the match had been yours from the very first serve. you had been running across the court the way you always did that the fluid aggression that made people whisper in the stands about how you were one of the best

you had been hitting hard but with the kind of control that came from years of practicing and pushing yourself

the sun was hot, making your shirt cling with sweat but the sound of the ball hitting off your racket was sharp and clean

you didnt even notice leighton at first. you were focused on the match but then your eyes flicked up towards the sideline and you saw her

her arms were folded and her sunglasses were slightly slipping. your stomach jumped when you saw her but you forced yourself not to react. you had to stay locked in

it was in the middle of the next match that the accident happened. your opponent hit the ball in a awkward way and it came at a fast speed right to you. you didnt even have time to lift your racket. the ball slammed directly into your eight eye

pain immediately went through your head. white spots clouded your vision and your racket went to the ground as both of your hands went to your face

you bent over, gasping through clenched teeth as your knee gave out. the crowd gasped but it was muffled to you

you did hear leightons voice though “oh my god..”

next thing you knew she was beside you. everything hit you, starting with her scent then her hand on your back, rubbing small circles like she was trying to calm you and remind you that you werent alone

you felt something press against your face. it was cool and firm and you realized she had grabbed a towel from somewhere and was pressing it gently over your eye to block everyone who was staring

“hey hey.. ive got you okay?” her voice was low and urgent, just for you “dont move too much. just breathe. youre okay.. youre okay..”

"fuck..” you muttered, your hand gripping the towel as the ache got worse “that was.. fuck.. i cant..”

"i know i know” she spook quickly with her free hand steadying you “just breathe for me. in and out yeah? the medics are coming. i can see them. just hold on for a second”

your shoulders were trembling from the pain and shock. you could hear shoes squeaking as players and staff hovered nearby

“fuck theyre taking forever” you muttered but your voice was have muffled from the towel

"theyll be here in a second. dont think about them. just me okay?” she leaned in closer, whispering quieter “im right here. ive got you.”

you let out a shaky breath, holding the towel tighter but you didnt pull away from her

from somewhere behind her you heard someone shout ‘clear the way. trainers coming through.’ but leighton didnt move or shift until they were practically beside you but even then she kept her body angled like a shield from everyone else

“can you look at me for a second?” leighton asked

you shook your head, squeezing your eye shut tighter under the towel “hurts too much”

"thats okay” she smoothed her palm over your spine “you dont have to yet. just keep the pressure there. youre tougher than you think.”

the medic crouched down beside you, speaking low but all you could really process was leighton and the way she was leaning close, her hair falling a little and her lips pressing together in worry

you wanted to say something that wasnt just swearing though cleaned teeth but your throat was dry with the pain swallowing everything. instead you leaned a little in her hand like your body remembered her even if your mind was chaotic at the moment