#aurelien tchouameni fanfic

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (3/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @queenshikongo3 @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @tchouathon @greyishbach @shelovesfootie @certifiedlesbianbaddie

A/N: Please let me know if you like to be removed/added to the taglist. Also, a surprise mention in this chapter that links to another story!

Aurélien's fingers danced across the piano keys, the melody of Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat major filling the study. It was the night before their trip to Poland, and he found himself seeking solace in the familiar notes.

The past week had been… interesting, to say the least. He and Zuri had fallen into a sort of routine, sharing meals when his training schedule allowed, and watching movies and true crime documentaries in the evening. They'd even managed a few genuine conversations, tiptoeing around the elephant in the room that was their impending marriage.

But lately, Aurélien had noticed a change in Zuri. She'd become more withdrawn, her usual sass replaced by a melancholy he couldn't quite understand. He'd catch her staring off into space, her phone clutched tightly in her hand as if it were a lifeline to a world she'd left behind.

As he transitioned into a softer passage, a raised voice from the next room cut through the music. Aurélien's hands stilled on the keys, his brow furrowing as he listened.

"Papa, please…" Zuri's voice, muffled but clearly distressed.

The responding male voice was loud enough for Aurélien to hear clearly, even through the wall. "You need to take this seriously, Zuri! This isn't some game!"

Aurélien felt his jaw clench. He'd never heard Zuri's father before, but the man's tone made something protective stir in his chest.

"I am taking it seriously!" Zuri shot back, her voice cracking slightly. "You're the one who threw me into this situation!"

"We've been over this. It's for your own good. For the family's good."

Aurélien sat frozen at the piano, feeling like an intruder but unable to move. Was this why Zuri had been so down lately? How long had these arguments been going on?

He thought back to his loft bedroom, realizing with a start that he wouldn't have been able to hear these conversations from up there. Had Zuri been dealing with this pressure alone all this time?

The argument continued, Zuri's responses becoming shorter, more defeated. Aurélien's hands hovered over the keys, itching to drown out the harsh words with music, to offer some kind of shelter from the storm raging next door.

He exhaled slowly, his mind racing. Tomorrow, they'd be in Poland. Away from the pressure of family, of expectations. Maybe it would give them both a chance to breathe, to figure out what they really wanted from this arrangement.

"You're being stupid, Zuri! I need you to understand what this means for you as well. You lack discipline; how can you go to university for all those years and then be so reckless to throw it away?!"

Deeming he heard enough, Aurélien stood abruptly, his decision made before he could second-guess himself. He strode into Zuri's room, barely registering her shocked expression as he plucked the phone from her hand.

"Monsieur," he said smoothly into the phone, his French crisp and authoritative. "C'est Aurélien. Zuri va très bien, vous devez vous détendre. (Sir, this is Aurélien. Zuri is doing great.)"

Zuri's father sputtered on the other end, caught off guard by the unexpected interruption. Aurélien continued the conversation, his tone firm but respectful, reassuring the older man about their situation. After a few minutes, he ended the call with a polite "Au revoir" and placed the phone on Zuri's dresser.

He turned to face Zuri, who was staring at him with a mix of surprise and something that might have been gratitude. "How long has this been happening?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Zuri shrugged, trying for nonchalance but failing. "It's not a big deal. He's just… worried."

"Is he usually like this?" Aurélien pressed, feeling a surge of protectiveness.

"Sometimes," Zuri admitted, her eyes downcast.

Aurélien stepped closer, his jaw clenching. "I don't like him talking to you like that. If it happens again, I might have to punch him in the mouth."

Zuri's eyes widened at his words, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself.

"Come here," Aurélien said, opening his arms slightly. Zuri hesitated, her stubbornness kicking in. Aurélien's eyebrow raised. "Don't make me say it again."

With a sigh that was more for show than anything, Zuri stood and stepped into his embrace. The hug was awkward at first, but as Zuri relaxed into it, Aurélien found himself breathing in her scent. She smelled like coconut and something spicy - cinnamon, maybe?

As they pulled apart, Aurélien asked, "So, how are your brand deals going?"

Zuri bit her lip. "I… kind of took a break from influencing."

Aurélien frowned. "You don't have to do that. You can post, just keep our relationship under wraps for now. I'll talk to my PR team about how to handle it."

"Really?" Zuri's face lit up. "Can I post about Poland?"

Aurélien thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Yeah," he said. "Don't want your followers to think you're dead in a ditch or something."

Zuri laughed, the sound genuine and warm. Aurélien found himself smiling in response, the tension from earlier dissipating.

"Get some sleep," he said, heading towards the door. "We've got an early flight."

Aurélien was almost out the door when he heard Zuri's whispered "Thank you." He turned to see a lone tear sliding down her cheek.

"No problem, ma chérie," he replied softly, then froze. Sweetheart? Where the fuck did that come from? He closed the door quickly, his mind reeling. "Allez, Zeus," he called, desperate for a distraction. The dog padded after him as he headed upstairs.

In the bathroom, Aurélien cranked the shower to its hottest setting, letting the scalding water pound against his still-aching muscles. He needed to clear his head, to make sense of this slowly but surely growing attraction to Zuri.

And her father... Christ. The man's bullheadedness reminded Aurélien of his own father, minus the yelling. No wonder the two had been best mates in school. Both pushing relentlessly for their children's success, consequences be damned.

Aurélien had gotten the brunt of it as the eldest, but he could only imagine how Zuri had it. His father had mentioned once that she was the youngest and only girl. That couldn't have been easy.

Stepping out of the shower into the steam-filled bathroom, Aurélien wrapped a towel around his waist and padded to his bedroom. He flopped onto the bed, grabbing his phone and opening Instagram almost on autopilot.

Zuri's profile popped up in his suggestions. Without overthinking it, he hit the follow button.

His eyes drifted to the packed bags in the corner of the room. Tomorrow would bring... what? A new challenge? A chance to figure this mess out?

With a sigh, Aurélien shut off the lights. Zeus hopped up, curling against his side. As sleep began to claim him, Aurélien's last coherent thought was of Zuri's smile when he'd said she could post again.

I'm so fucked...

Zuri sat cross-legged on the hotel bed, her fingers flying across her phone screen. The familiar rush of crafting the perfect post filled her with a sense of normalcy she hadn't felt in weeks. She hit 'share' and watched as the likes and comments immediately started rolling in.

A smile tugged at her lips. God, she'd missed this. The break had been necessary, sure, but coming back felt like slipping into a favorite pair of jeans. Comfortable. Right.

Her DMs were already filling up with brand deal inquiries. The New York market had been good to her, but now... Now she had a whole new city to explore, new trends to set, new stories to tell. The possibilities made her head spin in the best way possible.

As she scrolled, her mind drifted to Aurélien. Their... arrangement (she still struggled to find the right word for it) was as unclear as ever. But the way he'd handled her father... Zuri felt a warmth bloom in her lower regions at the memory. No one had ever stood up to him like that before, not even her mother. Whatever Aurélien wanted, she'd happily give it to him on a silver platter for that alone.

She made a mental note to research Madrid's influencer scene when they got back. New city, new strategies. But for now, she was in Poland, and there was content to be made.

The knock on her door startled her out of her planning. She wasn't expecting anyone - Aurélien was at a team dinner, and she'd appreciated the space, even if a small part of her missed his presence.

Opening the door revealed a familiar face, though not the one she'd been half-expecting. Lila Hamilton stood there, all 5'3" of her radiating effortless cool. The famous fashion designer, model, and younger sister of the greatest motorsport driver alive was standing outside her door. Her light brown skin glowed under the hallway lights, and her normally curly hair was styled in intricate goddess braids.

Ho-ly shit! What the hell is my life?!

Pushing her inner fangirl aside, she gave Lila a smile. "H-Hey."

"Surprise!" Lila grinned, pushing past Zuri into the room. "Aurel thought you could use some company."

As they settled on the couch, chatting and laughing, Zuri felt some of the tension she'd been carrying melt away.

Lila's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, Jude told me about your situation with Aurélien. How are you holding up?"

Zuri sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's... a lot. I mean, one minute I'm in New York, the next I'm in Madrid with a fiancé I barely know."

Lila nodded sympathetically. "I can't even imagine. But hey, at least Aurélien's a decent guy, right? Jude speaks so highly of him."

"He is," Zuri admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. "He's been... surprisingly understanding about everything."

"That's good," Lila said, her tone softening. "You know, Jude mentioned that Aurélien seems different lately. In a good way. Maybe this arrangement isn't so bad after all?"

Before Zuri could respond, another knock interrupted their chat. This time, it was Aurélien.

"Hey, Aurélien," Lila said, standing to give him a quick hug.

"Hey, Li," he greeted with a small smile. "Jude's looking for you, by the way."

Lila rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Of course he is. You'd think he'd have better things to do than worry about where I am."

Aurélien smirked. "You'd think."

"Alright, I'm out. Z, see you tomorrow at the game," Lila said.

As the door closed behind Lila, leaving Aurélien and Zuri alone, the air seemed to shift. Aurélien gestured to the couch. "Mind if I...?"

Zuri shook her head, scooting over to make room. As he sat, she caught a whiff of his cologne - spicy and warm.

"So," Aurélien started, his voice low. "About next month, when our parents visit..."

Zuri felt her stomach clench. Right. Reality. She nodded slowly, her fingers absently playing with the hem of her shirt. "Right. Next month."

Aurélien leaned back, his arm draped casually over the back of the couch. "I was thinking," he started, his eyes meeting hers, "maybe we should come up with a game plan. You know, figure out how we want to handle things."

Zuri raised an eyebrow. "A game plan? For our arranged marriage?"

A small smile tugged at Aurélien's lips. "When you say it like that, it sounds ridiculous."

"That's because it is ridiculous," Zuri said, but there was no bite to her words.

Aurélien nodded, his expression turning more serious. "Look, I know this isn't ideal for either of us. But we're in this situation now, and I think... I think we could make it work. If we're on the same page."

Zuri studied him for a moment, taking in the sincerity in his eyes. "What did you have in mind?"

"Well," Aurélien said, shifting slightly to face her better, "for starters, I think we should be honest with each other. About our expectations, our boundaries, all of it."

Zuri felt something in her chest loosen at his words. "I'd like that," she admitted softly.

"And about your work," Aurélien continued, "I meant what I said. I don't want you to give up your career for this. We'll figure out how to make it work with the PR team."

Zuri blinked, surprised by his support. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aurélien's hand found hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We're partners in this, Zuri. Whatever happens, we face it together. Okay?"

As Zuri looked at him, she felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the room temperature. "Okay," she agreed, a small smile forming on her lips.

Aurélien cleared his throat, his eyes darting away for a moment before meeting hers again. "There's also the matter of... living arrangements."

Zuri felt her heart skip a beat. "Oh?"

"I mean, eventually, we'll need to share a room," he said, his voice low. "For appearances, if nothing else."

Zuri couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips, feeling her cheeks warm. "Right. Appearances."

Aurélien's lips twitched, amusement dancing in his eyes. "And then there's the matter of... you know."

"Sex?" Zuri supplied, her voice higher than usual.

Aurélien nodded, his tongue darting out his mouth to lick his bottom lip. "Yeah, that."

They both burst into laughter, the tension breaking.

"And kids?" Zuri asked, once they'd calmed down.

Aurélien's expression softened. "I'd like at least one, eventually. You?"

Zuri bit her lip. "I hadn't really thought about it. I mean, I'm only 24. Having a baby now seems... crazy."

"Yeah, of course. There's no rush," Aurélien assured her quickly. "We've got time."

As if on cue, Zuri's stomach growled loudly. Aurélien grinned, reaching for the room service menu. "Hungry?"

They ordered room service - a juicy burger with truffle fries for Aurélien and a Caesar salad with grilled chicken for Zuri. As they settled in to watch an episode of a true crime documentary, Zuri couldn't help but marvel at how comfortable this felt. Just days ago, they were strangers thrust into an impossible situation. Now, here they were, sharing a meal and casual conversation like old friends.

As they ate, Aurélien mentioned tomorrow's game.

"You're going to learn about football whether you like it or not," he teased, popping a fry into his mouth.

Zuri smirked, spearing a piece of chicken with her fork. "Maybe I should just watch Ted Lasso instead."

Aurélien's eyes narrowed playfully. "Don't play with me, ZuZu."

The nickname sent a jolt through Zuri, her mind going into overdrive. ZuZu? When did that happen? And why did it make her heart flutter?

As they continued watching, Zuri found her thoughts drifting. Their conversation earlier about honesty, expectations, and boundaries echoed in her mind. It was surreal how quickly things were progressing, how easily they seemed to be falling into a rhythm. Part of her wanted to resist, to remind herself that this was still an arranged marriage, still not what she'd chosen for herself. But another part - a growing part - was starting to wonder if should just see where things could go with Aurélien.

After three episodes, Aurélien eventually stood to leave, stretching as he did. His shirt rode up, revealing a sliver of toned abs that made Zuri's mouth go dry. All thoughts of resistance fled her mind at the sight.

"See you tomorrow?" he asked, oblivious to the effect he was having on her.

"Y-yes," Zuri managed, her eyes still fixed on his midsection.

"Goodnight, ma chérie," Aurélien said softly, before heading out.

Once she was all by herself, Zuri flopped back onto the couch, one hand clutching at her chest dramatically. "That's a man, Savannah," she breathed, a dreamy smile spreading across her face.

The next morning, Zuri found herself in the stands of the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, surrounded by a sea of white and royal blue. The UEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Atalanta was about to begin, and the energy in the stadium was electric.

Zuri leaned towards Lila, having to raise her voice to be heard over the roar of the crowd. "Is it always this intense?"

Lila grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh honey, this is just the warm-up. Wait till the match starts!"

As an American, Zuri was used to the spectacle of NFL games, but this... this was something else entirely. The chants, the flags, the sheer passion of the fans around her was unlike anything she'd experienced before.

"I've been to Giants games back home," Zuri shouted to Lila, "but this is on another level!"

Lila laughed, linking her arm through Zuri's. "Welcome to European football. It's not just a game, it's a religion."

As the teams took the field, the stadium erupted. Zuri's eyes immediately found Aurélien, his tall frame easy to spot even from their seats. She felt a flutter in her stomach that had nothing to do with nerves and everything to do with how he looked in his kit.

"So," Lila said, a mischievous glint in her eye, "on a scale of one to 'climb him like a tree', how are you feeling about your arranged husband right now?"

Zuri felt her cheeks warm. "Lila!"

"What? I'm just saying, seeing Jude in his kit still does things to me." Lila's eyes found her boyfriend on the field, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Trust me, it never gets old."

Zuri shook her head, laughing despite herself. As the whistle blew to start the match, she found herself swept up in the excitement. She might not understand all the rules yet, but watching Aurélien move across the field with such grace and power, she was beginning to see the appeal of the beautiful game.

The crowd around them surged and swayed with every play, their emotions rising and falling like a tempestuous sea. Zuri found herself joining in, shouting and cheering along with everyone else, caught up in the infectious energy of it all.

As halftime approached, Zuri turned to Lila, her eyes wide with exhilaration. "Okay, I get it now. This is amazing!"

Lila smirked. "Just wait till you experience the rivalry match with FC Barcelona. This? This is nothing."

Zuri couldn't imagine anything more intense than this, but as she watched Aurélien jog off the field, catching his eye as he glanced up at the stands, she realized she was looking forward to finding out.

As the second half kicked off, the intensity in the stadium only seemed to increase. Zuri found herself on the edge of her seat, her heart racing with every near miss and spectacular save. She was surprised at how quickly she'd become invested in the game, cheering loudly whenever Aurélien or Jude had possession of the ball.

The match remained scoreless well into the second half, the tension mounting with each passing minute. Then, in the 59th minute, it happened. Federico Valverde put Real Madrid ahead from close range, converting a precise pass from Vinícius Junior.

The stadium exploded. Zuri found herself on her feet, screaming in jubilation along with thousands of other fans. Lila grabbed her in a tight hug, both of them jumping up and down in excitement.

"Did you see that?" Zuri yelled, her voice hoarse.

Lila grinned back at her. "I told you it was something else!"

Just nine minutes later, the crowd erupted again as Kylian Mbappé, making his debut for Real Madrid, fired the ball into the top corner from Jude Bellingham's pass.

"Oh my god, Jude assisted that!" Lila screamed, her pride evident.

The remaining minutes of the game were a blur of nervous energy and excited chatter. When the final whistle blew, confirming Real Madrid's 2-0 victory and their record sixth Super Cup crown, the celebration in the stands was deafening.

As the team did their victory lap around the pitch, Jude broke away from the group, jogging over to where Lila and Zuri were standing. In a move that had clearly been practiced, he leapt up, grabbing the edge of the barrier to pull himself up to Lila's level. Their kiss was brief but passionate, eliciting cheers from nearby fans.

Zuri watched, a mix of amusement and envy swirling in her chest. Then she saw Aurélien approaching. Her breath caught as he came to a stop in front of her, his face flushed with exertion and triumph.

"So," he said, his voice barely audible over the crowd, "what did you think of your first football match?"

Zuri found herself grinning widely. "It was... incredible. You were all incredible."

Aurélien's smile widened, his eyes locked on hers. For a moment, Zuri thought he might follow Jude's example and leap up to kiss her. Instead, he reached up, his hand finding hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said softly. "Maybe you'll want to come to more games?"

Zuri nodded, suddenly breathless. "Yeah," she managed. "I'd like that."

As Aurélien jogged back to join his teammates, Zuri turned to find Lila watching her with a knowing smirk.

"What?" Zuri asked, feeling her cheeks warm.

Lila just shook her head, laughing. "Oh honey, you've got it bad."

As they made their way to the locker room, the team's voices echoed through the tunnel:

"¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid y nada más!"

The chant reverberated off the walls, their jubilation palpable. Aurélien felt the rush of victory coursing through his veins, his grin wide and unrestrained.

In the showers, the celebration continued, steam rising around them as they rehashed the game's best moments.

"Mbappé!" Aurélien called out, his voice carrying over the spray of water. "Not bad for a debut, yeah?"

Kylian's laughter rang out. "Just getting started, bro. Just getting started."

After cleaning up, a smaller group decided on a quieter celebration. Aurélien, Kylian, Jude, Ferland, and Eduardo made their way to the designated family area, a secluded section just off the main corridor. It was a haven away from the prying eyes of the media, where partners and families could wait in relative privacy.

As they approached, Aurélien's eyes immediately found Zuri.

"Hey," he said softly, approaching her. "Tag along with Lila, okay? We'll meet you at the restaurant."

Zuri nodded, understanding the need for discretion. Aurélien could see the flash of cameras beyond the security barriers, hear the distant shouts of reporters hoping for a quote or a clear shot. He felt a protective urge rise within him, wanting to shield Zuri from the chaos that came with his world.

When they walked out, Aurélien couldn't help but steal glances at her, admiring how she fit in so naturally with the group. Lila had linked arms with Zuri, the two women chatting animatedly as they navigated the gauntlet of paparazzi. Aurélien made a mental note to thank Lila later for taking Zuri under her wing.

At the restaurant, they settled into a large, semi-circular booth tucked away in a corner. Without thinking, Aurélien's arm found its way to the back of the seat behind Zuri. He wasn't quite touching her, but he could feel the heat radiating off her body, acutely aware of every small movement she made.

He watched, amused, as Lila perched on Jude's lap, the couple sharing a quick kiss. The easy affection between them made something twist in Aurélien's chest - a feeling he wasn't quite ready to examine too closely.

"Careful there, Bellingham," Aurélien teased. "Don't lose her in your lap. Might need a search party to find her."

Laughter erupted around the table, Lila sticking her tongue out at Aurélien good-naturedly.

As the waiter approached, Aurélien leaned in closer to Zuri. "Trust me?" he murmured.

At her nod, he took charge, ordering for both of them with a confidence that surprised even himself. He'd paid more attention to her likes and dislikes than he'd realized.

"The grilled salmon with roasted vegetables for the lady," he said, his voice smooth. "And she'll start with the butternut squash soup."

Zuri's eyes widened slightly, impressed. She caught Lila's gaze across the table, the petite woman's smile widening into a Cheshire cat grin. Lila leaned in to whisper something to Jude, whose own smile grew to match his girlfriend's.

"Look at you, Tchouaméni," Camavinga teased, "already ordering for your wife like a proper gentleman."

Jude chuckled, his arm tightening around Lila's waist. "He's learning from the best, mate."

"Oh please," Lila rolled her eyes, but her fond smile betrayed her. "As if you knew what a vegetable was before you met me."

The table erupted in laughter, Jude feigning offense. Throughout the meal, Aurélien couldn't help but notice how Jude's eyes constantly drifted to Lila, how his hand always found its way back to her, even when reaching for his drink or gesturing during a story. It was like Lila was his anchor in a storm of excitement and celebration.

Later that night, as Aurélien and Zuri walked to a nearby ice cream shop, Zuri brought up the couple.

"I follow Lila on Instagram," she said, licking her vanilla cone. "Their photos are cute, but seeing them in person… they can barely keep their hands off each other."

Aurélien chuckled, his own chocolate ice cream forgotten for a moment. "Yeah, Jude's had it bad for her for a while now. Even before they started dating, he'd get this dopey look on his face whenever someone mentioned her name."

Zuri raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Jude had a crush on her for months before he worked up the courage to ask her out," Aurélien replied. "Nearly drove the rest of us mad with his pining."

They both laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet street.

As they entered the hotel, Aurélien felt a strange reluctance to end the evening. "Want to watch another episode of that crime documentary?" he found himself asking.

Zuri nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sure, why not?"

In her room, they settled on the couch, noticeably closer than before. Aurélien couldn't help but appreciate how comfortable Zuri seemed around him now, her body slightly leaning into his as the episode played.

Halfway through, he noticed her breathing had evened out. Glancing down, he saw she had fallen asleep, her head dangerously close to resting on his shoulder. For a moment, he didn't want to move, content in this peaceful bubble they'd created.

Eventually, though, he knew he had to go. Gently, he shifted her to lie fully on the couch, draping a blanket over her sleeping form. He turned off the TV, the room plunging into a soft darkness broken only by the city lights filtering through the curtains.

Before he could overthink it, Aurélien leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Zuri's forehead. "See you tomorrow, ma chérie," he whispered, then quietly left the room.

Aurélien headed to his floor and he couldn't shake the realization that he was in deep. Every moment with Zuri revealed something new to like about her, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Lost in thought, he almost bumped into a shirtless Jude at the ice machine.

Jude's eyebrows waggled suggestively. "Coming back from Zuri's room, eh?"

Aurélien rolled his eyes, but before he could retort, Jude pressed something into his hand - a condom.

"You're going to need this more than me now," Jude said with a wink.

Aurélien snorted. "Pretty sure you'll have better use for it, Mr. I-have-an-actual-girlfriend."

Jude shrugged, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Not anymore. Lila just told me she's on birth control now."

Aurélien made a face, tilting his head to the side. "T-M-fuckin'-I, Bellingham, but I don't think Lewis would be too happy if you knock up his baby sister. You're on thin ice as it is."

Jude scoffed, already heading back to his room. "No one's afraid of Lewis."

Aurélien chuckled, shaking his head as he continued to his own room. As he closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but wonder what the hell he was getting himself into, but as he fell into bed, his last thought before sleep claimed him was of Zuri's peaceful sleeping face, and he found he didn't mind the complication one bit.

TO BE CONTINUED....

[starlitmelanin]

hi can u pls write something where reader has been too busy to check in w aurelien but he’s had a difficult week and is receiving online hate and he feels hurt that reader is neglecting him in his time of need so he acts cold and distant but she apologises and makes it up to him

bruised hearts | aurélien tchouaméni

pairing - aurélien x fem!reader

word count - 1.1k

warnings - none

another match lost.

another round of criticism raining down on aurélien.

he sat on the couch one night, head in his hands, the harsh reality of another crucial match slipping away settling like a heavy fog, suffocating and unavoidable. every missed opportunity, every misplaced pass replayed in his head like a haunting loop, the voices of critics louder than ever.

it was ridiculous, really, how quickly the world turned against him. one bad game, and suddenly, he was the villain in their story. they didn't see the effort, the countless hours of training, the sacrifices made. they only saw the mistakes, the moments of imperfection that they blew out of proportion.

the headlines were merciless, blogs and social media lighting up with malicious comments, fingers pointed squarely at him, as if he alone carried the weight of the team's failures. he had become the poster child for every perceived failure of real madrid, and he felt the sting of their words, each comment like a dagger to his confidence.

his nights became restless, haunted by self-doubt and frustration, and in the midst of it all, he longed for the comfort of one person.

you.

you were supposed to be his anchor, the one who grounded him when everything else was falling apart. but lately, even you seemed distant, preoccupied with your own life. he understood, he really did. yet, it didn't make the absence of your support any less painful.

you'd been busy. that was the simplest way to put it. deadlines at work, family obligations, and just the general chaos of life had pulled you in a million different directions. it felt like you had little left to give when you came home, barely managing to exchange a few words with aurélien before collapsing into bed.

you hadn't noticed the changes in his demeanour, the subtle signs. how he lingered longer in bed, his eyes clouded with a heaviness that wasn't just fatigue, how he'd withdrawn into himself, his usual bright energy dimmed, how the small frown lines etched deeper across his forehead whenever he glanced at his phone.

the few moments you did share with aurélien were filled with your distracted kisses and half-hearted hugs. you missed the tightness in his jaw when you brushed off his attempts to talk, the way he tensed when your phone buzzed yet again, pulling you away from him.

the inevitable argument came on a rainy friday afternoon. you were both home early for once. aurélien was sitting at the kitchen table, his deflated mood evident in his slumped posture and the distant look in his eyes.

dropping your phone, keys, and a takeaway bag on the counter, you greeted him with a tired smile, leaning in for a kiss. he turned his head, and your lips brushed his cheek instead.

the snub definitely stung, but you let it slide, chalking it up to him probably just being tired.

"you okay?" you asked, trying to keep your tone light.

"i'm great," he replied, his voice clipped. "walking on sunshine, actually."

you frowned at the clear sarcasm. "you sure? you seem—"

"i said i'm fine, y/n," he snapped, cutting you off.

"okay, what's your problem?" you finally asked, your voice edged with frustration. "why are you acting like this?"

"my problem?" he looked up at you then, his eyes cold and hard. "my problem is that my girlfriend can't even see that i'm struggling. my problem is that you've been so wrapped up in your own world that you haven't even noticed what's been happening to me."

"noticed what?" your eyebrows knitted in confusion, surprised by the sudden raw pain in his eyes. "what are you talking about, aurélien? i don't understand—"

"exactly!" he stood up, anger flaring up to mask the hurt. "you don't understand because you haven't been paying attention. i've had the worst week, and you've been too busy to even see it."

your frown deepened, your mind a tumult of confusion as you replayed the week in your mind, trying to figure out what could've led to this, but you came up empty. "what happened?"

his phone was shoved towards you, messages and tweets filling the display. he'd been trending all day, a staggering 30k tweets under his tag. a mocking tweet about his talent was the first thing you saw. it was posted only a few hours ago, but it already had a ridiculous amount of likes.

you continued scrolling, seeing all the negativity, the animosity, the resentment being shown towards him, each one more vicious than the last. your stomach twisted as you read the hateful words, the malice aimed at the man you loved.

"aurélien, i... i'm sorry. work has been crazy and–"

"and what? you couldn't take five minutes to ask how i'm doing? to see if i'm okay?"

tears pricked at the corners of your eyes, guilt and regret crashing over you. "i didn't know. i should have known. i'm sorry."

he didn't respond, just turned away, retreating to the guest room for the night. you barely slept, the night too long, the bed too cold, your mind replaying the argument over and over.

the next morning, you found him sitting at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in his hands. he looked tired, his eyes shadowed with sleeplessness.

you approached cautiously, your heart heavy. "aurélien, can we talk?"

something in your tone must have reached him, because he glanced at you, his expression softening slightly. "yeah, we can talk."

you sat down across from him, taking a deep breath. "i'm really sorry about last night. about this whole week. i know i've been neglectful."

he didn't say anything, so you continued. "i didn't realise you were going through so much. you were right, i should have paid more attention."

"i'm sorry too," he said after a moment, reaching across the table to take your hand. you were his person, so naturally, he could never stay angry with you for very long. "i shouldn't have yelled at you. i was hurt and i lashed out."

you squeezed his hand, softly, reassuringly. “it’s okay.”

the two of you sat there for a while and had a conversation. a genuine conversation. about your priorities, about the things you both needed to work on.

it was a start.

as you cleared the dishes some time later and he got up to leave for training, you leaned against the counter, watching him. "good luck today," you said softly. "i love you."

he paused, turning to look at you. "thanks," he said, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he leaned in to give you a kiss. "i love you too."

and as he walked out the door, you felt a tiny bit of the weight lift off your shoulders. it wasn't perfect. it was a little bit messy, a little bit ruined. but it was yours.

you'd get it right, eventually.

[judes-hoe]

My winner ~ JB5

Parrings ~ Jude Bellingham x reader

Summary ~ you and Jude have been dating since his Birmingham days and he finally got the two things he’s dreamed of.

Warnings ~ super fluffy in the beginning, then… p in v(unprotected don’t do this!), creampie(2), praise, a little subby Jude, pet names.

A/N ~ enjoy☺️!

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

You and Jude have been dating since his Birmingham days. You had moved into his neighborhood when you were 6-7 and you and Jude quickly became friends. You went to every match you could. Once you got older you and Jude confessed your feelings to each other.

That’s when things got serious, you convinced your parents to move to Germany with him, the only reason they said yes was because Denise, Jude’s mom, would be with you guys.

You were with him the whole time at Germany, going through the bad and good times with that club.

Then he moved to Madrid, you knew that was his dream and when he had made the deal with them. He was in tears and hugging you and you couldn’t stop telling him how happy you were of him.

The move to Madrid was easy, the only hard part being not understanding people. But you and Jude took lessons together.

You were happy watching his achievements in the LaLiga, and the Champions League. Getting man of the match, and player of the month.

Now sat with his family watching the Champions League final. You were sat next to Jobe; squeezing his hand when Jude would fall to the ground, or when Madrid had a chance to score but missed.

When Madrid got the first goal you jumped out of your seat cheering, the hugging Jobe tightly. Then a few minutes later, Jude assisted Vini. You watched as Jude fell to his knees, he knew they won it.

The Jude got subbed off and you couldn’t stop bouncing your leg in the final minutes. When Dortmund had scored, you accidentally squeezed Jobe’s hand to tight and he winced in pain. “Sorry.” You mumbled to him and he just nodded his head rubbing his hand to sooth it.

But the goal was offsides and Jobe gave you a massive side eye. When that final whistle blew you were so happy and proud. Hugging Jobe tight and rocking side to side. Then hugging Mark and Denise.

You watched as he got his medal, and lifted the trophy. Celebrating with his teammates. He whispered something to one of the coaches, who then smiled at him and left. Jude coming over to you and his family. You stood back wanting him to have a moment with his family first.

He then walked over to you waiting by the barrier. He smiled at you and lifted you over the barrier placing you on the other side with him. He then kissed you deeply earning some cheers from the Madrid crowd that was still there. He pulled you with him to walk.

“Jude I’m so incredibly proud of you, I know this is your dream and you e finally accomplished it.” You spoke and stopped walking turning to him and grabbing his face to look at him. “Your family is definitely proud of you more than me.” You said thumb stroking his cheek. “I’m just happy you’re here and I wouldn’t want any other girl to celebrate this, you’re my girl and only my girl.” He spoke with a smile on his face looking at you with his brown eyes that were just full of love.

You and Jude walk to some of his teammates, while you talk to some of his teammates. Cama and Tchouameni you haven’t even noticed Jude disappear and come back. All you remember was the two men in front of you smirking but you didn’t think much of it.

“Come with me.” Jude said holding out his hand. You gladly take it and he walks you to the middle of the pitch. “What-.” You say but Jude’s stops you. “Just listen.” He says and takes a deep breath.

“You’ve been with me my whole life practically, you’ve watched me from academy, to Birmingham, to Dortmund, to now in Madrid, you’ve been with me through my highs and lows, you’ve been there to comfort me after a bad match, you’ve been my shoulder to cry on, I truly can’t see myself with anyone else but you.” He spoke with love and sincere.

You watched him as he gets on one knee and pull out a black box. “So will you marry me.” He asked opening the box but fumbles a little from nerves. You stare at him with tears in your eyes. “Yes Jude, I’ll marry you.” You said with a sob. He quickly puts the ring on your finger and stands up pulling you into a loving kiss. Cheers erupting from behind you, from his family, and his teammates.

You blush deeply as Jude pulls away and leans his head on your forehead. “I love you.” He whispers. “I love you too.” You say back.

You and Jude turn to walk back to his teammates and you walk over to his family. His teammates giving him little pats on the back and praise. “It’s beautiful.” Denise said holding your hand looking at the ring. “I’m so happy for you both, I always knew you’d both last forever.” She said pulling you into a hug. Mark and Jobe joining.

Jude comes over and joins the hug also planting a kiss on your head.

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

You and Jude are back at the hotel you’ve been staying at the past couple of days. He immediately pushes you to the bed kissing you and not pulling away. “Let me give you my proper celebration first.” You said pulling away. “Ok baby, but then it’s my turn.” He said flipping over so he’s laying on the bed. You smirk and start taking all his clothes off.

Once he’s got all his clothes off, you take all of yours off. You climb onto of him, jerking his cock off and spread the pre cum around his tip. You line him up and sink down onto him in one go. You let out a soft moan and he lets out a groan gripping your hips.

You start rocking your hips slowly to get used to him a little more. “Please baby faster.” Jude begs and the grip on your hips tighten. “Anything for my winner.” You said speeding up you movements and adding a little bounce. You smirk as an idea comes to mind.

You grab the medal around his neck and tug it slightly. Jude letting out a small groan. His cock twitching a little inside you.

You smirk and do it again. “Fuck, I’m gonna cum!” He moans out thrusting his hips into you. “Cum for me, cum inside me Jude, I’m right with you.” You bend down and whisper into his ear with a moan. He cock twitches before his cum paints your inside. The feeling of it making you cum right behind him.

Taking a little breather, he pulls out and can feel both your cum dripping out. He flips you both over so he’s on top. Thrusting back into you. “Fuck Jude!” You moan out. He goes fast, skin clapping filling the room. “Such a good girl for me.” He mumbles looking down where he’s going in and out.

You tug on his medal again and pull it for him to come down and pull him for a kiss. “Jude, Jude im gonna cum again.” You moan into the kiss. “Cum for me darling.” He said pulling away and taking a hand to rub your clit. That sends you over the edge and you cum around him your pussy clenching around him. “Fuck I’m cumming!” He said doing one final thrust and cums inside again.

You both breathing heavily. He pulls out and kisses you softly before going to the bathroom and getting a warm cloth cleaning you up. Then grabbing you pajamas to put on, helping you but then on. He just throws on a pair of boxers and basketball shorts.

“Goodnight my soon to be wife.” He whispered pulling you to his chest kissing your head. “Goodnight my soon to be husband.” You say back with a whisper and kiss his bare chest.

[ts1m1kas]

Football Masterlist:

requests are closed !!

FC BARCELONA:

Pablo Gavi:

Jealous Gavi

Gavi x Shy!Reader

Gavi Angst

Sergio's Niece

Comforting Gavi

Barcelona's Intern

Pedri Gonzales:

Jealous Pedri

REAL MADRID:

Jude Bellingham:

Childhood friends to Lovers

Real Madrid Women's

Jude Angst to fluff

Christmas Proposal

Dedicated Goal

Messi's Daughter

Gavi’s Twin Sister

Club Drama

Proposal of Business

Love in the Right Places

Protective!Jude

Fiancée and Footballer

Behind Closed Doors

Family Introductions (coming soon !)

Aurelien Tchouameni:

Quiet

PARIS SAINT GERMAIN:

Kylian Mbappe:

Jealous Kylian

BAYERN MUNICH:

Jamal Musiala:

Unjustified Anger

Brother's Best Friend

Musical Genius

Comfort

Just Colleagues

Musical Romance

Work Day Nightmare

Hidden Feelings

Lazy Day

Unprofessional Interviews

Bali Daydream

The Art of Proposing

League Celebrations

Post-Pregnancy Blues (coming soon !)

EINTRACHT FRANKFURT:

Robin Koch:

Euro Separation

Euro Separation Part 2

RB LEIPZIG:

Xavi Simons:

First Game Nerves

LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB:

Virgil Van Dijk:

Virgil Fluff

Kostas Tsimikas:

Kostas' Birthday

Photographer!Reader x Kostas

Secret Wife

Hometown Romance

Andrew Robertson:

Andrew's Injury

Milner's Matchmaking

Ultrasounds of Love

Trent Alexander-Arnold:

Trent Angst to Fluff

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Dominik Szoboszlai:

Honeymoon Stage

Blind Date

Alisson Becker:

Difficult Parents

MANCHESTER CITY FOOTBALL CLUB:

Erling Haaland:

Clingy Erling

International Break & It's consequences

Erling's busy schedule

Post Match Glory

Norwegian Mornings

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB:

Mason Mount:

Long Lost Lovers

[trentslfcc]

Only you🤍 - Aurélien Tchouaméni

Summary: You and Aurelien have been talking for a while and feelings have developed between you two. One day, you feel a bit jealous but he's quick to reassure you and ask you the question you've been waiting for.

Warnings: None

-

Spending your days with him was like laying on the softest bed, it filled you with comfort. The more you were around him the more you were convinced that he liked you back, which he had told you. He was gentle with you and always had to make sure you were okay. He would send you 'good morning' texts and when it came to night time, you more often then not, fell asleep on the phone together. Aurelien was someone who gave you butterflies when ever he looked at you and showed his tender side. He would invite you to games, he didn't go to a lot of parties but when he did, he would invite you too. Going on dates with him brought you joy aswell because you could talk to him about whatever. He was really perfect. The only thing that bothered you was the fact that he hadn't made you his girlfriend. Yes, he was a busy man but he always made time for you and it was clear that you guys were couple material. Maybe he would ask you soon.

Today, he had taken you on a shopping spree because he adored buying things for you. You made sure to look extra cute for him as always, getting ready longer than you had intended to. He didn't mind though, giving you your time and waiting for you patiently. Another reason you took your time was because he had told you that he was taking you on a date after. Walking around the expensive shops made you feel like you were slightly out of place. It's not as if you didn't like when he would spend money on you, it's that you didn't want him to spending too much money, especially considering that you guys weren't even in a relationship. You had often told him that he didn't have to buy you anything but he didn't listen. You had finally reached the clothing store he wanted to take you too because he had seen you checking out some dresses in there. There was also a men's section which he wanted to look at as the clothes there were amazing and brilliantly made.

"Oh, this is cute." You spoke as a gorgeous baby pink dress caught your eye. The lace around it added to it's appearance, bringing out the main colour, your favourite.

"You want it?" He asked gently, wanting to buy it for you. He thought it would look unreal on you, but you would look good in anything.

"I would have to try it on first Aure." You chuckled a little at his determination. He was so sweet. You wanted to buy something for him too but you couldn't think of anything. "I like this one aswell." Seeing a green dress this time.

You decided you were going to try on both of the dresses, making your way to the fitting rooms so that you could do so. The pink dress fit you very well whilst the green one was a bit too big and they didn't have your actual size. Actually seeing the dress on yourself made you realise that you weren't too fond of the cut and so you decided to stick with the pink dress about ten minutes later. Aurelien had told you that he was going to be in the men's section so you immediately went there after kindly giving the worker the green dress back, thanking them after. As you approached the section, you saw him and talking to another woman. She was giggling way too much for your liking. Deciding to observe the conversation before interrupting, you could see that he wasn't showing her any interest back, only being nice to her. You wanted to go and drag him away, but you were a classy woman and would act like it. What frustrated you even more was the fact that even though he seemed to not enjoy the conversation, he hadn't walked away, being kind to her. Maybe you were just overthinking it and it really wasn't that deep. The woman continued to chuckle and chuckle acting as if Aurelien was the funniest man in the whole wide world. He wasn't even smiling but once he saw you, he did. He found it adorable how hard you were pretending not to be bothered by what was going on. Knowing that you liked him was making this whole thing funnier. You eventually came over and wrapped your arms around him in a territorial embrace as the woman's annoyed facial expression came out. He knew why you were doing it and went along with it, calling you 'babe' so that she would walk away, which she did after a minute.

"Look at you being all jealous." He began teasing you when you two were finally alone. He could see how shy you were getting through your actions and defensiveness.

"I wasn't jealous." You shot back, knowing damn well that was a lie. You were never going to admit it to him because you knew it would boost his ego. He was an incredibly kind person but you weren't going to let him get the satisfaction.

"Yeah, sure." He let out a soft little chuckle. It made him feel kind of relieved in a way that you were jealous because he could see that you really liked him. You had told him, of course, but it was cute to see you like this. "Come on, let me buy you your dress."

You followed him to the till where he also brought himself a cap and a pair of sunglasses along with your dress. The store gathered the attention of mostly rich people and so it wasn't shocking that everything was so expensive. It was so generous of him to want to spend money on you even if he didn't have to. It showed how much he wanted you. You were nothing more than delighted and grateful for everything he had done for you. When the items had been purchased, you two left the store, enjoying each other's presence. He meant so much to you and you meant so much to him. He was the cutest ever.

"Thank you for the dress." You began in a soft tone. The way he would spoil you was more than any man had ever done for you.

"You know you're the only girl I want?" Aurelien spoke, placing his arm around you in a gentle manner. Butterflies erupted in you stomach immediately. Why was he so sexy?

"And you're the only boy I want." You voiced back, slightly looking up at him. He couldn't help but let out an adorable smile as you confirmed what he wanted to hear.

"Good." When he moved his arm off of you and back to his side, you decided to take his hand in yours which he let you do. It had become something you would normally do when you hung out together. "You love holding my hand, don't you?" He continued grinning.

"Yeah, what about it?" You answered him truthfully but jokingly. You knew he liked it too so you were going to keep doing it.

"Nothing. It's cute." He chuckled a little at your comment, looking down at you with those pearly brown eyes.

"That's what I thought." He continued giggling hearing you teasing him. He found everything you did alluring and enchanting. "You probably thought that worker was cute aswell."

"I think it's cute that you were jealous." He was such a gorgeous man and so it was difficult not to blush at every thing he said.

"I wasn't jealous Aure." You stated again which he wasn't going to believe at all. You knew how he acted with you was genuine and that he wouldn't do anything to hurt you. He was an honest man.

"That's why you were annoyed? And that's why you came and hugged me in front of her?" He chuckled as he could see right through you, no matter how many times you denied it.

"Shut up." You retorted, causing him to laugh even more. That man was head over heels for you and you were head over heels for him.

"Well, as I said before, you're the only woman I want. I can promise you that." He reassured you again. He was being very serious. "Most of the girls that look at me and whatever, they only want my money and my fame. You're genuine and my feelings for you are strong. You're so beautiful." You blushed and beamed from ear to ear.

During the rest of the afternoon, you guys just hung out and went to visit other stores, looking at watches, books and interesting objects. You even went to visit a museum, appreciating each other and being content with your feelings. It was a beautiful day with the sun radiating it's happiness in the sky. This was the perfect day for you. When you both got hungry, he took you to a restaurant you had never heard of before. It was going to be something new. He didn't even ask you where you wanted to eat because he knew that you wouldn't be able to answer. Unbeknownst to you, he had planned out the entire day. You arrived at the restaurant around 7pm with. The sun had gone away and the evening was apparent. You both were immediately taken to your table as it was empty. You could tell by the designs that it was a very expensive place. A few minutes later, you ordered your drinks and started talking about life in general. He listened to you so attentively, paying attention to every word. When he would speak you would do the same. You were given your starters shortly after, which were delicious, you could've just eaten that for the rest of your life. Aurelien really knew how to pick a restaurant. Eventually you were given your main meal which you were stunned by. It was amazingly cooked and tasted better than anything you had ever tasted before, except your mother's food because who didn't love their mothers cooking? Everything was flawless. He loved that you were so comfortable around him and vice versa. It highlighted how well you two went together. After about thirty minutes, you had finished eating but wished you hadn't. He proposed the idea of dessert which you obviously were not going to refuse. Before you could order however, the waiter brought a big beautiful bouquet of pink roses. It was clear that Aurelien had organised this whole thing.

"Thank you so much Aure." You would've thought your cheeks were as pink as those rose and to be honest, it was a far fetched comparison, covering your face with the hand that wasn't holding them.

"My pleasure beautiful. You deserve them." He returned to you. Why was he such a gentleman? This was like the sixth time you had asked that question to yourself just today.

You guys ordered your desserts and ate in complete peace. It was brilliant, just like the rest of the food you had been served with this evening. There was no way that you weren't going to be returning to this restaurant again. You were blown away but what Aurelien had done and how good the service was. You didn't want to leave the restaurant but when you had finished and after he had paid, it was time to return back to your hotel. The drive back was extraordinary as you looked at view and attractions of the city. You hadn't been around these parts often, it was moments like these that emphasised that feelings you had for him. As soon as you arrived back at your hotel, you rushed to your room, feeling exhausted from the day you had, though you weren't going to get much sleep. Walking in, you instantly gasped by what you saw as Aurelien smiled behind you. Ballons hung, reading out 'will you be my girlfriend?', some were heart shaped and the others were grey and baby pink. He was the best ever. He was so thoughtful and very sweet. Candles had been set up on the floor as a path towards the bed which you were definitely going to use and a gift sat atop it, with pink flowers around it.

"Yess Aurelien." You squealed, hugging him immensely before he gently pulled your face down to peck your lips. Your dream man was now your boyfriend. "Thank you so much."

"Anything for my girl." He kissed you again, sending sparks flying through the roof. This was better than you could have imagined.

The rest of the night you spent together, making out on your hotel bed and eventually doing the deed. He deserved some. He was your boyfriend and you couldn't ask for a better one. You were going to be the best girlfriend you could be to him, knowing that he would treat you right and take care of you always.

-

I hope you guys enjoyed🤍 I hope the language wasn't to repetitive, I was in a rush x

Another Trent one coming soon🤍

[bahrtofane]

dialogue 7 trope 8 with tchouameni pls. so happy that ppl are finally writing for him 🥹❤️

- "ooohh you wanna kiss me sooo bad." - Bodyguard au

happy to write for him! he needs more love enjooyyyy

word count - 800+

watch it - flirty tch and weapon mentioned like once enjoyy

You know you're not a very stereotypical bodyguard. Shorter than most, no rippling muscles that tear shirts apart. It does give you the advantage of surprise. No one expects you. Even more so for the man you've been tasked to protect. 

You know they hired you specifically to blend in and so you do. Still keeping close but you look like you could be anything from a part of the crowd to a friend and whatever more. You've seen yourself on a few gossip pages and on news articles here and there. 

They have yet to put the pieces together and you want to keep it that way. You have a job to do and a man to protect. A man that for the life of you you can't understand. 

He's an enigma on a good day. Aurélien keeps a curious eye on you, eager to watch you. But yet so hesitant. 

He doesn't talk to you all that much, but when he does he manages to squeeze playful words in between each sentence. Always catching you off guard. He goes from being honed in and focused to letting his shoulders loose in a laugh. 

Today seems like no exception. You wait in the wings backstage of an event. It's just a rehearsal for the actual thing yet you're here. Its empty save for stage screws running about with wires and microphones tangled on the floor. 

You stand arms crossed a few feet away from where Aurélien is being fitted with different wires and what not. He speaks, arms waving lazily and nodding along to whatever his agent is saying. You haven't talked to him today yet. 

He spots you soon enough, giving you a wave while you respond with a curt nod. He gets shown to where you stand, told to “hang out” here for a second while they adjust the lighting. 

“Didn't know they dragged you here too?” he says, hands resting inside the pockets of his jacket. 

“I have a job to do.” you shrug. 

“Does it even get boring? Being around the same person all the time. I know I get tired.”

Your expression remains neutral, though a spark of amusement flickers in your eyes. "Perhaps," you hum, "But that doesn't change the fact that I'm here to protect you, whether you like it or not."

He grins, gaze lingering on you for a moment longer before turning back to watch the lights cycle through the different settings. "Well, in that case, I suppose I'll just have to make your job as interesting as possible," he says with a lazy shrug. 

You roll your eyes, but cant help the small smile that tugs at your lips. "I have no doubt you will," you reply dryly 

Aurélien gives you a playful smirk before leaning in slightly, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "You know," he says, amusement dancing in his eyes, "sometimes I wonder if all this protection is just an excuse to be close to me."

You raise an eyebrow, unimpressed by his attempt at flirting. "Don't flatter yourself," you retort, though you can't stop the smile that seems between your words. He's bold today. 

Leave it to Aurélien to find a way to wiggle into your personal space and under your skin with his words so early in the day. And you have so many more hours left with him. How thrilling. 

He chuckles softly, leaning even closer until his breath brushes against your ear. "Oh, come on," he murmurs, "we both know deep down, you wanna kiss me sooo bad."

You can't help but laugh, shaking your head at his shameless antics. "You wish," you reply, giving him a playful shove before straightening up, feeling the waistband of your pants for your weapon. Old habits die hard you suppose. 

Aurélien grins, the playful glint returning to his eyes as he steps back, resuming his role in the rehearsal.

You don't know what game he really plays. If his words really hold any meaning. If you should listen. So you choose the safe route and brush them off and try to do your job. Even if he insists on making it near impossible. 

He sends you knowing looks from the other side of the backstage area. Ones you know would easily strike up talk. But you can't talk your eyes off him. Partly because of your job and partly due to him being so- what's the word- dazzling. 

You do want to kiss him, but he doesn't need to know that. Not now at least.

For now you watch him do his thing while you try to do your job and push away his voice from ringing in your ears over and over. 

we both know deep down

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (2/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @queenshikongo3 @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @trinitoldyouso

A/N: Please let me know if you like to be removed/added to the taglist. I don't know a lot about Cameroonian culture, but I tried...

Zuri slumped on the couch, flicking mindlessly through channels on Aurélien's massive TV. Three days in this fancy house, and she'd barely seen her "fiancé." He was always rushing off to practice or meetings, leaving her alone in this unfamiliar place.

"Some marriage this is gonna be," she muttered, tossing the remote aside.

Her mind drifted back to how this chaos began. Last year, her dad Ernest had spent months in Cameroon, supposedly checking on grandma and some cousins. Turns out, he was also playing matchmaker with his old school buddy – Aurélien's dad. Two single kids, two scheming fathers, and bam! Instant engagement.

At first, Zuri had laughed it off. "Yeah, right," she'd told her friends. "Like arranged marriages are still a thing." But then the elders got involved, declaring it a "strong match." And when the elders speak, you shut up and nod, even if you're an American-born girl whose closest connection to Cameroon was the dashiki hanging in her closet and her mother's cooking.

Zuri grimaced, remembering the elders' disapproving looks. They'd practically sneered at her Americanized ass whenever she visited, with her broken Bamum, vague knowledge of Bamileke traditions, and even worse French. In their eyes, Aurélien was the golden boy – all traditional and strong.

"Maybe he can teach you a thing or two," one elder had said, eyeing her skeptically.

Just last night, Zuri had gone full stalker mode, Googling the hell out of him. Articles about his soccer career, thirst trap photos from events, gossip about his hookups. She had to admit, he was fine as hell. That body was criminal.

"Get it together, Zu," she chided herself. "This isn't some rom-com."

Now, as she sat in his home, reality was hitting her like a ton of bricks. Next month, both families would descend on Madrid to kick off this engagement circus. Cultural ceremonies, bride price talks, all that traditional crap she'd only seen in movies.

"How the fuck am I supposed to do this?" Zuri groaned, burying her face in a throw pillow.

She was a budding influencer, for Christ's sake. Her world was hashtags and sponsored posts, not ancient tribal customs. Yet here she was, about to be married to a stranger, expected to play the perfect Cameroonian bride.

Zuri pulled out her phone, thumb hovering over the Instagram icon. She was itching to post something, anything, to feel like her old self. But she hesitated. Was she even allowed to share this shit? Would Aurélien flip? Would the elders have a collective aneurysm?

"Fuck it," she sighed, putting her phone away. She'd have to figure all of this out eventually. But for now, she was just a lost girl in a strange house, in a foreign country, waiting for a ghost of a husband to acknowledge her existence.

As if on cue, the sound of a key turning in the lock caught her attention. Zuri's head snapped up, her heart suddenly racing. The front door swung open, and in walked Aurélien, looking every bit the professional athlete he was. His training kit clung to his muscular frame, his hair slightly damp with sweat.

Zeus bounded over to his master, tail wagging furiously. Aurélien bent down to ruffle the dog's fur, a genuine smile lighting up his face. Zuri took a brief moment to glance heavenward. "Are you trying to spite me, Lord?" she muttered under her breath.

Part of her wanted Aurélien to acknowledge her presence, to remember that she was an actual living, breathing human being sharing his space. But another part of her wasn't quite ready to face him. She needed more time to wallow in her misfortune, dammit.

Their eyes met, and Zuri felt a jolt of electricity run through her. Aurélien nodded in her direction. "Hey," he said, his voice deep and slightly rough from exertion.

"Hey," Zuri echoed, scrambling for something to say. "How was, uh… practice?"

Aurélien shrugged as he made his way to the kitchen. "Same as usual," he replied, pulling a water bottle from the fridge.

Zuri found herself unable to look away as he took a long drink. His head tilted back, exposing the strong line of his neck. She watched, mesmerized, as his Adam's apple bobbed with each swallow. A drop of water escaped, trailing down his chin and neck before disappearing into the collar of his shirt. The flex of his arm as he held the bottle made Zuri's mouth go dry.

Damn, why did he have to be so attractive? It was honestly unfair. Here she was, trying to come to terms with this arranged marriage bullshit, and her "fiancé" had to look like he'd just stepped out of a sports drink commercial.

Realizing she'd been staring, Zuri cleared her throat (and her mind), forcing herself to look away. "Cool, cool," she mumbled, internally cringing at how awkward she sounded. This arranged marriage thing was bad enough without her turning into a bumbling idiot every time her future husband walked into the room.

An awkward silence fell between them. Zuri fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, desperately trying to think of something to say. Should she ask about his day? Comment on the weather? Discuss the impending doom of their arranged marriage?

Before she could decide, Aurélien spoke up. "You eat yet?" he asked, his eyes scanning the spotless kitchen.

Zuri blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Uh, no," she admitted. "I wasn't sure if… I mean, I didn't know if I should…"

Aurélien raised an eyebrow. "If you should what? Eat? It's your house too, you know."

The casualness of his statement hit Zuri like whiplash. Right. This was her house now. Her life. Her future. The reality of it all threatened to overwhelm her again.

Zuri shifted uncomfortably under Aurélien's gaze. "I, uh, had a cup of yogurt with some fruit this morning," she admitted sheepishly.

Aurélien gave her a look, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. "And?"

"That's it," she mumbled, averting her eyes.

She didn't want to admit to him that her appetite was out of whack due to the whole "surprise, you're getting married to a stranger" situation. The last thing she needed was for him to think she was some delicate flower who couldn't handle a little life upheaval. Even if that's exactly how she felt at the moment.

Aurélien kissed his teeth. "That's not enough," he said, moving towards the fridge. "You need to eat properly."

Zuri watched as he pulled out a large glass dish covered in foil. "What are you doing?"

"Heating up dinner," he replied, turning on the oven. "My chef left some pasta dish as part of my meal prep. It's like a lasagna, but not really. Hope that's okay."

For a moment, Zuri just stared at him, baffled. This man, who she'd barely seen for three days, was suddenly sharing his food with her? The cognitive dissonance was real.

"You don't have to," she started, but Aurélien cut her off with a wave of his hand.

"I'm hungry, you're hungry. It's not a big deal," he said, sliding the dish into the oven.

Zuri found herself at a loss for words. She watched as Aurélien set the timer, his athletic grace apparent even in this simple task. The silence between them was punctuated only by the soft hum of the oven.

"So," Aurélien said after a while, leaning against the counter. "How are you settling in?"

The question caught Zuri off guard. How was she supposed to answer that? 'Oh, you know, just peachy. Love being uprooted from my life and thrown into an arranged marriage. Living the dream!'

Instead, she opted for a noncommittal shrug. "It's… different," she said carefully.

Aurélien nodded, as if he understood completely. "Yeah, I bet. Must be a big change from New York."

Zuri blinked, surprised he knew where she was from. Had he been researching her too?

"You could say that," she murmured, her mind racing. Was this small talk? Were they doing small talk now? God, this was weird. "How'd you know I'm from New York?" Zuri asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Aurélien smirked. "Your accent. Sounds like you're straight from Brooklyn. I've been to enough Knicks games to know how those Brooklynites talk." He then launched into an imitation, his French accent making it sound utterly ridiculous. "Yo, I'm walkin' here!"

Despite herself, Zuri burst out laughing. It was a genuine laugh, one that surprised even her. Aurélien's lip twitched in response, and he nodded approvingly. "That's dope. Your tooth gem."

Zuri's hand instinctively went to her mouth, touching the small diamond on her incisor. "Thanks," she said, a bit taken aback by the compliment.

"I bet your dad freaked out about that," Aurélien mused.

Zuri rolled her eyes in recognition. "Oh, you have no idea. Just wait until he finds out about my piercing. That'll put him in an early grave."

Aurélien's brow furrowed in confusion. His eyes shifted around her face, then briefly to her slightly visible belly button. "What piercing? Unless he freaks out about ear piercings?"

"Uh... no," Zuri mumbled, her cheeks warming as she realized she'd dug herself into a deeper hole. "My nipples... are pierced."

Realization dawned on Aurélien's face, followed quickly by surprise and something else... was that desire? "Oh!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening. "Oh... that's hot."

The moment the words left his mouth, the air between them seemed to crackle with tension. Zuri felt her face grow even warmer, unsure how to respond to her soon-to-be husband calling her nipple piercings "hot."

Aurélien cleared his throat, suddenly very interested in the oven timer. "So, uh, dinner should be ready soon," he said, his voice a touch higher than usual.

Zuri nodded, grateful for the change of subject. "Great," she managed to squeak out, wondering if it was possible to die of embarrassment.

The oven timer broke the awkward silence, its shrill beep making them both jump slightly.

"I'll get it," Aurélien said quickly, moving to retrieve their dinner. The rich aroma of cheese and herbs filled the kitchen as he pulled out the dish.

Zuri watched him dish out two plates, her mind still reeling from their unexpected exchange. She couldn't believe she'd just told him about her nipple piercings. And his reaction… well, that was something she'd have to unpack later.

"So," Aurélien said as he set a plate in front of her, "besides traumatizing your dad with body modifications, what else do you do?"

Zuri snorted, grateful for the attempt at normalcy. "I'm an influencer," she said, bracing herself for the usual skepticism that followed that statement.

Aurélien nodded, seemingly unfazed. "Yeah? What kind of content?"

"Mostly fashion and lifestyle stuff," Zuri explained, twirling pasta around her fork. "Some travel content when I can swing it."

"Sounds interesting," Aurélien said, and to her surprise, he seemed genuinely curious. "How'd you get into that?"

As they ate, Zuri found herself opening up about her career, her goals, her struggles with balancing authenticity and marketability. Aurélien listened attentively, asking questions that showed he was actually paying attention.

"What about you?" Zuri asked eventually, realizing she'd been dominating the conversation. "I mean, I know you play football, but… what else?"

Aurélien shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Not much else, honestly. Football takes up most of my time. But I like music, reading when I can, doing a bit of a podcast too. And I've got Zeus, of course."

At the mention of his name, the dog's ears perked up, and he trotted over to Aurélien's side.

"He seems to really love you," Zuri observed, watching as Aurélien absently scratched behind Zeus's ears.

"Yeah, he's a good boy," Aurélien said fondly. Then, glancing at Zuri, he added, "You know, he doesn't usually warm up to strangers so quickly. You must be special."

Zuri felt her cheeks warm again, unsure how to take the compliment. Was he flirting? Or just being nice? This arranged marriage situation was making it hard to read social cues.

"Listen," Aurélien said, his tone turning more serious. "I know this whole situation is… unconventional. But I want you to know, I'm committed to making it work. Whatever that looks like for us."

Zuri nodded slowly, processing his words. "Yeah," she said finally. "Me too. I guess we're in this together, huh?"

Aurélien's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Looks like it. So, truce?"

He extended his hand across the table. Zuri looked at it for a moment before reaching out to shake it, a small smile of her own forming.

"Truce," she agreed.

As their hands touched, Zuri felt a spark of… something. Connection? Possibility? Whatever it was, she realized that maybe, just maybe, this arranged marriage wasn't going to be the disaster she'd feared. It was still weird, still not what she'd planned for her life, but sitting here, sharing a meal and conversation with Aurélien, it didn't seem quite so daunting anymore.

Maybe, just maybe, they could make this work.

A few days had passed since Aurélien's impromptu dinner with Zuri. He'd been swamped with intense training sessions, preparing for the upcoming match against Atalanta in Warsaw. But despite the physical exhaustion, his mind kept drifting back to that night at the club with Jules, and the image of Zuri's tear-stained face when he'd returned home.

It had stirred something in him. A desire to try, to make an effort, even with all the chaos of his professional life. He owed her that much, at least.

So far, they'd been lucky. The media hadn't caught wind of Zuri yet, but Aurélien knew it was only a matter of time. Especially if she accompanied him to Poland next week. He wondered if it was even a good idea to bring her along, but then again, keeping her hidden away wouldn't solve anything in the long run.

Their recent conversations had revealed something that both amused and concerned him: Zuri didn't know the first thing about football. It was almost endearing, but as the wife of a professional player, it was a gap in knowledge he needed to address, and soon.

Aurélien's mind wandered to their dinner conversation, to Zuri's casual revelation about her nipple piercings. The memory sent an unexpected jolt of heat through him. He'd been trying not to think about it, about her in that way, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

His father's frequent calls didn't help matters. "How are you two getting along?" he'd ask, his tone a mix of concern and expectation. Aurélien would give vague, noncommittal answers, not quite ready to dissect his growing attraction to his arranged bride.

Because attracted he was, there was no denying it. Zuri was exactly his type: a brown-skinned beauty with full, kissable lips. While she wasn't particularly busty, her wide hips more than made up for it in Aurélien's eyes. He found himself stealing glances when she wasn't looking, admiring the way her clothes hugged her curves.

As Aurélien jogged onto the training pitch, he pushed his personal thoughts aside, focusing on the drills ahead. The next few hours were a blur of tactical exercises, sprints, and practice matches. By the time Ancelotti blew the final whistle, Aurélien was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching pleasantly from exertion.

In the locker room, as he was toweling off after his shower, Jude's voice cut through the post-practice chatter.

"Oi, Tchouaméni! We still on for tonight at yours?"

Aurélien froze for a moment, the realization hitting him. He'd completely forgotten about their regular hangouts, where they'd rotate hosting duties at each other's homes.

"Uh, yeah," he managed, his mind racing. "Yeah, we're still on."

Camavinga chimed in, patting his stomach for dramatic effect. "Good, because I'm starving. Your chef better have something good planned."

"Don't forget, Kylian's joining us this time," Jude added, referring to their newest addition to the team, Kylian Mbappé.

As his teammates continued chatting excitedly about the evening plans, Aurélien felt a knot forming in his stomach. How could he have forgotten to mention Zuri's early arrival?

"Uh, guys," he started, his voice cutting through the conversation. "There's something I should probably tell you…"

Jude looked at him curiously. "What's up, mate?"

Aurélien took a deep breath. "My, uh… my fiancée is in Madrid. She's staying at my place."

The locker room fell silent for a moment before erupting into a cacophony of surprised exclamations.

"The fuck?" Camavinga sputtered.

"Since when are you engaged?" another teammate chimed in.

Jude, however, just stared at Aurélien, his eyes wide with surprise. "Mate," he said slowly, "are you telling me she's here already? I thought that wasn't happening until next month."

Aurélien nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety at finally sharing the news. "Yeah, she arrived a few days ago. It was… unexpected."

"Bloody hell," Jude exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. "And you're just telling us now?"

Aurélien fielded questions from his teammates, feeling a bit overwhelmed. He'd only told Jude and Camavinga about the arranged marriage, and trying to explain it to everyone now felt strange and oddly invasive.

"But is she fit though?" one of his teammates asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Aurélien's lips trembled with amusement. "Yeah," he admitted, "she's gorgeous."

As the guys continued to rib him, Aurélien quickly sent a text to Zuri:

"Heads up, some teammates are sliding through tonight."

Her reply came moments later:

"Should I make something?"

He texted back:

"Not necessary."

"I owe you one 😉" came her final response, making him smile despite his nervousness.

Later that evening, the guys arrived at Aurélien's house. They greeted Zeus enthusiastically, ruffling his fur and letting him jump up on them. Suddenly, a delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen.

"Mate, something smells amazing," Jude commented, sniffing the air appreciatively.

The guys made their way to the kitchen, where the aroma of spices and simmering meat filled the air. Zuri stood at the stove, stirring a large pot.

"Not wifey making dinner. I see you, Aurel," Camavinga said with a grin.

Aurélien introduced Zuri to his teammates, trying to ignore the way Cama's eyes lingered on her. She was wearing another one of her baby t-shirts and a pair of athletic shorts that were criminally short, accentuating her curves.

When he noticed Cama staring a bit too hard at Zuri's ass, Aurélien couldn't help but mush the guy's head playfully. "Eyes up here, bro," he muttered, feeling a strange mix of pride and possessiveness.

Zuri turned to greet them all, her smile bright and welcoming. "Hope you guys like ndolé," she said, gesturing to the pot. "It's a traditional Cameroonian dish."

As the guys settled around the kitchen island to eat, Zuri fell into easy conversation with Kylian, Jude, and Camavinga. Aurélien watched, pleasantly surprised at how naturally she interacted with his friends.

Suddenly, Zuri's phone rang. "Excuse me for a sec," she said, stepping out of the kitchen to take the call.

As soon as she was out of earshot, the teasing began.

"Yo, Aurel," Camavinga piped up, "think your dad can find me a wife too? She's a baddie!"

"For real though," Kylian chimed in, "you lucked out, man. She seems cool."

Jude nodded in agreement. "It's great that you're both trying to make it work. Can't wait to tell Lila about this – she's gonna flip!"

After dinner, the guys lounged in Aurélien's living room, plates balanced on their laps, loaded with Zuri's hastily baked cookies and generous scoops of ice cream. The air was thick with laughter and the sweet scent of sugary goodness.

"Yo," Kylian called out, a mischievous glint in his eye, "your girl's got skills. You sure this is an arranged marriage and not you bribing her?"

Aurélien rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help the small surge of pride he felt at the compliment to Zuri. He watched as she laughed, the sound warming something inside him he didn't quite want to examine yet.

As the night wore on, Aurélien found himself growing increasingly antsy. His teammates seemed determined to know every detail of Zuri's life, and while he appreciated their interest, he couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to shield her from their prying questions.

"Alright, lads," he finally said, clapping his hands together. "It's getting late. Some of us have training in the morning."

A chorus of groans met his announcement, but the guys began to gather their things. Aurélien ushered them out, ignoring their good-natured ribbing about him wanting alone time with his "wifey".

When he returned to the living room, Zuri was already gathering plates and cups. "You don't have to do that," he said, moving to help her.

"It's no big deal," she shrugged. "Your friends are nice."

They worked in companionable silence for a few minutes, the awkwardness from earlier in the week creeping back in now that they were alone.

"Hey," Aurélien said suddenly, breaking the quiet. "Want to watch a movie or something?"

Zuri looked up, surprise evident on her face. "Sure, why not?"

They settled on the couch, a respectable distance between them that was quickly filled by Zeus, who flopped down with a contented sigh.

As the credits rolled, Aurélien stretched, reaching for the remote. "Well, that was…"

"Terrible," Zuri finished for him, laughing. "Seriously, who picked that movie?"

He grinned, shrugging. "Guilty as charged. I'll do better next time."

The phrase 'next time' hung in the air between them, a promise of more evenings like this. Aurélien found himself not hating the idea.

"So," he said, his tone casual as he absently scratched Zeus behind the ears, "have you ever been to Poland?"

Zuri blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. "Can't say I have. Why?"

"You should come through," he said, his eyes meeting hers. "I've got a match there next week."

Aurélien watched her, trying to gauge her reaction. Was this too much, too soon?

"That could be… interesting," she said slowly, testing the waters.

He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Cool. It's a date then." As soon as the words left his mouth, Aurélien felt his eyes widen slightly. Shit. Did I really just say that? "I mean," he backtracked, feeling uncharacteristically flustered, "not a date-date, just… you know…"

"I know," Zuri said quickly, saving him from his fumbling. "Sounds good."

They lapsed into silence, the air between them charged with something Aurélien couldn't quite name. As Zuri stood to head to bed, he found himself watching her go, wondering what exactly he'd just set in motion.

A trip to Poland with his arranged fiancée to watch him play football. Life, he mused, had certainly taken an unexpected turn.

TO BE CONTINUED...

[starlitmelanin]

feelings don’t lie | aurélien tchouaméni

pairing - aurélien x fem!reader

word count - 2.1k

warnings - none

summary - he wasn’t yours, and you weren’t his. you didn't know what to call it, what was happening between you, but you liked it.

you had never really believed in fairytales, the whole prince charming thing. it always felt too contrived, too far removed from reality. so when aurélien came into your life, it wasn't some grand gesture or a sweeping romance. it was small moments, little bits and pieces that somehow stitched themselves into something meaningful.

it started in the most unremarkable way. you were both at a party, one of those mind-numbing social obligations that you would rather skip. but you went, because sometimes you have to, and because your friends would drag you out of your cave if you didn't. aurélien was there too, not exactly blending in but not standing out either. just another face in the crowd, until he wasn't.

it was a simple conversation, really. you were standing by the bar, nursing a drink you didn't even like, when he came up beside you. "not a fan of the punch?" he asked, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

you glanced at him, not really in the mood for small talk, but something in his eyes held your attention. "it's terrible," you replied, and he laughed. it was a good laugh, genuine, and it made you smile despite yourself.

"i'm aurélien," he said, extending a hand.

"y/n," you replied, shaking his hand.

and that was it. no fireworks, no instant connection that made your heart race. just a simple introduction, two people making small talk at a party. but somehow, that night set off a chain of events that neither of you could have predicted.

you started seeing him more often, at parties, gatherings, even randomly at some upscale restaurant. it became a running joke between you two, how you always seemed to bump into each other.

"maybe it's fate," he'd say with a wink, and you'd roll your eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at your lips.

it wasn't long before you started spending time together outside of those chance encounters. coffee dates, movie nights, lazy afternoons in your apartment. it was all so easy, so natural. you didn't have to pretend or put on a facade. you could just be you, and he could just be him.

and that's where it got confusing. because you liked him, a lot. but it wasn't the all-consuming, butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of like. it was softer, gentler. it was the way he made you laugh, the way he listened when you talked, the way he made you feel seen. it was the way he made you feel like you belonged.

but you weren't his, and he wasn't yours. there were no labels, no expectations. just two people enjoying each other's company, no strings attached. it was silly and fragile and good, and you didn't want to ruin it by overthinking.

one evening, you found yourself at his apartment. it was a modest place, not ridiculously fancy but comfortable, lived-in. he was cooking dinner, and you were sitting on the counter, watching him. it was one of those domestic moments that felt oddly intimate, and you couldn't help but wonder what it all meant.

"what's going on in that pretty head of yours?" he asked, glancing at you with a knowing smile.

"nothing," you lied, but he didn't buy it.

"come on, y/n. i know you better than that."

you sighed, playing with some spice container. "i don't know what to call this," you admitted. "what's happening between us."

he paused, looking thoughtful. "does it need a label?"

"i don't know. maybe?"

he placed the lid back over the pot, coming over to stand in front of you. he took your hands in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "do you like what we have?"

"yes," you said without hesitation.

"then let's not worry about labels. let's just enjoy it."

you nodded, feeling a weight lift off your shoulders. he was right. why complicate things with labels and definitions? what you had was good, and that was enough.

and so, you continued. there were more coffee dates, more movie nights, more lazy afternoons. there were moments that felt almost like a relationship, but without the pressure. you became each other's confidants, sounding boards, safe spaces.

there were nights when he'd hold you close, your head resting on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. there were days when you'd tease each other mercilessly, laughing until your sides ached. there were times when words weren't necessary, when just being together was enough.

but there were also moments of doubt. moments when you wondered if he felt the same way you did. moments when you questioned if you were just setting yourself up for heartbreak. because as much as you liked what you had, there was always that nagging thought in the back of your mind: what if it's not enough?

one night, after a particularly long day, you found yourself lying next to him, staring at the ceiling. you could hear his steady breathing, feel the warmth of his body next to yours. you felt safe, content. but there was also that familiar ache, the longing for something more.

"aurélien," you whispered, not wanting to wake him but needing to say it.

"hmm?" he murmured, half-asleep.

"what are we?"

he was silent for a moment, then turned to face you, his eyes soft and sleepy. "we're us," he said simply. "does that need to change?"

you shook your head, tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. "no, it's just... sometimes i wonder."

he brushed a strand of hair from your face, his touch gentle. "i care about you, y/n. a lot. but i don't want to rush things or put pressure on us. can we just be? for now?"

you nodded, feeling a mixture of confusion and sadness. it wasn't the answer you'd hoped for, but it was honest. and maybe that was enough. for now.

so you stayed. you continued to share your days and nights. you continued to build something, something that apparently didn't need labels to be real.

because in the end, it wasn't about defining what you had, right? it was about the way he made you feel, the way you made him feel. it was about the moments you shared, the memories you created. it was about finding something good in the midst of the chaos.

and maybe, just maybe, that was all that mattered.

or maybe it wasn’t.

days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and the rhythm of your connection with aurélien settled into something familiar yet always slightly unpredictable. you both continued navigating your own lives, but there was an unspoken understanding that you'd always find your way back to each other.

one evening, after a particularly grueling day at work, you found yourself at aurélien's door. you hadn't planned on going over, but the need to see him, to be in his presence, was too strong to ignore. you knocked lightly, and when he opened the door, the sight of his smile was enough to make the day's stress melt away.

"hey you," he greeted, pulling you into a hug.

"hey," you sighed into his chest, the scent of his cologne instantly calming your nerves.

"rough day?" he asked, leading you inside.

"you have no idea," you replied, kicking off your shoes and collapsing onto his couch. "i just needed to see you."

he sat down beside you, his hand finding yours. "well, you're here now. tell me all about it."

you talked, and he listened. he always listened. it was one of the things you appreciated most about him. he never tried to fix things or offer unsolicited advice; he just let you vent, understanding that sometimes, that's all you needed.

"thanks," you said after a while, your head resting on his shoulder. "for always being here."

"always," he replied softly, kissing the top of your head.

but as the months passed, the lines between this casual, nameless ‘thing’ between you and something slightly more continued to blur. there were moments when you caught him looking at you with an intensity that made your heart skip a beat. moments when his touch lingered just a bit too long, his fingers brushing against your skin in a way that made you ache for more.

one night, you were both at a friend's birthday party. the atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and music, but all you could focus on was him. he seemed to sense your gaze, his eyes meeting yours from across the room. without a word, he made his way over to you, the crowd parting like the red sea.

"want to get out of here?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

you nodded, not trusting yourself to speak.

you found yourselves at a small, quiet location, the night air cool against your skin. you walked in comfortable silence, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant hum of the city.

"do you ever think about us?" you asked suddenly, the words escaping before you could stop them.

he stopped, turning to face you. "all the time," he admitted, his eyes searching yours.

"and?" you prompted, your heart pounding in your chest.

"and... i don't want to lose what we have," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "but i also don't want to live with 'what ifs.'"

"what are you saying?" you asked quietly, barely daring to breathe.

he took a step closer, his hand cupping your cheek. "i'm saying that i want to try. i want to see where this can go. but only if you do too."

tears welled in your eyes, not from sadness, but from the overwhelming emotion of the moment. "i do," you said, your voice slightly trembling. "i really do."

his lips found yours in a kiss that felt like coming home. it was soft and hesitant at first, as if you were both testing the waters, but it quickly deepened, a year's worth of unspoken feelings pouring out.

when you finally pulled away, you were both breathless, your foreheads resting against each other's. "so what now?" you asked, a small smile playing on your lips.

"now," he said, his thumb gently stroking your cheek, "we figure it out. together."

and you did.

it wasn't always easy, and there were moments of doubt, but you faced them together. you learned to communicate, to be vulnerable, to trust in what you were building.

the transition from friends to something more wasn't always smooth. there were moments when old habits clashed with new expectations, when you had to remind yourselves that you were in this together. but those moments of tension were always followed by moments of growth, of understanding each other a little better.

you found a balance between the comfort of your friendship and the excitement of your new relationship. you continued to share your lives, but now there was an added layer of intimacy, a deeper connection that made everything feel more profound.

there were lazy sunday mornings spent tangled in each other's arms, quiet evenings cooking dinner together, spontaneous adventures that took you to new places and brought you even closer. every moment, big or small, felt significant because you were sharing it with him.

and through it all, you never lost the feeling that had been there from the beginning—the feeling of belonging. he made you feel like you were exactly where you were meant to be, and you did the same for him.

one night, as you lay in bed together, the moonlight casting a soft glow over the room, you knew that whatever the future held, you would face it together. because what you had was no longer something fragile—it was something real, something that would endure.

something that would last.

[starlitmelanin]

ᡣ𐭩ྀི escapism; a.tchouaméni

pairing - aurélien x fem!reader

word count - 3k

warnings - mentions of alcohol/heavy drinking. implications of sex, nothing explicit.

summary - when your relationship ends abruptly, you don't have time to process the heartbreak. instead, you put on your little black dress, go out on the town, and find yourself a distraction.

it was supposed to be just another night, another argument that would blow over like all the rest. but when he sat you down, his expression more serious than you'd ever seen, you felt something shift in the air, something cold and final.

"we need to talk."

those words, so simple and so devastating, hung between you like a glass waiting to drop. you knew what was coming, could see it in the way he couldn't quite meet your eyes, in the way he sighed like he was about to do something he'd regret.

"i can’t do this anymore, y/n," he said, his voice heavy with regret but firm, like he'd made up his mind and there was no going back. "we're over."

the words hit you like a punch to the gut, knocking the wind out of you, leaving you reeling. for a moment, you just sat there, staring at him, waiting for him to say something, anything, that would make it all make sense. but he didn't. he just sat there, looking at you like he was waiting for you to understand, to agree, to make it easy for him.

but there was nothing easy about this. your heart felt like it was being torn apart, ripped to shreds, and you wanted to scream, to cry, to beg him to stay, to fight for what you had. but you didn't. you couldn't. because even as the pain surged through you, a numbness settled in, a protective layer that kept you from breaking down right there in front of him.

"okay," you said, the word hollow, emotionless, like it wasn't even you saying it. you stood up, walked away, and didn't look back.

you didn't cry. not then, not after. you wouldn't let yourself. instead, you did the only thing you could think of to keep from feeling the pain—you numbed it. the bottle became your closest companion, its contents a temporary bandaid for the wound that still felt too fresh, too raw.

that's how you found yourself out on the town, dressed in a little black dress that hugged your curves just right, your makeup flawless, your hair done up perfectly. you looked good, and you knew it, but it wasn't about feeling good. it was about not feeling at all. you wanted to drown out the thoughts, the memories, the pain. you wanted to lose yourself in the music, in the crowd, in the taste of alcohol on your tongue.

the club was packed, bodies moving together in a rhythm that was almost hypnotic, the bass vibrating through the floor, through your body, until it was the only thing you could feel. the lights were low, flashing colours that blurred your vision, making everything feel surreal, like you were in a dream. or a nightmare. you couldn't tell the difference.

you made your way to the bar, ordered another drink—something strong, something that burned on the way down—and then another. you didn't want to think, didn't want to feel. you just wanted to forget.

"you good?" the bartender asked, his voice cutting through the fog in your mind.

you looked at him, tried to focus on his face, but it was hard. everything was hard. "i'm fine," you said, waving him off. "just keep them coming."

he hesitated, but you weren't in the mood for pity or concern. you were here for one reason and one reason only—to drown out everything else.

that's when you saw him.

he was standing at the other end of the bar, leaning casually against it like he had all the time in the world. tall, dark, and handsome, with a smile that was almost too perfect, too charming. he had that kind of presence that made people turn and look, but he didn't seem to care. he was just... there. and for some reason, you couldn't stop staring.

he must have felt your gaze because he looked up, his eyes meeting yours across the bar. and then he smiled, a slow, lazy smile that made something in your chest tighten, made your breath catch. he was gorgeous, and you could tell he knew it, but there was something else, something in his eyes that made you want to look away and look closer all at once.

you weren't looking for anything serious. hell, you weren't looking for anything at all. but as he walked over to you, his steps confident, purposeful, you couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, this was exactly what you needed. a distraction. something, or someone, to take your mind off everything else.

"you look like you could use some company," he said, his voice smooth, warm, with just the right amount of flirtation.

"and you look like trouble," you shot back, the alcohol giving you a boldness you didn't usually have.

he laughed, the sound rich and deep. "maybe," he said, his eyes never leaving yours. "but maybe that's not such a bad thing."

you looked at him, really looked at him, and for the first time all night, you felt something other than pain, other than the numbness you'd been clinging to. you felt... intrigued. curious. and maybe a little reckless.

"i'm aurélien," he said, holding out his hand.

you took it, felt the warmth of his skin, the strength of his grip, and something in you shifted. "y/n."

he smiled, and it was the kind of smile that promised things you weren't sure you were ready for, but tonight, you didn't care. tonight, you weren't looking for promises or commitments. you were looking for an escape, and this aurélien guy seemed more than willing to provide it.

"so, y/n," he said, leaning in a little closer, his voice dropping to a murmur that was somehow more intimate than the loud music surrounding you, "what brings you out tonight?"

you hesitated, the truth too raw, too painful to share with a stranger, but the alcohol was already loosening your tongue, making you more honest than you would've liked. "my boyfriend dumped me," you said, the words slipping out before you could stop them. "last night."

his eyes softened, the playful light dimming just a little. "i'm sorry," he said, and it sounded genuine, not just something people say because they feel they should.

"don't be," you replied, taking another sip of your drink. "i'm not here to feel sorry for myself."

"what are you here for?" he asked, his eyes searching yours, curious.

you met his gaze, held it, and felt a spark of something you hadn't felt in a long time. desire. it was small, barely a flicker, but it was there, and you wanted to fan it, to let it grow, to let it burn away everything else.

"i'm here to forget," you said, your voice low, steady, and you could see the understanding in his eyes, the way his gaze darkened just a little, like he knew exactly what you meant.

"i think i can help with that," he said, his voice matching yours in intensity.

you didn't need to ask what he meant. you knew. and you were okay with it. more than okay. you wanted it.

"good," you said, setting your glass down on the bar, the clink of it louder than it should have been in the noise of the club. "because that's exactly what i need right now."

he didn't waste any time. his hand found yours, warm and strong, and he led you through the crowd, out of the club, and into the cool night air. the city was alive around you, the lights bright, the sounds of laughter and music and car horns filling the space, but it all felt distant, like you were in a bubble, just the two of you, moving through the night.

you didn't ask where he was taking you. you didn't care. you trusted him in that moment, trusted that he would give you what you needed, even if it was just for the night. because that's all it was. all it would ever be.

he hailed his driver, and you slid in beside him, the tension between you thick, electric. his hand brushed your thigh, a casual touch that sent a jolt of heat through you, and you leaned into it, into him, craving more, needing more.

the ride to his place was a blur, the streets flashing by in a haze of lights and shadows. your heart was racing, your mind spinning, but not with thoughts of your ex, not with pain or regret or anything other than the anticipation of what was to come.

when the car pulled up to his building, he muttered something to his driver in a language you barely understood and then led you inside, his hand never leaving yours. the elevator ride was silent, the air thick with unspoken words, unspoken desires. you could feel the heat radiating off him, the way his body seemed to vibrate with the same tension that was building in you, and it was almost too much, almost overwhelming, but you wanted it, in a way that was almost desperate.

his apartment was quiet, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen and the faint buzz of the city outside the windows. the space was sleek, modern, with clean lines and minimalist decor—everything in its place, not a single thing out of order. it felt like him, you thought, as you took it all in. controlled, confident, but there was a warmth to it too, something inviting that you hadn't expected.

aurélien watched you from the doorway, his eyes tracing your every movement as you wandered into the living room, your heels clicking softly against the hardwood floors. the silence between you was charged, and you could feel the weight of his gaze on you, the way it followed you like a magnet. there was something intoxicating about it, about him, and you found yourself drawn to it, to him, in a way that felt almost inevitable.

"nice place," you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper as you turned to face him.

he didn’t respond right away, just stepped closer, closing the distance between you in a way that was slow, deliberate. when he finally spoke, his voice was low, husky, sending a shiver down your spine.

"i'm glad you like it," he said, but his eyes were on you, not the apartment, like you were the only thing in the room that mattered.

there was a tension in the air, thick and heavy, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. it was the kind of tension that built, that coiled tighter and tighter until it snapped, until it became something else entirely. and you could feel it, feel that shift coming, feel it in the way your breath caught in your throat, in the way your pulse quickened as he moved closer.

"you don’t have to do this," aurélien said softly, his eyes searching yours, and there was a gentleness in his tone that surprised you, that made your heart ache in a way you hadn't expected. "we can just... talk, if you want."

talking wasn’t what you wanted. not tonight. not after everything that had happened, everything you were trying to forget. you didn’t want to think, didn’t want to feel. you just wanted to lose yourself, to drown out the pain in something else, in someone else.

"i don’t want to talk," you said, your voice firmer than you felt, and you took a step closer, your fingers brushing against the fabric of his shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath. "i want..."

but the words died on your lips, and you didn’t know how to finish the sentence, didn’t know how to tell him that you needed him, that you needed this, more than you’d ever needed anything else.

"what do you want, y/n?" aurélien asked, and the way he said your name, so soft, so intimate, almost sent you spiralling.

you looked up at him, your eyes meeting his, and there was something in his gaze that made you feel like he already knew, like he understood exactly what you were feeling, even if you couldn’t put it into words. and maybe he did, because when you didn’t respond, he closed the gap between you, his hand coming up to gently cup your cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against your skin.

"i got you," he whispered, and there was a promise in those words, a reassurance that made you want to believe him, that made you want to let go of everything else and just be there, in that moment, with him.

you leaned into his touch, your eyes closing as you let yourself feel the warmth of his hand against your skin, let yourself sink into the comfort of it. it was different from what you were used to—different from the way things were with your ex—but that was exactly what you needed. something different. something that didn’t remind you of the pain, the heartbreak. something that made you feel alive again.

and then his lips were on yours, soft and cautious at first, like he was giving you a chance to pull away, to stop this before it went any further. but you didn’t want to stop. you couldn’t. because the moment his lips touched yours, everything else faded away—the hurt, the betrayal, the thoughts of what you’d lost—and all that was left was him. aurélien. and the way he was making you feel.

you kissed him back, your hands coming up to grip the front of his shirt, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss until it was all-consuming, until it was the only thing you could think about, the only thing you could feel. his hands slid down your back, pulling you flush against him, and you could feel the heat of his body, the strength in his arms as they wrapped around you, holding you close.

you lost yourself in the kiss, in the way his lips moved against yours, in the way his hands roamed your body, exploring, discovering. it was intense, but it was exactly what you needed. you needed to feel wanted, needed, like you mattered, even if it was just for tonight.

"aurélien," you murmured against his lips, your voice breathless, filled with a need you couldn’t deny, and he pulled back just enough to look at you, his eyes dark with desire.

"you sure?" he asked, his voice low, rough, and you could see the restraint in his eyes, the way he was holding himself back, waiting for your permission, your consent.

"yeah," you breathed, and that was all it took.

he scooped you up into his arms, his strength catching you off guard, but you didn’t have time to react before he was carrying you down the hallway, his steps quick, purposeful, like he couldn’t wait any longer. and neither could you.

his bedroom was just as sleek and modern as the rest of the apartment, but you barely noticed, too focused on him, on the way he laid you down on the bed, his body hovering over yours, his eyes searching your face like he was looking for something, some sign that this was okay, that this was what you wanted.

and it was. more than anything.

you reached up to pull him down to you, your lips finding his again, and this time, there was no hesitation, no holding back. it was all heat and passion and desperation, and you lost yourself in it, in him.

the rest of the night was a blur of touches, of kisses, of whispered words and shared breaths. it was intense, raw, and exactly what you needed. aurélien was everything you could have asked for in a distraction—attentive, gentle, but with a fire that matched your own, that made you forget everything else.

for a few blissful hours, there was no pain, no reeling. there was only aurélien, and the way he was making you feel, the way he was making you forget.

but when it was over, when the night had given way to the early hours of the morning, and you were lying there beside him, his arm draped over your waist, his breath warm against your skin, reality started to creep back in. the numbness you’d been clinging to began to fade, and the ache in your chest returned, more dreadful than before.

you carefully slipped out of bed, not wanting to wake him, and quietly gathered your clothes, slipping them back on with practiced ease. you couldn’t stay. you couldn’t risk the morning-after awkwardness, the questions, the regrets. this was supposed to be a one-time thing, a way to forget, not something that lingered.

as you headed for the door, you glanced back at him, at the way he looked so peaceful, so content in his sleep. for a moment, you were tempted to stay, to curl back up beside him, to let yourself pretend that this could be something more. but you knew better. you knew that staying would only make things more complicated, more painful.

so you left, slipping out of his apartment and into the cool morning air. the city was starting to wake up, the streets slowly coming to life, but you felt like you were in a daze, like everything was happening in slow motion.

you didn’t look back as you walked away, your heels clicking against the pavement, the sound echoing in the quiet streets. you told yourself that this was what you needed, that aurélien was the perfect distraction, that you’d be fine now.

but deep down, you knew that the ache in your chest wasn’t going away. that the numbness you’d been relying on was only temporary, that eventually, you’d have to face reality.

but not yet. not now.

for now, you’d keep moving forward, keep putting one foot in front of the other, keep pretending that you’re okay.

because that’s all you could do. keep pretending. keep moving.

until the pain faded.

until you could breathe again.

until you were ready to feel again.

[emjayewrites]

aurélien 🤝🏾 arranged marriage trope

[emjayewrites]

i’d love to to be on your aurélien tag list 🤭

of course! of course!!

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (1/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @queenshikongo3 @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu

A/N: Please let me know if you like to be removed/added to the taglist. Also, a surprise mention in this chapter that links to another story!

The Madrid sun blazed relentlessly as Aurélien jogged across the training pitch, his head pounding with each step. The air hummed with the rhythmic thud of cleats striking balls and the sharp whistles of Coach Ancelotti directing drills. Aurélien grimaced. Last night's tequila shots at Goya Social Club were exacting their revenge.

Whoever invented tequila deserved a special place in hell.

"Bloody hell, he's trying to kill us," Jude Bellingham panted, falling into step beside Aurélien. "You holdin' up alright, mate? You look proper rough."

Aurélien grinned weakly at his teammate's distinctive Brummie accent. "I'm starting to think I should've stayed my ass in bed."

Eduardo Camavinga joined them, looking annoyingly fresh-faced. "What's this? The great Tchouaméni can't handle a little heat and a few drinks?"

"A few?" Aurélien scoffed. "I'm pretty sure I drank half of Mexico last night. Unlike some lightweights who bailed early," he added, eyeing Camavinga pointedly.

They paused near the sidelines, grabbing water bottles from the cooler. Jude took a long swig before turning to Aurélien, his expression softening.

"How're you really doing, though? With everything coming up next month?"

Aurélien's smile faltered slightly. "It’s… whatever. Not trying to dwell on it."

Camavinga clapped a supportive hand on his shoulder. "The arranged marriage, right? Your old man still pushing ahead?"

"Yeah," Aurélien sighed, his casual facade slipping a bit. "It’s a done deal. My fiancée and her family are arriving next month."

Jude shook his head, whistling low. "That’s a lot, mate. And you don’t even know her?"

"Not a clue," Aurélien confirmed. "Dad’s got it all arranged with her family. They even got the blessing from the elders back in Cameroon, but it's mainly my dad driving this whole thing."

"No wonder you've been living it up lately," Camavinga said, his tone sympathetic. "Fuck, I'd be drowning in women too if I knew I was being forced into a random marriage."

"You would've been if you hadn't ghosted us like that," Aurélien retorted. "I'm tired of planning stuff and you back out last minute, bro."

Jude nodded, his face brightening. "Speaking of hanging out, Lila's planning to visit soon. She's keen to catch up with everyone."

Aurélien managed a genuine smile at that. "That's great; it'll be good to see her again." He shook his head in disbelief, still amazed at how Jude had managed to snag Lewis Hamilton's little sister. The young Englishman's charm seemed to know no bounds. "How'd you swing that again?" he teased. "I still can't believe you're dating her. Talk about punching above your weight."

Jude grinned, a hint of pride in his eyes. "What can I say? The Bellingham charm is irresistible."

Camavinga snorted, nudging Jude's shoulder. "Yeah, right. And I'm the King of France."

As they bantered, Aurélien's mind wandered. He thought about the countless nights he'd spent clubbing, the endless amount of pussy, and the carefree laughter shared with teammates. All soon to be replaced by... what? Family dinners and couple's game nights? Sure he loved his family, especially his young siblings, Anne-Maïsha and Yannis, but settling down at twenty-four years of age seems blasphemous. The thought of being married was almost as nauseating as his hangover.

His phone buzzed in his bag - probably another message from his father, Fernand. The reality of his situation was closing in, and Aurélien couldn't help but feel a mix of resignation and resentment. He'd always known this day might come, but the speed at which it was approaching left him reeling.

They continued their training, and Aurélien tried to focus on the present. The feel of the grass beneath his feet, the burn in his muscles as he stretched, the familiar banter with his teammates. But his thoughts kept drifting to his unknown fiancée. Would she laugh at his jokes? Would she understand the offsides rule? Would she realize she was marrying a man whose idea of cooking was not burning toast? Would they even like each other?

An hour or so later, training was over for the day, and he hit the showers. By the time he stepped out onto the parking lot, he was back in his zone. The sun was still blazing as evening slowly drifted on, but he didn't mind. Sliding into his ride—a sleek, black Porsche 911 Turbo S—he let out a long breath. The leather seats felt cool against his skin as he sank into them, and the engine roared to life with a low, satisfying growl.

Aurélien pulled out his phone, noticing the missed calls from his father. He hesitated, then tapped the number and brought the phone to his ear. The call connected almost immediately.

"Ouais, Papa? (Yeah, Dad?)"

"Aurélien, enfin! Où es-tu? (Aurélien, finally! Where are you?)"

Aurélien sucked his teeth, glancing out at the sun-soaked training grounds. "Je viens de finir l'entraînement. Qu'est-ce qu'il y a? (I just finished training. What's up?)"

His father's voice took on a more urgent tone. "Va à l'aéroport. Ta femme arrive aujourd'hui. (Go to the airport. Your wife is arriving today.)"

Aurélien's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he frowned in disbelief. "Aujourd'hui? Mais pourquoi si tôt? (Today? But why so soon?)"

There was a brief pause before his father answered. "Elle a terminé ses études plus tôt que prévu, et elle commence à décrocher des contrats… tu sais, avec son Instagram. (She graduated early and she's starting to land some contracts… you know, with her Instagram.)"

Instagram? Aurélien blinked, trying to process what he'd just heard. The sarcasm practically dripped from his mind. Great. I'm marrying an IG hoe.

He sighed, running a hand over his face. "D'accord, j'y vais. (Alright, I'm on my way.)"

"Merci, fils. Sois gentil avec elle. (Thank you, son. Be nice to her.)"

Aurélien let out a dry chuckle as he hung up, shaking his head. Be nice? He didn't even know this girl, let alone how to be nice to her. As he shifted the Porsche into gear and pulled out of the lot, his thoughts drifted back to his unknown fiancée. Would she be another high-maintenance Instagram model obsessed with followers and brand deals? He smirked to himself. He'd seen enough of those in his life already.

But there was nothing to do now but go pick her up and see for himself. Maybe she'd take one look at him and decide she could do better after all. A man could dream, right?

Zuri fidgeted nervously, her eyes darting around the crowded airport pick-up station. She had no idea who she was looking for, which only added to the anxiety bubbling in her chest. Her father had given her little to go on, vague descriptions and the promise that she would "know him when she saw him." But how was she supposed to recognize a man she’d never met?

Then, out of the sea of people, she spotted him. A tall, broad-shouldered man with an air of effortless confidence, moving through the crowd as if he owned the place. His smooth, dark brown skin and muscled frame hugged his designer tracksuit perfectly, and his piercing eyes seemed to notice everything around him. Zuri's breath caught in her throat as he approached.

His gaze settled on her with a mix of curiosity and certainty. He stopped just in front of her, towering over her, and offered a polite nod.

"You wouldn’t happen to be the daughter of Ernest Awanto Nchang, would you?" he asked, his voice rich and smooth, though there was a hint of dryness in his tone.

Zuri blinked, momentarily taken aback by his handsomeness and the way his curly taper fade complemented his angular facial features. "Yes, I am," she replied cautiously. He then began to ramble off in rapid French, and Zuri failed miserably at trying to catch up. "Um, I'm sorry, I don't speak French that well."

His eyebrows rose slightly. "Ah, my bad. I'm Aurélien."

She nodded, offering a small smile. "Zuri. Nice to meet you."

As they collected her luggage - all five suitcases of it - Aurélien couldn't help but suck his teeth. "Damn, girl, did you pack your entire house?" he muttered.

"I didn't know how long I'd be staying," Zuri bristled as she followed Aurélien to the parking lot, her eyes widening slightly when she saw the sleek, black car parked in front of them.

A Porsche? Nice.

The car was immaculate, with gleaming chrome accents and tinted windows that added an extra layer of mystery. When Aurélien unlocked it with a casual click of his key fob, she couldn’t help but admire the luxury of it all. She slid into the passenger seat, and her fingers brushed against the soft, peanut butter leather that lined the interior. The seats were plush and cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the tension radiating off Aurélien as he settled in behind the wheel after packing her luggage in the trunk. The scent of expensive cologne and leather filled the air, making the space feel even more intimate and imposing.

The drive began in uncomfortable silence, the only sound coming from the hum of the engine and the occasional click of the turn signal. After a few minutes, Aurélien finally broke the silence, his voice laced with dry humor. "You know, you weren’t supposed to arrive until next month."

Zuri didn’t miss the underlying irritation in his tone. She glanced over at him, her defenses kicking in immediately. "I’m sorry for ruining your plans," she shot back, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Aurélien’s lips twitched slightly, the hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, surprised by her sass. "Why the sudden change?"

Zuri sighed. "I graduated early from university. My father and I weren't seeing eye to eye about my career plans. He wants me to get a 'real job'," she air-quoted, "instead of pursuing my influencer work. So he decided to ship me off to Madrid, figuring my 'husband'," another air quote, "would straighten me out."

Aurélien couldn't help but laugh. "Gotta love African parents, huh?"

"Yeah," Zuri snorted. "By the way, how do you pronounce your name again? Or-ree-lee-en?"

"Aw-reh-lee-an," he corrected. "And yours is Zoo-ree, right?"

"Close. It's more like Zu-ree. Short 'u' sound."

They pulled up to a modern, spacious house with large windows and a manicured lawn. As they entered, they were greeted by an energetic German Shepherd puppy.

"Zeus, down boy," Aurélien commanded, but the dog was too excited by the new arrival.

Zuri shrieked and jumped back as Zeus bounded towards her.

Aurélien's lips contorted into a teasing grin. "Don't tell me you're scared of a little puppy?"

"He's not little!" Zuri protested, eyeing the dog warily.

"He's only a year old," Aurélien chuckled, picking up Zeus easily, as if the dog barely weighed anything at all. "See? Harmless."

Zuri didn't look convinced, but she tentatively reached out to pet Zeus's head. The dog immediately licked her hand, causing her to giggle despite herself.

Aurélien watched the exchange, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Looks like Zeus likes you already," he remarked, setting the dog back down on the floor. Zeus trotted off, seemingly satisfied with the introduction.

"Come on," Aurélien said, gesturing for her to follow him. "I’ll show you around."

The house was as impressive on the inside as it was on the outside. Modern and spacious, with clean lines and tasteful décor that spoke of understated luxury. Aurélien led her through the open-plan living area, pointing out the key features as they went.

"This is the living room," he said, nodding toward the large sectional sofa and the wall-mounted TV that dominated one side of the space. "The kitchen’s over there, fully stocked. Dining area’s next to it if you’re into that."

Zuri trailed behind him, taking in the high ceilings and the large windows that bathed the room in natural light. Everything looked like it had been carefully curated, from the abstract art on the walls to the sleek, polished surfaces that gleamed under the light.

He led her down a hallway, past a few closed doors, and stopped in front of one. "Here’s your room," he said, pushing the door open to reveal a well-appointed guest room. It was cozy, with a queen-sized bed covered in crisp white sheets, a matching dresser, and a small seating area by the window.

"The bed’s already made up, but if you need extra sheets or towels, they’re in the closet here," Aurélien added, opening a nearby door to show her where everything was neatly stored.

Zuri nodded, still a little overwhelmed by the situation. "It’s really nice, thank you."

Aurélien shrugged as if it was no big deal. "My chef usually comes in every other day around two to fill up the fridge, so if you’re hungry, just look there."

Zuri raised an eyebrow, curious. "Do you ever cook for yourself?"

Aurélien let out a short laugh. "Nah," he replied, shaking his head. "Not really my thing. Oh, yeah, I’m usually out early and back late, so don’t wait up for me. It’s cool to eat without me."

Zuri wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so she just nodded.

"Well, I’ll let you settle in," Aurélien said, giving Zeus a quick pat before heading toward the door. "Zeus and I are gonna give you some space. If you need anything, just let me know."

With that, he left her alone in the guest room, the door clicking shut behind him. Zuri stood there for a moment, taking it all in. The reality of her situation was slowly sinking in—she was in a foreign country, in a stranger’s house, with a man she barely knew, and would soon be in a marriage she hadn’t chosen.

She tried to keep a straight face, to be strong like she always was, but the fear and uncertainty were overwhelming. Her hands trembled slightly as she sat down on the edge of the bed, the softness of the sheets offering little comfort. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed, but the tears came anyway, slipping down her cheeks before she could stop them.

Zuri quickly wiped them away, frustrated with herself for breaking down so easily. She’d worked so hard to build her life, her career, her brand as an influencer. She was known for her confidence, her style, her ability to navigate the fast-paced world of social media with ease. But now, all of that seemed so far away. Her home was in New York, where she knew the streets, the people, the culture. And now, here she was, starting over in Spain—a place she’d only ever visited on a few short trips to Europe.

How was she supposed to navigate this? She could barely understand her parents’ home language of French, and now she was expected to learn Spanish too? The thought was daunting, and for a moment, she felt utterly lost.

Aurélien paused outside the guest room door, his hand hovering over the handle. He could hear Zuri's muffled sobs from the other side, and a twinge of guilt twisted in his stomach. He'd never been good with crying women - it always made him feel awkward and out of his depth. His ex-girlfriends had often complained about his tendency to shut down or retreat when emotions ran high.

He sighed, running a hand over his face. Part of him wanted to go in there, to try and comfort her somehow. But what would he even say? 'Sorry your dad shipped you off to marry a stranger'? Yeah, that would go over well.

Despite his discomfort, Aurélien couldn't help but think about how beautiful Zuri was. Her umber skin was flawless, smooth, and rich like polished mahogany. Her full lips, high cheekbones, and almond-shaped eyes gave her an almost regal appearance. And her hair - a mass of springy curls that framed her face perfectly. She was stunning, no doubt about it.

His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was a text from Jules Koundé:

"Hey man, just landed in Madrid. Still good for me to crash at your place?"

Aurélien winced. Fuck. With Zuri's unexpected arrival, he'd completely forgotten about Jules' visit. He quickly typed out a reply:

"Slight change of plans. The fiancée arrived early. Mind staying at a hotel instead?"

Jules' response came moments later:

"No worries, bro. Hotel might be better anyway - more privacy for bringing back some señoritas, if you know what I mean 😉"

Aurélien chuckled, but then paused. Could he still do that? Bring back hookups? Technically, Zuri was his fiancée now, but it's not like they were going to have a loving marriage. Maybe they could come to some sort of agreement - you have your side pieces, I have mine, just keep it out of the media?

He shook his head. That sounded grim, even to him. But wasn't that the reality of their situation?

Thirty minutes later, Aurélien met up with Jules at a trendy bar in downtown Madrid. The two friends dapped each other, slipping easily into rapid French.

"Mon frère, ça fait trop longtemps! (My brother, it's been too long!)" Jules grinned.

"Je sais, je sais," (I know, I know,) Aurélien replied, signaling the bartender for two beers. "Mec, tu ne croiras jamais ce qui s'est passé aujourd'hui. (Dude, you won't believe what happened today.)"

As they settled into a corner booth, Aurélien recounted the day's events - Zuri's unexpected arrival, the awkward drive home, her fear of Zeus.

"Elle est comment? (What's she like?): Jules asked, leaning in with interest.

Aurélien took a long swig of his beer before answering. "Belle. Vraiment belle. Mais aussi... je ne sais pas. Perdue? Effrayée? Je l'ai entendue pleurer dans sa chambre. (Beautiful. Really beautiful. But also... I don't know. Lost? Scared? I heard her crying in her room.)"

Jules whistled low. "Merde, c'est dur. Qu'est-ce que tu vas faire? (Shit, that's rough. What are you going to do?)"

Aurélien shrugged, feeling helpless. "Je ne sais pas, mec. Je ne sais vraiment pas. (I don't know, man. I really don't know.)"

Aurélien and Jules continued their night, moving from the bar to a pulsing nightclub. The bass throbbed through the air as they made their way to the VIP section, immediately drawing attention from the other patrons.

Two women approached them, exuding confidence with every step. The taller one, with sleek box braids cascading down her back, sidled up to Jules, while her friend, with her hair styled in loose waves and curves that her dress hugged perfectly, set her sights on Aurélien.

"You look like you could use some company," the woman with the braids said in accented English, her dark eyes locked on Jules. "You want to dance?"

Jules smiled coolly, already angling towards the dance floor with his companion. "Sounds good to me. Aurélien?"

Aurélien watched his friend smoothly lead his dance partner away before turning his attention back to the woman before him. She was stunning, her skin a rich, deep brown that seemed to glow under the club lights.

"I'm Lia," she said, leaning in close to be heard over the music. "And you are…?"

"Aurélien," he replied, his eyes appreciatively taking in her features. He knew exactly where this was heading, and a part of him hesitated. The image of Zuri, alone and crying in his guest room, flashed through his mind.

But then Lia's hand was on his arm, her touch warm and inviting, and he found himself leaning into it. Didn't he deserve one last night of freedom before diving into this arranged marriage mess?

"So, Aurélien," Lia's voice pulled him back to the present. "What brings you out tonight? Celebrating something?"

Aurélien chuckled, a hint of irony lacing his words. "You could say that. Let's just say I'm trying to… clear my head."

Lia tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? And how's that working out for you?"

Aurélien’s gaze lingered on her, sliding from her eyes to her full lips, then lower, drinking in every curve with deliberate intent. "I think it's starting to help," he murmured, his voice low and thick with suggestion.

Lia’s lips curled into a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with intrigue. She stepped closer, closing the distance between them until their bodies were nearly touching. "Is that so?" she teased, her tone laced with challenge.

Aurélien leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Why don't we find somewhere more private?" His hand brushed her waist, fingers skimming the fabric of her dress.

Lia didn’t hesitate. She got up from her seat, leading him out of the VIP section through a dimly lit hallway and into a nearby storage room. It was cramped and cluttered, but it provided the seclusion they needed.

Once inside, Aurélien wasted no time. He pressed Lia against the wall, his hands gripping her hips as he pulled her close. Their lips met in a heated kiss, all hunger and need, as their bodies moved together in a feverish rhythm. His hands roamed over her curves, exploring every inch as she eagerly responded, her fingers threading through his hair.

The kiss broke, and Lia dropped to her knees, her eyes locking with his as she unbuttoned his pants. Aurélien's breath caught as she freed him, her hand wrapping around his thick length. His cock was long and veined, the skin taut and smooth, with a slight curve that Lia seemed to appreciate. She took him into her mouth, her lips stretching around him as she began to work him over with slow, deliberate strokes of her tongue.

Aurélien groaned, one hand resting on the back of her head as she took him deeper, her tongue swirling around the head of his cock before sliding down his shaft. Lia knew exactly what she was doing, her movements expertly designed to drive him wild. Her slurping sounds filled the small room, a wet, rhythmic symphony that matched the pulse of his desire.

He hated that he was here, in some grimy storage room at a club, getting his dick sucked like this. It felt beneath him, almost disrespectful to himself, but he couldn’t deny how badly he needed this distraction. The tension, the frustration, all of it melted away with each skilled flick of Lia’s tongue, each tight, wet pull of her mouth.

But even as his body responded, his mind wandered. Thoughts of Zuri crept in, uninvited, disrupting his focus. He imagined her face, the way she looked at him earlier with a mix of uncertainty and defiance. He could almost hear her voice, questioning what the hell he was doing. The thought made him grit his teeth, annoyed at himself for letting her into his head at a moment like this.

Lia's pace quickened, her mouth moving faster, more desperate to push him over the edge. Aurélien let out a low growl, trying to banish the thoughts of Zuri from his mind as he focused on the warmth of Lia's mouth, the tight suction that was driving him closer to release. He tightened his grip on her hair, thrusting deeper into her throat, the need for release overriding everything else.

Finally, with a rough groan, Aurélien came, his body shuddering as he spilled into Lia’s mouth. She took it all, swallowing greedily as he rode out his climax, her lips still wrapped around him until he was spent.

When it was over, Lia slowly pulled back, wiping the corner of her mouth with a satisfied smirk. Aurélien leaned against the wall, catching his breath, his mind already turning back to the reality he was trying to escape.

"Needed that," he muttered, his voice rough.

Lia stood, straightening her dress as she shot him a playful look. "Anytime," she teased, giving him a light tap on the chest before standing up to her full height. "Y'know that was only a preview right?"

Aurélien adjusted his clothes, feeling the weight of everything settling back on his shoulders. "I know, but I'm fine with that preview."

"You sure?"

"100%," he said, deftly ignoring the pout on her lips. "Thank you."

Lia shrugged as she fixed her dress, "You're welcome, I guess."

This had been a temporary distraction, nothing more. As he exited the storage room, his thoughts were already drifting back to Zuri and the mess he knew was waiting for him.

Should've kept my dick in my pants.

Aurélien felt surprisingly guilty as he made his way back to the main area of the club, spotting Jules near the exit with Lia's friend. The two men approached each other, exchanging a quick dap.

"Heading out?" Aurélien asked, eyeing the woman waiting with Jules.

Jules grinned, "Yeah, man. You good?"

Aurélien nodded despite his slight uneasiness, "All good. See you tomorrow?"

"For sure. Later, bro."

With a final fist bump, they parted ways. Aurélien watched them leave before calling for his own ride home.

The house was dark when he arrived, save for the flickering light of the TV in the living room. As he approached, Zeus lifted his head from the couch, tail wagging slightly at the sight of his owner.

"Hey, boy," Aurélien whispered, moving closer. That's when he noticed Zuri, curled up on the couch next to Zeus, fast asleep.

A small smile tugged at his lips. He'd have to tease her tomorrow about cozying up to the dog she was so afraid of earlier. Quietly, he retrieved a blanket from a nearby chair and gently draped it over her sleeping form.

As he leaned in, he couldn't help but notice the dried tear tracks on her cheeks. The sight sobered him instantly, reminding him of the reality of their situation.

"We're both fucked, huh sweetheart?" he murmured, more to himself than to her or Zeus.

With a sigh, he turned off the TV and headed upstairs. In his room, he shed his clothes, the scent of the club – and Lia – still clinging to him. As he stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash over him, his mind raced.

This arranged marriage... it wasn't what either of them wanted. But it was their reality now. As the water ran cold, Aurélien couldn't shake the feeling that his life had irrevocably changed. The carefree bachelor was gone, and in its place? A reluctant husband? A man trapped in a loveless marriage?

As he climbed into bed, exhaustion finally overtaking him, his last thought before drifting off was of Zuri's tear-stained face. Whatever happened next, he realized, they were in this together.

TO BE CONTINUED...

[ts1m1kas]

Original Ask: anything angsty/fluff with aurelien tchouameni if ur up for writing for him! ❤️ (anonymous)

Word Count: 470 words

(author's note: first tchouameni fic !! hope this is okay 🫶)

The sun had begun to set behind the trees, casting its soft glow through the windows. Y/N stood in the kitchen, basking in the remnants of the evening sun. Her boyfriend, Aurelien, was upstairs, getting a last-minute late-night shower after his training session had run over schedule. 

Y/N soaked up the tranquillity and peacefulness of the early twilight while anticipating her boyfriend’s return from upstairs. Sighing contentedly, she moved towards the kettle that resided on the kitchen counter. Y/N lifted it off its base and moved over to the sink.

As it filled up with water, she heard the faint sound of the shower door opening and closing from upstairs. Turning off the tap, Y/N placed the kettle back down and flicked it on to boil. The whistling of the appliance cut through the silence as Y/N returned to the window to further admire the now inky-black sky.

Aurelien stepped out of the shower and grabbed his towel from the floor. He wrapped it around his waist and wandered into the bedroom he shared with his girlfriend and opened the doors of his wardrobe. Pulling out a t-shirt and shorts, he began to dry himself off, eager to go and spend the rest of the evening with Y/N.

Walking down the stairs, Aurelien headed into the kitchen, where he spotted his girlfriend staring out of the window. He moved over to where she stood and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. Leaning his head onto her shoulder, he pressed a gentle kiss to the skin of her neck.

“Did you have a nice shower?” Y/N asked, breaking the silence that had returned after the kettle had boiled.

“Mhm, was nice after training.” He replied. “Were you making tea?”

She nodded, “Was waiting for you to come down to see if you wanted a cup.”

“Yeah, I’ll have some if you don’t mind, baby.” 

“Course, sit down, and I’ll bring it to you when it’s finished.”

Aurelien moved back and removed his arms from his girlfriend’s waist. He kissed her softly before he moved through to their living room. Grabbing the TV remote, he switched the television on, letting the cheesy late-night game show channel fill the silence.

Y/N had moved over to the cupboard and pulled out two mugs. She set about making the tea, and once she had finished, she carried the mugs carefully into the living room. She placed them down on the side table wordlessly and settled down beside Aurelien.

The couple cuddled together, the room being illuminated by the soft glow of the TV. Y/N laid her head on her boyfriend’s chest, who placed a kiss on her head in response. The pair basked in each other’s company, savouring the rare moment of quiet company.

[bahrtofane]

event time !!!

oh em geee ive hit 300 followers on here thats insane insane insane !!

thank you to everyone who interacts and follows and just enjoys my silly ramblings on here

to celebrate ill be holding a little 2 ish week long event where u can pick from a numbered prompt list of tropes and dialogue ! pick one of each with the player u want from the ones on my master list . send them my way via the ask box and ill cook a blurb up for you ! think like 200-1k ish words

example - dialogue 2 and trope 5 with jude

it will take me a sec to get through them so plz be patient

here is the prompt lists !!! have fun and i cant wait to see what everyone sends in muah

[ts1m1kas]

thank you so much for all the support on my newest jude fic, it means more than you all know 🫶

i have a tchouameni fic coming out tomorrow, i hope you'll all enjoy it xoxo

[ts1m1kas]

anything angsty/fluff with aurelien tchouameni if ur up for writing for him! ❤️

hi love, of course !!