𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐋𝐘 || 𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊

laughing in the middle of practice

It had been two weeks since Caitlin and Lilly made their relationship official, and they were happier than ever. However, they knew they had to inform Coach Bluder about their relationship for media and team purposes. Now, they were in Lilly's room, preparing for the conversation.

Lilly paced back and forth, her nerves getting the better of her. "What if she reacts badly? What if she thinks it's unprofessional or that it will affect the team?"

Caitlin sat on the edge of Lilly's bed, watching her with a mixture of amusement and sympathy. "Lilly, take a deep breath," she said, trying to hide her smile. "Coach Bluder is great. She'll understand. Besides, we're not the first couple in the history of college sports."

Lilly stopped pacing and looked at Caitlin, her anxiety still evident. "But this is different. It's us. And we have to deal with all the media attention on top of everything else."

Caitlin stood up and walked over to Lilly, placing her hands on Lilly's shoulders. "Hey, look at me," she said softly.

Lilly met her gaze, and Caitlin continued, "We're going to be fine. We just have to be honest with her. We've got each other's backs, and we're a great team on and off the court."

Lilly took a deep breath, nodding slightly. "You're right. I'm just overthinking this."

Caitlin grinned and pulled Lilly into a hug. "Exactly. Now, let's go in there, be honest, and everything will work out."

Lilly chuckled, her nerves easing slightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Cait."

Caitlin kissed the top of her head. "probably die of anxiety"

Lilly laughed, finally feeling ready to face Coach Bluder. "Alright, let's do this."

Caitlin held her hand as they left the room, giving it a reassuring squeeze.  Caitlin and Lilly walked down the hallway to Coach Bluder's office, hand in hand. Lilly squeezed Caitlin's hand tightly, taking a deep breath before knocking on the door.

"Come in!" Coach Bluder's voice called from inside.

They entered, and Coach Bluder looked up from her desk with a welcoming smile. "Caitlin, Lilly, what can I do for you two?"

Caitlin nudged Lilly playfully, urging her to start. Lilly cleared her throat, trying to find her words. "Um, Coach, we... we have something to tell you."

Caitlin couldn't resist adding, "It's about us."

Coach Bluder raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Well, that's good to hear. What's going on?"

Lilly took a deep breath, glancing at Caitlin for support. "Okay, so, um, Caitlin and I... we're dating. Like, officially. And we thought it would be best to let you know, you know, for team and media purposes."

Caitlin chimed in, "Yep, we're officially off the market. Sorry, team. It's a real tragedy."

Coach Bluder leaned back in her chair, smiling at the two of them. "I had a feeling something was going on between you two."

Lilly's eyes widened. "You did?"

Coach Bluder nodded. "I've been around long enough to recognize the signs. And for what it's worth, I think you two make a great couple."

Lilly let out a sigh of relief, while Caitlin couldn't resist a playful jab. "See, Lil, I told you she wouldn't banish us"

Coach Bluder laughed. "No, but I do need to know that this won't affect your performance on the court or cause any issues with the team dynamics."

Lilly shook her head quickly. "No, Coach, it won't. We're professionals, and our relationship won't interfere with our game or the team."

Caitlin added, "Plus, we've already faced the ultimate test—practicing one-on-one. Trust me, if we can survive that, we can survive anything."

Coach Bluder smiled warmly. "Alright, then. Just be prepared for the media attention. You know how they can be."

Lilly nodded. "We're ready for that, Coach. And thank you for being so understanding."

Coach Bluder stood up, walking around her desk to give them both a reassuring pat on the back. "I'm happy for you both. Now, go out there and keep making me proud."

Caitlin grinned, pulling Lilly closer. "Will do, Coach. And if you need any relationship advice, you know where to find us."

Before they could leave, Caitlin paused and turned back toward Coach Bluder. "Actually, Coach, there's one more thing we wanted to ask you about."

Coach Bluder looked at them curiously. "Sure, what's on your mind?"

Lilly hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. "Do you think we should come out to the public? About our relationship, I mean. We're not sure how to handle the media attention."

Coach Bluder leaned against her desk, considering their question. "It's definitely something to think about carefully. Coming out publicly can bring a lot of support, but it also invites scrutiny."

Caitlin nodded. "We know it could get crazy, especially with how much attention we already get. But we don't want to hide who we are, either."

Lilly added, "Yeah, we want to be honest about our relationship, but we also want to make sure it doesn't become a distraction for the team."

Coach Bluder gave them a reassuring smile. "I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to consider the team's dynamics. My advice would be to discuss it together, and maybe with a PR advisor, to weigh the pros and cons. Whatever you decide, make sure it's what's best for both of you."

Caitlin glanced at Lilly, then back at Coach Bluder. "Thanks, Coach. We'll think it over and make a decision together."

Coach Bluder nodded. "Take your time. And remember, whatever you decide, you have the team's support and mine."

Lilly smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Coach. That means a lot."

As they finally left the office, Caitlin turned to Lilly with a thoughtful expression. "So, what do you think? Should we go public?"

Lilly sighed, considering the question. "I don't know, Cait. It's a big step. But I think it might be worth it, as long as we're prepared."

Caitlin squeezed her hand. "We'll talk it through, weigh our options. Whatever we decide, we'll do it together."