Caught on the Big Screen - LaMelo Ball x reader (+ Nikola Jokic x reader)
(jealousy, jealousy)
-Summary: When one of your videos—which was never meant to be seen—gets shown at an event, people start wondering about your relationship with Jokic. So what? You both like horses—is that a problem?
The All-Star Weekend had just kicked off, bringing together the NBA’s most talented players, both young and veteran. The franchise’s players were gathered, crammed into a small conference room, ready to watch the event’s schedule projected on the screen.
As for you, you were handling the organization, praying that everything would go smoothly, without a hitch. You made your way across the room, weaving your way through these legends. Exchanging a few words with those you knew least and high-fives with your acquaintances.
Jokic is one of them; as surprising as it may seem, you don’t know each other through basketball but through horseback riding. Since you’re both owners of racehorses, your paths inevitably crossed, evolving from brief greetings in stadium hallways during games to real conversations in the stands at racetracks. The Serbian is so passionate about his horses that he could talk about them for hours. Very few people are aware of your connection, and that’s just as well—on the one hand, so the player doesn’t get teased in the locker room, but also for your reputation, which wouldn’t last long if the media got involved.
Anyway, you thought you were being a bit more discreet than that, but most of the players weren’t fooled by your closeness. But they didn’t know just how close. They were about to find out, despite yourself.
That damn intern had been making one blunder after another from the start, and you had to keep a close eye on him. He only had one thing to do: click on the folder and play the presentation video. Pretty simple, right?
You took a seat at the back of the room, holding your phone between your legs. Meanwhile, the NBA commissioner began his welcome speech.
Your phone vibrates—a notification from one of your friends:
“By the way, I didn’t tell you, but I put the beach video on your computer last night in the ‘to sort’ folder. You’ll see, it’s gorgeous—I’m so proud of myself. You're a total bombshell—can't wait to see the video on your Insta.”
You barely have time to look up from your phone before the program starts—or what was supposed to be the program starts. The giant screen lights up and what appears… has nothing to do with what was planned.
A white sandy beach.
A pink-orange sky.
The sun slowly sinking toward the horizon.
And you, on horseback—but not just any horse, Demon Dell’Est, one of Jokic’s horses.
The video is playing and further away, you can see Jokic on the beach too, all smiles, arms crossed, watching you.
Your friend wasn’t wrong—the video is stunning, almost like a scene from a movie:
You galloping, hair loose, blown by the wind.
A training ride on the beach. Nikola shouting a few comments your way to help you get used to Demon. Slightly worried about you. You're an experienced rider, so speed doesn't scare you. We see you laughing like never before at the sight of his concern.
The whole room holds its breath as you rush down the stairs to your computer in the corner trying to stop that. You slap your forehead—of course that idiot was going to open the wrong file…
A Bulls player quips:
“Well, that's a change from all those videos of LaMelo missing layups.”
The crowd goes wild.
Melo suddenly sits up straight.
“I missed one layup this week, just one! Are you going to cut me some slack?”
Curry chimes in, “Bro, you missed three just in warm-ups.”
An explosion of laughter.
LaMelo smiles despite himself. Raising his hands, he adds: “But at least I don’t go on romantic walks with an MVP.” He shoots a pointed look.
Silence.
All eyes turn to Jokic.
He raises an eyebrow, looking innocent.
“It wasn’t romantic.”
“It was a practice.”
You both answer at the same time.
A Lakers player:
“A practice with a sunset? And her laughing like that? And you looking at her like she’s a rare horse?”
Jokic replies with a completely serious expression, hoping to piss LaMelo off:
“She is a rare horse.”
You almost choke on his choice of words.
Now it’s getting downright personal. You bury your face in your hands, thinking that maybe if you keep this up, the ground will open up and you’ll disappear.
LaMelo continues:
“Bro, are you serious?! You’re comparing her to a mare?”
Jokic continues, unflappable:
“Only the ones who ride well,” the implication echoes loud and clear through the room. You almost want to laugh at this point. The room erupts in laughter again; some have even pulled out their phones to capture the moment. LaMelo turns to you, trying to save face:
“And you were planning on telling us that you were making videos like that with him?!”
You open your mouth, ready to fire back a sharp retort, annoyed by his outburst. Jokic deliberately cuts you off:
“She didn't plan anything; I was the one who suggested it. She rode really well, and I wanted to keep a memento.”
The room erupts: OOHHHHHHHH
“A keepsake? You need keepsakes? You’re a basketball player, not a wedding photographer!”
The Serbian replies, calmly:
“You can be both.”
Wemby adds:
"Melo, do you want us to take you to the beach too? We’ll film you missing a layup in the sand if you want.”
LaMelo stands up, hood pulled over his head.
“You’re all clowns. I’m going to get a drink.”
He pushes open the door like a child throwing a tantrum. Amused glances turn toward you. Jokic turns around and gives you a knowing look.
“He’s jealous—it’s so cute.”
