#bellaverse

caitlin came home late, as usual after a game, but this time, she looked a little worse for wear. you barely had time to greet her before noticing the deepening bruise around her eye.

“oh my god, babe,” you gasped, stepping closer to examine it. “what happened?”

she shrugged, dropping her bag. “just basketball, babe,” she said nonchalantly, even as she winced slightly at the movement. “took an elbow, no big deal.”

you rolled your eyes at her usual tough act. “cait, you look like you just got into a bar fight.”

before she could respond, a tiny voice cut through the room. “mommy!”

bella, with her chubby cheeks still flushed from sleep, came toddling into the room in her footie pajamas. her wild curls bounced as she ran straight for caitlin, her tiny arms reaching up.

“hey, baby,” caitlin cooed, scooping her up with ease despite her sore body.

but bella, ever observant, immediately fixated on her injury. her big eyes widened, and she pointed a tiny finger at caitlin’s face. “mommy, what is that?”

caitlin chuckled, adjusting bella on her hip. “it’s just a little boo-boo, baby. mommy got hit at work.”

bella blinked, processing, then gasped dramatically, covering her mouth with her little hands. “who did that to you?”

you snorted, crossing your arms. “yeah, cait, tell her who did that to you.”

caitlin shot you a playful glare before turning back to bella. “someone on the other team, but it’s okay. it doesn’t hurt too bad.”

bella, suddenly finding the whole thing hilarious, burst into giggles, her chubby cheeks squishing up as she laughed. “mommy, you look silly!”

caitlin gasped, feigning offense. “i do not look silly!”

bella, still giggling, poked the bruise gently. “yes, you do!”

caitlin groaned, pulling bella in for a cuddle. “my own daughter is laughing at my pain,” she mumbled dramatically.

bella giggled even more before suddenly leaning in and pressing a sloppy kiss right to caitlin’s bruised eye. “all better!”

your heart melted at the sight. caitlin, clearly just as affected, let out a soft sigh, hugging bella tighter. “thank you, baby,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to her curls. “you’re the best doctor ever.”

bella nodded proudly. “yes, I know.”

you shook your head, grinning as you leaned against the doorframe, watching the two of them snuggle up together on the couch. “i’m glad you’re okay, cait,” you said softly.