𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐋𝐘 || 𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊

I did one thing right

Later that evening, after a long and satisfying practice, Caitlin and Lilly decided to have dinner together. Caitlin led Lilly to one of her favorite spots on campus, a cozy little cafe that served an array of delicious dishes. They found a quiet corner table by the window, the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

"This place is great," Lilly said, looking around appreciatively. "I can see why you like it."

Caitlin grinned, setting down the menus. "I thought you'd enjoy it. Their pasta is to die for. You have to try it."

Lilly laughed. "Pasta it is, then. I trust your judgment."

The waiter came by, and they placed their orders

"So," Caitlin began once the waiter had left, leaning back in her chair, "how are you feeling after your first day? Was it everything you expected?"

Lilly smiled, a mix of emotions in her eyes. "It was amazing. Moving in, meeting everyone... it's a lot, but in the best way. And the practice was intense, but I loved every second of it. Your teammates are awesome."

"They really are," Caitlin agreed, her eyes lighting up. "I'm so glad you're here, Lilly. It's been great having you around again."

"I missed being around you," Lilly admitted, her voice softening. "You've always had this way of making things feel right, you know?"

Caitlin reached across the table and squeezed Lilly's hand. "I feel the same way about you. It's like everything just clicks when we're together."

Lilly felt a warm blush rise to her cheeks. "Yeah, it does. And now we get to play together and live together. It feels like a dream."

Their food arrived, and they dug in, the rich flavors and comforting warmth of the pasta adding to the cozy atmosphere of the evening. They chatted easily, falling into a familiar rhythm.

Caitlin said confidently. "And with you on the team, we're going to be unstoppable."

Lilly laughed, shaking her head. "No pressure, right?"

Caitlin grinned. "No pressure. Just play your game. You're incredible, and everyone can see that."

Lilly took a sip of her drink, feeling a rush of warmth at Caitlin's words. "Thanks, Cait. That means a lot."

They continued eating, their conversation flowing easily. They talked about their goals for the season, their favorite basketball memories, and shared stories from their time with Team USA. Caitlin teased Lilly about her intense competitiveness, and Lilly playfully rolled her eyes, reminding Caitlin of her own fierce drive on the court.

As they finished their meals, Caitlin leaned back, a content smile on her face. "This was nice. Just us, catching up. I've missed this."

"Me too," Lilly agreed. "It feels like old times, but better. Because now we have all of this ahead of us."

Caitlin nodded, her eyes full of warmth and affection. They sat there for a while longer, talking and laughing, savoring the moment and the connection they shared. As the evening drew to a close, they left the cafe hand in hand.

After their cozy dinner, Caitlin and Lilly walked back to their dorm, the night air cool and refreshing. They chatted and laughed, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. Once they reached their room, Lilly felt a pleasant exhaustion from the day's events.

Lilly stretched and yawned as she walked over to her bed. She started to pull back the covers when she noticed Caitlin giving her a perplexed look.

"Are you insane?" Caitlin said, eyebrows raised. "Sleeping in your bed? Come here."

Lilly laughed, feeling a flutter of excitement. "Oh, really? Is that an order?"

Caitlin grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Absolutely. Now, get over here."

Lilly shook her head, still laughing, but she didn't hesitate. She walked over to Caitlin's bed, where Caitlin was already lying down, looking expectant. As Lilly reached the edge of the bed, Caitlin reached out and gently pulled her on top of her, wrapping her arms around Lilly's waist.

"You're ridiculous, you know that?" Lilly said, a smile tugging at her lips.

Caitlin looked up at her, her expression softening. "Maybe. But I missed having you close."

Lilly's heart melted at the sincerity in Caitlin's voice. She settled in more comfortably, resting her head on Caitlin's shoulder and draping an arm across her waist. "I missed this too," she admitted.

They lay there in a comfortable silence for a moment, the quiet of the dorm room wrapping around them like a warm blanket. Lilly could hear Caitlin's steady heartbeat and felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in a long time.

"So, how does it feel to be here, really?" Caitlin asked softly, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on Lilly's back.

Lilly thought for a moment, her voice equally soft. "It feels right. Like this is where I'm supposed to be. Especially being here with you."

Caitlin smiled, her eyes closing as she relaxed further into the moment. "I'm really glad you're here, Lilly. It's going to be amazing having you as my roommate and teammate."

Lilly felt a wave of affection for Caitlin. "I'm glad too. And thanks for making everything so perfect today. You've made me feel so welcome."

Caitlin opened her eyes, her gaze warm and tender. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just happy you're here"

Lilly felt a surge of happiness at Caitlin's words. She tightened her embrace slightly, savoring the closeness. They continued to cuddle, their conversation drifting to lighter topics.

Eventually, their voices grew softer, and the weight of the day began to catch up with them. Lilly felt her eyelids growing heavy, and she nestled closer to Caitlin, who gently kissed the top of her head.

"Goodnight lils " Caitlin murmured, her voice filled with warmth.

"Goodnight, Cait" Lilly replied, her words barely a whisper.