Encroachment

It was a quick ten minutes, but it felt like a little eternity. Ava had just come back to the room after her shower, looking refreshed. She picked up a pillow and set it between her and Sara, who was propped up in bed, curiously watching Ava as she organized her things. Once everything was in place, Ava finally crawled under the blankets, and they both settled in, leaning against the headboard in a peaceful silence.

After a moment, Sara broke the quiet with a casual comment, “Well, this isn’t weird at all.” Ava turned to her, a bit confused.

“It’s totally fine. Just keep to your side of the pillow,” Ava replied, trying to sound serious as she laid back on the bed. “Goodnight, Sara,” she added, turning away from the smaller blonde.

“Good night, Ava,” Sara said with a roll of her eyes. Did Ava really think she was going to leap over that pillow in defiance? And honestly, who came up with using a pillow as a barrier anyway? With a little chuckle to herself, Sara snuggled under the covers and turned onto her side, facing away from Ava and their not-so-mighty pillow wall.

Sara shifted a bit, and Ava mirrored her on the other side. As Sara flopped onto her back and faced the pillow wall, her mind started to race. She wondered how Ava would react if she just tossed aside that pesky pillow. It wasn’t like she had been deliberately trying to irritate Ava lately, but that pillow was making her reconsider their truce. She rolled onto her back and let out a little snort.

“What’s up?” Ava called from her side of the wall.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Sara replied softly.

“Sara? I know you well enough to recognize that snort,” Ava said, teasingly.

“A pillow?” Sara shot back playfully. “Who even thinks a pillow can solve anything? Seriously, whose genius idea was this?”

“It’s just a barrier, that’s all,” Ava replied with a slight mumble as she turned onto her back too.

“Do we really need a barrier?” Sara asked, sitting up to peek over the wall at Ava, who was now staring at the ceiling.

“Well, what if I accidentally rolled onto you or something?” Ava said, still focused on the ceiling.

“I doubt a pillow is going to stop that,” Sara countered, looking at her friend. “Besides, it’s not like I’d freak out if you rolled over and—heaven forbid—touched me!” Sara added, grinning as Ava's head snapped in her direction. “I didn’t mean it like that! I mean… like, you know, skin on skin.” Sara covered her mouth with her hand, totally shocked by what she had just said.

“I think I’m starting to understand,” Ava said, rolling her eyes with a grin. “So, you wouldn’t mind if I rolled over and smothered you in your sleep?” she laughed.

“Oh, please! You wouldn’t actually smother me,” Sara replied, settling back down and gazing up at the ceiling. “You make it sound like you’re a ton of bricks!”

“Well, that’s exactly what the pillow barrier is for!” Ava shot back playfully.

“So basically, when you roll over, I get you and a pillow weighing me down,” Sara chuckled. “Sounds like it is a smothering plot to me!”

“Alright, fine!” Ava said, sitting up and tossing aside the pillow. “Are you happy now?” she asked, glancing over at Sara, who was smirking at her.

“Happy that I won’t be smothered, that’s for sure!” Sara teased. Ava playfully aimed a smack at Sara’s shoulder, but Sara was quicker; she grabbed Ava’s hand and pulled her closer. Ava didn’t react fast enough and ended up right on top of Sara. Ava looked into Sara’s eyes, the smaller blonde seemed proud of herself.

“Ton of bricks?” Ava inquired, her eyebrow arching with curiosity.

“Light as a feather, actually,” Sara murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Ava couldn't help but notice the way Sara's tongue brushed across her lips, a tantalizing gesture that sent a shiver down her spine. “Ava.”

“Yeah,” Ava breathed, the word escaping her lips like a secret. They were so achingly close, just mere inches apart, and the air around them crackled with an electric tension. All it would take was a little lean, a gentle nudge, and their lips would meet—perhaps igniting a storm of fireworks just like those they had shared years ago, a moment that could bridge the past with a passion that felt so desperately alive.

“Are you dating Millie?” Sara asked, her eyes searching Ava’s face, as Ava’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at the unexpected inquiry. The timing felt utterly out of place, especially given the charged silence that enveloped them in that moment.

“Dating Millie?” Ava echoed, her heart racing, caught off guard by the question.

“You were at lunch with her the other day?” Sara pressed, her voice tinged with an urgency that made Ava’s confusion deepen.

“No, I mean yes, we were, but it was a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend—Ellie!” Ava explained, desperation creeping into her tone.

“Oh,” Sara murmured, but an unspoken tension lingered in the air. Ava instinctively reached out, her hands poised on either side of Sara’s face, but before she could make contact, Sara’s hands tightened around Ava’s hips, anchoring her in place, their gazes locking in an electric standoff.

“Sara?” Ava breathed, her heart pounding as she looked down at her, seeing the way Sara bit her lip in contemplation.

“Why have you been ignoring me?” Sara whispered, vulnerability flooding her soft voice. Ava felt the weight of the question settle heavily between them as silence stretched unbearably, her heart aching with every passing second.

“I wasn’t,” Ava finally replied, though doubt flickered in her eyes as Sara shook her head, resolute.

“You were. You just… stopped talking to me. We stopped spending time together. I thought we were good, and then all that chaos with Helen happened, and somehow… I lost you!” Sara’s words broke gently, yet they held the raw edge of heartache.

“You didn’t lose me,” Ava said softly, her heart clenching at the thought.

“I did,” Sara insisted, her voice cracking with emotion.

“You could never lose me, Sara.” Ava shifted slightly, searching for that connection, the pressure between them shifting as she let out a soft, almost amused laugh. “We always find our way back to each other, don’t we? Ever since we were kids.”

“I’ll never forget the day we first met,” Sara said softly with a smile. “You were wearing one of Adam’s jerseys.”

Ava chuckled nervously. “I was such a brat to you back then.”

“Yeah, you really were.”

Ava’s expression turned serious. “I was a mean kid. I’m really sorry about that.” Sara reached out and gently cupped Ava’s face, guiding her to meet her gaze.

“Do you believe in love at first sight?” Sara asked quietly, her eyes locking onto Ava's.

“Are you talking about hate at first sight?” Ava teased, a playful grin spreading across her face.

“I meant exactly what I said,” Sara replied softly, her thumb brushing gently against Ava’s cheek. Ava found herself captivated by Sara, her heart racing so fast she thought Sara might be able to hear it. A tear slipped down her cheek, and Sara quickly caught it with her thumb. “Ava,” she whispered.

“Hold on a second!” Ava exclaimed, drawing back, which made Sara’s eyes widen in surprise. Suddenly, Ava was perched over Sara, straddling her. “Did you just say love at first sight? Like me—you’re talking about me?” Ava asked, trying to wrap her head around everything happening.

“Yes, you.” Sara declared with fervor, rising onto her elbows, her gaze locked onto Ava with unwavering intensity.

“No, you don’t… You can’t…” Ava faltered, overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions. “You don’t love me. You hate me.”

I'm genuinely sorry to be the one who delivers this difficult truth, but the reality is, I don't hate you. In fact, I don't believe I ever truly did. What I feel for you runs much deeper than that..." But Sara's heartfelt revelation was abruptly interrupted by Ava.

"But how can you say that? You've openly admitted to despising me! I remember vividly when you told a reporter that I was the bane of your existence!”

“I never actually said those words! It’s astounding how reporters can twist the truth, and suddenly they’ve spun this wild tale of us being sworn enemies! I went along with it because, let’s be honest, it was great for the ratings. But Ava, please believe me when I say this—I don’t hate you! I wish you could feel the sincerity behind my words.” Sara shifted her position, her heart racing as she looked at Ava, who still remained seated on her.

“You don’t hate me?” Ava whispered, her voice trembling with vulnerability. With a gentle nod, Sara moved closer, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Slowly, she raised her hand to Ava’s cheek, her fingers gliding over the velvety softness of her skin. Ava closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment, and inhaled deeply as anxiety coiled within her heart. “You love me?” she dared to ask, her heart racing, fearful of the answer that might change everything.

But instead of words, Sara leaned in, brushing her lips softly against Ava’s, igniting a spark that sent shivers down Ava’s spine. When she didn’t pull away, Sara pressed their lips together, and in that instant, fireworks erupted behind Ava’s shut eyelids, illuminating a world of passion and longing. Responding instinctively, Ava’s hand rose to cradle Sara’s cheek, feeling the warmth radiate between them. Sara tilted her head, and the shift urged Ava to deepen the kiss, intertwining their souls as she brought her other hand to caress Sara’s other cheek, drawing her closer until their hearts thumped wildly against one another.

Sara’s hand clutched Ava’s hip, sending electric waves coursing through her, causing Ava to let out a soft moan, a sweet echo of the tumultuous feelings crashing within her. The kiss deepened further, a beautiful collision of longing and belonging, as their bodies melded together, each heartbeat echoing the love that had finally blossomed between them.

Sara yanked Ava down to her, the softness of the bed enveloping them like a sanctuary. The world outside disappeared as their kisses grew fervent, igniting a fire deep within each of them. Ava’s tongue danced against Sara’s lips, pleading for entrance, an intoxicating invitation that Sara eagerly answered. In that moment, a dazzling explosion of passion erupted between them, fueling the urgency of their connection. This kiss was unlike anything either had ever experienced, a symphony of their lips moving in perfect harmony, their bodies melding together as if they were two pieces of a single puzzle. But just as the intensity reached a fever pitch, Ava suddenly pushed away, creating a chasm between them. Sara instinctively chased after her, yearning to reclaim the warmth of their kiss, but Ava’s slender hand pressed firmly against her chest, holding her back, leaving Sara gasping for more.

“Everyone believes we despise each other,” Ava whispered, her voice barely a breath.

“Does that really matter at this moment, Ava?” Sara responded, her tone tinged with concern.

“No, that’s not… Sara.” With a rush of conflicting emotions, Ava pushed herself off Sara, settling beside her on the bed, her gaze lost in the wall across from them. The remnants of their kiss still flickered on her lips, igniting a storm of feelings within her. “You’ve always been clear about it—relationships aren’t your thing. I know this isn’t something you want.” Her voice trembled, heavy with vulnerability. “I… I can’t do casual, Sara. This—what we shared—means everything to me. I can’t just pretend it doesn’t. We shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Okay, I know this might sound a bit cheesy, but I haven’t really dated anyone in ages,” Sara admitted, looking a bit shy. “I’ve just never felt strong enough about anyone to give it a shot. When Helen kissed me, I thought for a second, ‘Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve done this.’ But then you came in, and we pulled away, and all I could think was how much I really wanted it to be you. Seeing that look of disappointment on your face just threw me off completely. I hurried after you, and honestly, I had no clue what I was going to say. Then I ended up making a total mess of things, and I thought, ‘Great, just my luck!’”

“What do you mean you haven’t dated anyone?” Ava asked, glancing at Sara with curiosity. “I swear it’s all over the tabloids back home! Every week it's a different girl or guy. I just figured you were trying to work your way through the NWSL teams one by one!” Ava laughed, and Sara just shook her head.

“Oh, those were just parties, and trust me, there was no mingling happening, if you catch my drift. I couldn’t believe all those pictures were getting out. I even had my manager look into it and went as far as hiring a private investigator! Turns out, Dinah really has it out for me. She was selling those pics and telling random tabloids that I was going out, getting drunk, and partying. Even my coaches had a sit-down with me, thinking it was all true.” Sara turned to Ava, her expression serious. “Ava, this really means a lot to me." She gestured between them. "I wouldn’t say it would be casual. I just don’t think it could be.”

“You do realize we’re in a situation overflowing with stress and uncertainty right now?” Ava spoke softly, her voice a gentle murmur that barely cut through the heavy air. “Most people wouldn’t even think about starting a relationship under these circumstances.” She swept her arm around the room as if to call attention to the chaos surrounding them.

“I don’t want to be like everyone else.” With a fierce determination, Sara moved closer, drawing herself into Ava’s embrace, curling into her lap like a lost wanderer seeking solace. There was a tender light in her eyes, a vulnerability that unveiled a side of her Ava had rarely glimpsed. “I’m far from ordinary, Ava. And if you’re searching for someone ‘normal’….” Sara paused, her gaze filled with intensity as if she were trying to steady the whirlwind within. “I will never fit into that mold.”

Ava’s heart swelled, and she barely managed to whisper, “I don’t want you to be.” Their connection sparked, and Sara’s gaze locked onto hers, igniting a warmth between them that was inescapable.

Without hesitation, Sara surged forward, crashing their lips together with a passion that stole the breath from Ava’s lungs. This kiss was softer, sweeter—an uncharted territory of intimacy that enveloped them both in a cocoon of tenderness. In this moment, Ava discovered a depth in Sara that she had never known existed, and it made her heart ache with something wonderfully profound.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally drew apart, gazing at one another with a mixture of astonishment and bashfulness. The air around them crackled with unspoken emotions, their eyes searching for solace and understanding as they shyly averted their gazes. Sara, entranced, gently cupped her hand against Ava’s cheek, losing herself in the depths of Ava’s mesmerizing gray-blue eyes—eyes that held a universe of wonder and mystery. In that moment, everything fell away; there was no fear, no judgment, just the pure, unfiltered connection they shared. Sara had poured her heart out, bared her soul, and yet, astonishingly, Ava remained by her side, a steadfast presence. When their lips met, a warmth enveloped them, tilting their world ever so slightly towards bliss. “You’re so beautiful,” Sara breathed, her heart racing with vulnerability, and in response, Ava’s cheeks flushed a delicate shade of crimson as she shyly lowered her gaze to her hands, now fidgeting with the hem of Sara's shirt, lost in the sweetness of the moment and the storm of feelings that swirled around them.

Ava's voice trembled as she confessed, “I told Laurel… I told her I’m in love with you.” Her gaze remained cast downward, as if the weight of her words might shatter the delicate moment. “I remember it so vividly. You wore that pink dress, dotted with those delightful little rainbows, and your hair was a wild, wonderful mess—tumbling everywhere, framing your face in the most enchanting way.”

Ava glanced up, her heart aching at the sight of Sara, glistening tears pooling in her striking eyes. “I can still picture it—when you pushed a strand of hair away from your forehead, and in that breathless moment, I saw your eyes for the very first time. They were an oceanic blue, mesmerizing and pure, unlike anything I had ever encountered. Even at just nine years old, you had this power over me that took my breath away and terrified me all at once.”

Ava leaned closer, a tender smile breaking through her anxiety as the tears streamed down Sara’s cheeks, reflecting both sorrow and joy. “I’ve always believed that this—us, here in this moment—was meant to be. I can’t shake the feeling that it’s fate, that the universe has woven our paths together time and time again.”

She looked down again, shyness washing over her, but then a gentle laugh escaped her lips, wrapping around her confession like a warm embrace. “Sara Lance, I believe with every beat of my heart that you are my soul mate.”

Ava felt the tender brush of Sara’s fingers on her chin, lifting her gaze to meet those captivating eyes. Her cheeks were still damp from tears, yet a radiant smile broke through the sorrow, illuminating her face. “You’re in love with me?” Sara asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and hope. With trembling fingers, Ava caressed Sara's cheek, her thumb gently tracing the delicate curve, savoring the moment that felt both fragile and monumental.

“I am hopelessly, madly in love with you, Sara Lance—you infuriating, exasperating, endlessly captivating, stunningly beautiful human being.” With all the passion surging within her, Ava leaned in and kissed Sara softly, pouring her heart into that brief, electrifying connection before pulling back, breathless and yearning.

Sara leaned in for another kiss, but Ava gently placed her hand between them to stop her. “As much as I’d love to keep this going, we really need to do it right. Let’s make a pact: when we win that gold and come back home, you take me on a proper date, and then we can have our moment—if you’re up for it.”

“Wait, are you saying I can’t kiss you anymore?” Sara asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Ava, how can you expect me to hold back after all the things we’ve shared?”

“Do you think this is easy for me?” Ava replied, her eyes reflecting a hint of sadness. “We really need to stay focused right now. We’ve got a huge game coming up in just two days—this is for the gold medal, after all.” She gave a playful smirk, which made Sara roll her eyes.

“So, no kissing at all?” Sara asked, pouting a little.

“Here’s the deal: if we win that Gold Medal, then you can officially kiss me,” Ava said, her face lighting up at the thought.

“I promise I will,” Sara replied confidently. Ava shook her head and bit her lip, sensing that Sara wouldn’t want to show any affection in front of the cameras. She just knew Sara would want to keep their relationship under wraps.

“If you say so!” Ava grinned as Sara perked up in her lap.

“Do you really not believe me?” Sara questioned, her brows lifting, and Ava simply shook her head with a gentle smile.

“It’s not that I don’t believe you; I just don’t want to put any pressure on you. We can always wait and keep it just between us,” Ava replied softly. “For now, though, it’s probably a good idea to get some sleep.” She playfully tapped Sara’s leg. Sara pouted a little but crawled back to her side of the bed, and they shared a quiet moment together.

“Could you not put the pillow back between us?” Sara murmured, looking a bit hopeful.

“Of course not,” Ava reassured her.

“Well… if I can’t kiss you, do you think we could at least hold each other tonight?” Sara asked shyly.

Ava shifted to lie down and opened her arms invitingly. A smile spread across Sara’s face as she snuggled into Ava’s space, resting her head on Ava’s shoulder. Ava embraced her warmly and pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head, causing Sara’s smile to grow even wider as she nestled in closer and shut her eyes.

“Goodnight, Ava.”

“Goodnight, Sara.”