Encroachment

Laurel stepped off the plane and headed to baggage claim, her mind buzzing with the news Nora had just shared with her. For a long time, she had hoped that Ava and Sara would hit it off, as it wouldn’t take them long to realize they were both mistaken about each other.

Nora had filled her in on the latest drama, revealing that Helen had been let go for breaching team rules—apparently, she had gotten involved with a player. Laurel immediately connected the dots; it meant the coach must have found out about the kiss. Later that day, Sara called, admitting she had messed up and expressing her concern for her budding friendship with Ava.

When Nora reached out and mentioned that both women had been acting strangely since arriving in France, Laurel began to piece things together. It seemed her little sister had developed a friendship with the tall blonde defensive player and was now in a panic about it. This also explained why Sara’s tone had been off in their recent calls—Laurel knew her sister all too well. But she was equally worried about Ava, wondering if she had kept her feelings under wraps.

So, even though her boss was having a meltdown over her spontaneous decision to leave for an uncertain amount of time, Laurel jumped on the next flight. She was already planning to be away for at least a week to cheer on her sister in the Olympics, but now she felt the calling to help her sister sort this all out. Laurel knew Sara had a tendency to overthink and complicate things, and she was determined to make sure that didn’t happen this time.

As she scanned the baggage claim area, she spotted Nora with a cheeky grin, holding a sign that read “The Other Lance.” Laurel couldn’t help but roll her eyes as she made her way over. She hadn’t spent too much time with Nora before, but Ava had assured her that underneath that tough exterior was a softy. Plus, Laurel knew Ray Palmer, who had been dating Nora for a few months, and he couldn’t stop singing her praises. If both Ava and Ray thought she was amazing, then Laurel knew there was something special about her.

Group Stage of the Olympics:

Laurel's heart ached with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. She longed to see her sister, Sara, but fate had conspired to keep them apart. Sara was just a heartbeat away, yet lost to her, hidden away in another hotel under the watchful eyes of Nora and Lena Luthor. Laurel couldn’t bear to distract her sister during the group stage's early games; it felt vital to let Sara immerse herself in the competition. She knew that the field was Sara's stage, where she would either flourish or falter. And Laurel had a sixth sense for when her sister was wrestling with demons of self-doubt. She had to witness it all—the stress, the pressure—because she could feel it ripple through their bond.

The excitement crackled in the air as Sara made her way to the thrilling first match of the tournament: the United States vs. Germany. It was a clash of titans, and her spirit surged with passion. Yet, when Gideon announced the starting lineup and Sara’s name was missing, a wave of disappointment crashed over her. But Sara was resilient—the absence of her name didn’t diminish her resolve. If called upon, she would leap into action, ready to light up the pitch.

As the game unfolded, Ava and Nora stood strong in defense. They forged an unbreakable wall against a ferocious German assault, but when halftime arrived, the tension was palpable. The scoreboard remained untouched, and the weight of possibility hung in the air. They had to score, or risk the crushing weight of the draw.

Then came the 70th minute, a moment that shattered the thin veneer of hope. A German player broke free and surged toward the goal, and in a breathtaking instant, Nora and Ava found themselves outmaneuvered. The ball soared elegantly over the goalkeeper's desperate reach and into the net. Ava’s heart sank, a painful deflation of confidence as the world around her seemed to dim. Yet, as Nora rushed to console her, they regained their composure, steeling themselves against this sudden shift in fate. They needed to rally—urgency surged through them like an electric current.

Gideon cast a glance toward the bench, the spark of hope igniting as he signaled for Sara. In an instant, she sprang to her feet, her determination resonating in every step. As she approached Gideon and Nate, her excitement was palpable, the anticipation of her moment sending adrenaline coursing through her veins. She slipped out of her sweats, preparing to embrace the battlefield, while Gideon’s voice, steady yet urgent, filled her with purpose.

"Be ready for the defense to try something sneaky,” Nate whispered. Sara absorbed every word, nodding as her eyes flashed with determination. “Don’t bite on that long ball from the goalie. Move in for the attack,” he added, and she felt the weight of their expectations propelling her forward.

Just moments before taking the field, Gideon leaned closer, emphasizing the partnership with Kara, who’s been stymied all game. “She’s a coiled spring, Sara. If you set her free, she will fire off like a rocket.” As Sara tucked her shin guards into her socks, she knew that now was the moment—the culmination of dreams and sweat, effort and perseverance. She approached the referee, where the world narrowed down to that singular focus: the match, her teammate, their unbreakable bond—ready to shine.

Sara had stepped onto that cherished field, her heart pounding with urgency, knowing that time was slipping away like grains of sand through her fingers. Ten minutes had already passed, and the atmosphere crackled with tension; a single score would shatter their dreams into a draw, granting them just one meager point in the group. But victory was within reach, the promise of three glorious points shining brighter than the sun on that fateful day. As Germany passed the ball, their front line attempts to outmaneuver felt desperate and haphazard, and that’s when Sara sensed the moment of weakness, like a spark igniting a flame within her. Seizing the opportunity, she charged forward, her pulse racing, and before that ball fulfilled its destiny, she slid in, snatching it away as if it were the very heartbeat of the game.

In a heartbeat, she was up and racing down the pitch, her spirit fierce and untamed, while the German defense scrambled to catch up, but they were no match for her furious speed. Suddenly, in a breathtaking face-off with the goalkeeper, her mind whirled with possibilities. With a perfect feint to the right, she sent the goalie lunging in the wrong direction, and with one powerful kick, the ball sailed into the net, a declaration of triumph that echoed through her very soul.

In that electric moment, Kara surged forward, wrapping her arms around Sara, lifting her high as if she were invincible, and the crowd erupted in an explosion of joy and passion. The exhilarating rush of victory coursed through Sara as she returned to the ground, her eyes sparkling with determination. She beckoned her teammates to rally, her heart set on something greater. They had a game to win. As the seconds ticked into extra time, anxiety mixed with fierce resolve; they had merely three minutes left to etch their name into the annals of glory.

Sara surged forward, her steadfast spirit driving her to Kara, who focused intently before pulling back her leg and unleashing a shot towards the goal. The German goalkeeper—like a guardian angel of the net—diverted the ball away, and desperation surged within them; they earned a corner kick. Glancing up, Sara sensed the weight of the moment; it was now or never. She rushed to the corner flag, her heart a thunderous drum.

Typically, the taller players dominated this sacred space, and it was rare for Ava to join the fray, yet Gideon had confidence in her, pushing her into the spotlight while ensuring Zari and Nora were back for defense. As Ava approached, she positioned herself behind their usual target, Kara, their hands communicating in a silent symphony of strategy. Sara, her heart racing, raised her hand, signaling readiness, and the players scrambled, souls ignited, hoping for a miracle.

Ava chose to stay rooted, channeling her focus. When Kara launched into action, three defenders followed, leaving Ava gloriously open—the moment stretched with infinite potential. With a breath held in time, the ball arched through the air, and a German player attempted to clear it but only added to the impending magic. As the ball descended, Ava met it with an inspiring volley, sending a breathtaking shot spiraling into the upper right corner of the net. The stadium froze, time suspended—her very first goal for the national team, and it felt like destiny had crafted that moment to perfection.

When reality unfurled, her teammates crashed around her like a whirlwind of uncontainable joy, showering her with love and exhilaration. Breaking through their circle, she locked eyes with Sara and couldn’t help but smile brightly, pointing at her as if to say, “We did this together.” Then, with a heart full of gratitude, she returned to embrace Nora and Zari, their high-fives echoing the pulsating rhythm of triumph.

And then, less than thirty seconds later, as the whistle signaled the end, the players breathed collectively, an exhale filled with relief and pride. Game one was etched into time, and they had claimed their three precious points. But looming ahead was China—a formidable opponent, and there would be no rest for the weary. They had to recover, to heal, and to strategize for the battle that lay ahead.

China was a well-oiled machine, and as the first half wound down, both teams fought valiantly for supremacy, each missing golden opportunities to score. On the back line, Ava and Nora formed a resolute bulwark against the relentless advances of China’s front two. In a moment that felt suspended in time, Ava gasped as a chip shot soared over her head. Turning with bated breath, she watched in awe as Nia, in a stunning display of agility, stretched her fingertips to push the ball away from the goal’s hungry maw. Relief washed over Ava, only to realize she had been holding her breath, her heart racing in tandem with the relentless drama unfolding on the pitch.

The second half kicked off with a fierce intensity, and China burst forth like a tidal wave, determined to exploit every opportunity. They executed daring chips over Nora and Ava, attempting to catch the US goalkeeper off guard, but Nia showcased her brilliance, effortlessly snatching the balls from the air and returning them to her midfield. Her voice echoed like a battle cry, directing Ava and Nora with fierce determination, both of them resolute in their mission to shield their territory from any further attacks. Yet, China’s defense stood like an unyielding fortress. Kara's attempts to nutmeg their defenders fell flat, leaving her frustrated as she surrendered possession time and again. Alex, not one to back down, tried to outsmart them with clever chips, but their goalkeeper was equally relentless.

On the sidelines, Sara and Lena were eagerly preparing at the substitution desk, their hearts racing in anticipation of making an impact. Ava glanced over, sensing the surge of energy that fresh legs would bring. The thought of Lena, a maestro in midfield, and Sara, bringing speed to the forward line, ignited hope. Typically, Lena would be starting, but after battling muscle cramps the previous day, they were wisely conserving her strength for the clash with Brazil, a giant looming on the horizon.

With a burst of uncontainable energy, Sara stormed onto the field, exchanging a high-five with Alex, who left the game feeling fulfilled but exhausted. Lena was already making tactical adjustments, empowering the team as China pressed forward once more. But this time, Sara was a relentless force, sweeping away their advances before they could chip over the defense. As she observed the game unfold, determination ignited within her. She resolved to find a way through the impenetrable barrier that China had erected.

In a moment of brilliance, she found herself in midfield, the ball at her feet, and a surge of adrenaline coursing through her. She glanced up just in time to see Lena and Kara take off like arrows targeting the heart of the defense. With fierce intent, Sara launched the ball to Kara, who sprinted down the right wing, while Lena, embodying pure determination, charged straight up the middle. Time seemed to slow as the Chinese defenders faltered, caught off balance and unprepared for their relentless assault.

Kara’s voice rang out like a clarion call, urging Lena onward. As the ball soared into the box, Lena took flight, rising above the chaos, and met it with a fierce flick that sent it past the goalkeeper, a moment of sheer exhilaration. She landed on her feet and bolted toward Kara, her heart soaring as the ball crashed into the back of the net. In that euphoric moment, she leaped into Kara’s arms, their joy radiating as they embraced, arms thrown high in celebration, laughter mingling with pure delight.

When the final whistle blew, exhaustion washed over Ava and Nora as they exchanged weary yet triumphant glances, collapsing to the ground with the weight of victory. Three precious points in the bag, they found themselves atop the group, tied with Brazil for dominance. With their next game poised to determine their fate in the Quarterfinals, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

As Lena walked towards Laurel in the hotel lobby, a glowing smile lit up her face, a beacon of joy amidst their journey. They had just arrived in Bordeaux, ready for their last group play game. Trailing behind her, Kara sported an ice pack on her knee, yet her radiant smile told a story of resilience and unbreakable spirit, echoing the heart of this team.

“Hey Laurel! So, Nora sent us down here to say hi, and what a delightful surprise this is!” Lena exclaimed as she opened her arms for a warm hug with the taller woman. Kara chimed in as soon as Lena let go, joining in for a hug too.

“Are you feeling alright?” Laurel asked, glancing at Kara's knee with concern.

“Yeah, I’m good! Just dealing with a little strain, but I’ll be ready by gametime,” Kara replied, flashing a bright smile.

“So, are you here to help us untangle our little situation?” Lena inquired with a playful wink, prompting Laurel to shake her head.

“Nora mentioned they’re being total idiots and still won’t actually talk to each other unless they’re on the field,” Laurel explained.

“Right? They’re acting super awkward! I told them to just, you know…” Kara began, animatedly gesturing with her hands, but Lena gently pushed them down.

“Oh dear, please save the hand gestures for later,” Lena said with a warm smile, and Kara couldn't help but soften at the affectionate term, lowering her hands.

“All I said was they should just come out and ask!” Kara continued, her gaze lingering on Lena as if she were the most amazing sight.

“Ask what, exactly?” Laurel asked, and Lena gently took her elbow and guided her towards some open chairs in the lobby. The three of them settled comfortably, with Lena looking expectantly at Kara, who took a deep breath.

“Well, I guess it’s about whether they’re in love with each other?” Kara whispered, and Laurel's eyes widened in surprise.

“Wait, what?” Laurel was completely thrown off by this news. “Nora mentioned that it could put their starting positions at risk, but she never mentioned anything about….” It was just hard for Laurel to even picture those two getting along. “She just wanted me to have a chat with Sara and make her see things clearly.”

“Trust me, you should have seen how jealous Ava was of Helen. There’s definitely something going on there,” Kara replied with a casual shrug.

“But Ava and my sister? No way... They seriously can’t stand each other!” Laurel leaned back, her mind racing. “Okay, sure, Coach made them room together and things seemed a bit calmer, and neither Sara nor Ava have thrown any shade lately.” As she straightened up, it hit her from her recent chats with both women. “Oh my gosh, how did I not notice that sooner?”

“What?” Lena leaned in closer to Laurel, clearly eager to hear her thoughts.

“Well, you know how it usually goes—just some casual chit-chat, and then they might start talking about something one of them did. But once they started rooming together, the vibe totally shifted. It was like Ava had done the funniest thing, or did you know Sara could….” She smiled brightly. “It felt like they were really connecting and discovering shared interests. Instead of just venting, it was like they were actually complimenting each other!”

Ever since the whole Helen situation before our trip to France, things have been really tense. They hardly talk to each other, and they’re still sharing a room, which is quite a mystery to me,” Kara said with a shrug.

“So, Helen was the one who kissed Sara, right? She called me all upset but didn’t really share the details—just kept saying, ‘I messed up,’” Laurel said, glancing at Lena.

“Yep, that’s right. Helen was let go because of her actions. They're pretty strict about staff and players not getting involved romantically,” Lena explained, looking around before continuing. “Honestly, I was surprised. Helen didn’t seem like someone who would be that bold. It took me completely off guard! But since she was on our payroll, US Soccer had to inform us, especially with Sara now being part of the Warriors after the Courage sale.”

“Wait, she was on your payroll?” Laurel asked, and Lena simply shrugged.

"Yeah, unfortunately, we had to part ways," Lena said, casting a glance at Kara, who was avoiding eye contact. "Kara?" she prompted, and Kara managed a smile, prompting Lena to tilt her head in curiosity. "Kara?"

“They made me do it,” Kara said, her eyes wide with worry.

“Made you do what?” Lena asked, and Kara shifted her gaze towards her feet, concerned about upsetting them.

“Who?” Laurel chimed in.

“Nora and Zari. They asked me to tell Helen that Sara had a crush on her. Helen was so thrilled and wouldn’t stop going on about how gorgeous Sara was. Next thing I knew, they started hanging out…” Kara animatedly gestured with her hands, but Lena gently took them and placed them back in her lap. Kara looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Did I get Helen fired?”

“What?” Lena leaned in closer, looking directly into Kara’s eyes. “No, Kara. Helen's violation of team rules is what got her fired.”

"Are you sure?" Kara asked, squeezing Lena’s hands tightly.

"Absolutely. It was a solid contract, and she broke those rules with our team too. Don’t worry, I heard Gotham has offered her a position. She’ll be alright, but they’ll keep a close eye on her to ensure there are no more rule violations." Kara took a deep breath and nodded, visibly relieved.

“So wait a second,” Laurel chimed in, her eyes wide with curiosity. “How does all of this connect to Ava and Sara being in love with each other?” She shook her head, a laugh escaping her lips. “That’s a sentence I never thought I'd say!”

Kara sat up, clearly excited to share more. “It’s a bit of a whirlwind! After everything went down, Ava just kind of vanished, and the amazing bond they had seemed to just evaporate. Nora mentioned that’s Ava’s way of coping when she’s hurt—she just shuts down and goes quiet. But before all that, there were some pretty telling moments. I mean, I remember how we practically caught Sara drooling over Ava? And Ava was definitely stealing glances at Sara whenever she thought no one was watching. So, Nora and Zari are totally convinced they’re in love! Oh, and there’s this little incident in a closet…”

Laurel and Lena gasped in unison. “What?!”

Kara couldn't help but chuckle, “Well, Nate walked in on them, and rumor has it they were definitely making out! So Nora and Zari are like, ‘It's official!’ They’ve been relentless ever since, and now they've decided to call in the big guns.” She pointed at Laurel, who looked around, slightly confused. “Yes, you! The one who's super close to both of them.”

“Me?” Laurel asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

“Absolutely! You’re Sara’s sister and Ava’s best friend. You’re the perfect person to help figure this all out,” Kara beamed.

“I'm not sure I'm the right person for this,” Laurel admitted quietly. “I mean, they share things with me, but Ava doesn’t say much about her love life—or, as she puts it, the nonexistent state of it right now. And I had to ask Sara to stop updating me on her dating adventures because it got really confusing! I could never keep track of who she was seeing. So I told her to only fill me in if it was something serious, and since then, she hasn’t really mentioned anything at all.” Laurel leaned back in her seat, lost in thought. “Now that I think about it, when she called me to talk about the whole Helen situation, she seemed really upset but wouldn’t give me any details. All she kept saying was that she let someone down. I assumed she was talking about Gideon.”

“I think she was referring to Ava. Apparently, Ava went searching for her and stumbled upon the kiss,” Lena shared, and Kara nodded in agreement.

“All I know is that we couldn't find Ava for the rest of the afternoon, and Sara just hasn’t been herself since then. It’s a bit concerning, to be honest,” Kara added. “Maybe you could lend us a hand?”

“I’ll do my best, but I really don’t want to distract them from our main goal,” Laurel replied, gesturing around the room. “The Olympics are a big deal!”

“I get that, but I can honestly say they’re trying hard not to let it affect their performance…yet it is. Before all this, they were totally in sync on the field. They didn’t even need to communicate verbally; they just understood each other with a glance. And now…” Kara paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. “Now it feels broken. Some plays flow, but it’s nothing like during training camp. It’s definitely impacting their game.”

“So, it sounds like they’re really wrapped up in their own thoughts about all this, and it’s affecting their game,” Lena said, glancing over at Kara, who nodded in agreement. Laurel caught their exchange and nodded as well, understanding the situation.

“Alright, I’ll see what I can do. But the thing is, they don’t even know I’m here,” Laurel mentioned, and Lena’s face brightened with a smile.

“We can easily change that! How about I grab you some reservations for tonight? You can make a grand entrance!” Lena exclaimed, pulling out her phone, but Laurel leaned in to halt her.

“Hold on a second,” Laurel said, biting her bottom lip. “You’re right, and I do know both of them. I think I need to meet with them one on one; otherwise, they might hold back. I could set it up as a surprise and make sure they don’t spill the beans about me being here.” Lena nodded, clearly on board with the idea.

“How do you want to go about this?” Lena asked, eager to help.

“Well, what does their free time look like right now?” Laurel inquired.

“We’ve got some open time, but we have to be back by curfew. Plus, they’re not too keen on the athletes roaming too far from the hotel,” Kara explained.

“Got it! So let’s secure those reservations for tonight, and I’ll take a crack at Ava first to see where her head’s at,” Laurel said confidently. “As for Sara, I’ll handle that.”

“I’ve got your back! I can set up a reservation at Salino’s, that amazing Italian spot Ava can’t stop talking about. I’ll tell Ava we’re meeting there at seven, and instead of us, you’ll be the surprise guest!” Laurel’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, clearly excited about the plan.

Ava was sitting in a lovely restaurant with candles twinkling on all the tables, chuckling to herself as she realized it felt almost like a date night. Apparently, Lena and Kara were running a bit late. Lena had sent a text saying they were caught up in some science project, but she assured Ava that she wouldn’t be alone for long. While waiting, Ava sipped her water and browsed the menu, reminiscing about the delicious pesto pasta she had on her last visit a year ago. This time, though, she was in the mood to try something new.

Just then, she was startled by a familiar voice. “Well, hello there, stranger!” It was Laurel, the older Lance sister, standing right behind her. Ava jumped up to give her friend a warm embrace. Laurel laughed throughout the tight hug. “Miss me?” she teased.

“Laurel, what are you doing here?” Ava replied as she pulled back.

“Surprise! I’m here to have dinner with you on Luthor’s dime!” Laurel exclaimed with a grin, and Ava couldn’t resist hugging her again.

“This is the best day ever!” Ava beamed at her best friend.

“Okay, okay! Let me breathe so I can sit down. Lena says you rave about this place,” Laurel chuckled as they finally broke their embrace.

“It’s seriously amazing—definitely the best Italian restaurant I’ve ever been to!” Ava gushed. “But what brought you here? I thought you wouldn’t be around until the Quarterfinals?”

“Oh, I made a few adjustments,” Laurel replied, picking up her menu and scanning the choices. “Oh, braciole! I had that once with Tommy, and it was fantastic.”

“I saw that too and was considering it, but I think I might go for the chicken scarpariello. It sounds so delicious!” Ava said, her appetite growing.

A friendly waiter approached to take their orders and set up some wine for Laurel. The two friends caught up on Laurel's work, discussing new cases and how Tommy was doing. They reminisced about the first two games while Ava confessed she felt like she’d barely caught her breath with everything going on in France. After they won the gold, she promised herself she would indulge in all the wonderful experiences France had to offer.

When their food arrived, they were both blown away by the stunning presentation in front of them. They quickly decided to share their meals, wanting to try two dishes at once. As they savored each bite, they agreed they needed to return soon to explore more of the menu. Laurel took a moment to soak in the ambiance of the restaurant. It was gorgeous and surprisingly quiet, which made perfect sense as to why Ava loved this place so much.

“So,” Laurel began, lifting her glass of wine and taking a sip while glancing at Ava. “What’s going on with you and Sara?” She noticed Ava raise an eyebrow at her inquiry.

“What do you mean?” Ava responded, a bit puzzled.

“Come on, Ava, let’s not dance around it. Helen kissed Sara, and I can tell you're upset about that,” Laurel stated, watching her closely.

“Of course I am! Helen shouldn’t have done that. It's against team rules and just… inappropriate,” Ava said, trailing off as she reached for her water, suddenly feeling parched. Laurel leaned in, intrigued.

“Against team rules?” Laurel echoed, raising an eyebrow. “Is that why you suddenly stopped talking to your roommate? Or is there something else on your mind?”

“What kind of question is that?” Ava asked, setting down her water.

“Ava, you know I’ve known you for ages. You have your patterns, one of which is shutting down emotionally when things get tough,” Laurel said, putting her wine glass down to focus intently on her friend.

“I haven’t… that’s not true. Wait, how do you know all of this?” Ava asked, looking bewildered; she hadn’t shared her feelings with Laurel.

“Well, Nora, Lena, Zari, and Kara have been spilling the tea on everything ‘Avalance,’” Laurel said, and Ava's eyes widened at the unexpected nickname.

“Avalance? What’s that all about?” Ava exclaimed, shocked.

“Your ship name! You know—Ava Sharpe and Sara Lance… Avalance!” Laurel said with a playful smirk as she grabbed a piece of bread and popped it into her mouth.

“We have a ship name? Why do we even have one? We’re not in a relationship!” Ava replied, utterly taken aback.

“Okay, so the whole idea of a ship name comes from when people are shipping you, right? It’s like, using a ship name makes it feel real,” Laurel said with a grin.

“Hold on… who came up with the ship name?” Ava asked, and Laurel just shrugged.

“Honestly, no one knows! But that’s not really the important part. What matters is that there’s definitely something brewing in your head,” Laurel said, playfully swirling her finger in the air toward Ava’s head. “And you’re avoiding it! As your best friend, I’m here to help you talk it out.”

“Laurel, I promise there’s nothing to discuss. You know I just find your sister impossible to deal with,” Ava replied, keeping her tone light.

“And I’ve realized something important: she’s the one person who really gets under your skin. I’ve never seen anyone make you so mad and flustered like my little sister does!” Laurel pressed on with a teasing smile. “So, tell me more!”

“Sara... she’s just… ugh, she can be so infuriating and sometimes downright self-centered.” Ava paused, staring at her empty plate as she searched for words.

“But?” Laurel encouraged, raising an eyebrow at her friend.

“She’s clever, and she’s hilarious! She genuinely cares about her friends and would go out of her way to make them happy. And…” Ava hesitated, glancing away for a moment to collect her thoughts. “I don’t even know when it happened,” she whispered, turning back to Laurel. “I couldn’t even say when I started to have feelings for her.”

“She really does have a way of charming people, doesn’t she?” Laurel said with a warm smile, as Ava gave a bittersweet laugh, a tear escaping down her cheek.

“And then I saw her with Helen, and it hit me—there’s no way she could ever feel that way about me. I know she isn’t into relationships, at least not like that. It just… it hurt to realize I was falling for someone I could never have. Of all the people in the world, why did it have to be Sara fucking Lance?”

“Hey, you two have been on this journey together since childhood. From the moment you first crossed paths, it was like there was an undeniable connection," Laurel said with a warm smile. "It's kind of amusing—everyone around can see it, yet you both were so focused on your dislike for each other that you never realized all that tension was actually something deeper than just hatred."

"Ugh, seriously?" Ava exclaimed, tears streaming down her face. "But it's still Sara! And she doesn’t do relationships." She sniffled, trying to wipe the tears away. "So that’s where we stand," she added, reaching for Laurel’s wine and taking a big swig.

"Hey now!" Laurel protested, snatching the glass back. "No drinking!" She shot a playful glare at Ava, who just managed a sheepish smile as she swallowed.

"Come on, I’m having a moment here!" Ava retorted, frustration lacing her words.

Laurel raised an eyebrow. "So how does that feel?"

Ava took a moment, contemplating. "Scary," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"And what’s your plan?" Laurel pressed, watching as Ava’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Absolutely nothing," Ava said, surprisingly confident.

"Wait, what?!" Laurel replied, genuinely shocked by her response.

"She doesn't like relationships and I can’t do casual, so it’s never going to work," Ava explained, her tone tinged with resignation.

Laurel leaned in closer, her expression earnest. "But what if I told you there’s a reason she avoids relationships? What if she’s been hurt before and believes keeping her distance is the way to avoid pain?" She urged Ava to consider this perspective.

“Then i would say that sounds actually like a good idea considering my last relationship. Maybe she is right.” Ava said and reached back for Laurels glass but the other woman pulled it out of her grasp and Ava shot her a pouting look.

“Sara’s so scared of getting hurt that she’s avoiding the people she actually cares about. And just look at what’s going on now!” Laurel expressed.

“What do you mean?” Ava replied, intrigued.

“You two are so caught up in your thoughts about this that it’s messing with your teamwork on the field. Kara mentioned that before all this, it was like a well-oiled machine, but now it’s more like a beat-up old Toyota that only starts when it feels like it.” Laurel beamed at her clever car analogy, while Ava gave her a puzzled look.

“What kind of analogy is that?” Ava asked, rolling her eyes.

“Come on, Sharpe, listen up! It’s really affecting your groove out there, so you need to take it seriously. I know you, and it’s time to be honest with her,” Laurel said, her tone firm as she sipped her wine.

“Oh sure, I can just picture it now. ‘Hey Sara, how’s it going? I know we haven’t talked much, but… I think I’m in love with you.’” Ava shook her head, exhaling dramatically, but Laurel’s sudden coughing fit brought her focus back to the woman across from her.

“You’re in love with my sister?” Laurel exclaimed in shock as Ava sat there wide-eyed, realizing she had just let that slip out loud.