MLB Imagines

[...Lars Nootbaar...] - Under the Radar

Lars Nootbaar - "Under the Radar"

Lars Nootbaar, the talented outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, was known for his exceptional skills on the field and his easygoing personality off of it. Fans and teammates alike admired him, but what many didn't realize was that Lars was hiding a significant part of his life. His relationship with Y/N, his girlfriend of over a year, was a closely guarded secret. They had chosen to keep their romance private, away from the prying eyes of the media and curious fans.

Lars enjoyed the privacy it brought them, but it was a challenge to maintain, especially with his close-knit circle of teammates always trying to play matchmaker. It seemed like every week, Lars faced a new round of blind date proposals, dating app suggestions, and other well-meaning but relentless efforts to set him up.

"Come on, Lars," his best friend and teammate, Jordan, nudged him in the locker room after practice. "You've got to come to this charity event with me on Saturday. I've got a friend who's perfect for you. Trust me, you'll like her."

Lars flashed a polite but firm smile. "Thanks, Jordan, but I've got other plans. I'm good."

Jordan, puzzled but undeterred, shrugged it off. "Alright, but the offer stands."

The following week, another teammate, Nolan, caught Lars after a game. "Hey, Lars, I know this girl who's into baseball and really cool. How about we set something up?"

"Really appreciate it, Nolan," Lars said, his voice steady. "But I'm not interested right now."

Every refusal came with a mix of curiosity and confusion from his friends. Lars was usually open to hanging out and meeting new people, so his constant rejections sparked speculation.

Weeks passed, and the team's curiosity only grew. Then came a day when Y/N decided to attend a game. It was a spontaneous choice, driven by her desire to support Lars while also indulging in a rare public outing as his girlfriend.

Lars was surprised and delighted to see her in the stands. His heart skipped a beat as he realized this was the perfect moment to introduce her to his teammates. It had been on his mind for a while, and now felt like the right time to reveal their relationship.

As the game ended, Lars walked up to Y/N in the stands. He took her hand, leading her down to the field. The team had gathered around, celebrating their win, when Lars cleared his throat and addressed them.

"Hey, everyone, I'd like you to meet someone special to me. This is Y/N."

The room went silent as the team absorbed the revelation. The previous weeks of matchmaking attempts suddenly made sense. Lars' teammates exchanged knowing glances and some muttered, "So that's why."

Y/N gave a warm smile, clearly a bit nervous but also proud. The tension that had built up over the weeks dissipated as the team approached them, offering genuine smiles and congratulations.

As the days went by, the team embraced Y/N as part of their extended family. They respected Lars' boundaries, understanding that his personal life was his own. The camaraderie among the players grew stronger, with Y/N often joining team events and becoming a beloved part of the circle.

Jordan, ever the good friend, approached Lars one day. "You know, I had no idea. But I get it now. I'm happy for you both."

"Thanks, Jordan," Lars replied, grateful. "I appreciate you understanding."

With their secret no longer a secret, Lars and Y/N could finally enjoy their relationship in the open. Their love, once hidden behind the curtain, now shone brightly, supported and celebrated by the people they cared about the most.

Lars and Y/N's relationship continued to flourish, free from the shadows of secrecy. Their public outings were filled with joy and acceptance, and their love story became an inspiring tale for those who admired Lars both on and off the field.

The Cardinals' season went on with Lars performing exceptionally well, but now, his success was sweetened by the open support of his teammates and the unwavering love of Y/N. Their story was no longer just behind the curtain—it was a testament to the power of love and the importance of respecting each other's boundaries.

Written for: @kennlees :)

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