𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙧. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘜𝘱 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶

                                    

                                          
The tension on the pitch was palpable. Arsenal was playing one of their fiercest rivals, and every minute that passed seemed to increase the intensity of the game. It had been a physically demanding match, with both teams fighting for control, and the competitive energy in the air was unmistakable.
I could feel the burn in my legs as I sprinted down the wing, trying to get into position. The game was tied, and with only ten minutes left on the clock, every pass, every tackle, every move mattered. As I went for the ball, an opposing player-known for being overly aggressive-came charging in hard, clipping my ankle and sending me crashing to the ground.
The referee's whistle didn't blow, and the game continued as if nothing had happened. But I knew it wasn't an accident. The foul had been intentional, a thinly veiled attempt to rattle me. I winced as I pushed myself up, my ankle throbbing slightly. 
"Get up," the opposing player sneer as I jogged past. "Maybe you're not cut out for this after all."
The words stung more than the foul. Everyone knew I wasn't afraid to talk back to a player of the ref, but before I can speak, I hear a voice behind me.
"Hey!" Caitlin's here in an instant, eyes blazing as she steps directly between me and the player. "What the hell was that?"
The player smirks. clearly unfazed by Caitlin's anger. "It was a clean tackle."
"Bullshit," Caitlin shoots back, standing toe-to-toe with the player. "You fouled her on purpose."
I, still catching my breath, watch as Caitlin squares up to the other player, her body language protective and fierce. There was a brief moment where it seemed like things might escalate further, but then the referee finally intervened, pulling the two players apart and warning them both to calm down.
As the game resumes, Caitlin lingers near me for a moment, her eyes searching mine for any sign of injury. "Are you okay?"
I nod, though my ankle still aches. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Caitlin's gaze lingers for a second longer, her concern obvious. She doesn't say anything more but gives me a small nod before jogging back into position. I watch her for a moment, feeling a strange mixture of gratitude and confusion settle in my chest. 



After the game ended in a hard-fought draw, the team made our way back to the locker room, exhausted but satisfied with their performance.I  moved gingerly, my ankle still bothering me slightly, though it wasn't anything serious.
Caitlin catxhea up to me as we entered the tunnel, her expression softening as she glances at my leg. "Are you sure you're okay? That was a nasty hit."
I shrug, trying to brush it off. "It's just a knock. I'll be fine."
But Caitlin isn't convinced. "I saw the way she came at you. She's always been dirty, but that was crossing the line."
I can see the frustration in Caitlin's eyes, and it's strange-comforting, even-to see how much Caitlin still cares. Despite everything between us, despite the distance and the arguments, Caitlin had instinctively jumped to my defense, like she always had.
"You didn't have to do that," I say quietly, as we slowed our pace. "I mean, I can handle myself out there."
Caitlin looks at me, my expression serious. "I know you can. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stand by and let anyone mess with you. Not when I'm there."
There's an intensity in Caitlin's voice that makes my heart skip a beat. It isn't just about the game-it's about something deeper. Caitlin's protective instincts run far beyond the pitch, and in this moment, I can feel the weight of everything unspoken between us.
"I appreciate it," I admit, my voice softer now. "But... why? After everything?"
Caitlin stops walking and turns to face mw fully, her expression conflicted. For a moment, it seems like she might not answer, but then she let out a sigh. "Because, despite everything, I still care about you. That hasn't changed."
I swallow, feeling my emotions stir in a way that made me want to look away. "Caitlin..."
Caitlin shakes her head, cutting me off gently. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know."
For a moment, we stand there, the rest of the team passing them by as we linger in the hallway. There is a heaviness in the air, a reminder of everything that had been left unsaid between us. But this time, it doesn't feel overwhelming. It feels... grounding, like maybe we are finally beginning to understand each other again.
"I'll see you in the changing room," Caitlin says after a beat, her tone lightening slightly as she steps away. "Don't let anyone else give you any trouble, okay?"
I manage a small smile. "I'll try."
Caitlin gives me a wink before heading off, and asI  watch her go, I can't help but feel a warmth settle in my chest. Despite everything that had happened between us, Caitlin had been there for me, without hesitation, when I needed it most. And maybe, just maybe, that meant something.
As I make my way back to the team, I feel the weight of Caitlin's words linger with me.