Arsenal Womens OneShots

Hidden Pain-Steph Catley×Beth Mead

Steph Catley gritted her teeth as she pushed through another sprint, the pain in her ankle intensifying with every step. She had twisted it during training, but there was no way she was sitting out. Not now. Not with a match coming up. The team needed her, and she wasn't about to let a little pain stop her.

Beth Mead jogged over, tossing Steph a glance. "You alright, Steph? You've been quiet."

Steph forced a grin. "Yeah, just focused."

Beth didn't seem convinced, but she let it slide. The session wrapped up, and Steph limped her way back to the locker room, careful to avoid drawing attention. She could handle this. A bit of rest, maybe some ice. She'd be fine.

Except the pain didn't go away. It throbbed relentlessly, making her feel weak and reckless for hiding it. Steph sat down on the bench, finally letting out a hiss of pain as she tugged off her boot. The ankle was swollen and discolored.

"Steph," Beth's voice was sharp. She had doubled back into the locker room. Her eyes widened at the sight. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"It's nothing," Steph muttered. "I can handle it."

Beth knelt beside her, fingers gently touching the swollen area. "This is not nothing, Steph. You need to get this checked out."

Steph opened her mouth to protest, but Beth was already on her feet, grabbing her phone. "I'm calling the team doc."

"Beth—"

"Not a word," Beth cut her off, her tone firm but filled with concern. "I'm not letting you play through this. You're going to the doctors, end of discussion."

Steph sighed, feeling the weight of her decision catch up to her. "Alright. Thanks, Beth."

Beth smiled softly. "That's what teammates are for."