Storm of Aces

It was currently April 15th, 2024, meaning that it was WNBA Draft night. The draft was taking place in New York and everyone who was going to be in the draft tonight was enthralled when they heard those news.

The draft was just about to begin in a few minutes and every draft prospect was getting their finishing touches done. Caitlin, like the woman she is, made history being the only athlete in the NBA or WNBA that Prada has dressed. This really goes to show how much Caitlin has done and is doing for women's basketball and Kate could not be more happier for her.

Kate was currently sitting in the audience with Gabbie and Jada, waiting as eagerly as them for the draft to begin. They had their cheers ready and loaded for when their best friend would be picked as the first draft pick, meaning she was going to be an Indiana Fever.

It felt surreal to be here. The Brooklyn Academy of Music was such a beautiful building. But Kate knew all of the glory would be if she got the opportunity to be drafted to a team.

All of the prospects were now going out to the front right before the stage to their designated table where their close family were. They would be sitting with them until they get drafted, which is unfortunate for Caitlin because she wouldn't be staying here very long.

Caitlin waved to the three girls and Coach Jenson who was sitting alongside them. Coach Bluder was sitting right next to Caitlin at her table.

"Okay so real talk, there's no doubt in my mind or anyone's mind that Caitlin is being drafted first. I don't know who's more stupid, people who think Caitlin won't be the first pick or Fever not selecting her first."

Kate and Jada had a somewhat shocked look on their faces, making Gabbie realize that she may have been a little too harsh with what she said.

"Okay well uhm, what I was going to say was, where do you guys think Nika is going to be drafted?"

The question made Kate reflect back on the conversation her and Nika had a little over a week ago. She knew that the Croatian didn't care where she would be drafted, she would be happy just being selected. Well, as long as she didn't get drafted to the Chicago Sky.

The Draft began and just like everybody's predictions, Caitlin was drafted first. As the show was going on Kate realized that Paige and Azzi were just two rows behind them. During the breaks, Kate would scan her eyes across the room and try to see everyone was there. A blonde girl in an all white suit caught Kate's attention making her realize it was Paige.

It took a few tries but Kate finally got Paige and Azzi's attention during one of the commercial breaks. Throughout the process, Kate was getting weird looks from Gabbie and Jada. Can't even hate on them because Kate did look kind of goofy.

It was nearing the end of the first round and Kate was wondering impatiently why her girlfriend's name hadn't been called yet.

"Why hasn't Nika's name been called yet? I really don't want to but I'm starting to feel like she won't be selected by anyone. And if she doesn't get selected by a team then no way in hell am I going to." Kate's leg started to shake quickly but Gabbie was right there to calm her down.

"Don't worry Kate, I'm sure she's going to be drafted soon. And don't forget, she was invited to the WNBA draft so that means there's a 99% chance that she will be drafted. I mean look back at all she has done for UConn and all the awards she has gotten. She has some real talent and any team would be lucky to have her as long as they utilize her talent."

Woah.

Kate breaks down what Gabbie has said in parts. Everything she said was true. Curse you Gabbie Marshall. Why do you have to be so brilliant?!

It was now the second round 14th pick and Kate was still shocked Nika's name hasn't been called. Despite all that Gabbie said, Kate was beginning to overthink everything until...

"With the 14th pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Seattle Storm select Nika Mühl, University of Connecticut."

As soon as Kate heard the "N" escape Cathy Engelbert's mouth, Kate immediately stood up and clapped. She was so proud of Nika. A girl who came here all the way from Croatia, has made it into the Professional Basketball League.

And the man, the myth, the legend, who brought her over to America was sitting right next to her along side with her sister Hana, since there parents unfortunately couldn't be there.

The smile on Geno's face was priceless. He was so proud of Nika. The work he did to make sure Nika could be the best that she could had paid off. Geno started the job and Nika finished it.

Right after hugging Chris Dailey and before going up on stage, Nika turned around and blew a kiss to Kate who had a face of admiration plastered on. She was the first one to clap and last to stop.

It was truly poetic.

Sue Bird played at UConn many years ago and wore the number 10 jersey. Nika came in 4 years ago to UConn and also wore the number 10 jersey. Sue Bird got drafted to the Seattle Storm and now so did Nika. They both are and wore point guards. Also extremely hot people.

The prettiest WNBA player has now entered the chat. At least that's what Kate thought.

Kate turned around for a second while Holly began talking to Nika and an even bigger smile formed on Kate's face.

When she turned around, she saw Paige and Azzi standing in the aisle, recording on their phones, looking like the proudest mamas ever. To just think about how next year the roles will be reversed, now that's a bizarre feeling

After just the 15th pick or so, a camera and cameraman were right in front of Kate's face.

This was it. Kate was going to be drafted.

Gabbie, Jada, and Jan started to pat and shake Kate as they were hyping Kate up for about to get drafted. All Kate wanted to do was cry happy tears but that would be pretty embarrassing wouldn't it?

Paige was even talking to Azzi from two rows behind about all the camera's in Kate's face and how she is confident her blonde bestie is about to be drafted.

"With the 18th pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Las Vegas Aces select Kate Martin, University of Iowa."

The whole building was booming. Kate being selected was one of the loudest celebrations of a draft pick there was the whole night. The Martini's don't play about their girl. Kate was just so grateful she was given this opportunity and chance. She just wishes Caitlin and Nika were in the room to see it.

Kate was quick to hug everyone that was sitting in her row but before she went up on stage, she ran two rows behind and went to hug Paige and Azzi who were giving her a standing ovation.

"I'm so proud of you blondie." Kate hugged her underdawg duo and she could swear she saw tears in Paige's eyes. Nika's draft didn't happen too long ago but these seemed like new fresh tears.

After hugging Paige, Kate hugged the people's princess as well. It's so weird how if this was a year ago, Paige and Azzi might've not even clapped if Kate got drafted. That trip from about a year ago has brought everybody so much closer and Kate couldn't be more grateful for it.

The trip this year to Vancouver is just a few plane hours away and is really close to Seattle...So Nika and Kate might just have to make a surprise visit.

Kate finally made her way on stage to where WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert was. They both held up the jersey and Kate knew right in this moment, this is where she was meant to be. She deserved to be up here. She earned it. This was Kate's new home.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

The afterparty started not too long after the final pick in the 2024 draft. Once Kate got drafted and besides seeing Nika, this afterparty was what Kate was looking forward to most.

Kate met up with Gabbie and Jada as they made their way to the afterparty. Passing through, there were countless people congratulating Kate on getting drafted.

When they opened the doors, it seemed like the party had been going on for hours although it clearly hadn't.

There were couches everywhere and booth tables surrounding the perimeter of the room. There was a giant dance floor in the middle of the room with a massive DJ set currently playing Mr. Worldwide.

Kate, Gabbie, and Jada made their way through the crowd as Kate hugged and congratulated every person who got drafted. There was one specific person Kate wanted to see most though and it didn't take long for her to find them.

As soon as Kate looked at the Croatian in the all black outfit, she looked right back. Kate immediately ran to Nika and they wrapped each other in a very tight hug. It didn't take long at all for their lips to connect. They didn't care who was seeing them kiss. All they wanted was to be with each other at this moment.

Because it was so loud in the room, everything Nika and Kate had to communicate with each other was through whispering in each others ears

"I'm so proud of you princess. I'm very sorry I wasn't able to see you get drafted in person but I swear when we get back to the hotel room I am going to watch a video on YouTube of you getting drafted."

Kate smiled. This right here was the best moment in Kate's life. She was here with the person she loved, she just got her dream job and now she gets to play against her girlfriend and best friend for many years to come.

Of course it's not for sure Nika and Kate will make it through tryouts but with each other's love and support, there was no way either of them were going to get waived.

Since the second they saw each other, Nika and Kate were glued by the hip. Nika started to take Kate to the table where she was before and where there was a big surprise for Kate.

"Oh my god, Clark!" Kate screamed as she saw Caitlin, Paige, Azzi, Aaliyah, Cameron, and Jacy.

Caitlin immediately stood up and went to hug Kate. "I'm so happy for you K!" I can't wait to finally defend and shit on you on the court." Kate lightly punched Caitlin as they both let out a laugh.

Kate then hugged everyone else as they all sat down and ordered drinks. Nika and Kate were obviously sitting next to each other. It would be kind of crazy if they didn't.

The drinks came relatively quickly as Caitlin decided to make a toast. Caitlin was about to have and be the most motivating person ever, or the complete opposite.

"Alright I just want to say first and foremost, congrats to all of us for being drafted!" There were chants from around the table as everyone held their drinks up in the air. "Just a few weeks ago we were all college players versing each other. Today, starts a new journey where we will still be doing that exact same thing but in the big W!"

Everyone looked at each other as everybody was in awe and had wide smiles on their faces. This was really it. All 8 people at this table all had the same dream. And here they are today, having made one of or if not, the biggest accomplishment in their life.

"And last but not least, I also want to raise a toast to the two college players standing or well sitting here today. To Paige and Azzi who will be joining us in this league in exactly a year. So here's to us!"

Everybody repeated the last three words Caitlin said as everybody clinked their drinks. Both Cameron and Nika were wiping their tears as fast as they could. They looked too good to cry. The dim lights helped them for no one to see but as soon as they got on the dance floor it might become more obvious. Speaking of which...

"Let's fucking party bitches!"

No one waited a second after Caitlin screamed that to get on the dance floor. It's crazy how they went from one of the most anticipating moments in their life to being drunk and dancing the next.

Nika and Kate danced with each other the whole night. They were basically on top of each other. Nika put Kate's hands on her hips as Nika wrapped her arms around Kate's neck. They were being very physical with each other and neither one of them cared. This was going to be the time of their life and if somebody was going to record or watch, then so be it.

It's a great thing to just live in the moment but Kate tried to get as many photos of everything and everyone as she could. Kate knows how her mind works and normally when she's having a great time like this, it's a blackout and she forgets everything the next morning. Just like when she's at a concert. So the only way for her to remember all of this and hopefully vividly, she tried to take as many photos as she could.

"Do you remember the last time we danced together?" Nika pulled back so she could make eye contact with Kate. Kate's head moved up and down as a little smile formed on her face. "Back when I took you to Croatia. I know it might sound a little crazy but that was the best moment of my life. Not any game I've ever played or any celebrity I met, being that close to you and dancing was the moment in my life I am always going to cherish. If I lose my memory then that's the last thing I want to forget."

Kate connected her and Nika's lips for a slow kiss. That moment in Nika's childhood bedroom wasn't one of the memories Kate would've expected to be Nika's favorites. Nor was she going to complain though. That was one of Kate's favorite moments too.

"I think my favorite moment ever of my life was when Carson was born and that night in Croatia when you asked me to be your girlfriend." They both chuckled lightly at the mention of the birth of Carson. They both loved Carson but sadly Kate wouldn't be able to see him as often since she would hopefully be moving to Las Vegas.

"We were at that very beautiful restaurant that you had rented out because you're so insane. We were sitting out on the deck when that cake came out asking the big question. I obviously said yes and I don't know. Everything in that moment was perfect. It was at that moment I knew I was going to love you forever. I love you baby."

Nika gave Kate a quick kiss. "I love you too princess."

"Not to interrupt this lovey dovey session about to probably become something more in sub 2 minutes but why the fuck are y'all like slow dancing? Katy fucking Perry is playing."

Caitlin always knows when to go on cue, doesn't she? The two girls finally separate but still have their arms around each other.

"Shut it Clark. Stop bothering us and try and find your own boyfriend or girlfriend. Just because you're single doesn't mean the rest of us are."

Caitlin sighs and shrugs as she looks disappointed. "I've asked everyone here but nobody wants to date me. I don't know why. Well, not everyone. I still haven't asked you guys." Caitlin raises her eyebrows continuously as she smirks.

In return, Nika and Kate both fake throw up from the throuple proposal Caitlin was suggesting.

"Not even in your wildest dreams Clark."

Kate did feel bad for her best friend. Caitlin really was looking for somebody but her busy schedule gets in the way. Not only that but when you're the level she's on, its kind of hard to tell who's using you for clout and who actually likes you. Not to mention the whole Angel x Caitlin feud which sometimes makes people hate Caitlin even more. Then there are the people who ship Angel and Caitlin.

"Whatever. You guys are too touchy with each other either way. It's fine. I'm just going to go back to the table and watch some Yellowjackets." Caitlin was about to turn around and make her way to the table but can hear Kate say something even with the blasting music.

"How about Jacy?"

Caitlin eyes Kate weirdly. "Huh?"

"You know, Jacy Sheldon? You guys go way back and I don't know if she's gay but she may be. If she is, you guys should totally go out one time."

Caitlin pondered for a moment as she pointed to Kate. "I'll keep that thought in mind."

See? Even post-college Kate is still the glue. In a different sense now. Now, she is gluing people together like birds of a feather.

Even though Nika and Kate took no offense to Caitlin's dumbass comments, they still stopped dancing and decided to hangout with Paige and Azzi who were sitting on a couch together, all cuddled up.

Paige had her arm around Azzi's shoulder while Azzi was laying on Paige's chest. If you said another couple than Paige and Azzi was the cutest then you would be lying. They always find a way to be affectionate with each other and show love towards one another without saying any words.

Nika finds that her and Kate can relate to the two in such ways as well. Nika can be one to say this because she does know 80% behind the scenes of Paige and Azzi's relationship because of Paige being a total blabbermouth. But there is that 20% of the relationship that no one will ever know besides just Paige and Azzi.

"What's up guys?! How's my underdawg duo blondie and twin doing?" Paige was able to dap up Nika and Kate despite the little movement she had as she tried not to wake up the People's Princess who was resting on her chest.

"We've been good, we've been good. How about you twin? I can see Ms. Little Azzi Fudd is sound asleep in this loud ass room. Want us to grab you a drink or anything?"

Paige waved the Croatian off. "As much as I trust you to get me a drink without my vision being present, I'm good. Thanks though. And I'd rather be here with my girlfriend sleeping on my shoulder than anything else. If it means she's happy, then it makes me happy."

The two standing girls were in awe at Paige's comment. Even just the eyes Paige gives Azzi just shows how in love she is and how much they are meant to be. Vice versa. The eyes they give each other, it's the kind of eyes you only see once in a lifetime. Maybe twice in this lifetime because they are the same eyes Nika and Kate give each other.

"Well us and you guys need to go on a double date before all three of us except you go down to Florida for K Plum's Dawg Classes."

Kelsey Plum, who is technically Kate's teammate now, has invited a few basketball players with many being just rookies or still in college, to a basketball camp down in Florida. It began last year and is happening this year as well. As Kelsey likes to say, it helps bridge the gap between college and professional basketball.

"Ooh that's right, all of you guys are leaving me." Paige moves her head back as she squeezes her eyes shut. "But yes, we definitely can try and fit a double date before you guys all leave me to be lonely and stranded in the middle of New York City."

That's right. College players and now soon to be rookies have been invited by Kelsey Plum to go to her second annual Dawg Class down in Florida. Kate had been looking forward to this for a few reasons: She was getting to go with her girlfriend, she fucking loves dogs, and she loved Florida. But now there was one more thing she now got to add to her list. Kelsey Plum is about to be her teammate.

The WNBA better be getting ready for their new rookies. Especially more now because Nika and Kate have now entered the chat. There's about to be a storm down in Las Vegas territory.

Authors Notes:

Merry motherfucking Christmas (if u celebrate it) yall!!

Hope yall enjoyed this little feast of chapters ive been cooking up for the past two weeks. I really tried putting all the effort I could in these.

Dont know much of the WNBA afterparty so I improvised. Will prob improvise for KPlum Dawg Class as well

Once again hope yall enjoyed and hope it lived up to yalls standards.

Prob the last chapter coming out in 2024

So see you in the new year :) (maybe?)