Joe Burrow fanfic

Natalie walked into the rehab room early the next morning, balancing a coffee in one hand and a clipboard in the other. She'd barely had a sip before she saw Joe already seated on the therapy table, earbuds in, staring at the floor with his arms crossed.
"Morning," she said cheerfully, setting her coffee on the counter.
Joe didn't look up.
Natalie sighed, stepping closer. "Let me guess: bad night?"
He pulled out one earbud and glanced at her, his expression stony. "Something like that."
"Want to talk about it?" she asked, pulling over a stool and sitting across from him.
Joe leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Not really."
"Too bad," Natalie said, unfazed. "You're stuck with me for the next hour, so you might as well vent."
Joe's lips twitched, but he didn't smile. He hesitated for a long moment before finally speaking. "I watched film last night. Seeing everyone out there... It's like I don't even recognize myself. I used to be the guy they could count on, and now I'm just...here."
Natalie leaned back slightly, studying him. She'd worked with plenty of athletes before, but something about Joe's quiet vulnerability made her chest tighten.
"You know what I see when I look at you?" she asked softly.
Joe raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
"I see someone who doesn't quit. Someone who's here every single day, even when it sucks. That's the guy they count on, Joe. Not just the one who throws touchdowns."
Joe's jaw tightened. "Doesn't feel that way."
"It will," she said firmly. "But you have to give yourself a break. You're not Superman."
Joe huffed. "That's what Ja'Marr said."
"Well, he's right," Natalie said with a small smile. "And trust me, I don't say that often."

Later, as Joe worked through his exercises, Natalie noticed his movements were sharper, more aggressive than usual.
"Joe," she called from where she stood near the treadmill. "Ease up. You're going to hurt yourself."
"I'm fine," he snapped, not looking at her.
"No, you're not," she said, walking over. "This isn't a game. You need to listen to me."
Joe dropped the resistance band he was holding and stood up abruptly. "I'm tired of listening, okay? Tired of feeling like this!"
His voice echoed in the small room, the outburst hanging in the air.
Natalie crossed her arms, holding his gaze. "You're frustrated. I get it. But taking it out on your body—and me—won't fix anything."
Joe stared at her for a long moment, his breathing heavy. Finally, he ran a hand through his hair and looked away. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"I know," Natalie interrupted gently. "But you've got to work with me, Joe. We're on the same team here."
The word team seemed to calm him. He nodded slowly, his shoulders relaxing. "Yeah. You're right."
"Always am," Natalie said, her tone light again.
Joe let out a faint laugh, shaking his head.

Later that day, as Natalie finished up her notes, Andre appeared in the doorway, holding two protein bars.
"Peace offering," he said, tossing one to her.
Natalie caught it, laughing. "What did you do now?"
"Nothing. Just figured you could use some sugar after dealing with Burrow all day."
She rolled her eyes. "He's not that bad."
Andre raised an eyebrow. "You're a saint, Nat. Seriously."
She smiled, but the weight of the day still lingered. "He's just...pushing himself too hard. He doesn't know how to stop."
"That's Joe," Andre said with a shrug. "He's always been like that. Stubborn as hell."
"Yeah," Natalie murmured. "But it's different now. It's like he's trying to outrun something."
Andre tilted his head, studying her. "And you're gonna be the one to catch him, huh?"
Natalie didn't answer, but the thought stuck with her long after Andre left.