𝙄𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙚𝙩 𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 - 𝘊𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥

𝙁𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙮 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙧. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴

I don't know how Caitlin convinced me to let her plan this date. I had insisted, practically begged, to be the one to organize it. It was our second first date, after all-the first one since we decided to give us another shot after everything we'd been through. I wanted to make it special, show her how much I'd grown, how much I wanted this. But Caitlin being Caitlin, she had that smile on her face, the one that disarms me every time, and I couldn't say no.

Now here we were, walking through the streets of London on a crisp evening. The holiday lights twinkled above us, casting a soft glow over the streets, and I couldn't help but feel a little like we were in one of those cheesy Christmas movies. I glanced over at Caitlin, who was walking beside me with her hands shoved into her jacket pockets, looking as calm and cool as ever. She caught me staring and smirked.

"Nervous?" she teases, bumping her shoulder into mine.

I roll my eyes, even though she knows I am. "No," I lie, shaking my head, though my heart is pounding just a little bit faster than usual.

We end up at a small, intimate restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. It's perfect-warm, cozy, with just the right amount of charm. I realize now that, of course, Caitlin would know exactly what I'd like. Even after everything, she knows me better than anyone.

The evening passes in a comfortable rhythm, our conversation flowing like it always does when it's just the two of us. We laugh, talk about football, about our teams, about life. But there's a softness to the night, an unspoken understanding between us that this is more than just a date. It's a promise to start over, to rebuild something we both know is worth fighting for.

Halfway through the meal, Caitlin reaches across the table and grabs my hand, her thumb gently brushing over my knuckles. My breath catches a little at the tenderness in her touch, and for a moment, I just stare at our hands, intertwined like they're meant to be.

"You know," Caitlin starts, her voice low, "I've been thinking about this for a while."

I look up at her, curiosity tugging at me. "Thinking about what?"

She pauses for a beat, as if gathering her thoughts, then she reaches into her jacket pocket and pulls out a small, velvet box. My heart skips a beat. This can't be what I think it is...

"Caitlin..." I whisper, already feeling the tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

She smiles softly, opening the box to reveal a simple yet beautiful ring. It's not an engagement ring-I know that immediately-but it's no less meaningful. It's a promise ring. A small silver band with a delicate engraving along the side. I can't make out the details, but I don't need to. The gesture itself already has my heart swelling.

"I know we've had our ups and downs," Caitlin begins, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "And I know that we're still figuring things out-between our club, the national teams, the distance, and everything else. But I want you to know that no matter what, I'm not going anywhere."

I blink back the tears, unable to say anything, because if I try to speak now, I'll probably just cry.

She reaches for my hand again, gently slipping the ring onto my finger, her touch warm and reassuring. "I promise to wait, Elena," Caitlin continues, her eyes locked on mine. "For as long as you need. I'll wait for you to be completely ready, for whatever comes next. But I need you to know that I'm in this for the long haul. I'm not giving up on us, not now, not ever."

The tears spill over, and I can't hold back the small sob that escapes my throat. "Cait..." I whisper, my voice breaking.

She leans in, resting her forehead against mine, her breath warm against my skin. "You don't have to say anything right now. Just know that I'm here. Always."

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I love you," I manage to say, my voice shaky but honest.

"I love you too," she murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

After dinner, we walk back to Caitlin's apartment, the cool night air wrapping around us, but I don't feel cold. Not with her hand firmly in mine, the weight of the promise ring on my finger grounding me in a way I haven't felt in a long time.

Once we're inside, the warmth of her apartment envelops us, and we both instinctively make our way to her room. I hadn't been in her apertment for months now, but there was still a warmth to it that never left. It's been a long day, and though the night was perfect, there's a heaviness to my eyelids that I can't fight anymore.

We lie down together, Caitlin pulling me close, my head resting on her chest as her fingers gently trace patterns along my back while mine rests on her stomach, both of us looking down at the ring she'd slipped onto my right ring finger. For a moment, neither of us speaks. We don't need to. The quiet between us is filled with something deeper-contentment, peace, love.

"I'm really glad you planned this," I whisper after a while, my voice sleepy.

"I knew you'd like it," she replies, her voice just as soft. "But next time, it's your turn."

I smile, closing my eyes as I snuggle closer to her. "Deal."

Within minutes, I drift off to sleep, Caitlin's steady heartbeat lulling me into a deep, peaceful slumber. And for the first time in what feels like forever, everything feels right.