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ellecdc · 3 months

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⬜️idea!🟩

poly marauders. reader sees James fall off of his broom during a game. he gets injured, but makes it out fine. it affects reader more than she wishes to admit, but hides her concern/fear. maybe her hurt turns into anger when she hears him talk highly about his upcoming game, snaps at him to leave the team (maybe Sirius and Remus ganging up on her too?) maybe after a nightmare she seeks him out, apologizing and just wanting to ensure he’s all alright?

maybe a fic on this, if you wish to!

hi sweets! thanks for this idea - I hope I did it justice!

poly!marauders x fem!reader who hates seeing her boys get hurt - 2.7k words

CW: James gets injured [he's fine tho], brief mention of Sirius' crappy childhood, angst [with a happy ending, obviously], poor communication [but ends in good communication]

Every step you took seemed to lodge your heart further and further up your throat; you were nearly certain that one wrong move would have it leaping right out of your mouth as you made your way to the infirmary.

You had a one track mind as you pushed your way through various students and staff in the halls; get to James. Get to James. Get to James.

You had been sitting with your friends from Ravenclaw during the game instead of with Remus and Sirius which was obviously problem number one.

Problem number two had to be this stupid sodding game - quidditch. Whoever invented it clearly wished death on many generations to come.

The third problem - and arguably your biggest problem - had been watching James hurdle from nearly thirty feet in the air before hitting the ground with a bone crushing thud.

You were certain you were only three steps away from actually losing your heart (and your dinner) as you pushed your way into the infirmary to see two familiar silhouettes standing over a hospital bed.

Whatever relief the sight of two of your boys had on you quickly melted into something uneasy when Sirius let out a bark of laughter.

“Hope he gets suspended for at least one game.” You heard James chuckle, which caused Remus to snort.

“Please, Madame Hootch looked like she was ready to bar him from the pitch all together.”

“Good; one less beater we have to worry about then.” Sirius added before you stepped around the curtain to look at the patient and alert them all to your presence.

Save the bandage currently wrapped around James’ head and the fact that his left arm was situated in a sling, he looked like he was being served a cheeky breakfast in bed rather than emergency medical care.

“Hey sweetheart! Did you enjoy the game?” He called to you with a cartoonish smile on his face.

You found that you had no response to that.

Did you enjoy the game? You had been enjoying the game, until…oh…you don’t know, had to watch your sodding boyfriend fall out of the godsdamn sky!?

You took a moment to survey your surroundings. You currently had:

One boyfriend situated in a hospital bed with an injury to his head and clearly something wrong with the left side of his body

There was an empty bottle of pain potion and what looked to be a vial of skele-gro

Your long haired boyfriend was still decked in his quidditch kit as he took a casual and sloppy seat in the chair beside James’ bed

And Remus roughly patted James’ knee as he moved to stand on the other side of him, leaving you standing at the end of the bed on your own as all three of your boyfriends waited for you to respond.

“No.”

James’ brows furrowed momentarily as he cocked his head to the side as if perhaps your answer would make more sense from a 45 degree angle.

Remus merely offered you a sympathetic smile.

“No?” James parroted.

“No.” You insisted, growing more and more agitated at the nonchalance the boys were showing the current circumstances.

“Not enough action for you, dollface?” Sirius teased.

That apparently had been your last straw.

“Oh fuck off, Sirius.” You hissed, causing the air to be sucked out of your quasi curtain-walled room.

“Hey, easy Y/N…” Remus started, but it was too late.

“What the fuck were you doing out there?” You asked James pointedly, throwing your arm behind you as you gestured in the direction of the quidditch pitch.

“Erm…I was playing quidditch?”

“That was a trick question, babe.” Sirius added rather unhelpfully; smirking at Remus and James.

“This isn’t sodding funny Sirius; he could’ve died!”

“But he didn’t.” Sirius offered with a tone harsher than you were used to hearing from him, though you figured perhaps you deserved it. “As you can clearly see, he’s fine.”

“He’s not fine.” You fumed, gesturing to his current state. “He could have brain damage, he could have broken his neck, he could have-”

“But I didn’t, sweetheart. Listen, I know-”

“No!” You cut James off. “I don’t think you do know. Because you’re sitting here laughing like it’s nothing!”

“Because it is nothing, dovey. Look, I know you’re upset but I think all you needed was to come and see that he was fine, yeah?” Remus tried placatingly, holding his hands up at you as if he were trying to quell a feral cat.

That just made you feel even more angry.

“No, what I need is for him to quit the team.”

James choked on air as Sirius started laughing incredulously.

“Okay, doll; clearly you’re not feeling very well right now. James ‘Quidditch’ Potter, Gryffindor team captain, is not quitting the team.”

“I don’t understand how you can so calmly climb atop a wooden stick and ascend 30-50 feet into the air just to fall like that.” You argued.

“Well, you see, I actually wasn’t supposed to fall. That was sort of the problem.” James started, causing Remus to snicker.

“Stop laughing.” You shouted; horrified when your voice cracked and your sinuses filled painfully.

Unfortunately for you, all three boys caught it.

“Dove…”

“Don’t dove me, Remus. I’m serious - don’t you fucking dare.” You cut yourself off as Sirius opened his mouth.

“Why are you doing this to me?” You pleaded with James.

James very rarely got angry or frustrated with you; he was one of the most easy going people you had ever met in your life and he was always the first to have considered every person’s feelings and sides before participating in discourse.

But you seemed to have found something he was not willing to negotiate about.

“What exactly is it that am I doing to you, Y/N? Because from where I’m standing, I’m the one who’s hurt.”

“James…” Remus started, but much like you had, James cut him off.

“No! I don’t see her getting all worked up about Sirius playing quidditch!”

“Because people in his position are the one’s trying to knock you out of the fucking air!” You argued.

“That is the point of quidditch!” He bellowed back at you.

“Okay, enough.” Sirius barked. “James, relax, it’s alright. She’s just upset.”

You laughed humourlessly as you looked to the sky for patience.

It didn’t come.

“I’m not just ‘upset’. I have spent countless holidays waiting,” You started severely, still looking towards the ceiling as you tried to ward off your tears. “Wondering what kind of state you might be in, how you were being treated. Wondering if-” You choked on a sob and shut your eyes harshly as the first wave of tears fell. “If you’d even come back at all, Sirius.” You finally finished with a laugh that turned into a sob as you finally made eye contact with him.

“Every winter.” You continued. “Every Easter break. And every summer, which were always the hardest because they were the longest and there was no way for me to know.

“And every month I sit and wait and watch and worry and wonder and hope and fear.” You continued, turning your gaze to Remus. “And I will never stop waiting and watching and worrying and wondering and hoping and fearing but-”

Finally, you turned your gaze back towards James. “But to do this willingly, to… I don’t know, to put yourself in harm's way for what? For sport, for fun, for a goof? I…I don’t understand.”

James let out a sad and tired sigh as he looked at you pleadingly. “Look, Y/N, I’m sorry I upset you; I really am.”

“No, no - don’t apologise just because I’m crying.” You argued as you wiped angrily at your face.

“I think it makes sense to be upset, dove. You’re worried; that’s more than fair.” Remus offered; ever the voice of reason.

But the more he discussed your feelings and concerns and not the actual problem - which in your opinion was currently your third boyfriend holed up in a hospital bed - you could feel your temper rising again.

“I can’t do this. I need to go.” You announced before turning on your heel.

“Y/N, wait.” You could hear Sirius start, but you carried on and let the door to the hospital wing shut behind you.

You felt silly.

You were still upset, but you felt silly all the same.

You aren’t sure where you got off demanding James quit the team, but you do wish he would take his health and safety a little more seriously, at least for your sake.

But you hadn’t said that to him.

And you shouldn’t have brought up Sirius’ trauma to push your point across when you had been the one walking into their conversation with an air of hostility about you.

And Remus, poor Remus.

You had no right to bring up his affliction like that; you knew he struggled letting people in for that very reason.

Gods, you were awful.

But you were still upset.

You were awful and upset, which was why you were currently sitting behind the curtains of your four poster bed simply tossing and turning without any hope of ever falling asleep.

Not whilst angry, and not alone.

Before you had much time to think about it, you felt a familiar…scurrying on the side of your bed.

“What in Godric’s fucking name?” You hissed as you pulled your blankets back in a panic to expose a yellow rat looking rather guilty (or, as guilty as a rat could manage to look) with a folded piece of paper in its mouth.

You stared at the rat disbelievingly as it slowly dropped the note beside you before sitting down and looking at you expectantly.

“What?” You asked expressionlessly.

The rat - being a rat - simply looked back down at the note before returning its gaze to you.

“You need me to read that?”

The rat seemed to nod yes.

“Now?” You deadpanned.

Yes.

“Did they pay you for your efforts?”

Yes.

“Tell them to pay you double.” You sighed as you unfolded the note.

I’m sorry, sweet girl.

I shouldn’t have snapped at you, especially when all you were trying to do was care for me.

Please come see me?

I’m sorry.

You could almost hear the desperation in James’ words as you traced your fingers over the xx’s he had signed on the bottom.

You looked down to see the rat was still sitting there.

“For fucks- you’re job is done, Peter. Tell them to pay up.” You muttered in faux contempt as you felt any residual ire melt from your body.

The rat seemed to give you a little pat on the knee with his tiny hand before he scurried off back down the stairs of the girls dormitory.

After washing your face to try to hide any remaining evidence of tears being shed, you stalked towards the boys’ dormitory with your own metaphorical tail between your legs before you paused in front of their door to knock.

Your fist had hardly made contact with the wood before the door was flying open to expose a rather bedraggled looking James.

“Angel.” He breathed out, seemingly simultaneously relieved that you were here and worried about what the next words coming from your mouth would be.

“Jamie.” You sighed, hating the fact that you had just spent time and effort to hide any evidence of previous emotions only for your voice to crack and your eyes to fill with tears immediately.

Thankfully, it seemed James was prepared.

“I’m so sorry.” He breathed out; words muffled from where his lips were pressed into the crown of your head as he pulled you tight against his chest. “I’m so sorry; I should never have shouted at you.”

“I was being unreasonable.” You argued, causing James to make a pleading sound in the back of his throat.

“You weren’t being unreasonable. You were upset and I brushed you off.”

“Can we both be sorry?” You asked as he rubbed his hands up and down your back.

“Only if you can tell me what you did that was so wrong.”

“I should never have asked you to quit.” You whispered; embarrassment flooding you at the mere memory of your demand.

James let out a sigh as he backed up enough to see your face, but not far enough to let you out of his hold.

“I…I think I can understand why, though. I don’t think you would have jumped to that if I had taken my injuries more seriously.”

You let out a noncommittal sound as you pushed your face back into his chest. “I’m still sorry.”

“I would, you know.” He said suddenly.

“Would what?”

“Quit.”

You pulled your head back rather suddenly at that causing a momentary bout of dizziness that even James seemed to notice as he helped you right yourself.

“James ‘Quidditch’ Potter would quit quidditch?” You asked disbelievingly.

“Try saying that five times fast.” Remus chuckled quietly, causing you to turn to find him sitting on the edge of Sirius’ bed with his hand resting atop a rather pitiful looking Padfoot.

“Pads…” You whispered, causing Sirius’ dog form to step off the bed and make his way over to you, nudging your hand with his wet nose. “I’m so sorry for the way I spoke to you; you didn’t deserve that.”

Seemingly appeased that you weren’t about to lash out at him again, your (arguably most) sensitive boyfriend spun back into his human form and stood rather bashfully in front of you. “I completely brushed you off; I would have told me to fuck off too.” He offered as he took one of your hands in his and rubbed his thumb over your knuckles.

“I’m sorry I took all of my anxieties and concerns out on you. None of you deserved it and it’s not your responsibility.” You declared, pointedly looking towards your last boyfriend who you felt arguably most guilty for having accosted earlier.

“I appreciate your apology, dove, but I disagree with part of it.” Remus said as he stood and made his way over to your three. “Your anxieties and concerns are our responsibility; they became our responsibility the second we started dating.”

“And we right fumbled that.” James let out with a breath, causing Sirius to smirk and pinch his good arm.

“I got upset when I didn’t think any of you were taking it seriously, and then got defensive when it felt like you were being flippant with me. I wish I had handled it differently.” You explained, leaning into Remus’ side as he pulled you under his arm.

“I’d say we all could have handled it differently.” Remus decided as the rest of you nodded.

“Next time?” Sirius asked then.

Remus scoffed. “Haven’t you heard, Pads? There won’t be a next time; James is quitting the team.”

James seemed to baulk at that fact before he turned to look at you, face falling forcefully neutral as he took a deep breath.

“Right… yes. If…if that’s what you want.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle at your sweetest boy before jostling his shoulder that had been in a sling.

“Where’d your bandages go?”

He turned slightly bashful before looking towards Remus.

“Erm, well, I had wanted to come find you immediately afterwards, but we thought it might be better to wait until I didn’t look so…hospitalised.”

“What Prongs is trying to say,” Sirius teased as he looked at James with no shortage of love. “Is that the pain potion and skele-gro did their jobs and he’s back in tip top shape for his girl.”

You let out a sigh of faux exhaustion and rolled your eyes. “Well then I suppose I could allow you to continue playing if you promise to be extra careful going forward, and also to cuddle me the whole night after every game?”

“Deal.” He agreed quickly before enveloping you in a hug so big that it picked you up off your feet.

“Oh yeah.” Remus laughed. “He’s right back in tip top shape indeed.”

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ladadiida · 1 year

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𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐢 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐤)

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 as much as you wanted to stay by his side, you couldn't bear the thought of watching him fall in love with other women while you're stuck at the kitchen washing dishes and measuring ingredients. so you dreamt of leaving, of traveling to different islands to share your lovely songs and tunes; but the more your desire to leave grows, the more sanji finds himself drowning in your warmth. or, you and sanji over the years, wherein five times you tried to leave him and the one time you finally did, despite his refusal to let you go.

𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬 musician reader, 5 + 1 things, pining, unrequited love, not actually unrequited love, angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, angst with a happy ending

𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 i swear i cannot escape a brainrot whenever i watch a new show. this automatically wrote itself, i don't even remember how i came up with this idea. anyway, i'm surprised there aren't many sanji fics that involves the unrequited love trope, seeing that it suits him. or maybe that's just me. this is only a SNEAK PEEK though.

𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 full version now published here!

You accepted it years ago.

You accepted the fact that you somehow fell in love with Sanji Vinsmoke along your weird journey of working in a sea restaurant full of former pirates and making music while at it. How the pesky feelings grew and wrapped themselves around your aching heart, you didn't know. Maybe it was when he learned to cook your favorite food and gave it to you afterwards, or the way his crystal blue eyes reminded you of snowflakes every winter.

Or maybe it was when he pulled your hair out of jealousy the moment he learned that Zeff would be taking in another child in his care, but brushed it and even braided it after the latter cleared the misunderstanding. Maybe it was when he supported you in your dreams and told you they weren't silly, maybe it was when he fought off drunk men that were trying to hit on you. Or maybe it was the way his voice would drop an octave lower whenever he asks you for a favor. The list could go on and on and you still wouldn't know the reason why. It doesn't matter anyway. You tripped, you fell, and now you're pining.

Drying off the last of the plates, you washed your own hands after and patted them dry on your skirt. You were the last one to leave the kitchen, the other staff already back in their quarters after a long, exhausting day of cooking. You fixed the signature blue bandana tied in your hair then went on your way towards the upper deck.

You weren't blessed with a talent in cooking, so you offered to do chores instead. Washing the dishes, cleaning the restaurant, and doing the laundry were few of the things you do in the Baratie. You can't say that you enjoy it, but you were beyond grateful that Zeff gave you a chance despite his opposition to let a woman work inside his restaurant.

As you were about to go to the newly laundered clothes you hung on a thin wire earlier that morning, you heard two voices speaking. You also smelled cigarette smoke wafting through the air, and you only knew one person who could be smoking at this hour. Your breath hitched in anticipation.

"You bringing a woman to your bed again, Sanji?" The other person asked playfully, but there was a hint of disbelief in his voice. You carefully took a peek so you won't accidentally reveal yourself and be accused of eavesdropping. Two people came into view with their backs facing you.

"Now, what are you talking about, Patty? I am a gentleman. I only had a nice chat with the lovely lady and escorted her back to her ship." Sanji interjected, a cigarette hanging on his lips.

Patty huffed. "I didn't know that chatting included kiss marks on jawlines."

This caused Sanji to laugh and say, "Not my fault she was charmed by my food."

"The boss man ain't gonna like it when he finds out about this."

"He's not gonna find out." Sanji assured him, wiping off the said kiss mark on his jaw. You stared at him as he did so, and you pitied the woman who planted that kiss, knowing she was just one of the many beautiful ladies Sanji had flirted with before. However, a tinge of pain in your chest said otherwise, taunting you that it was not pity you're feeling, but foul jealousy.

"Why don't you look for more decent women, eh? How about 'little lass' for a change?" Patty suddenly suggested.

It was like someone had hit your stomach with one of the metal pans in the kitchen with the way it lurched in surprise and nervousness. Your heartbeat started to quicken the longer you waited for his response, making your grip on your skirt tighter. In moments like these, you allowed yourself to hope, to wish that he saw something in you and that he finds you beautiful and lovely enough to be the person standing by his side.

But his answer made all that hope crumble down into nothing but dust.

"I don't see her that way." Sanji said after a long stretch of silence, taking a long drag from the cigarette then releasing the smoke in a single breath.

Ah.

You blinked repeatedly, trying to keep the tears from forming. It's always been like this, so why can't you get used to it? Taking a deep breath, you gulped away the knot forming in your throat and decided to leave. You can grab the clothes later.

"You're too kind for him." Someone behind you spoke, making you jump and tense up. Turning around, you saw Zeff looking at you with an unreadable emotion in his eyes and his hands on his hips, almost like he knew your secret. Of course he does. He always sees everything.

You stumbled on your words. "Sir?"

"That boy is always up to something." He began, switching his attention to Sanji. "One minute he's stubbornly immature in the kitchen, and the next he'll be a thirsty man staring at women like they're liquid booze."

Clearing your throat, you forced a smile.

"Well, he can be a lot sometimes." You agreed, remembering the days when the two of you would fight over irrelevant matters. Then you chuckled and continued, "But he's kind. He's gentle, and lovely, like a freshly made poem you keep repeating in your head. But then he's also confusing, hot-headed, and reckless. He's like the sea, isn't he? Calm yet wrapped with mystery, dangerous yet beautiful..."

You trailed off, an unbearable heat rising up your cheeks and neck once you slowly began to realize that you just ranted out your feelings to the head chef. You glanced at him with wide eyes, preparing to see a disgusted look on his face; however, Zeff didn't appear to be repulsed by your little speech. In fact, the corners of his lips were slightly quirked up.

"But I cannot swim. If I were to drown, he wouldn't save me." You quickly added, hoping to shut down the topic.

He sighed. "You will meet someone who deserves you as much as you deserve them, little lass." He simply said. He then laid his hand out, and on his palm was a little box poorly tied with a ribbon. "Here, for you."

Altnough you were a bit confused at the random gift, you accepted it and cradled the box to your chest. "I'll be okay, Zeff." You insisted, grinning cheekily. "When I become famous, I'll sing my songs here in Baratie, and people would flood the restaurant to hear my singing. And to eat your food too, of course."

The head chef nodded, relief flooding his expression. "I look forward to that." He said while awkwardly returning your smile.

That night, when you were sure that everyone in the Baratie was asleep, you opened the loose floorboard on the floors of your bedroom and grabbed the wooden box you kept hidden for a long time now. You opened the lid and began counting the Berry you saved for the past few months.

Tomorrow was the perfect day to leave.

You just can't stay here. Yes, you had a roof over your head, delicious food to eat everyday, and clean clothes to wear but you were so miserable. This wasn't the life you wanted. You wish to go out there, sing your heart out, and fall in love with someone who actually loves you back.

A knock on your door made you freeze. You held your breath as the person on the other side continued to knock a few more times. "You awake?"

Pain surged through your veins, your chest twisting in agony. Sanji.

"You didn't come down for dinner. I guess you're too tired, hmm?" He said, his muffled voice gentle, and the sound almost prompted you to stand up and open the door for him. But you dug your fingernails in your palms and resisted, because you can't just let this opportunity pass by.

You heard a brief clinking sound before Sanji spoke again, "Sweet dreams, ange."

Once his footsteps faded away, you cautiously moved towards your door and opened it as quietly as you can. There, on the floor, was a small plate with a slice of your favorite dessert: angel's food cake, topped with fresh cream and strawberries.

You bent down and saw a note beside the plate. And when you got to read the contents of the note, you burst into tears and sobs that wracked down your entire body.

Happy Birthday

— S.

You ate the cake with tears silently falling down your cheeks, and that was the first time you failed to leave Sanji Vinsmoke.

again, this is only a sneak peek of the actual fic, i'm currently halfway in completing it. please let me know if you want to read it, because i might publish it next week. if not, i'll just drown in sorrow and self-pity.

#opla #opla x reader #opla x y/n #one piece #one piece live action #opla sanji #one piece sanji #sanji #vinsmoke sanji #sanji live action #sanji x reader #sanji x you #sanji x y/n #opla sanji x reader #angst #one piece sanji x reader #ਏਓ ladadiida

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bradshawsbaby · 7 months

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Like Peas in a Pod

Pairing: Bob Floyd x Female Reader

Summary: What happens when two wallflowers find each other?

Word Count: 5.7k

Author’s Note: I admit that this story is extremely self-indulgent. But I have a feeling that a lot of people can relate to what our leading lady goes through, and I hope you can find pieces of yourself in her!

Warnings: Mild angst, social awkwardness, feeling overlooked, alcohol consumption, flirting, fluff.

If you’d had it your way, you would be at home right now, curled up on the couch in a pair of cozy pajamas with a good book and a steaming cup of tea in hand. But instead, your friends had outnumbered you 3-1 and you were currently sitting in the middle of a noisy, crowded bar, the patrons loudly competing with the music that was blaring through the speakers.

“Do we have to go out tonight?” you’d groaned over FaceTime a few hours earlier. “It’s been such a long week. Can’t we just do a wine night and put on some movies?”

“We did that last week!” Shawna argued. “C’mon, I just got my nails done. Don’t let it be for nothing,” she teased, wiggling her manicured fingers in front of the camera.

“Besides,” Kelsey chimed in, “like you said, it has been a long week. We deserve a night out to unwind and treat ourselves.”

“Hopefully we’ll find other people to treat us,” Renee added cheekily, tossing her unruly dark curls over her shoulder as she winked.

“Besides, the girls at work told me this is a really fun bar. Apparently it’s where all the hotties from North Island go after work,” Shawna giggled.

Your former college roommate had just started a new nursing job at Naval Medical Center San Diego, so if anyone was going to know where the hot Navy guys spent their off hours, it would be her.

“It’s settled! We’re going to The Hard Deck, ladies,” Renee grinned, blowing you all a kiss. “Meet at my place at 8 and we’ll Uber over.”

As much as you would have preferred to stay at home tonight, you had to admit that Shawna hadn’t been wrong. From the moment you’d stepped foot inside The Hard Deck, you’d been amazed at the sheer number of attractive men crowding the space. You certainly never found men like this when you hit the bars downtown.

Renee, ever the mastermind when it came to scoping out the most advantageous situations, quickly managed to grab your group a table smack in the middle of the room. It had an excellent vantage point that not only made you most visible to the bar’s patrons, but also gave you a perfect view of the pool table, the dart boards, and the bar all at once.

“Cheers, ladies!” Kelsey exclaimed once you were all seated with your first round of drinks. “And a special toast to Shawna for telling us about this place!” she added with a grin, holding up her glass of hard cider.

The rest of you held up your drinks—Renee had opted for a bottle of Coors, Shawna had gone with an IPA, and you had chosen a High Noon—and clinked them together with a celebratory “Cheers!”

“Tonight’s the night that you’re finally going to find yourself a man,” Shawna told you, turning to you and playfully poking you in the side.

“Yes, it is!” Renee nodded in agreement, winking at you from across the table as she took a sip of her beer.

“Take your pick, babe,” Kelsey added, waving her hand to encompass the whole bar. “I’ve literally never seen so many gorgeous guys all in one place. And in uniform, too!”

You felt the back of your neck prickling and your skin growing warm at your friends’ expectant stares, a weak smile gracing your lips as you took a sip of your drink. It always ended up being like this. You loved your friends, and you knew they meant well, but they had no idea what it was like to be in your shoes.

The four of you had been best friends since college, despite the fact that you couldn’t have been more different from one another if you tried. Kelsey always joked that your four personalities combined helped to balance each other out.

Despite their differences in looks, style, and demeanor, Shawna, Renee, and Kelsey did all have one thing in common that you had never seemed to possess—the ability to turn men’s heads no matter where they were.

Shawna had the perfectly sweet girl-next-door vibe going on. With her strawberry blonde locks, big blue eyes, dusting of freckles, and curvy figure, she always attracted guys like bees to a flower.

At any given time, Kelsey looked like she had just walked off the runway. Even in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, she managed to look chic. With her tall, willowy figure, sleek dark brown bob, almond-shaped eyes, and lips that never needed lipstick, she had men drooling all over her.

Arguably the most exuberant member of the group was Renee, who had been a firecracker for as long as you had known her. The only thing bigger than her laugh was her smile, and she had the most gorgeous ebony curls that contrasted perfectly with her cinnamon-colored skin. Paired with her petite figure, she drew men in like moths to a flame.

And then there was you. Quiet, shy, bookish you. Throughout college, people had often commented that you seemed like the most grounded out of all your friends, but you knew what that really meant. You were boring. And you knew what people were really trying to say—how had you become friends with such fun-loving girls?

You loved your friends more than anything, and you were grateful for the ways they’d helped you come out of your shell since college. But you’d be lying if you said going out to bars with them wasn’t challenging at times.

They all knew how to light up a room, how to flirt and talk to random strangers and get phone numbers from the hottest men you’d ever seen. You—didn’t know how to do any of that.

You’d tried over the years, you really had. Mainly at the girls’ insistence. You made an effort to flirt with the guys they introduced you to, or strike up conversations with random cuties at your favorite coffee shop, but it never seemed to work for you the way that it did for your friends. And guys never approached you the way they did Shawna and Kelsey and Renee.

The most painful experience had been a couple months ago, when a guy had come up to you while you were waiting to order a drink, smiling and chatting in a way that had you thinking he was interested. Your heart had soared inside your chest, only to crash a few moments later when he asked, “So, is your friend single?” while pointing at Kelsey.

You hadn’t told any of your friends about that encounter. You knew they’d just feel bad and you didn’t want them to. They were desperate to find somebody for you, and you didn’t have the heart to tell them that you’d given up hoping for that a long time ago. They just wouldn’t understand. They went on dates all the time. You were just the one guys approached to inquire after their relationship statuses.

“Don’t give us that look,” Renee told you, shaking her head and pointing an accusatory finger at you as you attempted to slink down in your seat. “You look hot tonight, and you need to show it off!”

“You do,” Shawna nodded vehemently, nudging you in the side again until you sat up straight. “I love that top.”

“See? I told you it was a solid purchase,” Kelsey winked, as she had been the one to convince you to buy the top in question when the two of you had gone shopping a couple weeks ago.

Despite your lack of hopefulness, you had put a good deal of effort into your appearance tonight. You couldn’t help it. A bar full of hot guys in sexy uniforms? You’d be crazy not to try. You’d spent over an hour on your hair and make-up, and had decided to finally take the tags off the top Kelsey had convinced you to buy. The neckline flattered your figure and hugged your body in all the right places. You’d coupled it with a pair of high-waisted jeans and strappy sandals to show off your pedicure. Even you had to admit that you looked good, but you still hadn’t seemed to catch the eye of any guy in the bar.

“Let’s just enjoy the night and focus on us,” you said, trying to deflect your friends’ intense attention. “If anybody else happens to come along, then so be it.”

The girls all shot you dissatisfied looks, but didn’t push the point any further. Shawna started regaling you all with stories from her new job, which allowed you to let out a soft sigh of relief.

As the night went on, you tried your best not to grow discouraged, but it was getting harder and harder. Countless guys had passed by your table, stopping to flirt with Renee or Kelsey or Shawna, or even all three, but their eyes skipped over you like you were invisible. Whenever your friends tried to direct their attention your way, they smiled politely before instantly turning back to the actual objects of their attraction. Every time you got up to use the bathroom or order another round at the bar, you attempted to smile and make eye contact and appear open and interested, all the things your friends had been telling you to do for years, but none of it worked.

At that point, all you wanted to do was go home, put on your pajamas, and live vicariously through a good rom com.

You were about to tell your friends that you were going to get going when one of the bartenders—if you’d heard correctly earlier, she might have been the owner—approached your table with a tray full of drinks, a smile gracing her lovely face.

“Ladies, these are for you,” she said, setting down a cider for Kelsey, a Coors for Renee, an IPA for Shawna, and a High Noon for you.

“Oh,” Shawna said, her blue eyes widening in surprise. “I think there might have been a mistake. We didn’t order another round, did we?” she asked, looking at the rest of you.

“Not that we won’t take them,” Renee chimed in with that bright laugh of hers.

The woman smiled at the four of you. “No mistake. These drinks are compliments of the group over there,” she chuckled, pointing at a group of officers clustered around the pool table.

The four of you turned your gazes in the direction she was pointing, your friends letting out various sounds of delighted surprise when they realized the men in question looked as though they had just been featured on the cover of Men’s Health magazine.

“Oh, we’ll definitely take them!” Renee beamed, flipping her dark curls over her shoulder.

“Thank you,” Kelsey grinned up at the older woman gratefully.

“Of course,” she nodded, tucking her empty tray under her arm. She leaned in a little closer with a conspiratorial smile and whispered, “I’ll vouch for the fact that they’re good guys. But if they act like idiots, just come find me. My name is Penny.”

“Thanks, Penny,” Shawna giggled, reaching for her new drink. “We owe you one!”

Penny winked at you before heading back to the bar, which was surrounded by thirsty customers. Business was booming. If Penny was the owner as you suspected, then she must have been doing quite well.

“Should we go thank them for the drinks?” Shawna grinned, chewing on her lower lip as she glanced in the direction of the handsome officers at the pool table.

“Not yet,” Renee decided, smirking mischievously. “We’ll let them sweat it out a little bit first.”

“Renee!” Kelsey laughed, lightly smacking her on the arm.

“What? You know it’ll work. They’ll be eating out of the palms of our hands,” Renee grinned, taking a hearty sip of her Coors.

“They look cute,” you ventured, though your palms were already sweating at the thought of approaching them. You highly doubted any of them would be eating out of your clammy palms.

Clearly you shouldn’t have said anything, because suddenly all three of your friends were pouncing on you like ravenous wolves.

“Which one do you think is the cutest?”

“Do you see one you like?”

“Claim one now before we get over there!”

Their words loudly overlapped one another, to the point that you had to resist the urge to cover your ears with your hands.

“I—I—I don’t know!” you exclaimed, feeling your skin grow warm with embarrassment. You hated being the center of attention. “I just meant—I mean, they look cute for you guys.”

“Um, last I checked, you were just as single as the rest of us. Why wouldn’t they be cute for you, too?” Kelsey demanded, raising one of her perfectly waxed eyebrows.

“Please, you guys, let’s just drop it. I’m probably going to start heading home soon anyway,” you told them, sliding down in your seat and wishing the ground would swallow you whole.

“What? No, you can’t!” Renee and Shawna practically cried in unison.

“C’mon, we’ll go over to them now,” Renee decided, grabbing her drink and her purse. “You can’t leave yet,” she insisted.

Kelsey and Shawna nodded, grabbing their things and following suit, nearly having to drag you out of your seat to get you to come with them.

“Well, well, well, fellas,” smirked a blonde-headed officer as the four of you approached the pool table. “Looks like our little gift didn’t go unnoticed after all.”

Glancing down quickly, you spotted the name printed on his nameplate—Seresin. He was extremely handsome in that clean-cut, All-American way, with his perfectly coiffed blonde hair, sparkling green eyes, and charming smile.

Renee, who always ended up being your group’s fearless leader, smirked in return as she stepped to the head of the pack. “Well, well, well, ladies. Looks like the guys who sent us those drinks aren’t half bad after all,” she said, resting a hand on her hip as she gazed up at the blonde man, challenge twinkling in her dark eyes. “Even if they weren’t brave enough to come bring us the drinks themselves.”

Kelsey and Shawna stood on either side of her, giggling softly, while you hung near the back, staring down at your feet as your cheeks burned hot.

“Most of us aren’t half bad. I can’t speak for Hangman here,” another voice piped up, deep and gravelly. You could sense, rather than see, Kelsey’s ears pricking up at the sound.

Glancing up, you saw another handsome man standing before you, looking every inch Kelsey’s type with his sunkissed brown hair, broad shoulders, tanned skin, and easygoing smile. If you knew Kelsey, you knew she was already imagining what that mustache would feel like against her lips. You clocked his nameplate as well—Bradshaw.

“Hangman?” Renee asked coquettishly, quirking an eyebrow as she glanced between the two men.

“My callsign,” the blonde cut in smoothly, pool cue still in hand. It was clear that while he and Bradshaw might be buddies, there was still a sense of competition between the two.

“Ah, callsigns. You’re fighter pilots,” Shawna commented, grinning knowingly. Thank goodness for her job at NMCSD. She was much more in the know than any of the rest of you.

“Not just any fighter pilots. The best fighter pilots,” came another voice from the other side of the pool table. When Hangman stepped to the side, you saw it belonged to a guy whose jawline looked like it could cut glass and whose smile could melt butter. His nameplate read Machado.

“Oh, yeah?” Kelsey asked, crossing her arms over her chest. “And who determines that?”

“The Navy,” Bradshaw replied smoothly, stepping a little closer to your statuesque friend. “We’re all TOPGUN graduates. The top 1%.”

“Hmm, and humble, too,” Kelsey laughed, delicately resting her hand on his arm as she did so. “So what’s your callsign then?”

“Rooster,” the mustached man told her, chest puffing out with pride. “But I’m being awfully rude. I didn’t catch your name,” he said, holding out his large hand.

“Kelsey,” she replied, her dark eyes twinkling as she slipped her hand into his.

You watched as, almost instantly, your friends partnered off quite naturally with the handsome aviators. Renee and Hangman were already bickering about the best way to sink the 8 ball, Kelsey and Rooster were talking about music near the window, and Shawna was flirting up a storm with Machado, whose callsign turned out to be Coyote.

Your stomach sank as you realized that you were suddenly on your own. As usual. Not that you resented your friends getting to flirt with cute guys. You always cheered them on when they met someone new, and you were always there to celebrate with them. You just wished that, for once, they had a reason to celebrate with you.

Glancing around, you saw that there were several other officers hanging around the pool table, though most of them seemed to be engrossed in their own conversations. No one was paying you any mind. And suddenly you felt like crying.

What was wrong with you? Was there something about you that just naturally repelled handsome men? Your friends were constantly telling you how beautiful you were, but that was hard to believe when you were the only one who never got hit on, never got asked out, never felt special or seen by anybody.

It was time to go home. You could feel the tears stinging the backs of your eyes, and the last thing you needed was to start bawling in the middle of a Navy bar. No one would notice if you just slipped away. You’d text your friends in the Uber and ask them to let you know how the rest of their night went. It always ended up being like this, and you weren’t sure why you had thought tonight would be any different.

Silently leaving your drink on the table with your friends’ things, you turned and began snaking your way through the crowd, trying to get to the bar so that you could close out your tab. Before you could get there, however, someone bumped into you from behind, sending your purse flying out of your hands.

Sighing softly, you dropped down to your hands and knees, praying you wouldn’t get stomped on as you tried to reach for it. Just as your hand was hovering over it, however, a much larger hand closed down around it and lifted it up.

Before you could shout for help, that same hand was hovering in front of your face, silently offering to help you up off the sticky bar floor. You lifted your head and your heart skipped a beat at the man who was gazing down at you. He had sandy brown hair, big blue eyes magnified behind a pair of military-issued glasses, and ruddy cheeks, an uncertain smile on his handsome face.

Wordlessly, you took his hand and allowed him to pull you back up to your feet. He was even taller than you had originally thought from your position down on the ground.

“Are you alright?” he asked loudly, trying to be heard over the din of the crowd.

“Yes,” you yelled back, nodding your head on the off-chance he hadn’t heard you. “Thank you,” you added.

“I’m guessing you were looking for this?” he went on, holding up your purse in his other hand.

You nodded again, accepting your bag with a grateful smile. “I guess I’m just a klutz,” you told him sheepishly, the realization dawning that this man had literally just witnessed you crawling on a grimy bar floor.

He smiled in response, which only made him look all the more handsome. “It wasn’t your fault,” he said, shaking his head. “Someone bumped into you.”

He had seen that? Had he actually been paying attention to you? Or did he just happen to be nearby?

“Well, thank you. I appreciate it,” you murmured, nervously fiddling with one of your bracelets as you glanced over at the bar.

He followed your gaze, his expression conflicted. “Well I don’t want to hold you up,” he told you, sounding vaguely disappointed.

Your head whipped back in his direction. “Oh, no! I mean, you’re not. I was just trying to get to the bar to close my tab.”

Were you losing your mind or did he really look disappointed now?

“Oh, you’re leaving?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder. “I, um, I thought I saw you with the girls who were hanging out with my friends,” he explained, indicating the group at the pool table with his thumb.

He was a part of that group? Was this a sign that maybe you shouldn’t leave after all?

“Oh, um, yeah,” you nodded, chewing on your bottom lip as you tried to think of what to say. “I just, um…well, it’s kind of loud in here and I just…” Your sentence trailed off as you realized how lame you sounded.

“Would you like to maybe go outside for a minute?” he suggested. When you hesitated, he stammered, “I mean, of course you don’t have to. I’m sorry. I mean, obviously you just want to get out of here and I’m—”

“No,” you cut him off, briefly brushing your fingers against his arm. “I mean, I would like that,” you clarified with a shy smile.

“Oh,” he blinked, looking a little surprised. But then he brightened instantly, his bright blue eyes shining as he smiled at you in return. “I’m Bob, by the way. Bob Floyd,” he introduced himself, holding out his hand to you.

Slipping your hand into his, you smiled wider as you told him your name, beaming when he repeated it back to you and told you it was pretty.

“So do you have a callsign, too, Bob?” you asked curiously as he led you through the crowd and towards one of the back doors that faced the beach. “Your friends were telling me and my friends their callsigns earlier.”

“Oh, um, yeah,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck as he held open the door that led to a little back patio with picnic tables. It was relatively empty, except for a few people hanging out in the sand. “My callsign is Bob. Original, I know,” he said with a self-deprecating laugh, as if he was used to being made fun of for it.

In that instant, you felt a deep sense of connectedness to him that you couldn’t explain. Maybe it was the way he ducked his head and averted his gaze, like he was trying to hide, or the way he nervously shoved his glasses up the bridge of his nose, but you were suddenly certain that no one understood what it felt like to be in your shoes more than he did. To be overlooked, forgotten, underestimated. To be uncomfortable in your own skin because you were so certain you were never going to be enough for people.

“I like it,” you told him with a smile.

“Thank you,” he replied sincerely, looking caught off guard and surprised by your words once again.

The two of you wandered over to one of the picnic tables and took seats opposite each other, the fairy lights strung up outside illuminating his features as he gazed at you.

“Is this your first time at The Hard Deck?” he asked curiously, resting his elbows on the table. “I feel like I’d remember seeing you.”

You bit down on your lower lip to hide your smile, his words warming you from the inside out. “It is, actually. It was my friend Shawna’s idea to come tonight. She just recently started working at NMCSD and some of her co-workers told her this was a good spot.”

“It is,” Bob nodded, smiling at you. “Penny Benjamin, the owner, is a good woman and she always makes sure to look out for us.”

“I’m guessing this is a regular spot for you guys then?” you questioned, glancing up and spotting your friends through one of the windows. They looked like they were still having a good time with the aviators they’d found.

“Pretty much, yeah,” he chuckled. “It’s been almost a year since I’ve been back in San Diego. I was at TOPGUN a few years ago, then got stationed at Lemoore, then got called back to TOPGUN last October for a special mission, then got asked to stay on permanently with my new squadron. The Hard Deck has become like a second home,” he joked.

You laughed softly, charmed by the way he told you the story without a trace of arrogance or conceit. Clearly, he was one of the Navy’s best pilots if he had been called to TOPGUN not once, but twice, but he wasn’t bragging or boasting. He was just stating the facts.

As if he could read your mind, Bob explained, “I’m actually not a pilot. I’m a Weapons Systems Officer. I ride in the rear of the jet and deal with navigation and operating the aircraft system. I wanted to be a pilot when I was young, but my vision’s always been a problem. I’m proud to be a WSO though. And I have a great partner.”

“I think that sounds really impressive,” you told him honestly, reaching out and resting your hand over his. “I’m sure that takes a tremendous amount of skill and talent. If it was up to me, we’d never make it off the ground,” you grinned.

Bob smiled in return. “I’m sure you’d get the hang of it real quick. You seem really smart,” he said, the tips of his ears turning red as he ducked his head slightly. “So, uh, what do you do?”

“I’m a teacher,” you replied. “I teach history to middle schoolers.”

“Now that’s something I’m sure takes a tremendous amount of skill and talent. Just the thought of middle schoolers terrifies me,” he admitted, which made both of you laugh. “And history, too, huh? I love history. It was always my favorite subject in school.”

“Really?” you asked excitedly. It was rare that you found someone who enjoyed geeking out over history as much as you did.

“Absolutely. If I hadn’t gone into the Navy, I would have loved working in a museum or something. Maybe being a teacher, but like I said—middle schoolers terrify me,” he grinned, his eyes crinkling.

“There’s always high school,” you pointed out with a smile.

“Even worse!” he exclaimed, which made you dissolve into a fit of giggles.

The two of you sat in companionable silence for a few moments, taking in the sound of the ocean waves and the faint trickle of music coming from inside the bar.

“Is that a piano?” you asked when the sound of the music registered in your ears.

“Sounds like Rooster is already trying to show off to your friend,” Bob teased, glancing over his shoulder as the door opened and a small group of rowdy sailors made their way outside.

“Trust me, Kelsey is probably eating it all up right now,” you assured him with a knowing look.

“My friends are very smooth with the ladies, but they’re also good guys, I promise. Your friends are in good hands,” he told you.

“It’s funny, Penny told us the same thing earlier,” you said.

“Ah, well, no one’s more trustworthy than Penny,” Bob smiled.

You nodded and the two of you sat in silence once again. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, however. You didn’t feel the need to fill it with awkward chatter. You were more than happy to just sit there with him, enjoying the cool evening air and listening to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

Bob looked like something was on his mind, like he wanted to say something, but was holding back. When you met his eyes and cocked your head to the side curiously, however, he seemed to come to a decision.

“Why were you going to leave?”

You were a little taken aback by his question and immediately dropped your gaze to your lap, fiddling with the strap of your purse and trying to figure out how to answer his question in a way that didn’t make you sound completely pathetic.

“I’m sorry, that’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked that,” Bob chastised himself, shaking his head. “Please, just forget it.”

“No, um, it’s okay,” you reassured him, clearing your throat slightly. You suddenly wished you had thought to grab a cup of water before coming outside. “Um, I guess I just realized that my friends were really hitting it off with your friends, and I didn’t see any point in sticking around any longer.”

Bob seemed troubled by your response, a small crease appearing between his brows. “Wasn’t there anybody for you to talk to?”

You turned your face away in embarrassment. Things had been going so well. You didn’t want Bob to know what a wallflower you truly were.

“Um, no, not really. My friends are the ones guys usually want to talk to,” you admitted quietly, your voice nearly drowned out by the wind. Your mouth felt so dry, and your hands were sweaty as you wiped them against your jeans.

Bob fully frowned at that. “Guys should be lined up out the door to talk to you,” he said softly, his voice serious.

“That’s sweet of you to say,” you murmured, staring down at the table instead of meeting his eyes.

“I’m not just saying it,” Bob insisted, his tone so urgent that it actually caused you to lift your head up to look at him. “You’re sweet and kind and funny and smart and so beautiful. Guys would have to be insane not to want to talk to you. I’m honestly shocked you’re out here talking to me of all people.”

“Don’t say that,” you begged him, your heart hurting to think that other women didn’t appreciate the wonderful man sitting before you.

“I know that I’m not like my friends,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck as he blushed furiously. “I know I’m not the kind of guy that girls want to talk to. So I know what it’s like to feel like you could just disappear in a place like this and nobody would notice. I hate that you feel that way, too.”

Your breath caught in your throat at his words. You had never met anyone before who seemed to know your thoughts so clearly, who could read your mind and understand everything you were feeling.

“Bob,” you breathed out, reaching across the table and clasping one of his hands between both of yours. “I think you’re a terrific guy. And the girls who can’t see that? It’s their loss.”

He smiled at that, his gaze fixed on your face as he rested his free hand over yours, brushing your knuckles with his thumb. “I’m really glad you didn’t leave.”

“I’m really glad you asked me to stay.”

He said nothing in response, just held your hand tighter as his blue eyes bore into yours, as if he was reading the very depths of your soul.

The air hung thick with tension as the two of you stared at one another, leaning in closer and closer until your lips had no choice but to meet, his mouth firm, but gentle as it closed over yours.

It was soft and sweet and chaste, but when the two of you pulled back, you were both stammering and blushing like a couple of schoolchildren.

The stillness of the moment was broken a moment later when your friends shoved open the door and spilled out onto the back patio.

“There you are!” Renee exclaimed, hands on her hips as she did her best impression of your mother. “You had us scared half to death!”

“I told you she was fine,” Shawna insisted, rolling her eyes and mouthing ‘Sorry!’ to you.

“See? Nothing to be worried about,” Kelsey added. “She’s with…” She let her sentence trail off, shooting you a look to make quick introductions.

“Um, Bob! This is Bob,” you quickly supplied, squeezing his hand and shooting him an apologetic look.

“She’s with Bob!” Kelsey said, poking Renee in the side.

“Floyd, there you are! We were wondering where the hell you got off to,” Hangman said, joining your group and wrapping an arm around Renee’s waist.

“I guess they did notice we disappeared after all,” you whispered to Bob with a knowing smile.

“Of course we did!” Kelsey butted in, smiling when Rooster stepped up behind her and slipped his hand into hers.

“We were all going to head back to my place for a midnight swim,” Shawna explained, beaming up at Coyote. Your friend’s apartment complex was the only one that had a pool, and her landlord was cool enough to allow residents to use it whenever they wanted, so long as they were mindful of the noise. “Invite your friend!”

Your cheeks grew warm as everyone stared at you expectantly. “Um, Bob, would you like to come swimming with us?”

“I’d love to,” Bob grinned, his eyes fixed on you and only you.

Your friends clapped and cheered, which made your cheeks grow all the hotter.

“C’mon, let’s go close our tabs. Jake’s paying for the Ubers,” Renee smirked, patting the blonde’s chest as she gazed up at him.

“Aww, thanks, Jake,” Coyote grinned, smacking his friend on the shoulder as he and Shawna headed back inside.

“Owe you one, man,” Rooster nodded, leading Kelsey back into the bar.

“Hey, wait a second—”

“That’s what you get for losing two rounds of pool,” Renee teased, planting a kiss on his cheek before dragging him back inside.

Once you and Bob were left alone in the blessed silence once more, you looked at each other and couldn’t help but crack up laughing.

“I think your friends have really met their matches in my friends,” you told him playfully, gathering your things and rising from the picnic table.

“I think so,” Bob nodded, rising as well. “But I think I really met my match in you.”

Smiling, you slipped your hand into his and beamed up at him. “I couldn’t agree more.”

And as you walked out of The Hard Deck hand-in-hand with Bob, catching the victorious looks and playful winks your friends were shooting your way, you found yourself very grateful for all the times it had never worked out for you before this. Because you were certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that Bob Floyd had been worth waiting for.

#robert bob floyd #bob floyd #bob floyd x reader #x reader #x female reader #top gun #top gun: maverick #lewis pullman

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diejager · 7 months

Note

Imagine that the hybrid 141 was getting a teammate and that teammate was a hybrid and Laswell wanted it to be a surprise for the team what they are as in hybrid was and soon as they get off the aircraft and onto the tarmac, the boys realize that they’re with another dragon hybrid and her “heat” would be soon upon her (dark blue in to black better for stealth or, whatever you prefer, she also has her wings) how would the boys handle that you can take the story anyway you want

This… I might make it self-indulging because this idea has been clawing at the back of my mind for a long while. Cw: mating/heat cycle, fire/water magic, tell me if I missed any.

Laswell had Price wait for the surprise she had planned, the secret she kept from them when they received your file. It had all he asked for in attributes and skills, but all things personal that should have been on it were scratched out in black. He was told that it was a need to know basis, your name, age or species wouldn’t be divulged unless you told them yourself. He knew you from words from mouth to ear, ad read of your skill and efficiently but nothing he heard and found told him an ounce about you as a person. Your character was a mystery he died to know.

So when he got word from Laswell that your ETA was just over half an hour, he had the boys reconvene to the airstrip, watching the aircraft carrying you land not too far from them, the rotors slowing to a steady thrum. The anticipation that bubble din his chest made this moment crawl at a snail’s pace, the ramp lowering too slowly for his liking and the droning sound of the aircraft’s irking his ears. Then, seconds after the ramp fully dropped, he caught sight of blue horns, tines growing from a singular robust beam, segmented like those of a scale. Your head, covered by a custom made helmet to let your antlers peek out and sit comfortably on your head (at least you wore something, unlike his constant frustration with finding one that wouldn’t bother his horns), followed after you walked out, decked in your gear and a bag slung over your shoulders.

You weren’t what he was expecting, not exactly. He read that you had a masterful experience in hydromancy, stealing water from the air and humidity and contorting it to cause havoc in the field and cutting through the enemy. He and the others shared their theories, one possibility made you into a water witch, a leviathan, or one of those creepy monsters from the deep sea. Not what… whatever you were. You had elk-like horns painted in the deepest blue he’d ever seen and a tail covered in scales of the same shade, glistening under the light like it was wet with tufts of hair - or was it fur? - crawling down the base of your fourth limb to create a silky and soft end with long, slowing locks.

What were you? What was that smell? It got sweeter the closer you got, a softness that clung to his nose and made him salivate. He wondered how strong it must be for the Soap and König who’s noses were more enhanced and sensitive than any others, they’d probably sniff the source - you - out and answer his undying question.

“Captain Price,” you nodded your head, a small smile gracing your lips, your slitted eyes narrowed in greeting, “Hope I didn’t make you wait too long.”

That sweetness lingered around you and stuck to his hand when you shook hands, giving him a firm shake and stronger grip that he could admire for the strength you showed. Had you face been as bright as it was a few seconds before? Perhaps it was the musk that oozed off you, it was uneasily addicting and pleasing to his lizard brain, slowly moving the cogs of hos old machine. He watched you take a step back, making some distance between his Task Force and you, and his mind got clearer, nose less stuffy and cheeks wash away the slight flush. Then it hit him, the sweetness, the dazed perception of you and the growing need in his body, he was reacting to you.

“Sorry, I was told I’d be off for the week once I landed,” you cocked your head, sharing an apologetic smile, “My cycle follows the Lunar year.”

Ah, everything made more sense now, the gracefulness of your beautiful tail, the glistening of your scales and the sharpness of your horns. He had agreed to welcome another dragon to his Task Force, he was fortunate that Asian dragons were calmer and benevolent than his European counterpart.

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#x reader #cod mw2 #cod mw2 x reader #captain price #price x reader #mw2 ghost #soap mw2 #gaz mw2 #konig mw2 #horangi mw2 #alejandro vargas #rudy parra #Dragon!reader #monster 141 #monster cod au #monster 141 au #task force 141 x reader #task force 141 #kortac

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0mg-bird · 2 months

Note

i would love it if you wrote anything with a shy reader and bob, but no pressure!

Two shy characters? I love it.

Shy Reader x B. Floyd

Summary: At the Navy bar your friends drag you to, you come across an aviator who isn’t like the rest of them.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, fluff!, Bob is so cute I wanna put him in my pocket even though I know he’s a grown man.

A/n: I did something a little different than my Jake story, hope you don’t hate it <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I really wish we could have just stayed at the restaurant.” You awkwardly laugh as your friends, Ashley and Steff, pull you along with them.

“Oh come on, it’s my birthday so we’re going to get drunk and find a soldier to take home. One for each of us.” Steff says, already slightly tipsy from dinner.

You hide your frown, adjusting your curled hair and fiddle with your top.

You’ve never been into the Hard Deck, that’s what starts off your unsureness. You weren’t one for public outings, you enjoyed the company of your friends but they were always more adventurous than you.

There’s music playing and lots of people mingling, you’re practically hiding behind Ashley, following the two through the bar.

“You need a drink, you’re too stiff.” Ash says as the three of you sit at the bar.

“I’m always this stiff.” You reply, sitting on your stool. “Well, let’s fix that.” Steff giggles before ordering three drinks.

You chat and your anxious feelings subside, as soon as you get to thinking that bar scene really isn’t that bad, you hit a curve.

“God, they’re all so gorgeous.” Ash practically moans and you follow her line of sight to the group of uniforms behind you. They’re all playing pool and talking, all clad in tan and name badges.

“I like…that one- no! Him, yes, the tall one.” Steff bites her straw, motioning to a dirty blond with broad shoulders and great biceps.

Ash hums in agreement. “I like him too.”

“Well it’s my birthday so pick again.”

They have the argument for another minute or so, then as you finally dissociate from them, they’re telling you they’re going to go say hi.

“What? No just stay here…please?” You beg, not wanting to be left alone.

“We’ll be right back, I swear.” Steff says, kissing your cheek. “Have another drink and you’ll be fine.”

You groan and rub her lipstick off your face, then turn to the woman behind the bar. “I’ll have another Long Island, put it on the party girl’s tab.”

She smiles. “Coming right up.”

You blow out a puff of air, then look around. You must look awkward, sitting by yourself, not chatting like everyone else. When your drink comes, you look sip on your straw and look over your shoulder to see if your friends have gotten any farther with the guys they’re talking to. You smile at the way Steff is feeling her guy up, as you go to glance away, something catches your eye.

Someone.

He’s sitting on a stool, not fully engaged with the rest of the squad. As your eyes catch his stare, he looks away for a moment, then looks back.

A genuine smile he gives you, and then it’s your turn to slightly smile and look away.

Bob’s eyes keep shifting to your seated position across from him, and by the third time of his drifting off, Phoenix is onto his game.

“Are you gonna sit here like an idiot all night or are you going to talk to her?” She asks.

“What? I don’t know what-”

She rolls her eyes. “You’ve been staring at her like a puppy for twenty minutes. Go talk to her.”

The thought of approaching you seemed like a death wish. You were gorgeous, and any other previous times he’s approached a gorgeous girl, it ended with some sort of question about what Hangman was up to.

“No, she looks busy.” He says, looking back to the sunflower seeds in his cup.

“Busy doing what? Stirring the ice in her drink? That girl is bored out of her mind, Bob, go put her out of her misery.” She has a demanding tone that makes him stand, still unsure.

“What’s he doing?” Fanboy asks, noticing the way Bob slowly inches forward. “He’s gonna go talk to the girl he’s been ogling for too long.” Phoenix says.

“You go Bob!” Payback encourages, really just joking.

“Get me a beer while you’re at it!” Fanboy calls.

“Me too!” Phoenix and Payback add.

He walks with hesitation instead of determination, the entire time he thinks it’s a ridiculous idea.

He stops at the spot beside you. “Penny, can I get three beers?”

By his sudden presence, you startle, slightly jumping in your seat.

“Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to scare yuh.” He apologizes. You’re more beautiful up close, timid as you tell him it was okay.

“Why’re you sitting alone? If you don’t mind me asking?” He asks and you bite your lower lip, fighting a smile. “My friends are busy groping your friends over there.” You joke.

“Makes sense. You’re not a fan of their antics?”

You shake your head, nose scrunching. Bob takes in a small breath. “Well, I think it’s a real shame that you’re sitting alone. Why don’t you go back to your friends?”

You like his accent, it feels southern but you aren’t sure.

“Really, I’m fine. I’m not exactly a fan of the attention being on me.” You admit.

As Penny places three beer bottles in front of him, he grabs them up. “I think you should join me.” He rushes out, his tone just as surprised as you are.

“Join you?” You ask, looking to the group. Two guys are shoving each other back and forth, seeing who will fall over first. You’re not satisfied with the idea of involving yourself with that. “I think I’ll just wait for my friends to come back.”

He takes a seat beside you. “Can I join you then?”

No guy has ever been so persistent with you before, you’re not sure what to do. You look at his name tag.

“Okay, Floyd, you can stay but I’m kind of boring.”

He shakes his head. “I find that hard to believe and uh, you can call me Bob, everyone else does.”

Having him up close, you recognize how handsome he really is. Not the obnoxiously attractive that the rest of his crew is, he’s more reserved. You like that. His glasses are quirky and different, making him look all the better.

“I’d hate to keep you from your friends, Bobby.”

No one’s ever called him Bobby before, the way it sounds coming off your lips is addicting.

“Trust me, you’re doing me a favor.” He jokes. “You got a name?”

You look at your shoes and tell him. When he tries it out, you blush.

“I like that name.” He compliments.

“I think it’s kind of boring:”

“It’s not boring.”

You like the way he’s being so kind, most guys would have tried a pick up line by now, but Bob sits with utter curiosity in his eyes.

“So, you from here?” You ask, sucking on your straw.

“No, I’ve lived in Lemoore for a while but I’m stationed here until further notice. I grew up in Kentucky actually, then I joined the Navy and haven’t really been back.” He explains, watching the way you rest an elbow in the bar, then lean your head on your hand. “What about you? Are you from here?”

You shake your head. “No, I’m from up North actually. But I went to school down here and fell in love with it so here I am.”

The two of you are quickly immersed in conversation about childhood and travel and Bob watches you come out of your shell.

“You don’t want anything?” You asked, motioning to the bar.

“I don’t drink.” He explains, though he’s distracted by Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin who suddenly is crowding your space.

“Excuse me, is this guy bothering you?” He asks, joking around with Bob.

“Don’t you have a blonde to attend to, Bagman?” Bob questions, making the man drop his smile.

“I’m getting her a drink, her friend too.” He says before ordering two vodka sodas. He looks back at you. “Your party girlfriends are wanting you to join them.”

As you open your mouth to respond, a shout comes from the group. “Bob! What happened to the beers?”

Bob groans, then stands to gather the beers that have been sitting for twenty minutes. “I should get back to it.” He tells you with a smile, walking away.

You look around, confused. Maybe you put him off, maybe you gave the wrong signals. You grab your drink, finishing it quickly, and before you can second guess yourself, you follow after him.

As your presence is recognized, the crew halts in conversation.

This was a bad idea. You could turn back, it wasn’t too late.

As you go to do just that, Bob speaks. “Hi again.”

He’s motioning to the stool he was going to sit on, offering it to you instead.

You slowly sit, deciding on being brave.

You’re introduced to the rest of the group, and as you remember why you didn’t want to be around the guys your friends wanted to, Bob is there, talking to you so the others couldn’t. There’s plenty of jokes made that you force yourself to laugh at, just so you wouldn’t seem awkward, but the tale tell sign of you constantly checking the little leather watch on your wrist showed you were ready for some peace and quiet.

“You wanna go for a walk?” Bob’s voice is low next to your ear, it makes a shiver run through you.

As you look up, his face is surprisingly close to you. You slowly nod. “Okay.”

In the moment that everyone else is distracted by the two girls who adore the attention, the two of you head for the door. You don’t pull away as Bob clutches your hand, keeping you close as he leads you past people.

The music is immediately quieted as you make it to the fresh air, the gentle sound of the waves coming in is relaxing.

“I don’t love the crowds either.” He says as you make your way across the sidewalk. You’re busy looking out to the sand and waves. “Ash and Steff are really more the fun ones, they can have a good time with a group of people watching…I cannot.”

He likes the sound of your laugh, the way the white moonlight is hitting your features makes you seem radiant.

“I always thought the Navy would make me a more sociable person, I guess it has but I think it creeps people out, how quiet I am.” He chuckles.

Completely content with strolling beside you, he gives off an energy you feel utterly comfortable in.

“I like that you’re quiet, most Navy guys aren’t.”

He playfully squints at you. “You talk to a lot of Navy guys?”

Reevaluating your words, your cheeks flush. “No that’s not what I meant, I just meant that- they’re all a certain way- not that I would know! I have never slept with any man of uniform!”

Bob stands in surprise at your ramble, finding it humorous. As he laughs, you cover your face, embarrassed.

“Hey, I was just teasing. I swear, I was teasin’.” He grabs your wrists gently, prying your hands from you so he can look at your red face. “Come on, pretty girl, look at me.”

As soon as he says it, he feels embarrassed himself. The name just slipped out, he should’ve halted the words, he needs to apologize-

You look up at him, doe eyes and a small smile.

Your hearts pounding, your close proximity to him has you feeling hot. As the low crash of waves mixes with the ringing in your ears, you wonder what it would be like to live on the wild side, to do what people do in bars. If you were brave and stepped out of your shy personality, would he let you kiss him?

Bob’s gazing down at you, he’s trying to figure out what’s turning in your mind. One hand lets go of your wrist, it gently cups your cheek.

“I’m going to be bold.” You state with a determination that makes him nod.

“Okay.” Is all he says.

The hand he has a hold on, goes to rest on his chest. You’re surprised at the hardness of it, sure you knew he had to be physically fit to be in the line of work he’s in, but his body is so unsuspecting, it honestly makes him utterly attractive.

He watches you hyper fixate on your touch on his chest, and the warmth of you is enough to make him feel buzzed.

He doesn’t want to rush you, but every second where you don’t pursue whatever thought you have, is killing him.

You start thinking against it, you don’t want him to think you kiss strangers, it’s not who you are at all. You swallow hard, about to call the whole thing off and tell him goodnight. When you raise your head though, he’s lifting your face to his. You’re captivated, he’s embracing you so tenderly, kissing you with an unsure and unfamiliar passion.

You sigh deeply, he holds your hand to his chest, your free one slides over his shoulder. Slowly, shyly, your lips move against his, falling into a gentle rhythm.

Your heavy eyes are shut, the utter feeling of him is making an electricity flicker through you.

After a moment, he pulls away, both hands cradling your face now.

“Please tell me that’s what you were going to do.”

You nod with a fever. “Yes, that’s exactly what I was going to do.”

He kisses you quickly once more, just to get it out of his system. “What are you doing tomorrow?” He asks.

“Probably nursing Steff’s hang over, but if you call me I’ll do whatever you’re doing.”

He grins, liking the idea.

You continue your late night walk, and inside the bar, Coyote looks to the vacant stool with confusion. “Where’s Bob?”

The crew stops, then looks to the empty space.

“Stealth pilot, I’m telling you.” Hangman says. “This guy is always disappearing and popping back up again.”

#top gun fandom #top gun maverick #bob floyd #bob floyd fluff #bob floyd x reader #jake seresin #natasha trace #lewis pullman #fluff #x reader

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a-lexia11 · 9 days

Text

Court and Pitch

Alessia Russo x wnba!reader

Word count:Around 13k

Warning:angst, use of the word “soccer”, light homophobia.

Based on this request.

Ever since joining the Los Angeles Sparks not too long ago, your notoriety has only grown. At just 22, you’ve become one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, lighting up every court you step on.

The fans have embraced you as a basketball phenomenon, and your name is constantly buzzing in the sports world.

You’ve earned the reputation of being one of the most fierce competitors and rookie in the league. On the court, you’re known for your confidence—no, scratch that—your cockiness, and everyone loves it. It’s like you thrive on the attention.

The world sees you as this larger-than-life figure, strutting across the hardwood as if you own every inch of it. And to be fair, you kind of do.

There’s no shot you don’t believe you can make, no defender you think you can’t break down. When you're on the floor, there’s an undeniable swagger in your step, a smirk that lets everyone know you’re in charge.

Take tonight’s game, for example. The arena is packed, fans decked out in purple and gold, chanting your name as the clock ticks down. The Sparks are up by ten, but you're far from done making a statement.

“Hey, get ready to watch some magic,” you say to Cameron, one of your teammates and friends during a time-out, grinning as you catch your breath.

“Y/N, you know they hate it when you talk like that, right?” Cameron laughs, shaking her head.

You shrug with a playful smirk. “They hate it because they know it’s true.”

As you jog back onto the court, the crowd roars louder, and you can feel their eyes on you, expecting something spectacular.

With the ball in hand, you dribble up the court, staring down the defender in front of you. She’s been hounding you all game, but you can tell she’s losing steam.

“Is that all you got?” you tease, smirking as you cross the ball from one hand to the other. “This is about to get embarrassing for you.”

Without waiting for a response, you hit her with a quick crossover, your speed catching her off guard. You step back behind the three-point line, and with a fluid motion, you launch the shot. The crowd holds its breath.

Swish.

The crowd erupts, and you turn toward them, blowing a kiss with a wink as you jog back down the court. The other team calls for a timeout, clearly rattled, but you just laugh as you high-five your teammates.

One of your opponents walks by, shaking her head. “You’re too cocky for your own good.”

You flash her a grin. “Confidence, baby. You should try it sometime.”

This is what everyone sees—the confident, cocky Y/N who lights up the court and plays like she has something to prove.

The fans feed off your energy, loving every second of your fearless attitude. You know you’re good, and you don’t shy away from letting everyone know it.

You strut back to your bench with determination, pointing up at a section of fans holding signs with your name on them.

But off the court? That’s a whole different story. You’re not the larger-than-life, trash-talking superstar when the final whistle blows.

Away from the bright lights and roaring crowds, you’re quiet, reserved, and—if you’re being honest—kind of shy. But no one sees that. Everyone just assumes you’re as outgoing in real life as you are on the court.

Only a handful of people know the real Y/N. Your teammates, your family, and your close friends know that behind all the cockiness and confidence, you’re just someone who wants to be understood for who you are, not for the fame you’ve gained.

But for now, you play your part. “Good game,” you say with a grin after the final buzzer, slapping hands with the opposing team.

They know it’s all in the spirit of competition, and they walk away with smiles despite the loss.

As you head off the court, the media rushes to you, microphones and cameras shoved in your face. You flash your signature smile, the one everyone expects, and prepare to play your role once again.

——

“Do I really have to go?” you asked, frustration seeping into your tone as you adjusted your outfit for the sports event in London tonight.

“Yes, you do,” Emma snapped, not even looking up from her phone. “And stop making this harder than it needs to be. We need to maintain your image.”

You rolled your eyes. “I’m just not sure why I have to go to every single event. I’d rather stay home and relax.”

Emma sighed, finally glancing up at you. “Because it’s part of the job. You’re not just a player; you’re a brand. And brands need to be seen. Now, can you please smile and pose for these photos? We need content for social media.”

She thrust her phone at you, expecting you to strike a pose. You forced a smile, trying to ignore the growing frustration in your chest. “Do you ever think about what I want? I mean, I’m tired of all this. It’s like I’m just a product.”

Emma’s expression hardened. “This is part of the deal. You signed up for this. Your career depends on it. You know how much is riding on maintaining this image.”

“I get that,” you said, “but I’m not just a brand. I’m a person. And right now, it feels like I’m being suffocated by all this.”

Emma’s eyes narrowed as she fixed the angle of her phone. “Well, we can’t afford to let your personal issues affect your public image. People expect a certain persona from you, and it’s my job to make sure that’s what they get.”

“Even if it means I have to keep hiding who I really am?” you challenged.

Emma’s gaze was cold. “Yes, even if it means that. It’s about protecting your career, not your personal comfort. We have to think long-term here.”

You felt a pang of frustration and sadness. “But why does it have to be like this? Why can’t I just be myself?”

Emma didn’t miss a beat. “Because being yourself isn’t always marketable. And right now, we need to focus on what sells. Just play your part tonight, and we’ll get through this.”

You sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing further. “Fine. Let’s just get this over with.”

Emma nodded, her expression softening slightly. “Good. I’ll make sure to get some great shots. And remember, just smile and engage with the fans. That’s what they want to see.”

As you forced a smile for the camera, you couldn’t shake the feeling of being trapped in a role that wasn’t truly yours. The pressure to conform was weighing heavily on you, and the freedom to be yourself felt more elusive than ever.

Upon arriving at the event, you stick close to your teammates, hoping to avoid conversations with strangers. The room is buzzing with athletes, journalists, and influencers, making it feel overwhelming.

You long for the quiet comfort of your LA apartment, where you can be yourself without the weight of expectations pressing down on you.

Standing by the bar and absently swirling your drink, you notice someone approaching. Tall, blonde, and instantly recognizable—it’s Alessia Russo, the star of Arsenal’s women’s football team. You’ve seen her play and know she’s incredible. But why is she coming toward you?

“Hey, Y/N, right?” Alessia smiles warmly, her tone casual and friendly. You feel a surge of nerves.

“Um…Yeah…it’s me Y/N, um… hi,” you stuttered, and you mentally slapped yourself for being so awkward.

The confidence you project on the court seems to vanish in this unfamiliar setting.

Alessia’s eyes light up with curiosity. “I’m Alessia. I’ve heard so much about you. I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m a big fan.”

You shift uncomfortably, feeling the weight of her gaze. “Um….yes I heard about you too and thanks… I guess,” you reply, trying to muster a smile but feeling awkward.

You don’t typically open up easily, especially not to strangers who seem to be interested in you because of your fame.

Alessia looks at you with a hint of amusement. “I didn’t expect you to be so shy. On TV, you’re so confident and fierce.”

You raise an eyebrow, puzzled. “What- um.. What do you mean?”

“Well,” Alessia begins, leaning casually against the bar, “you seem more down-to-earth than what the media portrays. It’s refreshing to see someone so genuine. I get it, though. People have certain expectations of you, right?”

You find yourself relaxing slightly. She’s striking a chord. “Yeah, people definitely have expectations. Sometimes it feels like I’m just a product, not a person.”

Alessia’s smile widens. “I can imagine. It must be exhausting always being in the spotlight. I’m glad we’re having this chance to talk. You seem really different from how you’re presented in the media.”

As you start to open up, you realize Alessia isn’t just another fan; she’s actually interested in who you are beyond the public persona.

The conversation flows more easily, touching on sports, hobbies, and personal experiences. You find yourself laughing and sharing stories you usually keep to yourself.

Alessia asks about your life in LA and your favorite things to do when you’re not on the court. “What do you do to unwind after a tough game?” she inquires, genuinely interested.

“I usually just stay in,” you say, a bit hesitant. “Watch movies or read. I’m not really into the whole party scene.”

Alessia nods, understanding. “Me neither, honestly. I’d rather relax at home than deal with the chaos of events like this.”

The more you talk, the more at ease you feel. Alessia’s genuine interest and easygoing nature make it easier for you to let your guard down. You start to enjoy the conversation and find yourself opening up more than you anticipated.

As the evening progresses and the event starts winding down, Alessia leans closer. “I really enjoyed talking to you tonight. I’d love to stay in touch.”

You hesitate for a moment, unsure if you’re ready to let someone new into your life. But there’s something about Alessia’s kindness and sincerity that makes you want to take a chance. You hand her your phone, and she grins as she types in her number.

“Text me anytime,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. “I’d love to continue our conversation.”

You smile, feeling a mix of shyness and excitement. “Yeah, I will. Thanks for making tonight less overwhelming.”

As you watch Alessia walk away, you feel a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, you’ve found someone who understands you beyond the facade.

——

You did end up texting Alessia the next day—or more accurately, Cameron did it for you. After you told her you’d exchanged numbers with Alessia Russo, she immediately raised an eyebrow and smirked.

“So… are you going to text her?” she asked, lounging on the couch of your hotel room with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll do it” you mumbled, fiddling with your phone but making no move to actually open the message app.

Cameron narrowed her eyes, catching on instantly. “Uh-huh, sure you will.” She stood up and stretched lazily. “Hand it over.”

You blinked. “What? No way. I’ve got it.”

She was too fast for you, though. Before you could react, Cameron swiped your phone right out of your hands and darted toward the bathroom. “Cameron, no! Give it back!”

“Trust me, Y/N! You’ll thank me later!” she called, slamming the bathroom door behind her with a loud click.

You rushed over, pounding on the door. “Cameron, I’m serious! Don’t—open the door! You can't just text her!”

Inside, you could hear her typing away furiously. “Oh, relax. I’m just being your wingwoman, you’ll appreciate it. “Hey, Alessia…” she began narrating, laughing to herself.

“Stop it! I’ll text her on my own! Cameron, come on!” You banged on the door again, but the sound of her laughing only grew louder.

After a minute, the door creaked open just a sliver, and Cameron’s hand emerged, holding your phone. “There. Done. You’re welcome,” she said smugly as she tossed the phone into your hands.

You grabbed it, scanning the message she’d sent in horror:

*Hey, Alessia! This is Y/N. Hope you’re doing well :)*

You groaned. “You didn’t—”

Cameron grinned. “Oh, I did. Now you just sit back and wait.” She flopped onto the couch again, crossing her arms like she’d just won a battle.

You stared at the phone, heart racing. Moments later, it buzzed with a new notification. Alessia had responded:

*Hey, Y/N! So glad you texted! How’s everything going?*

Cameron shot you a look that said, “I told you so.”

You sighed, a reluctant smile creeping onto your face. “Fine, you win this round.”

You spent the next hour texting with Alessia, heart racing the entire time. Every time your phone buzzed, you’d glance at Cameron, who was sitting beside you on the couch, eagerly reading over your shoulder.

She was your lifeline, occasionally feeding you responses when you didn’t know what to say.

At one point, Alessia messaged, *Are you free tonight? Maybe we could grab dinner?*

You froze, staring at the screen, unsure how to respond. Your heart felt like it was about to jump out of your chest. You turned to Cameron, who had the biggest grin on her face.

“Oh. My. God,” Cameron gasped dramatically, clutching your arm. “She just asked you on a date! Alessia Russo wants to take you out on a date!”

“It’s not a date, Cam,” you said, trying to play it cool even though your voice cracked. “She just wants to hang out, you know? As friends.” You rolled your eyes, but even you didn’t believe what you were saying.

Cameron looked at you like you had just said the dumbest thing imaginable. “Uh-huh. Sure. 'Friends.' Y/N, she didn’t ask you to go play video games or grab a quick coffee. She asked you to dinner.At night.That's a date, babe.”

You flushed, trying to brush her off. “Whatever. It’s not like that.”

Cameron nudged you hard, nearly making you drop your phone. “Oh, come on, you're so oblivious! She’s a world-class soccer player who could hang out with anyone in London, but she's choosing to spend her evening with you. She’s definitely into you.”

You blinked at her, feeling your nerves spike again. “I mean… I guess? But what if it’s not that? What if she just wants to, like, talk about sports or something?”

Cameron burst out laughing. “Y/N, literally no one asks someone they barely know to dinner to talk about sports. She’s interested. Just admit it!”

You sighed, knowing she wasn’t going to let this go. “Fine. Let’s say it is a date—what am I supposed to do? I barely even know her!”

Cameron grinned devilishly, “That’s the whole point of a date! You get to know each other. Just be yourself. Except, you know, maybe a little less awkward.”

You glared at her, feeling heat creep up your neck. “Thanks for the pep talk,” you muttered sarcastically.

Cameron waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, come on, you know what I mean. Now hurry up and reply before she thinks you're ignoring her!”

With a deep breath, you typed out your response, letting Cameron proofread it before hitting send.

*Yeah, I’m free tonight. Dinner sounds good!*you sent, feeling a knot of anxiety in your stomach.

A few moments later, your phone buzzed again. *Great! I'll pick you up around 7. Looking forward to it.*

Alessia had added a little smiley face at the end, and your heart skipped a beat.

Cameron let out a high-pitched squeal. “I can’t believe it! Y/N has a date with a hot soccer player!”

“Cameron, stop!” you groaned, burying your face in your hands. “And I’m pretty sure they call it football here, not soccer.”

Cameron waved her hand dramatically. “Who cares what they call it? The point is, shy little Y/N is going on a date with a total babe! I have to tell the girls!” She started to jump up from the couch.

Your eyes widened in panic. “NO, CAM, DON’T!” You lunged for her arm, but she was already bolting toward the door, giggling like a maniac.

“You can’t stop me! This is huge news!” she shouted, running out of the room, leaving you standing there, horrified.

“Cameron!” you called after her, but it was too late. You could already picture the team group chat exploding with messages about your “date.” You sighed, rubbing your temples.

“Why do I even tell you things?” you muttered under your breath, already bracing yourself for the endless teasing you knew was coming.

——

After what felt like hours of trying on different outfits, you finally stood in front of the mirror, surrounded by half your team, who were far too invested in getting you ready. Each of them had an opinion, and no one could agree on anything.

“She has to look hot. It’s Alessia Russo, for crying out loud,” Aari said, holding up a sleek dress.

“No, she needs to be comfortable and herself,” Briana argued, handing you a more casual skirt and top combo.

“That skirt is cute,” Lex added, tilting her head in approval.

“No way, this dress is definitely cuter,” Aari shot back, shaking her head.

The entire process was exhausting, with voices overlapping and opinions clashing. You stood in the middle of it all, watching the chaos unfold, but deep down, you appreciated how much they cared.

Eventually, after what seemed like an eternal debate, the team finally came to an agreement on a simple but cute outfit.

A soft, fitted top with jeans that weren’t too flashy, paired with a jacket. It was you—comfortable but still stylish.

“Alright, let me finish up your makeup,” Aari said, gently blending in the last bit of bronzer. “You’re almost ready.”

You took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves that were creeping in. As soon as Aari finished, your phone buzzed on the counter. It was a message from Alessia:

*Hey, I’m here.*

Your heart skipped a beat. “She’s here,” you announced, your voice a little shaky as you stood up quickly.

Instantly, everyone sprang into action, helping you put on your jacket and offering last-minute advice.

“Okay, Y/N, you’ve got this!” Cam grinned, holding the door for you. “Good luck on your date.”

You narrowed your eyes at her. “It’s not a date,” you grumbled, tugging at your jacket nervously.

“Uh, yes, it totally is,” Briana said with a knowing smirk, while Lex added, “You’re literally going to dinner with a hot soccer player. If that’s not a date, I don’t know what is.”

Cam nodded emphatically. “Right?! I mean, it’s Alessia Russo. You’re going on a date with a superstar. How cool is that?”

You rolled your eyes, trying to suppress a smile. “You guys are impossible.”

“Just be yourself,” Aari added, giving you a soft smile as she handed you your bag. “That’s who she’s into anyway.”

“Exactly,” Briana chimed in. “No need to be nervous. You’re Y/N, the coolest, most badass rookie player in the WNBA. If she doesn’t fall for that, then she’s got bad taste.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at their supportive banter. Even though they were teasing you, their words meant a lot.

It reminded you that no matter how overwhelming the spotlight could be, you had a team of people who genuinely had your back.

As you stood by the door, the girls cheered you on with playful shouts of encouragement.

“Go get her!” Cam shouted, clapping her hands.

“Remember, confidence! But not too much of your court attitude, okay?” Aari teased with a wink.

Feeling slightly more confident, you smiled at them one last time before stepping out into the night.

Their cheers echoed down the hallway, and despite your nerves, you couldn’t help but grin as you made your way to meet Alessia.

As you stepped out of the hotel, you spotted Alessia leaning against her sleek car, scanning the area. When she saw you approaching, her face broke into a warm, welcoming smile.

“Hey,” she greeted softly, pulling you into a gentle hug.

“Hi,” you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. She looked stunning, her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, and she was dressed similarly to you, wearing a puffy jacket to fend off the cold.

“Shall we go?” she asked, opening the car door for you. As she fumbled with the handle, she realized the door was locked and let out a nervous laugh. “Oops, looks like I locked the car,” she said, her cheeks flushing slightly as she tried again.

You couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. “No worries,” you said, trying to hide your amusement. “It happens.”

Alessia finally unlocked the door with a sheepish grin. “Thanks for being patient,” she said as you slid into the car.

The drive was smooth and relaxed. With soft music playing on the radio, you chatted casually. Alessia seemed to sense your nervousness and went out of her way to make you feel comfortable, easing the tension with her friendly demeanor and occasional playful comments.

——

The restaurant Alessia chose was perfect—a hidden gem that felt almost like a secret retreat from the world. The dim lighting, soft jazz music playing in the background, and the cozy ambiance created an intimate setting that immediately set you at ease.

As you both settled into your seats, Alessia flashed a warm, reassuring smile. “So, tell me something I don’t know about you,” she said, her tone light and inviting.

You chuckled nervously, “I’m not great at talking about myself. I usually prefer listening.”

Alessia raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, come on. I’m sure there’s more to you than what we see on the court. What’s something you’re passionate about outside of basketball?”

You hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. “Well, I really enjoy painting. It’s a way for me to unwind after a tough game. Not many people know that.”

Alessia’s eyes lit up. “Painting? That’s awesome. What do you like to paint?”

You found yourself opening up more as the conversation flowed. “Landscapes mostly. It’s calming to recreate scenes from nature. It’s the complete opposite of the high-energy game.”

Alessia nodded, genuinely interested. “I get it. I have a similar escape with photography. It’s a different way to see the world and capture moments.”

The conversation effortlessly shifted between your shared passions and life experiences. Alessia was remarkably adept at making you feel comfortable, her genuine curiosity and empathy shining through.

As the evening wore on, you found yourself disclosing more than you’d planned. “You know, Emma, my manager, is really strict about my public image. She even told me I couldn’t come out or share anything personal.”

Alessia’s gaze softened. “That sounds really tough. I can imagine how exhausting it must be to constantly juggle who you really are with the persona you’re expected to maintain.”

You nodded, feeling a mix of relief and vulnerability. “It is. Sometimes it feels like I’m trapped in this persona that everyone expects, and it’s hard to be authentic.”

Alessia reached across the table, gently placing her hand over yours. “You don’t have to pretend with me. I see you for who you really are—an amazing person who’s just trying to find their way amidst all the noise.”

The warmth of her touch sent a comforting shiver through you. “Thank you, Alessia. It means a lot to hear that from someone who gets it.”

As she stroked your knuckles softly, you felt an incredible sense of ease and connection. “You know,” Alessia continued, “the person I see now is so different from the confident player I see on TV. You’re genuine and kind, and it’s refreshing.”

You smiled, feeling more relaxed than you had in a long time. “It’s strange, but it’s also nice. I feel like I can be myself around you.”

The night continued in this intimate, relaxed manner. Alessia’s ability to make you feel at ease, her genuine interest in your life, and the way she saw past the public facade made the evening unforgettable.

It wasn’t just a dinner; it was a rare opportunity to connect on a deeper level, away from the pressures and expectations of the outside world.

As the night drew to a close, Alessia drove you back to your hotel, and, to your surprise, she even accompanied you to the lobby.

“So, when are you leaving London?” Alessia asked, her voice gentle but tinged with nervousness.

You glanced at her, feeling a mix of warmth and unease. “The day after tomorrow,” you replied.

Alessia fidgeted with her keys, her eyes darting around as if searching for the right words. “Well, um… would you maybe want to have breakfast with me tomorrow? It could be a breakfast date, or just breakfast. You know, it doesn’t have to be a date if you’re not into it.”

You stumbled over your own words, your nerves palpable. “Um… yeah, I’d love to. Whether it’s a breakfast date or just breakfast... I mean, if it’s a date, then that’s, uh, great too!”

Alessia let out a nervous laugh, her cheeks turning a soft pink. “Yes, it can be a breakfast date, just like tonight. Or, you know, like tonight’s dinner, but in the morning.”

You tilted your head, trying to decipher her words. “So, was tonight, like, a date?”

Her gaze dropped to the ground, and she mumbled, “Well, kind of. Or it could have been just dinner between friends. But, um, I was hoping it felt a bit more like a date?”

“Oh! No, it definitely felt like a date! ” you responded, your excitement bubbling over.

Alessia’s laughter was light and endearing, filled with nervous relief. “I’m glad you think so.”

A moment of awkward silence followed, with both of you avoiding eye contact. Finally, Alessia spoke up. “So, um, breakfast date tomorrow at 9? Is that good for you?”

You nodded eagerly, trying to mask your anxiety. “Yeah, 9 works great for me.”

“Perfect,” Alessia said, her eyes twinkling as she smiled. “I had a really lovely time tonight. I’ll pick you up at 9 then.”

She hesitated, leaning in slightly as if unsure, and then placed a soft, fleeting kiss on your cheek. Your face flushed bright red, and you could feel your heart racing.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Alessia!” you managed to say, your voice a bit unsteady.

She smiled again, a little more confidently this time. “See you tomorrow.” With one last lingering look, she turned and walked away.

You watched her go, feeling both giddy and nervous. As you made your way to the elevator, you let out a deep, relieved sigh, your mind already racing with anticipation for the next day.

As you opened the door to your hotel room, your friends rushed in, their excitement palpable.

“How did it go?” Cameron asked, practically bouncing on her toes.

You grinned, recounting every detail of the evening. “It was amazing. Alessia and I went to this cozy restaurant, and we talked about everything from basketball to our lives outside the spotlight. She even asked me out for breakfast tomorrow.”

Cameron’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, you have a breakfast date with her? That’s incredible!”

The rest of the team crowded around you, their faces lit up with genuine happiness. “Tell us everything!” one of them exclaimed.

You laughed, describing how Alessia had been both charming and nervous, and how the evening had felt surprisingly comfortable despite the initial awkwardness. “She asked if it could be a date, and I was so flustered. I ended up saying it could be a date breakfast or just a regular one. It was really sweet and… kind of adorable.”

The room burst into cheers and playful teasing. “Y/N’s got another date!” Aari shouted.

Cameron, beaming, added, “I told you it was a date! I’m so glad you had a great time.”

Their enthusiasm was infectious, and you felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over you. Despite the nerves and the awkward moments, it had turned out to be a memorable evening.

“I’m really excited for tomorrow,” you said, smiling as you looked at your friends. “Thanks for being so supportive.”

“Of course! Now go get some rest—you have a big breakfast date ahead!” Cameron said, giving you a thumbs-up.

As you settled in for the night, you couldn’t help but replay the evening’s highlights in your mind, feeling grateful for the support and the unexpected connection with Alessia.

——

When Alessia got home, she immediately grabbed her phone and called her best friend Ella. Her excitement was palpable as she spoke.

“Ella, you will not believe how tonight went!” Alessia gushed into the phone. “Y/N is nothing like I expected. She’s actually really shy and so adorable. We had such a great time, and we’re going to have breakfast together tomorrow!”

Ella’s voice was filled with teasing delight. “Oh wow, someone’s smitten! I’m so happy for you, Alessia. You’ve got to tell me everything—what did you two talk about? Was it as magical as it sounds?”

Alessia laughed, her enthusiasm undiminished. “It really was. We talked about so much—her life, her struggles with being in the spotlight. She opened up more than I thought she would. It felt so natural and comfortable. I just can’t wait to see her again.”

After hanging up, Alessia settled into her bed, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the evening. She replayed their conversation, the way Y/N’s eyes lit up, and the soft laughter they shared. The anticipation of their breakfast date tomorrow made her smile as she drifted off to sleep, feeling a mix of excitement and contentment.

——

The next morning, Alessia picked you up promptly at 9, and instead of driving, you both decided to walk to the charming café she had chosen.

The crisp morning air was invigorating, and the short stroll allowed for easy conversation, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

As you walked side by side, you noticed how Alessia seemed to be both graceful and clumsy at the same time. A few times, she almost tripped over her own feet, her balance wavering with each misstep.

Once, she was so engrossed in conversation with you that she accidentally bumped into someone on the sidewalk. You both laughed, finding her small mishaps endearing.

When you arrived at the café, the quaint atmosphere was warm and inviting. The café had a cozy, intimate vibe, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. As you both sat down, Alessia's playful demeanor continued.

While reaching for her menu, Alessia’s fork slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor. She quickly bent down to retrieve it, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Oops, sorry about that,” she said, her voice tinged with a nervous laugh. “I guess I’m a bit of a klutz this morning.”

You couldn’t help but smile, finding her genuine and endearing. “It’s fine. It just makes the morning more memorable.”

Alessia laughed, clearly relieved by your easygoing reaction. “I’m glad you think so. It’s nice to be with someone who doesn’t mind my little mishaps.”

As you chatted over breakfast, you felt yourself becoming more comfortable. Alessia shared stories from her childhood and football career, her animated gestures and bright smile making her stories come alive. You found yourself laughing and relaxing more with each passing minute.

“Tell me more about your childhood,” you asked, intrigued by her stories. “What was it like growing up?”

Alessia’s eyes lit up. “Well, I grew up in a small town, and football was pretty much the center of my world. My family was always supportive, and I had a lot of fun playing with my friends.”

As the conversation flowed effortlessly, you began to feel more at ease, noticing how Alessia’s clumsiness seemed to add to her charm.

She dropped her fork again, this time catching it with a laugh. “I guess I’m just having one of those days,” she said, grinning.

You shook your head, amused. “Well, I think it just makes you even more endearing.”

Alessia leaned in, her gaze soft and sincere. “I’m really glad we’re getting to know each other like this. It feels so natural.”

You nodded, a smile spreading across your face. “Me too. It’s been a really great morning.”

After finishing breakfast, you both made your way back to the hotel. As you walked and talked, her hand brushed lightly against yours. You hesitated, feeling a flutter of anticipation.

You longed to take her hand, to feel the warmth of her touch. Tentatively, your fingers inched closer, and with a mix of hesitation and hope, you gently intertwined them with hers.

She looked at you with a soft, knowing smile, her fingers lacing securely with yours as she held your hand tightly.

The gentle pressure of her hand against yours felt both exhilarating and calming.

Your cheeks warmed with a soft blush, and you smiled tenderly as Alessia swayed your hands back and forth, a quiet rhythm that felt intimate and reassuring.

Arriving at the hotel, you walked Alessia to her car.

“I really enjoyed our date,” you said, your voice filled with genuine warmth, still holding her hand.

Alessia lifted your hand to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss on your knuckles before drawing you closer. Her eyes sparkled with affection as she spoke. “Me too. I don’t want this to end. I want to spend more time with you.” Her voice was a soft, earnest plea as she let go of your hand, wrapping her arms around your waist and pulling you against her.

“Is this okay?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper, her breath mingling with yours. You nodded, a bit shy but eager.

“I don’t want to leave either, but you have training and I have interviews,” you said, placing your hands tenderly on her shoulders.

She sighed softly, her gaze steady and hopeful. “Are you free tonight?”

“Yes,” you responded with a gentle nod.

“How about one last date before you leave for LA? I can’t cook, but we could order some food and watch a movie at my place,” she proposed, her confidence growing with every word.

You felt her fingers brush softly against your back, and you leaned into her embrace, feeling the warmth and comfort of her closeness.

“I’d love that,” you whispered, your voice filled with sincerity and affection.

Your faces were inches apart, and you could feel the warmth of her breath on your skin. She leaned in slowly, her eyes searching yours for permission. You nodded, and with a tender, deliberate motion, she closed the distance between you.

When your lips finally met, the kiss was soft and tentative, full of the unspoken emotions you both felt.

You wrapped your arms around her neck, pulling her closer, and felt her arms tighten around your waist in response. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in that perfect, fleeting moment.

It was unexpected to share your first kiss in a parking lot, but the location didn’t matter as much as the connection between you.

When you finally pulled away, you gazed into each other’s eyes, sharing one last gentle kiss. You could feel her smile against your lips, a tender, shared joy.

“I’ll see you tonight,” you said softly, pulling away with a smile that mirrored hers.

“See you tonight,” she replied, holding your hand for a lingering moment before letting go. You walked back to the hotel, your heart full and your face lit up with a beaming grin.

——

“What about this one?” Alessia asked, scrolling through Netflix as you both looked for a movie to watch.

After breakfast this morning, you had faced Emma’s reprimand for not being where you were supposed to be.

You had lied about your whereabouts, and now you were overwhelmed with a schedule packed with interviews, photoshoots, and other work commitments for the rest of the afternoon.

You hadn’t even had a chance to fully revel in the joy of your amazing date and first kiss with Alessia before being bombarded with work and Emma's demands.

The girls had been curiously probing about your date, and when you shared the details, they erupted into cheers and squeals, especially when you mentioned the kiss.

Throughout the day, Alessia and you stayed in touch through texts and discreet phone calls whenever you found a quiet moment. Her messages and calls provided a welcome escape and made the day pass more smoothly.

Now, you were in her cozy living room, having taken an Uber to avoid burdening her after her grueling training session.

You had ordered sushi, and the two of you enjoyed it together, laughing and sharing stories. The ease of conversation and shared laughter made the evening feel special.

Currently, you were curled up on her couch, a soft blanket draped over your lap as you both searched for a movie to watch.

“Yeah, sure, why not,” you replied, settling in and getting more comfortable. You were nestled close to her, your mind lingering on the kiss you had shared.

As the movie played, Alessia inched closer, her arm sliding around your shoulders and drawing you nearer. You rested your head on her shoulder, feeling a deep sense of contentment and warmth.

You reached for her free hand resting in her lap and intertwined your fingers with hers. The simple touch was incredibly soothing, providing a comforting escape from the stress of your day.

When the movie ended, it was late, and you knew it was time to head back to the hotel.

“I’m going to call an Uber,” you said, pulling out your phone and preparing to arrange your ride.

“No, no, no, I’m driving you,” Alessia insisted, taking your phone from your hand and heading towards the front door to grab her car keys.

“Alessia, it’s really okay. You must be tired. I don’t want you to drive me; go rest,” you said, reaching out to retrieve your phone, but she slipped it behind her back, making it out of reach.

“It’s okay; I want to. Plus, it’ll give us a bit more time together,” she said softly, her eyes meeting yours with a gentle intensity.

She then cupped your face in her hands, leaning in and capturing your lips in a tender kiss. You responded by wrapping your arms around her waist, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss.

When you finally pulled apart, she looked at you with a smile and said, “Let’s go,” unlocking the front door and leading you outside to her car.

In the car, as you drove, the reality of parting ways began to sink in, leaving you with a bittersweet feeling. The time spent with Alessia had been a refreshing break from your usual struggles and unhappiness. She had seen the real you and made those few days in London unforgettable.

Noticing your somber mood, Alessia placed her hand gently on your thigh, her touch soothing. You couldn’t help but smile at her comforting gesture.

As you arrived at the hotel, Alessia parked the car and immediately pulled you into a warm embrace. You buried your face in the crook of her neck, savoring her warmth and the closeness.

“I’m going to miss you a lot,” you admitted, your voice muffled against her skin.

“Me too,” she replied softly, her voice filled with genuine emotion.

You pulled back slightly and kissed her. The kiss began tenderly but quickly grew more passionate as your lips and tongues danced together. The intensity of the kiss conveyed the depth of your feelings.

After a few moments, you pulled away, and she smiled at you with a mixture of sadness and affection.

“We’ll text and call each other, okay? It’ll be challenging because of the time difference, but remember, you can call me anytime. I’ll always be here,” Alessia said, her thumb caressing your cheek.

“Okay, and you can call me too. I’ll always answer,” you promised, leaning into her touch and giving her another gentle kiss.

After sharing a few more soft kisses, you reluctantly parted ways. It was getting late, and Alessia needed to return home to rest for her early morning training.

You began walking away, turning to wave at her. She waved back and blew you a kiss, which you caught with a smile.

Both of you were surprised by how difficult it was to say goodbye after only three days, but it was clear that these brief moments together had created a meaningful connection.

——

You’ve been back in Los Angeles for four weeks now, and saying that you miss Alessia doesn’t even begin to cover it.

You’ve been texting and FaceTiming every day since you returned, but it’s been tough because both of you are busy and the time difference is a constant challenge.

Still, you’ve made it work. You’ve managed to have virtual dates where she’s having dinner while you’re having lunch. It’s not ideal, but you’ve made it work.

“I think I prefer the ponytail,” you told Alessia as she got ready for her training session.

It was midnight for you and 9 a.m. for Alessia. You were laying in bed, feeling the heavy pull of sleep but wanting to stay awake to see her.

“Okay, ponytail it is,” she said with a playful grin, pulling her hair into a neat ponytail before turning back to the screen. “You know, I love how you always notice the little things.”

She smiled at you with that warm, familiar look. “You should really go to sleep, love. You look like you’re about to fall over. I don’t want you to be sleepy on my account.”

You both had started calling each other cute nicknames, though you weren’t exactly sure where things stood. It was casual for now, but there was a lot of affection between you.

“I don’t want to miss any chance to talk with you,” you said, your eyes fluttering closed despite your efforts to stay awake.

Alessia giggled softly, her laughter a comforting sound. “Well, when you wake up, you can call me and we’ll continue our little chat. I’ll be having dinner, and you’ll be having breakfast. It’s like we’re having a date across time zones.”

“That sounds perfect,” you said with a yawn. “Have a great morning, babe.”

“And you have a wonderful night, baby,” she said soothingly, her voice a gentle lullaby. “Sleep tight, and dream of me.”

You managed a sleepy smile before the call ended. As you drifted off, you felt a warm sense of connection, eagerly anticipating the next time you’d be together.

——

Tonight, you had a match and were warming up with your team. Alessia had wished you good luck earlier, but sadly, she wouldn’t be able to watch since it was too late in England.

On the court, you focused on giving a stellar performance, brimming with confidence and cockiness. Naturally, you won the game.

As soon as the final whistle blew, Emma pounced on you like a hawk. “Great game, but don’t get too comfortable,” she said sharply. “You need to sign autographs, take photos, and then we have the press conference.”

You tried to catch your breath, but Emma was relentless. “Seriously, Emma? Can I have a minute to breathe?” you asked, your frustration evident.

Emma fixed you with a hard stare. “No, you don’t get a minute. This is part of the job. The fans expect it, and the media demands it. You’re going to do it, and you’re going to do it now.”

You sighed heavily. “I’m exhausted. Can’t this wait?”

“No,” she snapped, her tone brooking no argument. “You’re the star player, and that means your time isn’t your own. Besides, think of it as practice for the bigger stage. We have to maintain appearances.”

Your patience was wearing thin. “I’ve got a few days off starting tonight. I really need this time to unwind.”

Emma’s expression hardened. “You can have your days off after you’ve done your duties. Want to enjoy that time? Then put in the work now and stop arguing with me.”

With a defeated nod, you headed off to handle the post-match obligations. The thought of those precious days off was the only thing keeping you going as you endured the endless rounds of autographs and photos.

——

“Congratulations on your win, baby! You were absolutely amazing,” Alessia’s voice came through, filled with admiration.

She had watched the game replay and was genuinely impressed by how well you played.

“You know,” she teased, “that cockiness on the court—it’s like you’re two different people. I love how you’re all fierce and confident out there, but so sweet and caring when you’re off the court.”

You smiled softly, feeling a wave of relief. “I can finally relax now. I have the whole week off.”

“That’s wonderful! What’s your plan?” she asked, stretching out comfortably on her bed.

You sighed playfully, “Well, my family is on vacation, so I’ll be on my own. I was thinking of just lounging in bed all week.”

Alessia’s eyes brightened as she suggested hesitantly, “Hey… maybe you could come to England? We could spend the week together. I only have one match and the rest of the week off… only if you want to, of course.

Your face lit up with excitement. “Yes! I’d love to come to England and see you play in person! That sounds perfect.”

Alessia’s smile mirrored yours. “I’d love that too, more than anything. I miss you so much, baby.”

“I miss you more, Alessia,” you said, admiring her through the phone. “Will you stay on the line until I fall asleep? I’ll book my plane ticket tomorrow.”

“Of course, I’ll stay with you,” she said warmly, turning onto her side as she gazed at you through the screen while you propped your phone up on your pillow.

“Goodnight, sweet dreams,” she whispered softly.

“Good morning,” you replied, knowing it was morning for her. She chuckled lightly as you drifted off, comforted by her presence on the phone.

——

You were navigating your way through the London airport, eager to meet Alessia. She had texted you that she was waiting for you in the parking lot, and you could hardly contain your excitement.

As you approached the parking area, you spotted her almost immediately—her bright blonde hair stood out even in the bustling lot. With a wide smile on your face, you called out her name. She looked up, her eyes lighting up as she saw you.

You quickened your pace, and she rushed to meet you halfway. She wrapped you in a warm, tight embrace, her arms holding you close as you giggled, feeling the weight of the past month apart melt away.

“It’s so wonderful to see you in person again” you murmured into her shoulder, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. You pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, and her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink.

“Wow, you’re even more stunning in real life than on my screen,” she teased playfully, her eyes twinkling with affection. You couldn’t help but laugh, her words making your heart flutter.

“Let’s head out,” she said, taking your suitcase with ease. You both walked to her car, and once you were inside, she started driving. The car was filled with a comfortable silence, only broken by the soft melodies of the radio.

As the car came to a red light, you felt Alessia’s gaze on you. You turned to her with a teasing smile, asking, “What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing much,” she replied softly, her voice full of warmth. “I’m just so happy you’re here with me.” Her words made your heart race, and you felt a shy blush creeping onto your cheeks.

Feeling a rush of affection, you leaned closer and asked, “Can I kiss you?” Alessia’s smile grew even wider as she nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. You closed the gap between you, your lips meeting in a sweet, lingering kiss.

The kiss quickly grew more passionate, her tongue gently exploring yours. The moment was blissful until a sudden honk from another car startled you both. You pulled away, laughing together as you realized the light had turned green.

Arriving at her house, Alessia guided you to the guest bedroom you’d be sleeping in. You thanked her with a heartfelt hug before collapsing onto the bed, utterly exhausted from your journey.

Alessia chuckled softly and joined you on the bed, her presence comforting. As you settled beside her, you turned to face her, and she looked at you with such adoration.

You reached out, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss. Her hands traced soothing circles on your back beneath your shirt, and you felt a sense of contentment and love that you hadn’t felt in weeks.

After what seemed like an eternity of gentle kisses, you pulled back, feeling a bit uncomfortable from the long flight. “I think I really need a shower; I feel a bit gross,” you admitted with a sheepish smile.

Alessia laughed softly and guided you towards the bathroom. “Go freshen up, love. I’ll be here waiting for you,” she said, her voice filled with affection. As you walked away, you felt her eyes on you, and you knew that despite the exhaustion, this moment was everything you had been longing for.

That evening, you and Alessia were having dinner together. Of course, you had taken charge in the kitchen, since Alessia had admitted more than once that cooking wasn’t her strong suit.

The cozy atmosphere was perfect—the soft clinking of utensils, the warm lighting, and just the two of you enjoying a quiet evening. But there was something on your mind, a question you had been wanting to ask for a while.

As you played with your fork, gathering the courage, you finally spoke. “So... what are we?” you asked, your voice soft but curious, glancing up at her from across the table.

Alessia blinked, her face showing a moment of surprise as she considered your question. “Well... we can be whatever you want us to be, I guess?” she said, her tone gentle, though there was a hint of nervousness behind her smile.

You bit your lip, heart racing as you decided to go for it. “I was thinking... maybe we could be official?” You paused, feeling butterflies in your stomach. “Like... I’d be your girlfriend?”

For a brief second, Alessia’s eyes widened, but then her entire face softened into the sweetest smile. “I’d love that. I’d love to be your girlfriend,” she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Your heart felt like it was soaring, and without thinking, you leaned across the table to give her a soft, lingering kiss, smiling against her lips. When you pulled away, you couldn’t help but whisper, “My girlfriend.”

Alessia’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she giggled shyly. “And you’re my girlfriend,” she whispered back, her eyes shining with happiness.

You both sat there, grinning like fools, the warmth of the moment wrapping around you. Then Alessia added, “I can’t believe this is real. I’ve been wanting to ask you the same thing, but... I didn’t want to rush you.”

You laughed softly, reaching for her hand across the table. “I guess we both wanted the same thing.”

She squeezed your hand gently, her thumb brushing over your knuckles. “Well, I’m glad you said something first. I’m so happy right now,” she said, her eyes never leaving yours.

Dinner was momentarily forgotten as the two of you sat there, basking in the joy of finally making things official, unable to stop smiling at each other.

——

“Okay, baby, I’m going to go now,” Alessia called out, hurrying through the living room, grabbing her bag and keys.

She was clearly in a rush, her shoes tapping against the floor as she moved back and forth, double-checking that she had everything.

Today was match day, and though the game wasn’t until the afternoon, Alessia had to leave early for team prep and meetings. Her excitement was clear, but so was the usual pre-game focus.

“Alright, love. I’ll see you at the match later,”you replied from your spot at the kitchen table, casually eating breakfast. A small smile played on your lips as you watched her buzz around the room.

Alessia paused for a second, turning toward you. She walked over and placed her warm hand gently on the back of your neck, tilting your head up to meet her gaze. “Come here,” she whispered, leaning down to kiss you softly, her lips brushing against yours in a few quick pecks.

“Text me when you get there, okay?”she murmured, her breath warm against your lips as she lingered just inches from your face.

You smiled, kissing her back a little longer this time before pulling away. “I will. Promise.”

With one last look, Alessia gave you a bright smile, kissed the top of your head, and dashed out the door, leaving the house feeling a little quieter in her absence. The sound of the door closing echoed, and you were left sitting there, lost in thought.

Being with Alessia always filled you with this sense of peace and contentment. It was like the rest of the world and all its stressors faded away—no more work pressure, no cameras, no dealing with negativity or drama, not even the lingering thoughts of Emma. Just you, Alessia, and the affection you shared.

The match wasn’t for a few more hours, so you decided to spend the morning downtown. After getting dressed, you called an Uber and left the house, heading into the heart of the city for a bit of exploring.

After walking around for a while, you unexpectedly found yourself in front of the Emirates Stadium.

The sheer size of it caught your attention, and you remembered Alessia mentioning it before—how proud she was that they played some of their matches there and how they’d broken attendance records. It was a special place for her.

Out of curiosity, you wandered into the stadium’s shop. The store was packed with merchandise—scarves, mugs, and jerseys from various players. Your eyes immediately caught sight of a familiar name: Russo. Alessia’s jersey was hanging right there in front of you.

You walked over, running your fingers across the fabric, admiring her name printed boldly across the back. You couldn’t help but smile, thinking of her out there on the pitch, doing what she loved.

But then you hesitated. Was it too soon to buy it? You hadn’t been together for that long. Would she find it cheesy? Or maybe she’d feel pressured? You weren't sure how she’d react to seeing you wear her jersey so early in the relationship.

Then again, you wanted to show her how proud you were, how much you supported her, not just as a girlfriend but as someone who admired her talent and passion. After a moment of deliberation, you picked the jersey off the rack, holding it up with a grin.

Screw it, you thought. You were buying it.

As you made your way to the register, you couldn't help but imagine Alessia’s reaction when she saw you wearing her name. Would she be surprised? Happy? You hoped it would make her smile the way she made you smile every day.

——

Arriving at the stadium, you were immediately struck by the electric atmosphere. The place was buzzing, packed with men, women, and children all decked out in various jerseys.

Some fans were singing team chants at the top of their lungs, others laughing and chatting with excitement. As you scanned the crowd, a few Russo jerseys caught your eye, and it brought a smile to your face, knowing how proud Alessia would be to see her name out there.

Sticking to your promise, you quickly sent Alessia a text: "I’m here!" before heading inside to find your seat. The stadium felt even larger from the inside, and the anticipation building in the crowd was contagious.

Settling into your seat, you began scrolling through your social media, casually passing the time.

Suddenly, the crowd erupted into cheers, and you looked up to see the Arsenal women’s team emerging from the tunnel for their warm-up. Your eyes immediately found Alessia, her figure unmistakable as she jogged to the center of the field.

There was something about her that captivated you in that moment. Dressed in her training kit, she looked completely in her element, focused yet calm.

Her hair was tied up in a neat ponytail, and the way she moved was almost hypnotic. You couldn’t take your eyes off her—she was stunning, both as an athlete and as your girlfriend.

As Alessia stretched and warmed up, you noticed her sneaking glances toward the stands, scanning the crowd. It was obvious she was looking for you.

When her eyes finally landed on you, her face lit up, and you waved, feeling your heart skip a beat as she waved back with a huge smile. Her gaze shifted to your jersey, and for a moment, you could see the curiosity in her expression as she squinted slightly, trying to make out the name on the back.

She pointed at your jersey with a grin, giving you a thumbs up, and you knew exactly what she was thinking—she was hoping it was her name you were wearing. You smiled back at her, standing up slightly to show off the back, and she gave a little fist pump, clearly pleased.

With a playful smile, she blew you a kiss, and even from the distance, she could you her cheeks flush slightly as you caught it with a laugh before returning to her warm-up routine.

It was a small, intimate moment in the middle of a crowded stadium, but it felt like it was just the two of you.

——

The final whistle echoed through the stadium, marking the end of the match. Arsenal had won, and Alessia had scored two breathtaking goals. The stands erupted in cheers, fans chanting for their heroes as the players exchanged handshakes on the pitch.

After the formalities, the Arsenal players began their lap around the stadium, waving to the fans and stopping for photos.

Alessia made her way closer to your section, taking the time to chat with fans, especially the young ones. It was heartwarming to watch her interact with them—so sweet and patient, laughing with them, even signing shirts and taking selfies.

The kids clearly idolized her, and seeing that made your heart swell with pride. You couldn’t help but feel lucky to be hers.

From where you stood, you debated whether you should go over and talk to her. Part of you wanted to be close, but you weren’t sure if Alessia wanted to be seen with you in front of all these people.

You’d been keeping a low profile, not wanting to attract too much attention. Wearing a hat was your attempt at blending in, though you weren’t sure how much it actually helped.

Then there was the Emma factor. If she found out you were at an Arsenal match in a Russo jersey, she would flip.

The dating rumors would undoubtedly blow up, and with Emma so intent to keep your sexuality hidden, it could lead to trouble. Not for you, but certainly for her. You didn’t want to complicate things.

Sighing, you decided not to approach. Instead, you started making your way out of the stadium, feeling a little disappointed but knowing it was probably the right decision. Before leaving, you quickly texted Alessia:

*Heading back to your place now. See you soon*

As Alessia continued signing autographs, her eyes scanned the crowd again, looking for you. But when she didn’t see you, a flicker of worry crossed her face.

Where had you gone? Did something happen? Did you not enjoy the match? She tried to stay focused on the fans, but the nagging thoughts kept surfacing.

Once she finished up and made her way to her car, she switched on her phone and saw your message. Her brows furrowed as she read it.

You had left without saying goodbye. Confused and slightly concerned, she dialed your number immediately.

The phone barely rang before you picked up. “Hi, babe! Great match!” you said cheerfully, hoping to ease any tension.

“Thanks,” Alessia replied, though you could hear the worry in her voice. “But are you okay? Why did you leave so early? I wanted to see you after the match.”

Hearing her concern made your heart melt. “Oh… I didn’t know if you’d want me to come up to you with all those people around. You know how it is with rumors. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel.”

“Baby, of course I wanted to see you,” Alessia said, her voice softening. “I don’t care about rumors. Do you?”

“I mean, I don’t either… but with Emma and my contracts, I didn’t want to stir things up. You know how she is. I just didn’t want to get into trouble, but I really wanted to come up to you,” you admitted, feeling a bit guilty.

Alessia sighed, her voice affectionate. “I understand, love”

“I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I just didn’t want to cause any issues today.”

“It’s okay, I get it,” she reassured you. “I’m on my way home now, so I’ll see you soon, alright?”

“Yeah, okay. I’ll be waiting for you,” you replied with a smile.

“Good. And hey, next time, don’t hesitate, okay? I want you there,” she added softly, before hanging up.

As you hung up the phone, you couldn’t stop smiling. Hearing how much she wanted you there eased your worries, and you were already looking forward to seeing her again in just a little while.

——

When Alessia stepped through the door, she was immediately welcomed by the comforting smell of food cooking. Curiosity piqued, she wandered into the kitchen and found you standing by the stove, still dressed in her jersey, completely focused on preparing dinner.

You hadn’t noticed her yet, so with a mischievous smile, she quietly snuck up behind you, wrapping her arms around your waist. The sudden touch made you jump a little, nearly spilling what was in your hands.

“Ah! Alessia, you scared me!” you gasped, turning your head slightly to look at her.

She giggled softly, the sound warm and playful. “Sorry, love,” she mumbled with her chin now resting on your shoulder, her body gently pressed against yours. You were both the same height, and the way she fit perfectly against you felt natural, comforting.

Without missing a beat, she planted a soft kiss on your cheek. “By the way, my jersey looks so good on you,” she whispered teasingly, her breath warm against your skin.

You couldn’t help but grin. “Does it really?” you teased back, leaning into her slightly as she started to sway the two of you gently from side to side, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Mmm, yep,” she hummed. “But you know, you could’ve just asked, and I’d have given you one of my old jerseys,” she said with a cheeky smile against your cheek, her lips brushing against your skin.

You giggled, feeling your heart warm at her playfulness. “Too late for that,” you replied with a soft smile, enjoying the closeness.

“Well then, I’ll just have to get one of yours!” Alessia said, her voice full of excitement. “That way, when I come to the U.S. to watch one of your matches, I’ll wear it.”

Surprised, you turned your head slightly more to look at her. “You’d really come to one of my games?” you asked, the disbelief clear in your voice. None of your so-called friends—or even past partners—had ever made the effort to come to one of your matches.

Alessia pulled you in tighter, resting her chin on your shoulder again as she softly replied, “Of course I will. I want to see you play in person, not just on TV. We can be each other’s WAGs.” She laughed lightly, the sound making your heart flutter, as she nuzzled her nose against your neck.

You turned around fully in her arms, your face lighting up. “You really want to watch me play?” you asked, still amazed by how supportive she was.

She grinned, her eyes sparkling. “Absolutely. I can’t wait to see the cocky, confident Y/N on the field. Because the Y/N I know is shy and adorable.” She rubbed her nose against yours playfully, her gaze softening as she looked at you.

Your cheeks flushed at her words, feeling a little bashful. “You’re making me blush,” you said, lightly slapping her shoulder with a laugh, before leaning in to kiss her gently.

Alessia kissed you back softly, her hands resting on your waist as she smiled against your lips. When you pulled away, she brushed her thumb tenderly across your cheek. “You know, you don’t have to be nervous about me coming to your games. I’ll always be cheering for you.”

Her words melted your heart, and you leaned your forehead against hers, the warmth between you two undeniable. “I guess I just never expected anyone to actually want to come watch me play,” you admitted quietly.

“Well, I do,” she said softly, her gaze full of affection. “And I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Hearing that made you feel a kind of happiness you hadn’t felt in a long time. Knowing Alessia was willing to support you in such a meaningful way filled you with gratitude and joy. You were already looking forward to the day she’d be in the stands, proudly wearing your jersey, just as you had done for her today.

After dinner, you and Alessia settled on the couch, cozying up together to watch a movie. The warmth and comfort of the evening were abruptly interrupted when your phone rang. You glanced at the screen and saw Emma’s name, which immediately made you sit up, causing Alessia to look at you in confusion.

“What’s wrong?” Alessia asked, her voice filled with concern.

“It’s Emma,” you replied nervously. “She never calls me. She only texts, and when she calls, it’s usually bad news.”

You answered the call and put it on speaker, so Alessia could hear too. Emma’s voice blared through the speaker, sharp and accusing.

“Y/N!?” Emma’s voice was full of anger, making your eyes widen in alarm.

“Yes?” you answered, trying to sound calm.

Emma took a long, frustrated breath before launching into her tirade. “Can you explain to me why I woke up to rumors about you dating a woman soccer player? It’s all over social media! How did you manage to get yourself into this mess?”

Your gaze darted to Alessia, who looked equally shocked. You tried to maintain a calm demeanor, though you were clearly distressed.

“I… um, I don’t know,” you said, trying to play innocent.

“So you have no idea how you magically ended up at an Arsenal game wearing an Alessia Russo jersey? And don’t even get me started on the picture of her blowing you a kiss on the field!” Emma’s sarcasm was palpable, her frustration evident.

You glanced at Alessia, who looked as if she was struggling to remain composed. She squeezed your hand reassuringly, her support evident.

“Okay, yes, I went to the Arsenal game,” you admitted. “But nothing really happened. We barely interacted. People can still think we’re just friends. That kiss was the only thing that happened.”

Emma’s tone grew even more hostile. “Oh, really? Because if you’d bothered to check social media, you’d see that there’s a picture of you two making out in a parking lot! Not only did you flaunt this relationship during the day, but you also lied to me about where you were this morning!”

“I… I didn’t know,” you stammered, feeling the tears start to well up. Alessia’s hand was still in yours, and her grip tightened slightly in a gesture of comfort.

“Do you have any idea what this means for you?” Emma’s voice was now a sharp, cutting edge. “No contracts, no sponsors. Your career is in serious jeopardy. Do you realize how screwed you are?”

“I—” you began, but Emma cut you off with a cutting edge.

“Save it. Don’t say another word. Just let me handle this,” Emma snapped before ending the call abruptly.

The sudden silence in the room was heavy. Tears began to fall as you felt overwhelmed by the weight of Emma’s harsh words. Alessia’s heart broke for you. She pulled you into her arms, holding you tightly and rubbing your back soothingly. For a while, you just let her comfort you in silence, feeling the warmth of her embrace.

“I’m really sorry,” you whispered after a few moments, your voice muffled against her shoulder as you snifflled.

“For what?” Alessia asked softly, gently pulling your face away from her shoulder so she could see your eyes.

“Everyone knows now,” you said, your voice trembling with concern. “I didn’t know if you’d be okay with everyone knowing about us. We never talked about it.”

Alessia’s expression softened, her eyes filled with affection. “I don’t care that everyone knows. It’s nobody’s business but ours,” she reassured you with a tender smile.

She was truly unbothered by the public attention. Her happiness with you was what mattered most to her. Being out in the open didn’t change that.

“And it’s absolutely not your fault,” Alessia continued, her voice firm but gentle. “I’m the one who kissed you in the parking lot. If anyone should apologize, it’s me.” She caressed your cheek softly, her gaze full of sincerity.

“No, it’s not your fault either… I’m happy you kissed me,” you said, managing a small, grateful smile.

Alessia’s smile widened, her eyes sparkling with love. “I’m glad I kissed you too,” she said, leaning in to place the softest, most reassuring kiss on your lips.

She then took your phone and turned it off, placing it aside. “Let’s not worry about that tonight. Let’s just focus on being together and go to bed,” she suggested, gently helping you to your feet as you nodded and turned off the TV.

As you made your way to the hallway, Alessia paused and turned to you, a touch of nervousness in her voice. “Do you want to sleep with me?” she asked hesitantly.

You looked at her, a bit surprised by the question.

“I mean, just sleep together. Not anything else,” she rambled nervously, her cheeks flushing. “Though, yes, I’d like to… you know, in the future, if you want,of course! But for now, I just meant to sleep, to close our eyes together.”

You couldn’t help but smile at her endearing nervousness, finding her adorable. “Of course, I’d love to close my eyes with you,” you teased, making her giggle.

You followed her to her room, and as you both lay down facing each other, Alessia draped her arms around your waist, pulling you close. She kissed you softly. “Good night, baby,” she whispered, her hands soothingly rubbing your back.

Feeling completely relaxed, you whispered back, “Good night, babe,” before closing your eyes. You and Alessia drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms, feeling more connected and at peace than ever.

——

The next morning, you woke up to the gentle sensation of soft kisses being pressed all over your face. You let out a contented hum, still half-asleep.

"Good morning," Alessia’s raspy morning voice greeted you, her face beaming with a soft smile as your eyes fluttered open to meet hers.

“I made you breakfast… well, at least I tried,” she chuckled, clearly proud of her effort. You giggled in response, but as she leaned in for a kiss, you playfully turned your head, causing her lips to land on your cheek.

“Hey!” Alessia whined, pouting a little.

“Morning breath,” you teased, smirking as you kissed her cheek in return before slipping out of bed. Together, you made your way to the bathroom to freshen up.

“I’ll wait for you in the kitchen,” she said, flashing you another one of those soft smiles, and you nodded, watching her leave with a warm feeling in your chest.

After washing up, you found Alessia in the kitchen. She looked up at you with that hopeful gleam in her eyes. “Can I have my kiss now, please?” she asked, grinning. You giggled and leaned down to press a soft kiss on her lips before sitting down at the table.

“Thank you, Less. This looks really good,” you said, grateful for her effort. You both ate quietly, enjoying the moment, but a sense of calm was soon interrupted.

After breakfast, you turned on your phone, and immediately, it blew up with missed calls and texts, mostly from your teammates and, predictably, Emma.

Your social media was flooded with the picture of you and Alessia kissing in that parking lot. Some of the comments were harsh, filled with judgment and nastiness. You sighed, feeling the weight of it all.

Alessia, noticing the shift in your mood, slid her chair closer and gently placed a hand on your arm. “Please, don't read those comments,” she said softly, her eyes filled with concern. “Don’t let them dictate how you live your life. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.”

Her voice was steady but filled with emotion. “No matter what you decide, I’m here, always. I know we’ve only been officially together for less than a week, but I care so much about you. I don’t want to lose you over this.”

Her words hit you deeply, making your heart swell. She was right—you had spent too long letting others control your life, dictate your happiness, and stifle who you were. That needed to change, and it needed to happen now.

“You’re right,” you said, finally feeling that resolve settle in. Without hesitation, you dialed Emma’s number. It was past midnight in LA, but you didn’t care. You knew she was awake anyway, probably plotting her next move.

The call rang a few times before Emma answered, her voice harsh and impatient. “Finally, you pick up. I’ve been calling you a thousands times! Now listen—here’s what we’re going to do—”

You cut her off, your voice firm and steady. “No, you listen to me.”

There was silence on the other end as Emma, likely shocked by your tone, waited.

“I don’t care about the sponsors, the contracts, or what the media is going to say. Do you hear me? Here’s what’s going to happen: I’m coming out, and I’m doing it today.”

You could hear Emma start to protest, but you shut her down before she could even get a word in. “No, shut up and listen. I’m tired of you controlling my life. I’m 22, Emma. I’m an adult. I’m done with this.”

“You’re going to ruin your career!” Emma’s voice was sharp, dripping with scorn.

You took a deep breath, the weight of your words heavy but resolute. “I’d rather risk ruining my career and be happy than keep pretending to be someone I’m not and stay miserable.”

“As your manager—” she tried again, but this time, you didn’t let her finish.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot to mention: you’re not my manager anymore. You’re fired.” The words spilled out with finality, and before Emma could respond with more venom, you ended the call and tossed your phone onto the table.

For a moment, there was silence. Alessia, who had been quietly observing, was staring at you, her eyes wide in admiration and surprise.

“Um… was that okay? Did I go too far?” you asked nervously, suddenly second-guessing yourself.

Without hesitation, Alessia cupped your face in her hands and kissed you deeply, her lips warm and soft against yours. When she pulled away, she smiled. “You were absolutely perfect,” she whispered, her voice filled with pride.

You smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. You were finally in control of your own life, and Alessia was right there with you, every step of the way.

——

“You’re going to put on a show for your girl tonight,” Cam teased with a grin, watching as you blushed at her words.

“Absolutely,” you replied confidently, heading onto the court as the match was about to start. “I plan to make it unforgettable.”

It’s been about a month since you came out and fired Emma. Initially, it was tough to manage with brand deals, media attention, and people talking about your personal life.

But over time, things settled down, and people moved on. Although you and Alessia still occasionally receive hate, you’ve learned not to let it bother you.

As you took your position, you glanced to your right and immediately spotted Alessia in the front row, just as she had promised, wearing your jersey. She gave you a playful wink, and you responded by blowing her a kiss. Her grin widened, filled with excitement and pride as she caught the kiss.

The match began with intense energy. You played with a mix of flair and precision, showing off your skills and determination. Every move was calculated to impress not just the crowd, but especially Alessia. At one point, you executed a particularly stunning maneuver, and with a confident smirk, you glanced in Alessia’s direction. She caught your eye and winked back, her teasing smile clearly enjoying your performance.

By the end of the game, you had secured a decisive victory. Your performance was not just strong but spectacular, as you’d promised. The crowd was buzzing, but your main focus was on Alessia.

As you approached the sidelines, you locked eyes with her, giving her a playful wink. She responded with a wide, teasing smile and a little wave, clearly thrilled by your performance.

——

Back home, as you and Alessia snuggled on the couch, you couldn’t help but reflect on the evening’s events.

“You were absolutely amazing out there,” Alessia said, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

“Thanks,” you replied, your smile wide and satisfied. “I really wanted to make it a memorable night for you.”

Alessia nestled closer, her hand resting on yours. “You definitely did. I’ve never seen you play with such confidence and flair. It was like you were in your element.”

You sighed contentedly, looking into her eyes. “It feels incredible to hear you say that. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, to be this person. And having you here, cheering me on, makes it all the more special.”

Alessia smiled softly. “You’ve always been amazing, but now you’re truly shining. It’s like you’ve found yourself, and it’s beautiful to see.”

You nodded, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. “It’s true. For the longest time, I felt lost, trying to fit into other people’s expectations. But now, I’m finally being who I truly am. No more trying to live up to Emma’s standards or anyone else’s. I’m proud of who I’ve become, and I’m so happy to have you by my side.”

Alessia squeezed your hand. “I’m proud of you too. You deserve all this happiness and more. Seeing you so confident and joyful is everything to me.”

As you held her close, you felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Your life was exactly where you wanted it to be. You had a fantastic girlfriend who supported and admired you, you had embraced your true self, and there was no more negativity from the past.

For the first time in a long time, you felt genuinely happy and content, knowing you were living your life authentically.

FIN

#woso community #woso #woso soccer #woso appreciation #women’s football #woso x reader #awfc #awfc x reader #alessia russo imagines #alessia russo x reader #alessia russo

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magicdustsworld · 2 months

Text

His Favourite

Ryomen Sukuna x Fem!Reader

Tropes: King x concubine, fluff to angst. (Just a drabble)

Tags: intention of impregnation, suggestive smut, heian era, no mentions of y/n.

________________________________

Being Sukuna's favourite concubine has its perks.

She gets all the special treatment. From the jewels decking her radiant form to the luxurious amenities granted to her by the lord, himself; she has it all. The mealtimes as well as place for all the other concubines are set in stone. For her, no. She dines with his lordship, indulging him in stories of her own while he indulges her like a artist to his muse.

Ryomen Sukuna is enamored.

Enamored by this woman who was offered to him by the second clan head of the village – a means to negotiate with his highness to not exploit their land. A negotiation upon which Sukuna took an keen interest.

However, may the tale of that burning village be kept out for another day.

For today- and for all the forthcoming days, are meant for this very woman who he keeps by his side while he lets the mortals entertain him with their quandaries.

It's his decree, for he is the King of curses and she – his cherished.

Everyone who visits him would and should know that she demands as much respect as him. That she is a force not to be reckoned with. That by his side, she doesn't cower to fear instead commands it.

That's satisfaction. That's fulfilment.

That very fulfilment isn't attained until the woman tenderly grazes her hand against his. Delicately she runs her fingertips over the ridges and callouses of his skin. However, the relief only courses in his veins when she presses her lips on his palm.

Glancing up at him from beneath her lashes, the suggestive glint isn't elusive to him. The mirthful curve of her lips to the innocuous mien oftentimes left him ensnared in a cage. A cage from where he deliberately wishes to never attain freedom.

This little minx...

Isn't it laughable? The haunting nightmare of humanity left to a crumbling mess in front of his precious, his cherished, his soon to be consort.

Hence, he indulges her.

Indulges her in a passionate evening where he trails warm kisses down her spine, hand resting on the dip of her hip while he curls his finger in her warm core. The ridges of his knuckles brushes her lips, grazing the sensitive space in her he draws out her salacious moans. Her face twists into a series of expression – ones which he etches on his memories with all the others.

It isn't enough. He needs more. He needs to know her. All of her.

Her lower body spasms as she hits the peak of her ecstasy. He doesn't stop there, he cages her again in his arms; her only home. Anywhere else isn't safe for her delicate essence.

He continues the passion filled dance, aligning himself with her entrance before he is pushing in. The difference in bodies is starkly evident, no amount of lubrication would ever help the initial pain. However, when Sukuna marks the traces of tears in her eyes, he is quick to caress her with affection. Adoration brims in his irises while endearments combined with encouragement are befallen on her parched ears.

She smiles and may the lords be merciful...

He gains the signal and he keeps her in his embrace for how long no one knows. He jostles her body from one position to another, drawing out lascivious sounds from her as the wave of pleasure crashes over both of them simultaneously.

His seed drips out from her and Sukuna, for all is a twisted man, hence he can't help the pride that swells his chest.

One day, he tells himself. One day the very seed will grow inside her as his kin. One day, he will have her by his side as his queen.

Sukuna lets her rest in his chambers after the fateful display of lust and fire. She is fast asleep on the silken sheets and he finds himself, cleaning the mess – her. Verily, he has his servants but they don't get to see her like this.

This beauty, this vulnerability. All of its his and only his. She is his.

She has him enthralled.

Each glance, each smile, each honeyed word spoken to him, kindles a fire in the abyss of his existence. The unknown vulnerability ensnares him deeply, vexation causes the slight quirk of his brows when he observes her again – frolicking in the courtyard with the chosen mortals whom she calls her friends.

He scoffs.

The sun embraces her in its glows while the zephyrs play and curl her cascading strands. The butterfly perches on her bare shoulder while she feeds the pigeons in the courtyard. The daunting smile, the flicker of light, the luring whisper, even with all the evidences shouting at him, he tells himself that its only the nature.

The nature enthralls him, not her.

Yet, when the very nature decides to flaunt itself by rendering the land, the sky, the air in hues of the golden twilight, there's only one beauty he finds – her.

Ryomen Sukuna indulges what he desires.

He desires her, hence he indulges her as well.

From bringing her exorbitant jewels and fabrics to all the books she wishes to read, he does it all. She needs a relaxing bath after a day of endless toil? Uraume is ordered to watch over the luxurious bath. She craves for a certain kind of meal? Uraume must prepare it, no matter the situation.

At this point, Uraume just happened to be serving two masters simultaneously.

However, shimmering stoned and resplendent kimonos hold little light in front the affection she acquires. Little do his other consorts know about the poems he pens for her. Only her.

Yet, he is twisted. So is his affection. Therefore, he keeps the poems all around the map of his abode. For her to solve the mystery and finally gain the fruit of his affections.

If only... if only he wasn't such a twisted man.

If only, you never chose to step in this side of the garden. If only–

Under moonlit skies

Our fingers grazed, silent bliss

I knew that day, yet

Ignited hearts had senses merged

Melding in midnight's embrace.

Was it a cruel joke?

The knife twists itself into your heart, jabbing at the secluded corners with an intensity that physically hurt. Your shoulders trembles, nails dig into the flesh of your palm; so deep and so much that it draws blood.

The stinging pain of a pierced palm is negligible in front of a trampled heart. The pain courses through every vein, every pore, every inch. It's a kaleidoscope of memories that you're pushed in, fantastical memories with which you had always deluded yourself. The very pictures are running before your eyes as you struggle to breath, the lump forms in your throat as the tear pricks your eyes and yes– they tumble down. Smearing over your cheek and trails to your jaw.

Its almost like a concussion, the only difference is that your heart is hurting. A rippling pain grapples your entire being and then your knees give out.

You shoulders slump down so does all the breeze as the humidity causes your hairs to stick to your skin. You have your mouth agape, deep breaths for calming yourself down but it doesn't work.

Nothing works. Nothing works today. Nothing will ever work.

How could it when the man you love, loves someone else? How could anything ever be fine when the man you swore your loyalty to, never cared for it in the first place? How would you ever be alright knowing this is a grave you have dug for yourself?

You bring up the poem before yourself again. The very words swirling before your eyes akin bees near a flower.

Have you lost your sense or rationality? It hurts. It hurts so much. Yet, you read the poem again.

And again.

And then, you chuckle.

You bring your hand up to your mouth, suppressing the sounds which escape yet you keep reading. The chuckles continue with the streaming tears and finally, when the moisture in your eyes renders you incapable of proper vision, your laughs die down.

"Ah– just how foolish of me..."

Truly, so foolish of you.

After all, you're just another concubine while she is his favourite.

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demonpiratehuntress · 10 months

Text

The Straw Hats (+Ace) with you being injury prone

Featuring: Zoro x Reader, Luffy x Reader, Sanji x Reader, Usopp x Reader, Ace x Reader

Summary - you get hurt very easily. waking up with random bruises, tripping over your own feet, walking into walls, etc. and your boyfriend is extremely concerned.

Warnings - like one swear word

A/N: im super clumsy and VERY injury prone, so i thought this might be fun to write. writing this with ice on a bump on my head :))))

ZORO

Zoro tends to get murderous when he spots an injury or even the smallest cut on you. He is immediately ready to tear up whatever caused it, or slice the person responsible into ribbons. So you try to hide it as best you can, especially since you are especially clumsy and getting hurt is your biggest skill. Got a cut or bruise? You're wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Bump on your head? Beanie or hat.

Sometimes, though, your body forgets you're trying to conceal your clumsiness and it will blatantly expose you, such as right now.

"OW! DAMN IT!"

You had been trying to sneak up on Zoro, who was laying out on deck - you guessed it - taking another nap. One of his eyes opened at the sudden cry, landing on your figure nearby. You were hopping around on one foot, clutching your knee with both hands, your expression pained. The swordsman sat up.

"How did you hurt your knee?"

Indeed, there was nothing around for you to hit your knee on - a precaution taken by Nami and Chopper, the only two who knew about your unfortunate tendency to get hurt.

"I...I kicked it."

"How did you-" Zoro was absolutely stunned. He was an idiot, but even he knew there's no way you could kick your own knee. It was physically impossible. He got up to come an inspect it.

"I'm fine!" You promised, setting your foot down - unfortunately for you, it twisted and took you down with it. "OW!"

Zoro's jaw dropped. It took a hot minute for him to react, too shocked to fully comprehend what had just happened. When he got over it he carefully lifted you up, taking you back to his hammock so he could take care of you. He had turned his back for a second before he heard a loud thud.

You groaned.

"HOW DID YOU FALL OFF THE HAMMOCK?!"

He was immediately rushing over to pick you up again, keeping you in his arms this time. He was so worried, the poor guy, eyes grazing over your body in concern. You didn't look physically hurt, but he could tell you were in pain. Mostly from the impacts of your falls. From then on, he's your personal bodyguard, having to physically move some things so you wouldn't knock against them, or move you so you wouldn't hit anything. As for the hammock...he always made sure to get on first so he could hold you and keep you from rolling off.

Good luck convincing him to ever let you walk anywhere - or do anything - alone again.

LUFFY

Luffy is a menace. Far from being concerned about you when you would trip or bump your head, this damn idiot has the nerve to burst into loud, uncontrollable laughter.

"You're funny, (Name)!"

And he doesn't mean to hurt or upset you, it's just the way he is. He's seen you on the battlefield, mercilessly crushing whoever got in your way, so he doesn't think much of these little accidents. He thinks you're not hurt, that you're completely fine and doing it on purpose to - yes this is his reason - entertain him. After all, why else would such a ruthless fighter just flop and fall around for no reason?

"Luffy, I don't think she did that on purpose..." Usopp tried to tell the captain, who was trying to convince you to fall again.

You frowned, trying your best to not get upset with your dumbass boyfriend, and before you could stop yourself, your body already obliged. You turned and walked right into the mast - face smashing against the hard wood. You groaned and stumbled back, your nose hurting and eyes glossing over. You fell onto your butt, earning another round of obnoxious laughter from Luffy.

"DON'T JUST SIT THERE AND LAUGH!" Sanji knocked Luffy so hard on his head that the captain fell to the floor, hitting the deck face-first. Then the cook came to help you up.

"Thanks," you mumbled, feeling so embarrassed.

It was then that Luffy noticed your tears, and he sprung to his feet - completely unaffected by Sanji's attack. He came up to you and grabbed your arms, making you look at him.

"(Name), what's wrong?"

"I'm fine," you smiled, shaking off his concern. You made to walk away, but you once again turned and slammed into the mast.

"CAN WE MOVE THIS DAMN THING?!"

"But that's...that's always been there?" Usopp said-asked meekly.

You shot him a glare so withering that he screamed and cowered behind Luffy, who just laughed and wrapped his arms around you, extending them until he had you completely encased in a cocoon made by his arms.

"There, now you can't get hurt!"

SANJI

Sanji, like Zoro, tends to overreact when you get hurt. And by overreact, I mean he dropkicks everyone and everything that dared to cause you harm. So you try to hide your injuries from your overly concerned boyfriend, opting to cover them with layers. Sanji found this a bit odd, but otherwise didn't press. But slowly he started to notice things he hadn't before.

"My love, watch that-"

You bumped into the wall, sending your book crashing onto your face.

"-wall."

He rushed over to check if you were okay, laughing a little when you pulled the book away from your face to smile at him sheepishly.

"I'm fine."

Seconds after you said that disaster struck again, with you tripping over your own feet - with absolutely nothing being in the way - and falling over. Sanji's eyes widened and he quickly helped you back up.

"You are very clumsy, (Name)," he chuckled, not knowing that was exactly it.

"I am," you agreed, hiding your embarrassed blush behind your book.

Before he could say anything else, you took off and tried to quickly walk away before he could notice the growing bruise on your knee. That failed, as you hadn't taken three steps before you crashed into one of your oncoming crewmates, and fell backwards.

"Mosshead! Why did you push (Name)!" Sanji yelled, coming over looking ready to throw hands.

"As if I would do that!" The swordsman snapped back.

"Well she's on the floor isn't she?!"

"She bumped into me!"

"How dare you blame (Name) you big oaf!"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

You quickly stood up and got in between them, averting the total destruction of the Going Merry.

"He's right, Sanji. I bumped into him. I told you I'm clumsy."

You didn't have to say more before you were suddenly scooped up into the cook's arms, hearts in his eyes with his next words.

"Well then I'll just carry you everywhere my love!"

USOPP

Generally speaking, Usopp is a lot more alert than most of the crew. So it's no surprise that he picked up on your clumsiness early on, but he didn't think it was anything to worry about since it was just small stuff. But the moment you walked in one day with a bag of ice on your head, unsuccessfully trying to conceal it under a hat, Usopp grew alarmed.

"(Name), is everything okay?" Your concerned boyfriend asked you, stopping you from lifting something up. "Your head-"

"Is fine," you finished with a smile, kissing his cheek. "But thanks babe."

You walked away before he could insist on you telling him what was going on. But unfortunately for you, your two left feet gave you away and you stumbled forward, dropping the box and then tumbling over it. Usopp cried out in alarm and ran to your side, helping you up.

"(Name)!" He fussed over you. "Okay that's it, what's going on?"

"Should have known I couldn't fool the brave Captain Usopp," you smiled, trying to divert his attention.

"Well, I-" He stopped laughing confidently when he realised what you were doing, "Hey! You can't do that! Tell me, I'm worried."

You sighed, "I'm just clumsy, that's all. And injury prone."

"That...explains a lot..."

You growled and smacked him, "Is that all you can say?!"

"S-sorry!" He apologised quickly, rubbing his head. He was about to take you to Chopper for nothing other than he was worried you were hurt internally, when you suddenly tripped and fell on top of him.

He groaned, "Clumsy is an understatement."

ACE

He notices right away. There was no way it was normal for someone to walk into a wall that they knew was there, or to trip on a flat surface, or bonk their head on a shelf that they knew was over their heads - multiple times. But somehow, you managed to do all of that and more, and poor Ace was sick with worry about your physical health.

"OW! FUCK!"

Ace's head shot up from the bed, "What happened?!"

"I hit my head again..."

"Same shelf?"

"...Same shelf."

He chuckled before getting up and going over to you, bringing you into his strong arms. He placed a kiss on your head, replacing your hand rubbing your sore spot with his hand.

Later on, you were trying to bring him something, when you stubbed your toe on the bedframe and tumbled onto the bed, startling the poor man out of his nap.

"(Name)!" He figured you must have tripped, but he was not prepared for your tears. "Where does it hurt?"

"My toe..." You pouted. "I hit my food on the bed."

He face-palmed. It takes a lot for Ace of all people to face-palm, so embarrassment creeped up on you. Before you could protest, he pulled you on top of him and made you lay on his chest.

"I swear, you're a walking safety hazard," he teased. "Looks like I can't let you leave the room now."

He meant it. And if you did leave, it was with him. He was just too worried about not being around when you hurt yourself, which was valid because he was always your source of comfort.

Later...

"What happened to your eye?"

"I...fell...out of the bed..."

"...."

You are on the verge of making Ace cry.

#zoro x reader #roronoa zoro #zoro x you #vinsmoke sanji #sanji x you #sanji x reader #monkey d luffy #luffy x you #luffy x reader #usopp #usopp x reader #usopp x you #portgas d ace #ace x you #ace x reader #one piece #op #op x reader #op x you

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rainyorca · 2 months

Text

I'll swim down with you 𓇼 Kenji Sato X Reader

Content warnings: F!reader, Established relationship, childhood friends, kissing, fluff, a little bit of smut.

Words: 1,916

Notes: Rewatching Ultraman made me realize that Kenji does in fact have pools on his deck but I don't know if they're meant to be swam in, however, i really wanted to write something involving them soooo…..I am very deeply in love with this man and have seen this movie more times than I’ve seen my dad this summer.

𓆉︎ ☼ 𓇼 ☼ ꩜𓆉︎ ☼ 𓇼 ☼ ꩜𓆉︎ ☼ 𓇼 ☼ ꩜𓆉︎ ☼ 𓇼 ☼

The setting sun casts beautiful rays of golden light on the Earth, blanketing everything in warmth. It’s mid-June, which means baseball season is at its all-time high right now. For Kenji, it’s rather exciting but for you, it’s a little upsetting. You don’t get to spend as much time with him anymore due to practice and his games, but you still attend his games, all of them in fact as long as your work schedule doesn't overlap. As well as his duties as Ultraman, sometimes you don't even get to have him in bed next to you.

You sit in one of the pools on his wooden deck, bathing in sunlight. You like to sit in the water and watch the sunset over the ocean, the view is out of this world. It's one of the many things you like about living with him. Ken is currently at practice, which he has practically been at all day in your mind, then again you left for work early this morning so you haven't seen him at all today. You close your eyes, sinking further into the pool and letting your head rest on the edge. The wood is smooth beneath your head, but you slide your hands under your head for more cushion. There's music playing softly in the background, one of your favorite songs from your favorite playlist. This was your idea of relaxing after work, especially with such a hectic day you had.

“Ken is home,” Mina’s voice erupts softly from behind you, making you jump. You turn around to face the floating supercomputer. “I'm sorry, did not mean to startle you,” she says, her tone flat as usual. “It's okay,” you smile softly, “thank you for letting me know, Mina.” The floating circle gives you a nod before flying off to greet Kenji. You turn back to the sunset, waiting for Kenji to come by. You can hear him talking to Mina inside but it stops momentarily before starting up again. Kenji’s footsteps could be heard approaching you now, but you're too lost in thought to turn around or even notice.

“Enjoying yourself?” he asks, you can practically hear the smile in his voice. You turn around, smiling when you see him. “I’d enjoy it a lot more if you joined me,” you respond, tilting your head at him. He shakes his head with a smile, “I know, that's why I put my swim trunks on.” You watch him lift his shirt over his head, the golden light hitting his toned body perfectly. He looks warm, and the light makes his skin look supple and soft. He dips his feet in the water, pulling back from the slightly coldness but slowly easing himself in. The water isn’t too deep, he can stand perfectly straight and it only goes to his waist. He rests his back against the edge just like your doing but he follows your movements when you turn around to face the sun. He squints a little, turning his head to look at you rather than the bright sun. “How was your day?” he asks, his voice as soft as silk. You peer into his big gray eyes, resting your head on your hands again. “Hetic,” you respond simply, “How was practice?”

He picks up on the simplicity of your answer quickly, dropping the subject knowing you don't want to go into detail. “Practice was good, but I was a little distracted today,” he responds, reaching up and brushing a water droplet off your face only to get more on you. “Why’s that?” you ask, giggling softly at his failed attempt. “Because I kept thinking about you,” he smiles, almost teasingly because he knows what you’re gonna say. “You’re so corny,” you scoff, smiling brightly, “why were you really distracted?” He shrugs, “I'm serious, I was thinking about you.” There's humor in his voice and his expression is rather playful. You roll your eyes, turning your head to face the sun again.

His eyes linger on you for a moment, taking in the softness of your face and admiring how your eyes look in the sunlight. A few thoughts from the past show up in his mind, like how upset you were when you found out he had to move back to Japan, or the sweet moments in high school when you went to all the school dances with him. You have always been a special person in his life and for so long, he feels rather grateful that you're back in his life as his lover rather than just a friend. He snakes a hand around your waist, turning you around so you're facing him and not the sun. Your back is pressed up against the edge again and he's standing in front of you, staring down into your eyes.

“You’re so warm,” he says softly, running his hands up your exposed torso. “I’ve been out here a while,” you respond, reaching up and resting your arms on his broad shoulders. “I can tell,” he hums, reaching up to cup your face with his large, wet hand. “You’re warm too,” you point out, tilting your head a bit so you can melt into his touch. He drops his hand, sneakily lifting you so he's carrying you. You wrap your legs around his waist, holding onto him as he backs up from the wall of the pool. He smiles, spinning you around slowly in the water. You close your eyes, throwing your head back and hanging off him a bit as he spins you.

There's a mischievous look in his eye, but it all goes away when you dip underwater. He surfaces you quickly, laughing at your surprised expression. “Oh you asshole,” you splash him with water, wetting his hair and face. “I couldn't miss the opportunity, sorry,” he lets go of you, protecting himself from your splashes. You give him your best angry expression, but it doesn't last long. You can't resist his charms, and that award-winning smile always makes you smile. He swims up to you, reaching out to grab you again and pulling you into his chest before you can get away. “I won't do it again, I promise,” he says, shaking his hair and sending water flying. “If you do, we're going to have problems,” you respond, pressing your hands into his chest.

His eyes glide over your face, his smile still plastered on his lips. He cups your face again, making you tilt your head upwards so he can have access to your lips. He tilts his head a little, leaning in to place a soft kiss on your lips. You kiss him back almost immediately, sliding your hands over his shoulders as you have done before. The soft, pillowy feeling of his lips is enough to send you into a trance, parting your lips for him. Your heart rate spikes a little when you feel him pull you in tighter, his brows furrowing and what seems to have started off as an innocent kiss was now becoming something more euphoric and titillating. He tilts his head a little more, deepening the kiss with a quiet grunt before moving you back to the edge of the pool. Your back hits the smooth edge, the coolness of it suddenly more noticeable.

His grip on you tightens, his knee coming up to part your legs slowly before pressing into your clothed cunt. The sudden shift in demeanor, and movements, makes you gasp a little. He pulls away slowly, a new look in his lidded eyes. He leans down to kiss the line of your jaw and then your neck. “I haven't been able to give you much attention lately,” he says softly but sensually, “the attention you need and crave.” You tilt your head back just a little to give him more access to your neck. His breath is warm and it fans over your neck, the tickling sensation making goosebumps rise on your skin. His knee presses up against your cunt again, a little harder this time making you squeak in surprise. You lift a leg slightly, opening yourself up more.

Ken moves his hand down, further and further until stopping at the waistband of your swimsuit bottoms. He slips his lithe fingers underneath the fabric, inching closer and closer to your cunt. His lips find yours again in another aggressive, hungry kiss as if he's trying to devour you through the kiss alone. One of his fingers brushes over your sensitive clit, causing you to startle, and a sharp gasp erupts from your throat. The sound is like music to his ears, the noises you make are just perfect to him. You brace yourself, one hand on the edge of the pool, the other digging into his shoulder while he holds you still. He rubs agonizingly slow circles on your clit, drinking in your expressive behavior, soft moans starting to slide off your sinful tongue.

You were his weakness, just like he was yours. It was hard to resist him really, a struggle you’ve had since your younger years with him. In moments like these, it was even harder. The sun was still setting on the horizon, however only half of it was visible. The night sky started to pool in, blanketing the sky with specks of stars. He couldn't help himself, hearing your delightful and heavenly moans, he needed to hear more, to feel more. His fingers speed up, rubbing a little harder but oh so perfectly. You part from his lips with a rather pathetic gasp, your mouth staying slightly open as he continues to draw his fingers over your clit.

He leans in, mouth open against your soft neck, tasting, feeling, the area with his mouth. “I wanna memorize every part of your body,” he hums, breath ragged, “I wanna touch you everywhere, make you mine.” He blabbers, his words digging deep into your core, making you squeeze around nothing. He lifts his head to look at you now, bumping noses as he continues his movements against your clit. His eyes bore into yours, lovingly but lustful. You keep your eyes open, or at least try to. You can't help but close them every time a shock of pleasure rushes up your spine. “I wasn't lying when I told you,” his lips curl into a smug smile, “that I was thinking about you. I’ve been thinking about this all day.”

“Ken,” you breathe, your moans melodic and messy. “You seem more sensitive than usual,” he points out a little teasingly. That warm tingling feeling starts to build up in your stomach, pleasure shooting up your spine as your climax starts to work its way out of you. Just as you're about to release, Mina’s voice sounds from behind Kenji causing both of you to stop.

“A phone call from your father, Ken,” she says monotone. Kenji sighs, looks back at Mina, and then back to you, his fingers still positioned on your clit. “Before you try to put it off, it's urgent,” Mina continued before Ken could even speak. He groans, clearly irritated, and then gives you an apologetic look. “I’ll be back,” he says, kissing your forehead before releasing you gently. Your body relaxes, and you catch your breath, watching him get out of the pool and follow Mina into the house. A sigh escapes your lips, irritated but otherwise calm. You decide to stay in the pool until the moon comes up.

𓆉︎ ☼ 𓇼 ☼ ꩜𓆉︎ ☼ 𓇼 ☼ ꩜𓆉︎ ☼ 𓇼 ☼ ꩜𓆉︎ ☼ 𓇼 ☼

#kenji sato smut #ken sato #kenji sato #ken sato x reader #kenji sato x reader #ultraman rising #⋆｡𖦹°‧Ukume!

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penkura · 3 months

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Zoro has come to want nothing more than for you and your children to be safe. He believes for the longest time that the three of you being on the Sunny, where he can protect you, is the safest place in the world, no village or city could be safer. Zoro believes that fully, up until your ship is attacked by enemy Pirates. No one is surprised when you take your children, who are barely two years old and nearly four months old, below deck for safety, even as they both cry from the sounds and you try to calm them down.

When it's all over and he goes to retrieve the three of you, there's a strange feeling in his chest and a thought in the back of his mind that hits him when he sees you coddling your toddler and infant, both of whom are still fussy and upset, but your son starts to relax when he sees Zoro there and knows everything is okay, quickly running to be held in his dad's arms. He lifts him easily, your two year old burying his face in his neck, still crying just a bit, and the face you give him tells Zoro you have the same thought.

This isn't a safe place for children.

The two of you have several discussions the days after, on what to do now that your two little ones have had to experience the reality of living on a pirate ship so early on. Eventually you decide that it's best if, at the next island you dock at, you take your children and leave for some time, to give them a chance to grow up without fearing for their lives. Most places you visit are receptive to your crew, they welcome you all happily, and you fully believe the next island will too, based on things you've heard about it. Zoro only agrees because he wants you to be safe, you and your babies, he doesn't want anything to happen to any of you, not now not ever.

He doesn't fully accept that idea until a few weeks later, when you've left the ship with Nami and Jinbei, and have Zoro stay with your napping babies. The thought has been nagging him ever since that last attack against your crew, since he's been watching your kids grow a little more. Your son has been attached to Zoro ever since, especially when he wakes in the night, calling for him like he's had a nightmare (he probably has, Zoro realizes), while your daughter has been fully calm ever since, sleeping and nursing normally, she doesn't understand what happened and won't for several more years.

When you get back later, you find Zoro still watching them sleep, like he hasn't moved at all, lost in thought as you sit beside him. You lean against his arm, and he acknowledges you with a slight grunt and nod, before you start talking.

"I found a place we can stay."

"Yeah?"

"A small house right inside the town, the landowner is willing to let us rent it."

"That's good..."

The rest of the crew helps you pack that night, Luffy has agreed to letting you and your children leave for a time, at least until they're old enough to defend themselves, though you aren't sure you'll return. He understands that too, saying they'll always come by no matter what, as often as they can, with a grin on his face that eases you. Zoro plans to stay with you a few days more, while the Sunny is docked, and even tells you he'll take leave until you're comfortable, but you don't want him to waste time. It's not fair to him, or the rest of your crew, so you promise him that you'll be fine, the three of you will be okay.

But when those few days are up and it's time for everyone to go, you're starting to regret your decision, especially as your son cries and holds onto Zoro's leg, telling him to stay. It breaks both your hearts, and your daughter starts to whine while in her carrier on your chest.

"No go! Dada stay!"

When he finally looks down at your son, Zoro gives him a small smile as the toddler looks up at him, tears and snot running down his red face, before he picks him up and starts to wipe the tears away.

"Now that's enough. I'll be back."

"No...no go!"

"Hey now, you're a big boy, aren't ya?" Your son starts to quiet, nodding just a little, before Zoro sets his forehead against your son’s, "I need you to do something for me, all right? I need you to take care of your mama and baby sister until I get back, okay?"

He sniffles but nods again, before hugging Zoro around the neck.

"Miss you..."

"Yeah...I'll miss you too, buddy."

Zoro sets your son back on the ground after a few more minutes, before leaning down to your daughter and kissing the top of her head.

"Gonna miss you too, princess, be good for mama," you've been trying not to cry, for your children really, but you almost join in the tears when Zoro hugs you next, "I'll miss you the most. Be safe, all right?"

Nodding, you smile just a bit, leaning up to give him one more kiss before he leaves.

"I love you, we'll see you when you get back."

"I love you, too. I'll be back as soon as possible."

"I know you will."

Your son waves the whole time he can see Zoro leaving, only stopping when he's no longer visible, then looking up to you.

"Dada back..."

"Yeah," you smile and take his hand, starting to lead him back inside your rented home, "Dada will come back, just like he said."

#one piece x reader #reader insert #zoro x reader #roronoa zoro x reader #fem!reader #light angst #I'M SORRY IT JUST CAME INTO MY HEAD AND I HAD TO #HAVE SOME ANGST TO START THE WEEK I GUESS MY BAD #yes this also because ch10 of last forever isn't done i apologize #no use of y/n #might do a part 2 later idk

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mydearlybeloathed · 4 months

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── 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐑! 𝐈 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐑!

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: your people have a legend: mermaids only ever fall in love once. you never put much thought into it, until you come across a band of human pirates.

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: romance dawn trio x mermaid!reader

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: sleep who's she? ~7k baby (1.7k intro, 1.4k luffy, 2k nami, 1.9k zoro)

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: my contribution to mermay... on the last day of may, it gets increasingly more unhinged, sanji kinda gets bullied, robin is carrying the last two relationships, my own made up mermaid courting rituals, biting, a bit of violence

𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: i had this playlist on repeat while writing 🙆

The last island had warned the waters to come were infested with dark creatures of slithering scales and tempting voices. Creatures that pull you in deep and leave you out to dry a corpse. Born from seafoam, storms, and desire. Mermaids.

“Mermaids?” Zoro drawled.

“I met a mermaid once,” said Usopp, and everyone groaned unanimously. “She tried to take me down, but my charms were just too much, so she let me go.”

Everyone surely believed him, of course.

And of course the motley crew ignored every reservation and warning and sailed headfirst into the treacherous sea. At first, nothing at all was out of the ordinary. The morning fog hung tentatively over the water splashing at the ship's hull as it powered through. Sure, the sun could’ve shined a bit brighter through the thick clouds, but it was a lovely day for adventure.

Nami stood at the helm keeping an eye on the horizon, relishing in the breeze hitting her face, when you heard an odd buzzing in her ear. She swiped at the air and rubbed her ear on her shoulder, but the sound only grew louder. Puffing her cheeks, she turned to ask Sanji to get her the bug spray, when she noticed he too was messing with his ears.

She laid eyes on each of the crew scattered around the deck, enjoying the cool weather. Everyone shifted uncomfortably, faces screwing up as though in pain.

“Do you guys hear that?” she asked needlessly, gathering their attention.

Zoro cupped his ears, nodding. “Yeah, it’s like…”

“Buzzing,” Luffy finished. He kept swatting at the air, searching out for some fly assaulting him.

“No, it’s… it’s singing.” Sanji faced the waters, the words of the village folk coming back to him as his eyes widened. He whipped back around to lock eyes with Nami just as she put everything together too.

She gasped. “Mermaids.”

The ship rocked and the weather shifted drastically in seconds. Already thick clouds doubled in number, drawing close and creating a swirling mass in the sky. Waves rumbled and rose to crash over the deck, sending the crew into hysteria to grab their bearings.

And on top of it all, the most beautiful melody rose above the chaos, filtering into the ears of the crew and blocking all else out. Usopp’s hands slackened around the rope he held steady, eyes glazing over as he leaned toward the far off sound. Sanji’s eyes flickered up to the sky, roamed over the gray clouds, and fell to the waters below, his mind dizzied by the beauty and lithe of the voices. Zoro stumbled drunkenly over his own two feet, desire furling in the pit of his stomach, legs carrying him to the edge of the ship to catch a glimpse of the one singing to him. Luffy froze midclimb up to the crowsnest, head darting this way and that, mind clouded. Nami gritted her teeth, resolve formed to not give in to the angelic, mystifying, amazing song sung just for her—she left the helm unguarded, leaping to join her friends in calling out to the seas.

The crew’s voices overlapped in thier pleading for the woman to come near, to give them all that the song promised. Their every dream would come true, if only the mermaid would help them into the water. The pod of mermaids encircled the ship, their harmonies intertwining in one mind. The ship might have kept on drifting, guided by rough waters manipulated by the mermaids’ hand, and crashed right into the reef and all the crew would be scooped up by the she-beasts, thrust into the deep to drown,

If not for one voice which rose above the rest in a demanding, desperate order: “STOP!”

Instantly, the clouds parted and sun bled through. The song fell through to indignant shrieks, splashes dying down to ripples as shiny tails descended into the blue. Nami blinked awake, feeling hungover and headached, looking blearily out on the water. Vision clearing, she caught a sight she would never forget; a woman lain on the far rocks, a single beam of sun illuminating the vibrant scales running along her skin till they met at a tail dipping into the water.

The fact that their ship was headed right for those jagged rocks was an afterthought. She lurched back and sped into motion, barking out furious orders and smacking the men upside the head to push them into gear. Sanji stood frozen at the ship’s rail, gripping the wood in a vice, eyes glued to the creature. “Nami, it’s—”

“I know!” She gripped his shirt and whipped him around, slapping the side of his face a few times. “We’re going to crash!”

Sanji blinked, shook his head, and raced to grab a flinging rope, jumping high and tying in down in one swoop. Nami bolted to the steer, an eye out the window as she pulled with all her might to change their course. Usopp soon joined her, guiding the ship bit by bit to the left’s clear passage. She fell backward when Zoro’s shout reached them, “We’re clear!”

Risking a moment of peace, the navigator cupped her hands over her face, allowing her body to calm all its flighting-fighting instincts. The calm lasted for all of five seconds before the screaming began.

“Luffy! What—Why—What?!”

Nami sprang upright, locking eyes with Usopp, and the two sighed in unison before heading above deck. Whatever Nami expected, it wasn’t the terrified, shivering form of a mermaid baring her two fangs at a looming Luffy. The others stood a ways away, unsure what to do with themselves, but certain they didn’t want to get involved with this.

“Luffy!” Nami cried. “Did you drag her up here?”

Given the mermaid’s following hiss, Nami assumed that was the case. Luffy inched closer still, and the mermaid lost all her gusto, face falling as she scrambled away form him, dragging her tail behind her.

The mermaid was beautiful; that was the common thread of thought. Her damp hair hung all around her face, nearly covering her deep eyes. Scales creeped up her torso and faded into skin around her chest. Her every movement was caught by the sun, her scales shimmering rainbow reflections into the air around her.

“Stay back,” she hissed out, eyes narrowing upon Luffy. “Demon.”

Usopp scoffed, grabbing the mermaid’s sharp attention. “What, long-nose?”

Ruffling, chuckled awkwardly, he looked around at his friends for help, receiving nothing but raised brows. “I just mean—you’re the mermaid.”

The mermaid blinked slowly. She seemed to have forgotten the threat before her, all attention directed at a quivering Usopp. “I’m the demon? I’m the one who saved you. You think my people decided to let you live on their own?” She laughed, and the sound had a pretty ring to it. “No. I commanded them.”

Her eyes darted back to Luffy as he took to sitting criss-crossed in front of her. “I should have let you and this demon-child die on the rocks.”

It soon became obvious she knew Luffy ate a devil-fruit just by one look at him, and she was not happy about it. Luffy only tilted his head at her hostility, a little frown on his face. “Are all mermaids this rude?”

You balked, gaping before snapping your mouth shut, not dignifying him with a reply. Luffy persisted. “I like your tail. What do you mean you saved us? Why?”

Curling your tail closer to yourself, hands holding your upper body up, you glanced from the pirate captain to each of his crew. They didn’t look too threatening, but you’d learned long ago to never trust a human’s looks. Many a mermaid died on the grounds of humans looking nice. So Luffy’s question begged an answer. Why did you save them?

You shrugged a shoulder, eyes drifting out to sea. “My people need to eat.”

Usopp gulped. “We’re very gamy. You wouldn’t like us—”

“I wasn’t done speaking,” she quipped back, a brow raised. “Mers are carnivores by nature. Normally, we steer clear of humans.” You sneered at the word. “We find your kind to be a predator, and we’re a peaceful people.” The swordsman scoffed and rolled his eyes at that.

“But times have changed. The fish have fled this sea.” You took a deep breath, shakily letting it out. “My people are starving, and they look to me as their princess for guidance.” Quickly clearing your throat to hide how the topic gloomed you, you snapped, “All that is to say that I strictly forbade the hunting of humans despite the starvation. They disobeyed me. That is why I helped you.”

You faced them all as your tail began to glimmer even brighter, slowly but surely parting down the middle. Your face contorted slightly as your scales seemed to mold into your skin, leaving you bear before the crew of pirates. You shivered in the breeze, raising your gaze once more. “Any other questions?”

There seemed to be none, silence running around the deck, and you prepared to jump back into the water before your parents sent the guard to find you, when the demon-child spoke up.

“Yeah,” Luffy nodded, face taken by seriousness. “How do we bring the fish back?”

You blinked once, then twice, and then a third time for good measure, but nothing in his expression betrayed hilarity. He wasn’t pulling your fin. The devil-fruit eater meant to help you.

Demon. That’s what he was. You knew this fully well. It’s what your parents taught you from a young age. Devil-fruit eaters are the enemy of the sea, and thus the enemy of the mers. You’d followed this rule all your life… but then you looked at the one they called Luffy, you really looked at him right in his face… and none of that made any sense anymore.

Sure enough, Luffy led the charge against the oil corporation mining near your peoples’ home, threatening convincing them to move elsewhere. Within a few days of the miners’ departure, some mers managed to coax schools of fish back to their reefs. With the ecosystem and chain of life restored, the Straw Hat Pirates had no reason to stay.

And really, neither did you. What you did have, however, was a reason to go with the pirates. Adventure, the life you’d always dreamed of, away from the reef you’d felt tethered to for so long… and a certain member of the crew who had caught your rapt, undying attention.

There’s a legend that mermaids only fall in love once, never to find another who would fill the gap in their hearts. You would always call it foolish romance… but really, there might be something to it.

LUFFY

You were a goner the moment he offered to help you with those big, genuine eyes of his. As much as you tried to deny it—and you did try to deny it—you were falling in love with a human. A devil-fruit eater at that. What had you been reduced to?

And yet, there was no denying it. Especially not when you couldn’t bear to go an hour without laying eyes on him. Your mother said it was normal for mers to feel… possessive over the one who holds their affection, and that fact was not lost on you as you slithered through the water, approaching the pirate lazed out on the rocks he’d dragged you from about a week before.

Your eyes rose above the water first, little grin still below the surface. Luffy looked so relaxed, eyes on the clouds, every once in a while glancing at his crew on the anchored ship nearby. You braced your hands on the cool stone and launched yourself upward, fanged smile gleaming as water splashed Luffy’s legs. His laugh had you keening closer, dragging your tail along the rocks. Luffy grinned for all of two seconds before the seawater sunk in. Instantly drowsy, he tried to offer up another smile as you winced.

“Sorry,” you giggled. “I always forget.”

He laughed it off, already recovering as he shifted to face you. Luffy’s eyes followed your tail to where your fins dipped into the sea. “If only I could swim with you. Bet it’s fun.”

“If only.” You shared a smile for a little too long, but it never grew uncomfortable. Lingering in the moment, you gazed over at his ship, melancholy taking over as your smile faltered. “So… you’re leaving soon?”

“In the morning.” You clicked your tongue and tried your best to act nonchalant, failing miserably as you pursed your lips and combed through your hair.

“Why not tonight?” you offered with a tight grin. “You should get away as fast as possible. I don’t know how one becomes pirate king but it's not by sticking around a boring reef and its boring princess. Ha! I’ll even help bring your anchor up faster! Then you can be out by sundown.”

The silence crept up your spine, getting you all antsy as you lowered your gaze to the rippling waters. Shoulders tense, you could feel Luffy’s eyes on your profile as you picked at the algae along the rocks. He probably thought you were an idiot, rambling like that. And if so, that was fine. It would make him leaving so much easier.

Luffy inched toward you and ducked to meet your gaze. “Come with us.”

“What!” You hit an octave the best soprano would envy, losing your grip and slipping right off the rock back into the water. Your hands grabbed at the slippery stone, panic all over your face before you plunged under the surface.

You drifted under the waves, unmoving as the words replayed over and over in your head, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Glancing up at Luffy’s bright laughter, you caught sight of him peering down into the sea, his face muddled by reflections and ripples. He couldn’t be serious. He just couldn’t.

Luffy grew nervous when you didn’t resurface, leaning over the water to catch a glimpse of your shimmery tail, when as quick as lightning you broke the surface and came nose to nose with him. Blinking wide, you breathed deeply, so close you felt his every exhale on your skin. “You mean it?”

“‘Course!” Luffy offered you his hand despite the fact he’d lose all his strength the moment he touched your sea-soaked skin. “Wanna join my crew?”

Yes. You wanted nothing more than to follow him to the end s of the earth and then some. Part of you had been hoping he would ask. The rest of you longed to take his hand and smother him in hugs till he pried you off him. But… the water swirled around your tail, threatening to carry you off in a current, and your lips quivered down.

“I… I can’t!” you cried, dipping underwater before he could catch you, darting off into the blue. Panic bubbled in your chest, strangled gasps sending pops of air into the water around you. No matter what you wanted, you were bound to this reef. Your home, your kingdom… and above all that, to ever think of running off with a human was foolish beyond measure! So you wasted away all night long, lamenting around the sea, hiding above the coral and sands.

Luffy watched the water all morning, trusting you would show despite your disappearance implying otherwise. Nami set a hand on his shoulder. “Luffy, she’s not coming.”

He had to hope. You wanted to go, he saw it in your eyes, and he wanted you to go too. Luffy didn’t think he could bear leaving without you, and he wasn’t exactly sure why. He knew from the moment he met you that he needed you on his crew—but why? He searched his head for an answer, coming up short. Giving the sea one last hopeful glance, Luffy sighed and gave Nami the go-ahead.

The ship had barely sailed off when a shimmery, sparkling thing leaped out of the water, shouted his name, and plunged back into the blue. Luffy raced to the ship’s edge, a smile creeping up his face. You raked a trail of seaspray behind you as you darted just below the surface. Again, you propelled yourself out of the water. “Wait!”

Luffy threw his head back laughing, holding down his hat on his head. He shot Nami an I told you so look, to which she rolled her eyes and turned, lest he catch her pleased smirk. A round of chuckles ran amongst the crew as they slowed the ship’s leave, not that it mattered; Luffy was already slingshotting his rubber arms out at you, and the next time you appeared arcing through the air, your shout turned into a yelp as his arms wrapped around you and pulled you in. Another panicked shout of his name left you before you collided with the rubber man, the pair of you rolling to the deck.

You worried your tail crushed him, the hefty weight of it landing on his legs, but all reservations fizzled out the moment his arms wrapped you up in a warm embrace. Luffy’s head found your shoulder, your hands hooking around his shoulders. “I’m covered in seawater…”

“Don’ care,” Luffy muttered into your skin even as he weakened and sank into you. “I knew you’d come with us.”

“With you,” you corrected instinctively, pulling away to stare right into his eyes. “I’ll follow you anywhere.”

He giggled softly. Luffy’s arms unraveled as he opted to instead cup your shoulders. “Good.”

From then on, where one went, you’d soon find the other. Not only on your end; Luffy quickly grew so accustomed to your presence that he began to wait for you to start eating, much to the amazement of his friends (Zoro almost admitted he was jealous before he saw the hints of puppy love in his captain’s eyes, and decided to let it go for now).

You still had some things to wear off before you fully let yourself admit you were falling for a human. Luffy seemed to be completely comfortable just going around holding your hand, swinging them between your bodies as your cheeks warmed. Luffy never strayed far from your side, comfortably resting an arm on your shoulder or some other contact. You never completely told him off for it, somewhat liking how his warmth contrasted with the cold of your sea-ridden body.

Now, it’s a given that Luffy cannot swim. He ate a devil fruit—everyone knew this fact very well. But now Luffy had his mermaid with him! All his faith went into knowing you would always swim to his rescue should he need it, so what’s the harm if he got a little bit more reckless surrounding the sea?

(The harm is to your stress. By God, he would be the end of you one way or another).

The number of times one of the crew has called your name, given you this tired and sorry look, and pointed out to sea. Luffy was likely to be flapping about in the distance. The most recent occurrence, Sanji set a hand on your shoulder and went to let down a rope ladder. “I’ll help you back up, lovely.”

Outwardly, you might gripe about holding his hand and having to save his devil-fruit ass from drowning every other week—but inwardly? You’d turn hell over before you let Luffy die. So you held his hand tightly in yours, wearing a smile so small only Luffy’s keen eye could see.

NAMI

Without really realizing it, Nami had fallen headfirst for your awkward, waterlogged, fishy kind of charm (and she wasn’t at all going to complain). She first started feeling it when the freshly victorious crew met your mer royalty parents at the surface, your tail mesmerizing as it dipped just into the water, your upper body propped up onto some scattered rocks. Your eyes filled with hope the longer you spoke to them in words too far to reach. Majestic. That’s the only word to describe you.

Well, majestic and graceless. That second descriptor was added when you rolled off the rocks into the water, beaming up at your parents before doing a figure eight around the sea and vaulting into the air. You flipped tail over head, cackling as you hit the water with a splash. A tiny laugh left Nami, eyes shining.

She was the first to help haul you up a rope ladder, hands clutching your damp arms. Nami met your smile steadfastly. “What’d you tell them?”

You giggled, cheeks warm at how you practically laid across her legs, the rest of the crew gathered around. “I just told ‘em I found something worth leaving for.”

(You’d told them you found a pretty human girl and had to leave with her or else you would probably die).

You promised to return for your birthright throne one day, though that promise hurt you. You had a duty to your people after all, no matter how pretty Nami was. But until then, you had today, and you would make the most of it.

Love wasn’t enough of a word to describe what you felt looking at Nami, and obsession was a bit too extreme (though Usopp would teasingly disagree). You simply… couldn’t help but gravitate toward her any chance there was, ever in her orbit. Where Nami was, you were soon to be found. Nami never told you to screw off or give her space; on the contrary, when your shoulder brushed hers, she pressed into you fervently, skin to skin and warm.

It only took a month for you to throw all caution to the wind and do the only thing you knew—go forth with the mer courting rituals (you were hopelessly at a loss, only doing what you’d seen the older mers do to beckon the attention of their intended).

Nami, clueless, accepted each gift of dazzling seashells and shimmery pearls with alighted smiles, taking you in her arms even when you smelled of the kelp forest you’d swam through to find the treasures. She laughed off the bites you gave her wrists, arms, and sometimes shoulders, snickering about how it tickled. And she sat and listened to every song you sat her down to listen to, closing her eyes as the melody calmed her, never needing any actual enchantment to draw her in.

In turn, you assumed her habir of buying you things was some sort of human ritual. Why else would Nami’s cheeks be so rosy as she handed you a luxury hairbrush you’d raved about seeing in a shop window?

“Did you see this new pearl she brought me?” Nami leaned toward Robin giddily, rolling the pearl in her palms. Her lip between her teeth, she stifled a too bright smile. “I’ll have enough to make a bracelet if hse keeps this up.”

“Then I’d say you’ll soon have a bracelet,” Robin mused, turning a page in her book. Nami tilted her head, eyes narrowed.

“What’s so funny?”

Robin’s lips curled up into a grin, eyes darting up to meet Nami’s. She barely contained her mirth as she flipped the book around and handed it over. “Nami, she’s been courting you.”

Jaw slack, Nami poured over the open page, heart stuttering. She slapped a hand to her temple, huffing a laugh. “So by giving her gifts, I’ve been courting her back?”

Humming, Robin took her book and closed it gently. She turned to face Nami entirely, brows raised. “You don’t seem upset.”

“I’m not,” Nami quipped, cheeks warming instantly. Robin chuckled behind her hand. “I—I mean—Uhm…”

The older woman stood and set a hand on Nami’s shoulder. “I’d expect an invite to swim fairly soon.”

Sure enough, not a day later, you shyly slinked up to Nami as she headed to the galley for dinner. Your hand found her wrist, tugging her aside as Zoro and Robin passed by wearing matching grins. You stared at your feet uncharacteristically, shuffling back and forth. Nami felt hot all over. She reached out a lissome finger to wrap around your pinky, whispering, “What is it?”

Swallowing thickly, you huffed a confident breath and snapped your head up. “Would-you-go-on-a-swim-with-me-tomorrow?”

A little smile worked its way up Nami’s face. Your eyes squeezed shut the second you finished your sentence, wincing like she might lash out. “I’d like that.”

Your whole face lit up, eyes wide as saucers. “O-Okay. At sunset. We’ll be docked at that island by then, right?”

Nami nodded and pulled you into the galley. Right as she passed through the door, before she could catch the teasing glances of the others, she turned and mumbled, “It’s a date.”

Nobody questioned it when you hissed your fangs at poor Usopp, booting him out of his seat right next to Nami, and promptly plopped down next to the grinning navigator.

Sunset came to slowly, in your opinion. All day you’d been tripping over nothing, nervous hands making your awkward legs even more coltish than usual. Around evening, the ship tipped too far left far too quickly, sending you careening right into Nami. You dragged the both of you down to the deck, face hidden in your hands as she laughed brightly.

And finally, the sun descended across the sky, shooting oranges and yellows and pinks into the clouds.

The wind kissed your face as you leaned against the ship’d railing, eyes darting back and forth over the rippled waters below. Fish flittered at the surface, bubbling her and there, muttering awful curses at each other. Nami sidled up beside you, eyeing your profile before gazing down.

You snickered, drawing her attention. “Fish hear all sorts of swears and insults from the sailors. I wish you could understand them because I will never be caught translating that mess.”

Your laugh trickled off as you looked at her, eyes trailing up and down her form. She wore one of her bikini tops and a pair of shorts, nothing too special, but something flared up in your chest at the sight of her. Skin prickling, you whipped around and found Sanji not too far away. The cook took a drag of his cigarette, admiring eyes set on Nami. Your fangs peeked out of your lips, trilling a low hiss. Sanji choked and nearly dropped his cig into the sea, catching it betwixt his fingers at the last second.

Nami’s laughed gently, taking your arm and swinging one leg over the ailing, then the other. You gazed into her eyes deeply. “C’mon,” she smiled. “I thought we were swimming?”

With that, she jumped off the ship and plunged into the sea. You jerked forward, watching bubbles fizzle up from the deep before Nami’s head popped back into sight. She kicked into deeper water, calling for you. Taking a moment to sike yourself up, you stood precariously on the ship’s railing, preparing to make a graceful dive after her—when your foot slipped.

Yelping, you tottered offbalance and fell face first off the ship, just barely flipping around to land feet first in the water. The water fizzled and bubbled all around you, the usual sting of scales surfacing from the depths of your skin causing you to squirm slightly. Your senses enhanced instantly, so Nami’s rich, boisterous laughter flowed down from the air to the sea, embarrassment flooding your body. Slowly, you swam upward, water parting over your head and dripping donw your face.

Eyes hooded, you came to face to face with Nami’s state of hilarity, clutching her sides as she struggled to remain above water. You waded toward her, hands finding her sides and giving her a break from kicking even as your eyes avoided her own. She hooked her finger under your chin, grin cheeky. “I thought it was cute.”

“Wasn’t meant to be,” you grunted.

Nami rolled her eyes and kicked away form you. “I thought we were swimming?”

“Not here,” you said, coming back to your sense. You reached for her hand and led her along the coast. “This way.”

You placed her arms around your neck and sped through the water, taking the pair of you far from the prying eyes of the crew and nearby sailors. Nami tucked her face into the crook of your neck, chuckling as seaspray stung her skin. Your tail propelled you toward a secluded cove you once visited with your aunt’s migrant pod, and you reached your destination in no time at all.

Now, Nami had done her research. She knew what to expect… But then you actually started to swim, your tail not making the usual constant up an down movements. You took a deep breath, eyed her hopefully, and parted the water by arcing your arms outward. Using a single, powerful thrust of your tail, you glided through the water like a piercing arrow, rotating in a spiral corkscrew. You circled Nami, who treaded water with a confused furrow in her brow.

She had been picturing the Dance of Sea Hearts all day, and yet she hadn’t come close.

Taking a breath, Nami gulped some air and ducked under the surface, flinging open her eyes. The salty water stung her eyes but she remained wide eyed, gaze trailing after your lithe curves and spirals. She caught your eye and the whole world seemed shifted all at once.

Suddenly pickiing up speed, you swam on your side round and round Nami, creating a current that spun Nami in a circle. Cheeks puffed of air, she went up for another bout of air and sank back down in one fluid motion. It was odd sort of dance, your fins brushing her skin and your hands tangling in her hair, taking her hands and spinning Nami in circles till the girl’s lack of oxygen and dizziness created a euphoric lightedheadness. But she trusted you, so she rose up for air and descended under the waves once more.

When you finally started to sing, Nami wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to return to the surface. You were one person yet your voice sounded like a choir, echoes forming under the water and overwhelming every living creature in the vicinity with the beauty of your vocalizations. She remembered when she heard your people singing her crew to thier watery depths… and this was nothing like that. Their voices beckoned her forth with promises of jewels and safety of wealth… but you didn’t promise anything other than the safety of your love.

Nami’s lips returned to the surface, sucking in as much air as she could. As the water closed around the crown of her head once more, you floated right in front of her, careful to not allow any enchantment into your voice. You wanted to do this right, not the way your people usually took the hearts of humans. Lips parted, you strung out your song—the song your father sang to your mother, and her mother to her father, and his father to his partner, and so on.

The dazed look in Nami’s eyes was nearly concerning, and you nearly feared you’d let slip some magic, when her hands cupped your cheeks and her forehead collided with yours. Bubbles flew form your mouth, song halted instantly. Nami gave you a tilted grin, picking up the melody where you’d dropped it, and you were putty in her hands.

Deeper the pair of you sank into the waves, your arms enveloping her body and holding her close, your tail curling around her legs. Noses brushing, your voices twinned together as your smiles rose to greet each other. Nami tapped your arm rapidly, on the brink of suffocation, and you swiftly swam the both of you back to the surface.

Gasping in air, Nami curled her arms round your neck, lungs no longer straining under the power of the sea. “Are we, like, mermaid married now?”

You laughed awkwardly, nosing her cheek. “Not exactly… Do you understand what I’m asking?”

“I do.”

“And?”

She pecked your lips. “I like you too.”

Though your heart threatened to sink, you accepted her kiss wholeheartedly, vowing to someday make her understand the depth of what you felt for her. The night grew long and full of laughter, splashing water hitting your faces as you committed a dance of your own making: having fun.

ZORO

Zoro knew the moment he laid eyes on you that you were dangerous.

With sharp fangs, fins that flared when angry, and the most hypnotizing eyes that made him feel things when he looked in them—you were close to the myths he heard growing up on his home island. Except, unlike the myths, you were kind, and maybe that’s what made it worse.

Zoro also knew something else the moment he saw you jump in the way of a sword strike from an oil miner and proceeded to tear him to shreds. With a mumbled curse and flushed face, he felt a thump in his heart as you heaved, dark eyes taking him in like you intended to devour him whole. But then you smiled, corners of your mouth curling to reveal shiny teeth that should have been threatening, and all he could think was a very firm shit.

He wasn’t getting a crush on a mermaid.

Yet, he found his eyes always drifting to you one way or another. And that voice—you swore you never used your enchantments on anyone, finding it unethical, but you had to be doing something to him. Each morning you went up to the crows nest and sang a song. Zoro was able to name every single one by now, but he’d rather die than admit it.

(But you knew, having a keen eye to catch his eyes fluttering closed whilst you spun your melodies).

You composed yourself far better despite feeling a similar tug in his direction. You were a princess, after all—albeit a feral sea princess, but you held poise nonetheless. Of course, that didn’t change the fact that every time you laid eyes on Zoro you had this innate desire to bite him. Maybe then the cook would get the message and stop staring.

Either way, it was really only a matter of time before the culmination of looks, touches, and songs took its final toll on you both.

You sat with Robin on the steps leading up to the helm, you head propped in your hands, eyes unabashedly laid upon the swordsman training on the deck below. Robin’s eyes drifted up from her journal, flicking between you and the source of your admination, before shaking her head. “You could talk to him, you know.”

Blinking, you glanced her way. “I do talk to him.”

“I mean,” Robin laughed. “Talk to him. About you and him.”

“Oh no, I can’t do that. It would complicate things.”

“And constantly undressing him with your eyes doesn’t?”

You cast her a little glare. “Don’t test me.”

Rolling her eyes, Robin shoved your shoulder, nearly sending you falling donw the stairs. “I’m sick of watching you two. It’s sickening. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you of your own romantic customs?”

Cheeks burning, you stammered over incoherent words and wobbled to your feet. Pausing to breathe, you peered over your shoulder, losing yourself for a moment as you caught sight of the grace with which he moved. He moved on from lifting weights, instead going over his katas and form with sword, the Wado Ichimonji.

Robin’s chuckles brought you back to reality. Pouting, you gritted out, “Shut up.” You whirled around and meant to march right up to Zoro—what you were going to say was the issue of future you—but you walked head first into a broad chest and fell in a heap of limbs on the ground.

Zoro’s eyes went wide, motionless as you glared up at him only for your eyes to soften instantly. Zoro huffed a laugh and reached out his hand. You eagerly accepted his help, jumping back to your feet and falling right into your habit of admiring every detail in his face. Your surprisingly strong grip remained on his wrist, your eyes darting between the flesh of his arm to his chesnut eyes. Zoro frowned deeply, confused, trying to tug his hand away and reeling at how strong your vice was.

Blinking quickly out of your trance, you released him, stared blankly, and bolted below deck. Zoro watched carefully, having half a mind to call you back; he’d walked over to talk to you, after all. He liked talking to you (it was a shocking revelation he was still having trouble accepting).

Robin felt like an intruder on such moments, yet always found herself in the middle. She snapped shit her journal and Zoro’s head snapped in her direction, quickly darting his attention elsewhere. Robin let loose a sigh of exasperation.

“Ridiculous.” Before Zoro could process whatever that meant, Robin was gone, leaving Zoro clutching his hand ot his chest and wondering why his skin crawled with the lingering sensation of your touch. He really couldn’t take much more of this. And neither could the crew.

“Every time they speak I feel like I’m walking in on a hook up,” Nami complained to Sanji. “They make asking about the weather feel sensual.”

Sanji chuckled to that. “Patience. Not everyone is as emotionally aware as you, darling.”

A week passed, and the usual brief glances and looks of longing exchanged readily. And then came the night of your watch. Everyone always knew when you had watch because you made it everyone else’s problem the whole day. Groaning and grunting, you lamented your lost sleep, and the others usually chuckled behind their hands whilst you sighed.

Usually, you spent your watch alone, charting the stars to pass the time and singing old sea shanties to keep yourself awake. But tonight was different; tonight, someone joined you.

Zoro’s footsteps thunked against the deck, startling you from your daydream. Shoulders dropping, you sent him a smile and went back to leaning against the mast. “Can’t sleep?”

“Nope,” Zoro sighed. He followed you gaze to the night sky. “Have they moved?”

“Have they—?” You paused to stare at him, mirth glittering in your eyes. “Have the stars moved?”

He flushed from his neck to his nose, only worsening at the sight of your blue-moon smile. “You know—are there new ones? Constellations. Don’t new ones appear when we’re in different areas?”

His frantic explanations only humored you more, dragging tiny chuckles out of you even as you nodded. “I know what you mean. Sorry for laughing… There are new ones. See there?” You sidled up to him and pointed to the left side of the sky. “There’s the South Mother. I could never see her back at my reef.”

Zoro’s brows met. “South Mother?”

“I think you call her Ursa Major,” you explained. “To us, she’s our ancestor, banished to the stars for loving a human.” Realizing how close you’d drawn to him, you glanced at Zoro before swiftly clearing your throat and stepping away. The tranquil quiet filled the space between you, before the stories of your childhood rose to the surface of your memory.

“My mother always told that story as a warning. Never deal with humans. They get you cast among the stars.” A tiny scoff left you, smile forming. “But my father? He told me South Mother was a revolutionary. Why shouldn’t she have loved a human? If she found one worth her time, then that’s her choice.”

You chanced a look at Zoro, locking eyes with him. You found it in yourself to not look away. “I always liked my father’s version better.”

Zoro nodded tentatively, unsure what to say if he should say anything at all. He settled for sitting against the mast, motioning for you to join him. You dropped down quickly, taking a spot on his right and resting you head against the wood. Minutes went by in blissful silence.

“Can I bite you?”

The question caught him off guard, Zoro lurching up to stare at you. His jaw agape, he found your expression to be one of utter seriousness, blinking at him expectantly. His swallowed thickly. “I—In what context?”

You shifted around to face him, waiting for him to do the same. “In the context that I want to bite you so no one else does.”

Reeling, Zoro managed a laugh, lips curling upward. “I don’t think you have to worry about anyone else biting me.”

“So you don’t want me to?”

“I didn’t say that.” Gods, what was he doing? He lowered his gaze, watching your hands fidget nervously with your boot laces. You were nervous… Glancing up, he saw that same nervous energy swarming your face. “Can I ask why you’re worried someone else will bite me?”

You thought back to your conversation with Robin, and her advice, and regretted ever bringing any of this up in the first place. It was all so stupid. You’d done so well of pushing all of this down… but he was waiting for an answer, and you’re quite certain you’d give Zoro anything he wanted.

“In my culture,” you started, “we bite those we… feel things for. It lets others know they’re talking with someone.”

Zoro understood what you actually wanted to say, no matter how hidden in your words it was. “And you want to talk with me?”

You wanted so much more than that. Honestly, you were clinging to your composure. He’s lucky you even asked first. “Yes. I do. And I don’t want you… talking to anyone else.”

Squinting at the space over Zoro’s shoulder, you awaited the blow of rejection. Surely, Zoro had other options. He was a warrior—strong, wise under all that moss on his head, and kind. Yet slowly, Zoro moved into your line of sight. His heart thundered around in his ribcage, his next sentence feeling silly, yet true.

“Humans do something similar,” he offered. “You bite me… and I’ll bite you.”

You hadn’t expected to get this far. Nodding gently, you threw caution to the wind along with all the pretense. “All that is to say… I… Well, I understand the South Mother because I met you.”

Zoro’s gaze softened, his hands drawing you closer till his exhale fanned your face. You knelt before each other, a single question in his eyes, to which you nod and lean in if only to be near him. His hand cradled the back of your head, lips dancing across the skin of your neck, finding the spot that made you squirm and biting. Zoro had no fangs to sink into your flesh but it hardly made a difference; the mark was there, along with several others littered along your shoulder.

Letting out a shaky breath you gripped Zoro’s jaw before he could go any further and brought his face level with yours. Running your tongue over your two jutting fangs, you muttered, “Where?”

Zoro craned his neck to the side, his breathing heavy and pupils consuming his irises. You gently traced the line of his jaw, completely enamored, before latching onto the skin where his neck met his collarbone. Careful to not wound him, you bit down just enough to leave your mark. Zoro’s slight hiss had you soothing your tongue over the mark, remembering the feel of his lips on your skin, and copied his earlier ministrations. Zoro would deny it over and over, but he whined, and you would take that knowledge to your watery grave.

Come morning, imagine the crew’s surprise walking into the galley expecting the usual dance of awkward feelings, only to find the pair of you thick as thieves showing off the fresh territorial markings splayed across your necks.

𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭:

@100520s @murnsondock

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cmncisspnandmore · 4 months

Text

All hands on deck.

Pairings: Poly!141 X F!reader.

Warnings: fluff, mentions of pregnancy complications (not in detail)

Word Count: 3209

Part 2

“Can you guys please stop screaming at each other?” You call out as you press your phone to your ear. The sounds of children yelling continued down the hallway, clearly they didn't care what you had to say. You let out a frustrated sigh, as the line continues to ring.

Where the hell were they?

It rings another 3 times as you lean against the bathroom counter, closing the door to try to block out the sounds from down the hall. It was going to cut to voicemail soon, just like the last 3 times you called. You start to pull the phone from your ear when it finally stops ringing and a very breathless voice answers.

“Sorry Mo Chridhe, I didn’t hear my phone ringin’” Johnny breathes.

“It's fine,” you mumble into the receiver, your hip bumping into the smooth quartz counter.

“It’s not, you sound defeated, what's wrong?” He asks, the sound of a bag clinking filters over the phone call.

“They just won't stop fighting, they’ve been at each other's throats all day, i don't know what to do anymore.” You sniffle, your eyes filling with tears, you blink them back staring at the ceiling light in effort to keep them at bay.

“They’re just kids, Love, siblings fight. Is that really all that's botherin’ you?”

You chew your bottom lip, “yeah I guess,” you sniffle.

There's another noise on the other line, followed by a gruff voice, “Who are you talking to Sergeant?” Price's voice is slightly garbled over the line.

“Oh just some bonnie lass,” Johnny replies cheekily.

“Hogging the wife all to yourself?” Kyle's voice is there too.

“Ain't hoggin nothin! She called me,” Soap defends himself. There's more static over the phone call. “Hey! Gimme back me phone LT!”

“Love?” Simon's gruff voice fills the line.

“Hi, Si…” you whisper, as the others bicker in the background. Johnny and Kyle arguing over who gets to talk next, and Price’s firm voice telling them to shut up.

“What's wrong?” Simon asks, “are the kids okay?”

“Yeah god, sorry, they're fine, they just won't stop fighting. It's driving me nuts, I think they just miss you guys.” You sigh as there's a loud crash from the living room, followed by even more yelling. “They’re gonna destroy our house..”

“We’re coming home,” and suddenly the line goes dead. You pull the phone away from your ear and look down at the screen. Your home screen staring back at you, it was a picture of the 5 of you. You were at the beach, Simon sitting under an umbrella with a book in his hands. You lean back against his legs, as one of his hands twirls a strand of your hair. You’re looking over at Johnny who was burying Kyle in the sand. Price standing behind them watching the whole thing with a smile on his lips.

You remember that day like it was yesterday even though it was almost 7 years ago now. It was the day that they all asked you to marry them, they had presented you with a large round diamond ring, the band containing their birthstones, each of their initials engraved on the inside. You had sobbed hysterically when they proposed. Each man took a few moments to tell you how you impacted their life in the best way. You never imagined you would marry one of them let alone all of them. While most people didn't think it was conventional and you often got strange looks when you told people you had not 1 but 4 husbands, you didn't care. Each one of your husbands gave you something you needed, and you did the same for them.

A child crying pulls you from your thoughts and you yank open the bathroom door. Your eyes landing on your 4 year old son, Theo running down the hall. His bottom lip is bleeding, as tears roll down his light brown cheeks. He runs to you, small arms up in the air as he wails.

“Theo what happened?” You lean down catching his small body as he crashes into you, smearing blood, snot and tears onto your baby blue t-shirt.

“Issly hit me!” he cries, his little hands coming to wipe at his eyes. You gently pull down his bottom lip, seeing only a small cut on the inside. A frown on your face as you glance back up at the doorway in which Theo ran from.

“Isla!” You call, picking the small child up and resting him on your hip. He presses his face into your shoulder, his messy brown curls tickling your chin. It only takes a moment for Isla to come around the corner, her blue eyes cast down at the ground. Shoulders slumped, light brown hair covering her face as she walks down the hallway towards you.

“Why did you hit Theo?” You sigh, and she looks up. She was pretty much a mirror image of Price. She had his blue eyes and nose, and if it wasn't for the shape of her lips you wouldn't think she was even yours.

“I didn't mean to hit him! He wouldn't stop climbing on me, I asked him to stop 3 times,” she looks at Theo, and then back to you.

“Isla you’re 6 years old, Theo is 4, he’s a lot younger than you, if hes doing something you don't like and he won't listen to you, you come and tell me. You don't use your hands to hurt someone. It's not nice. Now take Theo into the kitchen and help him clean up.

“Yes, Mama,” she nods, and takes Theo from your arms, carrying him past you to the kitchen. You sigh, running your fingers through your hair as you walk down the hall to the living room. It was a disaster, couch cushions on the floor, toys all over the place. A vase of flowers knocked over. A curtain rod half pulled off the wall.

“Seriously?” You mutter, your eyes flickering about the room and finally landing on Joseph and Kira. Kira sits on the coffee table, a book open in her lap, blonde hair pulled back into a messy french braid. Joseph sits next to her, poking her which she ignores.

“Kira, c’mon, stop reading your dumb book and come outside with me!” Joseph whines at his twin.

“It’s not dumb, you’re dumb.” She snaps back, neither having realized you're standing in the doorway.

“I’m gonna tell mom you're being mean to me again,” Joseph pushes her harder, and she snaps her book closed.

“Then I’ll tell Da that you're the one who broke his Rugby trophy.”

“You’re so boring! I hate you!” Joseph yells.

“Enough!” You snap, and both children's eyes meet yours. Joseph’s blue eyes wide as he realizes you heard their conversation. Kira’s brown eyes looking between you and Joseph.

“Kira, Joseph you are 7 years old. Can you please start acting like it? When i tell you to watch your younger siblings i mean it, but yet somehow Isla hit Theo and gave him a split lip and my living room looks like a bomb went off. Not to mention all of you have been fighting for the last week and I‘m not putting up with it anymore!” You press your hand into your forehead, a headache starting to pound behind your eyes. You shake your head slightly looking back at your twins. They were fraternal twins, but had two fathers. Kira was clearly Simons with her light blonde hair and brown eyes, Joseph resembled Johnny, right down to his mischievous personality. They were the first children to be born into your family. Their very existence became known on your wedding day.

You weren’t overly surprised that it was twins either, they ran in your family. The only real shock was when they had their newborn screening after they were born and they had wildly different blood types. Kira was B- Positive, like Simon, and Joseph was O- Positive like Price and Soap. Even though it didn't matter to you who their father was, you still had genetic testing done for each child. Just in case something happened and they needed blood, or god forbid an organ.

The doctors had called them Heteropaternal Superfecundation, an anomaly when twins have two different biological fathers. Now as you stare at Medical anomalies, you sigh. They were your oldest, the ones you counted on to help out with small things. “What is going on with you two lately?” You sit on the edge of the table.

“We miss Dads…” Kira mumbles, looking down at her book.

“We all do,” Joseph adds.

Tears well in your eyes, “I know it's hard when they’re away, and I know I'll ask you to help me more when they’re gone. I miss them too. But I think theyre coming home, at least that’s what Daddy said.”

“They're coming home? All of them?” Kira asks, her brown eyes widening.

“I think so, I called Da, and then I heard Dad and Papa, and then suddenly it was Daddy on the phone, as he said that they were coming home.” You shrug, and your children brighten at the fact that their fathers were coming home.

“ISLA! THEO! They’re coming home!” Joseph yells as he scrambles off the coffee table. Two sets of small feet race down the hall, and soon four of your children are standing in the messy living room.

“Theo, you pick up your toys, Isla help me put the couch back together, Joseph you can clean up the vase,” Kira turns to you, “Mama could you help with the curtain?”

“Oh so you want to clean up since your fathers are on their way?” You raise an eyebrow, and all of your children nod.

“Please mama, They’ve been on base for a month now..” Joseph blinks at you with his big blue eyes.

“Fine, I'll fix the curtain but it doesnt mean youre off the hook for your behaviors.”

It only takes an hour for the living room to be put back in order, it was amazing what your children could get done if they had the motivation to do so. You walk up the stairs to the second floor of your home, and gently push open the door to one of the bedrooms. The room is dark, and cool, a sound machine humming in the corner. You peek into the dark room, the light wood crib in the middle of the far wall, a small figure sleeping in the middle on their back. Hands up by their head as they sleep.

Your youngest, Hope, was 9 months old, she was your miracle baby. You had always wanted a large family, to give each of your husbands as many children as they wanted but it hasn't worked out that way. While you were pregnant with Theo you had some severe complications that had left you on death's doorstep. You had actually died once while in labor with him, causing him to be born by emergency C-Section. You woke up to 4 very concerned Husbands who spent the next 2 months by your side as you recovered. They had all been hesitant for more children after that. Each of them worried that your body wouldn't be able to handle another pregnancy. But after a few years you had convinced them that you would be fine, you wanted more kids. It took almost a year of trying and a few miscarriages for you to get pregnant with Hope.

Thankfully your pregnancy had gone smoothly, no complications, and she was born on christmas day. Now she was a happy and healthy 9 month old, one of the easiest babies you had. She slept through the night almost immediately and rarely fussed.

She stirs as you walk into the room, her little blue eyes blinking open, a smile forming on her little lips as she sees you. She gives you a gummy smile, two bottom teeth on display proudly as she turns over in her crib, pulling herself up to stand in her crib.

“Well hi baby, did you have a good nap?” You smile at her, as she bounces in her crib. Tiny baby hands gripping the bars, as you walk over to her. You scoop her up into your arms, baby babble filling your ears as she claps.

“Your dads are on their way home! Papa and Daddy and Da and Dad, yeah, are you excited to see them?” You kiss her chubby cheek, and she laughs.

The sound of commotion downstairs makes you pause, a chorus of voices floating up the stairs. They’re home.

“Daddy! PAPA!” Isla yells.

“DA! DAD! PAPA! DADDY!” Joseph and Kira join in.

“Dadadadada!” Theo’s tiny voice is there too, his screeches growing louder as you get to the top of the stairs.

“Where's your mother?” Price asks, his commanding voice cutting through the excitement of the group.

“She went to get Hope up from her nap,” Joseph responds, your footsteps on the stairs. You round the corner into the front entrance of your home. Simon holds Theo in his arms as Theo pulls the skull balaclava over his head. Joseph and Isla hang off Kyle and Johnny, their arms wrapped around their waists as they hug them. Kyle strokes Islas hair back from her face as he smiles down at her. Joseph's face is pressed into Soap's stomach, as his hands gently squeeze his shoulders. John is crouched in front of Kira, he smiles at her, his fingers tapping the tip of her nose as she smiles.

“Hi Lovie,” Simon is the first to speak. His brown eyes search your face before they settle on Hope who is in your arms, chewing on her chubby little hand, drool trailing down her chin and soaking her onesie.

“Hi,” You smile, your eyes burning with unshed tears. Your gaze trailing over each of them as they reunite with their children.

God how you missed them.

“Joseph, Kira, Isla, take Theo and Hope to the backyard and play for a few moments. We need to talk with Mama, okay?” Kyle says softly, and the older children nod. Kira comes over and grabs Hope from your arms, she quickly walks Hope over to each of her fathers and allows them all to kiss her on the head before she brings her out to the garden. Joseph, Isla and Theo follow after them. Theo holding onto Josephs hand as he asks him to push him on the swing.

The door to the garden closes with a soft click and the room is quiet for once. You stare at each of your husbands for a moment. Your throat tight, eyes burning, lower lip wobbling. It’s Soap who moves first, boots echoing on the tile floor as he grabs your waist and pulls you into his warm chest.

“No tears Mo Chridhe, we’re home now,” he speaks into your hair, dropping a kiss onto your head. He squeezes you tightly before his hands come up to cup your cheeks. He gently kisses your lips, and then moves to the side. Allowing Kyle to take his place, Kyle's soft hands slip into your hair at the base of your neck as he studies your tearful eyes.

“Why didn't you say something sooner Baby?” He asks softly, his lips brushing over your closed eyes.

“Didn't want to bother you guys… I know your training recertification is important…” You sniffle.

“Nonsense,” Price grumbles, coming to stand next to Kyle. Kyle releases you and John pulls you into him. His beard tickles your cheek as he leans down to press his lips against your neck. He places feather light kisses along your neck up to your jaw and then finally your lips. “You are far more important, all you had to do was call and I would have made arrangements to do it at a later time.”

“I know.. I just.. I don't know,” you look down at the socked feet.

“Johnny and I will go watch the kids in the garden,” Kyle says, giving your shoulder a soft squeeze.

“Don’t forget that you’re important too, if you need us tell us. You can't shoulder everything alone. If you need a break you have to tell us Darling,” Price looks into your eyes, and you nod. “I’ll go fix us some dinner, yeah?”

He kisses you again, before the three of them disappear into the rest of the house. You can hear the children laughing as Kyle and Johnny join them in their games. The faint sound of the radio coming from the kitchen as John starts to cook dinner for the family. Only you and Simon remain in the front entrance.

His brown eyes study you as he leans against the door, his arms crossed over his chest. To anyone else they would think he was angry, his expression blank as he looked you over from head to toe. You shift under his gaze, and wipe the stray tears from your cheeks. You finally let out a small breath, your eyes meeting Simons.

“How do you know everytime?” You finally ask, and the corner of Simon's mouth ticks up.

“Don't know what youre talking about Lovie,” he grumbles as he pushes off the door and crosses the room in a few easy strides.

“Yes you do, you always know when I'm at my breaking point. I said 2 sentences to you, and yet you knew I needed all of you home,” you look up at him. The height difference between the two of you forcing you to crane your neck.

“I just know you, the others do too. We all knew something was wrong after we realized we had missed calls from you. I just wasn't going to listen to you try to tell us you’d be okay. They’re far more considerate of your wishes than I am.” Simon muses, his hand coming to brush a strand of hair from your face.

“What about your training?” You ask, leaning into his palm.

“Laswell will take care of it. We have more important things to take care of.”

“Simon…” You start to argue but he cuts you off, his hands coming to your waist as he yanks you closer, his lips on yours, silencing your argument.

“I was given orders to prepare you a hot bath,” he pulls away. “And then we’re all going to eat dinner together. Your husbands will bathe and put the older children to bed as you feed Hope her last feed, and then I’ll put her to bed. While i put her to bed, the others will be taking care of you. Okay?”

“You don't have too… you’ve all been bus-”

“Lovie, enough. We might be busy at base, but youre taking care of the most important things in our lives everyday. Without break. We work a lot, but you never get to stop. Your job is never ending, let us take care of them for tonight. Let us show you how much we appreciate you. Besides, we’ve missed you… so please, let us.” Simon cups your face, his thumb brushing your bottom lip.

You give a small nod. “Okay.”

Part 2

#call of duty #call of duty modern warfare 2 #x reader #cod #cod x reader #task force 141 #141 x reader #poly relationship #poly!141 x reader #fluff

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