#Mackenzie's Mum

[thunderbirdsera]

Face Painting

Lady Penelope, Parker and I were at a Halloween fair at the farm one late night. I was dressed as a princess, Parker a king and Penelope was a princess too. Among all the stalls and lights, I spotted Mackenzie's mum painting Bingo's face to look like a tiger. Once she had finished, Bingo came running towards me. "Hi, Sybil!" cried Bingo, "My Halloween costume was old and tattered, so I went to have my face painted instead." "Face paints, eh?" I asked, "Well I think I should try it out for a change." I ran up to Mackenzie's mum. "Hey Mackenzie's Mum, is there any chance you can paint my face to make me a butterfly?" "Hmmmm…I don't see why not," said Mackenzie's mum, and just like that, she began painting my face in bright rainbow colours, until…

…I was a pretty pink butterfly princess. "Oh wow!" gasped Bingo, her eyes wide with delight. "You look amazing!" And when Lady Penelope and Parker arrived to see me, they were amazed too, and agreed that I am the best butterfly princess ever to be found this side of this year's Halloween festivities. Penelope swooped me up in her arms and hugged me. "Oh, Sybil," she sighed, "No matter what you look like, you'll always be my little butterfly princess." "And you will always be my queen," I smiled, nose kissing her. Suddenly, Muffin came barging in, followed by Uncle Stripe, Aunt Trixie and Socks. "I WANT MY FACE PAINTED TO BE A UNICORN!" she cried, "Socks ripped up my Halloween costume!"

[lefty-of-the-day]

Today's Lefty of the Day is Mackenzie's Mum from Bluey

[anarchofairy]

madeline from hit novel big little lies you are a wonderful beast & i would like to kiss you on the mouth

[uncaaj]

Fanfic - The Brekkie After (Bluey)

READ ON AO3 NOW!

The morning light crept into Bandit’s vision and seared his eyeballs. All at once he became painfully aware of how bad he felt. Time for his own version of the “Checklist.”

Dry mouth? Check.

Throbbing headache? Check.

Back aching from sleeping on Stripe’s floor and not his comfy bed? Double check.

Time to lay back. The show’s not going on today. 

“Ugh…babe?” he croaked. “I did it again.”

His wife Chilli didn’t move from where she lay next to him. “Me too,” she sighed.

“Me three,” groaned Stripe from the couch.

Bandit shrugged. “Well, that’s not too bad, I suppose.”

At that moment, a chorus of moans erupted from all the adults splayed out in all corners of Stripe’s living room, the casualties of the kid-free get-together they had last night that went a little too long and a little too crazy.

“Biscuits,” Bandit hissed. “Spoke too soon.” They were all irresponsible and were paying for it now. If he didn’t interact with any kids today, it would be a blessing.

+++

BANDIT: *yawwwwwnnnn* This episode of Bandit is called “The Brekkie After."

+++

Bandit massaged his forehead with his fingertips as he eased himself upright. Bright light assaulted his eyes as if the sun was right in his face. “Why did we think this was a good idea?”

“Can someone get the shade?” said Stripe, his strong bark barely a grunt today.

“Got it,” said Bandit. He dragged his lead paws behind the couch to the patio door. Pulling the shade across the glass felt like heaving a heavy rock across a swamp. He sighed with the relief of a dimmer living room.

“My towel is still wet,” said Wendy, rolling off the other couch and flopping onto the floor.

Pat scrubbed board game pieces off his chest and held up a bank note to show everyone. “Still have the bet I won when I dared you to jump in the pool.” He then let his arm go limp on the side table, accidentally knocking an empty beer can onto the floor. “Oops.”

“Only because Bandit dared to get cheeky with me,” Wendy grumbled.

“Seems to happen a lot at Heeler get-togethers, eh? The pool, I mean,” said Bandit, before feeling the roof of his mouth and making a yucky face. “Feels like there’s slime in my mouth.”

“Nah, that’s from when you ate a whole jar of peanut butter faster than Pat,” said Chilli.

“Blegh!” said Pat. “That stuff’s only good in small amounts and on crackers.”

Bandit leaned back and felt his back crack satisfyingly. He saw Josh Border Collie shiver and wince, which meant he was awake too. “I suppose since I’m the only one up, I’ll go put the kettle on and get brekkie goin’.” He shot a smug look over his shoulder as he stepped gingerly out of the living room. “You lot just lay there and have a think about what you did.”

“You as well,” said Chilli, sending that look back at him. “I recall this party being your idea.”

Bandit gulped. “Yes, babe,” he said as he trudged to Stripe’s kitchen.

“Well, I might have a shower then,” said Josh, sitting up rapidly, and collapsing back down just as fast. “Ugh, room’s spinnin’. Never mind.”

“Get in line, Josh,” said Wendy, shooting him a death glare with all the energy she had left.

The sink water filling up Stripe’s electric kettle sounded like a churning waterfall to Bandit’s sensitive ears. His headache rumbled inside him with the ferocity of a rolling timpani as he shut off the tap and placed the kettle on its perch to come to a boil. He then carefully placed the stray wine glasses on the bar into the sink before peering back through the entryway to the goo-like adults who had barely moved. “Stripe, what should I make for brekkie?”

“Could you make hangover eggs?” Stripe asked. “Those always do the trick.”

“What? No!” Pat protested, scrunching his snout. “That’s disgusting.”

“This isn’t like college, Pat,” Stripe rebutted, “I got more in my fridge now than just tomato sauce and day-old dim sims.”

“Don’t matter. Bandit’ll still put anything he wants in there, even stuff that doesn’t go together. Remember when he put instant noodles and anchovies in it after the ‘99 Winter Social? Blegh!”

“Never stopped you from lickin’ your plate clean every time, did it?” Bandit quipped.

Pat stuttered and the whole room mustered as much laughter as they could in their hungover state.

Bandit’s headache lightened slightly and his tail twitched with pride. “I’ve ‘improved’ the recipe through the years so just lay back and let the chef make some magic, alright?”

“Righto,” Pat chuckled, not willing to argue anymore.

Bandit nodded and went to grab some ibuprofen from a cabinet he knew was far out of reach for Muffin and Socks. The kettle clicked, signaling the water was ready. Just in time, thought Bandit. “And take some ibuprofen,” he told Pat. “It’ll take your crank away.”

Pat rolled his eyes and looked at Chilli. “Bandit sure is somethin’, eh?”

Chilli smiled. “Yeah. The best.”

After tea and ibuprofen were dispersed around the room, everyone seemed to come out of zombie mode. Of course, Bandit knew this was merely a chisel to the hangover when they needed a jackhammer. The kids were coming back from his big brother Rad’s pad later, so onto that brekkie.

The Faceytime jingle played on the tablet on the counter. Speak of the devil, and he shall ring, especially when you’re preoccupied with searching through Stripe’s refrigerator. He ducked away from the fridge to tap the green call button then returned to rummaging his paws through the vegetable drawer.

“How goes it, little brother?” greeted Rad in his usual sunny manner.

Cradling a green pepper, spinach, mushrooms, and bacon in his arm, he shut the fridge and turned to the tablet. He nodded to his brother on screen and tried to smile as he set the stuff on the counter. He silently wished that he didn’t look like he hadn’t slept in days, but perhaps the blue and red heeler mix wouldn’t notice. He was a little absent-minded at times.

“Whoa, you look like you haven’t slept in days,” Rad laughed. 

Well, throw that out the window. “Perceptive this morning, are we?” said Bandit, rubbing his eyes.

“Did you and your mates do it again?”

“Yeah, we did. Hope the kids ran you ragged as well,” said Bandit with a playful sneer.

“Yeah, I bet. Nah, it’s all good. We gave ‘em enough games to ensure they slept through the night. In fact, Bluey’s the only one up right now. She went on a run with me.”

Bluey scampered into the frame and waved. “Sure did!”

Bandit gave a thumbs up. “Good on ya, kiddo!” Didn’t matter if he was hungover or not, a grin from his oldest pup made feel light as a feather every time.

“Are you alright, dad?” Bluey asked, moving in closer.

Bandit rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, we just got to bed late last night.”

“Everyone?”

“Yeah, everyone.”

Bluey raised an eyebrow. “That happens a lot at Heeler parties, doesn’t it?”

A cold sweat formed on Bandit’s back. He had forgotten he used that excuse once before. He’d better hop off before any more questions were asked.

Luckily, Rad was on top of it as he pet Bluey on the head. “Alright, I’ll take care of brekkie for the kids. You just make sure everyone else is right as rain, you hear?”

Bandit nodded. “Will do.”

“Bye, dad!”

“See ya, Bluey!” With that, they disappeared from the tablet.

“Was that Rad?” asked Stripe from the living room.

“Sure was,” said Bandit. “Bluey’s up so I better make this quick.” He got to work chopping the bacon into lardons and the pepper into a fine dice.

“Hey, mate,” said Pat, wandering in, mug in hand. “Top us off, could ya? Everything still tastes like peanut butter.”

Bandit smiled. “No worries.”

After his mug was refilled, Pat took a seat at the bar and sipped the warm liquid, swishing it around his mouth to rid every last speck of peanut butter. “If my kids ever find out what we grown-ups do when they’re not around, I couldn’t look ‘em in the eye again.”

“Bluey nearly did, I think,” Bandit gulped.

“Ha! Insightful nose, that one.”

“Did I ever tell you about what happened after Chilli and I were here for New Year’s?” Bandit asked. Pat shook his head and took another sip. “So in walks Bluey and Bingo, looking to play Whale Watching with us-”

“Hang on,” Chilli called, making her entrance. “You cook, I wanna tell him this story.”

Bandit winked at her. “Fine by me, babe. You tell it better anyhow.”

Josh tapped his foot as he sipped his tea, the warm drink putting him in better spirits. “Will we ever, doo doo-doo doo, be that funky again?” he hummed to himself.

“You’re going to get that silly song stuck in my head again,” Wendy barked playfully.

Josh shrugged. “You kiddin’? That was the best part of the night right there.”

“I didn’t sound too bad, did I?” asked Stripe.

“‘Course not!” came Bandit’s voice. “I’m just glad you sang with me at all!”

“Just like old times,” Stripe called back.

A content silence settled around the room, broken only by the distant sizzling of bacon and the release of its sweet, smoky aroma into the air. The quiet was welcome among them all, not only because of their still sensitive heads but because it was such a rarity in their households since they had kids. All those old times when they had not a care in the world were now left behind, having made way for the new times and the joy and responsibility they now shared.

Wendy piped up. “Yes, I suppose it was a good song…do you think we will ever be that funky again?”

Stripe stretched his neck, feeling it pop. “Nah.”

Josh shook his fluffy head. “Nope.”

“Not a chance!” Pat exclaimed.

Everyone laughed, wistful nostalgia echoing between them until they all settled again into their tired, hungover selves.

“That’s okay, though,” said Stripe. “I like how funky we are now.”

Wendy nodded and sat back. “Yes, I agree.”

“It’s certainly easier on me head, I’ll tell ya that for free,” said Josh.

“Brekkie’s on!” shouted Bandit.

Soon they were all congregated at the dining table, each adult provided with a generous egg scramble on a piece of toast. Tea was refilled and they all proceeded to tuck in.

Pat didn’t know what he was in for, but it was hot, it was here, and any brekkie he’d wait for back home would just be dry cereal. He picked up the toast and hesitantly took a bite. 

“What do ya reckon, Pat?” Bandit asked.

Pat swallowed and couldn’t help but wag his tail slightly. “I forgot you made ham and pineapple pizza a religious experience,” he said, licking his chops. “I will never doubt your abilities again.”

“Uss!” Bandit cheered, pumping his fist. “Still got it!”

“Good job, babe,” said Chilli, squeezing his hand.

“As long as I wake up to this,” said Josh through a mouthful, “Good friends and good food, I wouldn’t mind doing this again. Just not too funky next time, eh?”

Everyone nodded. “Agreed.”

[pixiesfz]

woozy tillies x reader

plot: you get your wisdom teeth taken out

warnings: none

your eyes squeezed as you groggily woke up, Sam removing her eyes from the window as she heard your groans.

“Hey he said the pain would come back quick but it will come down” she instructed walking over to you to see your eyes wide.

“I’m gonna die”.

Sam hid her smile “no” she paused “no you’re not”

Since you were younger you weren’t allowed in the surgery alone and since your parents still lived in Australia your national skipper had decided to step up.

Sam had heard that usually people who get their wisdom teeth out are a bit droopy afterwards but you were usually very serious and focused on your career that Sam had volunteered to be with you after the surgery.

The whole team was in London for the break, most had come to hang out but some had just come to purely see you after the surgery.

“I am gonna die!” You cried, tears now falling down your eyes “my team is so gonna be mad at me”

“Your team won’t be mad at you”

“So I AM dying?… I’m feeling woozy here”

Sam mentally punched herself and ignored your impression of stu matcher “no-“

“She’s awake!” The dentist opened the door and Sam pushed herself back whilst you wiped your tears away.

The dentist explained everything to the two of you and you were confused the entire time, the information going from one ear and through the other.

Once you left the dentist you were met with your teammates outside, Ellie holding a ‘get well soon’ balloon that you accidentally let go of as you all watched it fly in the air.

You then cried again.

“Mum?” You asked, turning to Mini as even Harper laughed at her “you look silly” she pointed at you and you looked down at her, squinting your eyes as you pointed

“You look silly”.

After taking you through a McDonald’s to get cold ice-cream, you didn’t have enough control to eat it normally, resulting in ice cream all over your face.

Resulting in your teammates having a field day on their social stories.

You threatened to end their lives.

Kyra was probably the worse, after poking at your cheeks making you cry out in pain she wasn’t allowed to be with you alone, unless she had Charli, mini or Steph with her.

Mackenzie, Alana, and Caitlin used their Snapchat stories to show all the tillies fans your ‘eventful’.

“I see Jesus” you established whilst you were watching TV and Sam laughed out loud “where?” Hayley asked and you snuggled up to her “on the screen” you whispered and Teaghan cackled loudly “it’s just Tom Hanks” She said pointing at the screen as the team watched cast away.

“Wilson!” You cried out

It’s now dinner time and you had now asked in Courtney’s words a ‘bagillion’ stupid question and cried ten times more than a ‘bagillion’.

You cried at her statement.

You watched as the girls ate food and you were stuck with a 2 minute soup that you were 80% sure is out of date.

As dinner died down so did the funny gas as you dissociated from all the conversations which did not go past the senior mentors of your team who ate their dinner quickly.

The pain was still there but you had grown very quiet when dinner ended, you looked towards Sam who nodded “ready to go bed?” You nodded.

“Hey guys I’m going to go to sleep, I’m really tired” you announced and all the girls nodded, some agreeing and getting ready to go home.

Your heart swelled with happiness watching the team hug you goodbye and sending their wishes.

You were cared for, even if they’re annoying as shit.

[chaotic-toasters]

Crashing

AUSWNT x Teen!Reader

-------------------

"Hi, Macca!" You grinned, rushing into the Keeper's waiting arms. "I missed you!"

"I've missed you too, kid," she smiled, squeezing you tightly. "How's Spain treatin' you?"

"Good."

"What about me?" Alanna questioned. "I haven't seen you in a while too, y'know."

"Oh, hi Lani," you patted the defender on the shoulder. "Didn't see you there."

"You're so mean," the cityzen feigned hurt, all too familiar with your playful antics. "Kyra said to go and meet her and Charli in her room. They need you for something. Probably a prank."

"Alright," you gave her and Mac fist-bumps as you walked past. "If I turn up dead tomorrow, you know what happened."

---------------------

"Hey, Ky, hey Char," you greeted, eyebrows raised as you followed Kyra into the room. "What was it you needed?"

"Y/N, perfect," Charli was suspiciously gleeful. "We've got some Tim Tams that we need eaten, but Ky and I have already had too many. You mind finishing them for us?"

"Sure," you agreed instantly, never one to deny a Tim Tam (even if it was way too early in the morning. "I'm down."

-------------------

In short, you consumed three whole packets of Tim Tams. Kyra and Charli had shared a look, the former getting up and grabbing a coffee from otherwise empty desk. "You look kinda tired. Have some coffee, it'll help you get through the jetlag for now."

You hadn't thought much of it, so you'd graciously accepted it and finished it within the hour.

"Y/N! Kyra! Charli!" Lydia's voice called through the door, followed by a couple of knocks. "We've gotta head to training! Get ready to go!"

You rolled your eyes, much to Kyra and Charli's amusement. "Yes, mum!"

--------------------

"MINIMINIMINIMINIMINIMINI!" you practically yelled, barreling towards the surprised Midfielder excitedly. "LOOKLOOKLOOKLOOK!"

"Woah, kiddo," she sidestepped, glancing over at Alanna. "You're a lot stronger than I am. Careful."

Alanna was quick to pull you into a hug in a fruitless attempt to calm you down. "What's goin' on, Y/N? You okay?"

You were shaking, bouncing up and down rapidly in the defender's arms. "What d'you mean? I'm great!"

You bolted away, somersaulting across the pitch before slamming your foot into a ball that had been laying on the ground. "WHEEEE!"

"Y/N, Y/N, Y/N," Tony ran over with Steph in tow. "What's happened, kiddo? You just excited?"

"Yeah yeah yeah!" you did a random backflip for no reason other than you feeling like it. "I'm excited! Yup yup yup!"

Ellie looked severely ashamed for what she was about to whisper to Hayley. "Is she... is she high?"

"No, there's no way," the Madrid player shook her head instantly. "She cares about her career way too much to jeopardize it with something like drugs."

"Yeah, you're right. But if she's not high, then what?"

Across the pitch, Lydia and Mackenzie's eyes swept over each and every player like hawks.

Instead of being worried that a new, younger keeper would take their places when you joined the national team, they immediately took you under their wings and declared themselves as your team moms. It wasn't a secret that they'd kill anybody who messed with you.

"Mac," Lydia elbowed the West Ham captain. "Over there."

Mac's eyes zeroed in on two best friends, seemingly worried as they whispered in each other's ears. "Oi! Cooney! Grant! You got somethin' to share with the team?"

Both of their heads snapped up, fear written clearly all over their faces.

Two tall, angry Australian goalkeepers was a terrifying sight for anybody, but up until now, none of the Tillies had been on the receiving end of your team moms' wrath. Safe to say, no one was prepared.

"You give my kid something?" Macca demanded, rolling up her sleeves. "Why's she actin' weird?"

Charli gulped. "We— we, uh..."

"Spit it out," Mackenzie growled, ignoring the fact that you were currently clinging onto her leg like a koala. "What. Did. You. Do. To. My. Kid?"

"We gave her a bunch of Tim Tams," Kyra blurted out, caving as soon as Lydia dragged her thumb across her throat menacingly. "And... and... Charli gave her a coffee with, like, eight packets of sugar in it!"

"Me?!" Charli cried. "You literally handed it to her! And it was your idea! I only agreed!"

"Oh, you two are so dead," Mac glared, lumbering forward with much difficulty considering there was a 140-pound human attached to her right leg. "I swear to God, I'm gonna murder you both."

Lydia did it for her, seizing both troublemakers by the fronts of their shirts. "You think this is funny? Y/N can be fuckin' dangerous when she's hyper! She coulda run over Mini!"

Kyra looked past Lydia's shoulder to where you were snuggling into Macca's knee and babbling about racecars. "Uh—"

A smack to the back of the head shut her up real fast.

"Not now, Ky!" Charli hissed through gritted teeth.

"Tony!" Kyra pleaded as Lydia's grip on her training bib became tighter. "Tony, please!"

The manager held up his hands, walking backwards and almost tripping on the drinks cooler. "Nope. Not getting involved."

"Steph—"

The skipper looked around wildly. "I... I have to go plan your funeral! In the bathroom! Bye!"

"Ras, please—"

The Madrid player was gone before the gunner could even finish her sentence.

Lydia's eye twitched.

"Uh-oh."

----------------------

"Y/N, babes, you good?" Ellie asked, nudging you slightly.

You blinked slowly. "Huh?"

"I'm gonna go get Mac, I'll be right back."

True to her word, the Lyon defender returned a minute later with the ever-protective older keeper at her side.

"Y/N's kind of out of it," Ellie explained as your head bobbed slightly. "I think she's crashing from the sugar."

"Aww, kiddo," Mackenzie sat beside you on the bench, using a hand to place your head on her shoulder. "It's only three, you tired?"

"Mhmm," you murmured, only half-paying attention. "Sleepy."

She sent a cowering Kyra and Charli a death glare. "Go to sleep, kid. I'm sure Tony wouldn't mind. Right, Tony?"

The manager instantly agreed, giving you both an awkward and slightly terrified thumbs-up. "I— yup. Whatever you want, girls. It's- it's totally up to you."

Lydia walked over, brushing a flyaway out of your face. "I'll bring you up to your room when we're done here. Get some rest, kid."

[woso-dreamzzz]

Sound

Steph Catley x Baby!Reader

Summary: Steph talks with Macca

The rest of the Tillies crowd around you when Steph settles in a seat.

She'd left training early last night to pick you up and sign the paperwork and had slept in. She was lucky Tony was so accommodating. This was a big moment and she's glad that she's got you now.

The idea of adopting hadn't been on Steph's mind at all until she'd finished a game and looked up to see a little girl holding a sign that said 'This is my adoption day present'.

There was something about it that got Steph thinking. It hadn't crossed her mind once and then all of a sudden it was all she could think about. The process was long and she was constantly flying back and forth from England to Australia to sort everything out.

"How old is she?" Mini asks.

"Six months," Steph replies, smiling down at you.

"You're going to be a great mum, Steph. If you need any help just call. I'd be happy to babysit for a bit."

"I can't ask you to do that. Really, it's-"

"Trust me," Mini laughs, patting her on the shoulder," Give it a few weeks and you'll see why I offered." Her eyes are drawn behind Steph's shoulder. "Kyra! Charli! Stop teaching Harper bad habits!"

More of her teammates come up to fawn over you but Steph's waiting in anticipation for one in particular.

You seem unbothered by all the noise, something almost everyone comments on and Steph has to offer them all a forced smile as she rocks you back and forth and pulls silly faces to make you giggle.

"You wanted to talk?" Mackenzie says as she falls back next to Steph," You sounded pretty serious. You're not dying are you?"

"No...Macca...I was wondering if I could get some advice."

"If it's about changing position then I don't recommend goalkeeper. If it's about this little angel, then I'm not sure I'm much help either."

"I think you are." Steph isn't quite sure why she's treating it like it's some big secret. Everyone will know eventually but it's personal right now and she doesn't want anyone prying.

"Steph, you're scaring me a little."

"You know when you found out about your hearing loss, did you feel like learning auslan would help?"

Macca's brow furrows. "Why would..." Her eyes drift down to you. Somewhere across the room, Kyra and Charli shriek. It's enough to catch everyone off guard, heads automatically turning to the source of the noise but you don't react in the slightest. "Oh."

"She failed her first AOAE test and then the second one too. She failed her ABR test too."

Macca reaches out gently as Steph looks at her with wide eyes. "Is it complete hearing loss or is she hard of hearing like me?"

"Like you. I've...I've got baby hearing aids for her..." Steph digs around in her pocket to bring out a little blue case decorated with whichever stickers caught your eye when she got you yesterday. You'd smacked a few of them when Steph presented them to you and she had stuck them onto the case. She pops it open to reveal the aids.

Honestly, Mackenzie didn't even know that you could give babies hearing aids.

"She doesn't really like them though. The doctor said to keep them in whenever she's awake but...She really doesn't like them sometimes and I don't want her teased when she goes to school."

"It's different," Macca says eventually as she watches your whole face be taken over by a yawn," I was much older when I found out. I knew how to speak and communicate. I...I don't think it could hurt to learn it with her although if you're staying with Arsenal long-term then you should probably do a bit of bsl too, just to be safe."

"Right, yes."

Steph had known about your hearing loss for months now. Some of the workers assigned to you had tried to warn you away from her because of it. They made you out to be a difficult case or defective in some way.

But Steph thought you were a little angel.

You were so perfect and sweet and she wanted to adopt you even though everyone told her that there were better, hearing babies to choose from.

But you had endeared her from the moment you met, smacking blocks together and chewing on your fingers.

"You should put her hearing aids in though," Mackenzie says," She'll get used to them eventually but they're no help if she's not wearing them. Did they teach you how?"

Steph nods. "Yeah."

"Can you teach me? Girls like us have to stick together. I can't believe they make ones that small."

That shocks a laugh out of Steph as she sits you upright to slip your hearing aids on.

You whine a little when they're turned on, scrunching up your face at all of the noise you can suddenly hear.

"Yeah," Macca laughs at your annoyance," It was like that for me too. It's so strange that people just regularly hear so much."

You turn your head towards her when she speaks, the first time she's seen you react to noise at all and giggle, kicking your feet.

Steph beams as she stands you up on her thighs and kisses your chubby baby cheeks, blowing a few raspberries on them for good measure.

"Can we play with the baby now?" Kyra asks, suddenly barrelling into the quiet moment," Please?"

"No, Kyra," Steph says with an eye roll," You can play with my angel after camp. You'll be seeing a lot of her back in London."

"Please? I'm really responsible! I take care of Harper all the time!"

In sync, Steph and Mackenzie both watch as Charli goads Harper into rolling off the table. Thankfully, Mini is there to catch her just in time.

"That wasn't my fault! Charli was watching her!"

"Go and play with Harper, Kyra," Steph says," This angel needs a little nap so she can greet her adoring fans at dinner. Maybe, if you're good, you can help feed her."

Kyra walks off in a huff as Steph gets up from her seat.

"Steph," Macca calls out as Steph starts to get ready to put you down for a nap," My audiologist in London does kids as well. I can set up an appointment for you if you want."

"Thanks, Macca."

In the quiet of her hotel room, you finally settle. Steph's seen this kind of behaviour from you before, on those visits before she could adopt you.

Noises still seemed a little shocking to you and strange.

You give her a little smile to show off the few teeth you've got and Steph flutters kisses upon your cheeks as you giggle ecstatically.

It's the best sound in the world and Steph settles on the bed with you on your chest. You're still giggling as she slips your hearing aids out so you can sleep peacefully.

"Go to sleep, angel," She coos to you, close enough that you can feel the vibrations of her words against you," We're going to have so much fun together."

[avaf00rd]

Australian kinda Christmas

Leah Williamson x Arnold!Reader

ava what is that shitty header photo job…

tumblr fucked up its quality

anyways I’ve been thinking about writing this one for ages now

enjoy <3

——————————

“C’mon love” you groaned at your 10th attempt to get your girlfriend up from your Power Nap. You pair were already late as it is “Don’t you wanna shower before you can’t for a whole 24 hours?” You asked, her head still buried in the pillows. She stayed like that, contemplating for another second before getting up and heading to the bathroom “Don’t be long” you said before tapping her butt just as she opened the bathroom door.

You got a text from your sister Mackenzie telling you that she was already at her lay over flight and would be boarding again in an hour. This year you pair didn’t get the same flight over for the Christmas break. But it was the first year you would both be bringing your girlfriends with you.

You and leah had been together 4 years now. The second year you spent Christmas with Leah’s family, last year you and mac both went with your parents overseas for Christmas. And this year you would both be bring Leah and Kirsty.

Some how an hour and a half later you were just passing security only just and were going to get some small snacks for the plane. Leah, with the food palate of a 6 year old. Got some watermelon gummies “They help with feeling sick on the plane” she tried to convince you as you glanced over the packet she said was holding.

“4 years and not once have you been sick on a flight” you said

“The headaches” she shrugged and smiled at you. Of course you were gonna grab them off her and buy them for her. You grabbed some random chip snack you found at the front counter and shorty paid before handing the bag to Leah to put in her carry on. You were both absolutely beyond excited. This would be her 5th time in Australia, so she’s been heaps. But you would be staying at your family’s new place on the Gold Coast, QLD. You both sat in the lounge near your gate as you took a photo of Leah as she threw a Lolly into her mouth while smiling. Quickly adding it to your instagram captioning ‘see you soon 🇦🇺’

———

After 26 hours of travel. And your sleepy girlfriend who was currently clinging to your bicep as she slept. It was asked to put on your seatbelts as you went for landing. You slowly woke Leah up slightly so she would be ready for it.

You held hands as Leah started giggling about her funny dream. You looked out the window and squeezed your girlfriend’s hand extra tight as you saw the coastline of Australia.You squealed like a little girl due to your excitement as Leah pressed a kiss to your lips. “Welcome home love” she said before laying back in her seat. You took photos and sent them to your dad and brother to let them know you would be at GC airport in about 45 minutes so they could you pick you both up. You also texted your mum just out of excitement before putting your phone away.

Once you and Leah had gotten off the plane, you walked your tired asses over to the baggage collection. Before you felt someone tap your shoulder. You turned to find your smiling dad and brother. You quickly clung on to them both in a huge hug “oh how i missed you oh my gosh” you said into your brothers neck with a sigh of relief. You also felt small hands tug your sweat shorts, you didn’t realise one of your nieces would be here too.

“Hello beautiful girl!” You squealed pulling away from your brother as you picked up your niece and spun the giggling girl around.

“I missed you so much!” She said before quickly clinging to your neck.

“I missed you so much more” you smiled back. You hadn’t seen the small girl since the World Cup back in August.

You held her on your hip as you turned around to see your girlfriend finally hugging your dad and brother Sam with a big smile. After struggling to get both of your large suitcases off the conveyor belt while you had your mini family reunion.

“Aunty Lee!” You niece squirmed in your arms as you put her down so she could run to Leah.

“Hello you!” Your girlfriend smiled and she knelt down to give her a big hug. It melted your heart the way she was with your nieces.

Leah handed you your suitcase as you pecked her cheek before you rolled it out the airport with your smiling niece riding on top.

“Hello” you yelled out once your dad unlocked the front door to your parents home. You were met with your mum, 2 nieces, Mackenzie and Kirsty all rushing around the corner at the sound of the front door.

You and Leah gave all of them bone crushing hugs and chatted for a little while, had some of the left overs that was left from their dinner since you told them not to wait. It was already 10pm. It was convenient for your girlfriend and you so you could just get yourselves straight to bed.

——————————-

After multiple days of walks down on the beach, family dinners, more surfing lessons for Leah, lots of jet lag, swimming pools and relaxation for you and your girlfriend. It was officially Christmas Eve night and you couldn’t have been more excited if you had tried.

You, leah, Macca and Kirsty were all on the living room floor carpet wrapping presents. Everyone else was in bed. But the four girls in their twenties were not as prepared as everyone else and still had to do all their wrapping.

The holiday played on the TV in front as you had about 40 gifts to wrap for people. For everyone in your family besides the people in the room with you currently. “Stupid wrapping paper argh!” You groaned knocking your head back in frustration as the huge cut of wrapping paper you cut wasn’t large enough by a few centimetres.

“See you didn’t even need to get that gift in the first place” Leah laughed. As you were wrapping your 20th gift for your parents, you comepletely spoil them every year.

You dragged Leah around the large shopping centre to get more gifts for people. “Baby you bought your mum the same scent candle last year i remember you showed me” she grinned as you looked at the box before putting it in your trolley. “Yeah but it probs ran out. That’s the thing with candles lee” you debated back as she shook her head with laughter.

“Sorry I’m just so nice to the People i love” you said to her.

“And you absolutely are, beautiful. But I don’t think we will be able to get return flights anymore once we leave here” Leah said.

“I make alright money Leah Williamson. Plus if you think this is a lot wait till you open your presents.” You smiled at her

“There’s only just a few things I want” she grinned at you as you both walked to the car

“What would those be baby” you smirked back.

“You…and that pop corn machine thing I showed you”

“You showed me that just yersterday! How am I supposed to get that” You panicked. When it came to gifts you were amazing at giving them. Everyone knew that and got excited to receive one from you. If they weren’t perfect for them you would always worry.

“I’m only joking…” she laughed as she kissed your head “at the second one”.

Once you were finished you cuddled up next to Leah on the floor against the couch to watch the end of the movie. Before heading upstairs to your room “night love you” you yelled out softly to mac and Kirsty “goodnight!” They replied before shutting their door. Leah changed out of her normal clothes that she strangely got into after her shower earlier in the night.

“Please match baby” you pouted, sitting on the edge of the bed holding up the Christmas Pajamas that matched yours.

Leah laughed as she saw them, “when did you get those” she said before cupping your face and kissing the tip of your nose.

“Back in London. I forgot I had packed them. Anyways here” you shoved them into her chest with the wide smile of a toddler.

“Of course I will” Leah skipped away to her dresser to change quickly. You giggled getting under the sheets before Leah jumped on top of you just as you were leaning over to plug your phone in. You laughed as she wrapped her long arms around you and placed kisses all over you shoulder.

“I’m so excited to for tomorrow” you smiled looking down on her.

“Me too” the English girl replied as she rolled over so you could cuddle into her side. That’s how you slept every night. It was just the best way that your bodies melted into each other. “Love you baby” she whispered.

“Night beautiful” you smiled before drifting off to sleep.

——-

Christmas morning started with slow cuddles in bed with Leah before very hyper toddlers came running down the bedroom door. They had forced you to come downstairs because they weren’t allowed to “open presents until everyone is awake”.

Leah gave multiple gifts to everyone in your family. Even though she hadn’t met some of them heaps. You gifted Leah a new designer tote bag, some belt she wanted, 2 new Apple Watch bands, YSL perfume, and Tiffany earrings along with other small gifts. She spoiled you loads as well. You two spent a long phone call with her mum before lunch started.

The afternoon was still hot. As the rain cleared, you dragged Leah, your sister and everyone down to the beach.

You were putting on sunscreen in the long mirror in your room. Leah had just done up her bikini before coming up behind you “let me help” she grinned as you were reaching for your back for the sunscreen. You gladly let her as she took the bottle from you. She rubbed gentle circles into your back with the cream, you groaned when her hands made their way up to you shoulders.

“That’s nice” you breathed out as she massaged your back. She sent a grin to the mirror.

“Let’s go” she said before tapping your butt and heading out the door, sunnies on her head. You laughed to yourself as you followed her out. You carried two of your nieces the whole Walk down while talking with Leah and Kirsty. Talking about Kristy mewis’s new transfer to their club.

“I don’t want to jinx anything. But I had a dream last night I did my ACL” you blurted.

“What-“ Kirsty laughed as you said so

“That’s not funny” Leah said

“And then…I died from it. Is that possible?”

“No it’s not. And you’re not going to do your ACL alright?” Leah reassured

“Shit who’s done their ACL?” Mackenzie said catching up to all of you with your third niece on her shoulders.

“Maybe me”

“What!-“

“No!” Leah said putting her towel down in a mess on the beach. You jumped on macca’s back as she ran down to the water. Leah and Kirsty slowly following down after.

“Come here!” You yelled, arms wide open for your niece to jump into them as you took her to the deep end. Leah laughed taking a photo of you and the small girl. “Get in Lee!” You yelled out to her

“Yep soon hang on” she said typing something on her phone. You rose out of the water, putting the child in your arms down near Mackenzie as you ran up to your girlfriend. “No no no” she said backing away.

You somehow, caught up to her and threw her over her shoulder

“No no I have my phone y/n!” She yelled. You muzzled it out of her hand and slowly put in down on the sand next to you.

“Down we go” you sung. As you carried the laughing girl into the water. Before completely dumping her in fully.

“Your done” she huffed as she pushed the wet hair out of her face. You swam and hid behind your taller sister as she just grabbed you by the shoulders and placed you in front of her, right in target for Leah.

“Thanks” your girlfriend said before pushing your shoulders under. The water was actually cold for the humid weather outside.

————

It was late at Christmas night. Technically very early Boxing Day. And even though at 1am, there was light Christmas tunes playing on the radio tv.

Everyone including Leah was asleep in the house. You came down for a midnight snack. You had been for the past few nights here.

“Shockers” a soft voice was heard a long with footsteps. The presence of your older sister brought a smile to your lips. You stuffed the last bit of pavlova in your mouth. “Anymore of that?” She pointed to the dessert.

You just giggled implying you at the last bit. “Again shockers”

“Oi”

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in a year”

“You never got back to me about meeting back in London. And you missed last camp” you implied

“I know sorry. Promise to try more”

“Stop you do try. You were just injured” you said softly as you poured both of you a water. “Are you planning on going with Kirsty to her family next year?” You asked curious.

“Yeah most likely I haven’t been there for Christmas before. What about you?”

“Yeah I’ll probs stay in London with Leah. I told you Caitlin brought Katie and Jordan here?”

“Yes. I’m shocked about Jordan. Not Katie. Oh I love her” she said sipping her water then refilling it

“They’re just really close as a three. Caitlin said today Sam is heading back to America in 2 days to go back with Kristie”

“Damn maybe she’ll finally feel jet lag for once. And did Caitlin call you?”

“Yeah. Just to say merry Christmas and all that”

“She didn’t call me” Mackenzie said joking in a sour way. You poked your tongue out at her as she yawned.

“Ok I’ll go back to bed. I’ve been up since 5”

“5?!”

“Yeah. The girls woke us up first. Proof I’m the favourite?”

“Maybe I’m the favourite and they just respect my beauty sleep more”

“Keep dreaming. Night. Get to sleep so your not cranky” you sister said, back to her bossy self. You heard more footsteps coming back down 1 minute later.

“Love come back to bed” said your love in a croaky voice. You turned to find Leah in her short Pyjama set and her hair everywhere.

“Hello. Looks like you slept well” you said pointing to the sheet marks left from her pillow on her check las you quickly pecked her all over her face.

“Yes I did. And I would like to get back to it. With you” she tugged you slightly back up the stairs.

“I think I’m still a bit jet lagged” you said as your body stayed leaning against the bench. Eating the strawberry punnet you grabbed out of the fridge earlier before.

“Ya think” she giggled now pulling out a kitchen stool to sit with you. The faint sound of The Christmas song by Nat King Cole was played over the radio.

“C’mon dance with me, then bed I promise” you put both your hands out the help her get up and slow dance with you.

“Only cause I get to sleep” she smiled taking your hands. You slowly started dancing with her as she put her head in the crook of her neck. The dance slowed into a long hug with each other’s embrace in the middle of the kitchen.

“I love you” you mumbled slowly into her hair

“Love you most. And again thanks for bringing me” she pecked your shoulder

“Wouldn’t miss the opportunity for the world”

——————

So this was supposed to come out ages ago. And it’s shorter than I hoped. But hope it was alright. Luv u all❤️🎄

[sunsetkerr]

KISS & TELL | s.kerr

summary: the girls find out exactly who gave you that ring [789 words]

pairing: matildas!reader x sam kerr

notes: the long-awaited second part to 'hush hush'! this was the most voted wip to work on, next piece will be too far gone which was the second most popular xx happy valentines week loves!

IT WENT ON FOR about a week.

Your teammates pestered you all throughout camp about who gave you your engagement ring, and most importantly, how you kept it a secret for so long.

You gave them bits and pieces. Oh, we've been together for a few years now, but we've just kept it private..... She's super busy lots of the time, really hectic work schedule...... We played soccer together growing up.... You just didn't relay that you still play together. That your fiancee actually captains you.

Sam was enjoying every moment of it. She loved the secrecy, she adored watching her teammates pull their hair out over it. Chids had a whole shared notes app dedicated to adding information about your dubbed, 'mystery woman'. Sam revelled in her new title.

She was feeling extra cheeky, there was no denying that. Sam was at her peak watching everyone scramble around, listening as you slipped out little pieces of information of your relationship together.

Did you feel guilty that you hadn't told your team? Sure. But you and Sam never really felt the need to. They're your family, you love them with your whole heart- but this was one thing you and Sam just wanted for yourselves.

"Well I want to help plan your hens night," Alanna shrugged. The topic of your secret engagement had come up again after dinner one night.

"No because I'm not going unless you tell us!" Macca argued from her spot on the beanbag, Harper on her lap. You laughed, crossing your arms and putting your feet up on the couch.

"We can do without the numbers, Mac" You waved her off.

"Hey Y/N?" Ellie walked into the lounge area looking for you. "Can I grab my pre-wrap from you tonight please? I wanna start packing for Queensland,"

"Always punctual as usual" Mini chirped from her place on the couch, your feet resting in her lap.

"Shut up" Ellie quipped.

You chuckled, "Yeah, let me go grab it". You headed off towards your room and managed to pinch Sam's ass on your way past her, distracting her from the in-depth conversation she was having with Steph.

You chuckled as she tried her best to ignore you, but you knew she could never. Once you got into your room, it was only a matter of seconds before Sam followed you in. She crept up behind you and snaked her arms around your waist, tickling you as she squeezed you tight.

"You're cheeky, hey" She laughed, kissing your cheek as you giggled and tried to push your way out of her grasp. She moved her way down to your neck and you tried your best not to squirm in pleasure, knowing that at any second anyone could come-

"Aunny Sammy and Y/N are kissing!"

Your heart dropped and you pulled apart from Sam. You both turned around to see Harper standing in the doorway, pointing at you and Sam who she had just caught in the act.

"Mummy!" She ran off, yelling down the hallway.

"Harps, Harper! No!" You called after her, running down the hallway. She was surprisingly fast for a near-three year old. By the time you managed to find her she was already halfway through relaying to your team what she had seen.

"They kiss! Sam and Y/N kiss like Mum and Mummy!" She smiled looking back over to you. Sam had now come up behind you, a guilty look on her face, your lipgloss smeared on her lips.

"Skip.." Mary spoke up, slowly looking from you to Sam. "Is that true? Did you kiss Y/N?" She asked a shocked look on her face. The rest of your team looked at you both in silence.

Sam begrudenly crossed her arms over her chest and nodded her head shyly, a smile breaking out on her lips. "She just got engaged, Sam.. Not cool" Mary shook her head.

"Oh my god," Alanna erupted.

"Are you serious Maz?"

"Jesus fucking Christ" Mackenzie put her head in her hands with a sigh.

"What?" Mary held up her hands, looking from everyone back to you both. Sam chuckled and stepped forwards, holding up your hand that dawned your shiny new engagement ring.

You saw the cogs turn in her head before they finally clicked. "Oh my god!" She screamed, rushing over to congratulate you both. The girls all followed suit, shouting at you both for keeping it a secret from them all for so long.

"I can't believe you!" Alanna hugged you from behind, her arms around your neck.

"I don't kiss and tell, Kennedy!" You smiled as you watched Sam explain to your team how she proposed. You were so happy to finally have your team in on your secret. It just made it all that much sweeter.

[nurse-floyd]

First Mother’s Day

Warnings: none. Pure fluff.

Unbeta’d?

Spending your first Mother’s Day with Lando and your two favorite boys have a surprise for you.

Written for @urfavouriteanon sorry it’s a little late love!

You were no stranger to the drivers on the grid and the fans of F1 being Lando’s girlfriend and another person or animal who was also no stranger was your golden retriever Mack. If you were being honest with yourself you’d think he was more popular than you on the grid with how the drivers reacted whenever you brought him along. Mack, short for Mackenzie (Lando insisted it was for McLaren) quickly became a sensation on social media with the instagram account you’d made him that quickly gained almost as many followers as you overnight.

With no Grand Prix schedules over the Mother’s Day weekend, Lando found himself with a rare luxury of a day off at home with you. It was Mother’s Day in Monaco and while he’d already celebrated with his mother back when it was celebrated in the UK he was determined to make this an unforgettable first Mother’s Day for you now you were a dog mom.

As the sun began to stream through your window in your bedroom, Lando and little Mack had been up for a few hours scheming. Mack, with his tail wagging, seemed to understand the importance of the day as he followed Lando around everywhere while he got things set up for the day.

While you still slept soundly, Lando and your little puppy tiptoed around the kitchen planning your surprise. Lando had gotten a few recipes from his mum and had been secretly trying them out; he’d decided on fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon and freshly squeezed orange juice.

When you finally woke up, you rolled over to cuddle Lando but there was no sign of him. You looked to the bottom of your bed and hoped to see Mack curled up there but he wasn’t there either. Confused, you got out of bed and threw on your dressing gown before you moved towards the smell of cooking coming from the kitchen. There your heart melted when you saw Lando, covered in flour at the grill flipping a few pancakes and turning the bacon in the pan. Mack was right next to him as he looked up with him with wide eyes.

Lando’s head snapped up as Mack ran to your side and jumped up on you. You bent down and gave him a few kisses as he excitedly licked your face. Lando moved the pans of the grill as he joined the pair of you and placed a kiss on your cheek.

“Happy Mother’s Day,” he said with a massive grin on his face.

Your heart melted at the effort both of your boys had put into making the day so special for you. As you moved to the sofa, Lando kept Mack behind and told you to get comfortable while he finished breakfast. A few minutes later you heard the tapping of feet against the hard floors as Mack trotted in with a bunch of flowers in his mouth, followed by Lando with two plates stacked with pancakes, bacon and maple syrup.

You would have been happy with the breakfast, flowers and time with your boys alone but Lando didn’t stop there. He had a whole day planned filled with your favorite activities. You started with a walk around one of your favorite trails to take Mack and a picnic Lando had set up, Mack happily bounded beside you the whole way and definitely enjoyed the fresh chicken Lando had packed special for the occasion.

As it began to get later, the three of you made your way home, exhausted but happy from the day spent together. You thought that was it and you would have been happy if it were, you hadn't even expected to be celebrating today.

As you walked towards Lando’s place you couldn’t help but notice the giddy smile he wore on his face. “What are you grinning at?”

“We’ve got one last surprise for you,” he replied as he gave Mack a scratch behind his ears.

“Lan, you’ve already given me so much and more. Today has been amazing,” you leant in to kiss his cheek, “thank you.”

You didn’t know what you were expecting the last surprise to be but when you walked into your living room your jaw dropped.

“Surprise,” he exclaimed with a stupid grin plastered on his face.

Your eyes lit up as you took in the scene before you. While you were out, he’d managed to arrange for your living room to be transformed into what essentially was a pillow fort, however it was much more grand than the kind you’d set up as a kid. The ground was covered in big pillows and fluffy blankets, there were fairy lights strung up around the room and candles set up around the room ready to be lit.

Your eyes welled up with tears as you took in the scene before you and you wanted nothing more than to spend the evening cuddled up with your two boys. Together you settled down with Mack curled in between you. Lando ordered pizza and you spent the evening watching rubbish movies and snacking on pizza and popcorn.

As the night wore on, the glow of TV and fairy lights around the room, you couldn’t help but feel so happy with your little family surrounded by warmth, happiness and their love for you. “Thank you Lan. Today has been amazing.”

Between the scenes of the film, Lando couldn’t help but look between you and Mack, his heart filled with love for the girl who’d stolen his heart. He wrapped his arm around you and pulled you close to his side; he knew there was nowhere else he’d rather be than right there with the pair of you. He loved his little family and he was excited to spend more Mother’s Days with your whether that was as a dog mom or as mom and dad.

[arsenal-womens-1]

Marry me

June 10th, 2021.

You're sitting on the bus on your way to CASA Arena Horsens stadium, freaking out. You had only been told today that you are playing, which means this is going to be your debut for Denmark. How you got to this point in life is still a mystery to you. The bus comes to a halt. Getting up, you walk off the bus. There are people taking pictures. Getting in there as fast as you can, you walk over to where your top is. Yours is next to Pernille Harder. Setting your bag down, you all walk out to the pitch. Spinning around, you look at all the seats, feeling like you're about to be sick. You rush over to the closest bin. You feel someone's hand on your back. Looking up after you finish being sick, “I don't think I can do this.” She passes you a water bottle. “You can. It looks scarier than it actually is. You're just going to scare yourself if you think about it too much. You're here for a reason.” You get where she's coming from, but it's still petrifying.

As you're walking in, the Australians are walking out. One catches your eye. She has brown hair, let's say she is about 5'2'' or 5'3''. She looks around your age. Walking into the changing rooms, you see Pernille on the phone, probably to Magda. She has a game tonight, which starts, I think, like 30 or 40 minutes after ours starts. Setting down next to her, you lay your head on the wall that is colder than you think a wall would be. Pernille nudges your shoulder. She points her phone your way. You see Magda on the other end of the phone. “Hey, how you doing, kid? Pernille said you were sick.” Looking at Pernille, she betrayed you. “I'm good, just nerves, that's all.” Magda and Pernille are like your mums at Chelsea. You had got offered a contract last December, you accepted it, and now you're here.

After 30 minutes, you're back out there doing warm-ups. The Australians come out about 5 minutes after you, doing something you've forgotten the name of. You make eye contact with the girl from earlier. You give her a small smile. She returns it, turning away. You finish what you were doing, walking back to get changed into the kit. After about 5 minutes of nothing, you get talked about tactics one last time. Walking to the seats, you wait for them to walk out and do the anthems. 20 minutes later, the whistle is blown. In the 15th minute, Tameka Yallop scores an own goal. Six minutes later, Rikke Sevecke scores for us. Four minutes later, Mackenzie Arnold scores an own goal. The whistle is blown, 3-0.

Walking into the changing room, everyone was happy. We talk about the changes that are going to be made. Simone Boye Sørensen was going off; I was going in, and Stine Larsen was out, and Luna Gevitz was in. Walking back out, the ones going in stand on the right side, and the Australians on the left. I recognize a few faces, but one, her, you still don't know her name. Well, now you know her last name, Cooney-Cross. Your number goes up, 28. You run into position. You hear the person announce your name, then they say, "Number Caitlin Foord out, Kyra Cooney-Cross in." So her name is Kyra. The game starts. Nothing really happens; a few yellow cards are given out. Nothing really happens until in the 87th minute, Mary Fowler scores. In extra time, Clare Polkinghorne scores. The game ends 3-2.

Walking around, you shake hands with a few Australian players. You come up to one player in particular. “Hey, you did good out there.” You both shake hands. “Yeah, you too.” Before you can say anything else, you are called over to do an interview.

————————————————————————————

The next part of this will be out sometime next week

[kamotecue]

how could a heart like yours? (ever love a heart like mine) ও e. morgan

pairing: esme morgan x reader

summary: you and esme were the definition of polar opposites. she was warm, lovely and a sweetheart. while you were cold, atrocious, most of all—you were a player.

you felt someone shuffle beside you, as you catch a glimpse of the eyes that you fell for. it wasn’t a secret that you were lost in your thoughts, but the whole team needed you to step it up.

you heard esme chuckle that made your heart flutter, a soft yet gentle smile made its way to her face. she hummed before giving you a soft rub on the back.

“what’s on your mind, love?” esme asked, as you gave her a small yet timid smile. you felt a bit brittle, maybe it was the comments that people would leave, or how the so-called fans would say things out of the pocket.

“i’ll tell you after the game?” you said, as esme analyzed your actions. she looked into your deep blue eyes, the ones that she desperately loved, looking for something.

she broke the eye contact as she leaned forward placing a small yet gently kiss on the crown of your head. it was something she did to ease your mind, the thoughts going through your head.

you looked at your captain, steph who gave you a soft look. how could she not, you were only a young teen when she adopted you.

yes, steph houghton—the previous lioness skipper is your mother, adoptive that is. how the two of you met? you were in the middle of a pitch really, practicing shooting with your left foot as it was the weak one.

you ran through several drills, looking ways to improve that you didn’t notice her looking at you. she revealed herself at the end of your individual training session when you laid on the pitch due to exhaustion.

“alright, little one?” steph asked, as you gave her a soft nod, but your eyes said everything.

“i’m alright, mum.” she hummed before standing up, after all you did have a game to play.

“well then, it’s time to line-up.” she said, before putting on the captain’s armband. you tugged on the manchester city trainer jacket, as you joined the others in the tunnel.

you wore the number 13, with the last name houghton on the back with pride. you were fortunate to make your debut for the senior lionesses, when she was still captain. yet she was always still strict on you, claims as it was ways for you to improve.

you looked ahead to see west ham’s new captain, mackenzie arnold—it was always a pleasure playing against her. the players started to walk out the tunnel, you held onto the mascot’s hand as you gently swung it back and forward.

the kick off had started, you were in the mid field line—both teams weren’t able to score until the 31st minute where steph had sent a cross to lauren who managed to get a light tap on the ball, sending it to the bottom right corner where mackenzie arnold wasn’t able to save.

you watched as the man city fans cheered, you were in the lead—and no doubt was west ham set on scoring an equalizer before the first half had come to an end.

yet the whistle had blew signaling the end of the first half. you gave a soft smile to esme as she held out a bottle for you, you hummed before gently grabbing it.

as you were walking to the tunnel, you couldn’t help but notice a comment that a fan said.

“y/n’s no good for morgan.” you looked at esme who was busy chatting with lauren, she didn’t manage to hear it.

you felt someone swing their arm over your shoulder, it was julie. the norweigan was literally one of your closest teammates besides the english girls.

she had taught you norwegian, and you were literally quick to catch up on the language. so, whenever the two of you were together, you’d speak in her language.

“alt bra? [all good?]” you shook your head, the comment had left you wondering if they were right, it felt like everyone had told you that.

the moment you guys had become public, a few fans had always seem to make a comment about your past. you would notice the hate comments and tried to ignore them—it worked, most of the time. and the time that didn’t you had kept quiet.

“ting kan bli bedre. [things could be better.]” she hummed at your tone, it was a bit soft yet she could hear the hurt in your voice. you had entered the locker room in silence, listening to the coaches tactics.

you had avoided steph’s eyes, as she knew you weren’t alright. and her concern was proven well, when you went down a few minutes after the second half had started.

a mistimed tackle by riko had sent you to the ground, her studs ended up chipping your ankle as you felt to the ground.

“alright, n/n?” alanna asked, as you groaned—as you felt a wave of pain.

“does it look like i’m alright?” you joked, as alanna laughed at your behavior. despite being injured, you always found ways to joke around.

“can you continue?” steph asked, as she knelt beside you. she had took note of how you held onto your knee.

“i think i’ve done my knee-“ you said, as the team’s physio looked at your knee, analyzing it.

“it’s definitely a knee injury, but not an acl.” the physio said, as esme let out a deep breath. the amount of acl injuries that had already happened was quite concerning.

“you’ll be subbed off.” steph said, as she gestured to the head coach. you nodded, not disagreeing with her as the team physio helped you up.

the fans had clapped for you, as you disappeared into the tunnel heading to the med room. it wasn’t long before the game had ended.

the result had ended in a 2-1, with manchester city ending the long equalizer as they scored a late goal. you heard the door open revealing esme who had a concerned look in her eyes, her kit was all dirty as she made her way towards you.

how could a heart like yours, ever love a heart like mine?

“would you like to tell me, what’s going on love?” you knew she knew—you weren’t one to get distracted easily.

“what if they’re right?” you said, softly. esme hummed, not picking it up as she grabbed your hand.

“if who’s right?” esme asked, as you avoided her stare looking at the door. she sighed before wrapping her arms around your body, pulling you closer to her.

“tell me properly, don’t avoid eye contact with me.” she furrowed her eyebrows, as you sighed before giving in.

“the fans—what if they’re right that i’m no good for you? or that you deserve someone better than me?” she chuckled as her thumb came to wipe a tear that fell from your eyes.

“since when do you care about what they say? besides, i wouldn’t have let you into my heart if you weren’t good for me.” esme said, as she placed a kiss on your forehead.

your lover was literally the kindest person, you’ve ever known (besides steph ofc). you’d always say that her heart was made out of gold, and she’d give you a soft yet shy smile at your compliment.

how could i live before? how could i have been so blind?

“you aren’t like before, love. you have proven yourself to me, that you won’t break my heart. and that’s all that matters. i don’t care—if you’ve been with other girls, all i care is that you’re mine now.” esme said

you gave her a soft look before she gave you a toothy grin. you watched as she gave you a mischievous look, before planting a few kisses on your face.

you groaned as you weren’t a fan of public affection, despite being the only two in the medical room. the team’s doctor had already checked your knee out, you were told to rest as it was a minor sprain.

you opened up my eyes

she was literally the only person that made you realized your self worth. you weren’t like your birth parents—they were the ones that made you hate love, they were the ones that made you a player.

you’d watched as they cheated on each other, blaming each other for the down fall of the relationship—when it was their fault after all.

but when you met esme, the ball of sunshine, your image of love had changed. and you were forever grateful to her, she is and always—your happily ever after.

[maxthelittledino]

Who's your favorite Bluey character?

My favorite character is Dougie but since I can only put 12 options for the poll i put some of the most liked characters

[futfemfantasies]

"We'll be okay" \\ steph catley x reader

Apologies in advance, this is a long and very sad one 🫣

TW: death, kind of depression?

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

It's the phone call that no one wants to receive. You were playing Mario Kart with Steph, Charli, Katrina and Harper in the common room, when your phone started to ring. You move off of your comfortable position on top of Steph to see it's an unknown number. You usually don't answer these numbers but your heart is telling you to.

You answer the call and you see Steph give Katrina the remote so she can check if everything is okay. You listen to what the person on the phone tells you and you hang up afterwards. Katrina now pauses the game and her and Charli look between you and Steph to see what happened.

Steph can see that something bad had happened as you haven't moved. It was the same behaviour your were showing when your grandma had passed away. Steph mumbles to Charli and Katrina to go get Mackenzie. They both scurried off with Harper in Charli's arms so you and Steph were alone now.

Steph hurried over to you and wrapped you in her arms so you feel safe. You mentioned to Steph when you first started dating that this was your happy place. 6 years later and it is still your favourite place to be.

You feel numb.

Like your whole world has just crashed in a minute phone call.

You feel so numb that you can't even cry.

Steph mumbles to you that you don't have to tell her what happened straight away, only when you're ready and that she's there for you whenever you need. Steph moves you both over to a couch in the corner where you cuddle up on your girl a little tighter.

"They died" Steph's heart breaks at the two words you just spoke. Tears immediately threatening to fall from her eyes as she is just as close to your family as she is to hers.

"Oh baby, I'm so sorry" Steph kisses your temple and holds just that little bit tighter.

"Y/N? Stephy?" You both hear Mackenzie call out as she runs into the room.

"Over here Mac" Steph says and Mackenzie runs over to the couch where you and Steph are laying. You breath out a Mackenzie sits in front of you both on the floor and grabs one of your hands.

"Whatever happened, you know the whole team are behind you. Especially Steph and I" You nod and show her a sad smile.

You all sit in silence until you decide to tell them both who exactly has died.

"Mum and dad died. They were driving up for the game tomorrow and a truck hit-"

That's when you break. Tears start flowing out of all your eyes, yours more than the girls. What you don't hear is Sam's loud laughs and Caitlin's bad jokes start pour into the room before Mackenzie and Steph shooed them away with an 'we'll explain later' face.

You and Mackenzie hold hands as Mackenzie and you have been best friends since birth, both of your parents are like her second parents and vice versa.

Steph only asked your dad for his blessing just before the tournament began. And now he can’t walk you down the aisle.

After a while, Tony comes into the room and offers his sympathy. He also mentions that if you want to sit out of the next game, he completely understands given the circumstances. You wipe your tears and say you’ll play without a stutter or tear fall down your cheek.

You have to make your parents proud.

As Tony keeps talking to you, you see Ellie and Mary poke their hands around the corner. You wave them in and the rest of the team follows. All the girls give you sad smiles and a few of your best friends like Sam and Caitlin, give you tight hugs. You look at all the girls sitting around you then up at Steph. She gives you a small smile and nod and you take a deep breath, even though you feel like you might vomit.

“So um, I got a call uh” you pause for a moment and look at Steph as to say “I can’t say it”.

“Do you want me to?” She asks and you nod as she pulls you back in her arms.

“Y/n’s parents were driving up here for the game tomorrow when they got into a truck crash and sadly passed away”

You could hear the gasps and see your friends look at each other in disbelief. All the girls decide to give you some privacy, so they give you the biggest hug they all can before going back to their rooms.

Mackenzie says she going to call her mum to see if she knows and that she’ll come by later to check up. You stand up and give her a long and tight hug which may have resulted in you crying on her shirt a little. You both pull away and Steph wraps her arm around your your waist, guiding you to your shared room.

Once in the room, Steph pulls back the covers on the bed and insists on giving you your safe place. She gets in first and after you change, you crawl into the defenders arms. Your head stays on Steph’s chest, feeling it move as she inhaled and exhales but also hearing her heart beat steady. All the crying and thinking gave you a massive headache so you decide to nap.

“Hey Stephy”

“Yeah baby?” She replies.

“Thank you for everything. I don’t tell you that enough”

“Oh my love, you show me in many different ways. Now, is there anything I can do?”

“Tell Mac I’m asleep” you say as your eyes flutter closed.

“Anything my girl, anything you want”

Steph quickly texts Mackenzie an update on you and gives you a soft kiss on your head as you fall into a deep sleep.

The next day comes around and you wake up to several texts and missed calls from your family and friends. You see your Matilda’s group chat blowing up with many messages from you teammates saying all the same things. ‘If you need anything at all, let us know ❤️’ and ‘we are here for you, always xx’.

You look behind you and see your sleeping beauty looking so peaceful. You move a piece of hair out of Steph’s face before you give her a light kiss on her cheek. You carefully move out of bed and Steph’s arms before walking into the bathroom for a long, hot shower to wash away yesterday. You turn the shower on and wait for it to heat up. You undress and look at yourself in the mirror.

Eyes puffy, cheeks red and hair in a mess.

How Steph finds you attractive is beyond you but you’ll never take it for granted. You notice the bathroom has filled up with steam so you hop into the shower and that’s when you breakdown. You don’t know how long you are standing under the water for but you know you can’t distinguish your tears from the drops of water from the shower. You feel arms snake around your waist and a kiss on your shoulder.

“How are you feeling baby?” Steph asks.

“I think it’s just sinking in now. I’m okay”

Steph turns you around and gives you a tight hug under the water and you rest your chin on her shoulder. You both wash each other and eventually get out. You both get changed into you match day outfits and head downstairs for breakfast.

Hand in hand, you and Steph walk towards the elevator where you see Sam, Mackenzie and Katrina with Harper waiting for the elevator. Harper spots you and wiggles in her mums hold. Katrina lets her down and Harper’s little legs run over to you. You envelope the nearly 2 year old in your arms and press a magnitude of kisses to her face. You put on a brave face in front of Harper but everyone knows it’s a mask. You all eventually get to the meal / meeting room and sit at the empty table. Steph mentions she’ll get your food so you can stay with Harper and you give her a kiss as a thank you. Katrina comes back with pancakes for Harper and the little girl has never jumped off your lap and gone to her mum quicker in her little life. You laugh at the action and you see Steph struggling to bring everything over. You rush over to get the two coffees before they fall and make a mess.

“Thanks babe” you give her a smile and set the coffees down.

As you all are eating, Tony runs through the game plan and you can’t stop fidgeting. One more pick at your nails and you won’t have any skin left around them. Steph notices you unfocused and looks down to see your fingers moving around quickly. She leans over and intertwines her hand with yours. You look at her and smile, as to say thank you. You regain your focus and realise Tony is about to announce the starting line up. You feel three squeezes on your hand and Steph gives you a smile, the same one you fell in love with.

“…and leading us from the front, Y/N and Sam”

You lock eyes with Sam and give her a little nod that says ‘we’ve got this’. You all get organised to go on your game day walk when you feel a hand on your shoulder. You turn around to see Mackenzie with a sad smile on her face.

“Just checkin’ up. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine Mac, just focused on the game. How are you? How are you parents?” You ask, making a mental note to see them after the game.

“I’m okay, getting there. They’re going to be okay, I think? I think seeing us both tonight will help” you nod and start to walk with her on one side and Steph on the other.

Fast forward a few hours to the game and you slip your socks on before writing ‘M❤️D’ on both boots. You put some black tape around the end of your sleeve when Steph helps you before putting it on her own sleeve. You look at her confused and she kisses you on the cheek softly.

“We’re a team. Not just here. I’m going to support you no matter what” your eyes watered when someone else spoke up.

“Me too!”

“Yeah me as well!”

You smile at your girls and they all put the black tape either on their wrists or on the end of their sleeves like you. You get Steph to write ‘mum and dad ❤️’ on your arm before you put their initials on her own.

You sit back down at your cubby and put your head in your hands. Tears were falling down your cheeks and everyone was watching with sad smiles, Steph and Mackenzie had a few tears in their eyes. Everyone wanted to give you some space and you were glad they did. You get up and walk around the corner to the sink and splashed a few handfuls of water. You must of been there for a while because you feel familiar hands around your waist and you turn to see Steph.

“Come on, time to make your parents proud” Steph says with a smile while she holds out her hand.

You grab Steph’s hand and pull her back into you, leaving a bruising kiss on her lips. When you two seperate, she looks at you with a confused look and you just wink before walking out.

You both are the last to walk out to Brisbane stadium and the crowd goes wild. In their eyes, you’re their hometown hero and they don’t let you forget it. You plaster a smile on your face and give the crowd a wave. After smashing out the drills, the game was ready to begin.

Disappointed that no one scored in normal and extra time, you know what’s next and you hate them.

Penalties.

You walk up to Mackenzie and she says she’s gonna do this for your parents. You give her a kiss on her forehead and push her over to the huddle. Tony quickly tells you the order and you are number ten. Steph grabs your hand and squeezes it three times like before. You smile at her and lean on her shoulder as Sam gives you all a pep talk.

After some brilliant saves by Macca which caused you to nearly lose your voice, some misses and most going in, it was your turn.

This is it.

Convert or go home.

You begin to walk up to the spot and meet Mackenzie half way. She whispers to you that you have this in the bag. You put the ball on the spot and take a deep breath. You kiss the tape on your arm before preparing for your kick. You exhale and take a few steps back. You look up to the sky before doing your run up and you kick the ball.

You hear the crowd and see the ball in the back of the net and you sprint to Steph, jumping in her arms. The rest of the team dog pile on you all and eventually get off after the celebrations. You fall to your knees and cover your hands over your face. You hear voices next to you and you feel a gloved hand on your back and you look up to see Mackenzie and Steph kneeling in front of you.

One of the team officials comes over and says you need to do an interview and you internally groan but agree, like you have a choice. You see the interviewer is Emily Gielnik and you relax a little.

“Y/N congratulations and what a beautiful penalty. One question on everyone’s mind is the black armbands everyone is where tonight. Can you explain what that is?” Emily gives you a ‘sorry’ look afterwards as there are better questions to ask.

“I got news yesterday that my parents passed away driving up to the game. I started putting the tape on and then everyone wanted to as well. The girls have shown me a lot of support and I know they will continue to as it all starts to sink in”

What you don’t see is Steph and Mackenzie behind the camera listening to it all and how you have to announce it to everyone. When you finish the interview, Emily gives you a long hug and tells you to call or text her if you need anything.

You look behind her and see Steph waiting with open arms. You walk straight into them and she hugs you tightly, not wanting to let you go. She whispers sweet nothings into your ear and she feels you smile in her neck. You pull away and she wipes your tears before kissing your cheek.

“I’m going to go sit on the bench, you go celebrate with everyone”

Steph resisted leaving you but Caitlin came to your rescue and took Steph away. Steph looks over her shoulder and gives you worried eyes. You mouth to you that you’re okay and she relaxes a little.

You walk to the bench, hugging multiple staff and players on the way. You sit down and take your boots off to give to the little girl you saw with your Arsenal jersey on. You put them on the seat next to you before leaning back and watching your friends celebrating the historic moment. You watch as Mackenzie come over to you and sits next to you, slinging her arm over your shoulder inevitably pulling you into her.

“They were meant to meant to see this. They were meant to see us win” you choke out through the fountains of tears coming down your face.

“We know darls but you know they watched you play the whole game and sink that pen” Mackenzie says as she hugs you tighter.

“They’d be proud of you too Macca, Steph too”

“Did you find your mum? I think it would be good to see her” you ask Mackenzie.

Mackenzie stand up and pulls you up at the same time. You grab your boots and give them to the little girl, making sure you signed them both. Macca points out in the crowd and you attempt to follow her finger but fail. Suddenly you notice the woman and you attempt to climb the barrier but security guards stop you.

“No, let me go! I’m fine” you yell out, gaining attention from players (including Steph) around you.

Another security guard walked up and whispered something to the guard holding me back. He moved his hands and I raced up the stairs to give Mackenzie’s mum a tight hug. After a few minutes, Tony yells out to you and you say your goodbyes before going back on the pitch.

More hugs and congratulations came your way before you all finally went back into the locker room. Tony pulled you aside and told you how proud he was of you playing when such a tragedy has happened. You thank him and go back to the girls who have started moving furniture the chants and cheers.

You get up on one of the tables and lead the first one with Lydia. The celebrations go on for another hours or so until we were basically getting kicked out. Everyone had a quick shower before going back on the bus to get a decent nights rest.

As your friends dispersed to their rooms, they reminded you to message if you need anything. You get changed into some shorts and a sports bra since Steph has to have the heater on or she can’t sleep, in her own words. You bend over to pick up the charger from the floor when you feel a sharp sting on you ass.

“That hurt babe!” You say turning around quickly.

“Well stop looking so good then” She says winking as she jumps into bed.

You plug your phone in before cuddling up to your girl. You let out a small sigh before thinking about the next couple of days. Steph tightens her arms while giving you a kiss on the forehead.

“What’s going on up there puddin?”

“I’m just thinking about the game and how if we lose it’s gonna be my fault because I’m distracted. Then I have to plan the funerals an-“ you get cut off by Steph’s soft lips on yours and you instantly relax.

“Baby, yes you have a lot to do but do you have to do it all alone? No. You have 10 other people on that field including me for the game and we are going to smash England. And for everything else, you have me and I’m not going anywhere, not ever. We’ll be okay. Okay?” Steph cups your cheeks and looks into you eyes lovingly.

“If I’m with you, I just know everything going to be alright. Thank you for all you do for me Stephy. I appreciate it”

“It would do it all again in a heartbeat if it meant helping you and putting that beautiful smile on your gorgeous face”

You lean over and kiss Steph passionately before you two fall into a deep sleep, cuddling up to each other.

The next couple of weeks are the most painful in your whole life but with Steph by your side, she made it all better.

[uncaaj]

Fanfic: Diesel's Petrols (Bluey)

READ NOW ON AO3!

The door to his dimly lit office opened, and Dr. Bernard, the Australian Army counselor, looked up. “Thanks for coming, Sergeant Kelpie,” he greeted.

Diesel Kelpie took a seat in the cushy leather seat opposite him and held out his hand. “No worries, Dr. Bernard.”

After shaking his hand, Dr. Bernard grabbed his tablet and pushed his glasses up. “So let’s get right into it. How have you been since discharge?”

“Well, it was great to see my family again, let’s say that first. Everything I do, I do for them. It was all I could think about on the flight home.” Diesel leaned back and recalled the whirlwind of a month he’d had.

+++

Fresh from a 12-hour flight, I felt light as a feather despite the jet lag fuzzing the edges of my sight. It never fails, I try to catch up on sleep on the flight and somehow stay up the whole time, idling the time away with the same crummy puzzle games and the same five movies.  Even still when I landed, I couldn’t help but jog from the gate straight to border control, hopping like, well, an excited dog in the queue.

Once I finally made it to the luggage claim, there they were, big smiles all over. My pack, my troop. My family. I probably looked like hell with my stained fatigues and baggy eyes, but I knew it didn’t matter one bit to them.

“Dad!” Rusty shouted, bolting over and jumping into my arms. I could hear the others catching up to him as I gave my little recruit a good squeeze before setting him down and letting them all in. 

“Aw, missed me, eh?” I joked.

“Yeah,” said Digger, the oldest.

“Missed you lots!” said Rusty.

“Thiiiiis much!” said me youngest Dusty, stretching her little arms as far as they’d go.

Then it was Pepper’s turn. “Welcome home, honey.”

I felt all my worries vanish with my sigh as I kissed my loving wife. “Good to be home.”

“How long are you staying for?” Rusty asked.

Dusty bounced up and down. “Will you be here for my birthday?”

I gave Pepper a quick smooch then turned to the kids. “Oh yeah, I didn’t mention that, did I?”

“Tell ‘em, babe,” said Pepper.

I knelt down to meet my kids’ eyes as they all bunched together. “Well, I have a little surprise for you all. I’m here this time…for good.”

“You mean…your service is done?” Rusty asked, almost pleading for it to be true.

“Yup,” I confirmed. “Done and dusted.”

We all met in a big hug in the middle of the baggage claim, and for the first time since hearing the news I was headed home at last, I felt like transitioning back to civilian life wouldn’t be so bad.

+++

DIESEL: This episode of Bandit is called “Diesel’s Petrols.”

+++

“How have you been filling your time over the past month?” asked Dr. Bernard.

“Well, that army schedule’s a part of me, so I’m still up bright and early every day. The kids keep me active with cricket, footie, the works.” He chuckled and slung a leg over the other. “But that’s not what you’re asking, is it?”

Dr. Bernard laughed. “No, it isn’t.”

“For my career after service, it was a no-brainer for me. All that time fixing Jeeps, I knew I was gonna open my own garage when I got home. And bless Pepper, she was gracious enough to come on as my business partner. Signing the lease on that space was the fulfillment of a dream, so I was psyched.”

“Fantastic,” said Dr. Bernard. “How about friendships?”

“Oh, I’ve kept in touch with my troop online. Couldn’t do that when I was a tyke. But I promised myself something on the way home. I see Rusty talk so highly of his schoolmates on the ride home from school, so I really wanted to get to know their parents. Thought they could be my new troop. And in a way, my garage helped me do that. It started while I was out promoting the venture…”

+++

I was taking my new shop truck on her maiden voyage with Rusty by my side. Figured it’d get the word out and drum up some customers since we were gonna open any day. We’re puttering along in Paddington and suddenly, Rusty points out the window and says, “Dad, look! It’s Mackenzie!”

I saw a couple o’ border collies standing by the side of the road, their ute smoking. “Looks like they’re broken down, kiddo,” I said.

“Can we help them, Dad?” Rusty asked.

“Well, if he’s your friend, let’s see what’s up.” We parked nearby and got out. Rusty greeted Mackenzie happily while I went over to his dad.

“You’re Rusty’s dad, right? Don’t see you around much,” he said.

“Yeah, discharged recently. Diesel.”

“Sorry, Josh,” a guy shouted, “my mechanic’s booked solid today.” A blue heeler and his pup walked toward us from a couple houses down.

“Biscuits,” Josh muttered. “Thanks for trying, Bandit.”

The Heeler pup waved at us. “Hi, Rusty!”

“Bluey!” said Rusty. “Me and Dad are spreading the word about his new garage.” He pointed at the logo on my truck that Pepper designed. 

“Diesel’s Petrols,” read Bluey. “Hee-hee! I like that name!”

“You work on cars, eh?” said Josh.

“Yeah, cars, Jeeps, copters, you name it, it’s my toast and jam. I could take a look if you don’t mind.”

Josh shrugged and led me to the wide-open bonnet. I felt the heat on my fur immediately and recoiled back. “Poor thing’s overheated,” I said, waving some smoke away. Now time to sniff out the problem. The army taught me that well. Let everything fall away and focus on what needs to be done. 

I took a deep whiff through my nose and exhaled sickly sweet aromas, like burnt caramel. It was coolant, alright, almost like the radiator blew or a hose had popped loose and covered the engine in it. For Josh’s sake, luckily it was the latter I spied immediately.

“I don’t understand it. It was all right yesterday,” said Josh once I regained my awareness.

“A hose popped off your rad here,” I said, pointing to the dangling pipe near the main gears. “Reckon you’ve lost all your coolant, mate.”

“Wow,” said Josh. “That’ll do it.”

“You know, I think I have a proper clamp and some coolant in me Ute. I can have you right as rain in a tick.”

Josh looked shocked. “Really? R-right now?”

I smiled. “I always like to come prepared for anything.”

Josh pumped his fist, his bummed expression washing out to giddiness. “Well, thanks a bunch!”

“No worries.”

It was simple to refit the hose and tighten it down properly. Then once his engine came back down to as normal a temperature as could be on the eve of summer, I topped up the coolant and gave him the go to start up. The engine tumbled for a second as the coolant recirculated but then kicked right into life. “Gotta love a rock-solid Toyota,” I smirked. Hardy and excitable, just like he was.

I waited a moment to see if the hose would pop off, but it held. I shut the bonnet and gave Josh the thumbs up. He called his son over and they loaded up.

“Thanks a bunch, mate!” said Josh as I approached the cab. “What do I owe ya?”

I glanced quickly at the temperature meter. A-OK. “Ah, twernt nothin’, mate,” I scoffed. “All in a day’s work.” 

I felt a tug on my arm, and I crouched down. “Yeah, mate?” I said to Rusty.

“Dad, remember what mum said? ‘If you fix some stranger’s car like I know you will, make sure you’re paid.’”

I gulped and stood up again. Both Mackenzie and Josh were laughing. I grinned embarrassingly.

“Your mum’s a smart cookie,” Bandit said with a wink.

“Thanks, Mr. Heeler!” said Rusty.

I shook my head and fished a business card out of my wallet. “Okay, how’s $30 sound? And you gimme a ring if your Ute ever packs in again?

“Done deal!” said Josh, quickly exchanging it for a banknote from his.

“Much obliged,” I said, shaking his paw. With a wave, he was off down the road with his pup.

+++

Not long after, I’d just finished installing the new ramp in the garage when in wheels this sturdy little Subaru. My first real walk-in. I head over and a Jack Russel steps out of it. 

“G’day, mate,” I said, “thanks for droppin’ by. what can I do ya for?”

“Do you do suspension work here?” he asked.

“Whatever’s ailing your car, I can put it right.”

“Oh, great!” he said, relieved. 

I wondered what brought that on, but I didn’t have to wonder long. The Jack Russel pushed down on his wheel arch and it didn’t budge an inch. “The ride’s been really rough,” he continued. “My tail aches every time I drive it longer than a grocery run.”

“That ain’t fair dinkum. Let’s put ‘er on my new ramp and I’ll take a look.”

I helped him position the car and once it was safely in the air, I could see straight away what the problem was. “Great day in the morning, your shocks are toast! Covered in oil and stiff as stone. What on earth did you do to ‘em?”

The terrier rubbed his arm, looking guilty with himself. “It’s a funny story, I suppose. I took a shortcut picking my son Jack up from school-“

“Wait, you’re Jack’s dad?” I exclaimed. “My son Rusty talks about a Russel named Jack all the time.”

“Ha! Likewise! Good to meet you, er…”

“Diesel.” I held out my hand and he shook it.

“Blake.”

“So what happened exactly?” I said, motioning him toward my tool bench.

“So my battery died leaving me without SatNav. This bloke called Maynard showed me a shortcut through the bush, but a sign just before said it was for 4-wheel-drive cars.”

“Hmm…” I suddenly had an inkling. I went back to the car and shone my torch around the wheels. I grimaced even more. “Yeah, this is an all-wheel-drive car.”

Blake raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t they the same thing? It’s got four wheels.”

I almost laughed but I didn’t want to do that to the poor guy. “Rookie mistake, mate. See, all-wheel-drive shifts power to all the wheels to help with traction on muddy or wet road. 4-wheel-drive is for serious off-roading like what you did on that shortcut, it looks like.”

Blake sighed. “Yeah, I…had an adventurous moment. But when I came home from the markets the other day with busted eggs, my wife said I’d better bring it in. She heard about you from Josh Border-Collie.”

“Issat so?” Small world. “Well, tell ya what- I have the parts here that I need. I can have you back up and running by day’s end for…how’s $400 and a promise to not take your car where it’s not meant to go?”

Blake perked up. “Really? That’d be fantastic!”

I nodded. “All in a day’s work, mate.”

+++

“Two new civilian friends, that’s a good start,” said Dr. Bernard.

“Thanks,” said Diesel. “But it’s funny.” He scratched his chin and tried to gather his thoughts. “I…didn’t think I was making friends at first.”

“How so?”

“I guess it felt like just doing what I had to do and sending ‘em on their way, nothing more, like in the army. The troop and I would bond for hours on end every day because we were together for that long. We slept on smelly cots together. I could know everything about them. I barely got to know Josh and Blake before their cars were fixed and they were off.”

Diesel paused, wondering if he should even say what he was about to.

“Do you need to confide about something, Sergeant Kelpie?” Dr. Bernard asked gently, without judgment.

“Sometimes I feel…like an outsider, ya know? It used to be I was barely home before I was back overseas. The army was my world more than here and suddenly, this is my world now. I wasn’t sure if Josh and Blake would remember me with how little we were able to talk. I wasn’t sure I could make my place here.”

“It doesn’t make your interactions any less meaningful,” Dr Bernard reassured. “It takes time and effort but it’s very possible.”

Diesel nodded. “Oh, I’m realizing that now. And what helped me change my view was that Heeler Bandit I mentioned earlier…”

+++

As it happens, it was the day after I expressed this to Pepper and we were discussing my rates in the garage.

“The prices I’m giving aren’t too low, are they, Pepper?” I said, my head hurting seeing her spreadsheets.

Pepper shook her head. “Don’t worry, love, you’re covering all our expenses. I just want to make sure you’re charging what you’re worth.”

“It’s never a big deal. I’m just glad I get to do this at all.”

Pepper took my hand and squeezed it. “Okay, well, I think you’re worth more.”

“Yeah, and I know you always will.”

How did I find someone so perfect, in partnership and…well, partnership? We moved in closer for a kiss until we heard someone nearby clearing their throat.

We turned to see that Heeler Bandit from the other day with his daughters, Bluey and an orange one whose name I didn’t recall. “Sooooo does Rusty run off screaming when he sees smoochy-kisses?” asked Bandit.

“Dad, you were kissing Mum’s stinky fish breath!” laughed Bluey. 

I stood up straight and saluted. “Sir!”

Pepper rolled her eyes and pushed me away. “Welcome to Diesel’s Petrols. How can we help?”

“I was just passing by and I wondered if you’d give my Jeep a once-over. I’m taking the family dune racing next month and I figure you’re the Jeep expert.”

I chuckled. “It’s a stereotype for a reason. I’ll make sure you can handle everything out there. Pepper’ll show you to the waiting room.”

“We’ve got toys!” she said to the Heeler kids, and they cheered and dashed off toward the lobby, their dad following.

The hum of the lift had become music to my ears by this point and I could operate it in my sleep. Wrangler, a good rugged vehicle, could literally take you anywhere. That once-over was probably the quickest one I’d ever done, even on an army vehicle. Bandit maintained it really well.

I wiped my brow with a rag and headed to the lobby. Bandit was in the middle of keeling over, clutching his chest. His kids had their hands out, wiggling their fingers at him and laughing maniacally.

I sniggered. “What’s all this then?”

“Hi, Rusty’s dad!” said Bluey. “Bingo and I overwhelmed him with our magic!”

Bandit looked at me. “Yeah, powerful stuff,” he whispered.

“Dad,” said Bingo, “you’re supposed to be asleep!”

Bandit slowly came to his feet. No doubt it took longer these days with those two scamps running him ragged. I certainly knew the feeling. “Let’s just call it a cliffhanger,” he declared. “Am I asleep? We’ll find out when we get home.”

Rugged, adaptable, and fun. Just like his car.

“All good?” he asked me.

“Good to go,” I said.

“Good job, there, mate.”

I smiled. “All in a day’s work.”

I held out my hand and he shook it vigorously. Of all the blokes I shook with, his was the best so far. “Make quick work like that and I might be calling you from now on,” he said.

What a compliment, especially since he already had a guy. “M-much obliged,” I said before I led him over to the computer to do his invoice.

“Only seen you at drop-off a couple of times. When’d you get back?” he asked.

“Not too long ago. It’s good to be home at last. Feels like I’ve missed too much outta my kids’ lives.”

“Yeah, I feel that way when I have to be on a dig site. I’m not gone nearly as long but it’s still too long.”

“Truth. And it’s good to really talk to someone outside of that whole world. Makes it easier to get back…to the swing of it, you know?”

“Hey, you oughta come and have a drink with me and some friends. Josh’ll be there. And Blake’s thankful you got his Subaru running again.”

“Oh yeah, I remember them.” But did they really remember me? “Well, I dunno-“

Bandit slung an arm over the counter. “C’mon, it’ll be fun.”

I gave it a rummage in my mind. Sounded like the perfect proposition, and so quickly after getting back. I’d hopefully have a new friend group to make reintegration easier. But it still almost felt like I was intruding on somewhere I didn’t quite belong yet. I wasn’t sure if I should step in.

I looked away for a moment. Bluey and Bingo had slid right into another game, involving the footy in the toy box. I laughed. “These kids make it look so easy.” So easy to get along, I thought.

“Yeah, we can take a cue from them every once in a while, eh?” said Bandit.

I nodded. I’d take that step. “Sure, gimme the deets and I’ll be there.”

+++

“I’m sorry, Sergeant Kelpie, but we’re out of time for today,” said Dr. Bernard, rising up. “But it sounds like you’re making great progress with reintegration. I’m proud of ya!”

Diesel stood up. “Thanks, doc. After opening my garage and meeting Bandit and Blake and the others, it really feels like I have another troop. I know I’ve only just started my new life and there’s so much I want to do yet, but…” He shrugged. “It’s like I always say, even in the field.”

“All in a day’s work?” asked Dr. Bernard.

“Yeah, all in a day’s work.”

+++

Diesel opened the door to the pub and cased the joint for the table where Bandit and his friends were. Catching waving hands out of the corner of his eye, he saw they were all smiling and waving at him.

“There’s the dog of the hour,” said Bandit, filling a glass and handing it to Diesel.

“For putting us all back on the road,” said Blake.

“And for being a stand-up bloke altogether,” said Josh.

“Good to know ya, mate,” said a yellow Labrador. “Congrats on the new venture.”

Diesel sat down and rose his glass, gulping down the lump in his throat. “Thanks for making an army dog feel welcomed home.”

“CHEERS!” Glasses clinked and mirth and merriment took him over as Diesel joined a conversation about an upcoming cricket game. The garage had always been a goal of his, but now he felt like he accomplished something far more difficult-making a place in a third troop, a group of guys he was proud to call his new friends.

[pixiesfz]

Omg I love your recent Kerstin fic. Would you consider doing a part 2 where we actually see Kerstin get jealous due to Courtney? Maybe some smut?

yes, yes, yes yes yes.!

jealousy k.c

plot: you and courtney become friends after being ex's for so long and kerstin gets a little jelly about it.

warnings: smut, public, part 2 of teammates

You were healing.

With the help of Kerstin of course.

You didn’t realize until the recent international camp where Australia would vs Uzbekistan when Courtney walked in and instead of a feeling of heartbreak washing over you, you finally saw her as a normal teammate, a friend almost.

“Media duties!” Macca called out with a grin as she held her phone and the tiny microphone which had some of the girls groaning.

“Partner up!” Allanna yelled from behind her she yelled and you were at the food table putting spaghetti in your bowl, meaning that when you went back to your table everyone was partnered up except for Courtney whom you both made awkward eye contact with another and Kyra coughed to save you both from it.

“I could switch” she offered to you but you shrugged your shoulders “It should be fine” you smiled and made your way over to her “Hey,” she said softly “Hi” you smiled, excited that you were finally feeling like her teammate again and not her ex.

“Excited for the games coming up, going to your homeland soon” she pointed out and you smiled “I haven’t seen my family since the break so I’m pretty excited, I’m giving my mum about 10 seconds before she starts to cry” you laughed and she joined you.

After a few seconds Courtney turned towards you “This is nice” was all she said and you nodded “Yeah” you breathed out and the two tall girls from your team walked over to you both with whiteboards “You have been chosen” Macca said in a weird voice you could only hear in star wars and you tilted your head “sorry I don’t speak Chewbacca”.

“C'mon” Allanna sighed and grabbed your hand, walking a bit faster so you were out of earshot of the other two “Are you okay?” she asked and you nodded “I’m okay” You smiled “Yeah?” Allana asked with a smile “Yeah” you confirmed and hugged into her side where she left a chaff kiss on your head.

“You know I didn’t like the idea of Kerstin taking you after what happened at the World Cup but you and her are really good together, even on the field,” she said to you and you blushed “C'mon let's just do this interview”.

You and Courtney both sat down together in the media room as a camera guy cleaned the camera Mackenzie held a script behind it and Allana held the mic. “Why did we need to clean the camera?” Courtney asked “Raso and Ellie did a try not to laugh challenge” the guy piped up and you laughed at the idea “oh that is chaos”.

“So you’re just gonna do like a ‘who’s most likely to’ kind of thing yeah?” Kenzie asked and you nodded and the camera started rolling.

“All right, who’s most likely to forget a teammate's birthday?” she asked and you wrote down Kyra’s name and turned it around at the same time as Courtney as the room erupted in laughter “Y/n” Courtney nudged your shoulder “what” you turned to her as your faces were close.

“It’s only out of us two”

Mackenzie and Allanna’s laughter filled the room again as your eyes bulged “Sorry Kyra!”.

“Who did you write anyway?” you asked as you rubbed Kyra’s name out “Me, you were always good with dates” She shrugged, and you nodded with a smile.

“Most likely to end up on Broadway?”

You both turned around your whiteboards to reveal your name “Me” you smiled “Fun fact: before I went into footy full time, I was always in my school musicals and local ones”

“And was even good at them” Courtney chimed as she remembered going to them.

“Most likely to go on Love Island?”

You thought about it for a second and then wrote down Courtney’s name, not sure if she would take it offensively but when you turned it around she laughed and you saw your name on hers “What?” you asked “Pretty people do well on Love island” Courtney pointed out with laughter and the comment went straight over your head “no you would do well in all like the challenges they do, you and your partner would dominate” you pointed out as everyone in the room was now laughing.

You both waved to the camera still laughing at each other as the cameraman turned it off.

“Well, at least I didn’t get water all over me this time”.

That night after dinner you laid on your bed with the phone in hand where Kerstin was “So how was tonight?" she asked after having a conversation all about her first couple of days "Good we did some media shots and I was with Courtney" you explained

You were too busy explaining your story that you didn’t see Kerstin's eyes when you mentioned your ex-girlfriend. “I miss you,” she told you with a smirk “Babe it’s been a week” you laughed but her stare didn’t change “I miss you too” you admitted with a smile.

“You getting a tan up in Spain?” you teased, and the girl smiled “Actually I was thinking we could come up here next break” she admitted and your smile widened “I’d love that”.

When you both hung up the phone for the night you saw that the admin had posted the video of you and Courtney, but you paid no mind to it, knowing what had happened in real life.

Kerstin sat in her bed and watched it, her eyes traveling to Courtney when her arm grabbed you and swivelled you around and told you that you were playing the game wrong. Then it went to her staring at you for a reaction whenever she turned her whiteboard around.

“Pretty people do well on Love Island”

Kerstin's eyebrows shot up at the blonde girl's (her words to her girl) words, she tried not to but her finer swiped up to see all the comments that had already flooded the video.

‘did they get back together?”

↪ we don’t even know if they ever broke up.

↪ isn’t she dating Kerstin

↪ just a rumour, just friends I think

↪ y/n and Courtney is an Australian power couple

↪ Kerstin and y/n are slow launching

↪ how many girfriends does this woman have?

Kerstin shut off her phone and put it on her bedside table with a groan.

She trusts you with every bone in her body and she knows you would never ever cheat, especially with Courtney but right now all she wanted was to push the blonde Australian away so people would know you were hers.

And hers only.

Tony took you off after 60 minutes, scoring two goals and assisting Mary for hers, you had the win in for sure and you helped your team make your way into the Olympics, jumping in joy from the sidelines when Caitlin scored her hattrick.

The game finished 7-1 and the Matilda’s team were singing random songs in the change rooms to celebrate. “Congrats” Courtney said as you walked in “thanks for the assistance” you smiled as you thought back to the first goal of the match.

You were on the wing, free as your defender got slightly confused and ran onto Raso. Courtney caught your eye as she dribbled and kicked with her right foot from their square to you where you hit it from your chest back down to your foot, giving you a clear way for a boot, which you did and thankfully the ball went in.

You jumped around in excitement as the team jumped on you, Courtney as well who lent her hand out to pick you up.

You walked away back to your cubby as Courtney watched you.

Allanna picked you up as you walked over “Can’t believe Tony took you off right before you got a hattrick” she groaned “It’s fine, he told me he wanted me fit and healthy for the Melbourne game cause he’s keeping me on for the full 90” you smirked and she gasped and smiled “Chicken!” Caitlin cheered over and sat down next to you “Got good news for you”

“What may that be?”

“Viv and I figured out that we and the Netherlands are gonna be at the same airport at the same time!” she told you quickly and you jumped up “fuck yes!” you cheered, ecstatic that you get to see your girlfriend.

“Alrighty girls!” Tony walked in “pack your bags cause we’re leaving bright and early in the morning!”

You weren’t usually a morning person but the idea of you seeing Kerstin again had you waking everyone else up to be quick, you even bought mini a coffee as Harper may have kept her up.

“Thanks, darl” she complimented you with a thankful smile as you walked together, Harper deciding to jump into your arms as you all walked onto the bus.

“Want y/n” she turned to her mum who shrugged “Take her,” she told you with a smile as you and the little one both cheered.

“You are happy,” Harper told you as you both sat down and you smiled “I get to see Kerstin” You smiled and the girl put her mouth in an ‘o’ shape letting out a little sound “I like Kerstin She gave me lollies” she smiled as she remembered when you took Kerstin to a ‘Tillies’ night out.

“That did not make your mummies happy,” you told her as you remember Kerstin apologizing as she didn’t know that the lollies she gave her had so much sugar in them.

The two of you fell asleep on the bus till you were shaken awake by her mother “I can still hold her” you promised her as you all walked in, quickly going through security with the little one stuck on your shoulder.

She didn’t wake until we all put our bags down “Kerstin” she mumbled and pointed before you turned around and indeed saw your girlfriend in all orange walking towards you, a slight sense of dominance as she locked eyes with you.

“You ruined my surprise little one,” she told Harper before wrapping her arms around you, squeezing you tight before pulling back and looking at you holding a child. “I look like a mum don’t I” you laughed

“milf”

“Kerstin” you scolded and grabbed her arm “C’mon let’s take her to her real mum” you smiled.

Although you loved the little girl, you just wanted to be with your girlfriend for the little time you had.

Dropping off Harper to Mini was easy but it was as you walked by your team members that Kerstin looked around for the blonde who was already watching you pass Mini the child, Kerstin didn’t like that.

“I have to go to the toilet come,” she told you, dragging you off.

You lightly scoffed “You need to learn how to control your bladder”.

You watched as Kerstin held you tight, turning from the regular girl's toilet last second to the disabled, throwing you in and quickly closing the doors behind her.

“Kerstin this is the-“ You were cut off by her lips on hers, moaning into her right away from the impact “Kirsten” you breathed out in between kisses, she simply shooshed you and travelled her lips down your neck, pushing you onto the sink “jump” she told you her hands grabbing your ass as you did and lowered you onto the bench top.

“we’re in public” you breathed out as she sucked onto your neck. She took her head away, looking at you with lust “I just want people to know what’s mine” she told you with a shrug as if it was the easiest thing to say in the world but you felt hot at the words, or maybe because it was the way her hands travelled up your legs as she said so.

“I am yours,” you told her and she crossed her head and tutted “Not everybody knows that,” she said and you thought back….Courtney.

“Are you jealous?” you ask as the woman's fingers played with your waistband “I don’t want anyone thinking they have a chance with you” She smiled and started pulling your shorts down, your underwear along with it, throwing it on the floor before her hands went under your thighs, pulling you towards her “so wet” she smiled, kissing up your legs.

“Did she ever make you this wet?”

You gasped at the words of your girlfriend, a new side that you had never seen of her, and you loved it.

“no” you mumbled as her kiss grew closer to where you needed her.

“Good girl”

Kerstin started slowly with a slow lick through your folds, moaning at the sight of her before she went in again, faster

“Oh fuck” you stuttered, your hand now tangled in her hair that she wore out, biting down on your lip to stop yourself from moaning.

But a buzzing sound interrupted your bliss.

Courtney.

“Answer it,” Kerstin told you before entering a finger into you.

“I-“ “Answer it or I won’t go any further” Kerstin looked into your eyes, silently telling you that she meant it.

“fuck” you cursed before pressing answer and lifting it to your ear as Kerstin eagerly watched you from underneath.

“hey” Courtney said on the phone “hi” you responded and Kersten started moving her finger slowly, you bit onto your free finger to stop yourself from any noise.

“Called cause you’ve been gone for a bit and we have to board in like twenty minutes” she said through the line “Lani said you could be with Kerstin but I just wanted to make sure”

At Kerstins name being dropped you looked down to the girl who was pumping her fingers into you, entering a second finger that made you gasp.

“Are you okay?” Courtneys voice rang out

“yep” you answered quickly, maybe a bit too quickly.

“okay uhm I could find you”

At the words Kerstin sped up and you moaned out into your hand so it was muffled “That’s-“ you started but stopped “That’s okay I’m good, be there in five-ten! minutes” you said but the squeeze of Kerstin's hands on your ass told you that you were going to be a bit longer.

“oh okay, well tell me if anything changes” Courtney offered and you nodded your head frantically, trying so hard not to scream out your lover's name “Yep okay bye” you said quickly before smashing the decline bottom and placing the phone on the table.

You took your hands in Kirstens hair again as you finally were able to release “oh fuck yes Kerstin” you breathed out as she let you ride out your high. When done you pulled her up by the front of her top and kissed her, lips molding together as you could taste yourself on her lips.

“You are so jealous”.