They get home late

That kind of late where everything feels heavy and quiet at the same time

The door closes and neither of them even says anything for a second

Just the sound of their bags dropping

Shoes sliding off

Shoulders finally loosening after hours of practice

Kayleigh looks like she is barely holding herself up

Hair messy, clothes still from practice, eyes half-lidded like she’s running on nothing

KK watches her for a second longer than she means to

“…you’re done,” KK says softly

Kayleigh blinks slowly

“…yeah”

No fight in it

Just honesty

KK nods like that’s already decided

“…bath first. then bed”

Kayleigh pauses

Then just nods again

“…okay”

And she follows her

No hesitation

They move into the bathroom together

Warm light, quiet space, steam starting to build as the water runs

KK doesn’t even wait for instructions

She just steps behind Kayleigh and gently starts undoing her braids

Careful fingers working slowly

Patient

Like she has done this before without thinking

Kayleigh’s head tilts forward slightly

Already relaxing into it

“…you’re not even awake,” KK murmurs

Kayleigh hums

“…mm”

That’s all she gives

KK smiles a little

“…yeah, okay”

By the time her hair is fully down, Kayleigh looks even more tired

KK runs her fingers through it gently once

“…stay with me,” she says softly

Kayleigh nods

Barely

“…yeah”

The shower is warm

Not rushed

Music playing low in the background

Not loud enough to take over the room

Just enough to fill the quiet between them

KK stands close the whole time

Careful, steady, grounding

Kayleigh leans into her without even realizing it

Like her body already knows where to go

“…you’re gonna fall asleep in here,” KK says

Kayleigh mumbles

“…maybe”

KK laughs under her breath

“…please don’t”

When they finally get out

Everything slows down even more

Towels, soft movements, damp hair, quiet breathing

Kayleigh ends up sitting on the counter

Like she’s trying to stay awake

But she’s losing

Her head tilts slightly forward

Eyes closing for longer and longer

KK is brushing her teeth in the mirror

Watching her the whole time

“…you good?” KK asks

Kayleigh doesn’t answer right away

Then

“…yeah”

Except she says it like she’s halfway asleep already

KK shakes her head, smiling

“…liar”

Kayleigh’s eyes close again

And this time she doesn’t open them

“…hey,” KK says softly

No panic

Just gentle

Kayleigh blinks

Slow

“…huh?”

KK laughs quietly

“…brush your teeth”

Kayleigh just stares at her for a second

Like she forgot what that even means

So KK gently helps

Puts the toothbrush in her hand

Guides her through it

Patient

Soft

When that’s done, KK takes the brush for Kayleigh’s hair

Slow strokes through it

Careful detangling

Kayleigh leans forward slightly

Resting into her again

“…you’re tired,” KK whispers

Kayleigh nods

Barely

“…yeah”

KK smiles softly

“…I know”

Eventually they make it to bed

The room dim and quiet

KK climbs in first

Kayleigh follows immediately

Like she doesn’t even think about it

Just goes straight to her

KK turns off the light

Pausing for a second in the dark

“…we don’t have anything tomorrow,” she says softly

“…no practice. no games”

Kayleigh hums

Barely awake

“…good”

KK laughs quietly

“…yeah”

She shifts closer

Pulling Kayleigh in gently

And this time it’s not even gradual

Kayleigh just fully melts into her

Arms wrapping around KK without thinking

Face tucked in like she belongs there

KK kisses her forehead

Then softly her lips

Barely there

“…goodnight,” KK whispers

“…love you”

Kayleigh responds after a beat

Slow

Soft

“…love you too”

And that’s it

She’s gone

Asleep almost instantly

KK holds her tighter for a second

Just listening to her breathing even out

Then closes her eyes too

“alright—right there, don’t move”

That was already impossible

Because KK is mid-lean

Arms stretched out in front of her like she’s flying

Trying to actually hold the pose

Trying to look somewhat normal

And in front of her

Ashlynn is doing everything she can

One hand gripping KK’s arm

The other pressed against her stomach

Literally holding her up

Keeping her from tipping forward

Smiling straight at the camera like this is fine

Like this is a completely normal team photo

It is not

Because behind her

Kayleigh is already gone

The second KK leaned forward

that was it

A laugh slipped out

Then another

And before she could stop herself

she stepped in close behind her

Arms wrapping tight around KK’s waist

Holding on

Like she’s anchoring her

Or maybe like KK is anchoring her

Her head drops forward immediately

Pressing into KK’s back

Face hidden

Because if she looks up

she’s done

KK feels it instantly

The grip around her waist

The way Kayleigh’s shaking from laughing

And it almost takes her out right there

Her smile twitches

Eyes squinting just a little

Trying so hard not to break

But it’s obvious

She’s barely holding it together

“don’t move” the photographer says again

Which somehow makes it worse

Because now they have to stay like this

Ashlynn adjusts her hand slightly against KK’s stomach

Trying to keep her balanced

Still smiling at the camera

But her shoulders are starting to shake

Because she can feel it too

Kayleigh laughing behind her

KK trying not to laugh in front of her

“…y’all are so unserious,” she mutters

KK exhales through her nose

Trying to stay still

“…I’m literally trying”

Kayleigh just shakes her head against her back

Laughing harder

Her grip tightening

Like she physically cannot stop

“okay—one more—hold it right there”

Flash

KK is technically still in position

Still leaning forward

But her smile gives everything away

It’s not composed

Not steady

It’s right on the edge of breaking

Ashlynn bites the inside of her cheek

Still smiling at the camera

One hand on KK’s arm

The other still at her stomach

Trying to keep both of them steady

It is not working

The photographer is laughing now

Still in frame

“y’all good??”

No one answers

Because Kayleigh literally cannot

Her face still buried

Her whole body shaking

“…I can’t” she mumbles

Voice muffled into KK’s back

KK lets out a quiet laugh

Finally breaking a little

Her shoulders moving

And that’s it

The pose is gone

Ashlynn drops her head

Laughing fully now

Letting go

“nah I’m done”

KK straightens up

Still smiling

Turning her head slightly

“…you good back there?”

Kayleigh nods

But doesn’t let go

“…no”

KK laughs

Shakes her head

Her hands coming down over Kayleigh’s arms

Resting there

“…you’re actually insane”

Kayleigh finally lifts her head

Grinning

“…worth it”

Ashlynn wipes under her eye

Still laughing

“that picture is about to go everywhere”

KK just smiles

Glancing at the camera

Then back slightly toward Kayleigh

Still close

Still holding on

“…yeah”

And when they reset for another shot

Kayleigh stays right there

Right behind her

Arms still around her waist

Like she’s not going anywhere

And KK doesn’t make her

Not once.

—

the pic I’m referring to in this fic:

They didn’t check the weather.

That’s the problem.

Because now it’s raining.

Not light rain either.

Full downpour.

They’re halfway down the street when it starts.

Kayleigh stops.

“…you’ve got to be kidding me.”

KK looks up.

Then laughs.

“…oh that’s bad.”

“that’s bad??”

Rain’s already soaking through her hoodie.

Hair sticking to her face.

KK steps closer.

“…c’mere.”

Kayleigh blinks.

“…what.”

KK pulls her in.

Close.

Unzipping her own hoodie halfway and wrapping it around both of them.

Kayleigh freezes for a second.

“…this is not helping.”

KK shrugs.

“…it’s helping me.”

Kayleigh huffs a laugh.

“…you’re unbelievable.”

But she doesn’t pull away.

If anything, she leans closer.

Trying to stay under the small bit of cover.

Their steps slow.

Because now they have to walk together.

Close.

KK’s arm around her shoulders, holding the hoodie in place.

Kayleigh’s hand gripping the front of it.

“…we look stupid,” Kayleigh mutters.

KK smiles.

“…we’re dry.”

Kayleigh glances up at her.

“…we are not dry.”

KK tilts her head.

“…less wet.”

Kayleigh shakes her head.

But she’s smiling.

“…you’re so annoying.”

KK pulls her a little closer.

“…you’re still here.”

Kayleigh looks at her.

Soft.

“…yeah.”

Rain keeps falling.

6. the first time kk gets a little jealous

The party isn’t really her thing.

Too loud. Too crowded.

Too many people she doesn’t care about.

KK’s already thinking about leaving when she sees Kayleigh across the room, laughing with someone.

And it’s not even the laughing that gets to her.

It’s how close they’re standing.

How easy it looks.

KK looks away, jaw tightening just a little.

She tells herself it doesn’t matter.

But it does.

More than she wants it to.

She’s about to leave, honestly—

when Kayleigh looks up.

Finds her instantly.

Like she always does.

And the second she does, she smiles.

Not the same smile she had before.

Softer.

Warmer.

For her.

Kayleigh says something quick to the person she’s with, then walks straight over.

No hesitation.

“Hey,” she says, stopping close.

KK shrugs, trying to play it off.

“Thought you were busy.”

Kayleigh shakes her head.

“Not really.”

There’s a pause.

Then Kayleigh looks at her a little closer.

“You okay?”

KK hesitates.

“…yeah.”

Kayleigh doesn’t buy it.

She steps closer, just enough that their arms brush.

“You don’t have to pretend with me.”

That’s what gets her.

KK exhales softly.

“…just didn’t like that.”

“Like what?”

“The… standing close. Laughing. All of it.”

Kayleigh’s expression softens immediately.

“Oh.”

A beat.

Then she reaches out, fingers brushing lightly against KK’s wrist.

“I wasn’t thinking about them.”

KK looks at her.

“…no?”

Kayleigh shakes her head.

“Was looking for you, actually.”

And just like that—

the tight feeling in KK’s chest loosens.

⸻

7. the first time they get caught in the rain

The rain comes out of nowhere.

One second it’s clear, the next it’s pouring.

Kayleigh laughs instantly.

KK groans.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Come on,” Kayleigh says, grabbing her hand this time, not just her sleeve. “Run.”

They don’t get far.

They’re soaked almost immediately.

Hair damp, clothes clinging, shoes squishing with every step.

They slow down at the same time.

Then stop.

Kayleigh pulls closer, trying to cover them both with the hoodie even though it barely helps.

KK huffs a quiet laugh.

“That’s not doing anything.”

“It’s the effort.”

KK glances down at her.

Kayleigh’s smiling, rain catching on her lashes, her nose scrunching slightly.

“You’re freezing,” KK says.

“So are you.”

A pause.

But this one feels warm somehow.

Kayleigh shifts just a little closer, their shoulders fully pressed together now.

“…worth it?” KK asks quietly.

Kayleigh doesn’t even hesitate.

“Yeah.”

Then, softer—

“Especially if it’s with you.”

KK doesn’t say anything.

But she doesn’t move away either.

⸻

8. the first time kk gets sick and kayleigh takes care of her

Kayleigh knows something’s wrong before KK says anything.

Before anyone else notices.

KK’s quieter.

Less sharp.

Moving, but not really present.

“You good?” Kayleigh asks softly.

“I’m fine.”

She’s not.

Kayleigh lets it go for maybe two minutes.

Then KK suddenly stops.

Sways slightly.

And Kayleigh’s already there.

“Hey—”

KK barely makes it to the side before she’s leaning over, getting sick.

Kayleigh’s hand is on her back immediately.

Steady. Gentle.

“I got you,” she murmurs.

She stays the whole time.

Doesn’t rush her.

Doesn’t leave.

Just keeps her grounded.

When it’s over, KK leans back slightly, eyes tired.

“…I’m okay,” she mutters.

Kayleigh shakes her head softly.

“No, you’re not.”

And this time, KK doesn’t argue.

Back at the dorm, KK barely makes it onto the bed before laying down.

Kayleigh moves around quietly, grabbing what she needs.

Water. Medicine. Something warm.

When she comes back, KK hasn’t moved.

“Hey,” Kayleigh says gently. “Sit up for me.”

“…don’t wanna.”

Kayleigh smiles a little.

“I know.”

She sits beside her anyway, sliding an arm behind her shoulders and lifting her carefully.

KK lets her.

Easily.

Her head resting against Kayleigh’s shoulder like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“Take this,” Kayleigh says softly.

KK shakes her head.

“…no.”

“KK.”

“No.”

Still stubborn.

Even like this.

Kayleigh exhales softly.

Then leans in.

Presses a soft kiss to her lips.

Gentle.

Slow.

KK stills completely.

Kayleigh pulls back just enough, holding the water up.

“Now please.”

KK looks at her.

Really looks at her.

Then sighs quietly.

“…you’re annoying.”

Kayleigh smiles.

“Yeah, yeah.”

KK takes the medicine.

After, she doesn’t move away.

Instead, she shifts closer, her hand lightly gripping Kayleigh’s shirt.

“Stay,” she murmurs.

Kayleigh’s heart softens instantly.

“I’m right here.”

And she stays.

Running her hand slowly up and down KK’s arm.

Letting her fall asleep against her.

Not moving.

Not even a little.

⸻

9. the first time they have a “good luck” routine

It starts as nothing.

A small shoulder bump.

“Good luck.”

KK does it back.

Neither of them think about it.

Until it keeps happening.

Before every game.

Every time.

One game, KK forgets.

She’s halfway onto the court when—

“KK.”

Kayleigh grabs her hand.

“You forgot.”

KK sighs, but there’s a small smile there.

“Really?”

Kayleigh nods.

“Really.”

KK steps back toward her, bumping her shoulder lightly.

“Good luck.”

Kayleigh smiles immediately.

“Now it counts.”

And for the rest of the game, KK plays just a little lighter.

⸻

10. the first time it slips out

It’s quiet.

Late.

Kayleigh is curled into KK’s side, half asleep, her hand resting lightly against KK’s hoodie.

KK’s thumb moves slowly along her arm without thinking.

“You good?” she murmurs.

Kayleigh hums softly.

“Yeah.”

A pause.

Then, barely above a whisper—

“I love you.”

KK stills.

Her chest tightens, but not in a bad way.

In a soft, overwhelming kind of way.

She looks down.

Kayleigh’s already drifting.

Didn’t even realize she said it.

KK exhales quietly, leaning down and pressing a soft kiss to her hair.

“…I love you too,” she whispers.

And this time—

she lets herself mean it fully.

No hesitation.

No fear.

Just soft.

It happens fast.

Too fast.

One second KK is driving in, the next there’s contact.

A bad one.

The whistle blows sharp, echoing through the gym, but KK barely hears it.

All she feels is the impact.

Then the sting.

Then… warmth.

Wrong kind.

She pulls back slightly, hand coming up to her face, and when she looks down, there’s blood.

“KK—”

Kayleigh’s voice cuts through everything.

She’s already there.

Already in front of her.

Hands hovering like she doesn’t know where to touch without hurting her more.

“Hey, hey—look at me,” Kayleigh says, voice softer now, steadier than she feels.

KK tries to laugh it off.

“i’m good—”

“You’re not,” Kayleigh says immediately.

Not harsh. Just certain.

Her hand gently finds KK’s wrist, lowering it just enough so she can see her face.

Her nose is bleeding.

Not a little.

Enough to make Kayleigh’s chest tighten.

“Okay,” Kayleigh murmurs. “Okay, we’re fine. You’re fine. Just stay with me.”

KK blinks at her.

And for once, she listens.

⸻

The trainer gets her to the bench.

Ice.

Tissues.

Voices all around.

But KK’s not really paying attention to any of it.

Because Kayleigh is right there.

Close.

Too close for anyone else.

And somehow still not close enough.

“You’re staring,” KK mutters, voice a little muffled.

Kayleigh doesn’t even look away.

“Yeah. Because you’re hurt.”

“It’s just my nose.”

“Exactly,” Kayleigh says. “Your face.”

That makes KK huff a weak laugh.

“my face is still cute.”

Kayleigh pauses.

Then, softer, “Yeah. It is.”

KK stills for a second.

Then looks at her.

And something about the way Kayleigh says it, no teasing, no hesitation, makes her chest feel weird.

In a good way.

⸻

They take her to the locker room after.

Quieter.

Less chaotic.

Kayleigh follows without asking.

Sits right next to her like it’s where she’s supposed to be.

KK leans back against the bench, ice pressed gently to her nose, eyes half-lidded.

“You should’ve seen the other guy,” she mumbles.

Kayleigh rolls her eyes softly.

“You’re not funny right now.”

“I’m always funny.”

“You’re literally bleeding.”

“And still funny.”

That gets a small smile out of Kayleigh.

But it fades quick.

Because she’s still watching her.

Still worried.

KK notices.

“…hey.”

Kayleigh looks at her immediately.

“You okay?” KK asks.

That catches her off guard.

“Me?”

“Yeah.”

Kayleigh exhales quietly.

“I’m fine.”

KK tilts her head slightly.

“You’re doing that thing.”

“What thing?”

“Where you act like you’re fine but you’re actually freaking out.”

Kayleigh opens her mouth, then closes it.

Because she got caught.

KK’s hand moves, gently tugging at the sleeve of her hoodie.

“c’mere.”

Kayleigh doesn’t hesitate.

She shifts closer.

KK leans into her slightly, careful but still seeking her out.

And Kayleigh lets her.

One hand comes up, resting lightly against KK’s arm.

Grounding.

“You’re okay,” Kayleigh murmurs, softer now. “I’ve got you.”

KK hums quietly.

“yeah. i know.”

⸻

Later, when the bleeding finally slows, the trainer leaves them for a minute.

Just a minute.

But it’s enough.

KK lowers the ice a little, glancing at Kayleigh.

“You still think I look cute?”

Kayleigh blinks.

“KK—”

“I’m serious.”

There’s a tiny smile there.

But also something softer underneath.

Something real.

Kayleigh shakes her head slightly, but she’s smiling now too.

“You look… rough.”

KK groans.

“wow.”

“But,” Kayleigh adds, reaching out, brushing a careful thumb just below her cheek, avoiding her nose completely, “still cute.”

KK goes quiet.

Actually quiet.

“…say it again.”

Kayleigh freezes.

“What?”

“say it again.”

Her voice is softer now.

Not joking.

Kayleigh’s expression shifts.

Then she leans in just a little.

Close enough that KK can feel it.

“You’re still cute,” she repeats gently. “And you’re still you. Nothing changed.”

KK exhales slowly.

Like she needed that more than she expected.

⸻

There’s a pause.

A quiet one.

Then…

“…does it hurt?” Kayleigh asks softly.

“A little.”

“Where?”

KK hesitates, then tilts her head slightly.

“…here.”

She gestures toward her nose, careful.

Kayleigh’s expression softens immediately.

She shifts closer, her hand lifting gently, hovering near KK’s face like she’s asking without words.

KK doesn’t pull away.

So Kayleigh leans in.

Slow.

Careful.

And presses the softest kiss right against the bridge of her nose.

Light.

Gentle.

KK freezes completely.

“…did that help?” Kayleigh murmurs.

KK blinks at her.

“…yeah.”

A beat.

Then quieter, “do it again.”

Kayleigh lets out the smallest laugh.

“you’re unbelievable.”

But she does it again anyway.

Soft.

Just as careful.

And this time, KK leans into it.

Eyes closing for just a second.

⸻

Kayleigh’s thumb brushes lightly along her arm again.

“You’re okay,” she whispers.

KK shifts closer, resting more of her weight against her.

“stay?”

Kayleigh doesn’t hesitate.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

⸻

And when the team starts filtering back in, they don’t move apart.

KK’s shoulder pressed into Kayleigh’s side.

Kayleigh’s hand still resting against her arm.

Like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Practice is supposed to be normal.

Routine.

Run drills. Scrimmage. Leave.

But it hasn’t felt normal in a while.

Not since you started noticing her more.

KK.

It’s small things at first.

The way she calls plays.

The way she gets quiet right before she does something bold.

The way her energy shifts when she’s locked in.

You tell yourself it’s nothing.

You’re teammates.

Of course you notice her.

But then—

you start watching.

More than you should.

More than you mean to.

And apparently—

she notices too.

Practice ends in a blur of noise and movement.

Shoes squeaking. People talking. Water bottles hitting the floor.

You’re leaning against the wall, catching your breath, when—

“you gonna keep staring or say something.”

Your head snaps up.

KK.

Standing at the free throw line.

Ball in her hands.

Looking directly at you.

You roll your eyes, pushing off the wall and walking toward her.

“I wasn’t staring.”

She raises an eyebrow.

“You were.”

You shrug.

“maybe.”

KK bounces the ball once.

Twice.

Still watching you.

“what.”

You hesitate.

You weren’t planning on saying anything.

But now—

she’s right there.

Looking at you like that.

So—

“you play different when you’re mad.”

The ball stills in her hands.

“…what.”

You cross your arms.

Trying to act normal.

“You do.”

KK studies you now.

Really studies you.

“How would you know.”

You tilt your head.

“because I watch you.”

Silence.

Not awkward.

Just—

charged.

KK looks away for a second.

Then back.

“…you always watching me?”

You shrug, softer this time.

“sometimes.”

She steps closer.

Ball tucked under her arm now.

“…do it again.”

You blink.

“what.”

“look at me like that again.”

Your stomach flips.

“…like what.”

She doesn’t answer right away.

Just stands there.

Close enough that you can feel it.

“…like you see everything.”

Your breath catches.

“…you’re weird.”

KK smiles slightly.

“You’re still here.”

You don’t move.

“…yeah.”

Neither does she.

The gym is emptying out around you.

But neither of you leaves.

Not yet.