PLAYER

“Hey,” he greeted in return, stepping aside to let me through. I walked past him, finding his dorm just as I always did. It was surprisingly clean for a guy’s college dorm but Aemond was pretty tidy. Coming up behind me, he gently lifted my bag off my shoulder, placing it on the desk chair before moving me towards his bed.

I suddenly found myself wishing Criston, his roommate, was here. “Oh I actually need my-”

“What?” Aemond snapped, cutting me off.

I stared up at him for a second, trying to register just how angry he was. Finding no real, threatening anger I decided to answer him. “It’s just, I, uh I have to wrap up something quick for that project. Cregan just-”

Aemond scoffed, rolling his eyes. He walked around me, flopping onto his bed with an annoyed expression. “All I fucking hear is about Cregan fucking Stark and your project. You’ve been doing this project for like two months.”

I found my arms wrapping around myself but stopped. Aemond hated when I did that. “Stop acting like I’m gonna hurt you!” he’d say. “I’m sorry but it’s a semester long project,” I explained for the hundredth time.

“I don’t see why you had to partner with him,” Aemond grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest petulantly.

“I know, but there were no other seats.” We repeated the same conversation we’ve had dozens of times throughout this semester.

Walking into Tyrell Hall, I checked my phone. One minute until class started. Cursing, I rushed up to the second floor, quickly locating classroom 221B. Entering the room, I let out a huff seeing that every seat was filled. Scanning the room for a glimpse of an open seat, I observed my classmates. I waved to the few I knew, girls from my freshman year residence hall, some people who ran in Aemond’s circle, a few I didn’t know, and then the hockey team. They all sat in the rear corner of the room, with the only seat left being right next to their captain, Cregan Stark. Glancing at the professor, I found her looking at me expectantly so I reluctantly headed to the back of the room, trying to disappear into my hair as I walked past the hockey team.

“Now that we’re all here,” the professor started, “make sure to get to know your desk partner. You’ll be working with them all semester.” Shit.

I looked to my left, finding Cregan already giving me a shit eating grin. “Oh this is gonna be fun,” he smiled, knowing how much Aemond hated the athletes.

Aemond just got quiet, biting his lip as he looked down at his crossed arms. “C’mon, don’t be mad,” I begged, getting up on the bed. I no longer thought about it. We had been through this routine so many times I just acted. I laid on his bed, practically on top of him as I wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my head on his chest. “I hate it too but it’s only for one semester.”

Aemond huffed, uncrossing his arms so he could lay one across my shoulder, nestling me further into his chest. He didn’t say a word, rather he just looked at me. His expression wasn’t expectant but I knew what he wanted. Pushing my body up, I connected my lips to his. He immediately escalated it, turning so he could place one hand on my jaw, the other on my waist as he moved to be on top of me.

Managing to pull away slightly, I looked up at him, his lips still so close I could feel his labored breath. “Aemond, I want to, I really do,” I tried to keep him from getting mad, “but I have-”

“Is this about your project?” he interrupted me, still so close I could feel the sharpness of his breath as he got angrier.

“No,” I assured quickly. “I have a history assignment. Besides, doesn’t Criston get back from class soon?”

“I don’t care,” he said, brushing his nose against mine. “Here,” he said, leaning over me to his bedside table to grab his phone. He typed out a quick message, only briefly showing it to me before tossing it back onto his bedside table. “You can do your work tomorrow morning before class.” His words phrased as a suggestion but holding the weight of a command. He connected his lips to mine again, wasting no time slipping his hand up my shirt.

~

Sitting in class, I tried my best to ignore Cregan. The first half of class was always dedicated to lecture, with the second half going to working on our project. I was keenly aware of Cregan’s eyes flickering toward me every few moments as well as Aemond’s friends a few rows ahead. I just kept my gaze firmly on my notes and the professor’s slides.

Finally, the professor reached the end of her slides. “Okay, that wraps up today’s lecture. Turn to your partner and continue working on your projects. Remember: you should be submitting an outline to me by Monday.”

As I turned towards Cregan, making sure to keep my hair covering my neck, I caught a glimpse of Aegon’s watchful eye. Remembering Aemond, I turned to Cregan’s wolfish grin, refusing to return it. Undeterred, he leaned closer to me. “Hey, I saw you were working on the doc at five a.m. What were you doing up at that hour?” he asked good-naturedly.

“Oh, I couldn’t get to it last night so I woke up early to work on it,” I shrugged. I tried my best not to dwell on the fact that he had noticed that. And judging by his furrowed brows, I tried to ignore the fact that he was concerned about me. “Why were you up at that hour?” I returned, immediately feeling guilty for engaging him.

Cregan’s smile widened. “I was up for hockey practice and got the notifications. Speaking of which, are you coming to the game tonight?”

I sent him a look. “I think you know the answer to that.”

Cregan’s lips fell into a pout. He actually pouted at me like a dog. “C’mon, I want the girl who’s carrying me through this project there.” I just let out a breathy laugh, trying to dismiss his insistence, but thoughtlessly moved my hair, exposing the hickies Aemond had made a point to leave. Beside me, Cregan’s eyes widened. “Woah,” he exclaimed. I felt embarrassment consume me and I wanted the ground to swallow me whole in that moment as I quickly replaced my hair back where it was. “Wow, someone wants everyone to know you have a boyfriend,” Cregan chuckled.

“Cregan,” I began, ready to tell him off. The mortification must have been written all over my face because his expression morphed into silent sympathy as I looked at him.

He cleared his throat, looking down at his notes for a second before turning his attention to my laptop screen. “So where are we on the outline?” he asked. He looked back up, meeting my gaze and I gave him a soft smile of thanks before returning to the project.

~~

Cregan looked up at the stands full of students. Peering in the student section, he was disappointed but unsurprised to find the stands void of his health sciences partner.

“C’mon man, you had to know she wasn’t coming,” Benjicot Blackwood, Cregan’s best friend, interrupted his thoughts. “You know Aemond would never let her come.”

Cregan shrugged. “He’s not in charge of her. She could come.”

“Cregan,” Benji stopped his best friend, becoming very serious for once. “You know he basically controls her every move right? You had to have noticed. She basically hasn’t talked to anyone except Aemond and his friends since like October last year.”

Cregan stopped to think. Now that he thought about it, he realized that she had used to be one of the most well liked people at the university. But now, she really only had a reputation for being Aemond fucking Targaryen's girlfriend. He couldn’t believe that she of all people even looked at that silver haired prick twice.

Seeing his best friend’s dismay, Benji felt bad knowing that Cregan had had a crush on the girl since he first saw her freshman year. “Hey,” he caught his friend’s attention. “Larys told me Aemond and his little cult are going to Phi Gamma Delta tonight. Even if she isn’t there you could ‘accidentally’ spill some beer on Aemond.”

Cregan sent a mischievous look to his friend, a small smile quirking on his lips.

~

“So where are we going?” I asked Alicent as she curls my hair.

“Phi Gamma Delta,” she explained, putting down the hot wand and spraying hair spray all over me.

“Are the guys coming with us?” I asked, turning to her as she took the curling wand to her own hair.

“Yeah, Harwin is going to let the guys in,” Alicent explained, flawlessly curling her brown locks.

I stood up from her bed, going to my bag to grab my outfit. But as soon as I pulled it out, Alicent turned toward me with wide eyes. “Oh no, I already have something for you to wear so we can match,” she came up with on the spot.

“Thanks but I haven’t gotten to wear this since like first semester sophomore year,” I said, holding up the backless top. I didn’t say the quiet part out loud, I hadn’t worn it since Aemond and I got together.

“Yeah but I’m wearing a long sleeve,” Alicent said, standing up from her desk and holding up her sheer top.

“Another time,” I promised her. Grabbing my clothes, I headed for her bathroom, quickly changing into the top and my black jeans that I had cleaned beer off of so many times.

Entering the room again, Alicent had a slightly sour attitude as she finished off her hair. But I just ignored it, determined to have a good night as I got started on my makeup. Once the both of us were ready, we headed to Aemond’s room where all the guys were waiting for us.

I knocked, being louder this time so as to overcome the music that was already blasting. The door swung open, revealing Criston. “Hey!” he greeted the two of us excitedly. “The girls are here,” he announced to the very crowded dorm room.

Aemond pushed his way to the front of the room, a beer fueled smile on his face. But it dropped as soon as he saw me. My heart immediately sunk seeing his expression but he just grabbed my arm, dragging me into the dorm somewhat harshly. Before I could even speak, he was already barking orders at me. “Go grab a drink, I’ll talk to you in a second,” he spat. Disheartened and slightly scared, I went over to Criston’s desk which was lined with booze.

Aemond turned his attention to Alicent, seething. “I thought she was wearing that one long sleeve top,” he growled.

“I’m sorry, I tried to make her take it but she wouldn’t,” she defended. “I could’ve told her it was you insisting she wear it,” she threw back with a quirked brow.

Aemond just sent her a glare before going back to his girlfriend. “Hey,” he greeted, an arm slipping around my waist to bring me to face him. “Look, I’m sorry I got mad earlier its just… this top,” he said, tugging at the fabric, “is… well its basically a rectangle of fabric held together by one string,” he explained. His fingers now finding the back of my top, tugging at the string to where it almost came untied to make his point.

I averted my eyes, gaze flickered down, shame coursing through me. “I’m sorry, it’s just, I loved this top.”

“I know, baby. And I’m not trying to control what you wear just, keep close to me tonight. Not all the guys there will respect you,” he said, giving another tug to the string of my top before stepping away towards his friends.

Feeling slightly disoriented and embarrassed, I headed to the bathroom in order to fix the top before returning to the pregame, trying to forget the earlier conversation with cheap booze.

After a few more moments, Aemond had declared that it was time for us to all go to the frat. As we all headed over, Aemond had his arm slung across my shoulder. By the time we reached the house, I was shivering thanks to all my exposed skin, and slightly wishing I had listened to Alicent.

As soon as we entered, Alicent grabbed my hand, dragging me to the dance floor as the DJ started to play Super Bass. It wasn’t long after we had been jumping around on the dance floor that Aemond found me again, moving to stand behind me with one hand around my waist and the other holding a beer.

After a couple songs, I felt Aemond’s fingers tap on my hip before his lips came up behind my ear. “I’m gonna go out back for a smoke. Be safe,” he advised before taking his leave, a few of the guys following him upstairs out of the basement.

I just turned back to Alicent who seemed to relieved to not have anyone hovering around her so she could let loose. I laughed as her dancing became more wild and sloppy. That was until her eyes went wide and she was looking at the staircase leading out of the basement. Confused, I turned to find the entire hockey team filling the stairway, with Cregan Stark standing at the top of the staircase.

He looked around for a moment as he descended the stairs, before his eyes settled on me and a smile broke across his face. It was as if Aemond’s training kicked in or something because I had the sudden urge to go find him but something in me kept me firmly rooted to the ground. Maybe it was the beer and god knows what other sticky substances keeping my shoes on the floor of this frat basement.

Either way, it was too late to leave because Cregan was pushing his way through the crowd towards me until he towered over me. The dancing bodies of other students being no match for his hulking frame. He stooped down, bringing his lips closer to my ear. “Hi,” he greeted, pulling away with a bright smile.

“Hi,” I returned, not even bothering to try to reach up to reach his ear.

“Where’s your owner?” he asked sarcastically.

I sent him a look when he pulled away. He just laughed, bringing his lips to my ear again. “I kid. But seriously, I’m surprised he’s not attached to your hip making sure someone like me isn’t talking to you,” he teased.

This time he didn’t immediately stand up, allowing me to talk in his ear to answer. “He’s in the backyard. He’ll be out soon,” I answered.

“Well then I guess I have to make due with the time I have,” Cregan smiled. Before I could protest, his hand found mine, tugging me towards him. His grip was tight enough to move me, but not so tight that I couldn’t slip out if I wanted to.

I knew I shouldn’t, but I couldn’t help but move with Cregan, finding laughs building in my chest as I watched him dance. We were having a good time until all of a sudden Cregan got a serious expression on his face, standing straight up and looking toward the staircase. I didn’t even have time to follow his gaze before he grabbed my arm tugging me behind him.

“Hey! Wha-” I began to protest as I was whirled around but the words died in my throat as I realized why Cregan had gotten serious.

Currently pushing through the crowd was a murderous looking Aemond. Rather than rush to calm him like I probably should, I found myself cowering behind the hockey captain, clinging to his arm. “Stark!” Aemond barked across the crowded room, so loud everyone managed to hear it. “What the hell are you doing with my girlfriend?” he spat, getting in Cregan’s face.

“Nothing, we were just dancing,” he answered coolly. “Then you came down here looking like you wanted to murder someone.”

Aemond rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well, maybe don’t dance with another guy’s girlfriend next time.” He turned his gaze to me, holding out his hand expectantly. “Come on, we’re leaving.”

The fear coursing through me was screaming at me to take his hand but something wouldn’t let my body move. Cregan sent a glance back towards me before turning to Aemond. “She doesn’t wanna go with you.”

“Stay out of this,” Aemond seethed. “This is none of your business.” He then looked at me expectantly again. “We’re going,” he spat.

By now the music had died down and everyone was looking at us. Glancing around, I saw both the hockey team and Aemond’s friends coming towards us, prepared to back up their guys. “Nah, I’m not letting her go with you,” Cregan declared. “Not until you calm down.”

That just seemed to ignite a fury in Aemond. “She’s my girlfriend, Stark,” he spat through gritted teeth. “She’s perfectly fine with me and I sure as hell am not leaving my girlfriend with any of you,” he nodded to the hockey team.

“Then why does she look terrified of you right now?” Benji interjected.

“Shut up, Blackwood,” Criston spat.

All of the guys started arguing, yelling at the others to shut up. Still behind Cregan, I snapped my head behind me as I felt a gentle hand brush against mine. Turning, I found Rhaenyra looking at me with a concerned, gentle look. I just stared at her for a moment before Alicent’s voice brought me back to the conflict.

“Enough!” she got in between Cregan and Aemond. “I’m taking her back to her dorm unless all of you,” she pointed at the guys on both sides, “want to leave.”

There were some grumbles but no one protested. “I’ll go with her too,” Rhaenyra offered.

Not letting the boys fight it out even more, I spoke up. “Yeah, we’re going home,” I agreed. Stepping away from Cregan, I shakily approached Aemond. He was looking at me like I had committed some serious sin against him. “I’m sorry,” I whispered softly. I tried to move past him but he grabbed my waist, pulling me into an aggressive kiss. I could taste the beer and smoke on his lips as he forced his lips into mine. And I had a sneaking suspicion his eyes were locked onto Cregan’s.

When he released me, I let out a shuddered breath as his hand rested on my hip. “We’ll discuss this tomorrow,” his voice was grave. But his hand came off my waist, as if giving me permission to walk away.

Nothing was really said as I left the frat with Alicent and Rhaenyra on my heels. They both tried to ask me multiple times if I was okay, to which I just nodded in agreement. My mind was too consumed playing out what had just happened. But as soon as we were within ten minutes of my dorm, I stopped walking and turned to the two girls behind me. “I’m good here if you guys wanna head home or back to the party. I appreciate you coming with me but I think I just need to be alone right now.”

They both sent each other a glance. “We’re not letting you walk alone at night,” Rhaenyra protested.

“I’ll be fine,” I insisted.

They both looked at each other reluctantly before looking toward me. “Okay but, call someone if you start to feel freaked out,” Alicent said.

“I will,” I agreed, before turning on my heel and walking away.

Immediately, I pulled out my phone, afraid to see what was on there. Opening it, I was first confronted with a text from Cregan.

Hey sorry about tn If he tries anything with you let me know and I’ll handle it

My heart melted reading his messages. I wanted to cry at how sweet he had been lately, mostly because Aemond had been anything but.

Going to our messages, I found nothing. I didn’t know if that was a good or a bad thing. I’m sure my refusal to move would come up some way or another.

I swiped out of my messages with Aemond, going back to Cregan. Reluctantly, I held down on the message until the option to delete it popped up. My finger hesitated over the delete button before I hit it. Just like I had deleted all his flirty texts. Leaving nothing but the texts about our project.

~

The next morning, I was woken up by incessant banging on my door. Glancing quickly at the clock, I saw that it read eight a.m. Rushing to the door, I opened it without checking who it was because deep down, I already knew.

As the door flew open I immediately took a step back, finding Aemond practically glowing with fury. “What the hell was that last night?” he spat, storming into my room.

I backed up as he entered, the door slamming shut behind him. For the first time, I cursed the fact that my roommate went home every weekend. “Aemond, I’m-”

My words were cut off as he lunged forward, his hand coming to close around my throat. “You’re what?” he spat. “Sorry? Sorry for humiliating me? Making me look like an awful person?” But I hardly heard a word, too busy trying to process the fact that he had actually grabbed me by the throat and was choking me. But it seemed my silence angered him more as his fist became tighter and he pressed me up against the wall. My vision was beginning to fade as he crushed my windpipe even tighter. “You cowered away from your boyfriend behind Cregan fucking Stark! Do you know how that makes me look? This,” he said, referring to his hand around my throat, “is because of you. You make me out to be some abuser, fine. It can be that way,” he spat before dragging me to the floor.

I coughed and sputtered as I hit the ground. Hard. “I’m sorry,” I managed to gasp out through tears and desperate gulps of air. “I wasn’t thinking straight.”

Aemond stood over me, bending down to get in my face. “You’re damn right you weren’t thinking straight. I’ll see you Monday and you better have fixed this attitude by then,” he said before marching out of my room.

~

That entire weekend I just flipped between numbly trying to wrap my head around what happened and sobbing violently. Every time I caught a glimpse of my bruised neck in the mirror—Aemond’s fingers clearly marked in my skin—or thought about the feeling of his hand around my throat.

I stood in the bathroom, my skin blotchy from the tears and black and blue covering my neck. I had only just managed to start being able to look at myself without immediately dissolving into sobs when my phone rang. Hesitantly, I picked it up, finding Cregan’s name scrawled across my screen. After another moment of hesitation, I answered the call. “Hello?” I answered, immediately cringing at the hoarseness of my voice.

“Hey,” Cregan’s voice came over the phone, his concern apparent. “Are you okay?” His heart was racing as he heard the scratchiness in her voice.

I hesitated for a moment, trying to clear my throat but it was no use. Between the choking and nearly two days worth of sobbing, my voice was fried. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“No you’re not, I’m coming over,” Cregan informed, already getting up from his bed.

“Cregan,” I began to protest.

“You’re still in Benjen Hall 514, right?” Cregan asked.

I opened my mouth to protest but the words wouldn’t fall. So instead, I gave a reluctant confirmation.

“I’ll be over in five.”

I hung up the phone, going over to my bed and slinking onto it. I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I should try to clean myself up and hide the hand print on my neck. But if I hod it, what life was I resigning myself to?

I didn’t have much time to act because there was a knock at my door. I found myself rushing to open the door, despite my resistance to being seen by anyone. But either way, I opened the door, quickly ushering Cregan inside before letting it shut again, once again hiding Aemond’s act from the world.

After observing my room for a moment, Cregan turned to me. “So what’s wrong?” he asked.

I realized I was looking at the ground, effectively hiding my face and neck. After a second of hesitation, I looked up, letting him see the bruises and tear stains. His eyes widened, his jaw even dropping as he saw my state. He just stared at me for a moment before he spoke hesitantly. “Did- did Aemond do that?” he asked, horror lacing his voice. I only nodded reluctantly.

I watched the shock turn to sympathy, to hurt, to finally anger. His jaw locked and his fists curled as he took a step away from me. “That little-” he couldn’t even finish his insult he was so angry. “Did you get my text? Why didn’t you call?”

“I-” I began but I was cut off my my cringe at the sound of my own voice. “I don’t know. The past few days have just been a blur.”

Cregan stepped towards me. I flinched as he came towards me to which he immediately stopped. “I’m not gonna hurt you,” he swore. He took another hesitant step forward until he was gently grasping my shoulders. “I am however, gonna beat the shit out of that deadbeat boyfriend of yours. Or should I say, ex-boyfriend.”

“Cregan,” I began, my hands finding his chest. “I-” I didn’t even know what I wanted to say. I just broke down into sobs as I fell into his chest. In response, he just hugged me tightly, running his fingers through my hair.

“Hey, it’ll be okay,” he hushed me. “I swear I’ll be right back.”

~~

Cregan cringed as he knocked on room 514. His knuckles were bloody but he didn’t care. Immediately the door swung open, revealing his health sciences partner. She immediately threw herself into his arms, much to the hockey player’s joy. He hugged her tighter as her legs came to wrap around his hips. Entering the threshold of the room, he let the door fall shut behind him as her feet fell back down onto the ground. “No one’s ever gonna hurt you again,” Cregan swore, his forehead resting against hers. “I promise you.”

You provide a stability to Wanda's life that she's never had before. You help keep her in a routine. Wake up, brush teeth, get dressed for training, have breakfast, train, shower, lunch, studying, dinner, down time, brush teeth, meds, bed time. 

You keep her to that routine most days and when she starts having an off day you dim the lights, make a comfy nest in the bed with blankets, pillows, snacks, and drinks. You watch her favorite shows and movies. 

You don't think much about the responsibility you've taken on until you have to leave for a mission and Wanda spirals from the lack of support from you. Though she knows the routine and goes through it, it doesn't feel right without you by her side. Your phone is blown up by her texts and calls and you'd wish this mission would end quickly. 

“How’s she doing?” Nat asks as she makes her way beside you on the bed. The small shitty motel room you two were hiding out in for the mission was stuffy. 

“I think she’s spiraling a bit.” You show Nat your phone, her eyebrows raising. 

“Think? She basically fully relies on you for everything during her days now. She’s a lost puppy. You bring stability to her life and now you aren’t there. I’m surprised she’s actually doing everything.” You bite your bottom lip, letting it fall between your teeth. 

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about her lying about doing everything. If I don’t remind her of her meds and help her with her makeup she usually forgets.” Nat knew just how important the meds were that Wanda had been prescribed. 

“She relies on you, but I’m sure she’ll be fine. Few more days and we’ll be back home. A few days isn’t going to kill her.” You nodded in agreement as you sunk down into the rough mattress and not fluffed pillows. 

=======

When the quintet lands at the compound you don't even make it off ramp when she tackles into you, knocking you down, but you don't mind a few more bruises. You go to speak, but you're cut off when her lips crash into yours. Instinctively you're pulling her closer, flush against you.

As Nat walks by out of the jet she chuckles, shaking her head, “Tony owes me $1,000.” 

You break the kiss, laughing a bit at the comment from your best friend. Looking at Wanda, a flush on her face and neck makes you smile softly. A hand cupping her cheek that she leans into. You smile softly, leaning in to give her another kiss before lifting the two of you up. “Come on, let's talk about this in our room.” 

Wanda simply nods letting you lead the way. On the way you ask what she's done today, knowing what should have been done and she tells you like she had everyday with her constant updates. She had told you already, seven texts letting you know she had gone through her routine. She would have been studying now if not for your sudden arrival.

Walking into your room smelled distinctly of Wanda, you'd been gone long enough that it was noticeable as soon as you walked in, cherry blossoms. You closed the door, locking it. “Friday. Soundproof the room please and do not disturb mode on.” You called out to the AI of the compound. 

Once you got confirmation your attention was on the brunette. Admiring the face you'd missed so much. Taking in the little details her smudged eyeliner made her look more like a raccoon and you knew she'd fallen asleep with it on more than once without you here. Her lips slightly darkened by the tinted chapstick she uses. Her green eyes sparkling like sea glass under the summer sun. 

You took notice of her nervous habits, pulling at the sleeves of her (your) sweatshirt to pull over her hands, fiddling her fingers back and forth, the very subtle lip bite, and how she was too nervous to look you in the eyes. 

You take a step forward, softly smiling as you cup her cheeks and pick her head up to meet your gaze. “I've wanted that for a long time. I just never wanted to push you or make you uncomfortable.” You knew her wounds were still fresh from Sokovia and you didn't want to take advantage of that. You only ever wanted to be here for her. 

“I didn't realize just what you meant to me until you weren't here…it felt like I lost you while you were away and I know I shouldn't need you, but I do. I crave what you provide everyday and I–I need you Y/N. I don't know what I'd do without you. I felt like a zombie without you here.” You took in each word and the inflection in her voice pitched up with each passing second. You could hear the cracking in her words that cracked your heart. 

You held her tightly, pulling her against you. She fit like a puzzle piece. Her arms wrapping around your waist. You kissed the top of her head. “All I want is you, Wands. I want to care for you, I want to love you, I want to be with you.” You could feel your heart flutter at your own words  but even more so at her response.

“That's all I want. Just want you. Want to just be yours.” You felt her pull back, looking up at you. A smile forming on your lips as you lean down for a proper kiss, soft, slow. Your lips moved against one another and you could feel the heat of her magic against your skin. You smile into the kiss, pulling back just enough to whisper, “Someone's excited.” 

Her face burying against your neck as the heat dissipates. She mumbles something and you chuckle, picking her up like you've a hundred times before and she clings onto you. 

She'd only ever clung like this when she'd fallen asleep during team movie nights. You'd carry her back to bed just like this, legs wrapped around your waist, arms around your shoulders, and face buried against your neck. 

You take her to your shared bed and sit at the edge. You aren't expecting it but she grinds her hips against you. A moan crawling up your throat and you feel yourself twitch. Wanda knew already, how could she not? You sleep in your boxer briefs and a sports bra. Most mornings you wake up at half mast. 

She moves faster against you, it's still slow, but you can tell just how needy she is. You're hyper aware even of her. Every roll of her hips and the growing bulge straining against your sweats you had changed into on the jet. 

A soft needy moan comes out of her and that's when you feel it, she's soaking you entirely. A wet spot forming right on your bulge. A deep groan makes its way out of you. 

You can't stand it anymore and flip her onto her back in one single motion. You pull your hard cock out of its confines. You don't bother taking anything off her at this moment. You push her soaked panties to the side. Pushing into her, both of you moaning out at the feeling as you slowly sink inside of her. She takes you beautifully as you bottom out in her. You breathe deeply as you look at her face completely red as you lean down kissing her before starting to pull the sweatshirt and then her shirt. 

You take in her pale skin and the light dusting of freckles, leaning down to take her breast in your mouth, the other with your hand as you slowly move your hips. Your actions elicit soft moans, breathy pleas falling from her lips, and mumbles of Sokovian words. It only eggs you on as you move faster, flicking your tongue against her hard nipple, the other getting twisted gently between your thumb and forefinger. 

You feel her nails claw down your back and sides. You know her nail polish must be ruined from it. You're sure her marks will look lovely with the array of bruises on your back. 

“Ah…feels s'good feels– Ah–” you feel her tighten up around you, finally letting her breast go. Moving yourself up to capture her lips and swallow her moans. You know she won't last much longer as you speed up, setting a brutal pace. Feeling your own orgasm build up. 

“Fuck..I'm gonna cum.” You whisper against her. She tightens at your words.

“Me too–Ah please please need this!” Her pleas were more than enough as you thrust deep, filling her up as she vice grips around you, practically screaming as she cups and you are so thankful for telling Friday to soundproof.

“Mommy?” You can hear your daughter's voice making you turn around to her. “Aww sweetheart don’t you look adorable.” You beam at the 4 year old. She adorns a t-shirt that has ‘Best Big Sister’ written across the front. She giggles and runs up to you, giving you grabby hands as you pick her up and put her on your hip. You tickle her stomach making her giggle and squirm in your hold which only causes you to laugh. “Mommy stop it.” You smile. “Alright, alright.” You laugh. 

Just then you can hear the front door being opened. You put your daughter down and bend over to her height. “You remember what to do baby girl?” She nods her head quickly before running off. You stand up fully once again and start to busy yourself as you hear keys jingling, which signals you that your wife is growing near. 

You have your back turned to Nat as she enters the kitchen. Strong arms wrap around your waist as a body presses against yours. “Hi detka.” Nat mumbles as she kisses your shoulder. You can’t help the loving smile that spreads across your face. “Hi Natty.” You turn around in her hold giving her a peck on the lips. She smiles when you pull back and look into her eyes. She pulls you impossibly close to her. “How was your day?” You ask Nat. “It was good but I missed my girls.” Nat looks around for a moment. “Speaking of girls, where's Lizzie?” You give her a soft smile. “She’s in her room playing.” You lie to your wife as you see her little head popping out from the corner. 

Nat had noticed the present on the counter when she entered the room. Her eyes fell back to it. “What’s with the gift detka? Did I forget about a party?” You shake your head. “No sweetheart. It’s for you.” You smile. “Me? Did I forget our anniversary?” You can see the look of panic cross her face. Your hands move to cup her cheeks. “No Natty you didn’t forget anything. I just wanted to give you something special.” You let her face go as you see the relief wash over her. “Open it.” You usher her towards the box. Her arms drop from around you as she moves towards the box. Nat reaches out for the box and gently removes the bow. Your eyes twinkle with excitement as you watch your wife slowly open the gift. 

Pulling off the lid slowly you watch Nat’s face grow curious as she spots the shirt in the box. Written on the front says ‘Best Mama Ever’. You can hear little feet running towards you. “Mama! Mama! Mama!” Nat’s head quickly snaps towards your daughter. Running at her happily. Nat doesn’t even notice what her shirt says at first as she picks up Elizabeth and places her on her hip, but as she straightens out her shirt she reads it out loud. “Best big sister.” As she reads that you pull the pregnancy test out of your pants pocket holding it up. Her head snaps towards you and her eyes land on the clearly positive pregnancy test. Excitement takes over. “You’re pregnant?” You nod as tears come to your eyes. Words escape you as Nat takes her free arm and wraps you in a hug, squishing your Lizzie in between the both of you. “We’re going to have a baby!” Nat’s excitement is evident. 

You feel as little arms push at you. “Mama, Mommy squishing me.” You both laugh as Nat pulls away. Nat’s hand cups your cheek and you lightly nuzzle into her hand. Her thumb brushes your cheek, wiping away the happy tears that have fallen. She leans in kissing you deeply, pouring all the love she has for you in this one kiss. Her dreams of growing a family with you finally coming to forwishen. 

Nat has been absolutely amazing so far, being the most attentive wife as your pregnancy progresses. No matter what craving you are having or what time of day it is she will always get it. No matter how weird or hard it is to find she has gotten you everything you have ever wanted or needed. Even often at night before bed she lays with her head on your belly talking about anything and everything. 

Today is a day that you drop Elizabeth off the preschool and you decide to join Nat at the compound as she helps train new shield recruits. It’s a way you can catch up with the Avengers and you get to watch your wife workout which is always a win. 

You're standing off to the side gazing out among the many people, your hand placed on the side of your swollen stomach. You hadn’t noticed anyone had joined you until you felt your shoulder being nudged. As you look to your side you spot a familiar smiling face. “Wanda.” Wanda gives you a side hug with a big smile. “Hey Y/n/n. May I?” She gestures down to your stomach. You nod and chuckle. She gently places her hand on your stomach. “Wow, growing so fast.” You can’t help but chuckle at her words. “Yeah they are.” Wanda’s eyes shoot to yours as she catches onto your words. “They?” You break out into a wide smile. “Twins.” Wanda can’t help but pull you into an awkward hug with your belly in the way. “Oh my god I’m so excited for you. I bet Nat was ecstatic.” You hug Wanda back. “She is absolutely thrilled and so am I. Lizzie keeps asking when the babies will be here.” You can’t help but smile as Wanda pulls back, keeping her hands on your shoulders. “You two deserve all the happiness. If you ever need a babysitter for the cuties you know who to call.” You tilt your head a little. “The Ghostbusters.” Wanda gasps and playfully slaps your arm. “No silly. I need me some baby time.” You laugh and nod. “You’ll be the first person I call.” 

The two of you go back to a comfortable silence. You look back out into the gym scanning the room for your wife. When you spot her she is sparring with a recruit. Even from afar you can see how her body glistens with sweat. Her hair is put back in a french braid as she wears just a sports bra and some sweatpants. You subconsciously bite your lip as your eyes rake over her body. How her abs shine in the light; how you can see the outline of her bulge when she moves just right. Your underwear is becoming damp the longer you stare at her. All you want to do is rip all her clothes off and take her right there in the middle of the gym, not even caring who sees. 

You are so spaced out that you don’t notice Wanda trying to get your attention. She shakes you a little, snapping you back to reality. “Huh, what?” You turn to look at Wanda, her eyebrow raised in suspicion. “What’s got you so distracted?” Your eyes flick to Nat before flicking back to Wanda. She had a knowing glint in her eyes and a smirk on her lips. You can’t help as your cheeks heat up slightly. “Fuck, the pregnancy has made me so horny. Anything that Nat does has me wanting her more.” You turn to look back at your wife. “Look at her she is so fuckign hot Wanda, I can’t.” You groan. “Y/n I do not look at your wife like that.” She chuckles. “I give you full permission to look at her right now.” Wanda turns to look at Nat. “She does look pretty hot.” You can’t help but let out another groan. “I know right.” 

Nat slams the recruit into the ground as you watch on. You can see her pause for a second as a smile spreads across her face. You watch a little perplexed by the sudden change. She helps the recruit off the ground and says something to them before she starts making her way over to you and Wanda. It doesn’t take her long to reach you. “Hi detka, hi Wanda.” Nat greets you both. “Detka are you feeling a little needy?” Heat rises to your cheeks as your mouth hangs open in shock. Wanda laughs which makes you look over to her. You watch as the swirling red dissipates from her eyes. “You’re welcome.” Wanda laughs as she turns to walk away. “I love you but I hate you at the same time.” You call after her. She just laughs and waves her arms at you. “See you two later.” 

Hands grip your waist and bring you back to Nat who now stands closer to you looking down at you with a smirk. “You know all you have to do is ask baby girl.” Your mouth opens and closes a few times looking up to your wife. “You’re working baby. I-I didn’t want to disrupt you.” Nat shakes her head. “You’re my priority. Anyways I’m done now anyways.” Nat lifts you into her strong arms, you squeak as you cling onto her. She doesn’t care who is looking as she carries you out of the gym. 

“Where are you taking me?” You question Nat. “I still have a room here at the compound so I’m taking my beautiful wife to that bedroom and fucking her full of my cum. We still have a few hours before we have to pick up Lizzie from preschool.” Nat gives you a lopsided grin and you can’t help but let out a small moan at her words. Your wetness is already seeping through your pants. Hearing your moan and feeling how your wetness is seeping through Nat hastily makes her way into her old bedroom. 

As the door shuts behind you Nat locks the door and sets you down. Nat’s lips quickly press against yours. A hungry need for you takes her over as she quickly strips your clothes off your body. She only pulls away long enough to pull your shirt over your head. “Fuck I love you so much.” Nat mumbles against your lips. She starts kicking off her sweatpants and boxers. Her cock springing out, and her hands finding their place gripping your hips tightly. “I love you too.” You mumble back. Nat starts to walk the both of you towards the bed. 

Once you reach the bed Nat pulls away before climbing on the bed. She pulls you into her lap and you can feel her cock rubbing through your soaked folds. She rocks her hips a bit letting your wetness spread across her throbbing cock. Both of you moan at the feeling as her tip nudges against your clit. “Please Natty. I need you.” Your whine is needy but you don’t care all you want is to feel her, have her stretching you out. 

Nat’s hand moves down to her cock and you raise your hips. She lines her cock up with your dripping hole. As you feel it press against you you slowly start to lower yourself down. Impaling yourself on your wifes cock. Your walls stretch to accommodate your wife's size. As you're sinking down Nat’s hands go back to your hips and she lays back a bit onto the pillows. Your hips finally meeting hers as her cock fills you to the brim. Nat groans as your warm wet walls hug her cock. She can’t help but grind her hips up slightly. 

You start to raise up before lowering yourself back down. Starting to slowly bounce yourself on Nat’s cock. With her grip on your hips she helps you bounce on her. Your moans grow louder the longer you bounce. You can’t get enough of your wifes cock filling your tight little hole. “So good.” You slur your words as you grow fuzzy. 

Nat is enamored as she watches your breast bounce. “Fuck you look so beautiful. God these fucking tits.” Nat lets her hands drift up your body, both hands taking one of your breasts into them as she squeezes. Your head falls back and as your mouth opens in a silent moan. “Maybe I’ll keep breeding your perfect pussy hmm. Keep you pregnant and needy for me all the time. You’re just so beautiful carrying my babies.” You nod your head. “Please.” 

As you bounce and both of your orgasms grow the longer you go. Nat sits herself up moving to wrap her arms around her waist. Your belly slightly in the way of her getting as close to you but still loving the closeness. She plants her feet on the bed and starts to thrust up into you. This elicits a loud moan from the back of your throat which just spurs Nat on more. Her thrust are faster and harder as she pulls you down on her. She watches your face as it contorts in pleasure. 

Nat’s hips continue to drive into you and your moans become whiny the closer you grow to your orgasm. Your walls desperately sucking her further in as she pounds up into you. Nat moves her lips, starting to nip and suck at the skin of your neck. She leaves dark purple marks in her wake. The more desperate you are to cum the more desperate Nat becomes wanting to see you fall apart. 

“You’re squeezing me so tight Malyshka. I bet you want to cum all over my cock. Want me to fill up your needy little hole?” Nat mumbles against your skin. You moan and nod your head. “Please Natty need you so bad.” Your walls clamp tighter around her length as she thrust up into you. You can feel as her thrust become sloppier. She is getting close to the edge just the same as you are. 

You grind your hips as she pulls you onto her cock so desperate for her to finish with you. You're teetering on the edge as your walls clamp around her tightly. Your head falls forward and you do your best to nuzzle into her neck. Slightly whining when you can only get so closer with your belly in the way. “P-Please.” You whimper. Nat smiles. “Cum.” She says in a sultry voice. That’s all it takes for you to fall over the edge. You cum hard,  your walls spasming around her length as you coat her cock in your juices. You bite her shoulder muffling your moans as she continues to drive her hips up. 

Feeling your walls spasm around her and grip her cock tightly has Nat falling over the edge right after you. She holds you tightly against her as her cock twitches inside of you. Thick ropes of cum painting your walls white. She desperately ruts up into you prolonging both of your orgasms. “So fucking good.” Nat pants against the skin of your shoulder. You hum an agreement with your wife as you slump into her. Her thrust comes to a stop as she holds your grounding you and just letting you feel her. Letting you feel so full of her. 

You both calm down as your breathing goes back to normal. Holding onto one another in a closeness that you always crave. Nat’s cock still buried deep inside you and it doesn’t take long for you to start feeling needy again. Just the feeling of her cock in you has your brain becoming even more fuzzy. You grind your hips and you can feel Nat hardening again inside of you causing her to groan.

Nat looks at the clock and sees that you still have time before you have to pick up your daughter. So she flips your bodies, laying you down on the bed as she looms over you. Slowly starting to thrust into you again. “Let me take care of you detka.” 

“Hey!” Paige(your roommate) says as she walks through the door, putting her gym bag down.

“Hi” you muster up the courage to not sound shy.

Everytime the woman speaks you practically fall to your knees, it’s even more unbearable, considering you live with her. She makes your mouth go dry and your cheeks go slightly pink.

“How was your day?” She asks with her classic grin that makes any fangirl swoon. She’s been in an extra good mood recently.

Ever since the two of you moved in together, as close friends, you’ve been head over heels in love with the blonde. She’s never given you the ick in any way it’s like she’s unrealistically perfect.

You suddenly feel her fingers snap in your face to grab your attention, pausing your daydream.

“Good- it was pretty good” you say way too quickly for your liking. You want to seem calm and collected but damn does she makes it difficult.

As she gets closer you get a better look at her.

She’s wearing basketball shorts that hanging off her hips, revealing the top of her boxers. Her hair is in a low slick back bun. Oh, she looks freaking delicious.

“Oh that’s good I’m happy, what made today so good?” It felt like Paige knew she was teasing you, it was almost like she knew that you couldn’t really answer that.

“Well I hung out with Dylan and Maddy in my room for most of the day” you say while smiling, thinking about the memories with your best friends.

To be honest your best friends poked fun at your debilitating crush on Paige often today, and that was a pretty big part of your conversations with them, but Paige doesn’t have to know that of course.

They were given an even bigger opportunity to say something when they saw that you made Paige in the sims 4 and you married her.

‘Aww she’s too cute’ Maddy put her hand on her heart while looking at Dylan.

You had to jerk yourself back into reality.

“Is something wrong, you seem to be daydreaming a lot” Paige asks.

You assure her you’re just fine and even though she doesn’t really believe you she lets it slip past.

“What’s your plans for tonight?”

“Oh well nothing really just video games” you answer as you’re fighting back the urge to just jump in her arms(or make out with her.)

“Actually I was wondering if you wanted to had a movie night with me like old times? a girls night?”

“Sorry Paige I need alone time to unwind, you know how draining Dylan and Maddy can be from time to time” she sighs and rolls eyes at you.

“Why have you so been so introverted around me recently?” She looks at you with a questioning voice

You try to breathe and stay calm. There’s no way you can sit next to her for two hours or longer while still containing your feelings, especially since your ovulating.

“Just a little more reserved nothing to worry about” you say quietly before speed walking to your room.

“Shit..i just made an absolute fool out of myself” you whisper while having a big pout on your face.

While you’re sitting on a self hate train you decide to self soothe by playing with your imaginary world of sims. You pull up your save file and begin playing.

Not long after you heard Paige knock on your door.

“Um hey I got you pizza I thought you might be hungry”

“Thank you” you say with a sheepish smile

“Hey are you playing the sims?” Paige laughs.

Uh oh. You hoped and prayed she wouldn’t notice the sims you made.

“Y-yeah” you mentally facepalm at your stutter.

“I used to play this game with my friends all the time, throw back” Paige says amused.

What you didn’t realize is that Paige found it adorable and she wasn’t judging you whatsoever. She thinks you’re pretty damn cute.

The screen accidentally moves around a your sim self appears.

“Oh gosh is that you?”

You nod.

“She has your facial features and mannerisms down perfectly, are you married in here?” She sounds eager to see save file but you’re not willing to show her considering her name is in there.

“M-mhm” you say not wanting to lie, you want her to like you and that means being honest and likable in everything.

“Can I see?”

“No..”

“Why not?” She looks puzzled but still amused.

“Come on sweetheart just let me see it’s not that serious it’s not like I’m gonna judge a sim” she playfully rolls her eyes.

The pet name didn’t slip past you. Your face flushed and your knees went weak.

Paige’s hand overrides yours on the keyboard and she sees your sim wife.

“Paige bueckers is your sim wife hm?” She says with a smiles and her eyebrows move.

You’re frozen and no words can come out.

“I didn’t know my princess of a roommate had that big of a crush”

“Look- I’m sorry can we pretend this never happened” you say, so embarrassed.

She leans down to your ear and whispers.

“Don’t worry I like you too”

Relief and flustered emotions come over you. Does she really or is she just messing with you?

“Yes, really” Paige says almost as if she could read your mind.

“I see the way you peek down the hallway to get a glimpse of me or how your cheeks are pink when we make eye contact, I’ve been doing the same thing for a while now honey you’re oblivious”.

“So this means..we can be date?”

“Well yeah I was gonna ask you to be my girlfriend, what do you think?”

When Tiffany pushed the camera in your face for an answer, you glanced over at Kate, the newest baby of the team. She immediately began pouting, a red hue going to her face at the attention, “Don’t look at me!” Her voice whined and you reached over to pinch her reddening cheeks.

You laughed at the sight of her reaction, massaging her shoulders lovingly, “Look at that face!” You instead used your hands to cup her cheeks, presenting it to the camera as both of your laughs echoed, “This is the face that haunts over protective middle aged fathers everywhere.” 

Kate looked at you adoringly, a sickly sweet smile forming as you continued playing with her face. You and Kate were the two most recently drafted players on the Aces, with her in ’24 and you in ’23, and had formed a bond that strayed from the professional team dynamics. 

“I promise, my type is more the MILFs,” Kate fluttered her eyelashes dramatically at you, a more flirty tone dripping off. Her lips expanded into a goofy grin, practically gushing her usual charisma.

You turned to the camera with a deadpan expression, as you squished her face, “See? My protective father is somewhere crying and throwing up in a corner right now. She’s trying to talk me out of my pants.” 

The two of you broke into fits of giggling, the happiness radiating within the team’s bus as you got closer to your game destination. You decided to get cozy, leaning back into your seat and dropping your head onto Kate’s shoulder.

With a heartwarming amount of care, Kate gently laid her blankie over your front to keep you warm. When she received a call a moment later, her free hand moved and grabbed her phone. The blonde immediately pressed accept on the call coming in from Caitlin.

“Hey, CC!” 

You smiled at the excitement sprouting in Kate’s voice at name but kept your eyes closed to give them their moment. 

“There’s just a,” Kate spoke the next word with emphasis to tease you, “child sleeping on me.” 

“You’re still the baby, rook,” You mumbled with little care as you got more comfortable. Your arm hooked through hers, focused on achieving maximum comfort. She patted your head and moved the camera to show your relaxed face to Caitlin.

A gasp rang through the speaker, which caught your interest and you opened your eyes to see none other than Caitlin Clark occupying the screen so close to your face. And you saw an opportunity.

“You’re so pretty up close,” The words came out smooth and soft, head still laying on its spot on Kate’s shoulder. You didn’t make any attempt too push away the camera. Her hair was straightened and splayed against her shoulders, framing her pretty face. 

Caitlin was a little taken off guard but quick to accept it and match your energy, “I think to be safe you’d have to test that theory in person.” 

Kate made a face, eyes shifting between the two girls wearing similar flirtatious grins. It wasn’t long though until they had turned the attention back to Kate.

“Wait!” There was a hint of betrayal in Caitlin’s voice, “Did you give her your blankie?” Her jaw was slack, drawing your attention to her lips. Yup, that was the reason you were going with. 

You cuddled into the fabric, allowing your ego to float a little, “Are you jealous, Clark?” A teasing tone laced your words as they traveled through the speaker.

Caitlin wondered if you sounded as sweet in person, because the phone must not be doing you full justice.

“Of the blanket? Yes.” She winked at you and her eyes fluttered as they scanned over your face. You chuckled and turned your head so the blanket would cover your warming cheeks. Kate used her arm to nudge you, a silent moment shared as you two exchanged a very telling look. You winked at her and closed your eyes, pretending to choose sleep. If you stayed up a little longer to hear Caitlin’s voice, no one had to know.

When you arrived at the hotel, you stretched and let out a little yawn, folding the blanket carefully and handing it back to Kate.

“Where did you get that? It’s so soft,” You made a passing comment as you grabbed your bags, helping her get hers as well. Kate started to laugh softly, feeling a little kiddish.

“I’ve had it since I was a kid,” She started to blush just from saying it, “and no, I’m not telling you its name!” The blonde started to shy away from you, the two of you sharing a laugh at her admission.

“It has a name!” The words were giddy and full of curiosity and she refused to indulge it.

But as a prime opportunist, you smiled smugly to yourself and reached to grab your phone. Get dirt on Kate and have a way into Caitlin’s DMs? Opening your Instagram app, it wasn’t too hard to find Caitlin’s profile and send an urgent message.

‘I need insider info about the name of Kate’s blankie. I knew you were the girl who could help me.’

It was only a few minutes of staring at your phone til her username lit up on your screen.

‘Information isn’t free :/‘ and you grinned, that sounded like an invitation.

The next time you got to talk to Caitlin is after an intense 1v1 with Kate. Your teammates watched, invested from the sidelines at the two of you battling it out.

“Don’t choke, rook,” You advised, dribbling the ball between your legs as you approached the hoop. You faked going right before spinning and taking the shot from the left.

“Damn, rookie on rookie crime,” One of the girls called out when you hit the ground, fouled a little too aggressively by Kate. She immediately kneeled down to offer you a hand as you milked out the injury. With a dramatic clutch to your ankle, you rolled over and played dead.

There was a few beats where you continued the act til you peaked one eye open and saw Kate’s unimpressed expression. Taking her hand to get up, you patted her shoulder in forgiveness when she checked to see if you were okay.

In the end, she had beaten you with a close score and the two of you relaxed on the sidelines as the next pair began to face off. You were eager to chug a few gulps of your drink, ignorant to the FaceTime call that Kate had accepted beside you.

“First I had to be jealous of a blanket, now a water bottle.” The words made you choke, and cough up the water in your mouth. You patted your chest and shook off Kate’s concerned look. The Caitlin Clark effect, truly.

It seemed cruel how quick Caitlin was to fire back at you again, “Not how I envisioned the first time you did that.” There wasn’t a moment to recover, but two could play at that game.

You bit your lip, taking the phone from Kate with an overdramatic twirl of your hair, “So what were you envisioning?” Kate rolled her eyes and pushed your head out of frame before taking her phone back.

“I just beat this loser at a one on one.” Kate stuck out her tongue cockily, rubbing her victory in your face.

With a nonchalant look, you rolled your eyes, “I won, but okay.” You winked at Caitlin over the phone, whose lips tilted up at the action. You definitely took a lingering second to appreciate that.

“She’s lying,” Kate exclaimed with dramatic emphasis on the second word, “to you, CC!” Her face morphed into disbelief at your dismissal.

“Would I lie to your pretty face, Caitlin?” You practically purred as you turned the phone toward your face and it had the brunette blushing behind the screen. Kate interrupted to pull the camera back to her.

“Yes! She only wants to impress you, Cait.” The blonde argued with a grin on her face, poking your side to get you to break. It didn’t take much for you to start laughing.

“I might be lying to impress you.” You shrugged shamelessly, raising your eyebrows at the look Kate gave you at the way you immediately backed down.

With a large grin, Caitlin shook her head as if the statement was insane, “I’d be impressed with you either way.” 

Kate tapped her fingers on her lips, quietly muttering, “Okay, so my 35 points mean nothing.” You turned your head over to her, grinning when you made eye contact with your friend. 

“Awww, no you did so good, rook.” You praised with your arm wrapping around her shoulders and a tilt of your head to rest on her shoulder.

Caitlin grinned from the phone, heart warming at the scene between both of you. 

When goodbye’s were said to resume practice, Kate stared at you with a smug expression that seemed to read into your soul.

“What?” You questioned defensively, scratching at your arm under her intense gaze. Though you could tell it was flooded with underlying amusement.

She sighed like an inconvenience, “Is this what it’s going to be like now?” And when you don’t answer right away she continues teasingly, “You two are sickeningly adorable.” 

“And you’re our little third wheel,” You squeezed her tightly, putting your cheek to her head, “That’s what makes it a tricycle!” You wiggled your eyebrows and giggled when she pushed you away.

The next time you talked to Caitlin was a pleasant shock to both of you, as if she wasn’t the one to press your contact. She wasn’t entirely expecting you to answer. The Aces had an uncharacteristically bad game, letting too loose on their defense and it was noticed by the TV announcers in your hotel room.

Kate had gone to her own room in favor of you both going over film and trying to correct the rough loss. You felt particularly defeated as you rubbed the side of your bruised hip.

As you went to grab an ice pack, you were annoyed to hear your phone ring with the FaceTime tone. With a sigh, you answered the call and waited for Caitlin’s face to appear on the phone.

“Hi, gorgeous.” She greeted with her usual charisma, a dazzling smile on that was slowly coaxing a similar happiness out of you.

But your voice was small and quiet, something she expected after a loss, “Hi, Cait.” 

She glanced at the ice pack in your grasp and frowned at the bruising skin underneath.

She wasted no time in asserting the reason why she called, “Are you okay?” But that wasn’t enough to show her care, so she continued, “I saw the way you went down. Fuck those refs, that was intentional.” The frustration you caught in her words seemed to rival the one you personally had earlier, and it was your game.

You set your phone down to adjust the updo your hair was held in. Caitlin watched, mesmerized by the simplest of tasks as you placed the hair tie in between your teeth.

She was trying to ignore the way your tongue poked out of your cheek when you caught on to her disorientation. 

With an urgency to change the topic and play it off, you continued, “Careful, you’re sounding a little obsessed, Clark.” The playful grin that Caitlin had gotten accustomed to graced your face. But she didn’t like that her genuine care seemed to be written off as a joke this time.

“I’m worried about you,” Caitlin furrowed her eyebrows, beginning to get passionate about the subject, “You’re a lot more than Kate’s teammate to me now, you know that, right?” The sudden seriousness of her words sobered you up and the goofy look wiped from your face.

“You’re a lot more than that to me too.” You whispered, letting the deeper meaning go unsaid. And by the soft look she sent you, you knew she got the message.

At the reassurance that she wasn’t just imaging the energy between you two, Caitlin seemed to perk up significantly. Cute. It was the human equivalent of a dog wagging their tail after getting a treat. 

“Guess I’ll just need a little motivation in the crowd to do better next time.” You pretended like you were being slick, like you weren’t asking her to make a sacrifice to come to your game. 

“And of course, for Kate too,” The words came seconds after, a clear attempt to play off the buzzing tension building up.

A genuine laugh left Caitlin’s chest and you beamed at the sound, “I think I’d be able to do that.” She mimicked your causality, but the giddy grins you shared were anything but casual.

And with that, you both hung up the phone. Caitlin leaned back on her couch with a dreamy sigh, finger hovering over Kate’s contact to gush about the overwhelming excitement you brought on.