#batlle tendency

[xmaniacpigx]

I hope you're not a parts skipper ( ￣ー￣)

[delfiore]

—MY DEAREST FRIEND AND ENEMY. (1/5)

pairing: ona batlle x fem!reader

synopsis: you were ona’s biggest headache at man united, until you both move to barcelona.

word count: 3.7k

a/n: i’ve been watching the men’s game for years but i’ve finally sobered FINAL TODAY LET’S GO ENGLAND LET’S GO SPAIN (MOSTLY SPAIN)

PART II, PART III, PART IV, PART V

It started four years ago when Ona first signed for United. She didn’t notice at first the way you were always gunning for her, she was just doing her job.

But now, you were here in Barcelona with her. As she looked up at you, a soft smile on your face, everything she had buried in the past year all came rushing back.

Everyone was aware of the new signing from the States for her rival club just a couple of weeks before, a dragged-out saga of whether you were going to choose City or United. Unfortunately for her, you chose the Sky Blues.

If things had been different, maybe she wouldn’t have despised you as much as she did.

The first Manchester derby you played, she thought marking you would be easy until you dribbled past her several times to register a goal and assist. She must have been glowering at you when she walked back to the midfield line, because you shrugged before grinning at her, saying: “All in a day’s work.”

“Could I just ask what put Man City above all the other contenders for your signature?” “Well, I mean, it’s a great club with a great history, amazing players too. I’ve spoken at length with the new manager and he gave me a rough plan for next year’s project. So I’m really excited and confident that it’ll be a great destination for me.” “What do you say to the people who think you’ve chosen City for the money?” “People can think whatever they want to think. I’ll just play my game, and they can judge me all they want. It’s all anyone’s good for.” “You’ve just transferred from Portland, you’ve got an enormous price tag for the women’s game, tons of big clubs in Europe wanted you. There’s a mounting pressure on you, it seems. Do you think you’ll be up for the challenge of the Women’s Super League?” “It’s no fun if it’s not a challenge.”

Ona Batlle was what people considered a modern full-back, dangerous in attack just as she was solid in defense. But when playing against Man City, she usually has to stay back to avoid a dangerous winger finding their way into the box; you. It wasn’t her way of playing, and it frustrated her that that was what her role was while her team was struggling to create chances, especially when she knew she could help.

“I want you to stay back and mark Y/L/N. Whatever you do, do not let her out of your sight,” Casey had told her.

She hated you for caging her in, and the worst part was she wasn’t sure if she can stop you sometimes.

The night before her next game against you, she watched how you played the previous match, studied your movement carefully, and took notes. She liked that she had found a pattern. You liked to use your speed, but you also liked to taunt your defenders; a pace of prime Thierry Henry’s, and showboating tendencies like that of Neymar. It’s why you were so entertaining to watch, because every defender you faced ended up a sort of decoration to your parlor tricks, her included.

Ona never liked being second best to anybody, and certainly not to you.

And so when she was on the pitch, zeroing on you like a hawk, there was nothing stopping her from getting away from you. She didn’t need to resort to any risky challenges, she just needed to stick with you, keep you at arm’s length, and stay between you and the goal at all costs.

You may be a skilled player for your age, but controlling your temper is something you haven’t been able to achieve. She heard you cursing a few times, eventually earning you a yellow card when your insults were directed at the referee.

The ball had only left the City’s goalkeeper, Roebuck, yet she already felt you pushing back against her.

The game ended 3-1 for United, but she was secretly much happier that she had managed to piss you off so much, that you didn’t bother shaking hands with her afterwards.

“Congratulations, Ona. A huge victory for United. What do you think went well today?” “I think that our plans worked because we practiced and showed what we’re able to do. We didn’t have a lot of possession, but we focused on the counterattacks, and I think that definitely was a very effective tactic today.” “I have to ask you about Y/N Y/L/N. She’s been a formidable player in the league until now, and notoriously difficult to defend against, but she was practically silenced today on the left-hand side. Do you think you had something to do with that?” “I think what I’ve prepared in defense has worked out, for sure. I’ve also got my teammates to thank for covering the grounds for me. Y/L/N is a good player, and it’s always a joy to play against her.”

Her rivalry with you continued, and soon even the press was picking up on it. Manchester derbies now included Y/L/N v. Batlle, and everyone was predicting what crazy thing would happen next. It wasn’t common for defenders to make waves in the paper compared to superstar strikers or even midfielders unless they were linked with a big move. But soon Ona was reading about herself in the news, how she has defended Manchester United’s left wing with an iron grip, how they started calling her la matadora, for her ability to hold off forwards and tame them like bullfighters do.

One bull remained to be tamed though, and her conundrum continued into her second season at United.

Unlike her, you seemed to take the new breath of fame easily enough. Day in and day out, there were news of you scoring goals and bringing Man City to the top of the table by November.

You were born to be a star.

But Ona knew from shooting stars in the game that burned out too quickly; if you let what’s outside the pitch get to you, you might as well just leave it altogether. You might have been a good player, on your way to becoming a great one even, but you did have a flare for the dramatics which riled up the press quite a bit. If she was lucky, maybe the pressure would take you out of the game before she does.

International breaks were times she always look forward to, being able to represent her country. Even if they were friendly matches, she knew Spain was always being watched, as a team’s form was important on the world stage. The team would play two friendly matches, the first one being against Brazil and the other against the United States. Some friendly fixtures . . .

Brazil was a breeze, mainly because she wouldn’t have to face her biggest adversary. Naturally, you were called up to your national team, and the back-and-forth game persisted.

She had played against you many times at club level, but the way you played for your country was something else. There was more passion to the way you weave your way through defenders, more flare to your shots. It could also be the adrenaline of being called up for the first time, and wanting to prove yourself—she knew that feeling well.

It didn’t come as a surprise, then, that when a long ball was played over the defense line and Marta Cardona was on her way towards goal, you’d be there to strike her down right at the edge of the box. Her teammates appealed, and the referee paused the game, but all Ona saw was red. With a speed she didn’t know she had in her, she sprinted to you and shoved you away as you were bending down in a show of checking on Marta.

“What was that?! You could have broken her ankle, cabrona!”

“Watch it.”

You had never seen her so angry before—her jaw locked as she continued to hurl insults at you. If she wasn’t your mortal enemy maybe you could have found it attractive. So you pushed back, and soon both your teammates and hers crowded around you, trying to separate you. Kelley put her arm around your neck and walked away, telling you to “keep your cool, this is only a friendly”.

Never, you thought. Never while I’m playing against her.

You apologized to Marta eventually, and she was cool with it. “Heat of the moment”, she said, and you were grateful. You never meant to hurt anyone. Sometimes you just couldn’t control your adrenaline spike.

As expected, Ona didn’t even look at you after the match. So you went home with Marta.

The next morning at breakfast, Ona heard laughing from the girls surrounding Marta.

“How was your American late-night snack, Marta?” Leila laughed.

The girl only shook her head with a grin. “It was delicious, alright.”

Ona didn’t know what that twisted feeling in her gut was when she heard what Marta said, as she walked back to her hotel room after breakfast. She just knew that as long as she was alive, you were the most despicable person she knew.

ESPN: Y/L/N-Batlle Feud Continues, Bonmatí Controls Midfield in Spain-USWNT Clash “LOS ANGELES -- Thursday night saw a friendly match between Spain’s women's national team and the USWNT at the Snapdragon Stadium that ended in a 2-2 draw. Several debutants started for both teams, including Man City powerhouse Y/N Y/L/N. After a stunning cross into the box from the left for Mallory Pugh to tap in, a dangerous slide tackle on Marta Cardona ensured Y/L/N to be the heart of a confrontation between several players, including Ona Batlle. It seems their club rivalry persists as they were seen giving each other a very clear piece of their minds, and several clashes succeeded the Cardona tackle. It would have been a good performance for both if not for the slip of attitude. One thing is clear, though; the mentality is there, and it sure is entertaining to watch. […]”

The end of the season was fast approaching, and while you had become a thorn in her side, it came to a point in which she would not think about you until a week before a clash. This one in particular was crucial in the race for a Champions League spot that both Manchester clubs were vying for. She knew what it meant for the club to secure a UCL spot for the first time, and you were not about to ruin it for her.

Tooney and Millie invited her out for dinner the night before the derby, but she turned them down, opting for a quiet night in instead. After a few hours, however, she suddenly felt antsy, the anticipation before the game nipping at her. It was only 7pm when she checked and she decided to go for a run. She followed the familiar path she always takes to the nearby park, and she was glad she did because the sun was going down, leaving a glorious trail of orange in the sky. She loved these peaceful moments, away from adrenaline, away from the constant pressure, away from constantly having to push herself or she’d be called ‘lazy’.

A constant huffing sound appeared next to her, and when Ona looked down she saw an adorable corgi looking up at her while wagging its tail.

“Hello,” she bent down and pet the dog. Loving the attention, the little corgi jumped up in an attempt to lick her face, to which she let out a laugh.

“Bratwurst! Come back here!” She heard a voice call in the distance, which she assumed must have been the owner. “Sorry, he loves people.”

Ona looked up, and her face dropped. You did the same, standing frozen in front of her. Bratwurst was jumping up and down before you, probably excited that he received pets from someone else today.

She had never seen you in plain clothes before. You clearly knew how to dress yourself, because she might have admitted that you looked good if she didn’t hate you so much. But it was difficult to see you as anything else other than Y/N Y/L/N, Manchester City winger, and potentially Golden Boot winner this season by the looks of it.

And yet, she sat down on a nearby bench with you anyway, watching Bratwurst stick his butt in the air, attempting to catch a squirrel.

“I named him Bratwurst ‘cause he’s . . . long, you know?” You chuckled. ”Short form is Brat too, that’s kinda funny.”

In a sea of northern Englishmen, she never got to hear your American accent properly as she’d only heard you speak no more than two words to her, and most of the time they weren’t pleasant.

“How do you have time to own a dog?” She asked.

“He’s a foster. I just got him a couple of weeks ago.” You looked down at your fingers. “It’s nice to have him to come home to.”

The conversation died down, and suddenly Ona felt like this was a mistake. Maybe she should just leave, and continue her run. But she saw a different side to you—a gentler, quieter side unlike the boastful player she knew you as—and she wasn’t sure whether it was a good thing or not.

“Are you planning on adopting him permanently?”

“Maybe. I just want to make sure that I’m settled before making him move.”

You leaned back, placed your arm on the bench, and closed your eyes.

“You don’t want to stay in Manchester?”

“I don’t know yet. Why, would you be happy if I did?” You smirked, and she saw a glimpse of that player again.

Yes. “Your presence doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t bring me any joy either.”

“Just face it, Batlle.” You turned your body to her. “I get under your skin, don’t I?”

Ona blinked, her jaw clenching. “You don’t intimidate me, Y/L/N. You might be used to people bowing at your feet, but I won’t let you walk all over me. We will win tomorrow, and you might think to show some respect for others in the game.”

“Sorry, Batlle, can’t let you win. We’re playing Champions League next season.” You really enjoyed taunting her.

Ona huffed and stood up. As she walked away, she heard you call out to her. “See you on the pitch tomorrow, la matadora!”

There was nothing you could ever do to make yourself less hateful in her eyes.

It was matchday, kick-off time. Ona saw you on the other side of the midfield line. “Remember what you came here to do, and finish the job,” Marc had told them in the dressing room. He was right. She had a job to do, and she wasn’t about to let you ruin that for her.

They were to play with a high line today, which required Ona to stay near the midfield line and run back, should a forward slip through. About halfway through the first half, she had a startling realization; you were dropping back too, playing a number-10 role. It meant that she couldn’t do what she did last time you met, because there would be a gaping hole where she covers.

United was leading 1-0 by halftime, and while they had the advantage, the fight was far from over.

“Okay, ladies. Have a drink and take a seat,” Marc stood at the front of the dressing room. “We’re doing good, we’re holding them off. Keep up the pressure.”

Ona sat back to catch her breath. You were much more versatile than she thought, and maybe that was her mistake for underestimating you. It seemed too easy that you were giving her exactly what she wanted, playing high at the flank like she always does. There was more to it, but she needed to adapt.

Ona held your gaze for a moment across the field. You weren’t giving up. It seemed you were confident enough in whatever wicked plan you still had up your sleeve, that you sent her a smirk back.

It was the 70th minute of the game and they were so close to achieving it. Katie was looking for a pass, so Ona made herself available.

There was empty space near the side of the box, and she wanted to utilize it but it meant having to get past a couple of defenders.

“Vilde! 1, 2!” She called, passed the ball to her teammate, and started running. Her momentum was halted when Vilde’s ball was cut off and instantly launched forward.

The counterattack came so quickly, it must have been what you practiced. 1-1.

Suddenly, the tides have shifted. The momentum was with City. Time was running out, and the sudden goal disoriented her team. It took about five minutes for everyone to get their head back into the game, but Ona could tell City were used to having possession by then.

And then, in the 88th minute, you were given the ball from the left. Everyone except Alessia had dropped back to defend a series of dangerous balls up until now. You didn’t have anyone to pass to without getting intercepted, and you were outside of the box. So you took the shot. She watched helplessly as the ball flew past Mary into the top right corner.

1-2.

Ona’s body ran cold as she watched you celebrate with your teammates.

When the final whistle came shortly after, she collapsed on her knees.

Some of her teammates were there to console her, but she let their comfort pass through her. She needed to break something.

She needed to get away from everyone and found a spot near the bathrooms where she could catch her breath. Her boots were dangling from her hand by the laces. She slumped against a wall and began to cry, the boots clattering next to her on the floor.

It wasn’t that she was sad to have lost—she blamed herself for letting you get to her head. The interaction of the day before got her thinking what ifs. What if we didn’t meet under these circumstances? What if I could have just gotten to know you without wanting to rip your head off every time I see you?

You heard quiet sobs down the hallway and knew it was her. You had quickly gone into the tunnel when you didn’t see her anywhere on the pitch, but you certainly weren’t expecting to see her cry.

“Batlle?” You called.

She didn’t seem to notice you, sitting against the wall and wiping her face with her shirt.

“Hey, it’s okay.” That was a stupid thing to say considering you just beat her out of a Champions League spot, of course it’s not okay.

“I’m really not in the mood,” she said, looking away.

“You did good out there,” you said, watching her anxiously.

“Don’t act like you care,” she sniffled. “You got what you wanted.”

“I’m not as heartless as you think, Ona.” You quipped back. “I’m not sorry that we won, but I am sorry that you’re hurt.”

“Why are you doing this to me?” She sobbed and glared at you. It sent a chill down your bones. “I wish we had never met.”

How do you tell her that you never meant for things to go this way? That every word you had ever said to her didn’t stem from malice but from fear? You had wished to push her away so that you don’t collide with her head-on. How do you tell her that no matter how hard you tried, you still gravitated toward her?

“I’m sorry.” You repeated, like a fool.

She was hurting because of you.

You snuck a glance at the form of the girl in front of you, like you would be penalized if you were caught looking at her. You took a step back to go, but she held onto your arm and pulled your body against her.

You had been fantasizing about having your mouth against her for months, usually in absurd circumstances, like you two making out in a bed of roses or you giving her a kiss after she, a masked superhero, saved you from danger. Never like this, muscles aching, sweat coating your foreheads, wearing your respective uniforms—being so you doing this.

You wanted to enjoy it. Her lips were soft and salty, and she might have secured you by the waist against her. Your knees trembled as you sighed into her lips, pushing her against the wall gently. Your hesitancy soon turned into hunger, as you pressed your body into hers, desperate to feel her.

Murmurs in the distance snapped you out of it. “Where’s Ona?” You made out one of the voices saying.

You looked back at her, your faces just inches away. You never noticed, but she had so many beautiful freckles adorning her face.

“Ona—“ You said, but she quickly picked up her boots and left towards the voices.

Chest heaving and head spinning, you slumped against the wall with a small grin, bringing your fingers up to touch your lips where she had been.

“Where have you been?” Keira asked in the dressing room, but you just shook your head.

“Just to the bathroom.”

Sky Sports: Man City’s Talisman Y/N Y/L/N Nets Stunning Late Goal Against Man United To Secure UWCL Spot […]

a/n: this gif is so y/n and ona coded

[katelynnwrites]

You Know I Adore You (I’m Crazy For You) | Ona Batlle

warnings: some anxiety

word count: 1425

summary: requested and requested x2, ona coming out 🌈

a/n: i am so sorry i took so long to get around to your request nonny, this isn’t as good as it should be but i hope you like it and happy pride month!

‘Ale? Can we talk please?’ Ona asks.

Her voice is quiet, eyes downcast. Alexia was busy but she made time for the younger girl immediately. The Barcelona captain was worried for the Manchester United fullback who has seemed particularly uneasy this camp.

As Alexia follows Ona out of the dining room, she sends a quick text to Mapi, asking the blonde to meet them at Ona’s room. The younger brunette is close to her too and Alexia thinks that Ona’s fellow defender might be able to offer her some support.

The twenty three year old is silent as she sits on her bed, twisting the ring she’s wearing round and round her finger.

Alexia is really worried now and is relieved when she hears a soft knock on the door.

Ona jumps and Alexia grabs her hands, assuring her that it’s just Mapi.

Both players sit on either side of Ona who bites her lip nervously. She’s biting it so hard Alexia is scared that she’s going to make it bleed.

‘I-I have to tell you something. I want to tell you something.’

‘Okay. We’re here for you Ona.’ Mapi encourages, squeezing the younger defender’s hand gently.

‘No matter what.’ Alexia promises.

‘I’m gay.’ Ona softly admits.

‘Oh thank goodness. Dios mio Ona.’ Alexia exhales.

‘W-What?’

Ona is shaking, trembling with fear and uncertainty.

Mapi pulls her into her arms, kissing her forehead sweetly, ‘I’m so proud of you. I’m so happy that you feel safe and comfortable enough to tell us.’

Alexia kisses Ona’s cheek, ‘I thought you were in trouble, Ona. You were so anxious. I’m so thankful that you wanted to share this with us.’

Ona smiles then, soaking in the tight embrace that she’s in. She doesn’t know why she was so afraid earlier, it’s not as if Mapi and Alexia would have judged her and she voices those thoughts out loud.

‘I guess I was a little anxious.’

Alexia laughs, kissing Ona’s cheek again. Mapi tucks a strand of hair behind Ona’s ear, smiling at her.

‘We forgive you for worrying us Oni.’

Ona giggles, feeling a weight lift off her now that she had finally told two of her teammates.

Then she pauses, ‘Can you help me tell the rest of the team please. I just, I just want them to know.’

Alexia grins slyly.

‘This wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain other teammate of ours? One that we all know is gay?’

Ona’s eyes widen and she blushes, mumbling something about how it doesn’t and is completely unrelated.

Neither Mapi nor Alexia believe her but they agree to help their younger teammate all the same.

******

Alexia arranges for the team to gather in her room for a movie night.

You think nothing of it, Alexia has always been keen on team bonding. She believed that a team that knew each other well, played well together.

You’re the first to arrive, having a tendency to be early for everything. It comes as a surprise to you that Ona is already there.

‘Hey you.’ You greet, a smile forming on your face when you see her.

‘Hi.’ Ona giggles, leaning into your side as soon as you sit down on Ale’s bed.

You drop a kiss down onto her head and you feel the brunette shiver.

She cuddles further into you and if you weren’t so focused on her as the rest of your teammates file into the room, you would notice the way Alexia’s and Mapi’s eyes soften.

When the whole La Roja team is squeezed into Alexia’s hotel room, Alexia clears her throat to quieten the room.

She shoots Ona a meaningful look and the fullback stiffens in your arms.

‘Ona?’

‘Um. I-I have something to share with you guys.’

Ona hesitates for a brief moment before looking you in the eyes and blurting out, ‘I’m a lesbian. I’m gay and I thought I should tell all of you because you’re my team, my second family.’

There isn’t a split second’s hesitation for the room to erupt in cheers.

Ona’s cheeks heat up as Leila excitedly screams, ‘Welcome to the club!’

She grins at the support she’s receiving but she’s really only looking at you and waiting for your reaction.

You’re smiling brightly at her, a tiny glimmer of hope in your gaze as you hug her a little tighter.

‘Congratulations on coming out, Ona. You’re so brave.’

‘Gracias.’ Ona hums, reveling in the feeling of being in your arms. She loves it and frequently wished it happened more often.

******

You’re drinking your coffee when Mapi plops down into the empty seat in front of you.

‘You have no excuse now.’

‘What?’

Leila appears beside her best friend then.

‘Obviously it means that you have to tell Ona how you feel.’ She states.

You roll your eyes at the pair, ‘No I don’t. Just because I now know for sure that she likes women doesn’t mean that she’ll like me.’

‘Chica. She doesn’t just like you, she loves you. Ona came out for you, idiota. She wanted you to know so that you can make a move.’

‘Oh.’

You’re silent for a moment as you take in Mapi’s words. The older woman usually joked around a lot but she was serious about this.

‘D-Do you know where she is now?’

‘In her room.’ Leila answers eagerly.

The mostly full cup of coffee is left behind as you leave the dining room immediately.

Mapi and Leila smirk as they watch you rush off to find Ona.

******

Ona is just coming out of her room when she sees you.

Her face lights up and she bounces over to give you a tight hug.

‘Hi Oni.’

‘Hola.’

She grins and blushes when you kiss her cheek lightly.

‘How are you feeling?’

‘Good. I’m really happy.’

You smile at her when she turns to you, ‘How are you feeling today?’

‘I feel like I need to tell you something.’

Your heart beats a little faster as you carefully scan her face for any sort of reaction.

Ona doesn’t hesitate, lightly brushing her pinky against yours in comfort, ‘Oh. Would you like to go back into my room to talk about it?’

‘Yes please.’ You softly answer.

Ona senses your anxiety and takes your hand in hers, leading you into her room. You try to hide the way butterflies flutter in your stomach at the contact.

She nudges you gently once you’re back in her room.

‘You can tell me anything. You can trust me, I promise.’

‘I know.’

You chance a glance at the brunette, trying your best to be courageous enough to admit your feelings to her. Ona had been brave enough to come out so surely you could be brave enough to tell her about your feelings for her right?

Ona hums after a moment, her lips ticking upwards into a little smile.

‘I know by the way. That’s kind of why I did it.’

‘What?’

‘You like me.’ The brunette states, matter of factly.

‘I-I do?’

The surprise in your tone makes Ona laugh.

‘You do. You have for years. I’ve seen the way you look at me.’

‘I do.’ You mumble in disbelief, because you really thought you were subtle about it.

Ona laughs again, sitting down on her bed beside you and kissing your forehead affectionately.

‘I’ve waited for you to admit your feelings for years. I tried so hard to show you that I feel the same but you never picked up on it.’

‘I’m sorry.’ You breathe and Ona shakes her head.

‘You drove me crazy you know? I thought I was so obvious. I don’t know what I would have done if last night didn’t work.’

‘I’m sorry.’ You say again, staring at her in a daze, still trying to come to terms with the thought that she had known and reciprocated how you feel all along.

Ona shrugs casually, ‘Te amo. I have for years.’

You blink at her for a moment before shaking your head, ‘I’m an idiot. Mapi and Leila are right.’

The brunette fullback who has your heart giggles loudly.

‘You are. But that’s okay. I love you anyway.’

You grin at her, cherishing the way her chocolate brown eyes sparkle with happiness.

‘Ona?’

‘Yes?’

‘Can I take you out on a date this weekend?’

‘I thought you’d never ask.’

Her eager words and bright smile give you the warmest of feelings inside. She’s the one for you, you just know it.

‘Ona?’

‘Yes?’

‘I love you too.’

Spanish Translations:

dios mio - oh my god

gracias - thank you

chica - girl

idiota - idiot

hola - hi

te amo - i love you

[clarisse0o]

The Mayor - Chapter 38

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternate Universe: Mayor and Architect

Words: 1000

Masterlist

———————————————————————

I was rooted to the spot. Alexia noticed my distress.

"Are you okay, Ona?"

I tried to pull myself together.

"Yeah, yeah… I’ve got to head to a site now, see you later!"

I used this excuse to escape and, more importantly, to gather my thoughts—alone.  

Driving now, my mind was in turmoil. How could she do this to me? Without talking to me about it first? This couldn’t be true. Maybe the newspaper had made a mistake. It was possible, in the rush of things, for a journalist to report something incorrectly. I clung to this idea, grasping at it like a final hope. Surely, Lucy would have spoken to me about it beforehand, or at least called me last night to warn me.  

I waited for her call, struggling not to call her myself.  

On the road, my phone rang. It was Lucy.  

I pulled over to the side and answered, my throat dry.  

"Yes?"  

"Ona, did you see the paper?" she asked hurriedly.  

My heart clenched.  

"Yes… Just tell me it’s not true, Lucy."  

There was silence on the other end of the line. My hand tightened around my phone.  

"It’s not true, is it?"  

I held my breath.  

"It is, Ona. It’s true. I wanted to tell you before it came out—I didn’t think it would be front-page news today and—"  

I was furious now.  

"Damn it! How could you do this to me?"  

"Ona, we need to talk, okay? But not over the phone. Come to my place after work; I’ll be here."  

I didn’t respond.  

"Please, Ona..."  

"Fine."  

I hung up.  

To say my day was complicated would be an understatement. Concentrating on the site was nearly impossible. I was devastated, feeling utterly betrayed.  

On my way to Lucy’s that evening, I tried to calm myself down, to stay composed. I had a tendency to flare up quickly, but I needed to keep my cool and hear her out.  

When she opened the door, she gave me her best smile, but her eyes betrayed her apprehension. I couldn’t return the smile—I was cold and distant. She poured us glasses of wine, and we sat in the living room. Lucy was tense; I could feel it.  

"To your upcoming campaign!" I said sarcastically, raising my glass.  

She turned toward me.  

"Ona, I’m sorry. I had no other choice. The circumstances, the political context—"  

I cut her off, irritated by her politician tone.  

"Lucy, I’m not one of your lackeys or your council members. I’ll walk out of here if you keep talking to me with that rehearsed speech!"  

She sighed and steadied herself.  

"I was under a lot of pressure. The polls were awful, and the potential candidates themselves were scared to run. I even got calls from senior party officials, urging me to step in, saying that with the presidential elections less than two years away, we couldn’t afford to lose major cities."  

I raised an eyebrow and added sarcastically, "Lucy Bronze, savior of humanity! But surely, you must have had some idea of this two days ago—when we were talking about plane tickets! Someone must have asked you, talked to you about it!"  

"Since Luc’s accident, everything’s been moving so fast. Yes, I got calls. But I thought I could resolve the situation—until yesterday, during the meeting."  

So, the idea of running had been on her mind for days. Even if she thought she could find another solution, I felt like I’d been slapped in the face.  

"And it didn’t occur to you to talk to me about it? For example, two days ago, when we were discussing flights? God, I’m so naive and stupid…"  

"I really thought I could handle it differently, Ona. I didn’t have a choice; I had to step up and take responsibility!"  

"Without thinking about me for a single second? Without even bothering to call me yesterday?"  

She looked down.  

"I was completely overwhelmed, Ona. It was like a tidal wave—the meeting, the media—I didn’t know where I was. I’m sincerely sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you, and I wanted to do it face-to-face."  

A long silence followed, where our gazes avoided each other. Lucy finally broke it, her voice small.  

"Ona, it doesn’t change anything…"  

"Doesn’t change anything about what?" I replied in the iciest tone.  

"About us!"  

I gave a mocking smile.  

"Oh, there’s an  us  now? Glad to hear it! So, what’s the plan? We book the flights? I imagine it’s common for newly re-elected mayors to jet off to the other side of the world! Because the goal isn’t to lose, right?"  

I didn’t give her time to answer and continued, exasperated, "And by the way, are you still divorcing? Or are you going to keep up your little facade of a family life?"  

She turned her eyes to me.  

"Stop it, Ona. Of course, I’m still divorcing."  

"And you’re obviously going to own up to our relationship, no problem at all!"  

Her clammy hands, constantly fidgeting, gave away her unease.  

"This is going to require some adjustments to our plans, I know! I won’t be able to take two months off, and we might need to take things a little slower to… to…"  

She searched for her words. I picked up where she left off.  

"To hold hands in public? To kiss in the open? To spend time with my friends, your family? How long, Lucy? Six months? Two years? Four years?"  

The tension rose as I started losing my temper.  

"I don’t know, Ona. A little more time…"  

I shrugged.  

"Great. I’ll be here, at your beck and call whenever you feel like having a good time—come get laid and then leave!"  

She straightened, as if wounded by my deliberately provocative comment.  

"Vulgarity doesn’t suit you, Ona!"  

"And your little excuses don’t suit you either! I’m 35, Lucy! I want to build something! That was our plan—to build something together!"  

I was on my feet now.  

"I know it’s difficult—it’s hard for me too."  

She stood as well, looking at me, taking my hand.  

"But I care about you, Ona. So much. I’m sorry for hurting you, for you finding out like this. I wish I’d handled it differently."  

I pulled my hand away, breaking the contact.  

"I want something solid, something lasting… And I’m really not sure you can give me that anymore."  

I turned and walked away into the falling night, my heart heavy.

[mango123045]

Waguun

[fairylynel]

[Balanced on the Blade's Edge](Dragon Blood, Book One) by Lindsay Buroker - Book Review

I started reading this book on a whim. The first three volumes of this saga were for free on Amazon and I decided to take the opportunity and read something new.

Contains Spoilers

This is my first book review, please take my words as my opinion only and nothing else.

This is the book's description in GoodReads:

"Colonel Ridge Zirkander isn't the model of military professionalism - he has a tendency to say exactly what’s on his mind, and his record has enough demerits to wallpaper the hull of an airship - but as the best fighter pilot in the Iskandian army, he’s used to a little leniency from his superiors. Until he punches the wrong diplomat in the nose and finds himself issued new orders: take command of a remote prison mine in the inhospitable Ice Blades Mountains. Ridge has never been in charge of anything larger than a flier squadron — what’s he supposed to do with a frozen fortress full of murderers and rapists? Not to mention the strange woman who shows up right before he arrives...

Sardelle Terushan wakes from three hundred years in a mage stasis shelter, only to realize that she is the last of the Referatu, the sorcerers who once helped protect Iskandia from conquerors. Their subterranean mountain community was blown up in a treacherous sneak attack by soldiers who feared their power. Everyone Sardelle ever knew is dead, and the sentient soulblade she has been bonded to since her youth is buried in the core of the mountain. Further, what remains of her home has been infested by bloodthirsty miners commanded by the descendants of the very soldiers who destroyed her people.

Sardelle needs help to reach her soulblade — her only link to her past and her last friend in the world. Her only hope is to pretend she’s one of the prisoners while trying to gain the commander’s trust. But lying isn't her specialty, especially when the world has changed so much in the intervening centuries, and if Colonel Zirkander figures out who she truly is, he’ll be duty-bound to sentence her to the only acceptable punishment for sorcerers: death."

I really believe I enjoyed this book a lot, mostly due to the fact that I haven’t picked something up in many, many years. It has several things I would like to talk about, from the plot to the characters and my favourite moments.

The first book focus mainly in two characters, them being Sardelle and Ridge. I truly loved Sardelle (her name is a tad odd, since it reminds me of a lot of sardinha, from my mother tongue, which means “sardine”. It’s really weird and I’m not sure why she got this name.). She was very charismatic, extremely smart and I definitely enjoyed reading the way she thought about her past and she perceived others (who had destroyed her kind) with kindness. Her pain was shown in a short, odd manner - I kind of hoped that the loss of her “family” would be more pertinent to the story and this sort of trauma would have had much more impact - but it was still used in a wonderful manner. Her interactions with her soulblade are cute, Sardelle seems to have a bit of a mother stance when it comes to this character in particular, it was quite endearing, in my honest opinion. When it comes to Ridge, I found him to be a fun and well-written character. I really liked that his arrival to the Ice Blades Mountains’ prison was used to show how his personality had not been corrupted by the militar system in Iskandia. Most of his peers in that prison were completely corrupted individuals, doing the most despicable things to the prisoners. His moral compass is quite good, he is always looking for ways to improve the efficiency of the prison, while still making sure that people are still treated in a fair manner. The way he even ends up working in the Ice Blades Mountains is due to the fact that he defended a female colleague from being harassed from a Cofah general, I believe.

However, I do feel like their story was a tad forced. Perhaps there are people who enjoy the “in love at first sight” kind of story line, it is not my cup of tea, unfortunately. The relationship between Ridge and Sardelle kind of started out of nothing, he found her very atractive, beautiful and mysterious (the latter is mostly due to the fact that Sardelle is extremely bad at lying and she had to hide the fact that she was a witch). Sardelle’s infactuation with Ridge mostly started from the fact that she had to use him and his power in the prison to get her soulblade and, afterwards, leave that awful place. Their interactions are okay-ish, they just fall in love too quickly, way too quickly to seem normal. I wouldn’t find this so strange if they had at least a few more conversations about theirselves, let them know each other, even though this would have been impossible, since Sardelle hides her true identity for like three quarters of the whole book.

Even if this specific thing wasn’t my favourite, I still enjoyed several moments of this couple. The batlle against that gigantic owl in the snow and their love scene (even though, once again, it feels forced) was very pleasant to read. Lindsay Buroker has clearly talent to write battle scenes, they were all very well-written to the point that I could easily immerse myself into what was happening.

The ending - where they both meet in Ridge’s lake house - was possibly the part I disliked the most. I feel this way, because once again, while the focus of the book isn’t completely on their love story, this still affected greatly a lot of big impactful moments. It felt quite forced to see them meet each other again as if they had been long lost lovers.

In conclusion, I would give this book a 3,5/5 on GoodReads. It’s okay and I enjoyed reading it, the battle scenes, love scenes were all great, but the way the relationship between Sardelle and Ridge was build, unfortunately ruined the experience for me a bit.

Rating: 6/10

[xmaniacpigx]

Today Suzi Q!!! ( ☆∀☆)

[katelynnwrites]

If You Ever Wanna Fall In Love, If You Ever Wanna Bet On Us, If You Ever Wanna Be My One (I’ll Be Waiting) | Ona Batlle

warnings: so much fluff

word count: 2068

summary: the story of how you fell in love with ona and how ona fell in love with you

chosen song: i’ll be waiting by cian ducrot

a/n: bonus chapter 5 of you were bigger than the whole sky (you were more than just a short time)

Ona seems nervous as she leads the way to her house, which is a short walk from the bus stop.

You had never been there before but when Ona invited you over for lunch, there was no way you were going to say no.

You had only known the brunette for two weeks but you had quickly learnt that it was almost impossible for you to say no to her. Plus you would never miss an opportunity to spend more time with her.

The twelve year old defender’s very good at making you laugh and you feel entirely comfortable with her. You like her.

‘We’re here.’ Ona softly says.

Ona’s house is a nice one and as she opens the door, you realise that it’s homey and obviously well lived in.

It makes sense that Ona would live here because her house feels warm and welcoming, exactly like how Ona feels to you.

‘It’s lovely Oni.’ You genuinely tell her.

Ona practically beams, ‘Come on, I’ll introduce you to my mother.’

Ona takes your hand in hers and guides you to her kitchen, where her mother is making tapas.

She greets you with a warm smile and immediately says, ‘Hi. You must be the friend my daughter is always talking about.’

‘Mama.’ Ona protests, her cheeks flushing.

Even the tips of her ears are red and you laugh.

‘Hola Mrs Batlle.’

‘Hola. And none of that Mrs Batlle nonsense please, it makes me feel old. You can call me Mama or Mami, whichever you prefer because I have a feeling that Ona here, will be bringing you around a lot.’

By then, Ona’s as red as a tomato and she disappears from the kitchen, mumbling something about setting the table.

Ona’s mother laughs, before looking you up and down.

‘You need some feeding. Look how skinny you are, don’t your parents feed you? Come on, sit down and eat this.’

She hands you a plate of food, practically shooing you out into the dining room.

******

You don’t say anything, simply sitting down next to your fourteen year old girlfriend and taking her hand in yours. (even at fourteen, she has a tendency of getting too far into her own head).

You squeeze it tightly and Ona inhales sharply.

Leaning closer to her, you murmur, ‘Onita I know you’re blaming yourself for that own goal. I’m not going to tell you to stop because I know you better than that. But I just want you to remind you that you are an amazingly talented defender and that no one else is blaming you. It’s only halftime and we still have another forty five minutes to make a difference.’

It’s a small stolen moment in the crowded locker room where your coach is giving a loud halftime speech. The air stinks of sweat and it couldn’t be a less romantic moment but it’s the one where Ona realises she’s in love with you.

******

‘Hola Mami. Is Ona home?’ You say as you walk into the kitchen of Ona’s home.

Ona’s mother greets you with a tight hug.

‘Sí. I think she’s having a nap.’

You laugh. Fifteen year old Ona had recently discovered that naps after training sessions are a good idea.

‘She’ll probably be asleep for a few more hours so sit down and I’ll fix you a plate.’

You begin to protest her generosity but she gives you a knowing look.

‘You only went home to shower after practice didn’t you? You haven’t eaten yet.’

Ona’s mother takes your silence as an answer and she starts taking out leftovers from the fridge so that she can warm them up for you.

‘Thanks Mami.’

‘You’re welcome.’ She hums and kisses your forehead maternally.

******

When you’re done eating, you wash your plate despite Ona’s mom telling you that you didn’t have to.

Then you head up to your girlfriend’s room.

The brunette is all wrapped up in her comforter, clutching her stuffed cheetah close.

You giggle softly, walking over and pressing a kiss onto her cheek.

Ona doesn’t even stir so you pull the comforter back slightly and slip in behind her.

Her twin bed is cramped with the both of you in it but it lets you be closer to her so you have no complaints.

Gently, you drape an arm around her waist and settle yourself down for a nap.

******

Ona wakes to find you curled into her and she smiles.

‘I don’t know when you got here but I love that you’re here.’

She happily runs her fingers through your hair, adjusting herself so that she’s able to tuck your head under her chin. The defender easily puts her stuffed cheetah aside in favour of holding you.

Ona is looking at you with complete adoration when her mother quietly knocks on her door before opening it.

‘Oh you two are so cute.’

Ona grins, ‘I don’t know about me but mi novia is plenty cute.’

Ona’s mother laughs.

‘Well do you know if she’s staying for dinner?’

The brunette thinks for a moment and then nods, ‘Probably. She said her parents won’t be home until late and I’ll feel better if she ate with us instead of alone at her house.’

‘Okay.’

The older Spaniard makes to leave but pauses.

‘Ona?’

‘Yes Mama?’

‘You look at her like she’s your whole world. When are you going to tell her you’re in love with her?’

‘Mama!’ Ona starts but as her mother raises an eyebrow, she sighs.

She looks at you for a moment before looking back up at her mother.

The fullback keeps her voice soft, not wanting to wake you, ‘Not yet. I can’t tell her yet. We’ve only been dating less than a year and I don’t want to scare her off.’

Ona’s mother chuckles, ‘Have you seen the way she looks at you? Ona, she’s completely in love with you too.’

The brunette blushes and whispers, ‘I hope so. I really do.’

******

After you and Ona exchange your first I love yous, it’s like Ona can’t stop (and you hope she never does).

You may have admitted your love for her first but she is just (if not more) eager to make sure that you know she loves you too.

She tells you she loves you every chance she gets and your heart never fails to skip a beat whenever she does so.

‘I love you.’ She says now, pressing a little kiss to the skin just below your ear.

You shiver and she repeats the action, whispering another soft, tender, ‘I love you.’

Aitana gags, ‘You guys, not here!’

******

‘You came!’

Ona leans up on her tiptoes so that she can kiss you. She had sprinted right over to the stands as soon as the whistle had blown, not bothering to celebrate the important win with the rest of the Barcelona B team. (she celebrates with you before she turns to her family, much later but her parents aren’t mad, knowing how much you mean to her. her mother is in fact too busy taking photos of the both of you to even think about it).

‘Of course I did.’ You whisper, smiling at the sight of your sweaty sixteen year old girlfriend who had just played a brilliant ninety minutes.

Ona gently pushes you back to make some space so that she can climb over the barrier.

She does and she’s extra cautious not to accidentally bump into you, not wanting to hurt you any further.

Your persistent foot injury had been keeping you from playing and that had been getting you down recently.

Ona had been trying her best to comfort you but she felt like the fact that she had been playing regularly while you weren’t was making you upset.

The brunette carefully kisses you again and you frown.

‘Oni why are you holding me like I’m going to disappear?’

Ona’s hands squeeze your waist and she hugs you, being mindful of the walking boot you had on again.

‘I-I didn’t think you were going to come.’ She admits.

She hadn’t dared to text you prior to the game, not wanting to rub salt into your obviously painful wound.

Her words leave you confused but you answer her anyway, ‘Why wouldn’t I come Ona? This is a big game for you and if I can’t be on the field with you, I want to be your WAG. I’m here to support you and our teammates. Mostly you though.’

You lower your voice to a whisper for the last sentence, a teasing smile tugging on your lips.

‘I didn’t think I could love you more. But I do. I love you so much.’ Ona earnestly says.

‘Well I love you so much too.’ You promise, hugging your girlfriend tightly.

‘Never doubt that you are important to me mi amor. I’m always going to support you.’

The brunette sniffles, pushing her face into your neck and placing a short kiss there.

That is the first moment Ona realises she’s going to love you for the rest of her life.

******

Sitting up, you happen to glance at the clock on your bedroom wall.

‘Ona? It’s six already!’

Ona looks up from her textbooks, her eyes wide as she realises you’re right.

‘Joder.’

Hurriedly, she starts putting her school work back into her bag and you help her collect all her things to make sure she hasn’t forgotten anything.

‘Gracias mi amor.’ Ona pecks your cheek quickly, rushing out of your room.

She was supposed to have left your house at five forty five because her grandparents were coming over for a family dinner but obviously she had not been keeping track of time.

You laugh, just thinking about the flustered expression on your seventeen year old girlfriend’s face as you straighten the covers on your bed.

Making your way to your front door, you lock it. Through the little window, you can see that it’s started raining.

You’ve just taken out your phone to text Ona, to wish her a safe trip home when there’s a series of loud knocks on your door.

You check the peephole and are startled to see your completely drenched girlfriend on the other side.

Opening the door, you begin, ‘Ona hey-’

She presses her lips to yours before you finish your sentence.

When she pulls away, she tenderly tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

‘Bye.’ She breathes.

Ona takes a step back into the rain, her nearly waist length hair plastered to the sides of her face.

‘Onita what?’ You shake your head in confusion, a little smile gracing your face as you look at the soaked brunette.

Ona shrugs lightly, ‘I forgot to give you your goodbye kiss. I love you mi amor but I’ve really got to go. I am so late. Bye!’

Your girlfriend blows you a kiss before running back up the street to the bus stop.

Giggling, you watch her till she’s out of sight.

It occurs to you as you go back inside, that for the rest of your life, she’s the one you’re going to be in love with.

******

The rest of the world finds out that the two of you are in love with each other when Manchester United uploads their newest The Tour View vlog.

Both of your social medias frequently feature each other and neither of you are afraid to let the fans know how much you love each other. If a curious fan were to scroll down, they would see that from the very beginning of the two of you’s Instagram presence, there were posts about each other.

During the three, almost four year break, Ona had not taken down any of your posts together. You had but right after you and Ona got back together, you’d unarchived all of them.

But it’s that one YouTube video that blows up.

In the short clip filmed by Millie during the flight, you’ve got your head resting on Ona’s shoulder as you sleep.

Millie zooms in on the both of you with the camera and Ona can be seen gently pressing a kiss onto the side of your head.

When Ona mouths an ‘I love you’ to further convey her affection, the English woman can be heard saying, ‘And over there we have United’s one and only couple. Look how disgustingly in love they are.’

Spanish Translations:

hola - hello

sí - yes

mi novia - my girlfriend

joder - fuck

gracias mi amor - thanks my love

[katelynnwrites]

Look At Me, I’m A Star (You’re The Reason) | Ona Batlle

warnings: tissues are needed because a lot of tears will be involved

word count: 3668

summary: it’s always the next person that gets the better version but maybe in this case you’ll be the one who gets the better version of ona

chosen song: better version by fletcher

a/n: chapter 4/6 of you were bigger than the whole sky (you were more than just a short time)

Without Ona, there is no doubt that you would not be where you were today.

There was a good chance you would never have made it pro, let alone play for a huge club like Manchester United in a country entirely different from the one of your birth.

The two of you had always complimented each other, being the other half of your individual selves. Her positivity balanced out your tendency to go too far into your head and you were the calm to her easy excitement.

Ona was the one who pushed you to take your skills to the next level. You staying out late on the field with her because of her desire to be the best had inadvertently benefitted you as well. Having her as your training partner meant that day in and day out, you worked with one of the best fullbacks in the world.

Her holding your hand and rubbing your chest when you were anxious before games allowed you to confidently go out onto the pitch and prove your worth to the footballing world. (to prove what Ona had known even when you were both just children)

It was because of her that you were the fullback you were today. She helped you with the career you were making.

If that wasn’t enough, the brunette had also given you a family. One that had not just supported her but you as well, especially once you had started dating.

Their support had been invaluable because they had been there when your own family wasn’t. Ona’s family had become your family, Ona’s brother growing to become the brother you never had.

In fact they had been so sure Ona would one day make you an official member of their family and give you their last name as well. So much so that Ona’s father had given you his blessing when you were seventeen.

You remember the moment clearly, having just come back from a date with your then girlfriend.

Your then girlfriend who had opened the door, bounced up to her parents and announced, ‘She kissed me in the rain! Like in the movies!’

It didn’t matter that her whole body was soaked or that she was dripping water onto the floor. It definitely didn’t matter that you too were in a similar state because Ona was so happy that she was practically glowing.

The date hadn’t gone as planned, all of Ona’s careful planning for your day off being ruined by the rain.

She had wanted to take you to the beach (and you suspect, show off her new bikini). However, the rain had started as soon as the both of you had stepped onto the sand.

Ona’s crestfallen face had you tugging on her hand and smiling despite the downpour.

‘It’s okay Oni. I’m happy to go back to your place and cuddle?’

The brunette had tried to smile back but her disappointment was clear.

‘Cheer up mi amor, I like your bikini. You look beautiful in it.’

‘What? How?’ Ona’s confusion is adorable to you and you nudge her waist.

‘Oh!’

The rain had made Ona’s white shirt see through and you could definitely appreciate the way the wet material clings to her toned form.

You laugh, placing a hand on her cheek as you tiptoe to kiss her.

Ona reciprocates immediately, her hands resting on your waist.

She sneaks in a second breathtaking kiss as soon as the first one ends, pulling back to tilt her head in question cutely, ‘So cuddles?’

‘Yes cuddles.’

Your girlfriend is quick to grab your hand as the two of you race back to her family house.

Ona’s joy is so infectious that her parents smile too. Her mother laughs and you grin, kissing Ona’s cheek affectionately.

‘Go change Oni. We don’t want you getting sick mi amor.’

‘Okay.’ Ona squeezes your hand before she disappears into her room.

Before you can follow her, her father takes the rare opportunity of Ona not being beside you to hug you tightly, despite your drenched clothes.

‘Thank you for making my daughter so happy. I see the way you love and care for her. I view you as my daughter already but when Ona makes it official and gives you our last name, which we all know is only a matter of time, know that you have my blessing. I’d be honored to be your father in law.’

Ona’s mother joins in the hug, the older woman squeezing your hand tightly in hers.

‘You have both our blessings’

In that moment your whole chest feels tight, entirely choked with emotion.

******

You stay in your room for the better part of the day, spending the majority of the time crying.

It was so stupid of you to think that you could be friends again. It was even more stupid of you to think you could rebuild the trust that she had broken.

It is nearing evening when your tears finally slow.

The grief had dulled from a sharp pain to an ache in your chest though you knew from experience it would bounce between the two.

******

When Ona left, packing up the majority of her things and leaving you with just a note, it broke you.

Millie and the others had done their best to fix you, time had done its fair share but you were still hurting. Maybe it was the lack of closure or maybe it was the way she had just left, without talking to you. She hadn’t even bothered trying to fight for your relationship.

Nothing could have prepared you from coming back from the grocery store to find a note taped to the refrigerator door.

‘I can’t do this anymore. I’m going back to Barcelona.’

The absolute and overwhelming grief you had felt then, it was so much so that you couldn’t even cry.

You had just sat there, on the floor of your kitchen with Ona’s note held in your hand.

You knew that your relationship was going through a bad patch and it was true that both you and Ona hadn’t been communicating but you didn’t think she would break up with you just like that.

Twelve years of knowing each other, ten years of being hers and ten years of you calling her yours and it was over. Ten words from Ona ended the ten years of your relationship, the ten years of loving each other.

******

Deciding that you should get yourself something to eat or at least to drink (all your crying had made you thirsty), you manage to get yourself out from under your blankets.

Opening your door, you find Ona sitting outside.

Her knees are drawn up to her chest, eyes red and swollen as she looks up at you.

Your bottom lip wobbles and you manage a shaky, ‘What are you doing here?’

‘I’m not leaving you. I did that once and it was the biggest mistake of my life. I won’t make it again and I won’t break any more promises to you.’ Her voice is determined despite the tear tracks on her cheeks.

‘Ona…’

The brunette shakes her head, scrambling to her feet and pushing a neatly tied up stack of letters into your hand.

‘Read these. Please, I am begging you to read them. Read them and if you still want me to leave after, I’ll leave. If you never want to hear from me ever again, you won’t. Just please, por favor read them.’ She pleads.

You look down at the letters, about five in total, each in their own envelopes and labeled with a date. Three of them have your birthday written on them. One for each birthday you had spent without her.

Wordlessly, you turn back around to enter your bedroom, sitting down on the bed.

Ona hovers by the doorway but doesn’t make a move to enter.

You open the first of the letters. The one from your twenty fourth birthday, two months after Ona left Manchester.

******

Mi amor,

You’re twenty four today and I nearly bought a plane ticket to come see you. I don’t think you would have wanted that though, not after the way I left.

You’re special, you’re kind and you’re beautiful. I was the luckiest person in the world to have had the chance to be loved by you. I am so sorry I ever ruined that.

I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t there for your birthday. I wish I could give you your birthday kisses, like I have every year since we were fourteen. Since we were twelve, if you count the cheek kisses I used to give then. But I know I don’t have that right anymore.

I don’t think I should have the right to miss you either but I do. I miss you so much.

I miss our late night conversations at stupid o’clock when you would come up with all those facts I’ve never even heard of. I love that about you. I miss the way you’d run your fingers through my hair. I miss you playing with the rings I wear. I miss knowing that at the end of every day I have you to come home to.

I could go on about everything I miss but most of all I just miss you. I miss you.

Happy birthday amor. You deserve to have the best day.

Yours forever,

Ona

******

You trace the dried tear stains on the paper. They told you that Ona meant what she had written, that the words that she had penned down were enough to move her emotionally.

It was heartfelt you could see that but everything in the letter contrasted her actions.

You don’t understand. You were even more lost now than when she had first left you.

Chancing a glance at Ona, you see that she is still standing in the doorway. Her body posture is rigid, eyes nervously watching you.

So you move on to the second letter, the one dated from your twenty fifth birthday.

******

Mi amor,

Feliç aniversari.

It’s been a year and I still miss you every day. I still wake up at night and reach for you only to find that you aren’t there. I know that is my doing and I hope that one day I will be able to offer you a sufficient explanation.

I remember the time we had a game on your birthday and I promised you that I would get you a goal. I remember driving up the wing to assist you, I remember the way you headed it into the net. I especially remember the way you told me you loved me when you jumped into my arms in celebration.

Out of everyone on the pitch that day, you chose me to celebrate your goal with first. It was your moment and yet you managed to make it special for the both of us. You made it feel like we were the only two people in the stadium.

I remember everything we’ve done together because you’re amazing. You’re so so incredibly amazing and I have never deserved you.

I am really sorry.

Just know that I don’t think I will ever be able to move on from you. I am yours, I always have been.

I hope you have a great day, you deserve it.

Yours still,

Ona

******

The ink in the following letter is entirely smudged. Ona’s handwriting was shaky and you know, in your heart, that she had been in great distress when she wrote it.

It’s not from one of your birthdays but rather from two weeks after she broke up with you.

******

Mi cielo,

I went home today, to Vilassar de Mar. My parents are disappointed in me. My brother is angry with me, for what I did to you.

They didn’t say it but I know they are.

What’s worse is that they are right.

They are right. I should never have left you, especially in the way that I did. You deserve better than that.

I need to fix this but I don’t know how. I should have just talked to you about how I was feeling, talking to you has always made me feel better.

Closing myself off from you was the worst possible thing I could have done, I see that now.

I don’t know why two weeks ago I thought that breaking up with you was the right decision to make. What we had was special and you are the most important person in my life.

For the past three months I’ve been feeling lost but that is nothing compared to how I feel now. I don’t know how to do this without you, I don’t know how to live a life without you.

I should have said yes when you asked me to marry you. I’ve dreamt of that moment for so long and I know you have too. You were are perfect and you did everything right.

You tried to fix us all on your own and I should have let you in. If I had, maybe you would still love me.

I’m so incredibly sorry I ruined us. I ruined everything and I’ll never be able to forgive myself for that. I hate myself for hurting you.

Please be okay, I hope Millie and the rest of the team are taking good care of you.

Yours always,

Ona

******

Your falling tears further smudge the writing and you look up at Ona who looks fearfully back at you.

There’s so many questions that you have but you move on to read the rest of the letters.

The next one you pick up is from your twenty sixth birthday.

******

Amor,

You have stars in your eyes. You’re so absolutely beautiful and talented.

I watched the goal you scored at the Theatre Of Dreams. It was an amazing one, an absolute golazo. I was screaming at my television, I think my neighbours hate me. Goalkeepers all around the world are going to be terrified of the power in your right foot.

You played at Old Trafford on your birthday this year, I can’t think of anyone who deserves the honor of scoring the winning goal more.

Felicitats on that and on turning twenty six.

I have so many things I want to tell you but I don’t know if you’ll want to hear them. This is your third birthday that we’ve spent apart and I just want you to know that I am proud of you for what you’ve accomplished in these three years.

For what it’s worth, I am incredibly proud of you.

Yours entirely,

Ona

******

The one you’re reading now is the last one. The date written on it is the tenth of July, the day you bumped into Ona at the cafe.

******

Mi vida,

I saw you today and you took my breath away. Three years without you and you still do that. You still have my heart and I imagine you always will.

I know that you probably hate me and that’s okay. It’s what I deserve.

In case I get the chance to see you again, I’ve written this letter for you, to try and explain why I left you. Giving you an explanation is the least I can do.

I have tried for the past three years to make sense of what was going through my head at that time. This is what I’ve managed to understand.

I have spent more than half my life loving you. For nine of those years, you loved me back. Those nine years were the best of my whole life.

I can’t remember a time where I didn’t love you. We’re twenty seven now, well I am but you will be too in September and I have loved you since we were twelve and playing for La Masia together.

In a decade we have had a lifetime of love. Every milestone I had, you were there celebrating it with me. Likewise, every milestone you had, I was there celebrating it with you.

Those three months leading up to me breaking up with you, I began to have these thoughts in my head. At first they only happened when I was alone but then they began to become nightmares that kept me up at night.

Eventually they became all I could think about, especially when I was with you.

I know it hurt you when I began to pull away but back then I couldn’t see any other option.

I was so scared of being hurt that I hurt you too.

By the time I realised that, I thought it would be best if I just left. I’d hurt you so much already so I figured that a clean break would be best.

Everyone has told me that that was wrong of me, mainly because I never let you have a say in the decision.

Our relationship has always been based on us being equals and having good communication. I failed you when I didn’t let you in. If I had just opened up about the thoughts in my head, we wouldn’t be living so far apart now.

I know you knew something was wrong very early on. You were always the best at understanding me, sometimes better than I knew myself. You knew I was growing distant and I think you proposed to me because you wanted to show me how committed you were to our relationship. I need you to know I never should have questioned your commitment. You’ve never given me a reason to.

Your proposal was like heaven and hell at the same time. You made everything perfect, my favourite home cooked food and the simplicity of it all. It was just us in our home. It was everything I dreamt of since we were children.

The ring you chose would have been beautiful, I never saw it but I know that I would have loved it. I regret not giving you the chance to even open the box every day.

But at that point those awful thoughts had already taken over my mind and you asking me to marry you dropped me in the deep end.

I knew that I was scared of how much I loved you but your proposal made it so much more real. It made me realise that I wouldn’t know what to do without you. That scared me so badly that saying no seemed like the only choice I had.

Watching the light in your eyes die when I said no, I know I broke your heart that day. If I could go back in time and change my answer, I would. But I can’t.

Our lives have always been so intertwined that I feared being lost without you.

I let that fear take over and I lost the most important person in my life because of it.

Even as I was distancing myself from you, as I was causing you pain, you were kind, you were warm and you were patient. You’ve never been anything but good to me. I don’t deserve that. I don’t deserve you.

Sorry will never be enough for the hurt I’ve caused you. I will spend the rest of my life apologising and making it up to you, if you’ll let me. Even that will never be enough for me breaking your trust and all the promises I’ve made to you.

I still think of you, you are the better half of me. You’ll always be my everything.

Yours forever and always,

Ona

******

You’re openly crying when you finish reading.

‘I thought you didn’t want me. I thought that you’d left because you found someone else. I didn’t know that I wasn’t the only one hurting all these years.’

Ona looks stricken, she’d never thought that you would think you were unwanted.

She is barely able to resist the urge to run to you, to hold you tight and cover you with kisses. To assure you that you were wanted. That you were so so wanted and the problem was never with you but with her.

She forces herself to remain frozen in her spot, only daring to meet your gaze when you hiccup and ask, ‘Why did you come back?’

‘I came back because Aitana told me that you still asked about me. I didn’t know you still cared about me. It was an impulse decision to buy a plane ticket and once I was here I began to think it through. I had bought a return ticket but since it wasn’t for a few hours, I couldn’t resist going to our cafe and that’s when I ran into you. That’s why I decided to push back my flight and write that letter.’

Ona takes in a deep breath, steadying her voice when she continues her explanation, ‘I asked you to come to the cafe to give you the letters. Then you sidetracked my plans in the way you have always done, in the best way possible. I was only supposed to be here for the rest of that week but every time that I met you, I couldn’t bear to leave. It was selfish of me to go along with your plans when I owed you the truth.’

Her effort to keep her tears at bay fails then, ‘I’m so sorry I ever hurt you. You deserved better, you deserve better.’

The fresh tears that spill from your eyes don’t stop you from asking, ‘Are you a better version now?’

Your former girlfriend nods determinedly, ‘For you I will be. I have tried my best to learn when we were apart and I will continue to do my best to try.’

That’s good enough for you because pushing yourself off the bed and crossing the room quickly, you’re in front of her in a moment and grabbing her cheeks in your hands as you pull her in for a kiss.

Spanish Translations:

mi amor - my love

por favor - please

mi cielo - my darling

mi vida - my life

amor - love

Catalan Translations:

feliç aniversari - happy birthday

felicitats - congratulations

[katelynnwrites]

pairing: Ona Batlle x f!Reader

warnings: f for major fluff

word count: 1170

summary: your daughter is your baby star and ona is your superstar

a/n: part four of this series, this fic is dedicated to my fellow gays, queers and allies. happy pride month to you 🌈

Baby Star

‘Okay time for bed mija.’ Ona laughs as she picks Via up, swinging the little girl up around.

‘But Mama I’m not tired.’ Via whines, giggling as Ona plants a kiss onto her forehead.

‘Mommy and I will read you a bedtime story. How does that sound Via? Do you want that?’

Your daughter immediately starts to nod furiously, ‘Sí Mama. Sí sí sí.’

‘Okay go brush your teeth. I’ll check on you soon baby.’

Olivia runs off as soon as the Manchester United defender puts her down and you chuckle at her enthusiasm.

‘Someone’s excited.’ Ona smiles at you and you kiss her gently.

‘I love you.’

‘I love you too.’ Ona slips her hands under your shirt, pulling you close to her.

‘Big game tomorrow…’ She hums, placing little kisses on your neck.

‘Yeah.’ You breathe, closing your eyes and tilting your head to give her more access.

‘You confident?’

‘Yeah.’ You say again and Ona’s smile widens.

‘Good. A confident forward and a confident defender. We’re gonna win this.’ The Spanish girl gives a small cheer and you giggle, leaning into her embrace.

‘Yes but first we read a bedtime story to our little girl.’

Ona laughs, spinning you around and pulling you after her, into the bathroom where your daughter is waiting.

******

‘All comfy Via?’ You check and your daughter nods eagerly. The toddler was tucked into her bed, clutching one of her stuffed bunnies tightly.

It hit you hard sometimes, just how much she looked like Ona. From her brown hair, to her bright eyes and scattered freckles. She even acted like her, with her tendency to pout and perpetual stubbornness.

Ona sits down on one side of the bed while you sit on the other.

‘Can we read Baby Star?’ She pleads and you kiss the top of her head while Ona goes to get the well worn book. It was Olivia’s favourite and neither you nor Ona were surprised that she had asked for it once again.

The both of you had memorised the book a long time ago but your wife opens the book just to show Via the pictures.

‘Once there was a baby star. She lived up near the sun.’ Ona begins.

‘And every night at bedtime, that baby star wanted to have some fun.’ You continue softly.

Ona turns the page accordingly and Olivia is transfixed by the brightly coloured pictures.

‘She would shine and shine, and fall and shoot and twinkle oh so bright.’ The full-back’s accent comes out clearly as she reads and you smile softly as you hear it.

‘And she said, Mommy I’ll run away if you make me say goodnight.’

Via giggles at this part and you laugh quietly, looking up at Ona who grins before saying, ‘And then her mommy kissed her sparkly nose…’

Both you and Ona kiss Olivia’s nose, making her giggles increase in volume.

Playfully, you tap her nose, ‘And said, no matter where you go.’

‘No matter where you are.’ Ona adds.

‘No matter how big you grow.’ You read, taking your turn.

Via is completely mesmerised, hanging onto every word even as she blinks slowly, trying to stay awake.

With a wide smile Ona closes the book, already very familiar with the words, ‘And even if you stray far.’

‘I’ll love you forever, cause you’ll always be my baby star.’ The two of you say at the same time.

‘Te amo baby star.’ You make sure your voice is low, not wanting to keep her up.

‘Mommy I’m your baby star? Olivia asks sleepily.

‘Sí. You’re Mama’s baby star too.’

Ona nods and Via gives a tiny smile in return.

‘Is Mama your baby star too?’

You laugh and Ona chuckles, pulling your daughter’s blanket up higher and smoothing her hair out of her face.

‘No. Mama is my superstar. Now, goodnight to you baby star.’

Via giggles again and you smile. It’s the kind of smile you reserve only for your little family.

‘Buenas noches mi bebé estrella.’ Ona murmurs, flicking off the main light but leaving Via’s small night light on.

She holds your hand as you both leave the room, knowing that Olivia would be asleep within five minutes at most.

Tugging you into your shared bedroom, she checks that the baby monitor is switched on before kissing you hard. You gasp but let her deepen it.

‘I love you. You’re my superstar too.’ She softly says and you blush.

‘Te amo Ona. Can my superstar give me kisses please?’

In answer, Ona pushes you down onto the bed, trapping you beneath her body as she presses her lips onto every part of your body that she can reach.

You laugh as she nudges your shirt up, kissing your stomach repeatedly. It tickles and your infectious laughter causes her to giggle.

Squirming away from her, you try to escape but Ona isn’t having any of it, using her hands to pin your arms down by your side as she gives you more light kisses.

‘Ona stop!’ You choke out between your laughs before trying to catch your breath as she stares at you mischievously trying to decide whether or not to keep tickling you.

The Catalan relents but presses one last teasing kiss onto your stomach.

‘I thought you asked for kisses?’ She asks innocently and you’re unable to stop the laugh that bubbles up.

Your eyes meet and there’s a softness in Ona’s eyes as she continues looking at you.

‘Do you think we’re ready for baby number two?’ She whispers.

You blink in surprise, not at all expecting her to say that.

There’s a beat of silence before you ask, ‘Are you wanting another child?’

You keep your voice equally quiet and Ona nods tentatively.

The two of you had always talked about having two children but then Via had been born and for a while you were both far too focused on managing your footballing careers and raising her right to even think about adding another member to your family.

But now things had finally found a balance and you were in a place that maybe, just maybe you could think about growing your family.

‘Joan and I, we grew up together. I want Via to have that. My brother drives me crazy that’s for sure but I don’t know what I would do without him…’ Ona smiles just thinking of her brother and that makes you sure you’re about to make the right decision.

‘Okay. Okay let’s do it.’

Ona’s eyes light up and she kisses your stomach lovingly.

You touch it lightly, wondering what it would be like to have a baby inside and Ona grins, knowing exactly what you’re thinking.

‘I’m so excited.’ She kisses your stomach again and you giggle, pulling her up to kiss you on your lips.

Ona does so eagerly before smoothing your hair back with her hands.

‘I love you and I can’t wait to start trying to have another baby with you.’ She breathes.

‘Me too. Me too mi amor.’

Spanish Translations:

mija - affectionate term for my daughter

mi amor - my love

‘buenas noches mi bebé estrella.’ - ‘goodnight my baby star.’

sí - yes

te amo - i love you