#baseball fanfiction

[leclucklerc]

Against the World SO17 - 02. Summer Tournament

Pairings: Shohei Ohtani x reader

Summary: It's the summer tournament. Y/n is trying to tackle her own fears in order to support her best friend

Word Count: 6.1 k

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The summer heat slowly began to creep in as time passed. It’s nearing summer already; spring has long been forgotten. Their uniforms had been replaced with shorter versions, as everyone was already preparing for the summer season.

For the past few weeks, the sun had been hotter than ever. It persistently shone up in the sky, giving them its warm embrace without fail.

Summer means a lot of things. It means the golden week will be coming very soon – as well as its tons and tons of homework. It means going to the pool and the beaches. It means summer festival and fireworks. It means what a time to be alive, especially for teenagers like them. Teenagers who are still searching for more adventure in their life.

But so some, summer, means some other things.

Y/n knows, that to Shohei, Summer means Koshien.

“Are you nervous for this weekend?”

Sipping on a bottle of orange juice, Shohei shook his head. Typical, thought y/n with a raised eyebrow. The other teen had always been hardly fazed by anything.

The two of them are sitting on the rooftop, watching the soccer match that’s happening down the field. It was lunchtime, and the two of them decided to eat their lunch while basking in the summer heat. Truthfully, y/n hates getting under the sun without any good reason, but Shohei’s good at pleading.

And the heaps of sunscreen that she had plastered across her face and arm definitely helped.

“Well, aren’t you a confident person?” she mumbled as a response.

Shohei had always been a confident person, after all. He is so sure of himself and his skill that he becomes hardly unfazed by anything.

“I’m more excited than nervous,” answered the boy, a grin already forming on his face. No doubt, he’s already imagining the upcoming match this weekend. “I mean, I’ve been waiting for it for so long.”

He must’ve been waiting for the opportunity for so long. She knows that he has practiced day and night, every day, after all.

“I’m excited to go to Koshien,” he continued. “I can’t wait already.”

Y/n raised an eyebrow at that. “You’re sure that the team will be going to Koshien?”

Shohei let out a laugh at that as if she had just said something funny. Sue her for having a bit of doubt. Even if you don’t follow baseball, as long as you live in Japan, you will know that Koshien is the pinnacle of high school baseball. It’s the highest stage that you can achieve before going pro. It’s the stage where major baseball stars have been scouted in the past.

“I am,” he replied. “I’ve never been surer in anything.”

It must be nice to be that confident.

Letting out a nod, she gave his shoulder a soft nudge. “Koshien or no, I think you will do great during the tournament.”

“I know I will be great.”

At this, she hits his back softly. “And here I am trying to be a good friend,” grumbled the girl. “I’m not going to wish you any more good luck in the future.”

A bark of laughter escaped Shohei at that as he tipped his head back. He sounds so amused that it irks her a bit. “I’m just joking,” he said, tears already forming in his eyes due to the sudden laughter. “I know I will be great, but your good luck wish will make my performance greater,” he stopped at this. “I think.”

“You think!?”

He merely let out an even louder laugh.

Biting on her chocolate bread, y/n kept listening to the other teen ramble about the upcoming match. Chocolate bread had not been her first choice for lunch, but the moment Shohei had seen her salad with a meager portion, he had insisted that she eats the bread that he had brought for snacking.

“-And you’re really coming right to the match?”

It took her a moment to respond. Y/n remembers the smile that Shohei shot her a few days ago when he had asked her to come. How the sun draped across his features as he uttered words that she didn’t think she would ever hear again in her lifetime.

She is coming to a baseball game. 

What a joke.

Past her probably would’ve laughed at her face.

After so many years of hating baseball, now she decided that she’s going to finally watch a match? And it’s not even a professional match. It’s a high school baseball match played by students. The level of skill should be different from that of pro players.

It doesn’t make sense. Everything doesn’t make sense.

“Yeah,” she said. “I’ll be coming,” she finally answered, throat bobbled uncomfortably for a bit. There’s an uncomfortable feeling that’s looming inside her gut. Something persistent. Something dreadful.

And yet, why is she agreeing on this?

“That’s nice,” he replied with a large smile, it made her almost forget the unpleasant feeling that she was having right now. Almost. It’s something that his smile managed to consistently do. Always made her feel better. “My parents will also be coming to that match, considering it’s my debut and all.”

“Debut?” she laughed, desperately squashing her nervousness and dread. “I thought I’m the idol between the two of us?”

“Baseball debut,” he replied with a huff. 

“But yeah, I will be coming,” continued y/n. “I do have some auditions to attend during this weekend, though, so I’ll probably go to Tokyo straight after the games. How long do you think the game will take?”

“Straight to Tokyo?” echoed Shohei. “Are you not tired? And it’s usually 2 to 3 hours by train.”

“I am tired,” grumbled out y/n as she leaned back on her chair. “But what can I do? Most of the auditions happen in Tokyo.”

Shohei hummed at that, finally finishing his orange juice. Crumbling the box with his hand, he tossed it to the trash bin near them. He did it with almost perfect accuracy. Athletes. 

“Do you have the time to chat after the game?” he said after a while. “Just for a bit?”

Her mind went to her booked train ticket. It really depends on how long the game will last. If it’s a long game, well, she won’t have the time to do it. But if it’s a short one, she will be able to squeeze in a chat with Shohei for a while.

“Depends,” she answered. “Are you going to strike out the batters quickly?”

The boy hummed at that.

“With the right motivation, I probably can.”

When he was five, Shohei decided that he was going to be a baseball player.

Despite his young age, it was not a decision that he made on a whim. He made the decision when he realized how fun baseball is that the sport had become an integral part of his young age. That there will always be a proud gleam in his father’s eyes whenever he sees Shohei playing baseball.

Ever since then, he had always followed the expected path of a budding baseball talent.

He joins the little league team that his father coached. He follows his father’s guidance, concentrating on how to become the best player out there. He joined all the expected tournaments and won and broke records – as expected of him.

Entering Hanamaki Higashi for high school, too, had always been something expected of him. After all, it’s the best baseball school in Iwate. It’s the school that produced Yusei Kikuchi. It’s the high school that managed to go to Koshien before. 

For someone who lives and breathes baseball, entering Hanamaki Higashi is expected.

Expected, expected, expected. It’s the path that had been laid out in front of him. Just like the piece of paper that the coach had asked him to fill during his first day in the team. A piece of paper full of his dreams and expectations of the future. A carefully made plan that he had planned with his father for years. 

But still-

Friendship with y/n is something unexpected to him.

The first time he had seen her was during the first day when the class quieted down as she entered the room, and everyone stared at her with something akin to reverence.

Y/n looks as if she’s an angel that was dropped down from the sky.

Glittering hair under the sunlight and a healthy flush across her face. She walks with so much grace that it automatically makes people’s eyes to follow her. Every time she smiles, someone seems to hold their breath, just watching the girl brighten up the room with a simple quirk on her lips.

He knows that the girl is beautiful. He thinks that everyone in the school knows that. The excited chatters of his team as they talked about the prettiest girl in school. The hushed whispers about her already debuting as an idol back in Tokyo, as well as her half-foreign blood, make her the school idol in no time.

Frankly, back then, he couldn’t see him being friends with y/n.

After all, they lived in a different world. Her, under the glitz and glamor of the entertainment industry, and him, under the scorching sun and dirt as he played baseball. If he had looked at it objectively, the friendship between people with such different interests is almost hard to do.

When they got put to sit together, he really couldn’t find any topic to talk about with the girl. He doesn’t recognize anything that she talks about with her friends, and y/n looks disinterested in baseball. For some time, their conversations are only limited to school subjects and their homework.

But then, as he watched an NPB match, he accidentally saw a familiar figure.

Glittering hair under the stadium lights and a healthy flush across her face. A smile so bright that it made the stadium watch this unknown girl who was doing the first pitch.

Y/n-san, he had thought, eyes widening as he watched the girl moving on the screen.

Thoughts about the match almost went forgotten as he watched the first pitch ceremony. The stadium itself was not full, which is understandable, considering it’s not time for the game to start yet. But still, as someone who lives and breathes baseball, to see someone that he knows throwing the first pitch of an NPB team had been an interesting experience.

After that, he fell into a rabbit hole. He recalled the conversation from the locker room, how she was an idol from Tokyo. Shohei immediately looked it up, mostly because of the curiosity that was gnawing inside of his mind. One video turns into another, and before he knew it, he had watched more than a dozen videos of the small-time idol called y/n l/n.

Their meeting in the mall that led to their daily jog together, their growing conversations in class, and the way they spent almost every second of their time together.

Months ago, if you asked Shohei if he thinks he will befriend the girl who’s sitting at the desk next to him, he would’ve said no.

But alas, here he is, waving at the girl who had come to watch the baseball club practice.

Now, a few months after their initial first meeting, he’s confident to say that y/n is his best friend. His closest confidante. The one that he told everything about.

Noticing his small wave almost immediately, y/n waved back, a cheeky grin on her face as she sat there with a friend of hers – Nishikawa-san. The both of them are sitting in a seat just outside of the tall fence that separates the baseball field and the school grounds. Around them, are other students and teachers that sometimes also watch the baseball team’s practice.

Nishikawa-san said something to Y/n’s ear, making her laugh, and for a second, Shohei had a hard time averting his gaze. He thinks anyone in the world will have a hard time looking away when they see that laugh.

“Dude,” whispered one of the baseball club members, yanking him by the shoulder. “Did l/n-san just wave at you!?”

Shohei blinked. “We’re friends,” he said simply, finally turning his gaze towards his teammate. 

“With the prettiest girl in school!” answered the other a bit aggressively. “I’m so jealous!”

He knows that y/n is popular. She’s always in the conversation when they’re talking about the prettiest girls in school. He also had seen a couple of letters being shoved into her shoe locker, but most of them remained unopened as y/n decided to ignore them often. However, knowing her popularity and seeing it firsthand is a bit different.

“We sit together,” he replied, slinging an arm around his teammate’s shoulder. “Let’s go, the coach is calling for us.”

As they jog towards the rest of the team, his mind still wanders towards the girl. It’s a bit hard not to think about her, as she always commands the majority of the attention inside of a room. Even now, he could see several glances directed towards her or plain staring from the people around them. 

But Shohei needs to focus. Summer is approaching, and they have a goal to achieve this year.

Koshien, he thought. The field of dreams for every high school baseball player. The tournament that will change the life of every high school baseball player.

So many stars are born through Koshien. So many scouts came for Koshien, searching for the next big thing through their keen eyes. Shohei himself is determined to become a professional baseball player. He has no career option besides professional baseball players. His future is basically that or a bust. That or nothing.

This weekend, Shohei will start for his school for the first time. It’s the summer tournament, the very tournament that will decide their Koshien ambition. It will be a lie to say that he’s not nervous. After all, he’s so nervous that he can’t sleep at night. There are more than a thousand things that could go wrong. More than a million things that could go wrong because of him, ending their Koshien journey this year.

Maybe that’s why he had asked y/n to come and attend the game. He thinks, that if he sees the girl on the stand, it can relieve some of his nervousness. 

To see her cheering for him will be an energizer that he needs for his first start in his high school career. This is a pivotal moment for his future. Whether the coach thinks that he has the potential or not for the big stage will be decided this weekend.

He thinks that the girl is not interested in baseball, but that’s okay. Shohei thinks that he can change her mind after the game. 

After all, baseball is the best.

What is she doing here? Thought y/n as she stands in front of the stadium.

Y/n could feel the dread that was slowly climbing into her throat. It’s a bit suffocating. A bit alarming.

It’s been years since she watched a baseball game. An amazing feat considering how baseball-obsessed Japan as a country is. She had avoided the sport for so long and had been so successful in doing it, too.

So why is she here?

Will she abandon all of her efforts just for a boy?

But it’s not just a boy, a voice whispered inside his mind. It’s her best friend. The boy with a bright smile and such a big love for baseball. Shohei always looks so bright and happy every time he talks about baseball. She knows that the sport is everything to him. That his asking her to be here and watch his first baseball game is an important request for him.

That her presence her matters. That he will be looking at her through the crowd.

The dread is still there, though. It’s still clawing at her throat insistently. It still reminds her why she hates the sport. Why, for her future sake, she should avoid it altogether.

She shouldn’t be here.

She hates baseball! Why is she even here-

“Hey,” said Ami, hitting her shoulder lightly. “What are you staring at? The game is starting soon!”

Ami decided to tag along. Y/n thinks she did this because she realized how pale she had become when she accepted Shohei’s request. The girl had always had a keen eye, after all, which is one reason why they got along so well.

“I- “started y/n. “I don’t think I can do this-“

“What are you talking about!” exclaimed Ami as she practically dragged the other girl into their seat. “We’re already here!”

“No-“ she started, stopping the both of them on their track. “I don’t- Seriously, I don’t think I can- I- I-“

“Hey,” Ami’s voice stopped her sentence. There’s a grounding hand on her shoulder, effectively clearing her mind for a bit. Beneath her lashes, y/n could see the concerned look that the other girl was wearing now. “Y/n-chan, are you okay?”

Are you okay?

Is she okay?

Is she okay standing here in the middle of a baseball stadium?

No- no. No, she’s not okay.

“No,” she rasped out. “I- I don’t think I’m okay.”

Ami shifted her gaze towards the clock near them. There’s still plenty of time before the game starts. Deciding in an instant, Ami immediately grabbed y/n’s hand before guiding her elsewhere. A more secluded spot where not many people will be around.

Sitting on one of the benches, she touched y/n’s cheek gently, forcing her to stare at her eyes.

“Hey,” she said. “What happened?”

“I-“ started y/n, but she stopped. She could tell her. She could tell the girl in front of her the reason why she hated baseball so much, why she didn’t want to be here. Why her being in this stadium just to watch a high school baseball game is a mistake?

But by doing so, it means that she will have to bear all of her heart to see.

Y/n likes to think that she’s a simple person.

She’s someone closed off. Someone cheery and happy in front and broody and solemn behind everyone’s back. It’s part of her idol mask. A demand that she should always keep this extroverted mask for all to see.

For Ami to understand why she hates being here, she will have to tell her everything. Everything about the mistake of her birth.

She hates it.

She hates being vulnerable.

Ami still sat there, right in front of her, watching her silently. Forever seems to pass between the two of them as y/n’s throat bobbles uncomfortably. She’s at a loss for what she should do.

“Hey,” started the other girl. “If you don’t want to tell me, it’s okay. I won’t prod anymore.”

Y/n is still silent at that, peering at Ami through her lashes.

Ami let out a sigh, the grounding hand on her shoulder was still there. Rubbing small circles. 

“I’” started y/n. “My father left me and my mom before I was born.”

“… Ah,” said Ami after a long silence.

“He was a baseball player.”

“… Ah.”

Silence descends between the two of them again.

“My mom also left me when I was 10,” said Ami finally. “She was an asshole.”

“… at least you have a father?”

The other girl let out a small snort at that. “I could say the same thing about your mom.”

Another silence descends between the two of them.

Distantly, she could see the people that were passing in front of them. All of them are enraptured in their own world. Barely paying any attention to a girl with puffy eyes and uneven breathing.

It feels oddly calming. That despite everything, a lot of people won’t notice her vulnerability.

The silence was broken by Ami’s question. “Do you still want to watch the match?”

Her first instinct is to say no.

But Shohei’s bright grin and the promise that they had made on the school rooftop echoed inside her mind.

It played inside of her head over and over again. Repeating itself as if y/n would ever forget. As if she will ever forget the way Shohei’s face brightened at the healthy tan that decorated his skin – a sign of his dedication to the craft of baseball.

She closed her eyes, trying to tame her mind.

This is different, she thought. This match is different.

It’s not her father who is playing down the field. It’s Shohei. Her best friend. The boy that’s sitting next to her.

Down there, it’s not her American father who left her mom when she was heavily pregnant with her mom. It’s not her father who never bothered to call back despite all of the desperate voice notes that her mom had sent. It’s not her father who had never taken any responsibility towards her, resulting in her mom having three different jobs just to make sure that they’ll stay afloat.

It’s not her father who parades around his American dream family to everyone on national television.

Down there, the one who will be playing is Ohtani Shohei.

The boy who had dragged her for an early jog every morning. The boy with a sweet tooth and an even sweeter smile. The boy who had told her that she will become a star with such an utter conviction that she started to believe in herself despite all of her previous failures and setbacks. 

It’s Shohei who will be playing.

Not her father.

The color that will be flying today is the familiar grey and purple of Hanamaki Higashi. Not the familiar and yet distant white and blue.

Letting out a deep breath, y/n lets out a nod. “Yeah,” she replied after a long while. “Let’s go inside.”

Ami stared at her, unblinking. 

“You know,” she started. “If we go home right now, I won’t complain,” said the other girl. “Are you really sure that you’re okay with it?”

You have a heavy trauma with baseball; after all, it was left unsaid. Y/n appreciates it. Currently, she’s not in the mood to tackle it head-on. 

“Yeah,” answered y/n. “I just needed some time to think.”

With a nod, Ami stood up, arm reaching for her. They walked inside the stadium like that, with their arm linked together.

“If it’s ever too much,” murmured Ami, “Just let me know, okay?”

Y/n gave her a grateful nod as she squeezed the girl’s hand.

As they enter, for the first time in years, y/n gets her first glimpse of a baseball match.

She could see the green grass stretching across the field as well as rows and rows of spectators. The air around them was buzzing, as she could hear horns and yells of celebrations being thrown left and right by the people around them. The announcers could be heard through the air, hyping the crowd for today’s match.

Y/n had expected a big crowd. After all, this is the quarterfinals of the summer tournament.

But still, she could feel the shiver running down her spine as she took up the atmosphere around them.

Even when she threw the first pitch for the Tigers all those months ago, the atmosphere back then can’t be compared to what she’s seeing right now. The height of everyone’s excitement could be seen across everyone’s faces, a far cry from the half-empty stadium that she saw during her first pitch ceremony.

Ami immediately dragged her toward their designated seat.

She watched at the rows and rows of purple and purple near them. The cheering squad of their baseball team is highly spirited, already hollering and cheering for the team despite the first pitch not being thrown yet. There are rows of baseball team members, as well as cheerleaders, already prepared to cheer for the team with all their might.

Merchandises with purple and grey themes could be seen, such as small flags or trumpets. Even the cheerleaders are wearing forms with that color format.

Looking down at her purple top, y/n felt a bit unprepared as she didn’t bring anything to cheer for the team. Ami, too, stared at the cheering squad with amazement clear on her face.

“They really come prepared,” said the girl as the both of them took their seat. They’re sitting really closely with the cheering squad.

Nodding, she lets out a sheepish laugh. “And we brought nothing.”

Their conversation caught one of the cheering squad member’s attention, and he widened his eyes at the sight of them.

“Oh!,” he said, gaining both of their attention. “You guys are students at our school, right?”

Sharing a glance with Ami, y/n gave him a bright smile, trying to look a tad more friendly despite the red rimming his eyes. “Yeah,” she replied. “We’re cheering for the team.”

“We’re friends with Ohtani-san,” added Ami, as if to add some kind of credibility to their claim.

“Ohtani-kun?” said the member. “Do you guys want some flags or something to cheer the team? We brought extras.”

Nodding gratefully, both y/n and Ami received the flag from the other boy.

“I didn’t expect Ohtani-kun to have friends coming over,” said the boy as they were making a conversation. “He seems really devoted to baseball.”

“He is really devoted to baseball,” replied y/n as she waved the small Hanamaki Higashi flag playfully. “You’re close with him?”

“Ah, no, not really,” answered the other boy. “Ohtani-kun is just famous in the club. He’s the only first year that managed to get into the main team, you know?”

Ami let out a whistle at that. “That’s amazing,” she said. “So, the rest of the cheering squad here are first and second years?” 

“Yeah, but we do have some third years, not a lot.”

The game started soon after that. Y/n could feel Ami’s gaze on her as she watched Shohei take up the mound at the top of the first inning. She had seen Shohei in his baseball uniform as she had watched some of the baseball team practice, but still, seeing him like this-

It was as if the one who was standing on the mound was a different person than the bright boy who was sitting next to her during class.

There’s some kind of aura on him as well as a cold look on his face – something that she rarely sees these days. Shohei is a cheery and goofy person. Someone with smiles and laughs can brighten up the room.

The one who is standing down there is Ohtani Shohei, the baseball player.

“He looks good, isn’t he?” asked Ami, a teasing tilt in her tone.

Y/n decided to ignore the teasing. “Yeah,” she said. “He is.”

To say that Shohei did amazing during his first start would be an understatement.

After all, he was dominant. He pitched for seven innings, not letting any run go past him. The batters barely got hits and those who did barely got any good ones. Shohei contributed so much to the team’s defense this game that some people started to whisper his name in awe.

Ohtani this, Ohtani that.

Through it all, y/n watched.

Oh, thought the girl, amidst the loud cheers and celebration around her as the last out was recorded. He is going to be a baseball star, isn’t he?

She watched Shohei impressing everyone in the stadium. She sees how he pitched, how he basically owns all the batters that he faced.

She watched Hanamaki Higashi winning the game, as well as the bright smile on Shohei’s face. It’s the face that she’s familiar with. It's not the cold front that he puts during pitching.

Y/n sees it all, and with that, the first baseball game that she has watched in years ends.

They’re standing just behind the stadium, the hustle and bustle of the crowd around them.

“Do you like the game?” he asked, mouth grinning.

Y/n stared at him. Stared at this tall teen in front of her who was smiling at her like the sun. She stared at this teen who managed to drag her into a baseball game. At the teen who forced her to watch a baseball game despite all of her reservations towards the game.

She was afraid.

Afraid that she will only see her father during the game. Afraid that she would remember the tears that fell onto her mom’s face as she watched the celebration when her dad clinched the World Series. The celebration is where her dad proudly says that his oldest child – a son younger than her – is playing baseball on his little league team.

She watched the older woman grip the necklace around her neck. The only gift that her father had ever given her. She watched and watched. Heart growing cold and gaze going dead as she, too, gazed at the man who had contributed to her birth in this world celebrate the best moment of his life with his little family. A family that does not consist of y/n and her mother.

Today, too, she watched. She watched the baseball game in front of her. She watched Shohei take up the mound with the familiar purple and white uniform of Hanamaki Higashi. She watched as the teen managed to go through seven scoreless innings before being replaced by the closer. She watched and watched, the sun beating down on her face, and yet, it was not the only warmth that she felt during the game.

It was almost a miracle that she didn’t even remember her father throughout the game. It was a miracle that she didn’t even think about him for a second.

All she remembers thinking throughout the game is Shohei and Shohei. How her best friend is taking the mound, how her best friend is finally playing his first big game in his high school baseball career.

It’s Shohei and Shohei inside her head. Only him.

She likes it.

“I like it,” she managed to say, throat bobbing, “I like to see you win.”

I like to see more left unsaid. I like to see you, left unsaid.

Shohei let out a laugh at that, cheeks blooming in happiness. “I like it when I win, too,” he replied. She thinks that it’s a trick of the light, but she swears that the world has become clearer for a bit.

“Of course you do,” she laughed, nudging his arm gently. “You have a competitive streak a mile wide.”

“Like you don’t,” he teased back. “You’re going to Tokyo after this, yeah? For that magazine photoshoot?”

Y/n lets out a hum, eyes drifting towards one of the digital clocks that littered the stadium. “Yeah, my train is leaving in an hour,” she said. “I have to go to the station right after this.”

“And you’re going back tomorrow?” asked Shohei, head tilted a bit. It’s a habit that she finds cute. 

“I’ll arrive back here tomorrow night,” she shrugged. “I still have a music video audition tomorrow morning.”

Shohei seems to be thinking about something, brows furrowing together. “Do you want me to pick you up?” he asked. “It’s dangerous for a girl to go home alone.”

Laughing a bit, she shook her head. “I’ll have my manager bring me home, don’t worry about my safety. He’s a big guy.”

“But still-“

“You don’t have to worry, you know, you’re in the middle of the tournament, right?” said y/n, reminding the other teen about the looming tournament. She may not follow baseball so intently, but she knows how important the summer tournament is. After all, it’s the key that will bring them to Koshien. The dream stage for the team. “Focus on that, don’t want my best friend to fail in becoming a baseball superstar.”

Letting out a sigh, he seems resigned before letting out a small smile. “And I don’t want my best friend to fail in becoming a star too.”

“A star? Just a star?” she teased.

“Yeah,” he said, smile blinding. “A star.”

A star, she thinks. 

Y/n likes the sound of that.

The magazine photoshoot went well.

Her manager told her that the brand and the magazine really liked her and wanted to use her again for their next collection. The photographer and the makeup artist praised her endlessly. Saying that she has the type of face that will catch a lot of attention.

Y/n thinks that it’s their own way, saying that her half-foreign look is distracting.

Stepping out of her dingy agency, she could feel her phone buzzing. Glancing at it, she sees Shohei’s contact appearing on her home screen.

“Boyfriend?” asked her manager, walking next to her.

“No,” she replied, though the girl couldn’t contain the smile that was threatening to break out of her face. “A friend.”

Typing down a response, she glanced back towards her manager, who was staring at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Doesn’t seem like a friend to me,” replied the man as they climbed into the car together, ready to head out to her music video audition.

“You’re right, it’s not a friend, it’s my best friend,” she huffed out. “Anyway, you said that this was for a music video?” 

“It is, for a boyband, you may have heard of them,” answered the man as he gave her the name. She had heard it before, they were pretty famous in her year, after all.

Reading through the script, y/n tried to understand the concept of the music video. It’s a typical boyband music video, a reverse harem trope. The girl will basically be stuck in a love maze between all the members in a high school setting. The members of the boyband will be older than normal high school students, but the fans seem to like them wearing a uniform. That’s why they’re searching for a model that will fit the school setting down to the t.

“I think you will get the role,” said her manager after a moment of silence.

Raising an eyebrow, she asked, “Why? My idol debut is a flop, you know.”

Sighing, the man continues to drive. “You, for one, in my opinion, are one of the most talented artists that I’ve ever seen in my life,” started the man.

She lets out a laugh at that. “Of course, you’re saying that,” she said, a bit teasing. “You’re my manager. You have to say something like that to encourage me despite everything.”

There was a hesitant silence between the two of them after that. “I think your failure came mostly from our part,” he said after a while. He sounds a bit reluctant. “If you were in any other company – bigger ones or more established ones – I think you would already be thriving.”

“I like our company,” she defends, sinking back in her chair.

Y/n knows that her company is far too small for her to make it big in the industry. She knows that, realistically, she should’ve aimed for bigger names in the industry.

And it’s not like she doesn’t have the chance to do so. She has been offered – many times – to audition or even to join other bigger companies. Scouts had been coming to her to take her back to their own companies multiple times. If she wants to, y/n won’t even glance at her current company, considering all the other offers that she received back then.

But still, she thought, a bit sullen.

Her current company is the only company that doesn’t require her to do gravure shoots.

She knows that it’s a bit ridiculous for her to reject gravure shoots because it’s basically a rite of passage for young girls in the Japanese entertainment company. She knows that so many big celebrities out there have to do gravure shoots during their earlier years to make it in the industry. Countless female celebrities did it to put their name out there.

But y/n can’t do it. She will never do it.

She remembers the text messages or envelopes that her mother received. Countless letters and messages from her father’s lawful wife.

Whore.

Bitch.

Slut.

It’s always those words. Those accusing words that accused her mother of being someone that’s selling her body to everyone.

She’s afraid that the moment she does gravure shoot, it will only prove that the accusation is being directed at her mother. That a whore like her mother will raise a whore of a daughter like her.

That if she does it, that bitch’s word will become the actual truth.

Even in death, y/n will never let that happen. She will never give her mother another thing to grieve upon, and she will never give that woman any kind of satisfaction.

She will thrive in this industry in one way or another. She will survive here.

She will become a star.

“We’re here,” announced her manager.

With that, they arrived at the audition place.

the dojahs won the World Series!

taglist!

@mindless-rock @lovewithmary @seijaelee @kikookii

[davidshawnsown]

USA BASEBALL RPF (MODERN SETTING) 2 - Campaigns in the Ukraine (Chapter 5a)

(AN: It's been a long way since I last wrote on Tumblr. I've been doing one shots set in the war on Discord on my server there and will transcribe them here. With the situation as worse as two years ago, I have long had a writing pause to focus on Discord. But still, I did some content there, here on Tumblr, and now on Substack. I am still writing now on what the 78th BCT prepared for in the weeks and months before and after the start of their Ukrainian deployment, and expect that there will be chaptered one shots set in Ukrainian battlefields, both on the perspective of the 1st Battalion and of those individual fighters as well. I have resumed writing the RPF of the hockey boys and girls too. All these I do so that not only the world be aware of what is going on in Ukraine be known and that every effort be made to help arming the nation and financially assist its defense industry and national reconstruction, but also so that the memory of the fighting men and women of Ukraine and the many international fighters especially those who have perished will be remembered long after the end of this war. These first chapters will also serve as an introduction to the cast of characters of this series.)

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIE MAYS AND ORLANDO CEPEDA

DUKE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

Friday, January 15, 2022

1045H EST

For the first time since activation elements of A and B Companies of 1st Battalion performed their first weekly Combat Water Survival tests in preparation for their potential Ukrainian deployment. The reason why is not just as a refresher training given that all those who were called for the mobilization program already had it done, but also to prepare for scenarios of crossing the rivers and lakes of Ukraine - as well as marshlands and swamps - without any vehicle or boat support, as well as in any scenario of any type of bridge being destroyed by Russian enemy fire as well as any Russian destruction of vehicles while crossing waterways by any means. Plans are made to make this a weekly duty as the other companies of the battalion are being activated from reserve and cadre status.

However Captain Frazier's 1st Platoon under 1LT Tyler Austin - the so-called Tokyo Boys - have some more time for swimming duties and water survival outside these, as per the behest of one of its men, as MAJ Sogard and some others view the proceedings. He can hear him shout "On me, go!" as the water splashes.

"Is that Sergeant Joe Ryan leading the company staff and 1st Platoon elements?"

BG Randolph replies, "He's the one. We all saw those swim pictures and videos he frequenly sent to us in Cary via email. He's grown so much since Tokyo."

"That's one of my A Company sergeants," the major answered.

Planned to be promoted to lieutenant colonel for his work in the brigade's reactivation to active duty, MAJ Scott Brosius added, "He's definitely been training in the pool in between our combat and training operations, Sogard."

"I'm sure he has been. And is that Major Nick Swisher?"

"Affirmative. Part of the 3rd NY, and as part of our brigade's training program, he has returned here to help in mobilization efforts. Ever the natural swimmer he is."

"Has Captain Plata known of this?"

"Has his seal of approval. And he's gonna make it a near daily duty outside of the weekly combat swim survival drills because 1st Battalion needs to be the vanguard in Ukraine operations."

"All normal so far for these lads, " added 1LT Mattalino. He says that through these and the other exercises they have been kept even more fit and healthy for operations ahead.

Sergeant Joe Ryan of 2nd squad, 1st platoon of A Company had been a part of the 2021 mobilization unit and ever the swimmer he was, alongside some of that unit, he was the lead NCO whenever pool and open water swims would occur. A native of San Francisco, CA, Ryan was selected to be a part of the 98th Tampa Bay but by the time he was already in Japan as a member of the 78th Brigade's Tokyo task unit in July of 2021, he had been transferred to Minneapolis and the battalion of the 1st Minnesota based in St. Paul operationally, since he had been named a part of its 1st Battalion upon his transfer. Being the lead swimmer in such training fixtures whenever a water scenario occurs he has been a big motivator for everyone in A Company. Captain Jake Arrietta of B Company could not help but watch from the sidelines at poolside as Joe and the 1st platoon finished their individual swim drills and emerged from the pool, all wet and bodies drenched by the water, before transitioning to combat water training invidiually - this time wearing combat shorts or speedos unlike in the earlier training in full battle gear. In both cases, the servicemen would carry their M4 rifles, which they have been inspected so that they would not be damaged by exposing to the water. It has been Joe's duty to help the company adapt to their role as the assault vanguard and to help them be ready for such scenarios in inland waters or in ocean waters. In this manner and reflecting where the 78th BCT is planning to head for deployment duties, preparing to swim in the fast flowing rivers of Ukraine, its lakes and swamps would be very easy if everyone would be prepared either if the crossing would be by themselves carrying their gear and rifles, inflatable boats or by their combat vehicles. All this was Joe's proposal when the 2021 contingent got formed up, for while this would be a reminder of his swimming days out west when he was young, it would also prepare them for the hard tasks of having to cross any inland body of water without any form of vehicular support. All of these, supervised by the medical staff, lifeguards and battalion and company leadership, would continue even during their deployment as preparation for the tasks they would do there.

"Cannot believe this Dex. How cost THEY do that?" Jake asked his XO.

1LT Dexter Fowler replied, "They did this before in Japan, I was told, and right here at stateside."

SFC LaPorta added, "I'm sure Baker Company will do the same iin the future."

"Same for me here, hoping that we would do the same as they do", added SSGT Blaine Neal.

After individual and then squad level drills, Joe's group - the A Company officers and assigned NCOs and 1st platoon personnel together - would do platoon level swim duty as a group, as usual wearing speedos or shorts to simulate a platoon level river crossing without uniforms but with rifles. Everyone at poolside has been impressed by what they have done.

And then comes that part wherein the whole drill is repeated but with combat gear and bags to simulate moving these thru rivers and lakes.

After all come out of the pool and bring their bags and gear to poolside for a final inspection, Major Sogard greets them. "Well done 1st Platoon of A Company, and to you Sergeant Ryan. Your efforts will make this unit ready for what the coming weeks and months will bring."

"It was my idea after all, for I've been a swimmer all my life," the sergeant replied. After learning that the 78th would plan to come to the aid of Ukraine in case of the feared Russian invasion that week and indeed he and his companions were the first to be mobilized officially, he devised a plan, he said, to prepare his mates in the Tokyo contingent - the first ones of A Coy 1-78th IBCT that got mobilized - for the challenges that lay in Ukraine's rivers, lakes, marshes and swamplands and how to cross them in the absence of amphibious-ready armored vehicles and any crossable bridges in the immediate vicinity, either temporary or permanent. This would continue even after they have been deployed because such a duty would happen by order of company leadership.

"Have the rifles been checked, sarge, post-swim?"

"Yes sir, all well and in good condition."

"Well noted Ryan. Well done everyone. This is just a start for this company, right Captain Frazier?"

"Affirmative sir, " Todd replied. "We will do this again in a few days and then we will do it twice every week to prepare the boys for such scenarios."

"Same for me major," added CPT Tulowitzki.

"I hope this continues well for A Company. Dismissed."

As the major left, Todd looked to Sergeant Ryan, saying "There's more we can do to prepare for these. We have a hard task to do."

"Noted, captain. Is that the same, SFC Gose?"

The company first sergeant replied, "Yup. That's the same thing Joe."

"Hoping we're ready for the next one lads. There will be more of these that will come as we prepare to answer Ukraine's call."

78TH BRIGADE COMMAND MESS

1600H EST

"Maxwell, we now have a commander for D Company of 1st Battalion, also set to be activated from cadre status."

That was the word that LTC Dale Murphy informed BG Maxwell. The search was over, 1LT Bailey Ober can finally be appointed D Company CO by the orders of LTC Fenster.

"Who's that?" Maxwell asked.

"Assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Minnesota based out of Minneapolis. He's from Huntersville."

"Why he is being recalled?"

"Part of 2014 contingent from universities and colleges, general. The very things he learned there he now applies as a platoon XO there," Dale replied.

"That explains everything. And who chose him?"

"Major Sogard, sir. On the suggestion of no less than Sergeant Joe Ryan from A Company."

Jason then ended the talk saying, "I therefore hope he will be informed at once that he's being recalled to the active ranks. He must be ready for his first command billet. So have you guys have found a company first sergeant for these boys now that this company will be reactivated from being in the reserves?"

"Yes also. SSGT Lucas Sims, 1st Battalion 1st Cincinnati City. He too will be informed in a few days of his appointment to the role."

Then Major Sogard arrived, stunned by the decision to activate D Company.

"It now has a new commander and first sergeant? That D Company?"

"Yes Major, the one being set to be prepared for active duty," replied LTC Murphy.

"Noted gents. In a few days from now we can finally activate this. We have to hand over command to the newly selected members of the command team. Those being cadre, the last of the peacetime rifle companies, are being transferred to the battalions being activated."

"Affirmative, major. Slowly 1st Battalion is completing its mobilization phrase."

"But how about the rest of 169th Corps? Have they been informed?"

BG Maxwell replied, "Now more than ever, we have to inform them we are being mobilized given what's going on in Ukraine. They better be ready to recieve the mobilization order from USEC Manfred and his command team led by LTG Halem, who for the past years was also Corps JAG until he handed over to a new general officer this year. We must be ready to tell them now is the time to prepare the work needed for mobilization, whether Russia gears up to invade Ukraine or not."

"Noted sir. And has Swaggerty been informed of the appointment of his company XO?"

"Yes he has been called of this," Sogard replied.

"I'm sure he will be ready to be recalled to active service."

"He will be ready, Josh, to renew his commissioning oath as he prepares for this new assignment."

"And is the 4th and 5th battalions set for activation orders?"

"Yes major. They will be raised soon."

"And our tank battalion?"

"Its M60s and Abrams are being reconditioned as well. They too will have drills with us. The same goes for our field artillery battalions, soon being set to become a regiment under brigade headquarters. We have a whole lot to do to prepare for our future operations in Ukraine, even the equipment, uniforms, weapons and logistics assistance needed."

"Noted sir. Back to D Company. Are we looking on who will be filling its ranks?"

"2013-2015 collegiate, 2017 and 2018 pre-training, 2011-2015 high schools. We will notify them at home and their families. If the names called are absent due to various reasons we will be informed. If overseas by the time they are being called, we will email them to ask them to be here in Cary. Those who are overseas who are willing to wear the uniform, we will try to call them even if not named in these lists. For they too will be a part of this if they accept that mission."

@joeybosa-aaronjudge @lukeexplorer @lightninging @homerofthebraves @dilangleywritesfanfic @alekmanoah @ilovetheyankees @darkorderaf @highwaytothedangerzone502  @zackcollins

[jimothystu]

... Hi I posted a fic for Varsho and Chappy for uh reasons. This is like. Pure fluff.

Summary:

He stops dead in his tracks, stumbling a little as he catches himself against the cubby. Maybe the last nine years have been a dream, because there’s no way… “Daulton?” He turns quickly, jaw dropping as he stares across the room at the man who stole Matt’s heart over a decade ago and has yet to give it back.

[kedsandtubesocks]

game changer

MLB pitcher!Joel Miller x F!Reader

summary: back from your first semester of grad school your parents lovingly drag you out to celebrate with an old family friend - but what unfolds there (and after) cracks you wide open

warnings/tags: 18+ ONLY MDNI, no outbreak/modern AU & Joel has both his daughters, dad’s friend!Joel, unspecified age gap (reader’s age is not mentioned but is a drinking aged adult & Joel is in his early 50’s), light use of gendered language, yearning & flirting, some light angst, brief alcohol consumption, masturbation (f), smutty thoughts, heavy makeout, spicy themes, allusions to smut (p in v), Joel’s dirty talk, one use of “good girl,” one light ass smack, reserved but soft!Joel, start of secret relationship, lots of baseball talk

word count: 9.1k (I’m sorry)

a/n: i know, i know another non-typical AU for Joel but I blame my sports girlie heart & baseball season so here we are lol big thank you to @swiftispunk for always putting up with my sports ramblings LMAO im so sorry Han ily, special thanks to @burntheedges @undercoverpena @tightjeansjavi @msjarvis because this truly wouldn’t be here without y’all - you don’t know how much you babes mean to me & I can’t thank y’all enough…now to you, if you’re reading this too I also can’t thank you enough ♡

You barely have any solid memories of Joel Miller, even if he was your dad’s oldest friend. And if you were being honest, you remember his brother Tommy more who smiled so warmly and seemed to radiate warmth.

Now you stand before Joel Miller’s face on the side of the Globe Life field along with the rest of the Texas Rangers professional baseball team.

It’s a cool evening in Arlington. Everyone seems to bask in the weather that feels perfect for a night of baseball.

Home from your first grad school semester, you didn’t think you’d be going to a game. But your parents explained how good the tickets were, and that even if you didn’t care about the game, you could just enjoy the stadium. So with the promise of free food and a nice night out, you were sold.

Now you’re here.

“Yesterday Joel said to head to the side entrance, that’s where we can check in.” Your dad eagerly explains and stunned you simply follow along like a confused duckling.

The sea of jerseys sweeps you into a sports wave until you’re deposited in a new space. Your jaw almost drops.

The VIP suites sit at the very side edge of the field, and it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen.

The seats are incredible. Everything feels deluxe but comfortable. Someone calls out to your mom, and soon enough the rest of the Miller family approaches.

Tommy’s married now and his wife Maria is lovely, so is their baby. Joel’s daughters, Sarah and Ellie, are older. Time sucker punches you in the gut seeing how much time has passed, but you warmly greet everyone. You realize how long it really has been since you saw any of them.

You greet everyone warmly and appreciate all their surprised welcome seeing you back.

“Joel’s glad y’all were finally able to make it. Been talking about it since yesterday.” Tommy explains.

“Yeah us too! Just worked out that we all could come out and enjoy this with someone back home now.” You mom teases, but it’s warm.

Even though you were cities away, the new workload just kept you so busy.

You’re grateful to be here too. Even though your mind still swirls trying to grasp all of this.

You knew your dad’s friend made it big as a professional baseball player. Joel and his family left Austin to move to Arlington after he signed for the Rangers. So you rarely saw them. But with your mom’s job recently relocating here, your dad talked non stop about maybe seeing more of the games. It never really clicked that your family knew a professional sports athlete. Plus you never cared too much for sports to even look more into it.

Now as the game starts with a wild explosive and electric opening, you feel like you’ve slipped into another reality.

Then Joel’s entrance arrives, and your heart jumps out of your chest. The stadium erupts in a wild frenzy. The music for his arrival is western themed, grand and epic.

“All of this is because the league calls him Cowboy Miller.” Your dad explains.

The nickname was given to him not just because of his very southern twang, but Joel’s cold demeanor on the mound along with his wild style of pitching. All this led to him being deemed a Cowboy.

You understand why.

A serious air of power radiates from Joel while he approaches the mound.

Wearing a jersey with the number two on it, he’s older, more distinguished than the last time you remember him. Grays pepper his beard and the shadow of his baseball cap highlights the wrinkles flowing across his face.

He’s handsome, utterly gorgeous. His shoulders look broad, pure striking mountains, in his white jersey.

It’s like your mind finally registers and settles into the reality he’s a man, a full grown and incredible man.

And he really is incredible.

Even though he’s older for a pitcher, he still possesses dazzling talent. You even clap loudly when he strikes one of the batters out.

Your eyes never leave him. Joel sternly staring down the batter is terrifying. His legs look strong as he whips the ball fast to the home plate. Your eyes can’t help but flicker to his ass when he walks back to the dugout.

He’s gorgeous.

But cold reality crashes into you when your dad brightly yells. Joel is your dad’s friend, and that thought sours the bubbling feelings in your chest.

So you try focusing on the game, which actually turns out to be rather fun. The vibe of the stadium, along with the atmosphere of the game itself, is easy to melt into.

At one point someone gets a hit off Joel and he has to run to cover first. He’s surprisingly fast. Seeing him catch the ball, get the out, is so impressive and hot as fuck.

After that the Rangers switch pitchers.

As he leaves the mound, the stadium cheers at Joel’s exit. Very politely he nods, raising his hand in a quick goodbye to everyone. Then he scans the crowd.

It’s admirable seeing how he instantly finds where his family is. Joel’s roughed face melts soft with a small crooked grin hearing the applause they give him. He even spots your dad proudly cheering.

Joel’s eyes then lock with yours. Still walking towards the dugout, his face stays on you while his focus narrows in a cloudy confusion like he’s trying to recognize you.

Then his eyes go wide as realization sinks in.

You weakly grin back. It’s all you can do before Joel is fully gone from your line sight. Your heart thumps erratically within its cage.

The Rangers unfortunately lose by three. Once the game ends, you decide to swing by the merch store.

“Guess the game made you a fan huh?” You mom perks up noticing you eyeing the jerseys.

You shrug easily with an eased grin.

After this the Rangers have a five game stretch at home.

You only know because after the game you check for all things about the team, about Joel. You haven’t brought yourself to look at any videos of Joel yet. But you did discover from the team's instagram that he has one too.

Early the next morning, still lounging in bed, you scroll through Joel’s instagram page. It seems very professional, like it’s run by a social media manager primarily using it to promote Joel without being too personal.

You’re not paying attention, still a bit too focused on your phone, when a knock comes at the door.

Your face scrunches up confused. Then terror sucker punches you when you see who’s at the door.

No way.

Opening the door Joel stares at you, but this time wearing striking thick black rimmed glasses. They make him incredibly distinguished. Instead of seeming like a professional baseball player you’re reminded of a studious professor. And without a baseball cap on, you’re given sight of his soft glorious curls and the light gray streaks dancing among them.

He’s knockout beautiful.

Of course, you’re still in your mismatched lounge clothes and barely look like you’ve left bed.

He says your name, greeting you with a curt nod. You swiftly greet him with an awkward hello.

“Are you going for like a Clark Kent thing?” You blurt before you can stop yourself.

Joel’s face scrunches up as he sighs.

“Gotta take a break from my contacts s’all.” He admits with a grumpy reply.

But it’s his thick twang, the familiar southern accent - that sweeps you breathless.

“How do they even let you pitch?” You lightly tease, and

Joel rolls his eyes.

“Good to see ya too.” He rumbles, finally greeting you.

Now realizing he’s still standing in your doorway, you let him in.

Joel explains how he wanted to come by, visit your folks, catch up, and thank them for getting to stop by.

You’re the one early thanking him.

“The tickets were incredible. And you did amazing the other night.” You add sincerely.

“Oh, yeah thanks. Glad we won.” Joel nods.

“So they let you just roam around?” You ask slightly stunned still seeing him here in your family kitchen.

Joel scoffs. “Ain’t gotta be at the stadium till later.”

“So, was uh…surprised to see ya at the game.” His tone now reeks of trying to just make small talk.

Weakly you grin back explaining it was a nice change from your days on campus.

“So…back from school, huh.” That awkward thick small talk tone of his gets worse especially as he asks how’s it going and what you’re doing.

For being a talented professional pitcher, right now he simply seems like just some guy…

Just your dad’s pal.

The thought brings a strange acidic taste in your mouth.

You explain school is going good and how you’re here just visiting until the next semester starts up again.

Politely he asks what you’re going to school for. You tell him about your program, explaining all the classes you’re taking and even about the undergrad classes you help TA for.

Joel nods, quiet. You wonder if this sounds boring to a man who professionally plays baseball everyday.

“You’re damn smart.” He then whistles low, and his compliment jumpstarts your heart.

“Haven’t read a book since… shit can’t even remember when.” Joel muses.

“What? They don’t have you take baseball quizzes for pitching?” You joke, but it falls flat. Joel just gives you a dull look.

However his lips twitch faintly, like he’s fighting a grin, and it makes you grin.

“Though, I’ve heard you could maybe work on your slider pitch.” You add.

From the clips you’ve seen and the comments you’ve read, that's the one thing others have commented on, along with how unbearably handsome he is. ESPN even named him one of sports top most eligible bachelors.

“Oh?” Joel’s eyebrows rise up fast. Crossing his hands over his chest, Joel turns towards you more.

“Suddenly you’re a sports analyst now, huh?” The way his voice perks up confidently, matching your edge of playfulness, causes something to get stuck in your throat.

“Y’gonna start telling me how to pitch too? Just like your old man used to.” Joel adds still with that same tone and even chuckles.

But his words slice through you. Swallowing hard, you steel yourself tight.

Thankfully the sound of the front door unlocking arrives. Your parents are home.

“You’re fantastic, Joel. Glad I got to see it live.” You tell him earnestly looking him straight in the eye, as if to stare him down and remind him unwavering you’re a grown adult. Even if you’re in lounge shorts and holey t-shirt, you try holding your head high with as much grace as you can.

With that you head to tell your parents Joel is here then quietly slip back to your room.

Eventually your mom knocks on your door and pops her head in.

“There’s another game tonight. Wanna go?” She offers.

You decline, explaining you want to rest and catch up with a few shows you’ve been neglecting. Thankfully neither of your parents pressure you to join them.

With the house to yourself, you now search for as many videos of Joel you can.

Even slowly starting to understand baseball at a base level, you realize Joel ‘Cowboy’ Miller really is spectacular. You hear about his time playing for The University of Texas and how adored he is by his alma mater.

Then heat crawls up your chest when you see clips of him drenched in sweat, heavily breathing, or even licking his lingers to help with the ball grip.

You quickly turn the videos off before you get yourself worked up.

This has to be just a simple infatuated infestation. You simply need to try to shake it off.

The last home game the Rangers play the Minnesota Twins and Joel isn’t pitching. You again decide to sit this game out. You just have to detox yourself of Joel Miller.

Until you’re invited to a dinner cookout at his home. You thought about maybe playing sick, but with how hungry you are, you see this just as an opportunity to get a nice meal.

Your dad casually mentions Joel’s house has a pool, a nice bonus. He just forgot to mention how huge the Miller house would be.

Though gorgeously grand, it’s still surprisingly cozy. In the backyard you spot Joel at the grill and it makes your head spin. The weathered old burnt orange Texas longhorn shirt he wears looks cozy and casual, sits on him beautifully highlighting his shoulders.

You slip into the pool hoping it will cool you off. But your eyes always find Joel who now laughs with your dad.

Joel’s eyes suddenly flicker to yours, catching you staring red handed. Immediately you sink back into the water.

There’s more people here than expected and you feel a bit out of place. After drying off, you decide to head inside for a drink.

The soft Texas evening illuminates the home in a gentle glow. The music from outside floats in a soft hum making the room feel like it’s underwater.

Ellie told you the house was free for you to roam and from the quick tour she gave, you caught a glimpse of something you want to see more.

So letting yourself maybe take another peek, you walk back to the small alcove carved in the wall. It’s honestly a rather quiet achievement exhibition compared to other grand trophy rooms you’ve imagined.

There are honestly more pictures of Sarah and Ellie, along with Tommy and the rest of the Miller clan, decorating the main hallway of the house. All of it suits Joel.

His UT longhorn jersey is framed on the wall. There are a few awards clustered together, a couple of magazine covers where he looks so dashing in his uniform.

But what makes your heart float are the framed drawings of Joel with a baseball on the mound that range from adorable scribbles to a rather good pencil sketch. These had to be Ellie and Sarah’s work.

“If you’re thinkin’ about stealin’ somethin’ maybe go for the jersey. I can always get another one.”

Joel’s drawl trickles out, and you almost jump out of your skin. Turning to the side he walks to where you are. You hate how exposed you feel just being caught in his gaze and also obviously browsing in his home.

“Nah, I was hoping for a World Series ring to steal and sell but.” You shrug playful, knowing now he’s gone to the Series but never won.

Joel makes a low hissing sound like he’s injured.

“Damn, y’hit low.” He chuckles low.

You grin triumphantly.

“Don’t worry. You’ll get a ring someday.” You say simply.

“Sound sure about that.” He replies.

“Cause it’s true.” You nod. “You’re pretty great.”

Even with your limited knowledge of baseball, it’s easy to see how great he is. Joel is incredibly talented, a shining star stitched in accomplishment. Yet you can tell hasn’t let it go to his head. He’s anchored by his loved ones, and it’s admirable. You even tell him that.

“I…thanks.” He stumbles for a moment, deep dark eyes a bit cloudy as he searches your face with his voice thick and rumbled.

“What game has been your favorite?” You suddenly ask, wanting to know more about him.

His eyebrows furrow and his deep eyes glaze over a bit distant, creating a face of thought that looks adorable.

Then he nods with a soft grin remembering.

“One of the first games the girls gotta go to.” He paints a picture of seeing his daughters, sitting with their uncle Tommy, wearing too large adorable Texas Rangers jerseys.

“One of the best games I ever played.” He adds gently.

He really is a rare beauty of a man with a gilded heart of gold.

“And you? Your folks talk about ya nonstop. Tell me about grad school. And none of that simple ‘it’s good’ crap.” The quick playful mimic he does of your voice makes you laugh warm and bright.

So you tell him about your favorite moments from lecture and the fondness you have for simply embracing subjects you love so much.

Joel stares fully focused on you. You swear his eyes twinkle like stars might be sowed right in his deep earth depths.

He opens his mouth, eager to continue the conversation. Until the kitchen comes alive with more people entering inside. The bubble breaks, but electricity still brews under your skin.

The next day the Rangers have a game at Globe Life Field you go.

Even if Joel isn’t pitching, you want to experience this world he loves so much. You’re however surprised to find Joel is starting.

Your dad explains how one of the pitchers planned for today had to rest. So Joel will simply be the opener before the rest of the bullpen steps in.

Your heart doesn’t rage wildly as it did like seeing him the first time. Now you feel almost drawn to Joel. You focus on his stance on the mound, so disciplined and almost hauntingly serious.

The Arizona Diamondbacks batter hits the ball solid. It flies straight at Joel, and fear sinks its fangs into you.

Until with fast reflexes Cowboy Miller catches the ball eased. You and the stadium erupt wild.

The Rangers win one to four. On the high of the game, you head to the jerseys again in the shop.

“You should get one!” Your mom urges.

Your fingers itch, almost begging you to grab the jersey that says Miller on it. But something continues to hold you back.

On the drive back home, you now see all the great reaction clips and memes of the game. There's a particular one of Joel catching the ball that includes a great western music overlay, like he’s a hero in an old cowboy movie.

Feeling brave, you send the reel to his Instagram profile. You even add underneath the message “now you just gotta work on that slider pitch.”

You send it. Think, hell at worst the poor social media manager will see it and not even give it the time or day. He must get so many messages anyway.

When you get home, you see the message has been read.

But also, a new profile has followed you.

JM_8712

The profile also sent you a message.

JM_8712: ain’t nothing wrong with my slider

No way.

This can’t be who you think it is. You message back saying this possibly can’t be the real Joel Miller because he doesn’t seem like the type to even know how to send a gif.

JM_8712: think ur so funny huh

The account sends a simple gif of someone rolling their eyes.

Then another message flies in.

JM_8712: ur dad get those damn nachos he kept bitchin about with Tommy?

It feels like one of Joel’s changeup pitches knocks you out.

Because it’s really him messaging you. When you even go to double check the blank profile just to make sure, it barely follows more than twenty people and you spot Ellie and Sarah’s accounts among those profiles.

Warmth unfolds from your chest, dangerous and electric. This is Joel’s personal private account.

Unknowingly this all kicks off something you never thought would have ever started. You and Joel start talking.

The messages flow between you and him, back and forth, at first just talking about the games. Then, when the Rangers leave to travel, the messaging increases.

Joel sends you pictures of the places he travels, the food he eats, the vacant stadiums he gets to enjoy.

You devour it all with a greedy eagerness. However it dawns on you that you’re sliding down a slope too slippery to stop.

For the rest of the summer you earnestly check your messages on the app.

One evening, on a stormy delayed game against the Dodgers, your messages don’t send through. The weather is getting worse in Los Angeles.

“They’re gonna reschedule the game. Storm’s not letting up.” Your dad comments glumly.

You just hope Joel is alright.

Instagram finally alerts you of a message and your heart jumps.

Joel.

JM_8712: sorry connections shit

Then he simply sends you his phone number.

You wonder if you’re seeing things.

Trying to keep calm you text the number a simple message asking if he’s alright.

When your text alert chimes, it rattles your brain.

Yeah im good thanks

Then another message follows. It’s a photo from the locker, bags packed like he’s ready to leave.

Looks like room service for tonight

It’s Joel. You’re texting Joel right now.

It feels like a step deeper into a current you never want to leave.

Texting seems to shift the energy between you and him, a transmutation you never could have imagined.

You text Joel good morning and he tells you good night. You and him bond over a love of music. He’s got incredible taste while also complimenting yours. You stay up late on game days when pitched and now feel your throat dry up knowing you’re getting to know the man on the mound.

The desire brewing more for Joel mixes with the summer heat and melts the days away. Soon enough summer dwindles away, and your new semester approaches.

The drive back to your apartment is a good couple of hours. Funny enough Joel is also traveling today for a game. Stopping for gas midway, your phone goes off.

You think at first it must be one of your parents.

But instead it’s Joel.

You scramble to answer.

“Hey,” his voice sounds incredibly richer and deep on the phone.

“Y’doin’ alright?” Joel asks hesitant.

That catches you off guard.

“Oh yeah, just finished putting in gas actually. Why, what’s up?” You relax more into the conversation now curious to why he called asking that.

Joel sighs.

“Sorry I just…your last text uh, it just got me worried.”

Now you’re really curious about what you texted him. It had been half an incomplete response you sent. Even from your side it seemed abrupted and strange.

Sighing, you apologize that you didn’t even realize you had done that. In the rush of wanting to get out on the road you must have just sent the text.

But it suddenly hits you. Joel called because he was worried. That thought rips into you with a ferocious rawness.

“Okay yeah,” Joel says a bit clumsily. “I’ll…let you go.”

“No, it’s okay.” You quickly reassure him. “How’s the traveling going?”

“Good, just finished rewatching one of the inflight movies.”

“Please tell me it was Field of Dreams.” You tease him with the iconic baseball film as you head back on the road. Just now with Joel on the phone.

On speaker, Joel scoffs echoing in your car all around you. You realize this might be a bad decision trying to stay focused driving while also talking to him.

“Funny.” His thick drawl is dry but so softly teasing just below the surface.

“Was some new movie Sarah told me to watch but…fell asleep.” Joel admits low.

Thinking of him asleep on the plane clutches at something warm and deep in you.

Yes you can admit how badly you want Joel, how you picture what his calloused fingers would feel like on you, in you. But you also are finding yourself aching for more now…

Like falling asleep beside him while watching a movie, or sharing a meal with him and teasing him over his dry sense of humor.

It’s dangerous falling deeper like this.

Especially now in a blink you realize you’ve been talking to Joel this entire drive to your apartment.

“Shit sorry.” He realizes it when he sees the time. “Y’should’ve told me to fuck off. Don’t gotta waste your time talkin’ to some old ass like me.”

He rarely comments on his age, and his words sink hard into your gut.

“Trust me… I’m glad I get to talk to you.” You truthfully tell him.

“You’re the one who probably has better things to do than talk to me.” You add slightly dejected. The words even sting your lips.

“Like watching Field of Dreams.” You quickly add some light humor trying to dispel your heartache leaking in.

Joel snorts.

“Definitely would rather chat with you than watch that.” Joel mutters, but his world electrifies your skin.

“I’m flattered knowing I can beat Kevin Costner.” You joke. When he snorts amused, warmth fills you to the brim.

Someone in the distance calls out to Joel, and you know your time with him is limited. It’s confirmed when he sighs.

“Gonna be landing soon. Ya make it to your place okay?” He asks.

“I did, thank you. And thanks for keeping me company on the drive.” You smile to yourself.

“Don’t mention it. Uh, glad you made it back safe.” Joel replies and his words make you melt.

You say his name quick.

“Can you just… Text me when you make it to the hotel?” Just to know he’s safe. It’s simple, but it feels as if the words weigh a ton.

A moment passes.

“Yeah, will do.” Joel agrees.

He doesn’t text you. Instead Joel calls you when he gets to the hotel.

“Saw a full on fuckin’ fight at the airport when we landed.” Joel rambles immediately, and you learn how much of a secret gossip he is. While Joel breaks down all the details of what he saw, you realize he wanted to tell you about this.

A light burst in your chest because you want to tell Joel everything too.

And when your next semester starts, you tell him all you can.

The texting stays but evolves into more frequent phone calls. Joel listens to you with a gruff saint’s patience. He faintly picks up the names of your professors, even the name of your roommate. At one point he even stays on the phone with you when you cook dinner.

Joel calls during the stretch of waiting at the airports, a few times after games. Sometimes he rants about his teammates, sighs about his frustrations when they lose or when he ends up not doing well on the mound.

While every inch in your body still hums for Joel, it’s steady now - like you’re slowly accepting these emotions fully into your bloodstream and part of your existence.

You adore Joel, maybe more than you want to admit.

During a rare night out with your friends from class, feeling nice in your favorite outfit, courage courses through you. After posting a few photos from your night out, you also post a rather nice selfie.

You pray Joel sees it. Then you get a bit tipsy, and it takes all your willpower not to text Joel.

But the alcohol burns in you. Once you’re back at your apartment, in the safety of your room, you pull up your favorite video.

It’s a spring training video the Rangers made of the team preparing for the upcoming season. The video ranged from showing the guys on the field practicing, to them in the weight room.

There’s a nice small segment just on Cowboy Joel Miller. Specifically he’s training with a few weights and when you first saw it, your throat got so dry.

Joel is drenched in sweat. The simple worn navy blue shirt sticks to his body, highlighting the tone of his arms and width of his shoulders. Curls wet with sweat stick to his forehead. His concentrated face is sinful.

But not as hot as the sounds he makes.

The grunts, the soft growls, the exhales he gives lifting the weights… they drench your thoughts with images of him fucking.

You’ve never done this before, never gotten off on his videos. You never wanted to fall this far.

But it’s so hard when your body feels molten, so wet hearing with his groans directly in your ears. Your fingers trail down to relieve the throbbing wet ache between your legs.

Imagining Joel’s sweaty gorgeous body pressed against yours, picturing his thicker fingers in you, getting to taste him on your tongue - you come incredibly fast.

The next morning a text and a somber guilt wait for you.

Joel of course had messaged you.

Looks like you had fun last night

So he did see your pictures. A blistering heat crawls in your throat.

But reality sinks in fast. You got off to Joel. You don’t want to feel guilty. You reason there’s probably others who have maybe done it. But it does quietly eat at you.

So much that you don’t even reply to Joel for the whole day trying to sort your mind out. He’s the one that eventually calls you.

“Y’go out on a date or somethin’?” Joel asks about the night out, and your mind sputters to a halt.

“Oh uh, no. Just went out with some friends in class.”

“Oh.” He replies quick. “Well, looked like fun.”

You agree and thank him.

“But yeah, no dates for me.” You weakly laugh.

“Yeah? Any reason why?” Joel presses.

Because you’re partially head over heels for him, but you can’t admit that yet.

“No one’s asked me recently that’s all.” You reply simply. You’ve done the dating apps, had the headache mess of ghosting and awkward dates.

Joel snorts. “Pretty thing like you? Hard to imagine.”

His words, like a change up ball that drops wildly in the air, disorient you.

“Trust me, it’s real.” You dryly reply.

“And you? You must be seeing some famous celebrity in secret huh?” You teasingly ask.

You’ve seen the ESPN clips of the beautiful reporters flirting with him, cooing at how handsome he is. He probably could snag a supermodel or other famous person.

Joel barks a hollow laugh of a thing.

“No, none of that.” He answers.

“Ain’t not time for that or…mainly…haven’t found anyone who’s got the patience for me.”

Your heart sinks.

“Wait, what do you mean?” You quietly press.

He sighs.

“M’ older, a single dad. My schedule ain’t perfect. And those that have tried to uh… pursue something haven’t always had the best intentions.”

His voice trails off somber. You wonder how many just wanted him for his money or fame.

A grim cloud seems to settle above you.

“You’re a great guy Joel, an incredible one.” You earnestly tell him. “Those who can’t see it don’t deserve you.”

“And I have to say it but…you’re a real catch.” You go for the obvious baseball pun.

Joel’s chuckle is a beautiful low gruff treasure.

“That was bad.” You can almost picture him shaking his head. “But thanks…same uh, same goes for you. You’re smart, gorgeous. Someone will come around to see you’re worth it.”

You’re drowning in his words. They feel too much.

He ends up having to quickly end the call with his manager calling, and you’re thankful for it. Because this blooming rawness in you feels like it’s getting too much, yet not enough.

Joel’s compliments are sincere. But many feelings tangle you up. It hurts, like you’re stuck in a rose bush trying to get comfortable within the thorns.

Then, the universe decides to pull you away from Joel.

Classes kick up and the workload piles on. You’re exhausted. It even gets harder to reply to Joel as swiftly as you did. You even miss a few of his phone calls and don’t even call him back.

The days blur together.

Then, one morning you find a text waiting for you.

hope you’re alright

You want to cradle that message.

When you call Joel, it’s like not a day has passed between you and him. Your heart soars hearing his voice again.

“So uh…” Joel begins cautiously, and you’ve never heard him this nervous almost. “We’ll be heading your way into town soon.”

That’s right.

Caught up in the semester you completely forgot the team would be playing the Astros soon. Excitement immediately rises in you.

“Hope ya can come out and see us. And if ya do, let me know.” Joel suggests and you swear his voice sounds shy.

The minute the conversation ends, you try checking for tickets. But they’re a pretty penny. You jokingly circle the top section, the highest nosebleeds, and text him saying he needs to try and find you from here.

He texts back immediately.

Don’t worry about the tickets. Just head to will call and let them know you’re with me. Got it covered

That might be one of the hottest things you’ve ever read.

Game day can’t approach any faster. Your parents even mention the upcoming game when you call to check up.

“You should try to go!” Your dad urges, eager.

A part of you has wondered if Joel mentioned you to your dad. You’ve kept quiet, not saying a thing about whatever this is with Joel, and you now think so did Joel.

You take a small comfort in that.

When game day does arrive, you head to Minute Maid Park alone. Your closest friend and classmate couldn’t make it, and neither could your roommate. But for some reason, you’re slightly okay with being here by yourself.

At the ticket window, you nervously say that you’re here for Joel. Like if nothing they verify your name, and with an ease slide tickets your way.

Not just any tickets, but seats right by the Rangers dugout.

Still stunned, but now slightly lost, you can’t help but feel stranded in the stadium.

“You okay, sweetie?” A lovely voice comes and when you turn, you find a sweet older motherly woman. She wears a Texas Rangers jersey and another younger woman stands besides her in the same jersey. They both stare at you concerned.

“You lost?” The younger woman asks sympathetically.

It must be that obvious. The motherly older woman politely asks to check your tickets to point you in the right direction. She perks up.

“Aw look at that! You’re sitting close to us! Come on, we’ll show ya around!” She beams warmly.

“Wait, are you sure?” You ask worried.

“Oh of course,” the younger woman reassures you with a smile. “The stadium is so huge and besides, us Rangers fans gotta stick together.”

She then winks, noticing the Rangers shirt you bought and wore for the game.

You find out Malinda, the older woman, is the mother of the first baseman. And the other lady, Casey, is his wife.

Kindly, this sweet family adopts you, guiding you towards the section literally right besides the dugout on the other side of the net.

You’re stunned in shock yet again.

Even though your tickets are a few rows away from the two sweet ladies, they reassure you you’ll be fine sitting with them.

It’s beautiful and comforting.

“So, who are you here for?” Casey asks with a friendly gossip like whisper. “These seats are for friends and family, and I haven’t seen you around before.”

But then she quickly reassures you don’t have to explain if you don't want to.

You with a weak laugh you’re here to see Joel, adding that he’s a family friend. Her eyes go wide.

“Oh wow! And he warmed up today too so he might pitch!” She says excitedly.

Joel had texted you before the line up was confirmed that he would be warming up.

Don’t know if I’m gonna get put in but just in case

Even if he didn’t, you told him you just wanted to be there to support him.

With the Rangers being the visiting team, they bat first. You want to root for the guys to get a hit and get on base, but you also already selfishly want to see Joel.

Three outs come and the Rangers switch to take the field. No sign of Joel.

In fact he doesn’t show up until the fifth inning, and it happens so casually. Joel simply walks out from the dugout and takes your breath away.

The team wears their cobalt blue jerseys and the color flatters Joel marvelously.

It feels like seeing him for the first time all over again but through a deeper lens you can’t explain.

You clap and cheer with pride when he manages to strike out the first batter. Then the second.

Two strikeouts back to back.

Joel told you back in his younger days he struck out seven hitters in a row. Now for him to get two, much less strike out the third batter, is something to applaud and admire. And the Rangers fans here, including yourself, cheer loud when the team heads back for the next inning.

“Cowboy Miller in his golden age.” Someone off to the side whistles appreciatively.

You don’t fight the syrupy fondness swallowing you whole.

“It’s rare that a more…seasoned pitcher like Joel still is relied on,” your new friend Casey explains. “But it’s hard to see why not. Everyone’s been saying like he’s almost found a new groove and still has so much power.”

He’s a force you’re terribly in awe of.

Seeing the whip of how strong his body still pitches the ball with a dizzying speed, how handsome he looks under the baseball cap, you want to savor this as much as you can.

Joel manages to get two more strikes out in the second inning. Then by the seventh they get a hit off him but thankfully, no runs come in. Cowboy Miller ends the inning striking out the final batter. You, and the other Rangers fans present, erupt wild.

He did amazing.

Laser focused, locked in on the game, he doesn’t search the crowd or even glance up and you understand. The game gets intense when the Astros manage to hit a home run in the eight. In the end the Rangers win because of an error.

But it’s still a sweet victory.

You relish and warmly celebrate it with your co cheerleaders for the game that made you feel so welcomed with them. You’re about to head up and leave, start looking for an Uber ride home, when Malinda calls to you.

“Sweetie? Aren’t ya gonna wait with us and greet the guys!?” She asks with warm curious sweetness.

You can’t say no.

The commotion sweeps you into a neon coated excitement. There’s a special area sectioned off, almost in a backstage-like section that connects to the entry way for the visiting teams. You’re surprised at how many others wait here.

The team slowly trickles out of the locker room and into the hallway. You’re hilariously reminded of a class being let out.

Then the world then melts away when Joel walks out. Focused on his phone you almost want to call out to him, but your voice gets caught in your throat.

Putting his phone away Joel finally glances up and spots you.

Even with his baseball cap on, you see his eyes widen for a fraction. Your body reacts on its own moving towards him. But he also walks fiercely towards you.

The world blurs away for a moment and then without even thinking, you’re embracing him.

It happens so naturally you don’t even realize what you did until you blink and it’s like you’ve been thrown into cold water.

Panicking, you’re about to pull away until Joel’s arms slowly wrap around you.

“Good to see ya too.” He says low gruff but you’re taken out by the knees grateful your body doesn’t give out.

He smells of sweat, of the dirt on the field, and something sharply Joel, and it’s wonderful.

Quickly you draw yourself away to proudly tell him how amazing he did. Joel waves you off with a gruff noise as his eyes refuse to meet you, almost bashful.

It’s been so long since you’ve seen him this close, been in the same space as him. And it feels so different.

“Alright, dinner?” Someone says, and when you turn, you’re stunned to see it’s the team manager.

Guess this means you’ll be saying goodbye.

“Headin’ home?” Joel asks when he notices you staying back once everyone funnels outside.

“Uh yeah, gotta grab an Uber first. Didn’t wanna drive down here and deal with Houston traffic along with awful parking during a game.” You joke, and Joel snorts.

“Let me take ya back then.” He offers, and you almost drop your phone.

You scramble out reassuring Joel it’s fine.

“Besides, don’t you have dinner to go to?” And where would he even get a car to take you.

“S’fine. Would rather make sure you get home safe anyway.” He then tells you to hang tight then goes to grab one of the rental cars the team has on ready.

Because of course they do.

Your blood hums wild knowing Joel is taking you home, that you’re going to be alone with him. Even in this glimmering dusted dream you still want to tell Malinda and Casey goodbye and thanks for treating you so kindly.

You wish them well and even welcome their warm goodbye hug.

“Wish you could come to dinner!” Casey frowns.

“Maybe next time.” Her mother in law says bright.

Next time.

“Yes hope to see you at more games.” Casey grins and the possibility bubbles iridescent in you.

With a goodbye to them you wait for Joel. There are still a few others of the wives or girlfriends hanging around while the team sorts out where to go.

You haven’t turned to give them any attention. However something crawls on your skin like you’re hyper aware of being watched.

“Did you see how she hugged him? Probably just using him, poor Joel.” One of them whispers.

“She’s not even that pretty.” Another one giggles.

“Oh then you know he’s maybe just using her then! And if that’s the case then good for Joel.” The other replies with a searing joke that makes your stomach sick.

Joel returns, keys in his hand. “Ready to go?”

You weakly grin back.

You should be basking in this moment of finally getting to be alone with Joel, of getting to see him drive you around. Once in the car he took off his cap allowing you sight of his soft hair. The darkness of the car, the warmth of the city lights flickering by, all coat him glorious. Yet those comments from earlier fester poisonous and sour any hope of enjoying this.

You stay rather quiet while giving him directions to your place.

Joel however is surprisingly talkative.

“So you’ll have to give me recommendations of places to go around here.” His voice even sounds just traces softer, higher almost - like he’s happy being here.

And it kills you.

“Y’seem quiet, you okay?” He notices it of course, ever aware.

“Yeah, just a bit tired. Didn’t know the game would take that much outta me.” You lie.

Eventually you arrive at your apartment complex.

“Your place is nice.” Joel admires as he helps you out of the car like the Texan gentleman he is. He even follows you to your door.

You graciously thank him again for this night and for taking you home.

“You sure you’re okay?” He asks again.

You walk a few steps away from him. The night all around is still quiet, feels soupy with how much hangs in you.

You refuse to cry about this, don’t want to get emotional. If anything, you deserve to treat this like an adult.

“Joel…” you start cautiously, already hating the way your voice wavers.

“Yeah?” His voice stays steady, unbothered, but his eyes furrowing say otherwise.

“What…what is this? What are we?” You ask as steady as you can, but your tone continues to crack.

Joel’s eyes brow furrow and his mouth closes, tightening his jaw.

“Just…good friends.” He replies simply, almost cold. “Just showing my pal’s daughter a nice night.”

There it is.

Your soul deflates. So all the times you’ve felt like this might be something, maybe it's just been you wishing it would be.

So salvaging whatever dignity left, you nod.

“Thanks again, Joel.” You reply briskly and return walking towards your door.

He says your name. It stops you dead in your tracks.

“Why? Why d’ya ask that?” He asks, pressing firm and hard.

You turn back to him, and a deep scowl is etched on his face.

“It doesn’t matter.” You answer.

“The fuck does that mean?” He snaps a bit sharp.

“It means what it means.” You fire back.

“Bullshit. Why did you ask that?” Joel growls out firmer.

“Even if I told you, it doesn’t matter.” You repeat.

“Stop sounding like a fuckin’ owl.” His voice rises hard and fast, like a hand slamming on the wall.

It startles you, makes your eyes water and something in you shakes. Mainly because you know this is beginning to taste like the end. The smallest trace of hope is dissipating right before you.

You blink back tears, and immediately Joel’s face falls.

“Honey, I’m sorry-”

Shaking your head, you cut him off. Not even the sweet pet name he effortlessly uses can shake you.

Through gritted teeth you tell him to go.

“Not when you’re this upset.” He urges.

Through tears a sad water laugh escapes you and Joel’s eyes go cloudy.

“I’m realizing…I’ll never be anything to you then just your friend's kid, huh?” Your voice is waterlogged and you can’t fight it.

“You are.” He states simple and straightforward.

You nod, swallowing back the heartache boiling over.

“Can’t be anythin’ more than that.” Joel adds through mutter.

“Why?” You now ask him. Under the amber light of your apartment’s hallway the most frustrated cloudy look hardens his face.

His eyes scan your face then he steps closer towards you

“Don’t act dumb, sweetheart.” His voice rips out low cruel, slightly harsh.

You’re not and you tell him that.

“I…” the words you’ve held locked up so fiercely in your heart now sneak out from their bars to escape.

“I’d give anything to be yours, Joel.” You croak barely realizing you even said that.

He inhales, and his face goes taunt.

You wait for the sharp reply, even brace for it.

Instead Joel swoops in, kisses you wild like a sudden storm, and presses you against the door of your apartment.

Greedily, you claw onto him not wanting to ever let this go, to let him go. Your mouth begs him more to invade and consume. And he does so with a steady hunger.

The clamor into your apartment is messy, but at one point Joel cautiously stops to look around.

“My roommate’s visiting family…” you reassure, kissing his neck and softly under the side of his jaw with delicate cautious lips.

“Just you and me.” You whisper soft.

Joel takes command the minute you lead him to your room.

“Thought about this. Fuck, think about ya all the damn time.” He growls against your neck as he slides your bra off and runs a callous hand over your chest.

“Fucked my fist that first night you went swimmin’ at m’house.” Joel’s words make you whine and then his lips lick against your skin trying to savor you.

“Me too.” You admit through a whimper. “Touched myself thinking of you.”

Joel freezes.

“Tell me,” he says rather calmly, deadly almost.

Your syrupy lust begins fading away when you realize what you said, what he asks for, and what your answer will be.

Your lips and eyes shut close.

Then Joel’s warm breath, like a ghost, crawls against up your chest and tickles against your ear now.

“Come on, honey,” his voice is utterly decadent with a plea. “Tell me, please.”

You swallow hard telling Joel you don't want him to get weirded out.

He hums against your neck already starting to suck a mark against your skin. Your eyes roll back, and the embarrassment is quickly fading away.

“Promise, I’ll be okay.” Joel reassures you with a mumble against your skin.

So with a shaky voice, you weakly admit how you touched yourself to videos of him.

He groans.

“Baby, oh fuck, fuckin - shit.” Joel sputters out hard, like he just got kicked in the gut, and you’re worried until his lips smash into yours.

He devours you.

You’re swept into a tangled dizzying frenzy. Your clothes practically get ripped off as do Joel’s while he clutches onto you and licks into your mouth.

“That’s my girl. Knew you’d be m’good girl.” He says almost drunk and you’re done for.

You fall into the chasm with no hopes of turning back. But you don’t want to.

Joel feels like a god carving open your universe. You want to consume him and want him to consume you. He becomes your center of gravity.

In the aftermath, you’re left basking in Joel’s warmth and never want to leave.

Even though you were in his arms, Joel had to sit up to take a call and now scrolls through his phone. Your fingers trace his beautiful back.

You’re thankful for all the soft lamps you bought that now melt him into a dreamlike glow.

“Joel.”

He hums a gruff gentle noise that says he’s listening.

“I don’t…” you begin softly, then tell him your doubts. You don’t want him to think you’re simply using him for his status or money.

“Joel… you could quit or retire tomorrow and work with your brother as a contractor and I’d still always want you the way I want you.” Your deliciously aching limbs, the soft afterglow, all of it has you speaking soft and freely.

You never wanted Joel because of his fame or even because of the forbidden taste of him being friends with your dad. You wanted Joel for deeper reasons, some that have carved out a chasm in your heart.

You explain this all to him best as you can without rambling or sounding silly.

Joel sighs.

“Y’shouldn’t.” His voice is a hollow rumble. “I’m old, friends with your dad. We shouldn’t be doin’ this.”

Now a bitter venom spills in you.

You glare at his back, how his shoulders slump defeated while you sit up

“I'm an adult, Joel. And if that’s all you’re worried about then sorry it’s a shit reason.” You launch back.

Over his shoulder he glares at you.

“If…” you swallow hard. “If you’re the one who wants to leave, because i’m that young, or you really don't want this or don’t feel what I feel, then fine. At least tell me that.”

“But I care about you. And I want to make this, us, work.” You finish firmly, even with how much emotions clash in your chest.

Joel sighs again. His eyes face turns away now down downcasted.

“Didn’t wanna want you the way I do. You’re so bright, fucking’ smart and so g’damn gorgeous.” He softly admits.

A pause settles between him and you.

“Y’could be with someone younger, less complicated.” Joel admits low.

“Don’t want anyone younger or less complicated. Just want you.” You reassure with a soft steady mutter.

He goes quiet again.

“Used to not get bothered when I started leavin’ away games by myself. With Tommy married and the business booming, then the girls startin’ to have their own lives…I didn’t mind doing this alone.”

Underneath his words you catch it, his rusting loneliness.

“But then…these past few months…and now today seeing ya waitin’ for me…” he says clipped, like the rest of his words are caught in his throat and he can’t free them yet

Joel turns, and his eyes bore into you.

The silence stays as you stare unflinchingly back at him.

He doesn’t need to say anything else. You don’t think you have to either. Like a magnetic pull, it’s effortless moving towards him. Joel’s warm large calloused hand, seasoned from so many seasons of hard work, of pitching, cradles your face. You kiss him with every inch of your heart.

Even after spending the night, you’re surprised Joel hasn’t left yet. He even comments about figuring out lunch plans with you.

“You have another game today, Cowboy.” You comment.

The term makes his eyebrows rise, and the most coy smirk tugs his face making him look so charming.

“Got today off to rest, ya little shit.” It’s affectionate. “Besides my back ain’t what it use to be and after goin’ more rounds with ya this morning-”

In the middle of your living room you rush to kiss him.

The rest of the day unfolds like a dream drenched and stitched from every domestic fantasy you’ve ever had. Joel stands in your kitchen when you make him a quick lunch and you laugh apologizing that your fridge isn’t MLB diet certified. Joel steals your last saved snack after that joke.

Cuddled snug on the couch with him, you try watching a movie but Joel, so greedy and handsy, ends up fucking your brains out with his tongue.

When dinner rolls around, you order from your favorite local takeout place and Joel pays for everything. You ignore all the work you need to do for the week and don’t care. You’re here at this moment and want to stay crystalized in it for as long as you can.

But tomorrow is the last day before the team leaves to Miami to play the Marlins.

While showering with him, you wrap yourself against Joel’s back already dreading his leave. He seems to sense it too because his hands squeezes yours.

Against your shower wall he glides into you tender and slow, almost trying to draw out every inch of this.

Later that night, you try staying up but the day begins settling in. Your eyes flutter trying to fight sleep.

He mutters your name soft while his fingers run soft against your side.

“Hm?” You answer, trying hard to fight your tired eyes.

“Don’t want ya to think i’m ever using you, honey. You’re not just some young thing keepin’ me company.”

His words are simple, but they erupt so much in you.

Joel had been spooning you from behind, but now you immediately turn around to burrow your face against his chest. You reassure him and his arms tighten around you wonderful chains you wish never break.

But the next morning arrives.

“Gonna come to our last game here?” Joel asks while he packs up.

“Don’t know, I heard you guys still have that really old guy who might be pitching.” You say with a shrug.

His face frowns hard, but Joel moves to playfully smack your ass while you laugh. He quickly draws you in for another kiss.

You have class tomorrow and work you need to jump on, but you go to the game. Joel doesn’t play, but you don’t mind. Getting to hug him goodbye one last night in the shadow of the stadium is worth it.

“Text ya when we get to the airport.” Joel promises, secretly placing a soft kiss on your head.

That night when you get home you order not one, but two Joel Miller jerseys.

[uolarieclosed]

kim sunoo ☆ ! thinking about you

━━━ in which a fake relationship blossomed with a base of true feelings …

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who asked you to be his fake girlfriend because his mom wouldn’t stop pestering him about getting a date for the family wedding they’re attending.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who couldn’t stop staring at you in your pink dress, shoving his shaky hands into the pockets of his trousers.

“you look gorgeous,” he whispered into your ear as he opened the door to his car—smiling to himself when he saw you blush.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who picked you out of all the girl pining on him because he knew that what he felt for you would bloom sooner or later.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who slow danced with you under the stars.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who gave you his name tag the following day at school, kissing your cheek before he ran off to the baseball field.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who never expected you to reciprocate his feelings until he found a baseball with your confession on his desk.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who carries your lunch tray to your table, sitting separately from his friends so he can listen to you talk about your day.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who takes you somewhere secluded to see the stars after a bad game—reminding him of the night he truly fell in love with you.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who takes you on small dates at least every weekend. it didn’t matter if it was supposed to be his rest day from baseball.

“sunoo, why don’t we stay at my place?” sunoo shakes his head, tugging you behind him. “i heard the new makeup line that you like just dropped. let’s go buy some.” he slugs his arm around your shoulder, kissing your temple—silently thanking you for looking out for him.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who gives you his letterman jacket, being the only player to not have his because it’s around your shoulders.

“won’t you get in trouble?” you frown as sunoo slides your hands through the sleeves. “i can always get another.” sunoo ruffles your hair with a complete lovestruck grin.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who texts you good morning and good night even after his long practices.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who embarrasses you in front of everybody because he likes when you hug him to hide your hot face from everyone.

“there’s my pretty angel! let me kiss you!” sunoo throws his arms up, his huge smile evident from across the hallway.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who can get a bit mean during disagreements, however he’s just trying to get his point across even if it’s harsh.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who loses every hit because he knows you’re not in the stands watching him.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who stands out in the rain until you forgive him, which you do because he get’s annoying when he’s sick.

“what the hell is wrong with you?” you tug sunoo’s drenched jersey, hoping to pull him inside but instead he wraps his arms around you. “i’m sorry i said all of those things, you’re always going to be the one more me, always. you’re my girl.”

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who won’t let you go the next morning, burying deeper into your pillow and leaving wet kisses along your neck.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who draws your name in the sand with his bat, pointing back at you.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who will get in a fight with anyone who bad mouths you or tries to make an advance towards you.

“you know i’m the one she lays next to every night, right?” sunoo shoves the kid, feeling a bit too proud of himself.

BASEBALL PLAYER SUNOO who was set on you being his one and only.

© 2024 uolarie

[whocaresstillthelouvre]

The Return

Batter Up Chapter 7

Pairing: Baseball player Joel Miller x Female Reader Rating: Explicit. 18+ (Minors DNI) Summary: After a month of being away from the game and the girl he loves, Joel Miller is back and ready to play. Warnings: smut, making a sex tape, oral (f receiving), unprotected p in v (reader has an IUD), cream pie, also regular pie, joel miller's dirty mouth, wine. Words: 5,000

A/N: Thank you to my dearest @devineconjuring and her beautiful brain for beta'ing and being my grammar goddess.

Masterlist Playlist

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The crowd chants Joel’s name, lights flicker through the stadium, the ground feels like it’s shaking beneath his feet. He loves this feeling—the rush of adrenaline coursing through him, the loud crowd drowning out every doubt he’s ever felt. After three weeks on the injured list and another week rehabbing in the minors–a month away from the big leagues–Joel Miller is back.

He walks to the plate, digging his heels into the dirt and tapping his bat against the plate as he soaks in the moment. 

“Miller, good to see you back,” the catcher says.

Joel nods, and grunts an acknowledgment back.

His eyes settle on the pitcher, some young phenom throwing 99-mph with almost every pitch. Don’t worry kid, you’ll get old like me.

The first pitch whooshes past him—ball one. 

Ball two.

Strike one.

The pitcher’s keeping it a little outside, Joel inches closer to the plate, squaring up. The pitcher winds up again, Joel takes a deep breath, feeling the vibration of the bat as it connects with the ball. The crack of the bat reverberates through the stadium as the ball soars past the infield, over the outfield, and disappears beyond the right-field fence.

Home run.

The crowd erupts, the celebratory bell tolls as he rounds the bases. His eyes scan the club box above third base, finding you amidst the cheering fans, your arms raised high, that smile of yours lighting up his heart.

Joel Miller is back, doing what he loves, and now in front of the woman he loves.

__

You’re so proud of him. You wipe the tears from your eyes as Joel’s feet touch home base. His recovery wasn’t easy. Every week away from the game for someone as old as him means double the work versus a young kid just in the game. Forty year olds aren’t known for being pro athletes. 

With the long Labor Day weekend, you were able to take time off from work and travel by train to Philadelphia to witness Joel's celebrated comeback, which had turned into a legend after his grand slam. Suddenly, all of your worries are lifted away. The stress of telling your families that you're a couple, your demanding job as a column writer at Sporting Digest that revolves around the ebb and flow of games, trades, and record breaking moments–none of it matters now.

Your responsibilities at work have been stacking up over the past few weeks. Churning out articles on everything from college football predictions to analyses of NBA draft picks. When you were hired you agreed to not cover baseball, what with the conflict of interest and all. Now, you dream of the headlines you could write about your boyfriend’s triumphant return. 

You’ve barely been able to leave your laptop. Last week, you spent three days shadowing a tennis star at the US Open, scribbling notes on her training and the pressure of being labeled the “next big thing.” You’ve barely had time to breathe, let alone do laundry, go grocery shopping, and, most importantly, be there for Joel. You put in countless hours of work to make this long weekend possible, just so you could witness his big comeback firsthand. 

“Heck of a player that Miller is,” you hear the TV in the corner say. “He sure knows how to show everyone he’s still got it, doesn’t he?” 

You clutch his number dangling from your neck, you’re so proud of him, always proving everybody wrong. Well worth every sacrifice. 

__

The Liberties win, 4-0, all thanks to Joel’s grand slam in the first inning. Sports radio is going to have a field day with this. 

You make your way down to the stadium’s corridors, where staff rush around with more important tasks than yours. 

The Liberties clubhouse sits just ahead of you, the two large blue doors stay closed to onlookers. You rest your back against the cold cinder block wall and send Joel a text, telling him to take his time.

A year ago, you never could’ve imagined this. Joel Miller—rugged, no-nonsense baseball star, the man who occupied your teenage dreams—now your boyfriend. The man who keeps your favorite pasta sauce in his pantry. The man who goes mattress shopping with you. It feels surreal, yet so real at the same time.

Every time that damn blue door opens your heart skips a beat, hoping you’ll find Joel walking out. False alarm after false alarm. 

Until…

Joel emerges, hair slicked back, wearing a gray Liberties shirt, khaki pants, and those cheesy white New Balance sneakers you tease him relentlessly about. Joel, you’re way too rich to be wearing these damn ragged shoes. 

“Hi baby,” he smiles as he wraps his arms around you, pushing you further against the wall. 

“Hi,” you breathlessly respond, smelling the body wash on his skin. Damn, he showered. “Good game.”

“It was, wasn’t it?”

You can’t help but smile at how happy he is, back where he belongs, doing what he loves.

“Come on,” he says, pulling you close. “Let’s go celebrate.” His arm stays around your waist as he leads you through the corridors to his car.

It’s so freeing now, being able to cheer for—and love—Joel out in the open, for all eyes to see.

__

“You know you made me cry today, right?” you say, reaching for his hand resting on your thigh.

“I did, huh?” he replies with a smirk on his face.

He always looks so confident as he drives. Philly’s narrow streets, filled with potholes and pedestrians, are nothing like Austin’s, but he navigates them as effortlessly as he does everything else—injuries, tough teammates, media storms. He handles it all like he handles a fastball: with ease.

“Yeah, I’m really proud of you,” you tell him softly, grabbing his hand harder. “I know I’ve said it a hundred times, but I’m just so happy to be here for you.”

He smiles that quiet Joel smile. “That’s how I feel watching you handle everything too.”

"So, where are we headed?" you ask, noticing you're not on the route to his apartment. “I hope I’m dressed okay,” you say, looking down at your simple red gingham dress. 

"It’s a surprise. You’ll be fine, you look beautiful baby," he says.

The car winds through the city. You glance over, watching the city lights flicker across his face as the car turns off the main road, slipping into a quieter neighborhood.

The car pulls up to a small, unassuming brick building tucked away on a quiet side street. No flashy sign, no valet—just a discreet, vintage lantern hangs above the door. It’s definitely a place Joel prefers. 

He turns off the car and turns to you, his hand still resting on your thigh. “Thought we’d keep it low-key,” his deep voice rumbles in the quiet of the car.

You nod, your smile widening. “Perfect.”

He steps out of the car and, ever the gentleman, comes around to open your door before guiding you toward the entrance. You wrap your arm around his, leaning into his warmth as he leads you inside.

—

“Mr. Miller, welcome to Vetri Cucina. We’re happy to have you here. Let me show you to your table.”

“Silvio," Joel says with a firm handshake. "Good to see you. Thanks."

Your eyes scan the cozy space. Shiny worn floorboards, warm amber walls, a glistening chandelier that hangs from the low ceiling–you’ve never seen a place like this before. Little did you know that behind the unassuming brick row home exterior there would be a whole functional restaurant. It feels like the perfect mix of a place for the two of you, rustic and intimate.

Silvio leads you both up a narrow staircase to a private room on the second floor. A table for two sits in the center of the room. A red glass chandelier hangs above it, candlelights flickering shadows across the golden walls.. 

“So, we’re still hiding our dinners with each other away from prying eyes?” you tease as Joel pulls the chair out for you and you take a seat.  

“Not exactly,” he says, taking your hand in his. “I just wanted to show off that I can get us a private table at one of the best restaurants in Philly.”

You laugh. “I’m sure there’s a Golden Corral around here.”

Joel chuckles. “Very funny. But trust me—you’ll love it here. They’ve got all the fancy dishes with those French words you like.”

“You know me too well.”

“Better than you think,” he says, his eyes gleaming under the golden light.

—

A waiter approaches, a polished smile on his face. “Good evening, and welcome. My name is Royal, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. We have a special tasting menu prepared just for you, personally selected by our chef. It’ll start with an appetizer, followed by a pasta course, a main, and dessert.” 

Your mouth waters as Royal pours you a glass of wine. 

”Each course will be paired with a wine from our grand collection. Your first course will be out shortly. In the meantime, is there anything else I can bring you?”

Joel shakes his head. “We’re all set, thanks.”

“Wow,” you say once the waiter leaves, glancing around the elegantly set table. “I feel a little underdressed for a tasting menu.”

Joel shrugs. “I have a feeling they won’t care what we’re wearing once I pay the bill. Besides,” he says with a smile, “I like you in that red dress.”

“Atta boy, Texas,” you say, smiling as you sip your wine.

—

After a couple courses of delicious appetizers that you happily eat, but Joel barely touches, the water returns, presenting the main course with a flourish. 

"For your entrée, we have our signature dish: salt-crusted tilapia with a bread salad of parsley and tomatoes, alongside grilled artichokes on a bed of smoked squash puree."

You glance at Joel as the waiter expertly cracks the salt crust, revealing the perfectly cooked fish underneath. You know Joel hates fish and artichokes. The waiter sets down two glasses of white wine and disappears, leaving you both alone with the dish.

"Baby, what are you going to do?" you ask, eyes wide as Joel picks up his fork.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m here to impress you,” he says with determination before spearing a piece of the fish. He takes a bite, his nose crinkling ever so slightly as he chews.

“How is it?” you ask, biting back a smile.

Joel grimaces. “I’ve had better.”

You chuckle softly, shaking your head. “Please don’t eat it. I know the only fish you like is fried.”

“Always been more of a Filet O Fish man myself.”

“I don’t think they’ve got tartar sauce here, so please, for me, don’t force yourself.”

He sets down his fork with a relieved sigh, his hand finding yours again. “Anything for you.”

When the waiter returns, he doesn’t comment on Joel’s barely touched plate, but you notice a subtle, appreciative smile as he clears away your empty dish.

“Well,” you say, leaning back, happy and full from dinner. “At least there’s dessert.”

“Never said no to dessert,” he chuckles, before looking you in the eyes with adoration. 

"You know," he begins, his voice low and serious, "I couldn't have done this without you. Coming back after my injury—”

Joel's voice trails off as he searches for the right words. His eyes stare into yours. You squeeze his hand encouragingly, needing to hear more. 

“It wasn’t just physical,” he continues. “It was mental. Wondering if I still had it within me, if I was too old, if it was time for me to hang up my cleats. But you—you never doubted me for a second.”

Tears pool in your eyes as his thumb brushes back and forth against your knuckles. 

"I’ve always been your fan, Joel. I’ll always believe in you.”

He nods, a small smile lighting his face. “I know, and that’s what got me through. I love you.”

“I love you too,” you smile through tears. 

The waiter approaches with dessert, you silently thank the interruption so you’re not left sobbing in the middle of this beautiful restaurant over how much you love your boyfriend. 

A familiar slice of pie is placed in front of you and Joel.

“Uppercrust?” you excitedly ask, your eyes widening at the large, glazed pecans laying atop the golden crust. 

Joel gives a shy, satisfied nod, his lips curving into that familiar, gentle smile. "Thought we’d end the night with our favorite. Had Sarah overnight it to the restaurant."

“Jooooel,” you breathe out, overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness. You stare at the pie, stunned by how deeply he cares for you.

“All for you baby,” he says softly as he lifts his fork and cheers with a playful smile. “Cheers to Austin and that hotel bar.”

You laugh, grabbing your own fork and tapping it against his. “Cheers,” you whisper, trying to steady your voice. 

“Oh my god,” you moan around the fork at the first taste of sweet pie. “I can’t believe you got this. You’re too good to me.”

He barks a laugh. “Baby, this is nothing, I owe you so much.” 

The pie is sweet, but your boyfriend is sweeter. 

The sweet wine served with the pie warms your body, Joel’s smile from across the table warms you even more. You sneakily slip your foot out of its sandal, and run it up his leg, making your way up to his crotch. He jumps in surprise, his eyes leer at you as he takes a sip of wine. Your foot finds its target, against the soft fabric of his pants, thankful for the white tablecloth that hangs from the table. He places a hand on your foot, pushing it closer to his crotch. You giggle as your toes wiggle back and forth, teasing him. 

“So, what’s next?” you ask, with a mischievous grin.

"Well, after we finish dinner, I'll pay the bill, grab some leftover pie for later...and then take you home and fuck you," he responds confidently.

A small hmph escapes your lips at the promise. “Is that so?”

“Oh, it absolutely is,” he replies, a sly grin spreading across his face. He leans in close, his voice lowering to a secretive whisper. “Just think about it—my place, those fancy sheets of mine you love so much…”

His hand wraps around your foot, pressing it harder against him. 

“Now you’re just making me impatient,” you tease. 

—-

The plates are cleared, the leftover pie is boxed up, Joel settles the bill and rises from his seat, extending his hand to help you up. 

Your fingers lace together as you step out into the warm summer night. Joel leads you to his car, unlocking it and opening the door for you. You lean over and seal your mouth over his, relishing in being able to kiss him out in the open. You pull away and give him a smirk before getting in and sliding across the passenger seat, your heart racing with anticipation for the next stop—Joel’s apartment. 

Your time together has been precious and few. Your career keeps you north in New York, Joel’s training and rehabilitation game have kept him busy and all over the states. But now, you finally have three nights together—the most time you've had since his injury a month ago. 

He glances over at you and winks before he adjusts the rearview mirror. You miss his truck back in Austin, the front bench seat allowing you to slide over and cuddle him close. You curse the existence of the center console. 

“Buckle up, baby,” he says with a grin. Your heart races at the double entendre. 

—-

Taking the elevator up to Joel's penthouse brings back memories of that first night together, when you couldn't believe how handsome he looked in that golden elevator at the hotel, not believing you were about to sleep with Joel Miller. Now, his body presses against yours as you lean on him, his head nestled in the crook of your neck as he leaves sweet kisses down your skin to the matching pendant of his number you wear, leaving a kiss against it before his eyes meet yours. 

“I can’t tell you how much I love seeing this on you, baby,” he says before licking his way up to your mouth, sealing his over yours. He grabs your ass, lifting you into his hold, your legs instinctively wrap around his waist, your arms wrap around his wide shoulders. 

The elevator doors open and he carries you into his penthouse, crowding you against the entryway wall. His mouth moves against yours with fervor, deepening the kiss as your fingers tangle in his hair. You gasp against his mouth, the cool wall chilling your overheated skin. 

“God, you’re so beautiful,” he murmurs between kisses, his breath warm and sweet against your lips. “I’ve missed this—missed you.”

He turns and carries you to the living room. The ambient city lights shining in from the floor-to-ceiling windows light Joel’s way. He gently sets you down on the couch and slides his hand to the back of your neck, pulling you closer for another kiss.

“Let me show you how much I’ve missed you, baby,” he whispers against your lips, pausing to look into your eyes.

You nod, breathless and eyes wide. “Please,” you whisper. 

He grins, standing back slightly, taking in the sight of you sprawled on his couch, dress askew. “You look so damn good.” 

His hands rest on the hem of your dress and, with a cocky grin, he slowly lifts it up, exposing the soft skin of your thighs. 

“God, this is all I’ve been thinking about. Drove to the ballpark thinking about you, stepped up to the plate thinking about you, and, baby,when I saw you in the stands… all I could think about was you naked in my arms.” 

“Joel…” you struggle to find the words, already lust-drunk on his words. 

“I need to taste you.” 

He drops down to his knees in front of you, his large fingers slipping beneath the waistband of your underwear and sliding them off.

You bite your lip as he grips your thighs and spreads them apart.

He breathes out a deep sigh at the sight of you. A low whistle leaves his lips. “There she is, she’s so fuckin’ pretty.”

He leans closer and places soft kisses along your inner thighs, teasingly slow, making your heart race even faster.

“Joel…” you plead.

He spreads you wider, warm breath teasing against your core. He licks a long, slow line from bottom to top, humming appreciatively at the first taste of you. 

Your back arches, a gasp escaping your lips. "Oh my God," you breathe.

His rough palms grip your thighs, thick fingers digging into the flesh as he holds you steady. His hot breath tickles your skin as he licks you. "God, you taste so good," he murmurs against you, his voice vibrating against your cunt. “Missed this taste.” 

His tongue explores you as your fingers tangle in his hair, gripping the soft waves of his dark strands.

Two thick fingers slide inside you, stretching you perfectly. Plush lips close around your clit, sucking and lapping at your sensitive nub.

It's been almost a month since he last touched you like this, and now with his skilled mouth and fingers all over you, your body is ready to let go.

“Joel,” you moan. “C-close.”

He enthusiastically hums against you, deep brown eyes staring into yours from under furrowed brows. His fingers pumping in and out of you as his tongue flicks rapidly over your clit. Your pussy pulses against his thick fingers, squeezing them as you bloom under the pleasure of finally feeling his touch. Goosebumps rise all over your skin, cheeks heating, legs trembling, and your eyes tightly shut… and when he curls his fingers upwards inside you, your orgasm crashes into you, your pussy soaking his hand and your voice screaming his name. He doesn't stop, continuing to lick and tease you through your orgasm until it's all too much and you're pulling at his hair.

He pulls back with a satisfied smile and kisses your inner thigh before standing and placing a kiss on your lips. You taste yourself as he licks into your mouth. His plush lips sucking against yours. 

Before you can catch your breath, Joel scoops you up in his strong arms, throwing you over his shoulder and carrying you into his bedroom. You giggle as he smacks your ass and growls. 

He sets you on the edge of his bed, the crisp white sheets cool against your overheated skin. He steps back, his eyes roaming over your body. 

“Stay right there,” he says as he moves to the closet, rummaging around for a moment before returning with a black camera and tripod in hand. 

Your breath catches at the sight as he sets them up, carefully adjusting the angle. 

The tiny red recording light blinks on and the little screen lights up. There you are, all disheveled—dress hiked up, your lips full and swollen from Joel’s mouth. 

His eyes meet yours. “Is this okay?” he asks softly.

You nod, excitement running through your body. “Yes,” you breathe. 

He grins as he removes his shirt, tossing it to the side before he steps out of his pants. He stays behind the camera, standing in the shadows like a director. “Go ahead baby, take it all off.”

You stand slowly, your heart racing at Joel and the camera’s attention. Dark brown eyes watch you intently from behind the camera, his eyes never leaving your every movement. You reach back and unzip your dress, pulling it down, as you slowly slip the straps off, letting the dress fall to the floor, the red gingham fabric pooling at your feet. 

"God, you're gorgeous,” he whispers.

You reach behind to unclasp your bra, staring at Joel as you let it fall away. Your breasts are exposed to his eyes and the camera, your nipples hardening in the cool air. You’re completely bare now except for the necklace with his number. 

"Touch yourself for me, baby," he instructs softly.

You smile, running your hands slowly up your sides, cupping your breasts. Your fingers glide over your nipples, teasing them to stiff peaks before you back up against the bed and lay across it, spreading your legs wide for the camera and Joel. Your hand snakes down your body, across your stomach, down to the apex of your thighs. 

You lock eyes with Joel as you slowly circle your clit, your breath hitching. His gaze is dark from behind the camera, his chest rising and falling rapidly. You can see the outline of his cock straining against his boxer briefs as he watches you pleasure yourself. Your fingers dip lower, sliding into your wet heat.

"That's it, baby," he groans. "Show me how you like to be touched."

Your other hand kneads your breast, pinching and rolling your nipple.

Joel steps out from behind the camera, moving to the edge of the bed. He strips off his boxers, his thick cock springing free. He strokes himself slowly as he watches you.

"You're so fucking sexy," he growls.

You whimper at his words, your fingers moving faster. "Please, baby,” you whine, “I need you."

He grabs your foot and turns you on the cool, slick sheets. Glancing over at the camera’s small display screen to check the angle of your body.  

He climbs on the bed and you instantly welcome the warmth of his presence and his broad body. He positions himself between your legs, gripping his cock and running the head through your folds, coating himself in your wetness. Your breath catches as he slowly pushes inside, a smile lighting your face at finally feeling him inside you.

"Fuck," he groans, his eyes fluttering closed as he bottoms out. "You feel so good, baby. So tight and wet for me."

You moan as he starts to move, his hips rolling against yours in a steady rhythm. Your hands glide over the expanse of his shoulders and down his muscular back, relishing in feeling the flex of his strong muscles with each thrust.

He leans down, capturing your lips. His tongue tangles with yours as he picks up the pace, fucking you harder. 

"Look at the camera, baby," Joel murmurs against your neck. "Let's show it how good I make you feel."

You tilt your head, looking directly at the camera lens with heavy-lidded eyes. The knowledge that you are being recorded, that Joel will watch this later, that the two of you will get off while watching yourselves… it’s a new thrill for you. You moan louder, arching your back higher as Joel fucks you. 

"Touch yourself for me," he commands.

Your hand snakes between your bodies, fingers finding your clit. 

"Oh god, baby," you moan, your fingers working furiously at your clit as he pounds into you. "I'm so close."

Joel's rhythm falters slightly as he watches you touch yourself, sweat glistening on his brow. "That's it. Cum for me. Let me feel you."

Your voice echoes through the room as you cry out Joel’s name, your body trembling as your walls clench tightly around him. 

“Fuck,” he grunts, his hips snapping against yours. “So fucking good, you cum so fucking good for me. So fucking tight.”

He pulls your body towards him, sitting up on the bed, his cock still buried deep inside of you. You take control and ride him, your legs wrapping around his waist as you grind down on him. His hands grip your hips firmly, guiding you.

“That’s it baby. Take what you need from me,” he growls.

Your hands tangle in the short waves of his hair, pulling him in for a kiss. Your tongues exploring each other’s mouths, bodies glistening with sweat.

He breaks the kiss, his forehead resting against yours, his nose bumping against yours. “I love you. God damn baby, I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” you moan as he thrusts up into you.  

He captures your lips again. “I’m close,” he groans against your mouth. “Cum with me baby. Give me one more.”

His hand snakes down between your bodies, his thumb finds your clit, rubbing firm circles against it as you bounce on his cock. 

You cry out his name as you orgasm, Joel’s fingers and cock working in tandem to push you over the ledge. You turn your head to the camera, staring into it as you chant Joel’s name while your walls clench around his cock. 

“Oh fuck baby,” Joel groans, his hips stuttering. “I’m gonna cum for you.”

In one swift motion, he flips you onto your back, your legs instinctively wrap around his waist as he buries his face into the crook of your neck, his hot breath fanning across your skin as he chases his own release. Your hands run down his back, feeling the flex of his muscles with each thrust.

"Cum for me, Joel, I want to feel you cum inside me."

With a final and deep thrust, Joel stills above you. He groans your name as he empties himself inside you, his cock pulsing with each spurt. He fills you with his release, still gently fucking you with soft thrusts, pushing his seed deeper inside you. 

He leans over and grabs the camera, his cock still plunged deep inside you. With a sly smile, he films your face, capturing the bliss across it.

“Look at you,” he admires, “smiling all sweetly, all drunk on my cock and cum, aren’t you baby?”

You moan a response and nod eagerly. 

He chuckles as he pulls out, shuffling his body down to settle in between your legs. Joel positions the camera between your thighs, spreading them apart and running a finger through your cunt, swollen and slick with his spend pulsating out of you.

“Look at you, leakin’ everywhere,” he groans, collecting himself across his fingers and sticking it inside you. “Can’t have that, now can we?” 

His eyes stay focused on the little screen, watching his fingers pump in and out of your overworked cunt. 

“Fuckin’ filthy baby,” he angles his fingers, your slick squelches loudly across the room. 

Writhing and whining under his touch, your skin is overheated, your pussy radiating heat across your body. 

He pulls his soaked finger out, wiping it across your folds. “Show me how you drip baby, let me see.” 

A gush of his cum leaks out of you, the warm liquid runs down your ass, pooling on the bed. 

“Fucccccccccck,” he growls. “Can’t stop looking at this.” 

He zooms out, capturing your whole body in the frame. 

“Tell me whose pussy this is,” he instructs.

“Yours,” you breathlessly respond.

“That’s it baby,” he growls, before his eyes lift from the camera and into yours. “I love you,” he softly says, his eyes rounding in reverence. 

“I love you too.”

He grins, standing up from the bed and switching off the camera before placing it down on the bedside table.

“That was incredible,” you sigh. “I can’t believe we just did that.” 

A smile spreads across his face as he leans down to give you a tender kiss on the lips. "We'll have to watch it later," he says before heading to the bathroom. He returns with a damp towel and gently wipes between your legs, before planting a kiss on your forehead and turning to leave the room.

“Where are you going?” you slur, too blissed out of your mind. 

“To get pie. I’m starving.”

⚾️⚾️⚾️

Series Masterlist

[kcake555]

Shohei Ohtani cake 🍰

athlete

[davidshawnsown]

welcomeeee…. you gonna start in some MLB teams. I started with the USA Baseball national team program in 2021.

how am i supposed to get into baseball rpf like where do i even start.. am i cooked cause i might just have to settle for hockey

[janeyseymour]

Never In a Million Years... Unless- Pt 2

Part 1.

Summary: Melissa feels a certain way about everything, but some of those thoughts are starting to change, and she a few people she has to talk to.

WC: ~2.6k

Melissa Schemmenti dreams of you that night. She dreams of a life together where the two of you are both wearing beautiful rings that sit on your left hand. She sees glimmers of the future that you could have- and it really isn’t different from the life that you live now. She dreams of a normal day that the two of you have, although she calls you her wife in the dream. The smile that you have on your face, eyes sparkling at that pet name, is enough to convince her in her sleep that she needs to make it a reality. 

The dream then fades into something that she wasn’t quite expecting- you’re in a hospital bed, asleep. Instantly, Melissa is on edge. Why were you in the hospital? Were you okay? But then she feels something warm in her arms, and as she glances down she sees a newborn baby in her arms. The little tag on the baby’s ankle reads the words, “Baby Girl Schemmenti”.

With a jolt, the redhead wakes. Her eyes bolt open, and her breath is fast. The only thing holding her down from sitting straight up in bed is the fact that you’re still lying on top of her, fast asleep.

Her arm wraps around you a bit tighter, and she presses a soft kiss to your temple. Marriage, you could change her mind on, and you have unknowingly done that. But children? Children were something that she knew she never wanted- although maybe her subconscious was telling her different. She shakes her head gently. No. She does not want children. No. She does not.

Without thinking, her fingers begin to play with the ring that sits on your middle finger, and then she rubs the skin around where she knows a ring will be sitting soon enough.

The next morning, you wake up in her arms as you always do, but she’s already awake. Thinking.

“Good morning,” you smile sleepily. She seems to be so deep in thought, she doesn’t respond. “Honey?”

Only then does her head turn, and she presses a soft kiss to your temple, much like she did in the middle of the night.

“What’s got you thinking so intensely this morning?” you ask through a quiet yawn.

She chuckles softly. “Just thinking.”

“Clearly,” you quip as you go to sit up, but her arms just wrap around your waist more. “About?”

“How lucky I am to have you in my life,” she sighs in content. Her lips brush over you temple again.

You look up at her with tired eyes. “Mel.” You know that those thoughts of hers often come during times where she’s leaning into her fears and doubts about the relationship that the two of you hold so near and dear to your hearts. “Are you feeling a certain way again?”

She shakes her head softly as she looks down at you with the most loving eyes you’ve ever seen out of her. “No. I’m secure. I just… I love you.”

“I love you too,” you promise her. Then you smirk as you rub the sleep from your eyes. “I would love you more if you would make me a coffee while I hop in the shower before work.”

“What if I joined you?” thee redhead wiggles her brows up and down, a smirk written into her face.

“You and I both know that we can’t do that, or we’ll never get to work,” you chuckle as you hit her shoulder playfully. “Coffee, please.”

“If that’s really what you want,” Melissa huffs. Her arms unwind from around you, and you’re able to sit up and swing your legs over the side of the bed, gathering your things for your shower.

You can feel her gaze. “Stop staring at my ass, you perv.”

“Just admiring my beautiful girl,” your girlfriend grins.

You quickly hurry into the bathroom, and Melissa makes her way into the kitchen with a smile on her face as she turns the coffee machine on.

Only a few minutes later, you hear a knock on the bathroom door, and then you hear her enter the room.

“Not trying to start anything,” she says with a knowing smile as you poke your shampoo filled head out to see her. “Just thought you might want your coffee.” She sets the steaming drink down on the counter before turning to head out.

“Hey,” you call after her, a pout on your face.

“You told me no funny business,” she laughs lowly.

You nod. “That doesn’t mean I can’t kiss you though.”

She presses her lips to yours softly, and you can taste the coffee that she’s been drinking for herself. “You have never looked more beautiful.”

You roll your eyes. “Go.”

The two of you finish getting ready for a day at the school before driving in together, her hand resting gently on your thigh the entire way there.

“What has you being so lovey today?” you chuckle softly when she kisses your temple for the billionth time.

She chuckles. “I told you… just thinking about how lucky I am to have you.”

You smile up at her and pull her down by her arm to kiss her cheek. Your eyes linger on her for just a few seconds longer before you rip your eyes away to continue looking at your lesson plans for the next few days.

But Melissa’s arms quickly snake around your waist, and you have to excuse yourself to go sit in your classroom in order to actually be able to focus.

Green eyes linger on where you just were before Barbara coughs rather awkwardly.

“Melissa Schemmenti,” the kindergarten teacher states firmly. “What on Earth has you looking at her like you want to marry her?”

The second grade teacher looks around and observes that most of your other coworkers are focused on the news that is being cast from the television or are distracted by their own lesson plans.

She lowers her voice and leans in to her work wife. “Because I want to marry her.”

Barbara’s eyes go wide. “What?”

“We’ll talk about this when other people aren’t around,” Melissa states firmly, yet quietly. 

“Melissa Ann,” Barb admonishes. “You cannot drop a bomb on me like that and then not discuss it with me!”

The outburst gains the attention of the room.

“What?” Janine cuts in. “What did Melissa tell you?”

“None of your business, pipsqueak,” the redhead practically growls out. “Barbara, we will discuss later. For now? I have to get down to my classroom to set up the science experiment for today, but I would hope you won’t say anything.”

Without another word, Melissa makes her way out of the break room and down towards the second grade wing.

Despite the fact that your colleagues continue to bombard the veteran kindergarten teacher to spill whatever Melissa had told her in confidence, Barbara maintains her professionalism and simply brushes them off. 

Those lingering looks, sweet words of affirmation, and brushed kisses to your temple continue throughout the day, and your grade partner can’t help but practically melt at the softness of your relationship.

Once you’re at home, you fully intend on gathering more materials and pouring over lessons, as well as putting together the conference schedule. But your girlfriend is making it difficult for you as she practically hangs off of you and distracts you- attempting to get you to look away from your work and follow her into the bedroom instead.

“Baby,” you chuckle as you bat her hand away from your ass for the fourth time in the last ten minutes. “Is today a special day that I’m forgetting or something?” You glance down at your watch. It isn’t your birthday, it certainly isn’t her birthday, and it isn’t your anniversary.

“Everyday is a special day when you’re my girl,” you hear Melissa singsong.

With a roll of your eyes, you give her the words back, and you gather your things. 

“That worked?” the redhead almost looks shocked.

You laugh. “No. It did not. I’m going to the library to actually get some work done.”

Your girlfriend juts her bottom lip out, pouting. “Mi amore,” she whines.

“Maybe once I get home from the library, and after we’ve had dinner?”

That gets Melissa to perk up. “I’ll have it ready by 6:30?”

“I’ll be home,” you promise her with a quick peck to the lips, and then you’re heading out the front door.

When she’s positive that you aren’t coming back because you forgot anything, Melissa calls her work wife.

“Hello?”

“She’s gone,” the second grade teacher breathes into the phone as she gathers ingredients for dinner. “Which means we can talk about what I told you in the lounge today.”

By the end of that phone call, Melissa Schemmenti is scheming on how to get you to marry her, and she knows every step she is obligated to take before popping the question.

Walking in from the library, you’re hit with a delightful smell. And when you walk into the dining room, your girlfriend is sitting there with two plates in your spots, a soft smile on her face, a beautiful bouquet of flowers is laid on your chair, and there’s a candle lit in the middle of the table. 

“Babe,” you swoon. 

“What?” she asks you innocently as she takes in your look. It’s nothing special- you had changed out of your slacks and dress shirt for a pair of leggings and a cozy sweater, your hair knotted messily on the top of your head.

“Seriously, am I missing something?” you ask.

“I just wanted to do something nice for mi amore,” your girlfriend tells you softly. “Sit down and start eating before it gets cold.”

Dinner is warm and sweet, and everything that you expected it to be.

“I was thinking we invite your parents over for dinner this weekend?” Melissa says casually. “You know? It’s been a bit since we’ve had them over.”

“Really?” you ask. Usually, when you meet with your parents for dinner, the four of you go out to a restaurant. You know how particular the redhead is about having people in your home.

She nods. “Honestly, I’ve been doing some thinking lately, and-”

“That’s dangerous,” you quip.

“-And I’ve been thinking maybe once it gets nicer out, we should have a barbecue here,” she finishes. “You know, the Abbott group, some of my family, your family.”

“Melissa Schemmenti,” you say lowly, a smile scarily close to taking over your face. “What on Earth have you done, or what on Earth are you going to do, that you’re buttering me up like this?”

The redhead raises her hands in mock surrender. “Nothin’. I swear. Just been thinking that a lot of our foundation is based on my wants and needs, and I figured if I’m going to get out of my comfort zone, it might as well be with you and for you.”

“Well, my love,” you rise from your seat and plant yourself in her lap, wrapping your arms around her neck and kissing her softly. “I think that’s very, very sweet of you.”

And so, by some miracle, you’re able to get your parents over to your house that weekend. Melissa cooks dinner as you expected her to, you flitting between helping her and holding up conversation with your parents. 

They are extremely complementary of the redhead’s dishes- as they should be. Your girlfriend is one hell of a cook, and if she wasn’t a teacher, you’re fairly certain she could’ve made it as a chef at a five star restaurant.

“I mean, really,” your father sighs in content as he finishes off his plate. “I don’t think I’ve had a meal this well prepared in… ever. From the plating, to the actual flavors, you are a talented woman.”

Melissa just shrugs and takes another long sip of her wine- one that she knew would pair excellently with everything she was serving tonight.

“I agree,” your mother smiles as she sips her own drink. “And this wine… exquisite.”

“Mom,” you laugh. “Don’t try to be all proper and use words like exquisite. Mel and I have been together long enough for her to know that we are not those kinds of people.”

“Would you rather I have said, ‘Wow, Melissa, this wine is so good I could finish off the whole bottle myself’?” your mother teases. 

“I have been known to do that,” you roll your eyes. “And Mel is usually sitting right next to me while I drink it out of a mug.”

“I still can’t believe you do that,” your girlfriend elbows you gently, making a face of disgust.

“I caught you doing it the other night,” you quip.

It’s her turn to roll those beautiful green eyes of hers. “Because you brought me my wine in a mug. I very much prefer to drink it out of a glass.”

You squeeze her thigh gently. “You love me.”

“You’re lucky,” she grins right back at you.

It’s a bit later that you excuse yourself softly to use the restroom.

“Be good,” you warn, and you aren’t quite sure if you’re warning your girlfriend or your parents. You get three innocent smiles in return before you turn on your heel and head upstairs to relieve yourself.

Once she knows you’re out of earshot, Melissa turns to your parents quickly and jumps straight for it.

“I want to marry your daughter, and I need to know that the two of you are okay with that before I do anything,” the redhead states.

She’s met with wide eyes and a confused look from your mother, but a broad smile from your father.

“Bout damn time,” your dad chuckles.

“I thought Y/N said you didn’t want to get married,” your mom raises a brow.

Melissa sighs. “I did some thinkin’, an’ she’s worth the leap for me. But before I go through with anything…”

“We kept you around this long, ain’t we?” your dad teases. “You’re good for her.”

When you descend down the steps, it’s almost eerily quiet. Entering the room, you’re met with your parents and Melissa all smiling silently at each other. It’s… it’s almost disturbing.

“What have you three planned?” you ask, hands planted on your hips with your brow raised. You look just like your mother in that moment.

“Just figuring out the next time we’re all getting together,” your mom says casually. “Because I quite like the wine your girlfriend keeps around the house.”

They’re off a bit later, Melissa sending your mother home with one of the bottles of wine the two of you keep stored in the liquor cabinet, and you and the redhead easily dance around the kitchen to clean everything up. Only once you’ve brought everything over to the sink and she’s busy washing the pots and pans used do you snake your arms around her waist and kiss her cheek.

“Thank you,” you sigh softly. “It was really nice not having to spend an arm and a leg out at dinner with them.”

“Anything for the love of my life,” your girlfriend says softly as she cranes her neck to kiss you back.

Those words shock you, because she’s always called you ‘mi amore’ or something of the sort- but never the love of her life.

It works in the redhead’s favor too, because no sooner are the two of you in bed and seeing stars- dishes long forgotten.

And once you’re curled against her and your breath evens out, Melissa makes a call.

“I’m gonna need Nonna’s ring,” she whispers into the phone.

Tags

 (and let me know if you want to be included!): @schemmentis @thesapphictimelady @marvel210 @itisdoctortoyousir @morgana-larkin @thesamesweetie @doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou @marvels--slut @gwennybriggs @megamultifandomtrashposts @lemz378 @http-sam @melissaschemmentisbranzino @imaginesmultifandoms @sexysapphicshopowner @lilfartbox1 @maybe-a-humanbean @imlike-so-gaydude @sapphicxrat @a-queen-and-her-throne @notinmyvocab @melanielaufeyson @dvrkhcld @cosmichymns @sasheemo @m1lflov3rrr @ricejucie

[timmyrx2000]

SHE'S A FLIPPIN' CORDUROY!

Wendy being a certified Star player of a Baseball Player. Art by el_moribundo__

Part of my Gravity Falls Baseball AU continuity

Wendy isn't just the coach of Dipper, Mabel, and Pacifica's baseball team for no reason. A few years back, when she herself played little league baseball, she was the star player of her team. Baseball had been Gravity Falls' biggest sport and the entire town would come out to watch their local little league heroes in action on the field. However, when the town's Football team began making waves, everyone moved to that leaving baseball in the dust with even most of the kids moving on to that. Wendy's team was the last little league baseball team in town before football took over and they couldn't even get enough members before having to dissolve the team due to lack of players and interest. That never stopped the fire and passion for the game burning deep in her, though. And though her old team may be gone, she's never let go of her love and thrill of the game. It hasn't been too long and, though she thinks she's abit rusty, she's still every bit of a badass at the game. When she puts on her baseball gear, its like the star player in her never stopped.

Back in her playing days, she learned to play nearly all the positions, never missing a chance to become a total power house. However, Wendy was also quite of a wild card which, while making for an exciting game, would also put her team in pretty tight situations that didn't always go their way. But still, she always loved the game, whether it was on the mound, behind the plate, at bat, on the bases, or on the outfield, she excelled at her game and she made sure the other team knew it!

Now, however, as she dusts off her old baseball uniform, she also puts on a new role: as coach for Dipper, Mabel, and Pacifica. Now she's more than just a player; she's also a guardian, teacher, mentor, and big sis to the 3 dorks she's taken in as part of her crew. Its no longer just about playing but also about teaching these 3 how Baseball is more than just a game of pure skill but also smarts! She's not ready to hang up her cleats, however, and Wendy's just as much of a student as she is a coach. While she does coach the team, she also still plays along side them and learns from her 3 little goobers. Mabel, Wendy's assistant coach, has taught her that more than just cutting loose, playing the game means enjoying and savoring every single moment of it. Dipper, her first player, has taught her to be more grounded and analytical in her plays to stay one step ahead of her opponent. And Pacifica? Pacifica's taught Wendy that she's more than just a coach and a player, she's a big sister and a role model to her that she looks up to. Wendy is her rock and the person she can lean on when things get rough.

Wendy's days on the diamond are far from over and, while she may be coach to the kids, she's also learning and growing with them. Its a journey they're all on together and she could not ask for a better crew to be by her side!

[everythingisromant1c]

Take Me Out (to the Ball Game)

james potter x reader

summary - in which you take your very platonic friend James out to his first baseball game to enjoy its many festivities, including but not limited to: the kiss cam.

type - one shot

wc [2.5k]

tags: James Potter x reader, friends to lovers, muggle!reader, fluff, baseball game date, kiss cam, and one very unexpected first kiss.

a/n: i am not an avid baseball enthusiast so if there's any terminology mistakes i apologize <33 happy reading! (check this out on my ao3!)

Your first order of business that summer was getting a very sheltered James into your world, or, the muggle world, as he liked to call it. You'd had the honor of taking him to his first muggle movie, bringing him on his first muggle shopping spree, and having him try a Slurpee for the first time—you'd discovered he liked Coca-Cola and Cherry the best.

The last thing on your list of activities was to take him to his first baseball game. By the time the afternoon had come, you'd done just that.

You settled into one of the upper-level infield seats after James so graciously offered to pay for the tickets and practically everything else the entire day, even with all your resisting. He hadn't held back with his spending, both of your hands tucked underneath foam fingers, with a baseball helmet full of buttery popcorn sitting on your lap.

James looked so in his element from beside you, wearing the baseball jersey you'd pointed out in the merchandise section on your way into the stadium, his hair lightly shifting in the warm summer breeze. He looked roguishly handsome in what he classified as 'muggle clothing' to you with a harmless roll of his eyes, but you selfishly loved the sight. Though, more than anything, he seemed like he was enjoying himself, and that was what mattered most to you.

"What's that?" You watched as James pointed a foam finger up diagonally towards what looked like just the blue afternoon sky, until you followed his line of vision to the large screen in the distance. You let a thin smile overtake your features at his curiosity.

"That's the Jumbotron." You picked up a piece of popcorn and threw it into your mouth, James shaking off his foam finger and stealing a handful from the bowl on your lap with a lopsided grin.

"The jumbo what?"

You held back your laugh. "The jumbotron. It's a big screen they put at sports stadiums. Like a TV, only a lot bigger."

James squinted from beside you. "Who wants to watch a 'TV' when they're at a baseball game?"

The corners of your eyes crinkled at the way the word 'TV' sounded so foreign from his lips, and you shook your head. "It's not actually a TV. They show what's going on in the game on a big screen so everyone can see it. But they use it for other stuff too. Sometimes they'll have interactive games or use it as a kiss cam."

"A kiss cam?" James only sounded more confused then, his brows pulling together, but that time around the corners of his lips were quirking up with amusement.

You couldn't help your laugh at his intrigue. You shook your head to yourself. "It's kind of a dumb tradition, really." He nodded at you to continue, eyes sweet. "Basically, when the kiss cam comes on, the cameramen find random people in the audience and put them on the screen. Whoever comes up on the screen is meant to kiss."

 You watched James's features curl into both amusement and horror. He blinked his warm eyes at you. "So they just go around making strangers kiss each other?"

You giggled. "Not strangers," you chided. "It usually only lands on couples."

"How are they supposed to know who's a couple and who's not?"

You shrugged. "I suppose you can always just kind of tell." Looking away from him and his incredulous stare and down at your lap, you set your bowl of popcorn in James's lap instead. "I'm gonna use the bathroom."

James took a light hold of your wrist as you stood up, sitting up straighter in his seat to look up at you. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, that's alright," you told him. "You should watch our seats." You turned around towards the stairs to your left but paused to turn around one last time. "And tell me what I missed once I get back."

James tipped his head at you, saluting you playfully, and you smiled before leaving. You were more than satisfied with how the day was going and let your smile creep up on your lips the entire way to the restroom and back. You returned after a few minutes, having to scan the sea of baseball fans for the head of unruly brown curls you were so familiar with. You found him after a quick beat when he turned around, waving you over as his features lit warmly. You made your way down the concrete steps, scooting your way past a few people before finding your seat again.

"What'd I miss?" you asked, settling into the plastic chair underneath you as James held up the almost empty bowl of popcorn for you to take some. You did, and you didn't miss the way he placed his arm around the back of your seat carefully, his body heat emitting even underneath the summer sun.

"Nothing much," James answered casually. "But one of the guys hit the ball all the way into the stands."

Your eyes widened comically as you sat up to face him. "You mean he hit a home run?"

James paused momentarily at your reaction, and it was like you could visibly see him tracing through all the baseball vocabulary you'd gone over with him at the start of the game. "I think so."

"What team was it?"

He blinked at you and your probably anxious tone, panicking as he shrugged. "You think I know the names?"

You tipped your head at him amusedly as you took a breath in. "What color was the guy wearing?"

"Uh, maybe blue?" At that, you nodded happily, facing forward again. "Or maybe it was black. I don't have my glasses on."

You looked over at him exasperatedly but still felt the urge to laugh. You nudged him in the shoulder when you could see he felt badly for his scorekeeping skills, or lack of them. "It's alright. We can just check the scoreboard."

He seemed to calm at that, following your line of vision out into the field, when he paused. "Hey, isn't that the kiss cam you were talking about?"

You shifted your gaze to his nodding head, and then over the Jumbotron, and saw with familiarity that it was, in fact, time for the kiss cam. Lighthearted music played in the background as the larger-than-life screen lit up, pink hearts surrounding it and serving as a border to the people the screen displayed.

"Oh my God, it is," you breathed, lightly hitting James on the knee a few times in excitement. He chuckled from beside you, both of your eyes locking on the screen with interest as it pointed itself to different couples around the stadium. A few older couples were displayed, one pair of teenagers probably on a date, and a mother and father whose kids were cringing from beside them, but all of them turned to kiss the other without a word in protest, the stands applauding each time.

You smiled fondly, turning to the man beside you. "See James, it's not creepy. It's sweet, isn't it?"

"Yeah yeah," he placated with a playful roll of his eyes. "You're such a romantic."

You dropped your jaw for a moment before pointing a finger at his chest accusatorially. "As if you're not one, Potter."

The sides of his mouth lifted up into a charming grin and he pulled you into his side, ruffling your hair. You scrunched up your features, pushing away from him as you shot him a glare without any real annoyance, feeling your cheeks ache from your smile.

Shaking your head, you turned away from James and back towards the field, but stopped moving almost right away. Your heart stilled in your chest.

"Oh my God."

At your words, James turned worriedly from you to look where you were. When his gaze landed on the Jumbotron, his face lit up.

Stating the obvious, you swallowed. "It's showing us."

James looked between you and the ginormous screen across the field that was showing both you and him from where you sat, and beamed as the crowd began to clap and whoop. He waved out at the screen like the extrovert he was, looking like he was enjoying himself way too much as you stayed frozen in your seat.

When the camera didn't pan away and the crowd became louder, he turned to you, speaking out of the side of his mouth. "They don't seem very happy."

You shook your head, tone strained. "They want us to kiss, James."

You looked up at the screen that showed the two of you, watching your shocked and quite frankly mortified expression reflected back to you, almost funny in comparison to James's glowing smile.

"Well, let's give the people what they want."

Your head snapped over to a calm James as your brows tugged. "Wh-" you sputtered. "We can't do that."

"Why not?" James questioned, and when he looked back out at the crowd with his bright expression they began roaring excitedly. "It's the kiss cam!"

"The kiss cam is for couples." You emphasized the word, looking around at the people seated around you who couldn't only see you but hear you. You lowered your voice insecurely. "We're not a couple."

"It doesn't seem like they care." James gestured back to the screen, pink hearts now outlining the image of both of you from afar, an almost satirical sight that left you reeling.

You looked back down at your lap, and then at James pointedly. "That's because they think we're a couple."

Though, when you looked up at the screen, you couldn't ignore the fact that the two of you sort of did look like a couple. With James's arm thrown over the back of your seat, and the way you were both subconsciously sitting on the insides of your seats and leaning into each other, the mistake wasn't totally non-understandable. The fact only made heat rise to your cheeks.

James shook his head as his smile stayed plastered on his face, and you sighed. The Jumbotron was somehow still displaying the two of you, and the stands were still loud in anticipation. Like the supervillain you were, you shook your head back and forth. When they began to boo, you gestured between you and James, mouthing repeatedly "We're friends!", though the crowd didn't seem to care. You could hear James snorting from next to you.

Finally, even with the stands still roaring, the camera panned away to display the next couple—not that you and James were one—and you felt like you could finally breathe again.

"Jesus," you huffed, feeling like you'd just run some sort of marathon, and James shook his head at you fondly. For some reason you found it much too difficult to look him in the eyes, so you kept your eyes trained on the field.

When you felt the shifting of his shoulders from next to you followed by uneven breathing, you snapped your head to look at James. "Are you laughing at me?"

"No!" he swore, innocently putting his hands up, though the amused smirk on his lips didn't try to hide itself.

You sighed, ignoring the man to your right and turning back to face the field again, but you regretted that choice right away when you saw your reflection staring back at you through the Jumbotron once again.

"Oh my God," you swore again as the stands rumbled with encouraging shouts. This time around, you were quick to hide your face in James's chest. You didn't need to look up at him to know that he was still unbothered by the whole situation, feeling the way his chest lifted softly up and down with laughter from beneath you.

"Who the hell is controlling this thing?" Your panicked words came out muffled into James's baseball jersey. Whether he understood them or not, he put his hand around your shoulder, rubbing at it soothingly.

"I thought you said they were sweet," he challenged, and when you pulled away from him again he had a shit-eating grin on his face.

You pursed your lips, turning to look up at the Jumbotron and the pink hearts surrounding you and James, and the crowd went somehow even louder. At the absurdity of it all, you let a laugh escape you, looking down at your lap.

"Come on," James cooed, his arm still on your shoulder comfortingly. "What's the harm?"

You glanced up at him and his eyes, warm like honey, and stopped to think to yourself. Really, what was the harm?

When you didn't say anything, James looked between the stands and you. Then he leaned forward until he was level with your nervous face, voice going soft. "Alright," he gave in. "We don't have to if you're uncomfortable."

You chewed at the inside of your cheek as James turned away again towards the crowd, waving his hand at the camera as if to say 'Move on.' They only booed and kept on shouting.

You couldn't identify the feeling growing in your chest, but you knew it was a new feeling. You looked up at the Jumbotron and at your and James's reflections in it—truly looking the part of a 'couple'—and at the people in the stands that seemed to beckon to you, and then at James. He looked good—too good. His jawline was sharp and stern as he looked out at the crowd, lashes fanning against his face effortlessly, and his unruly hair shined perfectly in underneath the sun. Worst of all, you recognized just how much you missed the grin that'd been on his face all day, and wanted to see it nothing more than to see it again.

You didn't know what had come over you, when you said, "Screw it," but the words came out low enough that it came as a surprise to James when you reached out a hand to his cheek.

He turned to look at you with little effort on your part, surprise taking over his features before it shifted into amused interest, pink lips curling up as he looked down at you.

You were nervous under his gaze, and surely the thousands of others that were observing all of this through the jumbo screen, but his seemed like the only one that mattered in that moment. Before you could grow too nervous and chicken out, you closed the distance between you with a hand on the back of his neck.

Sparks flittered through you right away, starting from your lips and rushing through the rest of you. The way the entire stadium roared in the background, the sound meeting your ears like the crash of a symbol, had your cheeks heating and your lips curving up in a smile.

You felt James's boyish grin pressing against your lips, growing as you tugged at the hair by the nape of his neck, and you loved the feeling.

When you finally pulled away, you felt out of breath. You knew it didn't help that the kiss cam was still pinned on you, but the way James was looking down at you certainly wasn't helping either. His eyes raked over your face with wonder, cheeks flushed, his lips a deepened pink color from the pressure of the kiss, but he didn't look like he minded.

"Wow," he said, and you fought the urge to hide your face in his neck at his breathlessness. "You should take me to baseball games more often."

Your own face flushed at his words, his voice husky as he said them. You tipped your head at him and shrugged happily, feeling braver than you had all morning. "Maybe I should."

[leclucklerc]

Against the World SO17 - 03. Music Video

Pairings: Shohei Ohtani x reader

Summary: Y/n is starring in a music video, but a trouble seems to be brewing?

Word Count: 4.4 k

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That morning, Shohei is already waiting in front of her house with a plastic bag on his arm. The content is so full that it’s practically spilling out of it.

Y/n can’t help the laugh that bubbles out of her as she walks out, keeping her gaze towards the other teen, who is giving her a sheepish grin. It’s a nice sight to see so early in the morning. Of her best friend already standing there, grinning and ready for their daily routine. He’s wearing a shirt with the baseball team logo plastered across his chest and running shorts.

“Have you been waiting long?” she asked, amusement evident in her tone as she stepped out of the gates of her house.

Shohei shook his head, already reaching for her bag as he thrust the plastic bag towards her. “I just got here, and this is for you.”

“Thank you,” she said, taking the plastic bag. As expected, it’s full of chocolate bread. “Not that I’m ungrateful or anything, but this is for?”

“For attending my game,” he answered, already ushering her forward so that they could start their morning jog. “I really like it.”

And well, isn’t that flattering?

All her life, she had not been someone whose presence was wanted by many.

She knows that her mom loves her. That the older woman will absolutely do everything for her sake. But at the same time, she also knows that her presence is ultimately the catalyst of the train of misfortune that befalls her mom’s life. She was the reason why her father left. She was the reason why her mom had to drop out of high school. She was the reason why her mom could barely make it in the job market.

Sometimes, during her frail moments, she likes to think about what her mom would be like if she never fell pregnant with her and how the woman would absolutely thrive in everything that she does. How the tired smile that she always wears in front of y/n will be replaced with a dazzling one, a smile that shows the world her happiness.

It’s a life that is so far away from reality. A faraway life that is full of what-ifs and made-up scenarios.

Her presence is the start of her mom’s downfall. Her presence is so hated by her father to the point the man never even showed up in her life for a full second.

Even as an idol, her presence is not wanted by many. Her fanbase is small and not enthusiastic at all. There were too many broadcasting executives who scoffed at her, chiding her for being a small-time idol with a too-big grin. Even when she danced and sang her out, people stared at her as if she was not there.

To know that there’s someone who’s looking forward to her presence is flattering.

“Maybe,” she said, without even thinking much. Maybe without thinking at all. Lately, if it’s about things related to Shohei, her mind has become a bit muddled. Making her say things that came from her heart, not her brain. “Maybe I can go to more of your baseball games.”

“Really?” asked Shohei, eyes bright – even brighter than the rising sun on the horizon beyond them. Immediately, she could hear the increase in his tone. He’s pleased with the idea. Happy even. “I will really like it if I can see you on the stands.”

Happy, she thought.

He sounds really happy about it. 

A horrible feeling settled in her guts, but she still let out a smile. “Yeah,” answered y/n. “If I have the time, I’ll try to attend more of your baseball games.”

Shohei stopped at that, eyes wide. “Promise?” he asked, giving her his pinkie finger.

She stared at it for a few seconds. Thousands of things raced through her mind. Of the baseball game that she attended a few days ago. Of her father playing in the World Series. Of her happiness watching Shohei standing on the mound. Of her sadness and agony at realizing the reality between her and her father.

It’s a loaded promise. Y/n knows. She shouldn’t do it.

And yet, here she is, intertwining her pinkie together with Shohei’s.

“Promise,” she declared. “I’ll attend your games as many times as you want.”

To her, it sounds almost like an empty promise. Something that she’s dreading to fulfill in the future. But at the same time, the sheer happiness that appeared on her best friend’s face almost crushed all of those feelings together.

Y/n knows that Shohei is someone who wears his heart on his sleeves. It’s easy to see what he’s feeling right now, and he had never been someone who suppressed all of those feelings. But to see him like this, eyes crinkling and a large smile spreading across his tanned face, almost made the horrible in her gut vanish.

It’s a silly feeling. Something that she will maybe laugh at in the future.

Oh, she thought. I think I like him more than I thought.

What a realization.

Her manager told her that she was being cast in the boyband music video when y/n was changing for her gym class.

“Seriously?’ she asked in a hushed whisper, adrenaline thrumming down her skin. “Seriously!?”

“Yes,” answered her manager, a bit breathless. She can hear the sound of a keyboard ticking, no doubt already drafting some kind of news coverage or press release from her agency. “I just got the news a few minutes ago, I called you immediately.”

“This is a great news,” she said. “No, this is an amazing news! You said that they have a pretty large fanbase, right? Imagine the exposure-“

“And you will definitely get your name out there,” said her manager. Y/n couldn’t see his face, but she was sure that he was smiling so large right now. “This- this is a good stepping stone, y/n. After your appearance in the music video, I’ll see what commercials or advertisements reached out. “

Y/n gasped at that. “Commercials?” she said, tone excited. “Do you think that it will reach to that point?”

“Yes,” answered the man easily. “I have no doubt that commercials and other similar opportunities will come knocking on our door. Y/n, this is a good opportunity!”

“I know!” she said. “Just- just tell me what to do, yeah? Text me my train tickets to Tokyo and stuff so I can do enough preparation.

“Of course,” said her manager. “I’ll contact you with further details.”

Ending the phone call, y/n really can’t control the face-splitting grin that’s threatening to come out. After all, this is an amazing news. It was her very first serious gig after her hiatus announcement. Appearing in a music video is a huge deal for an unknown idol like her – especially the music video of an already-established boyband.

She knows that there will be some repercussions, considering that the majority of a boyband fanbase hates to see their idols interacting with girls. But still, it will make them talk about y/n. It will make them know her name.

Exposure is exposure, after all, even if it’s a bad one.

Suppressing the giddy feeling, she stepped outside of the bathroom, immediately heading towards the auditorium where the rest of her class was. Ami is the first one to notice her arrival, as the other girl is giving her an enthusiastic wave.

“You were gone for a pretty long time,” she comments as she immediately looped their arm together.

Y/n let out a hum, “My manager just called me.”

“Oh?” said Ami with a raised of her brow. “Is it good news? You look pretty cheery.”

“It’s an amazing news,” she replied with a grin. Y/n mentioned the name of the boyband. “Do you know them?”

With a nod, Ami replied. “Obviously,” she said. “Some of the girls in our class are obsessed with them. I tried to get to know them, but their music doesn’t fit my taste. Their members are good-looking, though.”

Pride surged into her. “I got cast,” she said, voice a bit low so that the only one who could hear her was Ami. “For their next music video.”

Ami let out a huge gasp, so loud that some people near them threw them a couple of glances. 

“Really!?” whisper-scream Ami. It’s clear that the girl is excited but, at the same time, trying to lower her voice. “Y/n seriously!?”

“Seriously,” she said, giving her a small thumbs up. “That’s why I was gone for so long. My manager just called me to give me the news.”

“Y/n-chan, that’s amazing!”

The sound of Ami’s outburst managed to gain the attention of the people around them. The two girls can only give them a sheepish smile, silently apologizing, before continuing the conversation in a more hushed tone.

“So?” asked the other girl. “Are you going to Tokyo this weekend?”

“Yeah,” she replied, glancing at her phone. Her manager just texted her that he had booked her a train ticket for Friday evening. “I will have to attend the briefing Friday night before going straight to shooting during the weekend.”

Ami went quiet at that. “So… you’re not attending Ohtani-kun’s match this week?”

Ah, she thought. 

Y/n almost forgot about the upcoming baseball match this weekend. The school had been buzzing about it for the past few weeks. After all, the baseball team is the pride and joy of Hanamaki Higashi. All of the team’s achievements are being broadcast to the rest of the student body.

“I don’t think I can do it,” answered y/n. “The match is on… Saturday?”

“Saturday,” confirmed Ami. “If you’re not going, some upperclassmen from the cooking club are going to watch, so I’ll probably tag around them.”

Honestly, she feels guilty. After all, it was only last week that she promised Shohei that she was going to attend his matches. 

But it’s not like y/n able to reject this opportunity. After all, this is huge. The biggest one in her career. She doesn’t want to miss this, and even if she wants to, her manager probably will punch her face or something.

Ami, noticing her complex feeling, nudged her shoulder. “You know, you should tell him,” said the girl. “This is the finals of the summer tournament, after all, an important match for the baseball team. I think he will be looking forward to your presence.”

Yes, she thought. She should tell Shohei.

At this, she finally cast her gaze towards the gym. The boys are playing handball with each other. It’s easy to spot Shohei, considering his height and his loud laugh.

It was at that moment, too, that their gaze met.

Shohei immediately waved at her, a bright grin already on his face. Also, smiling at him, she waved back.

It’s better to tell him soon, she thought silently.

The opportunity to tell Shohei that she will not be attending his game comes sooner than expected.

“You’re coming to the game this weekend, right?” asked the boy during lunch the next day.

Y/n stopped eating, and her salad was still mid-chew. Just like usual, they are having their lunch on the school rooftop. She could hear the faint sound of other students playing soccer on the field just beyond them.

It was the relaxing atmosphere that enveloped the both of them that made her let her guard down. That’s why she was a bit startled at the sudden question that Shohei posed to her.

Shohei also seems to notice the slightest twitch of her expression at the mention of the upcoming game this weekend. “It’s the finals of the summer tournament,” he continued as if he didn’t notice the awkward look on her face. “If we win this, the team will be going to Koshien.”

Koshien, she thought. The land of his dreams.

She knows. She knows because the game is probably Shohei’s biggest one yet.

The absolute dream for all high school baseball players, the ultimate dream for every teenager playing baseball, and the initial road to success for every budding baseball star.

Stars are made during Koshien. Legends are made during Koshien.

Her best friend had been babbling about Koshien ever since they became close months ago. She knows that Shohei had always wanted to reach that stage – to achieve his childhood dream of winning the tournament. Y/n knows how important the upcoming matchup is for Shohei.

It’s a bit laughable that she will break their promise so soon after making it.

“Hey,” started y/n, eyes flickering towards her salad. She doesn’t dare to look at him. “Um… I don’t think I can make it.”

There’s silence between the two of them.

Finally, snapping her gaze back towards the boy in front of her, she can see his expression. There’s a frown etching across his face, something that she wants to desperately tug up, replacing it with his sunny smile. His eyebrows are furrowed as he stares at her as if he’s thinking about something.

“Why?” he asked, head tilted. “Are you going to Tokyo?”

“Yes,” she replied. “I have… I have a job there this weekend.”

“A job?”

“I got cast in a music video,” said y/n, a bit rushed, as if she was desperate to explain to him that she had a good reason to miss one of his games. It sounds pathetic – she’s so sure of it. But she’s desperate. “I just got the news yesterday, so I didn’t have the time to tell you yet,” she added for good measure.

Shohei’s eyes widened at that as silence descended upon them for a couple of seconds. “In a music video?” he finally asked, voice a bit breathless and something akin to wonder hinted in his tone. “Like, official music video?”

“Yeah, a boyband,” she said, then she told him the boyband’s name. “Maybe you know them?”

“I know them!” said Shohei all of a sudden, excitement evident in his tone. He even stood up abruptly – almost spilling his lunch during the process - as if he was really surprised. With the way his eyes had widened and the flush spreading across his cheek, it seemed the boy was happy at the news. “And you’re going to star in their music video?”

With a nod, y/n gave him her confirmation. “I am,” she said. “The shooting starts this Friday.”

“I see why you can’t come to the game then,” answered Shohei, finally sitting back in his seat. “That’s so cool; you’re seriously like a celebrity right now!”

She blinked at that, still staring at the teen in front of her.

Shohei continues to talk. “They’re pretty popular, right? I think I heard some of their songs in the locker room! Hey, can I tell my teammates? They won’t believe it!”

It was… odd. He does seem genuinely excited for her, as if y/n didn’t just break their promise.

“Well, I hope the shoot went amazingly!”

Y/n blinked at that once again, still staring at the boy in front of her.

“You’re not mad?”

Shohei cocked an eyebrow at that. “Why should I?” he answered. “I mean, I will never be mad when you’re chasing your dream. The tournament is my way to chase my dream, but if starring in the music video is your way to chase your dream, it will be very ironic for me if I get mad, right?”

And huh, he’s speaking the truth.

For the longest time, y/n had always thought that a relationship was a mutual symbiotic thing. You have to give back when you’re given something.

For the longest time, her relationships had always been like this. In order to have devout fans, she has to maintain the picture-perfect idol image. To maintain her friends – the few that she has – she has to treat them well – too well – in order to repay their time.

The only relationship that she has ever had that is not mutual is her relationship with her mom.

Her mom always gives, gives, and gives. Y/n always tries to desperately give back but seems to always fail.

This relationship between her and Shohei is where there is an easy acceptance between the two of them. Y/n didn’t have to try to please Shohei. She didn’t have to try to become anything else besides herself. She didn’t have to prioritize him or their relationship.

He lets her be her.

He lets her to be y/n l/n. The girl is also chasing her dream, just like him. Just a girl who’s trying to break through the entertainment industry with everything that she has.

Thump

Thump

Thumpthumpthump-

A laugh broke out.

Shohei is staring at her with wide eyes, just staring at the girl as she lets out a loud laugh, something that’s echoing throughout the rooftop. This is maybe the most genuine laugh that she has ever let out in years. 

This is maybe the most carefree that she had ever felt in years.

“Shohei,” she finally said, mouth grinning so hard it’s hurting a bit. Y/n reached out, holding their hands together and intertwining them together. She could feel the rough texture of his skin and the callouses. A clear evident that he had been practicing hard to reach for his dream. 

It’s clear that the boy is a bit surprised at the gesture – y/n had never been someone big on physical contact, after all. “Thank you for your support. I really mean it.”

“Uh- yeah? Sure?” he replied, stammering a bit.

“I’m sorry I can’t come to your game, but you know I will always be thinking about you, right? Wishing you good luck for the game?”

“…” Shohei is staring at her before a squeak escapes his lips. “Of course!” he exclaimed, with the tip of his ears reddening a bit. “I mean- I know you will always support me and stuff!”

It’s cute, she thinks. It’s very cute seeing him this flustered when, usually, it’s her who is being flustered by him.

“Do you want anything from Tokyo?” asked y/n. “As compensation for me not attending your game.”

A thoughtful look passed by on his face.

“… I really can’t think of anything, but-“ he stopped a bit before a shy smile appeared on his lips. “Can I call you when we win the game?”

When.

Not if.

Thump

Thump

Thumpthumpthump-

Confident guy, she thought, as a chuckle escaped her lips. Her heart is still erratically beating inside of her, almost making her a bit dizzy with all the blood rushing into her head.

“Of course,” she replied, eyes tender. “I will be waiting for it.”

The music video shooting went amazingly.

Y/n didn’t know what she had expected. Considering that this is a pretty big production for a popular boyband, she thought that the atmosphere would be more tense. More pressure in the air.

In reality, though, the past few days had been really lax. The director had greeted her with a large smile on his face. Even during the shooting, and there were some mistakes or NGs, the director merely laughed it off before continuing the shot. It’s a bit peculiar, but y/n is really grateful – considering how nervous she is during the shooting process.

She has been given a really simple script, and there’s no outrageous demand from the production team. Even the costume that was given to her – a simple uniform look with a dark blazer – is not something that she hates to wear.

Both her manager and the director had praised her performance, and she had taken it like a sponge with water. Overall, her mood had been pretty great during the past few days.

Despite all that, there’s only one thing that’s bothering her throughout the shoot.

“Y/n-chan,” greeted the smiling face of Takahashi Ren, one of the members of the boyband.

She can feel her face twitched at that. Y/n didn’t give him any permission to use her first name. Hell, she’s sure that they shouldn’t drop the formality between them, considering they’re just coworkers.

But this man is persistent.

Ever since she first arrived at the site Friday night, he had been bothering her nonstop.

It started during the script reading. She had introduced herself formally to every member of the crew, and Takahashi-san had piped up, asking if she was half foreign. The nonstop questions started from that. From then on, he keeps asking her things that she’s a bit uncomfortable with, such as if she is single or if she has ever drunk alcohol before.

Besides that, he also requested the director to add some additional scenes with her. It’s highly uncomfortable as he always lingers every time they touch during the scenes. With the director’s lax attitude – or maybe he just doesn’t care all that much – he didn’t even give Takahashi-san a reprimand.

Y/n had tried to be polite – she really does – but still, this man was persistent.

“Takahashi-san,” she replied politely.

The older man let out a laugh at that. “I told you that you can call me Ren, you know!” he said. “Say, where are you going after this?”

At this, y/n throws a discreet glance at her manager. Her manager is also staring at Takahashi-san with some kind of intensity in his eyes. 

“I’m going back home to Iwate,” she replied. “I have school tomorrow.”

“Ah yes, school,” said the man. “I forgot that you’re still in high school,” at this, he’s rummaging his pocket for something. “You wanna go out with me after this? We’re going to this bar in Roppongi. My treat.”

This time, her manager interjected. “I’m sorry, Takahashi-san, but we already booked the train ticket. If we miss it, l/n-chan will be late for school tomorrow.”

“You’re a bit funny,” said Takahashi-san. “An idol who cares for school? Hah!” he chuckled. “You know what y/n-chan, here, take my number.”

Y/n stared at the outstretched hand in front of her. It’s holding a piece of paper with a phone number scribbled on top of it.

“It’s my personal number,” added the older man with a wink, she internally blanched. “Call me?”

Fuck.

She really wants to reject it. She really wants to say that she’s not interested. That he’s not my type.

But at the same time, y/n knows that she’s the one with the disadvantage here.

An unpopular idol that’s desperately trying to get more gigs versus an established popular boyband member? She knows that if she rejects him now, it will practically be the end of her career. Her manager, too, seemed to share the same thought as she realized a small twitch on the man’s eyebrow. Clearly agitated.

Despite all, y/n put her best smile, practically beaming towards Takahashi-san. “Thank you, Takahashi-san!” she said, receiving the number. “It will be nice to have a senior to help me from time to time!”

Takahashi-san let out a laugh at that. “Of course, of course,” he replied, slinging an arm around her shoulder.” It’s a shame that we can’t hang out today, but give me a call next time you’re in Tokyo, hm?” continued the older. “Ah, no, give me a call when you arrive back at your house?”

What are we? A couple? She internally scoffed.

“Of course, Takahashi-san!” said y/n cheerily. “Ah, I think my train will leave in…?”

“In an hour,” replied her manager. “We need to go now if we want to catch it.”

She, in fact, knows that her train will be leaving in three hours, but she immediately put a disappointed expression on her face. “Ah, that’s a shame, it would be nice to talk more with Takahashi-san!” she lamented before giving the older man a bow. “Then I’ll take my leave, Senpai!”

“Of course, take care on your way home, y/n-chan!”

Waving back, she let the smile plastered across her face as she walked out. The smile was still there until she entered her car, where she immediately let out a huge sigh.

“Ah,” she sighed. “This is exhausting.”

“You’re not actually going to call him, aren’t you?” asked her manager as he started the car.

Scoffing, she rolled her eyes. “What am I? An idiot? Of course, I won’t!” the girl huffed out. “He’s practically oozing Playboy vibes! And he’s so much older than me!”

“You are right on that,” said her manager as they began driving towards the train station. “Takahashi Ren is a known womanizer in the industry. You’re also right that he’s way too old than you. He’s 20, 21 by the end of the year.”

“Ugh,” groaned out y/n, disgusted. “What is his problem, seriously?”

“A lot apparently.”

Just imagining the sleazy smile and the winks that he kept giving her throughout the shoot made her shudder. She knows she’s pretty. She won’t be an idol if she’s not objectively pretty. But seriously! She expected the man to have more tact! To practically flirting with a minor is disgusting by itself! Not to mention offering them for a drink? While underage?

He’s not her type anyway. Way too pretty boy. Way too lanky. Way too pale. 

Though, that train of thought made her stop.

What’s her type anyway? She never dated anyone before, so she guess her type is-

Tall, with tanned skin. Broad shoulder and a sweet smile. Hair cropped short, often hidden under a cap. Someone that looks just like-

No.

No, let’s stop that train of thought, she thought, closing her eyes. It had veered into a dangerous territory after all. It had reached a part of her heart that she doesn’t want to probe this late at night, lest she won’t get any sleep for school tomorrow.

“L/n-chan,” called out her manager, breaking her thought.

“Hm?”

There’s a bit of a silence between the two of them before the man opened his mouth. “You know that the company will try our best to support you, yeah?” he started. “We may not have a big influence, but it’s still our duty to protect our artist, so if there’s anything – or anyone – that made you uncomfortable or forces you to do something that you don’t like, please tell us okay?”

Y/n blinked, staring at her manager side profile.

Currently, she’s the only artist in their company. Their only active artist. So it makes sense if the company wants to protect their only money maker. It’s normal, for them to protect an artist that’s their only source of income. It shouldn’t be anything special.

But still, knowing that there’s someone that’s supporting her like this- it’s nice.

It’s nice that she’s not alone in this. 

“Of course,” she replied with a grin. “I’ll be counting on you guys in the future, okay?”

Letting out a smile, her manager nodded. “Of course l/n-chan, the pleasure is ours.”

taglist!

@mindless-rock @lovewithmary @seijaelee @kikookii

[davidshawnsown]

SAVANNAH BANANAS UKRAINE ONE-SHOT 1: Danny "Do It All" Hosley, the all-around infantryman

(AN: As the Savannah Bananas began their 2024 season as a pro barnstorming team - 3rd overall in this configuration, 2nd full time and the 8th of their history, it came at the heels of a massive roster overhaul in the offseason, and the fact that for the first time the organization will be hosting events at 6 MLB stadiums with a 3rd joining the two already active franchises of the wider organization come May. They have filled Minute Maid Park in Houston to huge reception and come this April, their presence has had expanded with the first games broadcast on Bally Sports platforms. To honor these boys in yellow who have won the hearts of a nation and people around the world, in salute to the forthcoming launch of the Firefighters team and to ensure also that the fans of this stellar team also know as well the need to help Ukraine be supported in its time of need - given that there are Ukrainian American communities that call the Hostess City home - the series I began in Discord of one shots featruing the Bananas and their players is now also present here on Tumblr - for the sake of the fanfic writers and other writers here. These stories, set in the Ukrainian frontlines, will give the readers the idea of how important the defense of Ukraine is to the overall well being of the world. As a footnote, the recent incident involving members of the Russian press will be included.)

TW: violence, language, war scenes

SOMEWHERE AT THE SVATOVE-KREMMINA FRONTLINE

WESTERN EASTER WEEK, APRIL 2024

The smoke of exploded vehicles have time and again punctuated Ukraine's north east since the 716th Savannah Infantry Regiment's 1st and 2nd Battalions arrived in the fall of 2023 to help reinforce this vital part of the frontline.

Carrying not just vital aid to the frontline soldiers and also medical and ordnance supplies but also even additional reinforcements from their home city in the form of an artillery battalion and an infantry battalion based there as well as volunteers for the repairs of crucial arms and vehicular equipment, they have helped in the defense of the frontline from repeated Russian attacks from either the regular armed forces but also from the militias from both Russia itself and its autonomous republics in the Donbass.

Among those who have had helped was a young man from Vienna, Virginia and had been trained as an EMT in college - newly promoted sergeant Danny Hosley of 1st platoon, A Company of the 1st Battalion, who has been their all around soldier cum infantryman since he accepted the offer of joining the regiment in December 2022. His medical training has also made him the platoon's medical first responder for not just his men but also for the Ukrainians fighting with him in the front, in which the regimental medical unit has been grateful for the quick response that saved a lot of lives in the field. Thus he has been called as "Danny Do It All" by all those in A Company since he arrived at the front - also because alongside his rifle and EMT proficiency, he has been an expert in the machine gun, grenade launcher and ATGMs, as well as MANPADs. He's already set to be platoon sergeant with 1st Platoon in the future, already a backup to SFC Malachi Mitchell, already company first sergeant for A Company. And his actions have earned the praise not only only his company commander, 1LT Bill LeRoy, but also his battalion CO Tyler Gillum and XO Adam Virant.

These actions have earned him a Defense of Ukraine Medal and other medals and decorations by the Ukrainian and US governments, as well as recognition by the people of his hometown.

Over the past months since his deployment, his efforts have resulted in the death of many Russians and those from Cuba, Nepal and African countries, as well as the destruction of tens of Russian and allied military vehicles as well as UAVs and helicopters. No wonder these kills are openly brandished but only in the Strykers the 1st Battalion 716th has had accompained in their Ukrainian campaign.

Last February, he was with 1LT Dan Oberst as he risked his life saving SGT Taj Porter from certain death. Over the past few months whenever elements of A Company of the 1st Battalion were in certain life threatening situations, Hosley was the one who was with them looking at their safety and well being all the way, including a young lieutenant from Oklahoma, 1LT Jocelyn Alo, a graduate of the local ROTC unit, who joined the company last year.

Once more his will and ability would be tested.

1340h EEDT

Reports of yet another Russian column have unnerved the 1st Battalion command in their OP in the frontline. Yesterday it's the 169th Assault Infantry Brigade that was threatening the lines to the north - a new Russian raising that is part of the 25th Army and is the first of many that had been raised as part of an ongoing revival of the Russian Shock Corps - the rapid response infantry units that have gained notoreity and fame during the Second World War as part of the vanguard echeleon of ground forces formations. The brigade is armed with BTR-70s and the T-62 Chollma. This time it's the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Division (Motorized Rifles) of the 20th Army that is threatening the frontline alongside 2 BARS battalions and a battalion of LPR militia from the 4th Mechanized Infantry Brigade II Guards Corps - represented by battalions of the 237th Armored Regiment with its T-54/55s and T-62s, as well as BMP-2s and older BMP-1s. Of the foreign equipment, they use the WZ-551 Type 90 and the Shin'heung light tank, as well as BTR-80 Chunma, a North Korean unlicensed version of the vehicle, while there has been at least a battery of the Chinese made PCL-99 towed field gun in the artillery battalion. The BARS battalions are armed partly with Dongfeng Mengshi MRAPs and the UAZ-66.

This time the call was from elements of the 1st Presidential Infantry Brigade "Storm" of the National Guard, as well as from the 66th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the UGF, reporting that elements of the 3rd Mechanized were planning a renewed company level operation given the situation in the US regarding continued aid to the AFU and its wartime auxillaries. Ever the mobile commitment to the defense of the northeast, the 1st and 2nd battalions of the 716th moved north while the two affilated battalions remained as they were. Since December 1st Platoon had been carrying 1LT Joe Lytle with it as he, 1LT Dakota McFadden and two others have been gearing up for the expansion of the company to five rifle platoons with McFadden slated to take charge of the 3rd as its current commander will have his platoon reflagged to the 4th as part of this. As of this week he called up SGT Jacob Teston from 1st platoon to be a future part of his team as well as SGT Emmanuel Rosario from 2nd platoon.

That earlier morning the 1st and 2nd Battalions took up positions in Nevske, Krasnorichenske Township in Svatove District, wherein they would assist the 66th Mechanized and the 106th Territorial Defense Brigade to the north of their positions, as well as a battalion of the 4th Armored Brigade to the west of them. Their mission was to patrol the area and halt possible Russian and DPR/LPR advances on the front. Well-armed and well equipped they would face the brunt of any Russian advance on their sector as well as of their allies while helping their Ukrainian brothers everywhere on the front as Russia is moving even more into their lines in the south while trying in the north to capture Chasiv Yar city in Kharkiv Oblast. They would man the positions each of the village.

As usual, CPTs Dalton Mauldin, Andy Archer and Reese Alexiades as well as SGT Brandon Crosby and 1LT Christian Dearman of 1st Platoon, newly promoted sergeant Tanner Thomas, SGTs Garrett DeClue and Dustin Baber and CPLs Garret Delano and Riyan Rodriguez of 2nd platoon had their GoPros ready to share the stories of their struggles to the American people attached to their helmets. Hosley himself had filmed some footage for the regimental social media outlets and his personals. The two platoons are more known for their TikTok viral antics and video footage over the past few years.

"Dalt!"

"So you're filming today Hoz?" Mauldin asked.

"Negative corporal."

"Got that sir. Already doing as usual, I want to let Nashville know that Ukraine badly needs the help in the form of weapons to defend its lands against Russia."

"Have you sent the petitions to your federal Congress members, Dalt?"

"Affirmative sir."

"I'm sure the rest of everyone here has been doing their job. And Breland?"

"Already in the Czech Republic now but still active helping the Ukrainian cause."

"Same for me here," added Archer, who has been for the past months since arriving in Ukraine the platoon's main marksman and sniper.

"You sure those French will keep their promises to be in Ukraine?"

"They will one day, Danny."

As the men of 1st and 2nd Battalions 716th Savannah stayed on their combat positions, they keep watch, aware that Russia - and the Donbass militias under its command would any time attack them and move towards the by now undersupplied Ukrainian lines, their plight having been shared to Americans as part of their efforts to help in the ongoing discussion on vital weapons aid to the country in Congress.

Then...

"ENEMY SPOTTED" was the call of 1LT Alou having relayed the call of the 1st Battalion's Ukrainian liason officer. He had informed her that it is surely the 237th.

"Here they come," added 1LT Bill LeRoy. "Open fire when ready Able. I know Gillum will give the fire order when he's ready."

Elements of the Russian 237th had been advancing as company level vanguard echelons attempting a breakthrough of the Ukrainian lines - exactly why the 716th had to move across to plug any holes in the defense whenever there would be an oncoming threat on the lines. This is before any main element of the regiment would arrive alongside the BARS reserves. Recon elements as usual were escorting the advance party and the vanguard detachments with vehicle-mounted infantry on the T-54/55s and the BTR-80 Chunma-D.

Ever the combat ready rifleman cum heavy weapons specialist, Hosley, having dropped his M4, began to load up his Javellin MPATS alongside SGT Michael Deeb on his NLAW, awaiting the order from his superiors and higher ups while elements of regimental command was in their original positions alongside parts of the battalion's servicemen while COL Eric Byrnes was with the rest on the field.

"Colonel, Tyler here from 1st Battalion. Russians about to begin intrusion operations. The Ukrainian liason with us told us its the 234th Armored Regiment of the Russian 3rd Mechanized Infantry Division coming at our lines," Tyler called his commanding officer on his walkie talkie.

"Noted LTC. On my orders, open fire when you think you're ready."

"Affirmative sir."

"Has Jesse called up from Savannah now that he's back there with Emily and the kids?"

"Yes. Our colonel in chief, Jesse Cole, has been informed via telephone on this. It's time we start the clock, he said. We need to fight them now that they are getting closer to our lines."

"Got that Brynes, Gillum out. Boom."

"Byrnes out."

"Calling A Company command," Tyler then called Bill. "Be ready to open fire when these Russians are on your sights."

"We're damn ready, sir."

Tyler called on the rest of the battalion and the cannon company to be ready for the upcoming onslaught by these Russians - as usual in a mix of old and new combat gear and armaments.

"In a few moments fire when ready boys," LTC Adam Virant called to the boys thru his walkie talkie. "These Russians will taste the fire of our guns."

Back in the line, Hosley had already loaded up his Javellin and began to aim at the lead T-55 leading the Russian advance party as it slowly moved towards the positions the two battalions of the 716th Savannah were.

"You ready?" CPL Deaundre "DJ" Roberts - soon slated to be promoted to Sergeant - asked him.

Hosley replied to him, "I'm just ready to do what it takes Corporal Roberts. We're doing what we can do for Ukraine at this point."

"Got that sarge."

"I'm ready too," added CPL Brandon Crosby.

"Same, sarge," added SGT Gabe Howell.

Immediately the fire order was issued from Byrnes, leading Gillum - on the part of 1st Battalion - to give the signal to fire upon the force.

"SHOWTIME! Open fire boys!"

"Order recieved," Bill replied. "A Company, light them up, fire!"

"Roger that Bill, let's do this, Slava Ukraini," his XO, 1LT Kyle Luigs, responded. "Heroyam Slava!" was everyone's usual response.

And the firefight began. Before any Russian would disembark from their vehicle, the bullets began to hit, killing anyone riding on the top of armored vehicles as tank desants in keeping with the old Russian tradition dating from the Second World War. And as always, Hosley's Javellin had hit the lead tank of the convoy.

"Tank has been hit, boys."

"Well done Danny!" replied CPL Ethan Skuija.

And the explosions kept coming. Grenade launchers and MPATS firing on the advance party, as well as the work of the field cannoniers of the gun company, practically disabled most of the force, with a few on the retreat as most of them were killed or wounded by American gunfire, soon joined by elements of an armored company from the 4th Armored Brigade armed with T-72s.

And Archer had shot some of the men at a distance, ever the able sniper he is.

Cries of "Surrender!" would ring out later, but most of the surviving lads were defiant, ready to die for Russia rather than giving up their arms. And they were met by rifle fire from the Americans, bleeding to their deaths.

"GET DOWN" echoed from no less than 1LT Josh Reddick. A grenade launcher had been fired on A Company's positions, but no one was hurt, the Russian carrying it would later run away from the battleground back to his battalion group.

"You okay DJ?" Danny asked.

"Yes sir, I'm alright."

"Same here Sarge, damn that grenade launcher man almost got us killed," added CPL Christian Vazquez from 2nd Platoon. This would be seconded by 1LT Sammy Claycamp, Major Mike Vavasis' assistant and the delegate for the 2nd Platoon as well as advisor to its commanding staff.

"You fine, Jonesy?" He radioed SGT Eric Jones Jr.

"Yes, I'm fine sarge, and so too is Lieutenant LeRoy."

"I'm sure Kyle and the other officers are alright."

"That's an afffirmative, thank God none of them were shot."

Soon enough the damage would be seen: 2 T-62 Chollma-2s, 6 BTR-80 Chunma-Ds, 2 BMP-1s and 2 WZ-551 Type 90s, plus a squad of UAZ-66 and GAZ Tigers. Majority of the advance party got killed in the operation, and not one of 1st and 2nd Battalions' personnel were killed for now or even wounded. Only a few gave up their AK-12 and AK-74s in the presence of the Americans, and thus would be handed over to the Ukrainian liason team of 1st Battalion 716th to be interrogated.

"There's more where that's coming from," Hosley said.

"That's right Hoz," 1LT Ryan Cox replied, stating that there would be a bigger column coming from that regiment as well as expected BARS battalions backing them up , in addition to another battalion this time from yet another from the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Division: the 252nd Mechanized Infantry Regiment, as well as attached field artillery elements using SPGs and MLRS, coming at the rear. This is the reason why the UGF's 66th Mech Inf Brigade deployed some field artillery batteries from its field artillery regiment to back them up as well as the cannon companies of the 1st and 2nd Battalions - the latter a new raising to complement that of the former's and armed similarly. Their late arrival helped a lot in the destruction of the Russian advance party.

Radioing him, no less than 1st platoon CO 1LT Jackson Olson asked of him: "You destroyed some of these Russian and foreign tanks again Hoz?"

"Just doing my job as always."

"You better get that Javellin refilled time after time. There's more coming up, sarge."

"Yes lieutenant." After this he loaded up that Javellin again with the help of some members of the company.

"You've done well sarge," added sergeant Jones Jr. from 1st squad. "You still destroying these Russian vehicles?"

"Affirmative. I'm sure that our ammo's enough for these and we're still helping the nearly ammo-starved Ukrainians."

"You've become more determined these past weeks," said CPL Noah Bridges.

"I have been, corporal, not just to serve and defend, but to save more lives."

And indeed more came of these Russian vehicles and those imported to the country to serve their needs. But the artillery and armor of the Ukrainian units that reinforced their lines had helped them defeat the intruders time and again. The kill count and destroyed vehicles kept growing, as despite the cries of the charging Russians the Americans - with a little help from those in Ukraine who know the territory more - continued to maul those Russians of the vanguard column and those of the main force - as per the traditional assault strategy that had been adapted many times during the ongoing invasion - as company rather than battalion level assault parties for the former rather that of the latter ad-hoc formation. Even Russian and Chinese UAV's of the regiment's unmanned systems company were no match for electronic warfare and defensive efforts by Americans and Ukranians.

"Oh S__t. Damn grenade again!" Hosley shouted to his squadmates.

This time it missed them.

Afterwards, as the bomb went off, he was lying on the ground with 1LT Dan Oberst whom he helped save lives recently.

"That was close, Dan."

"Sarge, it almost got us killed," he replied as both stood up.

"Hey Stilits," then radioing SGT Dakota Albritton, "has the Strykers fired their targets and are being resupplied?"

"Yes Danny, and thank heavens none of them have been hit so far."

And the remmants of the attack would later pull back, at a high cost to their failed operation.

As the firefight continued on, no less than CPL Connor Higgins - who had been with 1st Platoon last year and got transferred to the 2nd on the urging of Major Vavasis - had radioed the sergeant - as he was informed of that by CPL Zack "Philly" Philips, who had also been with said unit and joined the same time as Higgins in 2023. After their training in Savannah and Kovel, they were deployed joining with the rest of A Company that summer.

"Big Butter here, Sarge we got an injury here on 2nd Platoon."

"Who's that corporal?"

"SSGT Jason Swan. Their platoon sergeant. Was a part of your platoon in 2022."

"Squad assignment?"

"1st."

"Is that combat related?"

"Affirmative Hosley. I am calling a medic here, please be there."

"Got ya Butter. Danny Do-It-All out."

"Big Butter out, good luck."

Hosley then informed 1LT Cox, "Know this guy?"

"Affirmative Hoz, served with him early in 2022."

"Got that, gonna be saving him before a medic arrives, Coxy."

"Hosley," said SSGT Mitchell, "be safe out there, make sure Swan is out of the line and being treated."

"Got it sarge."

Dropping his Javellin and getting his first aid kit ready and prepared, he rushed to 2nd platoon's lines at once with his M4 on his hands notwitstanding enemy gunfire and cannon fire from tanks and armored vehicles. But before that, he gave that Javellin to CPL David Ray "DR" Meadows from 3rd Squad, fully loaded up and with instructions to clearly fire at any Russian vehicle approaching their defenses.

"Glad you arrived in time," said 1LT Sammy Claycamp as he arrived at where 2nd platoon's being stationed in the field. "Higgins had called ya regarding Staff Sergeant Swan's injuries, these were on the hamstring on his legs due to a grenade sharpnel wound sustained thanks to these Russians who have been advancing towards 1st Battalion."

"Thanks Sam. Able to help him if I can, I must do."

"HOSLEY!" Higgins shouted at him as he approached the wounded but screaming staff sergeant. "Glad you made it."

"Doing my best as usual. Where's 1st squad commander?"

"That's SGT Achuff, I am asking him now to provide covering fire."

"Noted sarge."

"So what happened?"

"1LT Cornett informed me that Swanny got hit by grenade sharpnel to his hammy while firing on the advancing Russians because they threw a damn grenade on our lines.. He's been screaming in pain ever since and I'm glad sergeants Bloomer and Baber have been helping him."

"Got that Big Butter, I want covering fire now."

"Consider this done, sarge, I am calling Chase for this."

The order already given, Sergeant Hosley began to treat the staff sergeant with first aid, removing the sharpnel and ensuring that the torniquet and bandages applied as quickly to stop the bleeding caused by the sharpnel to his hamstring as the medical team arrived to assist.

"F_ck, what happened Swan?"

"Those Russians, they launched a grenade on our lines and I was thrown into the ground from having to stand up with Baber and the rest of the boys, with shapnel on my hammy."

"Better now?"

"Thanks Sarge. I would be lying bleeding and dead here in this freaking ground if not for you."

"Affirmative staff sergeant. It's time to get you out of the line. Here, take my hand."

"Thanks Danny."

"Is that one of the guys from 1st Platoon?" asked a stunned SGT Tanner Thomas, the 3rd squad commander, after seeing what had just happened.

Corporal Higgins, who served with Hosley last year, said the affirmative. Indeed it was Danny helping out no matter what with the help of the medical contingent assigned to the company.

Swan was helped by Hosley and some members of the A Company medical team as well as CPL Garrett DeClue and SGTs Baber and Bryson Bloomer and 1LT Jake Skole to stand as he was being medevac'd away from the frontline, holding his arm around the sergeant as he was being whisked away towards a Humvee combat ambulance awaiting him. Notwitstanding flying bullets and the loud gunfire and vehicular fire from the 716th's Strykers and the guns of the cannon company of 1st Battalion providing defensive fires support against the swarms of Russians rushing to break the Ukrainian defensive lines, Swan is now being finally pulled out.

Putting him on the strecher on the Humvee ambulance once they all came, he called up his company commanding officer on his radio.

"Lieutenant LeRoy, Danny Do-It-All here. Another wounded of our company finally set to be medevac'd out of the frontline."

"Great job sergeant Hosley. You have proven that you can truly do it all, for our city of Savannah and our nation."

"Thanks sir, gonna be back on the lines if I can Bill."

"You better be Danny, these Russians are throwing the rest of these conscripts and some veterans and reservists into 1st Battalion lines by companies and battalions. But take courage, we will win."

"Affirmative, I hope you inform Tyler. Danny Do-It-All out."

"Cowboy Kyle," he then informed his XO, "Swan being medevac'd as he speak. Another life saved thanks to my efforts."

"Great job sarge, you better get back to the lines ASAP."

"Affirmative lieutenant."

Then he looked on to Swan and to the medical staff as well as SGT Bloomer who chose to accompany him.

"Stay safe my friend, I will be back in the front. Will see you soon, sarge."

"Thanks for saving my life, Danny. I owe my life and that of the company to you, just as you help saved Dan Oberst before."

"Just doin' what I have to do."

"A pleasure to have you here in this company, sarge."

Looking to SGT Bloomer he said, "Bryson, take good care of your squad leader, he will surely be OK once it's over."

"Thanks sergeant Hosley for everything. You have been a hero to all of us here."

"You're welcome Bloomer."

Danny left the ambulance before it wheeled off and returned thru 2nd platoon lines back to his parent unit, having fetched the same guys who helped Jason on his medevac back to the lines.

While on the way, he was greeted by 1LT Dalton Cornett.

"Thanks Danny for saving Swanny's life."

"Was my pleasure to have done my sworn duty to my country and the city of Savannah, for the sake of Ukraine and the free world. Will always be ready to fight and save lives for this call, DC."

"Will always remember this day and others Hosley. Your work and efforts will be the in minds of the 716th for years to come."

"Just one guy doing his job, sir."

Meanwhile LTC Gillum had informed COL Byrnes of Hosley's heroism via radio. It stunned him and LTC Nate King.

"He's done it again?!!"

"He ain't called Danny Do-It-All for nothing Eric. He saved another of our men in the field."

"Indeed he has time and time again, as well as helped Ukrainians who have been wounded."

"There's no doubt about it Byrnsie. His heroic actions have earned our respect and admiration but above all else, his work has indeed minted our nation with pride and honor in the duty he has done in helping our allies abroad."

As this happened, Hosley returned to his platoon and this time got the Stinger from one of the Strykers, awaiting to attack any incoming Russian UAV system. Loading it up, it detected an ongoing UAV already doing recon work of the line for the Russians. This time a Ukrainian rifle company from the 66th Brigade joined them.

Missile goes off, boom. The enemy UAV falls down from the sky, destroyed.

"Another unmanned system down," he radios Bill. As usual, he's greeted by cheers.

And yet another enemy UAV - this time an attack one planning to drop a grenade - gets destroyed too thanks to his efforts.

Just a few - around 5 UAVs - are already out of service by day's end.

His efforts and those of A Company would help 1st and 2nd Battalions 716th to defeat yet another Russian intrusion of the Ukrainian defensive lines in Svatove District that day, as the operation had by now clearly failed, resulting in victory for the Americans and their Ukrainian allies and the withdrawal of the Russian forces from their stated advances towards the defensive lines Ukrainians have been holding since late 2022.

Just tens of Russians out of battalions of regulars and militias would surrender that afternoon as the rest either fled or were killed or wounded by American and Ukrainian gunfire. In around two and a half hours, the 1st and 2nd battalions 716th Savannah repulsed the enemy intrusion into the Ukrainian lines, with losing tens of personel of their units as opposed to the hundreds of Russians and their LPR allies who perished. A Company only had wounded and injuried personnel so far. For the Russians a lot of armored vehicles and tanks as well as a few 2S3 SPGs were destroyed that afternoon adding to the toll as opposed to none for the Americans and three BTR-70s and one T-72 of the Ukrainians destroyed.

"There's more that will come soon from these Russians, lads," told the sergeant, "but take courage. We must win no matter what the cost, for the sake of Ukraine and her people."

"A-f__king right Hoz," replied SGT Jones. "That's the right thing to do now. Especially that there's still a lot to do regarding that aid package by Congress."

"Let's hope that Ukraine get's the aid it has needed desperately."

"That's the one right thing," added CPL Alex Pierce of 2nd squad. Ukraine, he says, needs that military aid more than ever and he agrees that Congress must now pass that aid package.

"The same for me and the rest of us," added SGT Matt Malatesta.

"I'm sure my Congress representatives know," Hosley replied, "that our efforts will help them realize that more than ever before in our history, Ukraine needs to be assisted in this fight."

Later on, after Tyler has reflected on the few deaths from 1st Battalion that day, he turned on LeRoy and his A Company men proud of what they did that day against throngs of advancing armed Russian soldiers and militiamen.

"These past years since I was appointed battalion XO and now as your commanding officer... I have never ever doubted that you guys are still fighting hard these past two years and have made this battalion proud. No single one of you guys have been killed - just injuries temporarily limiting your numbers, but the strength has still remained after so long in Ukraine. Well done boys. I'm sure Jessie and Eric are damn proud of what you all displayed today. But not only them and the people of Savannah, and all Americans, are proud of what you all did. It's has been always the Ukrainian people, who have been time and again grateful for the assistance you all did no matter what in the defense of their homeland. Bill, you and Kyle and the men of A Company have once more shown their worth in defending our nation and its interests abroad. As you guys have time and again have written to your local representatives and senators of Congress regarding the funding needed for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters for access to arms, ammunitions and weapons systems needed to defend that nation against the Russian invasion, I have my confidence that funding will soon be passed. And your efforts here in Ukraine have shown them that we must not let down our overseas allies and must be standing stand by stand with them. Once more, mission accomplished boys. Don't give up yet, we have to defend our Ukrainian brothers time and again till the end."

"Thanks Colonel Gillum," Bill replied. "And one more thing, sir, Danny-Do-It-All has done it again, saving one of our guys from 2nd Platoon from certain death."

"Sergeant Hosley," the LTC replied, "we've been ever proud of you once more. You've proven do be the all around man your company has needed in times of extreme necessity in the battlefield."

"My pleasure Tyler."

Turning to CPL Andy Archer, he said, "Thanks for covering our arses."

"Just doing what we swore to do, " he replied.

"And Hoz," added SGT Tanner Thomas, "thanks for saving one of our guys out there. You surely have risked everything for these medevacs these past few weeks, right?"

He replied, "That's the job I prepared for when I was in the USA training to be an paramedic. And I'm ready to save more lives soon. T'was a pleasure to have done just that today."

A FEW DAYS LATER....

News came to 1st Battalion CP that an operation they did in coordination with the 1st and 12th National Guard Infantry Brigades in cooperation with the 108th Territorial Brigade TDFU had resulted in the defeat of a battalion from the Tajikstan-based 201st Military Base and company sized elements coming from the 7th (LPR) Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the II Guards Army Corps. But there's more to that.

A Russian military correspondent working for Star TV, the official TV station of the Ministry of Defense of Russia, named MAJ Evgeniy Polovodov, who over the past two years contributed to Russia-1 and Channel One news broadcasts and current affairs programming of the invasion of Ukraine by the Armed Forces of Russia, had been KIA by an Ukrainian UAV attack on him and his camera crews alongside their military escorts in the Serebransky Forest area - exactly within the wide area of operations the 716th Savannah had been stationed and been covering in support of the Ukrainian forces since last year. Thankfully his cameraman survived.

A Company's 1st Platoon had been discussing the newly released footage from Russia-1's Vesti newscast regarding said Ukrainian UAV attack from a day before.

"Do you think," CPL Alex Ziegler, who had been just been newly promoted to the rank after two years in the ranks of A Company and fighting alongside fellow Americans and Ukrainians in Ukraine against the Russians as a part of 1st Platoon, asked Hosley, "that our UAV section led by the valiant SGT Reese who also handles our video footage for Public Affairs and the military and civilian personnel working together made that attack possible?"

"Don't know yet," Hosley replied, but he stated that there mighty be a possibly they have done the impossible job - what no one expected would happen to a Russian military press crew and that if proven true these men and women would be rewarded for a job well done.

@kiinghanalister @travisdermotts @lukeexplorer @mercedesmone

[thisweekinfandomhistory]

The bees' knees! This week, for the ONE HUNDREDTH EPISODE, V and Emily take a trip back 100 years to look at four fandoms that ruled the year of 1924: George Gershwin's jazz, Harold Lloyd's romantic comedies, Little Orphan Annie's laughs, and Babe Ruth's colossal clout. From the amazing breadth of the Gershwin brothers' catalog to the hilarity of what passed for celebrity gossip in Photoplay, from the plight of a little Orphant to the Bambino's birthday party shenanigans, we're celebrating 100 years of fannish passion and what it really means to be a legend that never dies. 

Sources

Girl Shy Hot Water Helen Kane 1924 in Music Little Orphan Annie Hello, Harold! Photoplay, January - June 1924 Photoplay, July - December 1924 Babe Ruth Central

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[thefreakandthehair]

EPILOGUE: THREE YEARS LATER

Eddie sits in the suite in his jersey— Harrington still written across his back years later— with Robin and Nancy on one side, and the slew of children who are no longer children that Steve considers his own on the other. Wayne stands behind him, a lifelong Cubs fan himself, squeezing Eddie’s shoulders in time with the plays.

He’s learned a bit about baseball in earnest over the years, so he understands the tension in the announcer’s voice over the stadium intercom.

The Guardians have a man on first in the 9th inning with a three-two count, Steve’s fielding third base, and the next play means the game.

An out ends the game and earns the Cubs their first World Series in Eddie’s uncle’s lifetime.

A score ends the game and hands the Cubs a loss that Eddie isn’t sure anyone in the suite could stomach on Steve’s behalf.

Wrigley Field is dynamic, loud and thunderous, as the pitcher winds up.

There’s a crack of a bat as the hitter grounds it to third base and Eddie watches, hands in his hair and holding his breath, as Steve fields it effortlessly across the diamond to first base.

He’s out.

Holy shit.

He’s out.

“Harrington makes the play… and it’s over! The Chicago Cubs win the World Series!”

↳read the final chapter of slipped between these ribs of mine [explicit] on ao3: NOW COMPLETE! written for @steddiesmuttyseptember!

it's complete! some people asked to be tagged and I can't for the life of me remember so just tagging some peeps who expressed interest (lemme know if you don't wanna be, of course!): @sageclipse @pearynice @steddieasitgoes @stervrucht @runninriot

@lunaticmarunatic @lihhelsing @steddie-island @kas-eddie-munson @sidekick-hero

@spectrum-spectre @hbyrde36 @queenie-ofthe-void @absurdityaddiction

@just-my-latest-hyperfixation @steddieas-shegoes @vecnuthy @hotluncheddie @griefabyss69

@imaginary-maggie-waggie @fkinkindagauche @pluckedstrings @blossomingblueberries

[queenie-avenue]

I just read your yandere cheerleader and I LOVE it.

when I finished reading it I had an idea so hear me out, what if as the reader goes to the games more often to watch the cheerleader they catch one of the players eyes and that player also becomes obsessed with the reader.

basically yandere cheerleader x reader x yandere player (idk what sport lol💀)

Prepare for trouble, make it double!

💌 ⤻ THE BASEBALL PLAYER, JESPER HARGREAVES ft. THE CHEERLEADER

—> when he hits a home run, he wants to run into your arms.

⤻ reader is gender neutral, reader is the same person as in THE CHEERLEADER drabble, mentions of stalking, territorial behaviour, obsession, possessiveness, jealousy

comments: my first ever anon ask, thank you so much for this! this is more of an introductory post to jesper but no worries, the rivalry between jesper and katie will be there! i decided to go with a baseball player and make him a bit of a ditz, I think it would be a nice contrast with the cheerleader. you're my first anon, so I really wanted to get this out fast for you! as usual, requests are always open so keep them coming!

🦋 ⤻ archives.

Jesper was a good boy, he truly was. If golden retriever was a person, it had to be him. After all, his job on the team was literally chase after a ball and hit it. In simplified terms anyway. He was a bit of an airhead, admittedly, his grades too low to get into your prestigious university, but thanks to the sports scholarship, he got into the university. He didn't really think much about the school. He found good teammates who didn't judge him for being an airhead. He was quite popular, not user popular like Katie Williams, but certainly popular enough to be invited to almost every party on campus.

Jesper was content with his life, truly.

That was, until you popped in.

He had heard rumours of you. Katie William's new plaything, the one she dragged around for almost every game. The one who, when questioned about her new beau, seemed a bit defensive and offended that anyone would even dare to inquire about her darling. He respected that, honestly.

Since he was a child, he found himself territorial about his things. His parents always scolded him for it, but he never grew out of the phase, so he understood Katie's apprehension.

That was that, that was where thoughts of [y/n] [l/n] ended.

✧ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ✧

That was, until this week's game. There you were, seated at the bleachers because Katie had dragged you over to another one of her games again, just so you could stare at her and so she could stare at you.

Katie also had a habit of dragging you down to the cheer squad to show you off, and that's when he first saw you. He was staring at the back of your head until...

You turned around, and your eyes met. His blue ones reflected into yours.

It felt like the world had stopped for a moment. Like he was a kid again, eyeing a lego toy he would beg his parents for as a kid. You weren't a toy. He knew that. There was one thing you and the toy had in common though, he wanted you.

When you went up towards the bleachers to sit with the rest of the common folk with your common clothes — you'd look so much better in his Jersey — his eyes raked all over you till it was time for the game.

He did exceptionally well. Home runs almost nearly every round. In his mind, though, he was going on autopilot. All he could think about was your hair... your eyes... how Katie's hands rested against your waist. He wished he could do that. Why couldn't he do that? Why did Katie have to do that in front of him? Was she provoking him?

The moment the game was finished, he talked with his team, with his coach and then turned towards the cheer squad where you were predictably talking with the ebony-skinned cheerleader.

"Katie!" He greeted her. They weren't close, but they were cordial enough to at least say hi to each other.

"Hello, Jesper." Katie smiled in return, a posessive hand gripped around your waist.

"And who is this lovely person by your side?" He asked, and Katie already knew his intentions with that question. They didn't know each other well, but the glint in his eyes was all she needed to know.

"I'm [y/n]." You replied with a smile, and you almost winced at how harsh Katie suddenly gripped your waist. You and Katie were friends so you never understood why she acted like this.

"Jesper. Nice to meet you. I've never seen you before, what's your course?" He asked, reaching out a hand to pat you on the back, hoping to just get a bit of physical touch between the both of you but Katie snatched you away first, smirking as she did so.

"You don't need to answer that." Katie hissed.

"No, no, it's fine." You replied, calming Katie down. "I'm in the [course name], I take an elective in history." You explained.

"That so?" He grinned like a fool, wondering whether he could sign up for a history elective in the future just so he could get together with you.

"That is so, and if you don't mind, we'll be on our way now." Katie replied rather harshly as she pulled you away, practically dragging you by your arms towards the rest of the cheer squad, away from Jesper. She shot a final glare at him, all while Jesper simply shot a foolish grin back at Katie; a challenge.

From that day on, your boring university life would be forever overturned.

"If I become the MVP for this match, do I get a kiss?"