𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐋𝐘 || 𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊

sparks fly

It was the first game of the season, and the energy in the locker room was electric. The team buzzed with anticipation, but Lilly, sitting on the bench tying her shoes, felt a knot of nerves tightening in her stomach. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the pressure of the moment weighed heavily on her.

Caitlin, noticing the slight tremor in Lilly's hands, walked over and sat down beside her. "Hey, you okay?" she asked softly, her voice full of concern.

Lilly looked up, managing a small smile. "Yeah, just... a little nervous, I guess. First game and all."

Caitlin placed a comforting hand on Lilly's back, rubbing gentle circles. "I get it. But remember, you've got this. You're one of the best players out there, and we're all behind you."

Lilly sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly under Caitlin's touch. "I know. It's just... I don't want to mess up."

Caitlin shook her head, her expression earnest. "You won't. And even if something doesn't go perfectly, we're a team. We've got each other's backs, always."

Lilly nodded, taking another deep breath. "Thanks, Cait. I really needed that."

Caitlin smiled, leaning in to press a quick kiss to Lilly's temple. "Anytime. Now, let's go out there and show them what we've got."

Lilly's nerves eased further, buoyed by Caitlin's unwavering confidence. She stood up, feeling a renewed sense of determination. The rest of the team gathered around, ready for the final pep talk from Coach Bluder.

Coach Bluder looked at each of them, her gaze steady and inspiring. "You've trained hard for this. You know what to do. Trust in your skills, trust in your teammates, and give it everything you've got."

The team cheered, their spirits lifted. As they filed out of the locker room, Caitlin grabbed Lilly's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Let's go, pretty girl. Time to shine."

Lilly squeezed back, feeling the last remnants of her anxiety melt away. "Let's do this."

They stepped onto the court, the roar of the crowd filling their ears. The game was down to the wire, and the tension in the arena was palpable. Iowa was in the lead by two points, and there were only seconds left on the clock. The opposing team had possession, and everyone knew they would go for the three-pointer to snatch the win.

Lilly was laser-focused, her eyes locked on the girl from the other team who was setting up for the shot. The ball was passed to her, and in that split second, everything seemed to move in slow motion. Lilly sprinted, her feet barely touching the ground as she closed the distance.

As the player jumped to shoot, Lilly leaped, her timing perfect. Her hand connected with the ball, swatting it away with a powerful block. The buzzer sounded simultaneously, signaling the end of the game. For a moment, there was a stunned silence, and then the crowd erupted into cheers. Iowa had won the game.

Lilly landed on her feet, her heart pounding with adrenaline. Her teammates rushed towards her, their faces alight with joy and pride. Lilly looked around, and her eyes quickly found Caitlin, who was pushing through the crowd to get to her.

Caitlin reached her, her face beaming with pride. She grabbed Lilly and pulled her into a tight hug. "You did it! That was amazing!" she shouted over the noise, her voice full of excitement.

Lilly hugged her back, her own smile wide. "We did it"

Caitlin pulled back slightly, her hands still on Lilly's shoulders. "No, that block was all you. You were incredible out there."

Lilly blushed, the praise making her feel warm inside. "Thanks, Cait"

Caitlin grinned and leaned in to press a quick kiss to Lilly's forehead, a gesture of both affection and pride. "I'm so proud of you."

Their teammates soon surrounded them, patting Lilly on the back and cheering. Kate, Monika, Jada, Gabbie, and Kylie all joined in the celebration, their excitement contagious.

"That block was insane!" Jada exclaimed, shaking her head in amazement.

"Seriously, you saved the game!" Kate added, her eyes wide with admiration.

Lilly laughed, overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. "Thanks, guys. We all played our hearts out."

Coach Bluder approached, clapping her hands. "Great game, everyone. Lilly, that block was phenomenal. You showed great timing and composure."

Lilly nodded, feeling a swell of pride. "Thank you, Coach."

As the team continued to celebrate, Caitlin kept a protective arm around Lilly's shoulders, making sure she knew just how much she was appreciated. 

As Caitlin and Lilly walked off the court, Caitlin kept her arm draped around Lilly's shoulder. "Surprised you made that block," Caitlin teased with a grin, "you're so short."

Lilly rolled her eyes and pushed her playfully away. "Don't be jealous, Clark," she shot back, a smirk playing on her lips.

Caitlin laughed, grabbing Lilly's hand and pulling her back in, their faces almost touching. "Jealous? Of you? Never."

Lilly grinned, leaning in slightly. "You wish you had my skills."

Caitlin's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, please. I taught you everything you know."

As they neared the locker room, their teasing got more animated, their faces close enough to feel each other's breath. Just as they entered, Caitlin and Lilly pulled apart, suddenly aware of their teammates' eyes on them. An awkward silence fell over the room, quickly followed by chuckles and laughter from the team.

"You two are something else," Monika said, shaking her head with a smile.

Kate smirked. "Seriously"

Jada laughed, nudging Lilly. "You guys should just get a room already."

Lilly's cheeks flushed, but she managed a laugh. "Shut up, Jada."

Caitlin, equally red-faced, tried to play it cool. "Hey, we're just celebrating our win. Nothing wrong with that."

Gabbie chuckled. "Sure, sure. We all saw that 'celebration.'"

Caitlin and Lilly exchanged a glance, both embarrassed but also grateful for the bond they shared with their teammates.

"Alright, let's focus," Coach Bluder said, stepping in. "Great game, everyone. Let's cool down and regroup for our next practice."

As the team settled in, Caitlin and Lilly exchanged a knowing smile.

As they began to change out of their uniforms, Caitlin leaned over and whispered to Lilly, "So, dinner at our usual spot?"

Lilly nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Definitely. But you're buying."

Caitlin laughed, shaking her head. "Deal. Anything for my star player."