MLB Imagines

[...Lars Nootbaar...] - Behind The Dugout

Lars Nootbaar - Behind The Dugout

Y/N Goldschmidt, known as Paul Goldschmidt's little sister and avid baseball fan, often attended MLB Cardinals games to support her brother. Lars Nootbaar, one of Paul's close friends and teammates, was someone Y/N had noticed more than once. They'd exchanged several meaningful glances over the course of several seasons, which continued to spark a connection that neither could no longer ignore.

After each game, Y/N would linger in the family and friends area, where players, their families, and friends would gather before and after games. Lars, always keenly aware of her presence, would often find reasons to visit the room just to catch a glimpse of her.

As the season and stolen glances progressed, Lars decided it was finally time to make a move. Although, he was hesitant due to his close bond with Y/N's brother Paul. However, one evening, after a particularly intense game, Lars found himself thinking about Y/N more than ever. He decided it was finally time to take a leap of faith and he boastfully slid into her DM's on Instagram.

"Hey Y/N, it's Lars. I'd really like to get to know you better. How about we meet up for coffee sometime?"

Y/N's reply was quick and enthusiastic. "Hi Lars! I'd love to grab coffee. When are you free?"

They set up their first date, and the excitement was palpable on both sides.

Their coffee date came and their conversation flowed like they knew each other forever. They both knew it was the start of something special. Over the next few weeks after their coffee date, Lars and Y/N began seeing each other regularly. They managed to keep their relationship under wraps, meeting secretly and avoiding the attention of others, including Paul.

One evening, after a game, Y/N and Lars were enjoying a quiet dinner together. They were completely engrossed in each other, their connection growing stronger with every passing day. Their relationship was a well-kept secret, and they both relished the stolen moments they shared.

Despite their efforts to keep their relationship private, secrets have a way of coming out. Paul, who had always been protective of his sister, began to notice some changes within her. He had seen Lars and Y/N together often and sensed something was off.

One day, as Paul walked into the family and friends room after a game, he spotted Lars and Y/N sitting close together, laughing softly. Their body language was unmistakable, it was no denying it and Paul's instincts told him something was amiss.

Paul approached them, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Hey, Lars, Y/N. Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Y/N looked up, her heart racing. "Sure, Paul. What's up?"

Paul waited until they were a little apart from the crowd. "I've noticed you two seem pretty close. Are you...?"

Lars looked at Y/N, then at Paul, feeling the weight of the moment. "Paul, we've been seeing each other for a while now. We were planning on telling you, but we wanted to be sure about things first."

Paul's eyes widened in surprise. "So, you've been dating in secret? Why didn't you just tell me?"

Y/N stepped forward, her voice steady. "We didn't want to make things awkward or complicate our relationships. We care about each other a lot and wanted to make sure it was real before saying anything."

Paul's expression softened, though his concern was still evident. "Look, I understand wanting to keep things private, but you should have come to me earlier. I'm your brother, and I want to be there for you."

Lars nodded. "I'm really sorry, Paul. I should have been upfront with you. I care about Y/N a lot, and I never intended to hide anything from you."

Paul took a deep breath, trying to process everything. "Alright, I get it. Just remember that honesty is important. I want what's best for my sister, and if you're good to her, I'll try to support this."

With Paul's understanding, Lars and Y/N's relationship took on a new dynamic. They continued to see each other, and Paul slowly adjusted to their relationship. The family and friends room became a place where Lars and Y/N could openly share their feelings, with Paul's support gradually growing.

One evening, after a successful game, Lars and Y/N found themselves alone in the stadium parking lot. Lars turned to Y/N, his eyes full of affection.

"You know," Lars said softly, "I'm grateful for how things have worked out. Having Paul's support means a lot."

Y/N smiled, her heart full. "I'm glad too. It's been a journey, but I'm happy we're navigating it together."

As they shared a tender kiss under the starlit sky, they knew their relationship was stronger than ever, built on a foundation of honesty, trust, and genuine connection.

Written for: @kennlees :)

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