Her Swimmer

Koda

A/N: trying something different here since I saw my own dog again the other day - here's my attempt at a dog's mind 😅 - not from the start you'll be able to tell when

The next day, Talia was off to fulfill her champion responsibilities, a side of her world that Alexia had yet to fully see. Though Alexia hesitated, not wanting to intrude on Talia's time, Talia brushed off her concerns, insisting with a warm smile, "Nonsense, Lex. I want you there—and after, I can take you to all my favorite places."

With that reassurance, Alexia agreed, a little thrill of anticipation sparking in her chest.

When they arrived, Talia transformed. Alexia watched as she moved through the crowd, her every gesture confident yet unassuming, each word spoken with charisma and just enough cockiness to charm. She laughed and bantered with her teammates, giving credit to everyone who had helped her get to this moment, never once letting the spotlight feel like it was hers alone. There was a radiance to her, an undeniable magnetism that held everyone's attention, and Alexia found herself captivated, unable to tear her gaze away from the woman beside her.

At one point, Alexia's heart stuttered, a small pang of panic as someone turned in her direction, seemingly recognizing her. But the person simply smiled, paying no mind to Alexia's identity. Instead, they observed how intently she looked at Talia. It was as though they, too, could sense the deep admiration and affection radiating from her gaze, and they just smiled knowingly before moving along.

Finally, when Talia wrapped up her responsibilities, she turned and walked over to Alexia, her brilliant smile making Alexia's heart race. "You ready to go?"

Alexia nodded, grinning as she replied, "Si, princesa. Whenever you're ready."

Talia laughed softly, reaching for her hand, and they both turned to head out when the person who had noticed Alexia earlier approached. They gave Alexia a friendly nod, then turned to Talia with a playful gleam in their eye. "Spanish, huh?" they remarked. "Because of her... or before her?"

Talia laughed, squeezing Alexia's hand as she replied, "Before."

The person smiled, shaking their head with a sigh. "She just makes it harder for me to get you to stay, doesn't she?"

"Yeah, she does," Talia said, glancing at Alexia with a warm, affectionate smile.

The person turned to Alexia, their expression softening. "Take care of her, will you?"

"Of course," Alexia said, her voice filled with sincerity.

As they left, Alexia asked, "Who was that?"

"That's my coach... Steph," Talia replied, a faint wistfulness in her voice. Alexia understood instantly—the woman who had trained Talia, supported her, and watched her grow into the champion she was now. There was an unspoken depth of gratitude between them, a bond only athletes who'd shared victories and setbacks could understand.

Hand in hand, they walked out together, their fingers intertwined in a quiet, grounding gesture. For the rest of the day, Talia kept her promise, leading Alexia through her hometown with an infectious excitement, showing her every cherished corner. In every story Talia shared, in each place they visited, Alexia could feel the rich layers of Talia's life unfolding before her, deepening her love for the incredible woman beside her.

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As evening descended, Talia and Alexia walked hand in hand down the quiet street, the warm glow of the setting sun casting a golden hue around them. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and Talia glanced over at Alexia, her heart racing. "If we turn up this road, we'll end up at my grandparents' house... Are you sure you want to meet them now? I can always reschedule or just—"