#SPORTS BRA FOR RUNNERS

[innerwearsofficial]

11 BEST RUNNING SPORTS BRAS OF 2023, ACCORDING TO TESTING

Finding the right sports bra may be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful exercise, particularly for runners. Running sports bras need to provide the appropriate level of support, comfort, and breathability, without creating any irritation or discomfort in the wearer in any way.

Because there are so many alternatives available, it might be difficult to choose the one that is best for you. Because of this, we have put in the work to do research and put up a list of the,

Top-running sports bras that will be available in 2023

1. Women Cotton Stretch Athletic Vest Gym Fitness Plus Size Sports Bra

The Women Cotton Stretch Athletic Vest Gym Fitness Plus Size Sports Bra is a kind of sports bra designed to meet the needs of active women. The cotton and flexible fabrics used in its construction provide comfort and air circulation when you wear it.

Plus-size ladies may benefit from the extra support and a flattering, form-fitting silhouette of this women’s running sports bras plus size design. It works well for a variety of sports and exercises, from running and weightlifting to yoga and pilates.

2. Women’s Support Bounce Stretch Control Workout Plus Size Sports Bra

There is a special kind of running sports bras for women of larger sizes called the Women’s Support Bounce Stretch Control Workout Plus Size Sports Bra. During your exercise, you’ll stay comfortable and dry thanks to the wicking properties of the flexible and breathable cloth.

A wider underband and shoulder straps aid in weight distribution and minimize bounce in this sports bras for runners made specifically for ladies with a larger frame. Whether you’re jogging, doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or just leaping about, you can be certain that your bust will stay put thanks to the stretch control element of this bra.

3. Women Elastic Plus Size Sports Bra Top

Active women need a sports bra top that offers support and comfort, and the Women Elastic Plus Size Sports Bra Top fulfills those requirements. This sports bra top is crafted from a breathable and flexible material, ensuring unrestricted movement and keeping you dry and comfortable as you exert yourself.

With a wider underband and shoulder straps to better distribute weight and lessen bounce, this sports bra top is ideal for ladies with a larger frame. The stretchy fabric offers a close, comfortable fit that keeps your bust in place during vigorous exercises like jogging, weight lifting, and yoga.

4. Top Seamless Fitness Sports Bras Top Padded Running Push-Up Crop Top

The Top Padded Running Push-Up Crop Top is a sports bra designed to cater to the needs of active women. It consists of a seamless, flexible fabric that provides excellent comfort and mobility.

Padding in the cups of this best sports bras for running offers extra support and accentuates your figure. The push-up style will give you a more attractive profile as you work out, thanks to its ability to raise and shape your bust.

This sports bra’s crop top silhouette gives you coverage and support across your bust and shoulders without restricting your range of motion. It works well for a variety of sports and exercises, from running and weightlifting to yoga and pilates.

5. Women’s Padded Workout Tank Top for Running, Fitness Yoga, and Sports Bras

The Workout Running Padded Tank Top Fitness Yoga Sports Bra for Women combines the features of a tank top and a high-impact sports bra, providing both support and comfort for active women. During your exercise, you’ll stay comfortable and dry thanks to the wicking properties of the flexible and breathable cloth.

Padding in the cups of this sports bra top adds support and coverage, making it ideal for high-impact activities like running and jumping. Tank tops are great because they conceal your upper body while still letting you move your arms and shoulders freely.

You can utilize the sports bra top for a variety of exercise routines, including the gym, yoga, and jogging. All shapes and sizes of women will feel beautiful in this dress.

6. Sports Bras Shockproof Fixed Quick-Drying Underwear Vest Women Running Gym Zipper

You can get support, comfort, and quick-drying qualities from a sports bra like the Sports Bras Shockproof Fixed Quick-Drying Pants Vest Women Running Gym Zipper. It has a fixed cup shape for extra bust support and a shock-absorbing construction to minimize bouncing.

The zippered back makes it simple to get this sports bra for running large breasts on and off, even after strenuous exercise. The moisture-wicking properties of the fast-drying fabric ensure that you stay dry and comfortable no matter how intense your exercise.

You can use it for a variety of sports and exercises, ranging from running and weightlifting to yoga and pilates. The vest-style design gives you more protection and support in the upper torso while still letting you move your arms and shoulders freely.

7. Shockproof Sports Bra Padded Wire Free With Front Zipper Closure Adjustable Strap Fitness Tops

Supportive and comfortable, the Shockproof Sports Bra Padded Wire Free With Front Zipper Closure Adjustable Strap Fitness Tops is the kind of best sports bra for running. It has a cushioned breast for extra support and form and a shock-absorbing construction to minimize bouncing.

The front zipper fastening of this sports bra makes it easy to slip on and take off, even after strenuous exercise. The right sports bra can be adjusted to suit you perfectly, giving you the breast support you need and staying put during your activity.

It may be used for a variety of sports and exercises, from running and weightlifting to yoga and pilates. The absence of wires in the sports bra makes it more comfortable to wear and guarantees a smooth, close fit.

8. Sports Bra Top Fitness Breathable Yoga Bras Shockproof Running Vest Gym Push Up Padded Bra

When it comes to physical exercise, a Push Up Padded Bra is your best bet for support, comfort, and ventilation. It has a cushioned breast for extra support and form and a shock-absorbing construction to minimize bouncing.

This top is a sports bras for large busts with built-in push-up padding to help you look and feel your best at the gym. The moisture-wicking properties of the fabric ensure that you stay dry and comfortable no matter how strenuous your exercise.

This sports bra’s vest-like construction gives you coverage and support throughout your upper body while yet letting you move freely around the shoulders and arms. It may be used for a broad variety of exercise routines, from the gym to yoga to jogging.

9. Sports Bras Quick Drying Professional Running Vest Yoga Mesh Bra Removable Pads

The Vest Yoga Mesh Bra with Removable Pads provides support, comfort, and moisture management, meeting the needs of active women. The mesh construction promotes air circulation, reducing perspiration buildup and ensuring a dry and comfortable workout experience.

This sports bra has detachable cushions that may be worn under or over your bust for further support and shaping. The moisture-wicking properties of the fast-drying fabric ensure that you stay dry and comfortable no matter how intense your exercise.

10. Sports Bra No Steel Ring Padded Yoga Bras Vest Jogging Underwear Fitness Push Up Running

The Push Up Running sports bra is specifically designed to offer you lift, comfort, and support during your workouts. The lack of steel rings in the design makes it more comfortable to wear, even while engaging in high-impact pursuits like running and leaping.

Padding in the cups of this sports bra offers extra support and helps to define your bust. The vest-type design protects your upper torso and supports your arms and shoulders without restricting your mobility.

It may be used for a broad variety of exercise routines, from the gym to yoga to jogging. The cushioning for push-ups will make your figure seem better as you work out.

11. Sports Bra Mesh Stitching Yoga Bra Shake Fitness Gym Bra Running Top

Supportive and breathable, the Sports Bra Mesh Stitching Yoga Bra Shake Fitness Gym Bra Running Top is an excellent choice for any active woman. The mesh stitching pattern promotes airflow and aids in moisture absorption, so you can work out in comfort and dryness.

You can use this sports bra for a variety of exercise routines, including gym workouts, yoga sessions, and jogging. You may move your arms and shoulders freely while still feeling snug thanks to the cut’s design.

Conclusion

Finding the correct running sports bras to wear while running is very important for any runner. A quality sports bra will provide you with the support you need throughout your exercise while also reducing the risk of chafing, injuries, and other forms of discomfort. Because there are so many choices available, selecting the one that is best for you might be difficult.

By utilizing our ranking of the 11 best-running sports bras of 2023, you can make an informed choice and select a running sports bra that aligns perfectly with your preferences. If you want a sports bra that meets your needs in terms of compression, support, breathability, or comfort, one of the options on this list should be perfect for you. Therefore, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to run with self-assurance and ease.

FAQ’S

1. What is the difference between a sports bra and a running bra?

Active women use the term “sports bra” to describe any bra suitable for exercising, whereas the term “running sports bras” specifically denotes a bra designed with runners in mind. Manufacturers craft running bras with additional support elements like cushioned straps or adjustable bands to ensure optimal support and comfort during running sessions.

2. What is the best sports bra to run in?

Each runner has unique requirements and tastes, thus there is no one perfect sports bra for running. Runners should wear a well-fitting, high-support sports bra.

3. What kind of bra supports running?

Experts recommend choosing a high-support running sports bras for maximum support and minimal breast movement during running. Finding a bra that fits well without digging in or causing irritation is essential.

[skinskisurf]

[athletictaipan]

[tazzy-zooming]

Currently pouring out all of my moving-related emotions by writing a JA59 fic where Five is adjusting to Abel post-crash without any of their things (all got left behind in the helicopter).

I lost my favorite sports bra in the move. If I suffer, Five suffers.

[wubbelwubbwubb]

Runner 5 in a bit of trouble, as usual...

I had this idea of depicting different scenes, with different Runner 5s using the same outpost as a background - it could be like a little glimpse into a Runner 5 multiverse.

[paddooo]

So it turns out the trick to quitting smoking is just get really into working out again

[lvlln]

One of my first attempts at making significant changes to the background. This is where I really started getting the hang of inpainting, I think. I remember having a realization of what I could do when I inpainted part of Fujino's body and saw the effects. I remember the hands and sneakers being somewhat challenging.

On Pixiv at (https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/102754973)

[bright-and-burning]

warming my cold midwestern heart by putting blorbos in the rust belt (and in split shorts)

[skinskisurf]

[female-malice]

AMELIA STRICKLER: Trans TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney's offensive parody makes a total mockery of female athletes like me 

It Is so offensive, it reminds me of a routine by a chauvinist male comedian from the 1970s. Dylan Mulvaney, a TikTok influencer and performer, leaps around wearing Nike leggings and a sports bra. Their exaggerated movements seem to me to parody a woman’s exercise routine.

Mulvaney, a biological male who first openly identified as ‘transgender’ in March last year, has been signed by the world’s biggest sports company to promote women’s clothing. I am a GB shot putter who has won the British title twice and competed in the Commonwealth Games. I am a European finalist and world championship finalist.

I know how many years of training it takes, often at great personal cost, to reach the top levels of sport.

And I know what it is to be a woman.

In the video advert, Mulvaney frankly appears to be laughing in the face of female athletes like me – and any other woman or girl who wants to better themselves physically.

I’ve been a shot putter since I was ten. Life in professional athletics requires grit and determination. It doesn’t involve dancing around, grinning inanely.

It means getting up at the crack of dawn to train, keeping going when every muscle in your body is screaming at you to stop, forgoing time with friends and family and being utterly single-minded. And because so few female athletes attract sponsorship from giants like Nike, we often have to fit training and competing around other paid work.

For many years, I had two jobs to support my shot putting career. Recently I found a private sponsor through my athletics club Thames Valley Harriers, which enables me to keep competing.

But most female athletes don’t have that advantage. Women get 1 per cent of all sports sponsorship money – and yet to see Nike willing to shell out however many thousands it is to Mulvaney – who, remember, has not fully ‘transitioned’ to female – is utterly demoralising.

Nike likes to harp on about how it champions women: last year it announced an ‘Athletes Think Tank’ to help ‘serve today’s women athletes’, while a 2021 campaign praised mums for being ‘the toughest athletes’.

All well and good – but contrast these warm words with Nike’s actions towards the female athletes it actually sponsored. Women such as Olympic runner Alysia Montano were subject to ‘performance-based reductions’ – amounting to a 70 per cent pay cut – when they were unable to race due to being pregnant or having just given birth. In other words, penalised for being a woman.

Following a public outcry, Nike amended its policy to allow women 18 months off around pregnancy, but this latest publicity stunt reveals just how little the company really cares about women in sport.

It would be better to invest some of the money given to attention-seeking influencers such as Mulvaney to develop better sportswear for biological women.

In nearly a decade of competing at the top level, I have yet to find a decent sports bra: I have to wear two at once.

Modelling a bra on someone who has a male torso is an insult to those of us with female bodies.

At the track yesterday, many fellow female athletes were deeply upset by Nike’s apparent contempt for our sport. As one said – and I agree – ‘I’m glad Nike isn’t my sponsor.’

Women are still fighting for true equality in sport – we’ve made progress, but there’s a long way to go. We don’t need a big brand such as Nike to bring it down with crass campaigns. I agree with Sharron Davies – women should boycott Nike. If they refuse to support women in sport, then why should we support them?

[liillyliilly]

Run Club

suna rintarou x reader words; 4679 synopsis; she's the best runner at inarizaki, he wants to spend more time with her- so the natural conclusion? offering to make a run club with her

It was practically 1,000 degrees outside and Suna was melting in the heat. The rest of the volleyball team was excited to finally be outside for once, the gym was beginning to grow old. Kita, in his ever intelligent wisdom, decided he wanted to do some more intensive cross training. Suna was covering his eyes with his hand, not even hooded eyes could deflect a boiling sun.

And there she was.

“Kita, who is that?” Atsumu got to the jump before Suna did, but Suna listened just a little more carefully to Kita’s words in response to Atsumu’s words.

“That’s L/N. She’s in my class. She’s the track captain, she’s also the one who’s going to help us with cross training today.”

In front of a group of other runners, including guys, was her. She was wearing a black sports bra and quite possibly the shortest shorts Suna had ever seen on a girl. She seemed to be leagues ahead of the other runners, yet she still was yelling at the kids to keep running. Keep pushing forward without thinking about the pain.

Suna thought she was crazy. Beautiful and crazy.

Eventually, she came up to the volleyball team, leaving her team of runners lying on the track practically crying and downing entire water bottles. She messed around on what appeared to be a fitness watch, frowned a little but then tapped around before finally walking over to Kita. Suna was thinking that she was going to kill the volleyball team with the same workout she must have just done with the track team.

Kita gave her a high five, an actual high five, and she mimicked a volleyball spike, laughing at Kita’s eye roll.

“Okay listen up, I’m going to put y’all through some actual training. Not any of this jumping around and diving bullcrap, but actual intensive running to build stamina and power.”

They ran. And then they ran again. They drank a little water, and then they ran again. Eventually even the Miya twins and Aran were sitting down on a grass patch picking strands out of the field and sweating so much that they could’ve produced enough liquid for a hydroelectric dam.

She was just stretching, preparing for one more lap. Kita thanked her for the help, and told the team to head back to the gym so they could go over a few plays. All the boys were leaning on each other and dragging their feet as they meandered back to their hideout. Suna wanted to stay though. So he asked Kita if he would just run one more time, and he could get the plays from Atsumu or Osamu the next day. Kita let him, on the condition that Suna wouldn’t try to outrun L/N.

“I’ve tried, it’s not something I can realistically say is possible for me. But I’m all for a good run, make sure you eat a good dinner when you get back to your dorm.” Kita waved him off and Suna snuck his way over to her.

He leaned his head over her shoulder, inspecting what exactly was on her watch, but she turned around before he could see anything.

“Ever heard of hello?” She poked him in the chest lightly. Suna shrugs. She continues speaking when he doesn’t make a move to leave her be, “This is my long run for today, 8 miles. Think you can stay on my pace? I’m not slowing down for you.”

“I’ll manage.”

So they ran, Suna got winded earlier than he thought, around the third mile. So he had to run slightly behind her, still trying to keep up and not get left behind. She talked to him, easily and without losing much steam. She talked mostly about running, Suna listened. At the end of the fourth mile, she paused.

She said something about stretching for a minute or two and then finishing the run and getting back to Inarizaki. He swallowed the gel tube she had offered him, letting the instant energy soak into his body. She did little hops and jumps, lunges and toe touches, Suna just sat down and tried to reset his energy.

He liked her shoulders, her legs, the way she did her hair, he especially liked the way she sweat. It wasn’t a waterfall like Atsumu and Osamu, it was a sheen on her body. The film of sweat coated her, and it made her shine, her face was flushed from the run, but she was still just smiling. Suna could finally care less about the single sun’s brutality, because she was worth a thousand vibrant suns in his eyes.

Screw Vitamin D, he needed Vitamin Her.

He kept up with her on the way back to Inarizaki, though he suspects that she slowed down slightly so he could keep in time and pace with her. Despite him being taller, and having longer legs, with the way she ran it was clear he was no match for her instinctive athleticism when it came to running.

With the stories she told about her failures in a bunch of other sports, and how she came to running in the first place, Suna was surprised. He hid it well, just nodding and trying to keep his breathing deep and long so that he wouldn’t croak like a fool in front of her. She liked to run because it was the only sport where she didn’t need to be good at anything besides breathing.

Her biology teacher, when she was in first year, said that the only thing needed for life is the ability to cellular respirate. To convert energy from sugars and food into ATP, the chemical reaction utilized breathing. Breathing allows the process to flow. Breathing to facilitate the conversion of sugar to ATP. Or something like that, Suna was getting distracted by the way her arm would occasionally brush his as she strode forward.

Getting back to Inarizaki was disappointing for Suna, he wanted to run with her for longer. Just to be with her for longer. Maybe that’s why he asked if she wanted to be in a run club with him. What he had meant to ask was if she wanted to run with him more often, but a run club comment came out before he caught it.

“Run club sounds like a great idea! It would be perfect for intra-athletic cross training, like volleyball did today at the track. I’ll talk to a few more of the other captains, I can be in charge and if you want, you can be second in command?”

“Yeah. I can do that.” He could not do it.

To call it a running club was a tortuous attempt at trying to tone down the reality of what it was. It was a group of boys who liked to watch her run. She knew that, and Suna knew that. She still beat them in every single race. The basketball captain, the tennis captain, even the swim captain came around and tried to beat her. She reigned on top of Inarkizaki’s holy track field. She was who they came to see. She was the shrine that the foxes would pray at.

The coaches saw her outstanding dedication to helping all the kids at Inarizaki, she won a coaches’ award for Most Dedicated Student Athlete. Suna thought it was extremely well earned for her.

Run club died down, and eventually it was just Suna and L/N again, the other boys got tired of just running all the time. Albeit, the sports teams were objectively just a little bit better that year. Running had shaped the teams into stamina beasts, Inarizaki could outlast any other team for the most part.

Suna had begun asking Kita more and more frequently to do running as an alternative to other conditioning routines. Kita agreed every single time. Suna supposed that Kita knew the real reason why he took breaks from training with the team, it was so he could spend more time with her.

Freaking track kids. Always freaking running around thinking they owned the place. Especially Ito Yuuta, freaking Ito always running with freaking Y/N. Even going as far to be freaking duo partners in all the freaking track competitions.

“If you sulk anymore I think your face will stay like that.” Aran then took a picture of Suna sitting on the bleaches with his shoulders hunched into himself and a disgusting scowl on his face.

“I just don’t know why we, as the volleyball team, have to watch the track competition.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re just mad because Ito gets to run with L/N instead of you running with her.” Osamu could suck an egg for all Suna cared.

Atsumu wanted to play a little game with Suna, just to see his reaction. Atsumu was also glad that Kita was with all the other sports captains cheering the runners on.

“I heard from a very reliable source that Ito copped a feel of her thigh before one of the races yesterday, and that he got a kiss from her when he won in his category.” Atsumu told Omimi just loud enough for Suna to hear.

The way Suna spun his head around was almost enough to have Atsumu falling to the ground in delight. Suna stood up and went right down to the field, folding his arms and shifting his weight from side to side.

She came barreling down the track from her race, giving high fives to her friends and hugs to her even closer friends. She had just won another first place prize, which made Suna unbelievably happy, but also he was seething.

Kita had finally caught wind of what was about to occur, and he tried to get down to the track to get Suna away from the track. But one of the adults had stopped him from going down, so Kita and the rest of the team just had to sit back and watch as the horror was about to unfurl.

Ito Yuuta also had just finished his race, giving Y/N a hug and twirling her around, which made her laugh.

Suna snapped.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Ito held up a hand in shock, clearly not understanding what was going on. “Celebrating a win?”

“Bet you’re thinking you’re going to celebrate with more than just a hug.”

She caught on faster than Ito did. She began to tell Suna to get back to the stands.

“So, you’re hiding stuff from me too? Is it because he’s a runner? What does he have that I don’t? I have like four inches on this guy.”

Suna was miserable now, completely distraught. He was only moderately calm when she pulled him away and sat him down on a bench reserved for the track kids.

“Let’s just take a deep breath Rintarou. Look, it's easy.” She inhaled deeply and then let out a breath.

“It’s not fair.” He whined. Suna didn’t think he was capable of whining. He also didn’t think he was capable of being so blindsided by his own jealousy. He dragged his hands down his face and realized he had fallen for bait given to him by Atsumu. He had fallen for a trap set up by a notorious jokester.

Only when Suna saw Ito kissing his boyfriend did Suna really get embarrassed. “I’m an idiot.”

“You’re not, you just acted like one for a few minutes.” She was rubbing his back and he felt even worse, he had acted like a complete child and there he was getting soothed by the same girl he had wanted to fight for.

“Just forget I said anything, I did anything, just forget I even exist please.”

“But you had at least four inches on that guy?” Suna groaned and ducked his head down even further. “That one was actually kinda funny, Rintarou.” She ran a hand through his hair, ruffling it.

She wanted to get one more kick out of the whole situation, “I think you have some kind of teenage hormonal rage going on, but based on Ito’s reactions, I fully believe you won. So, are you gonna celebrate with more than just a hug?”

“Y/N!”

Atsumu had to do 100 diving laps per Kita’s instruction as punishment for causing an embarrassment out of the volleyball team and for pushing Suna to his mental limits.

Suna always liked to lurk around her, even when she was tired of him. Getting asked how you were doing multiple times a day by the same person could in fact grow slightly old. When he got a hold of her number, he had made her number his personal journal.

Everything from complaints to worries were sent to her. One time, in class, she had her headphones in and was solving some problems. Kita, her seatmate, was getting slightly annoyed by all the buzzing from her phone that he just had to check and see what was going on. Kita did not expect to see twenty messages from Suna. So that's what he was doing on his phone during practice.

She did like having him around though, despite his clingy nature. Sometimes he wouldn’t even talk to her, he just wanted to be where she was. She could be in the library doing some research for a class, and he would ask if he could come and work on homework with her. She would be in her dorm folding clothes and he would be sitting at her desk trying to bask in the smell of her room without seeming like a creep.

They were sitting on the field, and the sun had just gone down. She used a flashlight to keep some light around so they wouldn’t be stuck in the dark. She was reading a book, for fun, which made Suna more intrigued. She had a small booklight, attached to the novel, lighting the pages in yellow. She would ask when it was good for her to flip a page, so Suna could read along. He was a slower reader than she was, he remembered that she shared classes with Kita, so obviously she would be smart.

It was a book about a younger guy meeting an older girl, and he was hopelessly in love. How ironic Suna thought. Fate was truly ironic, it loved to play little games on Suna like this. All the time, any chance it got, attempting to make Suna play along with the games at hand.

A few pages of reading together passed before Suna decided to stick her bookmark back into the book, taking it from her before she could complain. He set it aside, using his arm to push it far enough away so that she couldn’t just grab it back.

Sweat was still on their bodies from the run they had finished. But this was far more heart-rate inducing than any run they had ever gone on.

“I think I like you.” Suna used a hand to hold her face, looking right at her.

“That’s nice.” Suna shoved her shoulder, making her fall on her back as she started laughing and slightly rolling from side to side. Suna scoffed, rolling his eyes and falling onto his own back.

“That was and is going to be my only attempt at romance ever. I hope you know that. You’ve crushed any other chance for me being any sort of cute.” Suna mourned the fatality that had just occurred.

She pressed his shoulders down, and leaned over him. Then, she kissed him and ran.

Suna took chase quite quickly, stumbling a little at the shock, but he was racing for more than just training for volleyball. He had to win this race. Suna knew she let him catch up to her. She was spoon-feeding him all the right chances and opportunities, and he ate it all up.

“I need water.” He was holding her over his shoulder, and he was exhausted after running. He walked to the water cooler by the field bleachers.

“Let me down from here, I belong on the ground.” She kicked her feet a little, but he just clicked his tongue, shaking his head.

“You’d be on the ground if you didn’t make my heart sink into my stomach at your response to my confession.”

“I’d really truly not call that a confession. You just said you liked me, which is true for an awful lot of people. I think even Kita-”

He put her back on the ground and covered her mouth with his hand. He raised his eyebrows, just asking her to try that one more time. She raised her hands in surrender.

The rest of the year went by swimmingly (read: runningly). Run club almost every other day, which now featured eating at the dining hall together for the last call meal.

One of his favorite memories from that year was buying running shoes together.

When they went to buy running shoes, it had been a whole day affair. She took her crossbody bag and waited for him at the front of the school gates way too early in the morning. A disastrous nine in the morning meeting time, and on a Saturday too. He was tired only because he had made the unfortunate decision to call Osamu and Atsumu to his dorm that night for both outfit advice and behavior advice.

“I think you should nix the shoe-buying and just make-out the whole day while you’re away from school.” Atsumu ate another chip from the bag that was laying on his stomach, he was lounging on Suna’s bed without a care in the world.

Osamu took the chips and shoved them into the garbage bin. After throwing Atsumu the middle finger, he spoke to Suna, “Just be yourself, you haven’t started calling the pair of you a couple or anything yet, so as far as you know, it’s just a hang-out between friends.”

Suna held up a linen shirt in front of himself, waiting for Osamu’s genuinely constructive assessment. As he did so, Kita walked past the open dorm room and watched as Suna kept switching between the linen shirt and a regular Uniqlo grey shirt.

“She likes boys who wear basic clothes, go with the grey shirt. Linen can be for your first wedding anniversary.” Atsumu howled at Kita’s comment, and Osamu threw a volleyball at Kita through the door, which he caught effortlessly.

The grey shirt was the best decision he made, because their outfits ended up matching. Grey shirts and green cargo pants. She took a photo of them to celebrate a boy actually having fashion taste at their school. She was holding up a peace sign and Suna had his hand on the top of her head.

He didn’t mind that she took her time trying on all the shoes, every new pair she calculated and did little motions in. He just sat on the bench as she kept walking back and forth trying to imagine running in the shoes.

It was either the beige pair or the black and white pair. He was partial to the black and white pair because they looked like his own shoes, both for running and for volleyball. But the beige shoes had an appeal because she looked at them like they were just perfect.

So, he bought her the black and white pair.

They were sitting on the train and he was holding the shoe boxes on his lap, and she was holding her phone in front of the both of them, they were watching a video about volleyball. When he had expressed that his favorite team was EJP Raijin, she picked that as her favorite team too, and they watched all the games together. The video was a highlight reel of some of the best plays done by EJP Raijin.

She was leaning her head on his shoulder, and he thought that this was the best that life could get for him.

The worst was when she and all the third years on his team graduated. He had never been one for goodbyes. Especially since he knew she would still be around the next year going to university in central Hyogo, and she had been talking to her coaches about letting her be an assistant coach for the Inarizaki track and cross country clubs. It was just giving up on his close relationship with her so she could go and do her own thing in college.

Then his birthday rolled around, January 25th. It was cold outside and Suna was throwing his volleyball up into the air as he laid on his back. It had been a year since she had graduated. She visited frequently, but she was always so busy with only doing her job that Suna could only sit aside and pout.

She had never asked him to be her boyfriend, but he supposes that he never asked her to let him be her boyfriend either. He had been in a mood the whole day. He really did just miss being with her. He also missed running. The cold weather had made Atsumu ban everyone from staying outside too long, so no running in the fresh air, only in circles in the gym while Osamu just shouted out things that L/N was probably doing with other boys so Suna wouldn’t stop running from boredom.

Atsumu texted him and told him to come to the track field. So obviously, it had to be some form of a joke. Atsumu never encouraged his players to disobey the rules, especially the ones he made up himself.

Still, Suna put on his heaviest coat and stomped outside.

It was the best birthday present ever.

His favorite person was warming up on the track, stretching out her legs and doing her little hops that drove him crazy. He thinks he never ran faster.

“What are you doing here? Track season doesn’t start for another month?” He held onto her like she would disappear if he let go, playing with her hair and rubbing his freezing nose into her neck.

“It’s your birthday? What kind of friend am I?” She held her hands behind his neck. Somehow her hands were always warm, so the skin on his nape prickled for a second before he realized that he actually wanted her hands all over his exposed face.

“I would hope you’re not a friend at all, especially considering the things I think at night.”

“You murder me in your dreams?”

“You’re so annoying, I could actually just squish you right now.”

“Squish me?” She laughed and he could feel her whole body shake with joy. “And you said you’d never say anything cute ever again.”

They went for a short jog, and Suna realized she had gotten even better at running. They stopped their run at a small convenience store, and she was picking through the hot drink section. Suna just rested his head on his hands that were resting on the length of a shelf, watching her inspect the different cans.

She bought two green teas and threw one to Suna as they sat outside the store, watching the snow begin to fall and make a frosted world the new normal.

“What did you get me as a birthday present?” Suna pushed his knee against hers. Tilting her head, she held up the green tea. “That does not count as my birthday present.”

“Okay, now that I make somewhat grown up money, what is it that my favorite Sunarin wants for his little birthday?” She made an effort to baby talk as corny as she could.

He started at her jaw, pressing small kisses, giving her an out if she wanted, but she just happily sipped her tea. He pushed the can down so he could finally kiss her the way he wanted to all those times he had chickened out.

When he licked her bottom lip, and tried to open her mouth more, she pushed him away, just slightly.

“Woah there buddy.” Suna bit her ear in response, “At least make me your girlfriend geez.”

“Done.”

He just wouldn’t let her break up with him. He committed so hard to that philosophy that she had a ring on her finger to prove it the very next year. It was just the engagement ring he said, he had another one planned for when they would actually get married.

She got even better at running, but her real passions lied in helping others advance their physical skills, which is why Suna got her the athletic trainer position on his team, EJP Raijin. Half so he could see her everyday, and half so that he could get mandated massages from her.

She still made him run though, and he enjoyed it more everyday.

It was a run club, with just the two of them.

8 YEARS LATER...

“Ryohei! Remi! Slow down!” Suna yelled after the twins. She was busy with a new workout for some of his teammates, so he had to take their sons out for a run. He was still trying to teach them how to pace themselves when it came to the longer runs. They were only 6 but they had the energy of firecrackers, at least for the first ten minutes of the run.

He quickly caught up and his kids were both panting and insulting each other.

“I beat you!” Remi put his hands on his hips.

“No way! I touched the tree years before you did!” Ryohei was close to punching the identical copy of himself.

Suna just rubbed his hands on their heads. Turning them around so they could make their way home. On the way back, they stopped at the bookstore so Suna could buy some of the books he remember Y/N had mentioned a few weeks ago. Ryohei was the bookworm out of the two, so he asked for a new book as well. Remi just poked around until he found the video game section and asked if he could get a new game. Suna was weak to resist.

They were dragging their feet and complaining. Suna could feel his eye twitching slightly, before he remembered what was planned for dinner.

“I think mommy’s got udon waiting for us at home.” That put the right amount of pep in their step to get them running again.

Ryohei and Remi were kicking each other under the kotatsu table until Suna pulled them up so they were standing and told them to go get sleep clothes on. Letting Suna kick Y/N instead.

“Stop it.” Suna nudged his knee against her’s. “I mean it, I’ll make you sleep in their room instead of ours.”

Suna shrugged.

“Did you run today?” Suna ate another bite of his food.

“No, I was too busy dealing with your ragamuffins until you got back from practice.” She rested her head on the table, finally enjoying a moment of peace and silence.

“I know just the right workout to make up for missing a run.”

“I’ll kill you.”

“Easy there, I can see where our kids get their energy from. Because we both know it’s not me.”

She raised an eyebrow, “I don’t know about that, there’s a few times where you really let loose and went stir crazy. I recall multiple times when I was in college, oh and that time in high school when you chewed out a gay man because you believed Atsumu’s lies.”

Suna scoffed, asking her to let that one go, because Ito just had to tell that story at their wedding reception and his mom still called him about it for a good laugh.

When Suna and Y/N heard a crash in the upstairs bathroom, where their kids were supposed to be brushing their teeth, and then complete silence. They looked at each other and just laughed.

Maybe a run club of four was just a little bit better than a run club of just two.

[theladyofbloodshed]

@nerisweek - Day 5 - Modern AU

The autumn began to encroach on her morning runs. Darkness nibbled at them, taking more for itself each day, so soon she’d have to stop. Not that she was particularly sad about that fact.

Nesta was not a natural runner. She was not one of those absolute weirdos who saw running as therapy or enjoyable. She was simply stubborn enough to force herself into it when her gym hiked the prices to an obscene amount that she refused to pay.

Her usual trail was a quiet dirt path that skirted the edge of a forest with no other life to be found. If her friends knew that she took it in near darkness, they’d kill her. If they knew she jogged with headphones in, blocking out every single sound, they’d kill her twice.

When she reached her mark – a boulder with moss that resembled hair – she knew to turn around. Nesta took a rest on the usual log, inhaling deeply. People who found joy in running were unwell. There was nothing enjoyable about sweaty sports bras or shin splints.

Just as she aimed to rise, a pair of yellow eyes were looking back at her.

She staggered, tripped on the log then ended up arse over elbow. Her back screamed in protest but that was the least of her worries. A massive, black head pushed its muzzle against her face, hot tongue covering her neck while Nesta’s hands got lost in its mass of fur, trying to push it away.

‘Get the hell off of me!’

The dog reared back then sat patiently awaiting her next command. It was more wolf than dog, with thick, black and tan fur, and horrible eyes that never left her face.

There was a collar at least although Nesta couldn’t understand why anybody in their right mind would want a dog, much less this one. They were horrid things that left fur upon every surface and smelt. Nesta shuddered inwardly at the sound of her mother’s voice repeating in her head.

‘Find your owner. Shoo.’

The dog remained staring and panting. Gingerly, Nesta reached for its tag.

‘The goddess of chaos and strife is your owner?’ Nesta gave a sigh as she scanned the forest. ‘Is she dead in a ditch? Go and find her. Go Lassie.’

When he showed no signs of leaving, Nesta had a quick scan of the area – then he did follow her. Each time she stopped, so did the dog. Nesta called the owner four times and the cell remained switched off.

‘Maybe Eris didn’t want you. Shame,’ she said to the dog. ‘Your name isn’t Eris, is it? Eris Vanserra is a strange name for a dog, but my friend, Emerie, has a snake called Sweetcorn, so what is normal?’

At the car, the dog waited expectantly.

‘Oh, no. You’re an animal. Enjoy the wilderness. Run free, Eris.’

They were far out from anywhere except a farm. Against her better judgement, Nesta allowed him into the trunk. The damn beast leapt over the backseats and sat shotgun.

‘You don’t look like an Eris,’ she said, taking the driver’s seat.

Nesta fired off names. Boris, Lucky, Drainpipe, and Jacob Black had no effect whatsoever but Hellhound did make his ears prick.

‘Hellhound it is, my furry friend.’

The farmer reported no lost dogs and suggested a shelter, but he was a scary looking dog and they never fared well. Somebody loved him. Eris Vanserra loved him enough to put a metal tag shaped like a bone on his collar.

‘Who names their daughter Eris and why the hell won’t she answer the phone?’

It had started ringing once or twice as she drove them home, but Eris quickly refused the call.

‘Your owner is very rude, Hellhound.’ Nesta supposed she could keep the dog in her apartment for a few hours. She was working from home besides so she’d be able to keep an eye if he started chewing things. The dog drank deeply from a mixing bowl, clearly thirsty from his days spent roaming the forest. Nesta rushed down to the convenience store to grab a few tins of food, but once she set one down on a plate, Hellhound didn’t move.

‘You cannot be a fussy eater.’

The dog sat upright, but every now and then he gave a whine or shuffled on the spot.

‘Eat?’

Hellhound dived in, demolishing the tin in seconds.

When she sat at her desk to begin work, Hellhound curled up beside her feet and slipped into a heavy sleep. The snoring was irritating, but the warmth of his body next to hers was welcome.

Her phone buzzed.

‘I am in back-to-back meetings. Stop calling. I don’t want what you’re selling.’

Nesta read the text again, frowning at the words. Her fingers flew over the keys.

‘I have your dog,’ she wrote.

When no reply came, Nesta continued with her work. They took two trips outside for the bathroom – Hellhound, not her – then she decided to take him to visit her friends. Gwyn loved animals and Nesta was sure that Emerie wouldn’t mind having the dog until Eris Vanserra deigned her dog important enough to respond.

Once they started their walk, Nesta soon realised that Hellhound lived up to his moniker. She had said the word no more times than she could count, but – to his credit – the dog did listen to her. He stopped his barking and pulling, only letting out the occasional low growl which she quelled quickly. People kept a wide berth from them – which she found that she liked a lot. However, at the sight of Em and Gwyn, Hellhound went berserk again.

‘What’s wrong with that dog?’

Emerie refused to leave the step and Nesta didn’t blame her.

‘I don’t know. He was fine with me. He just hates everybody else.’

‘Has he got rabies?’

Nesta looked for froth around his mouth. ‘He better not,’ she replied. ‘Hellhound, enough.’ He stopped. ‘Sit.’ He sat.

Oh, she liked this.

Her phone vibrated in her back pocket.

‘Excuse me?’

Nesta snapped a photo of Hellhound staring at Emerie with murder in his eyes.

Another text, ‘Is this a ransom?’

This Eris was not the sharpest tool. She gave a light tug on Hellhound’s lead. ‘I’ll take him home. Maybe he’s missing his owner.’

‘I don’t think you should let him in your house,’ called Gwyn from the upstairs window. ‘He’s not safe.’

To show them wrong, Nesta went nose to nose with the dog. He wagged his tail and tried to lick her, but that was all. She shrugged. The dog hadn’t been a problem for her. He just seemed to hate everybody else and looked like he wanted to eat them – but Nesta could cope with that. Mostly, he was at her heels like a lost sheep.

Hellhound was a good boy. He didn’t chew the furniture, didn’t cause chaos, just simply jumped onto the couch beside her then lay across her lap. Perhaps he was slightly too big to be a lap dog, but Nesta found that she didn’t mind.

When her phone rang as they were getting ready for bed, Nesta exclaimed, ‘It’s your mama! Finally.’

But it was not a woman’s voice. The voice was deep and smooth as he said a greeting.

‘What I’d like to understand is how my dog is in your possession,’ he said.

A thank you would have been nice, she thought.

‘He was in the woods past Sunny Skies farm. The one with the sign that has a cow with three legs. Anyway. He seemed thirsty and followed me-’

This Eris interrupted her. ‘My useless brother was meant to feed and walk him while I’m away. Three days ago, he got out. What I meant is, how do you have him in your house?’

Nesta rubbed the dog’s belly which received a grateful wag of his tail. ‘Well, I have a magic device called a car. A few thousand years ago, the wheel was invented and-’

‘He doesn’t go to anybody.’

If this man interrupted her one more time…

‘My brother was terrified of Erebus-’

‘Erebus? You named your dog after darkness? And you are named after chaos?’

She imagined a stiff-lipped man wincing at her tone.

‘How do you know that?’

History that was thousands of years old wasn’t a secret, she thought, but Nesta replied, ‘I work in a library.’

Eris was silent for a long while, so Nesta pinned the phone to her ear with her shoulder and started drawing the curtains while Hellhound made himself comfy. She joined him in the bed.

‘Erebus has been fine with you?’ He asked. ‘He isn’t particularly friendly. He doesn’t like anybody except for me.’

‘Well, he’s currently laying beside me in my bed with his head resting onto my stomach.’

‘That’s odd.’

‘It’s your dog.’

He sucked in a long breath. ‘Look, I’m at this conference for another few days. Can you keep him until then?’

‘Why shouldn’t I just take him to the pound?’

‘As soon as he growls, they’ll have him killed. Please. I can pay you for any expenses – and extra. I’ve had him since he was a puppy. Please. You’ll be paid handsomely.’

The money didn’t matter. This big, ball of fluff that was worming his way into her bed, and her heart, did though. She knew he wouldn’t last long in a shelter.

‘Fine. Three days only.’

‘You are an angel. Thank you.’

In the days that followed, Hellhound was not an issue.

The dog accompanied Nesta on her morning runs and she’d bought a tennis ball to throw so he’d race ahead and return. He dropped the tennis ball into her outstretched hand without a fuss; he never held onto the ball, never growled, just wagged his tail waiting for the next throw. In the days, he’d be beside her while she worked. They went to the library so she could scan in new letters to archive at home and he did his best not to growl once she’d warned him off of it. They took walks in the evening when it was quiet and Hellhound padded along beside her. People kept their distance and Nesta had never felt safer walking through the city. At night, Hellhound had stolen the empty space in her bed – but it wasn’t as if anybody else was occupying it.

No, Hellhound was not a problem. He was an angel.

Eris Vanserra was the problem.

Eris Vanserra was a pain in the backside. She needed paying for dealing with him. Apparently, Hellhound needed a very specific blend of food which was specially made for him. Eris had debated giving Nesta the location of his spare key then decided she couldn’t be trusted as his guard dog was seemingly enamoured by her.  In the end, he sent Nesta scarpering across the city to ensure the dog ate a specific – and ridiculously expensive – brand. It would have been cheaper to feed the dog steak. There was only one type of brush that was good enough for his fur. He was not allowed tennis balls or rope toys and definitely no squeaky toys.

As Eris laid out his rules to her, Nesta looked down at Hellhound who was surrounded by carcasses of plush toys that he’d ripped open to get the squeaker out.

‘We won’t tell dad,’ she whispered. 

Apparently, he was meant to be a guard dog and they weren’t allowed to play. She’d disregard most of his mile long list of rules and regulations.

‘It is two nights,’ Nesta lamented to Eris on the phone during one of his frequent phone calls. They came often – as soon as he had a break in meetings and schmoozing. Texts were more frequent. She felt like Hellhound’s personal assistant.

‘Yes, well you are being paid and your expenses will be covered, as I have already told you.’

‘Tell you what, don’t pay me then I can do what I want with Hellhound.’

That earned a chuckle, ‘Erebus.’ 

Nesta knew what sort of man she was dealing with. He probably had an ex-wife and a handful of kids so this was his midlife crisis now he was experiencing single life once more. Hellhound would make him look fearsome. He was likely used to ordering people around but Nesta dug her heels in.

‘While he’s at Hotel Archeron, Hellhound is allowed as many tennis balls as he likes. The food, fine. But I am not buying fancy shampoo from the other side of the city. He can cope without a bath for a few days.’ Before Eris could cut in with his line about expenses, Nesta continued, ‘Don’t like it? Your brother collects him or he goes to a shelter.’

They both knew it wasn’t an option. Hellhound reacted to everybody else the way he did with Gwyn and Emerie.

‘You sound like a woman who knows what she wants.’

‘Yes, for strange men to stop micromanaging me.’

‘Micromanaging?’ he said on a laugh.

‘You asked for proof of the number on the scale because you didn’t believe I can accurately weigh his food.’

He countered, ‘I care a lot.’

‘Hellhound ate cat shit this morning. Should I have weighed that too, Eris?’

Another deep laugh then, ‘It’s getting late here. I’m delivering the speech in the morning.’

‘Is it about the preferred brand of conditioner for German Shepherds?’

‘He’s a Czechoslovakian Shepherd.’

Nesta gasped theatrically. ‘You’ve only told me that eighteen times.’

‘And still you forget.’

It was enjoyable in a way to annoy him. He made a little intake of breath then a sigh each time as if he wasn’t accustomed to such a thing.

‘I’ll come straight from the airport tomorrow – if that’s okay?’

‘No problem.’

‘Are you in bed too? Can you send me a photo?’

Before Nesta could tell Eris where to go, he amended, ‘Erebus. A photo of Erebus. Not you.’

Those final two words were barked out a little roughly.

When Nesta hung up the phone, she snapped a picture of Hellhound tucked up beside her with the blankets around his jaw. She had never invited a man to her home and it had been a long time since she’d shared a bed with a man although Nesta never stayed the night with them. With Hellhound here, it had been nice to talk to somebody. There was comfort in cosying up together. His tail would wag at her at the first signs of movement before attempting to smother her face with kisses. She would miss her furry friend.   

 The only respite from the stream of messages was when Eris was flying. It also meant that the time to say goodbye to Hellhound was drawing close – oddly, Nesta was aggrieved about that. The company had been welcomed despite her initial misgivings about allowing a dog into the house. The fur was manageable even if he shed like mad.

‘Shall we run away?’

Hellhound gave a long sigh in response.

‘I’ll take that as a yes,’ she said, flopping down beside him on the rug.

Their noses touched and she could see her reflection in his eyes.

‘Don’t you dare lick me.’

When the knock at the door came, Hellhound leapt up. His barks echoed through the empty apartment until Nesta told him to stop and sit. He obeyed her command although he jiggled on the spot like he wanted to continue throwing himself at the front door.

As she opened it, Hellhound started to move.

Her command of, ‘Stay,’ was reinforced by another voice saying, ‘Wait.’

Nesta was not in the habit of inviting men into her home. The few workers that had come to install her washing machine or fix the leaky tap had been watched like a hawk and not offered coffee, due to wounds from the past, but at the sight of Eris Vanserra standing in the doorway, Nesta could feel her morals making a hasty exit.

‘You’re Nesta?’

From that tone, she didn’t know what Eris had been expecting. She certainly had not been expecting a very tall man with big, brown eyes who looked like he went running three times a day. A bunch of flowers – sunflowers – were in his hands and he held a bag with an airport’s name branded across it in his other. Her eyes tried not to stray to the light grey sweatpants he wore.

‘No, I’m somebody else who has your dog,’ Nesta replied, trying not to gape. Not a middle-aged man having a crisis at all. 

‘These are for you,’ he said, gesturing to the bouquet of flowers. ‘Sorry, there wasn’t a lot of choice. And,’ he held out the bag, ‘duty free chocolate.’

‘You know how to spoil a woman,’ she said, then grimaced inwardly. Why had she said that? Was a subconscious part of her trying to flirt?

Eris squatted down. ‘Here.’

Hellhound raced at him, tail thrashing from side to side, as he leapt. Eris hauled him up, bouncing him like a baby. Even Nesta found herself smiling at their reunion.

They entered her apartment to discuss payment and Nesta tried to hide her great satisfaction when Hellhound jumped up beside her and practically sat in her lap rather than going to Eris. He didn’t miss it either.

‘It’s because I don’t let him on the couch. You’ve spoilt Erebus.’

Nesta rolled her eyes.

‘I can’t believe you let him in your bed either,’ continued Eris.

‘Well, nobody else is joining me.’

The words shot out before she could trap them away. Eris smirked at her and added, ‘That’s good to hear.’

Was he flirting in return?

There was no ring on his finger but he was too handsome to be single, she decided. Eris leaned over to pass her a wad of money. Too much money.

‘This is ridiculous,’ she exclaimed.

‘Honestly, when Lucien called to say he’d got out, I thought he was gone. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but Erebus is a reactive dog.’

‘I’ve noticed.’

Eris nodded. ‘He’s an angel with me, but – I don’t know. He hates everybody. I had visions of him getting shot or attacking someone. I’m just grateful that he’s still alive. I’d give you every cent in my bank if I could.’ He watched them both, eyes softening. ‘Why does he like you?’

‘Because I’m a nice person,’ she said. ‘I hate dogs. Well, I did until a few days ago. I don’t know. This one is fine.’

‘A glowing review.’

‘It’s the owner who has driven me insane. You’re like a new mother leaving her baby alone for the first time.’

Eris did not deny it, just held up his hands to plead guilty.

‘Just give me enough to cover the food. Don’t worry about the rest,’ she said, pushing the money back across the coffee table. ‘It’s been nice to have Hellhound here.’

‘Erebus.’

‘Eris.’

Long fingers dragged through his short, auburn hair. ‘I’ll be needing to go on a few more work trips over the next couple of months. If it is not too painful for you, would you consider dogsitting?’

Nesta pretended to mull it over. ‘It would mean I’d need to continue talking to you. I’m not sure if any amount of money is worth that.’

Eris placed a hand over his heart, feigning a wound. ‘At least you can see how deeply I care.’

‘I can,’ she said, running her fingers down Hellhound’s coat. ‘It can be his holiday home where he gets to play with tennis balls and sleep on the bed.’

Eris’ gaze lit her aflame. It was too perceptive as it traced every curve of her face. ‘What if I wanted to see you without the dog?’

The butterflies in her stomach gave a little flutter.

‘He literally hasn’t let anybody near me in six years,’ Eris murmured. ‘I’d be a fool if I didn’t follow the path that fate laid out for me. Will you go on a date with me?’

Nesta saw the hope in his eyes, found that she wanted it to grow. ‘Yes.’

[wubbelwubbwubb]

@crownleys‘ Ren for another version of the Abel Defense Outpost.

[wosowrites]

Clothing Swap (Leah Williamson x Reader)

warnings: none

a/n: based off this request here

prompt: in which leah accidentally takes the readers chelsea pants one morning.

Leah had had a few embarrassing moments, some on the pitch, some off the pitch. But nothing compared to the morning of March 11 2023. Nothing.

You woke up to the song of the london birds and soft, warm sunshine. But the best part about the atmosphere was Leah’s body next to yours. You had fallen asleep after watching a few episodes of Sherlock, you in Leah’s hoodie, and Leah in yours. You turned over and noticed the clock said 8:00, which meant you had 30 minutes to get ready, and then 30 more to get to Cobham in time for the 9:15 training session. You knew Leah would sleep in, considering her training had been pushed back to 10:45.

You propped yourself up on your forearm, looking down at her peaceful body. Gently, you traced shapes on her toned stomach, her hoodie having rode up during the night. You pulled her hoodie back down, covering her up and then gently used your index to push back blonde strand of hair that were scattered on her face.

Her eyes fluttered just as you went down to kiss the tip of her nose, and when you pulled away, her eyes were open, barely, and tiredly, but open. "Hey, baby. I need to go to training," you said gently. "Mhmm… don’t leave," she said, lifting her arm up to rub her thumb over your cheek. "If I want to keep my place at Chelsea, then yes, I need to leave. Can’t be late," you told your girlfriend.

Secret girlfriend.

"But we don’t want that. We want you to come to Arsenal," she said, watching you stand up and pull off your hoodie. "No, you want that. I’m a blue through and through. It’s like if I asked you to come to Chelsea," you laughed, pulling on your white nike sports bra.

Leah made a disgusted face, making you laugh and throw a pillow at her. "Be nice!" you grounded her. "I’d never ever put on something with a Chelsea logo. Ever," she said. "I know, I know," you said.

You pulled on your training jersey and then shorts under the watchful and sleepy eye of Leah. "Don’t miss the next alarm, my love," you said.

You leaned in to kiss her before walking out of the room to grab a quick breakfast.

Soon enough, you were out the door, having peaked into Leah’s room to see if she had fallen back asleep. She had.

You had your own apartment, yes. The one that you hung out with your Chelsea teammates at, the one that they thought you lived in. Every time they came over, you would mess up the bed a little, and move things around to make it seem as though it had been lived in, when really, you only came here to do laundry because Leah’s dryer was broken. Leah’s apartment was home… no. Scratch that, Leah was home.

Leah woke up not one, but two hours after you had left, having slept right through the alarm you had set for her. It was now 10:15, and she had to be at training in 30 minutes. The training ground was 20 minutes away, leaving her relatively no time to get ready. She jumped out of bed, wrapped her hair in a bad messy bun with a hair tie that was on the beside table. She quickly found her Arsenal shirt and her black track pants that were lying on a chair in the corner.

"Shit, shit, shit," she grumbled, pulling on her runners without any socks on. Luckily, she packed her training bag the night before and simply had to grab it and run out the door.

Leah stumbled down the stairs to the parking garage and then found her car, driving off quickly.

She arrived two minutes late, meaning she was the last one in the locker room, and that all eyes were on her.

"Sorry, sorry. Late night, bad morning," she said, rushing into the locker room. "All good, Jonas isn’t- oh Leah…"

This was Kim speaking, as the sort of mother of the group, she was a natural comfort to everyone. "What?" Leah asked, walking to her cubby. "Holy shit! Williamson is wearing Chelsea joggers!" Katie basically screamed, making everyone’s attention draw to the pants Leah was wearing.

The english skipper looked down at her pants. Surely enough, the Chelsea logo was embedded on the left side, and on the right, in white letters, showed the number 29. "29? Who’s number 29?" Gio asked, smiling cheekily.

The girls thought for a second, Leah panicking and not knowing what to say. "Wait… 29 is the Canadian winger who’s been with them-" Beth started saying. "Fleming?" Viv asked. "No! Y/l/n! She has like 35 goals for them in 57 games or something," Beth said.

"You’re fucking y/n y/l/n? Really, Leah. A blue?" Manu said, jokingly pushing her friend. "Don’t say it so loud! Geez! Yeah we’re… together," Leah said, slipping off the Chelsea pants and stuffing them deep into her bag. "Hmm… y/n Williamson. Sounds good. Or would you take her last name? I think Leah y/l/n is pretty nice too honestly," Rafa said, making Leah scowl at her.

Leah had thought everyone was here, but there was one last late comer who made her way into the changing room. She wasn’t actually late, just talking with Jonas.

"Sabrina! You missed so much," Katie said excitedly. "No!" Leah yelled, trying to pounce on Katie. "Leah’s dating your teammate!" Katie said quickly, as a split second later, the blondes hand was covering the irish woman’s mouth. "What? Who?!" The keeper exclaimed.

Leah had thought she would have annihilated the threat by shutting Katie up, but Gio took over for the defender. "Y/n y/l/n," she said, shrugging. "GIO!"

"Everybody grab pinnies. Three teams please." Jonas said.

Leah grabbed a purple one randomly from the pile and slipped it on. "Hey, Leah! Look my pinnie number is 29! Get in bed with me?" Katie said, walking up to Leah and pretending like she wanted to give her a kiss. "Want me to call up Ruesha? We’ll see what she says about this!" Leah said, scowling at the girl. "No, no, no! I’m sorry," she said, quickly rushing back to her group.

"Good job girls, 20 minute break… be here for… 12:29," Jonas said.

"Okay who told him! You’re all doing it on purpose!" Leah exclaimed.

Jonas looked horribly confused, most girls were trying to hold in their laughs while the older ones looked around with stern faces. "C’mon, Leah," Kim said, gently grabbing Leah’s shoulders and guiding her inside.

"We’re just teasing you, you know," Beth said, gently placing her hand on Leah’s back. "I know. But you’re acting like you don’t like her or something. I really love her. And your opinion matters to me," Leah said, loud enough for some of the girls to hear as she walked into the changing room. "Leah… you’ve been… sad, the last couple of months. And it would be a lie to say that the last three of those months have been completely different. If she puts a smile on your face then… well we love her," Jen said, looking around for the gunners approval. They all nodded at the woman’s words. "We’re just happy you’re happy," Katie said gently. "And don’t tell Rue I teased you because she’ll kill me," Katie said, basically pleading.

That day, when Leah got home, you were passed out on the couch. The training today had been intense, and you couldn’t help feel as though something was different, throwing you off your game a little.

Leah dropped her bag a little louder than she had meant too, making you spring up quickly, your heart pounding. "Hey, hey. It’s okay baby. It’s just me," she said, walking over to you and sitting down beside you. "Sorry. Tough day," you said, gently pushing her down onto the couch to lie on top of her. "Tell me about it… your day, I mean," Leah said, brushing her fingers through your newly cleaned hair. "Mhm… I don’t know. It was intense but I felt weird the whole day. Like someone knew something about me that they shouldn’t. It’s stupid. I know," you said, fiddling with Leah’s necklace. "Well… um… it’s not actually. Because I accidentally wore your track pants to practice today and now my whole team knows about us," Leah said, slightly scared of your reaction.

You lifted your body up quickly, placing your hands on either side of her and propping yourself up. "Really?!" you said, a slight smile on your face. "Yeah… i’m sorry-"

"No! It’s okay! Unless they hate me and they want us to break up. Oh my god do they hate me? The tackle against Rafa was an accident last game I swear. And Katie got me riled up I didn’t mean to call her the lucky charms mascot it just slipped out and-" you started ranting, panic spreading through your body.

"Hey! Hey. No. It’s okay. They’re happy for us. They’re happy. And i’m happy… and you’re happy… right?" Leah said, gently pushing your head back onto her chest.

"More than I’ve ever been."

[freesia-writes]

Ch 24: Unmoored

Master List ~~ Previous Chapter ~~ WC: 2.2k

Song: Staind - Outside (Lyrics) (youtube.com)

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“Come on, babe!” Luciana teased, looking over her shoulder as Hunter puffed behind her, hair pulled back from his face as he jogged along the path. He’d been trying to keep his eyes on the rocky trail, although he kept getting distracted by her toned form in her sports bra and bike shorts. It was an internal battle at first – he shouldn’t be looking… or should he? She offered herself so freely, literally and metaphorically, and there was something incredibly refreshing about her unadulterated enjoyment of life and her simple authenticity that invited him to let go more and more.

“I’m coming,” he panted, wondering why he’d agreed to go on a run with her in the first place. He was also painfully aware of just how out of shape he’d become, although it had been apparent a few times before when he’d helped with drills at Echo’s training academy. So this was a good thing, he reasoned. Even with his enhancements, which allowed him to retain an above-average stamina and strength, he could feel the difference after months of neglecting his regular routines. 

“Race you to the Square?” she invited, slowing to a walk beside him. The glimmer in her green eyes gave him a little spark in his chest, and he took a deep breath, stretching his back for a moment as they walked. He grinned at her, the fresh air and sunshine doing wonders for his attitude when he’d felt an inescapable weight for a while now. 

“You’re on,” he said, giving her a playful push before taking off down the path. 

“Cheater!” she squealed, laughing gleefully and sprinting after him. He braced his core, focusing on the terrain, and gave it all he had, reveling in the strain on his muscles and the burn in his lungs. He felt alive, the blood coursing through his veins, and regained his balance quickly after stumbling over a rock. Luciana was right behind him, her runner’s physique on prime display as she overtook him on a curve, blowing him a kiss as they rounded the final bend. 

Narrowly missing a vendor cart as it wheeled across a street, they sprinted into the Town Square, collapsing against the stone wall at its edge at the same time, red faced and panting, flushed with exhilaration. Luci stood up, both hands over her head, and paced in a little circle, puffing out her cheeks as she looked at Hunter in admiration.

“Alright, you’ve got some legs on ya,” she said. “We’ll have to work out together more often. Do you lift weights? Wait, hang on,” she continued, drawing close and squeezing his bicep. “Yeah, I bet you do. Or are you more of a calisthenics type of guy?”

“I… uh…” He had regained his breath much more quickly, secretly glad that he still had the perks of his engineering. “I do it all,” he answered, with a waggle of the eyebrows that earned a delighted laugh from her.

“Oh do you? We’ll see about that!”

They walked to a nearby cafe for some smoothies, sipping them on their way down to the cliffs where they sat on the soft grass and watched the activity of the island stretching out before them. Luci pointed out the surfing currents, the way the swells were rising in certain areas and how they would break, and described what made each wave good or bad to ride. Hunter was impressed by her knowledge and experience in such a wide variety of random things above and beyond bartending and having fun, and he found himself gazing at her with a small smile on his face as she described one of her first times surfing. She finished her story, looking back at him and catching his profound look, and tilted her head, suddenly inquisitive. 

“What?”

“Nothing,” Hunter said, shaking his head with an innocuous expression. 

“No, your face is all soft or somethin,” she poked, scooting closer and elbowing him in the side gently. “And your face is rarely soft.” 

“I mean, I feel like that’s not something a man would strive for…”

“You know what I mean,” she laughed. “But alright, keep your secrets.” She fixed him with a mockingly scrutinizing look, and the way her eyes sparkled and her cheeks curved in an adorable smile was supposed to make him feel warm and fuzzy inside. He looked down, swirling the remaining smoothie in his cup, and she leaned into his side gently with a contented sigh.

* * * 

“Alright!” Wrecker exclaimed as Luci slid an extra basket of fries across the bar counter to him. She gave him a wink, then disappeared into the hustle of a busy night. Elbowing Hunter beside him, Wrecker shared his gleeful approval, “This whole girlfriend thing is workin out just fine!”

“She’s not–”

“Give it a rest,” Crosshair snapped from Hunter’s other side. “Call her whatever you want, but it’s a thing.”

“A thing?” Hunter echoed blandly. 

“A relationship, no matter how well- or ill-defined,” came Tech’s explanation, helpful as always.

“Alright. Anyway. What’s the plan for Benduday?” Hunter pivoted, looking down the counter at Echo. They’d come to the tiki bar on the usual family dinner night, since Omega had just left for an internship on the island of Plata and Phee was off-world on some “solo business, but don’t worry, Brown Eyes.” It was a busy night for the rest of town, with rowdy patrons enjoying the end of the work day and gearing up for karaoke that evening. 

“It’s an all-day seminar,” Echo answered, nearly yelling over the crowd. “Kind of an introduction to the whole academy training program, but also a stand-alone class for those who just want to brush up or learn the basics.”

“I think Hunter just wants to know if he’s going to be beaten up or humiliated again,” Crosshair clarified, reveling in the tiny slump in Hunter’s shoulders in response. 

“We retire and you all decide I’m the blaster target, huh?” he said, rolling his eyes before brightening considerably as Luci reappeared, adjusting her apron strings below her loose black crop top. They’d been working out together regularly, and she made a silly face as she flexed her stomach at him from behind the ice machine, proud of the hint of a “two pack” below her ribcage. Hunter winked at her before catching himself and quickly glancing at the others to see if they’d caught it. 

“You just make it so easy,” Echo said with a smirk. 

The conversation continued, the boys relaxing on their bar stools over some food and drinks as the stars appeared in the sky above. Luci popped in every now and then with refills and playful banter with each of them, and when she had an extra minute, she’d lean over the counter to share a quick chat with Hunter, tracing her fingers along his knuckles and gazing at him with unabashed admiration. 

“You gonna stay for karaoke night?” she asked, speaking to all of them but directed mostly at him. 

“Only if you want everyone to leave immediately,” Crosshair deadpanned, and she lifted her chin, regarding him with an odd familiarity as she remained unphased by his snark. 

“I’m sure you’d be a fantastic crooner,” she said, doing her best to keep her face serious, then relaxing into a smile when Crosshair softened the tiniest bit and smirked at the thought. Satisfied, she turned back to Hunter. “You know, I’m somewhat of a singer myself.”

“Yeah?” 

“Mmhmm,” she purred, making eyes at him again. “If you stick around, maybe you’ll get a little love song dedicated to you.” She snorted, inviting him into a chuckle of his own. “But really, if you want to hang for a little bit, I’m feeling a little adventurous tonight. Let’s have some fun?” 

“Alright,” Hunter agreed, a hint of a smile on his face . Sometimes he felt as though he were on the outside, looking at himself as he interacted with Luci. It had only been a few weeks, but her refreshingly free-spirited take on life had coaxed out a side of him that he’d never have anticipated. She never forced, never insisted, just genuinely enjoyed living vicariously through the experience of all the island had to offer. They exercised together, ate out frequently, played in the ocean, and she’d even talked him into taking some dance lessons with her; she hadn’t mentioned until they arrived that she was actually the one teaching them. But, in keeping with much of his life of late, he’d been able to relax into it fairly quickly, as she made it easy to fall into step. After the first class, she’d raved about his natural ability, or as she put it, “I knew those hips could move!”

Luci lived her whole life “inside out”, in her own words, sharing every thought and feeling she had, which created a sense of weightlessness for Hunter in the assurance that there wasn’t a bunch of mystery brewing beneath the surface. She had an affinity for all creatures, swimming alongside the colorful fish in the bright blue waters and trying to touch the sea rays that ventured near the shore every now and then. The first time she’d met him on the beach, he’d been rendered momentarily speechless when she took off her cover-up, revealing a string bikini that cupped her perky breasts perfectly. He’d had to sit awkwardly for a while after she asked him to “oil her up” for some sunbathing, where he’d gently stroked the thick oil across her back and shoulders, down her sides and up her arms. 

At times, a nasty voice within would come to the surface with accusations and disbelief, the same struggle he’d had since arriving on the island: he was living a lie. This wasn’t who he was… This was some pathetic attempt at normalcy. But it was so tinged with the regrets of the past that it was now met with strong indignation and downright denial. He had seen where the constant vigilance had gotten him – he’d been unable to protect his family and even his own heart. So now it was time to let go. To try a different strategy. 

So he stayed for karaoke. He hid his chuckle at an overly-dramatic performer as Luci giggled next to him. It was all in good fun – half of the singers were thoroughly inebriated and having the time of their lives, laughter and all. He felt the familiar flush of embarrassment when Luci took the stage, riling up the crowd before dedicating a song to him, which she embellished with some dance moves that had him feeling quite a few things at once. She finished to raucous applause, taking a bow with a flourish and blowing kisses to the audience before bounding back to their table, flushed with excitement. It was infectious, and Hunter rested his arm across her shoulders, increasingly at ease. 

A couple of girls approached from another table, laughing as they clumsily teetered together. One of them shook a drunken finger at Luci, grinning ear to ear.

“Look, this ishalong shot,” she slurred. “But have…werrrryou ever with a dude, s’name’s Draig?”

Luci threw her head back gleefully, shaking her curls out of her face before nodding enthusiastically.

“Oh man, we tore it up! He was awesome. You a friend of his? Or luckier?” Her red lips curved into a suggestive smirk.

“Thislilhussy banged him affew times,” the girl grinned, jostling her friend whose arm was slung heavily over her shoulders. “He neffffer let her knowwher he lived though… Neffffer lets anyone knowwher, issa secret.”

“And it’s cause of ‘a crazy red headed bartender named Luciana’!!” her friend yelled, finding her voice, which apparently solely consisted of hollering at the top of her lungs.

“Ahhh, yeah. He’s the best!” Luci giggled. “You guys live here?”

“No!! Back to Coruscant tomorrow! Just had a week on Plata! Thought we’d finish strong!! Haha!!” The deafening volume of her voice, stronger even than the cacophony all around, was too much for her friend, who flapped her hands in front of the loudmouth, making drunken shushing noises, and the two of them shuffled away.

Hunter raised an eyebrow, inviting Luci to fill him in on what seemed to be a memorable story… for this “Draig”, at least. But she just shook her head and shrugged, playing with the straw from her drink.

“Crazy times,” she laughed easily, resting her hand on his. He felt a flicker of suspicion, but she quickly put his mind at ease. “I’ll tell you the story, but it’s not very exciting. Dumb kids. First relationships. You know.”

Hunter very much did not know.

And, to his surprise, he didn’t really care.

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* * * 

Hunter plunged into the water again, tumbling beneath the wave as it passed by, then came up for air, the surfboard jerking back toward him on its leash. He’d nearly gotten it that time, and his muscles burned as he pulled himself back onto the board, turning to paddle back out to where Luci straddled her own, rocking gently on the waves as they rolled past. 

“You’re getting the hang of it!” she encouraged, wispy red curls fluttering in the breeze where they had escaped the messy bun atop her head. 

“I’m getting trashed out here,” he panted when he reached her. 

“I’ll give you a massage later,” she said with a waggle of the eyebrows.

“Now you’re talking.”

“Did I tell you about my masseuse job on Pashvi? Oh man, I learned some of the wildest– Hang on!” She’d caught sight of a particularly appealing wave, turning her board and beginning to paddle as it approached. Hunter watched as she caught it effortlessly, disappearing behind its curl as it raced toward the shore. She shot out the other side as it broke, skimming to a halt before dropping back to her stomach to paddle back out. He marveled at her ridiculous skill set, which seemingly had no end. She’d traveled everywhere, tried everything, and had an authentic zest for life paired with an undaunted optimism. They sat on their boards for a while in quiet companionship, watching the waves come and go as the sun sank low on the horizon.

Hunter collapsed into his bed that evening, thoroughly exhausted from an afternoon of surfing, playing and splashing and wrestling in the waves, as well as a long, deep massage from Luci that had put him into a trance. His mind ambled pleasantly through his recent memories: laughing at her as she put two halves of large tree nuts over her bikini top, strolling through the town with a picnic lunch until they found the perfect spot along the cliffs, relaxing on the beach without a care in the world… He felt a lightness about it all that was strong enough to stave off the old doubts that had plagued him so ruthlessly before. Almost.

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Previous Chapter ~ Master List ~ Next Chapter

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SHOUT OUT TO @dystopicjumpsuit for coming up with a fun way to have some crossovers between our stories! You’ll be hearing more about her incredible OCs in the future, but for now check out the post about Draig (and her amazing art!!) and the rest of his family (especially Mic who I’m in love with). 🙈

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[misshoneyimhome]

https://www.tumblr.com/misshoneyimhome/754105749364441088/9116-williamnylander-morning-bike-screaming

🫥🫥 saw this video when I woke up and then went to my Pilates class, and keep imagining being next to Willy training and teasing him 🤒. The summer heat and the bf withdrawal are hitting me!

Oh yes, babe! I can just see that 🫠

Personally, I'm a runner (and occasional cross-fitter), but oh my, the idea about stretching in the sun... right there next to him 🤤🤤

You know he won't be able to control his thoughts - and you also know you'll be in for a treat as soon as he gets the chance 🫦💦 literally a dream!

So, of course, I had a thought; I hope you don't mind me sharing a little blurb 😅💭

_

The summer sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a golden shimmer over the placid waters of the lake. The gentle lapping of the waves provided a soothing backdrop to the rhythmic creak of the exercise bike. William Nylander, the hockey star, was riding the bike with a determined focus, his tanned skin glistening with a light sheen of sweat. He wore nothing but a pair of dainty shorts, the simplicity of his attire a testament to the relaxed atmosphere of the Swedish lake house.

Next to him, you moved through your Pilates routine with fluid grace. Your simple shorts and sports bra allowed the warm breeze to kiss your skin as you stretched and balanced. The two of you formed a picture of summer serenity and dedication, each absorbed in your own rhythm but sharing the space and the moment.

"How's the ride?" you asked, glancing over at William as you transitioned into a plank.

He smiled, his eyes sparkling with a mix of effort and enjoyment. "It's perfect. The view helps."

You chuckled, holding your position. "The lake or me?"

"Both," he replied without missing a beat, his grin widening.

You smirked, shifting into a downward dog position, ensuring the curve of your peachy bum was in full view. William's breath hitched, his focus wavering as his eyes traced your form. He knew you were teasing him, and despite his best efforts to concentrate on his training, his thoughts began to wander.

He imagined the things he would do to you once the workout was over, his mind painting vivid pictures that made his shorts feel increasingly tight. With every minute that passed, the tension grew, the sight of your stretching body fuelling his desire.

As you shifted positions, giving him an even better view, he let out a deep, involuntary growl. His eyes darkened with hunger, unable to take it anymore. He tried to focus on the steady rhythm of his pedalling, but your teasing was too much to bear.

He watched you move with a mix of admiration and lust. He knew how strong your body was from all the Pilates you had been doing, especially now during the off-season when you both tended to relax and enjoy treats, far away from the busy hockey schedule. Yet, you were both mindful of keeping up with your workouts. He had definitely noticed you doing your stretches and core training positions almost daily, and it drove him wild.

"You're killing me, you know that?" he finally said, his voice a rough whisper.

You glanced over your shoulder, a playful glint in your eye. "Oh? How so?"

He slowed his pedalling, his gaze locked onto you. "You know exactly what you're doing."

You laughed softly, the sound carrying over the gentle breeze. "Maybe I do."

His resolve crumbled. He stopped pedalling, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. "Come here."