𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐄 ⋆☆⋆ caitlin clark

twenty-six

⋆☆⋆

Kara deleted all social media. She didn't necessarily delete her accounts, but deleted the apps completely. She wanted to do it just before she left for the World Cup, but didn't wait and did it already. The first one she deleted was TikTok, the edits were getting out of hand. And by out of hand, its fans shipping her and Caitlin. It felt suffocating having to see it over and over, footage of them hugging at Kara's game in the tunnel caught by one of the media girls for the USWNT. She loved them, but knowing that it wasn't a reality sucked. She knew deleting all social media would benefit her mental health, so she did so.

After the send off game, Kara came back to Iowa to get her things and pack to travel and see the girls play in March Madness. The Hawkeyes had just defeated South Carolina, breaking their long winning streak.

Texas was hot, but the competition only grew hotter. Kara loved it. She saw nasty and angsty sides from Caitlin during the games. She found her competitiveness so hot. But she always shook her head and snapped out of it. Kate was glad Kara was here with her, alongside her family.

Kara was currently in the stands, sitting next to Jill and Matt Martin. The Clark's were sat behind them. Kara could spot all the cameras, including her Netflix crew, and got nervous. She was already full of nerves just watching the girls warm up. LSU had been talking, and it wasn't all pretty things. Kara respected it, as it was a competition after all. But she was defensive of her girls.

"Kara, you okay?" asked Jill, who was stood next to Kara. "You look like you're about to pass out."

"I'm just nervous for them," sighed Kara, still looking at the girls warming up. Her eyes on number 22, and she was so fascinated how she was so calm, cool, and collected.

"They'll be fine, I'm sure of it," smiled Jill, rubbing Kara's back lovingly. "You helped calm Kate down earlier, she's thankful you're here Kara."

"I'm glad to see her in her element, and Caitlin too," smiled Kara, looking back at the girl who was glancing in her direction.

Caitlin winked at Kara, in such a subtle manner to the point she didn't believe it was towards her. But she knew, she felt it.

• • •

The Hawkeyes were trailing 52-49, a small margin but still stressful. Caitlin was hitting it, her game was on point starting from her 14 point in just the first quarter. Her long range threes were shining.

But she didn't feel like she was shining. Walking back to the locker room, her chest started feeling tight and the cheers from the crowd was becoming too much.

"Cait, Cait! You okay?" asked Kate with wide eyes, as she saw Caitlin barely make it to the locker room door. She held onto Caitlin by the hip, checking around her and making sure no cameras were up pointing at them. Thank God, the tunnels were closed from press. Jan speed walked up to Kate and Caitlin, with worry written all over her face as Kate didn't know what to do.

Caitlin had one arm on the wall to hold her up, and her other arm clutching the towel around her neck. She was sucking in breaths so quick, trying to breathe properly.

"I-I need," struggled Caitlin, she needed something. She slid down the wall, slowing her breaths and trying to catch up. She didn't know why she wasn't panicking in the moment, all her anxieties about this game probably catching up with her. She couldn't even get words out.

Kate was about to panic, but stayed calm even through her confusion. But she knew who knew just how to handle this. Even though Kate often helped Kara with her panic attacks, Kara had to deal with them by herself for years before Kate. Kate turned to Jan.