "I’ve missed you. I’ve missed the person you are off the court. The person who used to laugh with me about the dumbest things, the person who would text me at midnight just to share some random thought. I miss us. The way we were before things got... complicated."

Harriet’s heart was racing as she spoke, but she forced herself to push through the nerves. "I don’t want to lose that," she admitted, her eyes searching Breanna’s for any sign that her words were getting through. "I don’t want to lose you."

For a moment, there was only silence. Breanna’s eyes were fixed on the floor, her fingers twisting anxiously in her lap. Harriet held her breath, waiting, hoping that Breanna would open up, that she would let her in.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Breanna looked up. Her gaze met Harriet’s, and in that moment, Harriet could see the walls Breanna had been holding up beginning to crumble. There was a rawness in her eyes, a vulnerability that Breanna had been trying so hard to hide but could no longer keep at bay.

"I’ve missed you too," Breanna said, her voice barely above a whisper. The words came out slowly, as though they were painful to admit. "I just didn’t know how to come back from the distance I created."

Harriet’s heart ached at Breanna’s confession, at the honesty in her voice that felt so fragile. She wanted to reach across the space between them, to pull Breanna into her arms and tell her that everything would be okay. But instead, she settled for the small, reassuring squeeze she gave Breanna’s knee, hoping that her touch could convey what words couldn’t.

"It’s okay," Harriet said softly, her voice full of understanding. "We can figure it out together. But I need you to let me in. I can’t be on the outside, wondering how you’re feeling or what’s going on in your head. I need you to trust me. Even if it’s messy, even if you’re scared... I need you to be honest with me."

The weight of her words hung between them, heavy with the truth they both had been avoiding for too long. Harriet’s hand moved from Breanna’s knee to her arm, the touch meant to be comforting, grounding. She wanted Breanna to know she was there, that she wasn’t going anywhere.

"I don’t need things to be perfect," Harriet continued, her voice steady now, "and I’m not asking you to have all the answers. I’m just asking for you to be real with me. Let me in. I want to be there for you, Bre, in whatever way you need. But I can’t do that if you keep pushing me away."

Breanna blinked, and for the first time, Harriet noticed the sheen of unshed tears in her eyes. It was as though the emotional weight of everything Breanna had been holding in was finally starting to crack through the surface. Harriet’s chest tightened at the sight, her heart breaking for the girl who had always seemed so strong but was now revealing just how scared she really was.

"I..." Breanna started, her voice catching in her throat. She looked down at her hands again, as though the words she was trying to find were hidden there. "I didn’t want to burden you with everything. I thought if I kept it to myself, I could protect you from all the... from me." Her voice was thick with emotion, and Harriet could see how hard it was for her to say these things. "But I see now that I was wrong. I should’ve trusted you more."

Harriet’s hand tightened gently on Breanna’s arm, offering silent support. "You’re never a burden, Bre," she said quietly. "Not to me."

Breanna exhaled a shaky breath, her shoulders sagging as if the weight of the world had been lifted just by hearing those words. Harriet could see the tension slowly leaving Breanna’s body, her defenses lowering, bit by bit. For the first time in weeks, Breanna wasn’t shutting her out. She was opening up, letting Harriet see the parts of herself that she had been hiding for so long.

"I’m sorry," Breanna whispered, the apology so sincere it made Harriet’s heart swell with emotion. "I didn’t mean to shut you out. I just... I didn’t know how to handle everything. Basketball, the expectations, us... it all got so overwhelming, and I didn’t know how to balance it."

Harriet’s eyes softened as she leaned in just a little closer, her voice gentle. "I know," she said. "But you don’t have to handle everything on your own. You don’t have to be perfect all the time. I’m here for you, Bre. We’ll figure it out together."

Breanna looked up at her, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and relief. For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn’t feel like she had to hold it all together by herself. Harriet was here, and she wasn’t asking for perfection. She was just asking for honesty, for a chance to be let in.

"Thank you," Breanna said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, but heavy with the weight of everything she was feeling.

Harriet smiled, her eyes warm and full of affection. "You don’t have to thank me," she replied, her hand giving Breanna’s arm one final squeeze. "We’ve got this. Together."

The silence that followed wasn’t awkward or tense. It was a silence filled with understanding, with the shared knowledge that this was a new beginning for them. They didn’t need to have all the answers right now. What mattered was that they were in this together, no matter how messy or complicated it might get.

As they sat there on the couch, side by side, the air between them felt lighter, the tension from earlier in the evening fading away. Harriet leaned back slightly, her body still close to Breanna’s, the warmth of their connection a quiet reassurance. The future felt uncertain, but in this moment, they were together, and that was all that mattered.

Breanna nods slowly, her entire frame releasing a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding for so long. There’s a shift, a weight she’s finally let go of, and it’s almost disorienting. For the first time in weeks, maybe months, she feels her shoulders loosen, the knot in her chest unraveling. She lifts her eyes to Harriet, who’s sitting beside her on the couch, and she feels a pang of guilt, knowing how long she’s kept her out. “I’m sorry for shutting you out,” she repeats, her voice quieter but more honest this time, a deeper sincerity shining through. “I thought I was protecting you, protecting us. I thought if I kept a distance, I could somehow shield you from all the pressure I’ve been feeling. But really, I was just protecting myself from getting hurt.” Her eyes drift downward, focusing on her hands that are still nervously fidgeting with the edge of her sweatshirt. “In trying to protect myself, I ended up hurting you. And that’s the last thing I ever wanted to do.”

Harriet watches her with that familiar softness, that quiet understanding that had always made Breanna feel seen. It’s one of the things that had drawn her to Harriet in the first place—the way she could just sit there, unassuming but present, not pushing, not demanding more, just waiting for Breanna to come to her in her own time. And now, Harriet sits back into the couch, her shoulders relaxed, that teasing glint back in her eyes. “Apology accepted,” she says, a smile tugging at her lips, the tension between them slowly giving way to something warmer. There’s a slight pause before she adds, her voice taking on a teasing tone, “But you still owe me a night of hanging out. You canceled on me, remember?”

Breanna’s mouth pulls into a lopsided grin, the sound of Harriet’s familiar teasing melting away the last of her lingering hesitation. She’s missed this—the easy banter, the playful back-and-forth that felt like home. The strain of their unspoken issues fades into the background as Harriet’s words bring them back to a place that feels like before, like the days when things were simpler. When there wasn’t the weight of unsaid things hanging between them, or the pressure of navigating feelings that had shifted into something more complicated.

"How about we start with a board game?" Breanna suggests, her grin widening as she gestures toward the stack of games sitting haphazardly on the coffee table, remnants of previous casual nights that had come before everything felt so complicated. “No pressure, no big talks—just us.”

Harriet’s face lights up, the spark in her eyes brightening as she leans forward to survey the stack of games with an excited grin. “Now you’re talking,” she says, enthusiasm lacing her words as she reaches for the nearest box. “But just so you know—I’m really competitive. Like, don’t go easy on me just because you feel guilty,” she adds with a wink.

Breanna laughs, a sound that feels rusty at first, like she hasn’t allowed herself to really laugh in weeks. But it quickly turns genuine, bubbling up from a place that has been quiet for too long. “Oh, I wasn’t planning on it. Just because I can dominate on the court doesn’t mean I’ll let you take it easy here,” she shoots back, her voice playful but carrying the light-hearted challenge of someone who’s finally easing back into comfort.

Harriet raises an eyebrow, leaning forward with mock seriousness. “We’ll see about that,” her voice full of lighthearted competitiveness that brings them back to familiar territory. The tension that had clouded their interactions these last few weeks seems to evaporate, replaced by a comfortable warmth that both of them missed more than they realized.

They settle on the floor, the board game spread out between them. It doesn’t matter what the game is—it’s not really about winning or losing. It’s about finding their way back to each other, inch by inch, through the small moments. The sound of dice rolling across the table, the clatter of game pieces being moved around the board, fills the room, punctuated by Harriet’s teasing remarks and Breanna’s competitive banter.

As they play, the game becomes a backdrop for the unspoken reconnection happening between them. Harriet keeps glancing up at Breanna between turns, watching the way her face relaxes, how her laugh comes easier now, her shoulders no longer tense with the weight of everything unspoken. She sees Breanna in a way she hadn’t seen her in weeks—unguarded, relaxed, open. It’s a sight that makes Harriet’s heart swell because this is the Breanna she’s missed, the one who isn’t hiding behind the walls she’s built to keep herself safe from the outside world.

“Careful, I’m about to make my move,” Harriet says with a sly grin, leaning forward dramatically as she rolls the dice, stealing a glance at Breanna as her game piece edges closer to winning.

Breanna scoffs, feigning shock. “Oh, come on. I didn’t realize I was playing against a mastermind.”

“Well, I didn’t want to intimidate you with my superior board game skills right away,” Harriet teases, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I had to ease you into it.”

Breanna laughs, shaking her head as she rolls the dice, her competitive spirit kicking in. The laughter between them is easy now, free of the heaviness that had hung between them when Harriet first walked through the door. The night stretches on, filled with teasing remarks and lighthearted competition, but more than that, it’s filled with a quiet, unspoken understanding that neither of them needs to rush into defining what’s next.

It’s not about the game, or the teasing, or even the time they’re spending together. It’s about rebuilding the connection that had been strained, about finding comfort in each other’s presence again. Each roll of the dice, every playful jab, feels like a small step toward something deeper, something more honest than the confusion that had muddled their relationship for weeks.

As they near the end of the game, Harriet looks up at Breanna with a grin. “You know, just because you’re Breanna Stewart doesn’t mean you can beat me at everything,” she quips, her tone teasing but affectionate.

Breanna smirks, her competitive streak shining through. “We’ll see about that,” she replies, though there’s no real bite behind her words. It’s all in good fun now, the ease of their dynamic returning with every playful exchange.

But beneath the teasing, beneath the game, there’s a shared understanding that runs deeper than words. They’ve crossed a threshold tonight, not just in apologizing, not just in laughing together again, but in finding the courage to let their walls down, piece by piece. As the game comes to a close and they clear the pieces away, their hands brush lightly against each other, and for a brief second, there’s a spark—a reminder of the kiss, of the moment that had shifted everything.

But tonight, it’s enough to just be together, to sit on the couch afterward in a comfortable silence, the weight of everything else temporarily forgotten. Harriet leans into Breanna, her body relaxed against hers, and they sit like that for a while, not saying anything, just enjoying the simplicity of the moment.

The air between them hums with possibility, but there’s no need to rush. They’ll figure it out—together. For now, the game, the laughter, the closeness—it’s more than enough.

As the night stretches on, the remnants of their board game linger in the air, but the pieces have been put away, and the laughter they shared hangs like a warm embrace. Breanna and Harriet sit close together on the couch, their shoulders brushing against each other, the familiarity of their connection rekindling with every passing moment. It feels as though they’ve entered a new chapter in their relationship—one built not just on the carefree laughter of old, but also on the honesty of their vulnerabilities.

The dim light from the lamp casts soft shadows around the room, creating an intimate atmosphere that invites deeper conversations. Breanna glances around her apartment, taking in the various mementos of their friendship scattered throughout—photos of them at games, silly selfies, and even the ticket stubs from concerts they attended together. Each piece is a reminder of the bond they share, and as they sit close, the air is thick with a palpable sense of renewal.

Finally, Harriet breaks the silence, her voice playful and light, laced with that teasing edge Breanna has always found endearing. “So, does this mean no more canceling on me for practice?” she asks, a cheeky smile dancing on her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Breanna lets out a laugh, a sound that feels bright and free, echoing the relief and joy flooding through her. “No more canceling,” she promises, her tone filled with sincerity. “But you’re still going to have to come rebound for me sometimes.” She leans back, her body relaxing into the familiar couch, grateful for the return of their easy camaraderie.

“Deal,” Harriet replies with a smirk, nudging Breanna lightly with her shoulder. “I’ll take my chances. I mean, how hard can it be to stand there and catch a ball?” she adds, feigning confidence as she crosses her arms, her gaze fixed on Breanna with a playful challenge.

“Oh, you think it’s that easy?” Breanna challenges, raising an eyebrow, the playful spark igniting between them once more. “Just wait until I start shooting three-pointers. You’ll be running around like crazy.”

“Please, I’m ready,” Harriet counters, feigning bravado. “But just know that if you miss, I might have to mock you a little.”

Breanna laughs again, a sound that rings like music in the quiet of the apartment, the tension between them melting into something warmer, something that feels more like home. “I can take it,” she replies, their playful banter weaving a comforting fabric of connection between them.

As the warmth of their shared laughter envelops them, Breanna glances over at Harriet, her heart swelling with affection. The doubts that had clouded her mind begin to clear, replaced by a deep-seated reassurance that they’re navigating this together. “You know,” she begins, her voice softer now, “I really appreciate you being here tonight. I know I haven’t made it easy.”

Harriet shifts slightly, turning to face Breanna more fully. “You’ve had a lot on your mind,” she replies, her tone steady and filled with compassion. “But I’m here for you. I always will be.”

Breanna’s heart swells at the sincerity of Harriet’s words, and for a moment, the room feels charged with a warmth that transcends their playful banter.

“Honestly,” Breanna admits, her voice dropping to a whisper, “I was terrified of losing you. I thought that if I could just focus on basketball and keep my distance, I could avoid messing everything up. But instead, I ended up shutting you out when all I wanted was to bring you closer.”

“Bre, it’s okay to be scared,” Harriet reassures her, her hand resting gently on Breanna’s knee. “You’re human. I don’t expect you to have it all figured out.” There’s a comforting steadiness in her voice, a reminder that she’s not going anywhere, that they can take this journey together.

“I just don’t want to become one of those athletes who lets everything fall apart because of a relationship,” Breanna confesses, her vulnerability laid bare. “I’ve seen it happen to so many people. I didn’t want to be another statistic.”

“I get that,” Harriet nods, her expression thoughtful. “But we’re not just ‘some relationship.’ We have something special, Bre. And if anything, I think it makes you stronger. It’s not a distraction; it’s part of your life. You can have both—basketball and me.”

Breanna’s breath catches at Harriet’s words, the weight of her fears beginning to lift. “You really believe that?” she asks, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

“Absolutely,” Harriet replies without hesitation. “You’re an incredible player, and I believe in you—on and off the court. And as for me? I’m here to support you, whatever that looks like.”

A moment of silence hangs between them, a space filled with unspoken understanding and new possibilities. Breanna leans back, absorbing Harriet’s words, her heart racing with gratitude and admiration. “You always know what to say,” she murmurs, a smile creeping onto her face.

“It’s easy when you mean so much to me,” Harriet responds, her gaze steady, filled with warmth and affection. The atmosphere is electric, charged with emotions that have been waiting for this moment to be acknowledged.

As the night wore on, they began looking back at photos of a few months back to more recent of them. “I still can’t believe you wore that ridiculous chicken costume for Halloween,” Breanna laughs, recalling the memory of Harriet’s over-the-top outfit. “I thought I was going to die from embarrassment!”

“Hey, that costume was iconic!” Harriet defends, her laughter mingling with Breanna’s. “Besides, you loved it. You were the only one who didn’t run away screaming!”

Breanna shakes her head, chuckling. “I only loved it because I could take embarrassing pictures of you!”

They find themselves sharing more than just laughter. They delve into deeper conversations, discussing dreams, aspirations, and fears—both on and off the court. Harriet opens up about her struggles with self-doubt in her engineering projects, while Breanna admits her worries about balancing academics, basketball, and personal relationships.

“I sometimes feel like I’m juggling so much,” Breanna confesses, her tone turning serious. “Like if I drop one thing, everything will come crashing down.”

Harriet nods, her expression empathetic. “I think we all feel that way sometimes. But it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone.”

Breanna appreciates the reminder, feeling grateful for Harriet’s unwavering support. “Thank you for being patient with me,” she says, sincerity lacing her words. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Their eyes meet, and for a moment, the world outside fades away. It’s just the two of them, intertwined in this newfound sense of intimacy, vulnerability, and trust.

As they transition from laughter to a quieter moment, Breanna feels a wave of gratitude wash over her. “Can I ask you something?” she says, her tone shifting to a more serious note.

“Of course,” Harriet replies, her expression open and inviting.

Breanna hesitates for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “What do you think our relationship looks like moving forward? I mean, with everything we’ve talked about tonight?”

Harriet takes a deep breath, considering the question. “I think it’s about finding balance. We both have our passions—basketball, school, our personal lives—and I want us to support each other in those. But I also want to make time for us, for whatever this is that we’re building.”

Breanna nods, her heart fluttering at the thought. “I like that. I don’t want to lose what we have, but I also want to make sure we’re both prioritizing our goals.”

“Exactly,” Harriet agrees, her voice steady. “And it’s okay if things get messy. We can work through it together. Communication is key.”

“I can do that,” Breanna replies, a small smile spreading across her face. “I think we’re already off to a good start.”

Harriet grins, her eyes shining with excitement. “I think so too. Just promise me you won’t cancel our ice cream date when we go out, okay?”

Breanna laughs, the tension in her shoulders fully dissipating now. “I promise! No canceling. Only ice cream and good times from now on.”

With that, they rise from the couch, excitement bubbling between them as they prepare to head out for ice cream. The world outside feels brighter, more vibrant—a reflection of the newfound clarity in their relationship. They step into the cool night air, laughter trailing behind them like a warm blanket as they embark on this new chapter, ready to embrace the future with open hearts and open minds.

As they walk side by side, Breanna glances at Harriet, feeling a surge of affection wash over her. “You know, I never thought I’d be able to talk about all of this,” she admits, her voice quiet yet earnest. “But being here with you makes everything feel so much easier.”

“Anytime you need to talk, I’m here,” Harriet reassures her, her expression warm and genuine. “We’re in this together, remember?”

Breanna nods, her heart swelling at the sentiment. “Yeah, I remember.”

They continue down the street, the stars twinkling overhead as they make their way to the ice cream shop. The air is filled with the sweet scent of summer, a reminder that they’re in a moment that feels special, transformative.

As they approach the shop, Breanna feels a sense of excitement bubble up within her. “What flavor are you thinking?” she asks, her eyes scanning the colorful options displayed in the window.

“Mint chocolate chip, obviously,” Harriet replies with a mock serious expression. “It’s the only flavor that truly matters.”

Breanna laughs, shaking her head. “You’re so predictable. But I guess I can’t blame you. It is delicious.”

As they step inside the shop, the cool air wraps around them, and the sound of laughter and chatter fills the space. They step up to the counter, both scanning the flavors, and Breanna takes a moment to appreciate the little things—the way Harriet’s eyes light up when she sees her favorite flavor, the way they can joke and tease one another even in this casual setting.

“Okay, but what’s the deal with your love for mint chocolate chip?” Breanna asks, feigning seriousness as she leans against the counter, crossing her arms.

Harriet rolls her eyes, clearly amused. “It’s refreshing! Plus, it’s like a party in my mouth. How can you argue with that?”

Breanna grins, shaking her head playfully. “Alright, alright. You win this round. One scoop of mint chocolate chip for you!”

After ordering their ice cream—Breanna settling on cookies and cream—they head outside, their cones in hand, laughter spilling between them like ice cream dripping down the sides. They find a nearby bench to sit and enjoy their treats, the cool night air creating a perfect backdrop for their evening.

As they dig into their ice cream, Breanna can’t help but steal glances at Harriet, who seems to glow under the streetlights. The world feels full of potential, and for the first time in a long while, Breanna is filled with hope. She savors the moment—the laughter, the sweetness of the ice cream, and the comforting presence of Harriet beside her.

“Thank you for tonight,” Breanna says, her voice soft but filled with sincerity. “I really needed this.”

Harriet looks over, her eyes meeting Breanna’s with a warmth that makes her heart flutter. “Anytime. We can make this a regular thing, you know? Just us hanging out, eating ice cream, and talking about life.”

“I’d love that,” Breanna replies, a smile breaking across her face. “And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll be laughing about this over a victory celebration after winning a championship together.”

Harriet laughs, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, definitely! But I’ll make sure to keep the mint chocolate chip ice cream on hand for our victory party.”

As they continue to share stories and laughter, the weight of the past few weeks begins to lift entirely. They’re not just friends navigating challenges; they’re partners—ready to face whatever comes next with a renewed sense of understanding and compassion.

The night stretches on, filled with sweet moments and promises of new beginnings. Breanna feels a warmth spreading through her chest, a sense of belonging that she had feared was slipping away. She knows that while they don’t have everything figured out yet, they’re taking it one step at a time—together.

As they finish their ice cream, Harriet turns to Breanna, her eyes filled with determination. “We’ve got this, right? Together?”

Breanna nods, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Absolutely. Together.”

And with that simple affirmation, they step into the future hand in hand, ready to embrace all the adventures that await them. The world is theirs for the taking, and with each passing day, they’ll build upon this reignited connection—one filled with laughter, love, and the courage to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

#wlw #breanna stewart #lesbian #uconn wbb #breanna stewart x reader #fic: second nature

8 notes · View notes