Ghost of You

Media Backlash

"This is insane" I mumble to Kelley as I scroll through the headlines. Most of the headlines about the match barely even acknowledge our match and talks more about Tori's fan experience and her panic attack.

"They barely even talk about how we played. They're just trashing her because of her panic attack now" Kelley sighs. I bite my lip, "There's no way she hasn't seen these". I can see Kelley visibly cringe and nod. I sigh and text Alex before standing up and slipping on my shoes. "What are you doing?" Kelley asks as my phone dings.

"Well according to Alex she's not in their room and I want to make sure shes okay" I reply grabbing a hoodie. "Do you have any idea where she would be?" Kelley questions. "I have an idea" I mumble before grabbing my key card, "I'll see you in a bit". "Bye" Kelley shouts after me as I walk out the door.

I walk to the elevator and I know exactly where she is. There's two places she would be when she's like this. She would either go for a run but it's a bit late for a run and she wouldn't want to be bothered right not by people so that leaves one place.

The roof

Which is where I am right now looking at Tori who is standing at the edge of the roof overlooking the city. Silently I walk beside her not saying anything, just letting her know I'm here for her. For a solid few minutes neither of us say anything we just walk the world pass by from the top of the roof. It was Tori that breaks the silence, "Years of being on the national team and playing professional soccer. Years of hiding my panic attacks from fans and the media. And now that's all they talk about".

I turn to look at her but she stays facing forward now taking her eyes off the city underneath us, "They don't talk about the goal I scored. Not about the teams performance. Just about how is it possible for me to keep a starting position if I could break down at the slightest thing". I can see the tears start to slip down her face but I know she needs to get this out now so I let her continue.

"I nearly threw my phone against a wall it was blowing up so much" she admits with a bitter laugh. "It's happening again" she whispered. That's when she finally started to break. I was quick to take her in my arms. She clutches onto my shirt hiding her face in my hoodie. "And we'll get through it again" I whisper in her kiss hugging her closer.

(Flashback)
"Do we have to go?" Tori pouts. I laugh but nod at my girlfriend, "Yes the point of team bonding is that the WHOLE team is there". T groans and flops back onto the bed, "But I don't want to". I chuckle and crawl on top of her using my arms to prop myself over her, "Well if we don't go there is two possibilities. One Kelley will come brake down the door and drag us to team bonding or the team will thinking we're fucking".

Tori grins up at me and snakes her arms around my neck, "Well would that be so bad?" I can see Tori smirk before she starts kissing the underside of my jaw causing me to inhale sharply. "T-tori we h-have to go" I stutter as she kisses the skin behind my ear. But that doesn't stop her as she continues and it takes all my willpower to pull back stopping her assault on my neck as I give her a stern look, "T not now".

She whines underneath me tugging me down by my shirt and curling into my neck, "But we could just stay here and cuddle. We've barely had any time alone". I sigh and kiss her forehead, "I know. I know I'm sorry we've both been busy and it seems we can't get any time alone". She hugs my waist tightly pulling me down to her, "I know I'm sorry. It just sucks". I hum and kiss her temple, "At least Jill let us share a room". "I know. I'm happy as long as I get to sleep in your arms" she smiles. I scrunch my face, "That was so cheesy".

She smacks my arm but we both laugh. I lean down to peck her lips quickly, "I love you". She smiles up at me, "I love you too Em. More than you'll ever know". Before I can say more there's a pounding at the door, "Cmon lovebirds! Team bonding starting soon!" Tori groans but complies when I pull her up from the bed. When we open the door Kelley is standing there with her phone recording us. "Hi" Tori smiles and waves while I wave from behind her as I put my chin on her shoulder. "Look at the cute couple" Kelley coos before she flips the camera on her, "god I'm so single". We both laugh as we follow Kelley to whatever room where team bonding is going on in.