Title: Walking the Sideline
Fandom: Women's Soccer RPF
Pairings: Hope Solo/Kelley O'Hara
Characters: Kelley O'Hara, Hope Solo
Rating: G
Length: 200 words
Author's Notes: Written for Challenge 461: Line at fan_flashworks, and fills the "Weakness/Illness" square of my 2023 Story Sparks + Drabble Fest Bingo Card.
Summary: Kelley waits for the doctor in trepidation.


Kelley sits with her wife on the exam bed, waiting for the doctor. She has been struggling to get regular field time lately. Her leg is having trouble bearing all her weight, making it difficult to run back and forth across the field. She hopes it's just the old injury flaring up and not something more serious.

Kelley ensconces herself in Hope's arms, tucking herself against Hope's front and in-between her bent legs. She gently traces the faded lines on Hope's wrists with the tips of her fingers. She thinks of the other line on Hope's shoulder. The goalkeeper has been here before too. She's felt the pain of injury and the fear that she won't be able to play again.

"I'm scared, Hope."

Kelley's voice is low, just for the two of them.

The admission lingers heavily in the air, and Hope squeezes Kelley tightly. She kisses Kelley's shoulder and speaks softly into Kelley's ear.

"It's okay to be scared, hon. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I know how difficult it is. But you're not alone. I will be here every step of the way. And no matter what the outcome is, we'll figure it out together."