𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐋𝐘 || 𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊

call it what you want

After a long day of classes, Lilly trudged back to her dorm, feeling utterly exhausted. Each step seemed to take more effort than the last, and all she could think about was collapsing into bed. When she finally reached her room, she opened the door and saw Caitlin sitting at her desk, typing away on her laptop.

As soon as Lilly stepped inside, she let her bag drop to the floor and walked straight to Caitlin. Without a word, she clung to her, wrapping her arms around Caitlin's shoulders and burying her face in her neck.

Caitlin immediately sensed Lilly's exhaustion and wrapped her arms around her, holding her close. "Hey, you," she murmured softly, her voice full of affection. "Rough day?"

Lilly nodded against her, her voice muffled. "So tired."

Caitlin gently stroked Lilly's back, her touch soothing. "You look like you've been through war Come here, let's get you more comfortable."

Lilly didn't let go as Caitlin stood up, guiding her towards the bed. Caitlin managed to maneuver them both so they could sit down, and then she shifted, pulling Lilly onto her lap and cradling her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

"Just rest for a bit," Caitlin whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Lilly's forehead. "I've got you."

Lilly sighed, her body relaxing into Caitlin's embrace. "I don't know how you always have so much energy," she mumbled, her eyes already starting to close.

Caitlin chuckled quietly, continuing to stroke Lilly's back. "I save it all up for moments like these," she said, her tone light and teasing. "But seriously, you work hard. You deserve to rest."

Lilly nodded again, feeling the warmth and comfort of Caitlin's presence envelop her. "Thanks," she whispered, her exhaustion starting to melt away in the safety of Caitlin's arms.

Caitlin shifted slightly, making sure Lilly was as comfortable as possible. "Anytime, pretty girl. Anytime."

They stayed like that for a while, Caitlin holding Lilly close and whispering sweet, soothing words. Lilly's breathing gradually evened out as she drifted into a light sleep, the weariness of the day finally giving way to the peace she found in Caitlin's embrace.

Caitlin continued to hold her, a soft smile on her face as she watched Lilly rest. She knew that moments like these were special, and she cherished the trust and affection they shared. As she sat there, cradling Lilly, Caitlin felt a deep sense of contentment.

After a few minutes of silence, Caitlin whispered, "You know, you can always lean on me like this. I'm here for you."

Lilly, her eyes still closed, murmured back, "I know. I just... today was really tough."

Caitlin kissed the top of her head. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Lilly hesitated, then nodded slightly. "It's just... classes are getting more demanding, and with practice and everything, I feel like I can't keep up sometimes."

Caitlin's hold tightened, a protective instinct kicking in. "You're doing amazing, Lilly. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. We all do. But you're not alone, okay? We're a team, on and off the court."

Lilly smiled faintly, her fingers tracing patterns on Caitlin's arm. "Thanks, Cait. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Caitlin chuckled softly. "You'd probably still be amazing. But I'm glad you don't have to find out."

Lilly opened her eyes slightly, looking up at Caitlin. "Promise me something?"

"Anything," Caitlin replied without hesitation.

"Promise me you'll always be this sweet," Lilly said, a hint of a playful smile returning to her face.

Caitlin grinned. "I promise. As long as you promise to always be this cute when you're tired."

Lilly laughed softly, the sound muffled against Caitlin's chest. "Deal."

They stayed in their comforting embrace a bit longer, neither in a rush to move. The exhaustion that had weighed heavily on Lilly's shoulders seemed to lighten with every moment she spent in Caitlin's arms.

Finally, Caitlin spoke up again, her voice gentle. "How about we order in tonight? Whatever you want."

Lilly smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her. "That sounds perfect."

Caitlin kissed her forehead once more. "Alright. You relax here, and I'll grab my phone."

As Caitlin reached for her phone, Lilly snuggled deeper into her arms, feeling a profound sense of contentment and security.

After ordering their food, Lilly felt a bit more refreshed. She changed into a pair of shorts and one of Caitlin's oversized shirts, the familiar comfort of the fabric making her smile. She wandered into the living room where Caitlin was already setting up the TV.

"Can I pick the movie?" Lilly asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Caitlin, still navigating the streaming service, shrugged. "Sure, go ahead."

Lilly quickly grabbed the remote and selected her favorite movie, 10 Things I Hate About You. As soon as the title appeared on the screen, Caitlin groaned, "No."

Lilly pouted, turning to Caitlin with pleading eyes. "Come on, Cait, please?"

Caitlin shook her head, laughing softly. "No way. We've seen 10 Things I Hate About You an embarrassing number of times. Absolutely not."

"But come onnn," Lilly whined, flopping down next to Caitlin on the couch. "I'm so tired, I had like ten classes today, and I had to stay an hour after practice."

Caitlin rolled her eyes playfully, but she couldn't resist the puppy-dog look Lilly was giving her. 

She sighed dramatically and pulled Lilly's legs onto her lap. "Fine," she grumbled, pretending to be annoyed. "But this is the last time."

Lilly beamed, knowing full well it wasn't the last time. "Thank you!"

Caitlin couldn't help but smile, shaking her head. "You owe me."

Lilly nestled into the couch, making herself comfortable. "I'll pay you back in Gatorade."

Caitlin laughed, hitting play on the movie. "You're never gonna try it, are you?"

"Never," Lilly said, grinning.

They settled in, the familiar opening scenes playing out on the screen. As they watched, the food arrived, and they ate while quoting their favorite lines and laughing at the same jokes they had shared countless times before.

Halfway through the movie, Caitlin glanced over at Lilly, who was snuggled against her, eyes half-closed but still watching intently. Caitlin felt a surge of affection, pulling Lilly closer.

"You know," Caitlin whispered, "you really do owe me big time for this."

Lilly chuckled softly, her head resting on Caitlin's shoulder. "I'll make it up to you. Somehow."

Caitlin kissed the top of her head, smiling. "You already do."