Greatest In the League

Just Be You

Travis' POV

When I finally placed the barbells back on their racks, I didn't feel any lighter. Even without the metal, I was still carrying the weight of the world. I've hardly had any time to be involved in or play in the game. Sure, we've won but I haven't even had the ball at all. I can't even breathe anymore, the pressure is overwhelming. I couldn't even do the one thing I thought I could do. 

"Travis, the tough guy," Pat called from across the gym. I suppressed a cringe at the teasing nickname. As much as I wanted to be tough, I felt like I wasn't and that this was just another way I had failed. Of course, I wore my strength with pride, but it was too much. But I hid my distaste at the comment. I couldn't let him see it. Not Patrick, not Coach Reid, not Taylor. Especially not Taylor.

The thought of her seeing me as weak? I couldn't handle that. I knew how much she admired me for being strong. But today, I felt anything but that.

After my workout, I took a quick ice cold shower before sitting on the bench, my head in my hands, trying to push down the exhaustion, the frustration, the pressure. My phone buzzed on the bench next to me, Taylor's name lighting up the screen as an incoming call. I almost didn't answer, but I knew she'd worry if I didn't.

"Hey, babe," I said, trying to sound upbeat, but my voice came out flat.

"Hey, are you okay?" Her voice was soft, concerned. It was like she could hear the tiredness in me from miles away.

I cleared my throat, and adopted a fake positive voice. "Yeah, just tired. You know, usual football stuff."

There was a pause, and then she said, "You sure? You don't sound like yourself."

I hated how well she knew me sometimes. I forced a laugh. "Just a long day."

Another pause, and then, "Do you want to come over?"

Part of me wanted to say no, to just go home and crash, but I also wanted to see her. I always did. And, though I hated to admit it, I needed my girl.

"Yeah," I said finally. "I'll be there soon." Before I hung up, I added "Thanks, sweetheart. I love you."

"Of course," she answers, and I can hear the smile in her voice "I love you. You're always welcome."

I shook myself off before gathering my belongings. I knew that while I could rely on Taylor, I didn't want to enter her home with negative energy. The last thing I wanted to do was cause her any distress, especially since we'd only been dating for six months.

Taylor's POV

Travis looked different when he walked into my apartment. Usually, he filled the room with his energy, his presence—but tonight, his shoulders slumped, his steps heavy. My heart clenched just looking at him.

I knew he was trying to hide it, hugging me close and telling me I looked amazing, but I could see the light in his eyes had faded. He was worn down.

He kicked off his shoes and collapsed onto the couch without saying much, his eyes falling shut. I sat beside him, curling my legs under me as I studied his face, sitting next to him close enough to reach him but enough to allow him air. 

"Rough day?" I asked gently.

He gave a small nod but didn't elaborate. I knew he didn't like talking about his struggles. He was always the strong one, the tough guy. But I could see it—he was tired, worn down. His usual spark wasn't there, and it hurt to see him like this.

I hesitated for a second before reaching out to take his hand. He squeezed mine tightly but still didn't look at me. My heart broke for the boy inside this man, yearning to be loved.