You make a half-court shot during practice and surprise, surprise, it makes it in the net. Your teammates erupt in cheers, running toward you with wide grins.

A specific player wraps her arm around your neck, pulling you into a side hug. “That’s my rookie!” Nika nearly shouts, a proud grin stretched out across her lips.

It’s been about a month since you made the team after being drafted 8th out to Seattle in the 2025 WNBA draft. You got everything you wanted—graduating from UConn, getting drafted to the W from your favourite team, getting to play with legends and most of all, getting to live in Seattle with Nika—something the two of you talked about when you were still at UConn.

Since then, you’ve grown comfortable with everyone of your teammates especially with the help of Nika since she’s already been with them a year. But, yeah, they had to accept you without Nika’s help too. You were a baddie who liked girls and played basketball, what else is there to say?

As the crowd around you disperses and everyone goes back to their drills, you’re left with the Croatian’s around draped over your shoulders.

“Come on, coach wants me to guard you,” she tells you. You can’t tell if it’s a lie or not, just so she can get up close and personal with, but you wouldn’t mind. After all, you get to humble her by getting by her defence—you’ve grown after done long distance for a whole dreaded year and you’re ready to show her that.

Nika smacks your butt playfully, before jogging off and getting into position. “Come on, rook. Show me you’re more than just cool moves,” she challenges with sly smirk.

(not what i had in mind but yeah)