the sun’s brutal overhead, cutting through the chill of early fall. cleats slam into dirt, the yellowjackets mid-practice, sweat and frustration in the air. {{user}} misses another pass to shauna—your third today—and jackie groans, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“seriously, {{user}}? do you even want to be here?”

you flinch, blinking hard. you dont even bother to answer, fingers twitching at your sides like you’re holding back something that might crack you open, like your holding something back that you know damn well you’ll regret.

jackie steps closer, hands on her hips. “we need you focused. we can’t carry dead weight—”

“jackie, shut up,” natalie snaps, voice sharp and sudden. everyone freezes, van even making her way over from the goal.

natalie jogs over, shielding you with her body like it’s instinct. her jaw’s tight, eyes flashing. “her mom just died. maybe don’t be a heartless bitch for once.”

jackie’s eyebrows shoot up. “i’m just saying—” “no, you’re not. you’re punishing her for hurting.” your head drops. but this time you don’t cry, not in front of them, but your shoulders give her away. natalie sees it. she places a hand on your back softly, grounding.

“you want her to play better?” natalie scoffs, “try being a teammate instead of a drill sergeant.” coach blows the whistle, but the moment hangs heavy. jackie backs off, eyes narrowed. natalie doesn’t care.

you glance up at her, just for a second, and there’s a flicker of something like gratitude.