Caitlin's POV

The whistle blew, signaling the end of the training session. I barely registered it, already untying my boots before Jonas could even finish his wrap-up. My mind wasn't on the drills we'd just completed or the upcoming game for Arsenal—I was thinking about Elena. Today was her first match with London City Lionesses, and I needed to be there. I had promised her.

I jogged off the field and into the changing room, trying not to make it too obvious how much of a rush I was in. But I wasn't fast enough to escape Katie, who strolled in after me, already catching on.

"Oi, Cait, why are you moving like your hair's on fire?" Katie calls out, her voice laced with playful curiosity as she follows me to my cubby. "What's the rush?"

I hesitate for a second, trying to keep a straight face, but I could feel a grin forming. "It's Elena's first game with the London City Lionesses today," I admit, pulling off my training top. "I wanna make sure I'm there to watch."

Katie leans against the cubby, crossing her arms with a smirk on her face. "Aww, aren't you two just the cutest. Running off to watch your girl play. She's got you wrapped around her little finger, doesn't she?"

I roll my eyes, laughing. "You'd do the same if it were your girl," I shoot back, reaching for my jacket.

Katie lets out a dramatic sigh. "True. But still, it's bloody adorable. Just don't go distracting her from the game with those smoldering looks of yours, alright?" She winks.

I chuckle, shaking my head as I stuff the last of my gear into my bag. "She'll be the one distracting me," I mutter under my breath, but Katie catches it and laughs again, giving me a playful shove.

"Go on, then. Go cheer your girl on. We'll handle things here."

I don't need any more encouragement. I give Katie a quick smile before bolting out of the changing room, my heart already racing with anticipation.

I found a spot in the stands near the center, where I could get the best view of the pitch. The London City Lionesses were already warming up, and my eyes immediately scanned the field for Elena. There she was, in the far corner, stretching with her teammates, her focus fully on the upcoming game. Seeing her in that new kit, moving with the same confidence I'd seen a thousand times at Arsenal, made my chest tighten with pride—and something else. Something deeper. I missed her.

The game kicked off, and from the first touch, Elena was everywhere—commanding the midfield, breaking up play, linking passes together like she'd been with the team for years. She played with that fire, that sharpness that made her stand out every time she stepped onto the pitch. And even though I was in the stands, watching from a distance, it felt like she was playing just for me.

I couldn't help but feel the surge of pride with every tackle, every pass she made. My heart pounded, not just from the excitement of the game, but from watching her do what she does best.

As the game went on, I noticed a few fans glancing my way. Some even pointed, whispering and calling my name. I tried to stay focused on Elena, but the buzz was building around me. The final whistle blew, and the London City had won. The crowd cheered, and I clapped along, my eyes glued to Elena as she caught her breath, hands on her knees, exhausted but triumphant.

Then, one of the fans near the front called out, "Elena! Over here!" They pointed toward the pitch, and Elena followed their gesture. She looked up, scanning the stands until her eyes landed on me. A huge smile spread across her face, and before I knew it, she was sprinting towards me, cutting across the field like nothing else mattered.

When she reached the barrier, she collapsed into my arms, her chest heaving from the effort of the match, but her lips found mine in a breathless kiss. The fans around us erupted into cheers and whistles, but all I could feel was her warmth, her presence, like everything was right again, even if just for this moment.

"You were incredible out there," I murmur against her lips as she pulls away slightly, still catching her breath.

Elena smiles, leaning her forehead against mine, her tired eyes sparkling with pride. "I'm glad you were here."

I brush a strand of hair away from her face, unable to stop the smile spreading across my own. "Go shower, Els. You deserve it."

She raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eye. "Why, you got something planned?"

I shrug, trying to act casual. "Maybe."

Her eyes narrow, a playful suspicion dancing in them. "What kind of surprise, Cait?"

"You'll find out soon enough," I say, tapping her on the nose with my finger. "Now go. You stink." I can't help but laugh as she swats my arm with a groan before jogging off to the changing room, throwing one last smile over her shoulder.

After the game, I took Elena to a small, cozy cafe I'd found tucked away in a quiet part of the city. It was nothing fancy, but it was the kind of place where we could just be together, away from the noise of the world. The lights were soft, casting a warm glow over the tables, and the air smelled like freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. We settled into a booth by the window, the gentle hum of conversation around us providing the perfect background for our little bubble.

Elena looked more relaxed now, her hair damp from the shower, and her eyes bright despite the exhaustion from the game. She leaned back in her seat, her foot nudging mine under the table.

"So," I say, breaking the comfortable silence. "First game at London City. How'd it feel?"

Elena's face lights up, and she launches into a detailed play-by-play of the match, telling me about her new teammates and how they'd worked together on the field. I listen, smiling at her excitement. Seeing her like this—happy, confident, thriving—it made the distance feel a little more bearable. But even as she talks, I can sense the same undercurrent of longing that I feel. We miss each other, and no amount of FaceTime or post-game kisses could fill that gap.

"You were amazing, you know," I say when she finally pauses to take a sip of her drink. "I could barely sit still, watching you out there. You're a machine."

Elena laughs, her cheeks flushing a little. "I had to show off for you, didn't I?"

I chuckle. "You always do."

We talked for a while longer, about everything and nothing. About her new team, about my day at Arsenal, about the future. It felt like home again, even if just for a little while. But eventually, the conversation slowed, and we both fell into a comfortable silence, sipping our drinks and stealing glances at each other.

"I'm proud of you, Els," I say softly, reaching across the table to take her hand in mine. "I know it's hard being apart, but you're doing so well. I'm lucky to have you."

She squeezes my hand, her eyes softening. "I'm lucky to have you too."

As we left the cozy little café, I thought it was time to drop Elena off at her apartment and make my way back home. I was already half-tired from training earlier, and I knew the drive back would be a long one. But as I walked Elena to her car, her hand slipped into mine, and she gave me that look—the one with the soft puppy eyes that always made me cave.

"Come back to the apartment with me," she whispers, her voice gentle but insistent.

I chuckle, trying to stay strong. "Els, I've got training in the morning. I really should—"

"Please, Cait." She tugs on my hand, pouting just enough to make my heart melt. "I don't want to be alone tonight. Just stay for a little while. We can make cookies or something... you know, like we used to."

I sigh, pretending to be conflicted, but really, there's no way I could say no. Not when she's looking at me like that. "Fine," I grumble, shaking my head with a smile. "But only for a little bit."

Elena laughs, that sweet sound filling the air as she pulls me towards her car. "You won't regret it," she promised.

We got to her apartment, and the moment we stepped inside, Elena headed straight for the kitchen, excited to bake. She opened up the pantry, pulling out flour, sugar, and chocolate chips while I grabbed mixing bowls from the cupboard.

"I didn't even know you had all these ingredients," I tease, leaning against the counter as she buzzed around the small kitchen. "What, you been secretly practicing your baking skills?"

Elena grins. her back to me as she grabs a wooden spoon. "Maybe. I wanted to surprise you one day. But you'll have to help me now, chef Cait."

I laugh, rolling up my sleeves. "Alright, let's see what you've got."

As we started mixing the dough, it felt like old times. The banter, the light teasing, the way we moved around each other like we were still living under the same roof. But something about it felt even more precious now, like each moment was worth more because we didn't get to do this every day anymore. It was simple, just baking cookies together, but the connection between us made it feel special.

At some point, Elena decided to get cheeky and dipped her finger into the bowl of flour, flicking it at me with a grin. "Oops."

"Oh, you're gonna regret that," I warn, a mischievous smirk on my face as I grab a handful of flour and toss it right back at her. It hits her square on the chest, sending a puff of white into the air.

Elena squeals in mock outrage, brushing the flour off her shirt. "Caitlin! I'm covered!"

I can't help but burst into laughter. "You started it!"

Before she can retaliate, she runs her hands through her hair and realises flour has gotten everywhere. "Okay, okay, I surrender!" She raises her hands in defeat, giggling. "I think I need a shower."

"Yeah, I think you do," I tease, wiping flour off my own arms as she walks toward the bathroom, still laughing.

While Elena was in the shower, I wandered into her bedroom, kicking off my shoes and stretching out on the bed. The place smelled like her—a mix of her shampoo and something faintly sweet that reminded me of home. I hadn't realized just how much I missed it.

I must've drifted off for a bit because the next thing I knew, Elena was standing in the doorway, hair damp, wearing one of her oversized hoodies. She smiled softly when she saw me sprawled out on the bed.

"You're already comfy, huh?" she teases, walking over and climbing onto the bed beside me. She lays on her side, her head propped up on one hand, just... looking at me.

"What are you doing?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Taking you in," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Before you have to leave again."

There's a weight to her words, and I can feel it settle in the room around us. I smile, trying to brush off the ache in my chest, and reach out to pull her closer. "You're too dramatic, Els."

She just smiles, tucking herself into my side, resting her head on my shoulder as I wrap my arm around her. "Maybe. But I just want to remember every second of this."

I don't say anything for a moment, just hold her close, letting the silence fill in the gaps where words can't fit. Her breathing starts to slow, and I feel her body relax against mine, her hand resting on my chest as she drifts off to sleep.

I want to stay like this forever, just the two of us tangled up in the quiet, but my mind won't stop reminding me of reality. Of the fact that I have training in the morning, that I need to get back home if I don't want to miss it. And with a big game on Sunday, I can't afford to mess up my routine. But as I look down at Elena, her peaceful face soft in the dim light, my heart aches at the thought of leaving.

I stayed there for as long as I could, listening to her steady breathing, memorizing the feeling of her in my arms. But eventually, I had to slip out of bed, as quietly as possible, trying not to wake her.

I grabbed my things, tiptoeing to the door, and glanced back at her one last time before I left. She was still curled up on the bed, fast asleep, her hand resting on the spot where I had been lying.

"I'll see you soon," I whisper, my voice barely audible.

And with that, I left her apartment, the cold night air hitting me as I headed back to my car. The drive home was long and silent, my thoughts spinning with memories of her laugh, the feeling of her beside me. Every mile that took me further from her made my chest tighten just a little more.

But this was just for now. We'd make it through this, like we always did.