#but Viv snapped what can I say

[notherpuppet]

How do you manage to make Alastor simultaneously creepy, pretty, and adorable? What witchcraft is this?

It’s not me!!! It’s him!!!!

[alotofpockets]

First day | Daphne van Domselaar x Arsenal media team!Reader

Where you meet Daphne on her first day at Arsenal

Woso masterlist | Words: 1.7k

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“Win, buddy, where are you going?” You called after the dog who just ran off. Usually she was a very good listener, but after you had taken off her leash when you were nearing the door, she dashed off in the direction of the parking lot and was not listening to a word you were saying.

You ran after her, hoping no one was currently driving around on the lot. What you saw when you got Win back in your vision melted your heart. It was Arsenal’s newest recruit, Daphne van Domselaar, crouched down and giving Win some love.

“I see you met Win.” You say as you walk up to the pair. “I think she more so met me.” She chuckled, as she kept petting the chocolate lab. “Yeah, she just ran off. I think she knew a new friend was arriving.” 

The Dutch goalkeeper got up and extended her hand. “I’m Daphne.” You smile and shake her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Daphne, I’m Y/n.” Her eyes sparkle in recognition. “Oh, we’ve been emailing! Thank you so much for all your London tips. I would’ve asked Vic or Viv, but I didn’t want them to feel like they had to take care of me, you know?”

“Yeah, no problem at all! I was happy to help.” You had originally emailed her to set up her schedule for her first day at the club. You were Arsenal’s media team manager, and wanted to make sure she was up to speed with everything, making her first day as comfortable as possible. After telling her you were there for any questions she had, even outside of the club, she was more than welcome to ask you, she had come to you with a few questions about London.

“Now buddy, let’s get you back inside and show Daphne around, shall we?” You turned to Win, and put her leash back on. She was a happy girl, and started walking right away. Glad to have made a new friend, who was following her to the door.

You chat with Daphne for a bit, asking her about her move and how she’s feeling about joining Arsenal on your way to the building. Despite just a few emails between the two of you before today, there was an ease in your conversation that made it feel like you had known her for longer.

Once inside you looked for Stella, who was set to give Daphne her tour of the training facility. “Hey Stella, Daphne is here.” You tell your coworker after you find her at her desk. “Ah great, I will be right out!”

“Mind if I snap a quick picture?” You ask as you walk back into the hallway where Win has laid down her head in Daphne’s lap. “Yeah, go for it.” Daphne smiles for the picture and you show her how adorable the scene looked. “Can you please send that to me? I have to show that to my mom, she loves labs.” 

You hand her your phone so she can put in her number, and send the picture to her right before Stella walks up. “Enjoy the tour, and I’ll see you after your contract signing and the rest of the media stuff.” Daphne smiles fondly, “See you later.”

The weeks after Daphne’s arrival passed by in a blur. Between filming everything for her arrival and shooting all of her kit pictures, to her training sessions with the team, you quickly got used to having the Dutch goalie around.

Daphne quickly became one of your favourite players to photograph. Her smile intrigued you, and her easy going personality drew you to her even more.

She often lingered after training to chat with you, asking you about your camera gear and just talking about life. The rest of the team noticed the way the two of you were drawn to each other as well, throwing teasing comments Daphne’s way, but she always brushed them off with a laugh.

It was clear to everyone around you that the two of you liked each other, but neither one of you made a move. You told yourself that it was because it was unprofessional to get involved with a player, even though Stella had already subtly mentioned in conversation that dating a player was okay since you weren’t in a position of power towards each other. Similar to Daphne you had waved off the comment and said you were just friends, but deep down you knew that even thinking of Daphne made your heartbeat raise. 

Arsenal had qualified for the Champions League, which was a huge deal, and also the reason for another media day. You arrived at the training grounds early to set up the set with your team. 

Daphne jogged over the second the team walked into the room. “Hi you,” She greeted you with her usual bright smile. “Ready for another day of making us look good?” 

“Always,” you replied with a grin, as you adjusted the settings on your camera, “Though you make my job pretty easy.” Her cheeks flushed as she walked off to join her teammates again. You heard them chuckling and could only guess at what they were telling her at that moment. 

After a successful media day you packed up your gear and headed home. While you loved your job, today had been a long day and you were ready to just go home and put your feet up. The universe however took that wish a little too literally.

What was supposed to be a quick stop at the grocery store, turned into a trip to the hospital. As you were walking back to your car, another car crashed into you after it swerved to not hit a cyclist who crossed the street without looking.

Your phone was shattered, but you knew your mom’s number by heart, so you made one of the bystanders call her and tell her to meet you at the hospital. She was able to take you home a couple hours later, where you could finally put your feet up. But this time on doctors orders after a surgery and cast on your leg.

Once you were settled, you asked your mom to find the number to the Arsenal facility, so you could let them know what happened.

The next day at training Daphne kept looking over to see if you had joined the rest of the media team, it wasn’t like you to be late, but she still held out hope to see you. When the training session was done, she walked up to Stella, “Hey, no y/n today?”

A sombre look took over the woman’s face, “Oh no, honey, she was in an accident yesterday.” Daphne started panicking right away, “Oh god, is she alright?” 

“Broken leg and some bruising I heard. She’s at home already, so I think she’s doing alright.” Daphne thanked Stella and quickly wrapped up training. She was able to get your address from one of the staff members and was at your door with flowers and chocolates not even thirty minutes later.

She knocked on the door and was faced with an unfamiliar face. “Hi, I’m Daphne, am I at the right house for Y/n?” The woman smiles, “I know who you are sweetheart, come on in. I’m y/n’s mom.” 

“Who was at the door?” You asked when your mom came walking back. She stepped aside to reveal Daphne. Your smile grew when you saw her enter the room. “I’m gonna run some errands.” Your mom announced before walking off and leaving the two of you alone.

“These are for you.” Daphne presents the flowers and chocolates. “I heard you got into an accident and I wanted to check in.” As you reached for your crutches, Daphne was quick to tell you to stay put. She found a vase to put the flowers in and then sat down beside you.

“How are you holding up?” She asked while giving you a piece of chocolate. “Very sore and tired, but doing alright considering.” 

Just like always you fell into easy conversation with Daphne. Then Daphne remembered something. “Your mom said she knew me?” Your cheeks flush instantly. “I don’t know why she’d say that.” 

Daphne chuckled at your bad lying abilities. “Fine, I told her about you.” Now she was really intrigued. “Go on.” With a shake of your head you turn the story back on her. “You first. What made you show up at my door?” Now it was the goalkeeper’s turn to blush. “Like I said, I wanted to check in.” 

“Hmm, you could’ve texted me. You didn’t know that my phone got shattered in the accident.” Daphne felt a little caught and raised her hands. “Fine, you got me. I wanted to see you, because I was really worried when I heard something had happened. I had to see if you were okay. Because I would hate for something to happen to you and not having taken the chance to tell you how I feel about you.”

She looked at you with widened eyes, still wrapping her head around what she had just shared. “Okay enough about me, your turn. Why does your mom know who I am?” Quickly turning the conversation away from herself.

“My mom knows who you are because I talk about you non-stop.” Daphne looks up at you with hopeful eyes. “You’re talking to your mom about me?” You nod nervously, “Yeah, she was faster to figure out that I have a crush on you than I was.” 

“I would totally kiss you right now if I wasn’t so afraid of hurting you.” You lean in anyways and kiss her. When you pull away you say, “Enough painkillers in my body to not let that stop me from finally kissing you.” You both smiled with your foreheads still pressed together.

“I know it’s not the most fancy date I can offer, but how do you feel about watching a movie right now? We can order some food as well.” You nod your head and smile, “That sounds amazing.” 

Daphne gets the remote and hands it over to you to pick a movie. “Can I borrow your phone? I want to let my mom know she doesn’t have to come back to help me and can just go home.” She hands you her phone and once you have sent the message, the two of you get comfortable on the couch.

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[woso-dreamzzz]

Munchkin's Halloween

Beth Mead x Vivianne Miedema x Child!Reader

Summary: The ninth of my Halloween-centric fics

"Oh, wow," Viv coos," Look at-"

"No!" You snap quickly," Mama, no!"

"No?"

"Eyes closed!" You order," Not finished!"

Viv laughs, playing along and covering her eyes with your hands.

It had been a surprise for her to come down for the rest of the week but the surprise had worn off at some point during dinner last night when you told Viv she smelt weird and needed to get in the shower after the hours she spent driving down in the car.

You and Beth spent a lot of time at training with Arsenal, up and out of the house for club Halloween before Viv had even woken up this morning.

That's part of the reason why Viv is playing along right now.

Your Halloween costume has remained a mystery to her with the move up to Manchester. Your life is based in London, at least most of the time.

There's already childcare sorted out down here and while you like coming to City training to hang out with the girls, at Arsenal you've got Laura and Lotte and everyone else who you've known since coming home.

London is home and Viv gets that.

It just means she hears more than she sees when it comes to you during the season.

Including what your Halloween costume is.

She's already got a bit of an idea, from Beth not being able to keep a secret and the glimpse she just got before you insisted she close her eyes.

"Myle!" Viv hears you call. "Myle, here! In! In, Myle!"

She smothers her laughter as the yapping of Myle while you scold her.

"Can I open my eyes now, Munchkin?"

"Hmmm," You hum," Eyes closed, Mama. Mummy! Mummy! Muuuummy!"

Viv keeps her hands over her eyes as the soft footsteps of Beth pad over from the kitchen.

"Yes?"

"Myle not get in the basket."

Beth laughs a little and there's a bit of a rustle before you finally speak again.

"Kay, Mama! Eyes open!"

Viv's heart swells as she looks at you, all dressed up like Dorothy with Myle in a basket like Toto the dog.

"Look at you," Viv coos," Give me a little twirl!"

"That's what Auntie Lolo say!" You say, delighted as you twirl around," And Auntie Laura say I look good!"

"Well they were right." Viv kneels down in front of you, pulling at your dress and petting Myle's head. "You look so good."

"Mummy-Mummy say that I'm from Wiz' o' Oz."

"Wizard of Oz, that's right," Viv says," You're Munchkin like the munchkins and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz."

"Everyone was very impressed with her costume," Beth says, coming back into the living room with some snacks and a little bucket with an even smaller pumpkin face on it.

"Ky-Ky gave lots o' sweeties!" You say, rummaging in your little bucket before dumping it all out onto Viv's lap," Yay! Sweeties! Yay!"

Beth very gently takes one of your wildly grabbing hands before you can snatch one of the Haribo packets.

"Only a few, Munchkin. Remember? We share."

"Share!" You repeat," I share!"

With your free hand, you grab a still wrapped piece of taffy and try to shove it into Viv's mouth.

"We share!" You say to Beth, head bobbing up and down just as Myle escapes from the basket, bounding over to sit in your lap. "Myle! We share!"

Viv grabs your second free hand quickly. "How about we don't feed Myle human sweets? We can give her puppy treats."

"Okay! Puppy treats! Puppy treats, Myle!"

You hurry up quickly, nearly tripping over your Dorothy dress on your way to the kitchen.

"I'll go and help her," Beth says with a sigh," Before she tries to climb the counters again. Can you pull up the movies? I've got a few of them lined up."

"We're letting her watch Halloween movies?" Viv says doubtfully, face twisted in disbelief.

"Kid's movies," Beth corrects," Nothing too scary. I checked. Do you know we've never shown her the Wizard of Oz? I thought we could start there."

"Good idea," Viv says," But I feel like the witch could scare her a bit."

Beth grins, flexing her arms jokingly. "You see these guns? I can protect her."

Viv rolls her eyes. "Go and use those guns to help our kid before she tries to break into the chocolate cupboard again. Then we'll see which one of us she wants to protect her from the scary witch."

[worseforwords]

The Arrangement

(Alessia Russo x Reader)

Chapter I of Marshmallow

“Sweetheart? Can you hear me?” your mom’s voice cackled through the phone. “Take your phone off your ear, mum, you’ve facetimed me,” you chuckled. “Oh, right. Hi, darling, lovely to SEE you,” she giggled at her own joke. “How are you, love? And where are you? I don’t recognise that wall behind you,” she inquired. “I’m in the changing room at Arsenal, you know, my job.” “Right, ‘course. Everything alright? How’s your g-” “Yeah, everything’s good,” you quickly interrupted her, hoping no one in the changing room caught on to what she was about to say. “I have to head to training soon, mum. Did you want anything from me?” “Right, busy woman, no time for chit-chat with her mum. Your dad and I were just wondering if we could come visit you anytime soon. We haven’t seen you since Christmas, and we would both really love to meet your girlfriend!” She said that last part with a bit too much excitement, and you were sure you saw some heads snap your way from the corner of your eye. “Ehh, yeah, I’m just a little busy at the moment with football, so I’m not sure when I’ll be free,” you said as you quickly turned down the volume of your phone. “I know, darling, but I noticed there’s no match scheduled the weekend after the next one, so you’ll be free then, right?” Another disadvantage of being a professional athlete: usually having a very public schedule. “Right, yeah, I think so. I’ll call you after training, mum.”

You hung up after both of you exchanged goodbyes and you immediately noticed a few eyes on you. One pair belonged to a smirking Katie, who quickly plumped herself down next to you. “What was that I heard? Does somebody have a new girlfriend?” “What the hell, why haven’t I heard about this?” Leah joined in. “Lotte, did you know?” Your roommate Lotte shook her head. “Haven’t seen or heard anyone at our house.” “How is that even possible?” Victoria wondered out loud. “Is it a long-distance thing?” Caitlin joined in on the conversation. By this point, you were surrounded by your teammates, gazing at you, awaiting answers, and your head was spinning, trying to come up with anything to explain your situation.

Ultimately you decided on just telling them the truth, knowing full well a lie wasn’t getting you out of this situation. “There is no girlfriend,” you said quietly. Clearly, your answer wasn’t satisfactory as everyone kept staring at you frantically. “My parents kept asking me when I would finally bring someone home because my brother and sister are both happily married or engaged homeowners starting their own families. They keep telling me not to wait until it’s too late. At Christmas, when they started again, I finally snapped. I lied and told them I have a girlfriend.” You took a quick breath before you continued. “Only it backfired because now they won’t stop asking me about her, and apparently, I have to find a girlfriend within the next week or so.” You let your head fall into your hands dramatically. There was a short silence as everyone around you processed what you had just told them. Then a loud shriek as Katie burst out laughing. “Oh boy, you’ve gotten yourself into some trouble, mate!” she shouted. “Good luck with that.”

The next few minutes were filled with everyone either light-heartedly teasing your situation or attempting to play matchmaker and find you a girlfriend, which you knew was futile with only 10 days to go. This was precisely why you avoided going on dates. All the unwarranted attention and people meddling in your life, you didn't need it. You’d rather concentrate on the love of your life that you did have some control over: football. Fortunately, Kim took her captaincy very seriously and summoned everyone out of the changing room for training to begin, but not before sending you a sympathetic smile as you mouthed a quick “thank you” to her.

Training went by swiftly, and afterward, some of the girls gathered at Beth and Viv’s for dinner. You sat on the sofa with Laura and Viv as Alessia was directing Vic in the kitchen, and Beth was setting the table. “So, Y/N, are you going to tell your parents the truth about your girlfriend... or lack thereof?” Laura asked. “I don’t know; it’ll be so embarrassing. And I definitely won’t be able to hold off on them trying to set me up with their neighbour’s son, who is studying to be a doctor, or my mum’s colleague’s daughter who’s in law school.” You imitated your mom as you talked about the people your parent wanted to set you up with before dramatically making a barf gesture. “But what else can you do?” Viv asked. “Let’s see... Fake my own death and start a new life elsewhere? Start studying robotics and learn to design my own robot girlfriend? Pretend I’ve got short-term memory loss and have forgotten who my own girlfriend is?”

“Okay, I need to join in on this, scoot,” Beth waved her hands, gesturing for you to move over. “The fact that you thought of building a robot girlfriend before considering finding an actual girlfriend is insane,” she said, almost like she was scolding you. “I get it,” mumbled Viv as Beth immediately sent her a stern glare to which she responded with by blowing her a quick kiss. “I don’t want a relationship right now. Besides, 10 days is way too little time to find someone,” you said, ignoring their antics. “Fine, have it your way, go with the robot. Vic can help you; she’s studied maths,” she joked as she got up again. “Excuse me,” Vic got involved from the kitchen. “Which of my subjects do you think is about robot girlfriends?” She giggled. “I say go with the Dory thing.”

“Vic, stir this sauce for a bit, please,” Alessia spoke sternly as she turned towards all of you. “Okay, I can’t believe no one has thought of this, but the solution is very simple. You just find someone who can pretend to be your girlfriend for the weekend your parents visit,” she explained as all of you listened. “Yes! Less, that’s a perfect plan,” Beth exclaimed. “But who should it be? Maybe you can hire an actor!” She added as you seriously considered this option for a moment. “Hm, I don’t know, seems kind of risky if they don’t really know me,” you said. 

“Yeah, you should probably pick a friend, someone you’ve known for a while and who knows what you’re up to these days,” Laura stated. “Sooo, maybe a teammate?” Vic suggested. “Yes!” Beth shouted again. “A teammate. But who? Obviously not someone who is openly dating someone else already, so me and Viv are out,” she then stated more calmly. “Laura and I can’t make it either, we’re going out with the Aussies, remember?” Vic asked as Laura nodded.

A silence fell as everyone sort of stared at Alessia, who was too focused on her cooking to notice. “Less?” Beth caught her attention, making her jump a little when she noticed everyone’s hopeful gazes fixated on her. “Are you available?” she asked. “Oh yeah sure, I’ll do it.” Alessia sent you a quick smile before continuing to make dinner. “That settles it then,” Beth said, giving you no say in the matter whatsoever. If you were being honest, though, you were just glad you had found somewhat of a solution to your problem. Besides, you didn’t know Alessia that well, the two of you usually being in different friend groups within the team and you had been intrigued to get to know her better for a while now.

The next few days in training everyone was mostly focussed on the game ahead. Some new pieces of gossip flooded the changing room and much to your delight, you and your love life were left unspoken of. It almost seemed a bit too good to be true, and you were now starting to worry it had all been a joke that you took too seriously. After all, the whole plan was a bit insane, definitely unlike anything you had ever done before. Were you just too desperate to notice that it was all banter?

"Everything alright, Y/N?” Alessia's voice jolted you from your mental spirals. “You seem a bit distracted.” “Yeah, all good. My mind just wandered for a second.” You feigned a smile. “Okay.” She returned the smile. “Hey, Alessia,” you began before she could exit the changing room. “Can I talk to you for a second?” “Yeah, of course. What’s up?” She settled herself beside you.

“So, you know about our crazy fake girlfriend plan, and—” “Correction, it’s my crazy plan, not ‘our’. My idea.” She interjected with a satisfied expression. “Right, your crazy plan. Anyhow, I realise you were put on the spot when Beth asked if you were available. I just wanted to say you don’t have to do it; I can find someone else,” you spoke hesitantly. “Oh no, I want to do it. Unless you’d prefer someone else, of course.”

“No, I didn’t mean it like that,” you quickly clarified. “Alright then, let’s do it.” You offered a shy smile. “Ehh, I hope that’s not how you planned on asking me,” she giggled. You shot her an ‘are you serious?’ look. She responded with what you assumed was her best ‘yes, I’m serious, how dare you even question that’ expression. “Give me one second.”

You darted around the corner, returning a few seconds later with a ring made from bright blue kinesiology tape. “Alessia Russo, will you do me the honour of being my fake girlfriend for the weekend?” you proposed, getting down on one knee before her. “Yes, YES, a thousand times yes!” She dramatically pretended to swoon as you slid the makeshift ring onto her finger.

“Right, so my parents will be visiting from Friday night until Sunday, most likely,” you swiftly changed the subject, attempting to avoid any blush creeping onto your cheeks. “But you don’t have to be there for the entire duration, of course. If you could just pop in for a bit on Saturday, that would be great,” you suggested. “Oh, well I don’t really have any other plans because I assumed this would be an all-weekend kind of thing,” she replied softly, and you felt the warmth in your cheeks intensify. “And Dan is out of town anyway.”

Right, Dan. Her boyfriend. You were aware of him, you had met him – this wasn’t new information. So why did you suddenly feel a knot tightening in your stomach at Alessia mentioning him? “So, what do you want me to be like?” She brought you back from your thoughts. “What do you mean?” You asked. “I mean, how do you want me to be around your parents? We’ve got to impress them, right?” She explained. “Oh, just be yourself. They’ll love you. I know they will,” you assured her as she got up from the bench, ready to go warm up.

“Whatever happened in here?” Leah asked as she entered the changing room, followed by some other girls, right after Alessia had left. “What do you mean?” You inquired. “Well, Less just almost walked into me; she was all flustered and smiley, and now here you are, looking all flustered and upset,” she explained. “Nothing happened. I’m not upset. Just a bit nervous about my parents visiting and everything,” you lied. Either Leah didn’t notice or she decided to let you off the hook, but either way, she didn’t ask any further questions about it. As one of your best friends, Leah knew you very well, and she also knew that questioning you in a room full of people was the worst thing she could do to you. 

“So is Less still coming?” Beth inquired. “Yes,” you mumbled, not wanting everyone to get involved again, but with no success. “Less?” Katie jumped in. “Why would she come?” Luckily, Beth came to your aid and explained the whole situation to everyone there so you didn’t have to.

“That’s a great plan,” Katie finally spoke. “But how will we make it believable?” “I’m sorry, we?” You tried to interrupt. “We should quiz them!” Beth suggested loudly, ignoring you entirely. “What is happening?” You mumbled to Leah who just laughed at you in response. “Yes! Lotte, can you come up with some questions about Less, and Leah, you can do the same for Y/N.” 

Somehow, everyone had agreed on the quiz idea, and once again, you had no say in it. On Wednesday night, a few of the girls gathered at Lotte and your place to prepare you and Alessia for the weekend. The anticipation in the air was as thick as the excitement before a big match. Tables were set up, and a stack of papers with questions lay in the centre. Lotte, with her mischievous smile, and Leah, ever ready for a good laugh, were the architects of this grand interrogation.

You, Alessia, and the rest of the team settled in around the living room. The atmosphere was a mix of nerves and amusement, everyone eager to see how this plan would unfold. Beth, who put on an oversized blazer and a bright red Arsenal bowtie for the occasion, took charge, announcing the rules with a theatrical flourish.

“Alright, everyone! Welcome to the Ultimate Fake Girlfriend Quiz Night!” She exclaimed, earning a round of laughter. “We’ve got questions about Y/N for Alessia and questions about Alessia for Y/N. Let’s see how well our fake couple knows each other.” The room erupted into cheers. Lotte, holding a list of questions about Alessia, winked at you. Leah, armed with questions about you, looked equally mischievous.

The first round began, and Leah fired off questions about you. Alessia, to everyone’s surprise, answered with remarkable accuracy. “Alright, Alessia,” Leah said with a smirk, “what’s Y/N’s guilty pleasure snack?”

Alessia pondered for a moment, a playful glint in her eyes. “Chocolate-covered pretzels. She hides them in the back of a cabinet, but I always find them.” Laughter filled the room. You couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at Alessia, impressed and slightly amused that she had picked up on your secret indulgence. Apparently her close friendship with your roommate had given her quite an advantage.

Lotte, taking her turn, quizzed you about Alessia’s life. “What’s Alessia’s weirdest talent?” she asked with a sly grin. You thought for a moment, realising Alessia had shared a few quirky skills in the changing room. “She can do this weird thing with her tongue, like roll it into a clover shape. It’s bizarrely impressive.”

Alessia blushed, seemingly surprised that you remembered such a minor detail. The room erupted into cheers again. As the quiz progressed, Alessia consistently demonstrated an uncanny knowledge of your habits and likes. It seemed like she had been paying much more attention than you thought.

The highlight came when Leah, with a devious smile, presented the final question: “What’s Y/N’s weirdest habit in the morning?” Alessia, grinning confidently, answered, “She talks to herself in the mirror while doing her hair. Full-on conversations with her own reflection.” Your face turned crimson, and a chorus of laughter echoed through the room. You shot Alessia a playful glare.

The quiz ended and the consensus was clear — Alessia and you knew each other surprisingly well, considering this was supposed to be a fake relationship. However, Katie, ever the provocateur, couldn’t resist stirring the pot.

She leaned forward with a teasing grin. “So, you two aced the quiz, but do you even have any chemistry?” Her question hung in the air, causing a collective intake of breath from the spectators. Alessia looked at you, a subtle uncertainty in her eyes. “Seriously, guys, you need to up your game. You look way too platonic.”

Your teammates, now fully invested in your fake romance, decided to play relationship coaches. “Alright, stand up,” Beth commanded. “Let’s see how you two handle physical proximity. Hug. Now.” You and Alessia exchanged a glance, both feeling a bit awkward. You hesitated for a moment before tentatively wrapping your arms around each other. The teammates observed and then erupted into a chorus of opinions.

“Too stiff!”

“More like you mean it!”

“Look into each other’s eyes, not the ceiling!”

You and Alessia shared an amused yet bewildered look. The teammates continued their analysis, discussing everything from hand-holding techniques to the positioning of your bodies. It was like a crash course in relationship theatrics. “Alright, sit down,” Beth commanded again. “You two are sitting too far apart. Scoot closer.”

As you and Alessia moved to sit side by side, Steph suggested, “Try a more casual touch. Like, Y/N, put your hand on Alessia’s leg.” Panic flashed across your face, but you complied, very carefully placing your hand on Alessia’s leg. The room erupted into laughter again.

“Okay, she said casual, Y/N. She’s not made of thin glass now is she?” Beth joked, and Alessia chuckled as you adjusted your grip, secretly wanting to disappear into the couch. The teammates continued to give advice, critiquing every move and gesture. Amidst the laughter and chaos, Laura suggested, “You guys should try the 36 Questions. You know, that study that makes people fall in love?”

That mention drew curious looks from you and Alessia. Beth explained, “People say you’ll fall in love if you answer them honestly with someone. It could help you two look more... well, in love.” The idea was met with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. “Homework for our fake couple!” Beth declared, and everyone laughed.

As the evening wound down, the teammates left your place. Everyone but Alessia, who offered to help you clean the place up. Lotte went to bed, leaving you and your now approved ‘fake girlfriend’ with a newfound list of relationship do’s and don’ts, along with the prospect of a homework assignment that promised to make your fake relationship more convincing.

“So… I guess we’ve got some homework to do,” you said, feeling very awkward all of a sudden now that it was just you two. You then realised you had never really hung out together without at least one other person being there. “Yeah, 36 questions,” she started as she grabbed her phone. “Do you believe in this?”

“No of course not,” you said, ever the sceptic. “But I do believe Katie is gonna murder us if we don’t do our homework. Both of you exchanged glances like, ‘Are we really doing this?’ and rolled your eyes in silent agreement that this was a bit of a silly experiment.

“Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?” She read the first question from her phone, immediately gazing at the ceiling as if in thought about her answer. “I bet yours would be Michael Jordan,” you said. “Hey, I’m asking you about your answer not mine!” She giggled as she elbowed your shoulder. 

“Fine, let me think. Do they have to be alive?” You wondered. “I mean I guess it says ‘anyone’, so if you want to have dinner with a corpse, by all means,” she chuckled. “No, not like that, ew,” you now elbowed her. “I just mean I would love to have dinner with my grandma. She’s sacrificed so much for our family, but I only ever knew her as a child so I’ve never been able to thank her for it.” Still in thought you stared at your feet for a bit until you realised it had been quiet for a while in your living room. 

“Sorry,” you said, quickly looking up and finding Alessia’s eyes already on you with a look you couldn’t quite place. “I’ll just go with Beyoncé, she’d be a cool dinner guest,” you quickly changed your answer. “No, no, that was really sweet. I bet your grandma would love to have dinner with you too. And I’m sure she knew you’d be grateful,” she said softly, her eyes remaining on yours. “Yeah well, you just called her a corpse so that idea is kind of ruined for me now,” you teased. “No I didn’t!” She protested.

The first couple of questions were mostly light and you chuckled at each other’s silly answers. However, as you continued down the list, the questions became increasingly deep and personal and as eye-rolls turned into thoughtful pondering, you both found yourselves sharing way more than you had expected. 

Alessia’s responses were open and honest as she shared stories about her childhood dreams, the hurdles in her football journey, and her aspirations beyond the pitch. One question, in particular, struck a chord: “If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?” Alessia’s response was heartfelt. “I’d want to be fearless. Not just on the field, but in life. There are times when I feel held back by my own doubts and fears. I’d love to face everything without that weight.”

Her openness made it easy for you to share your own dreams and fears. The conversation flowed easily, moving through topics of love, aspirations, and personal histories. It felt like something shifted between the two of you. Alessia was no longer just a teammate or a fake girlfriend to you. She was someone you could talk to, someone you felt a genuine connection with and you had a newfound appreciation for her.

By the time you had finished the first set of questions you finally looked at the time. “Oh my god, Alessia, it’s 2 am!” You both jumped up. Two hours had passed since everyone had left and you had an early training the next morning. “Really? How did that happen. I should run then,” she said.

“Hey, do you want to stay over?” You asked as you immediately noticed her questioning expression. “In the guest room I mean. Just cause we have an early training tomorrow and I don’t want you to be exhausted.” You quickly added. “Yeah, that’d be nice.” She smiled shyly at you. “Okay, be right back.” You stated as you sprinted towards your bedroom.

You returned a few minutes later with a bunch of stuff in your arms. “Here’s an unused toothbrush, towels are in the bathroom cabinet, and I didn’t know what you like to sleep in so here’s some shorts, joggers, a t-shirt and a hoodie. Wear whatever you want.” You rambled nervously as she chuckled. “Thank you Y/N. Good night.”

The next morning, your alarm blared, pulling you from the depths of sleep. Groggily, you stumbled out of bed, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. Training awaited, and as you yawned your way through the morning routine, the events of the previous night flashed in your mind. You couldn’t help but glance at Alessia, who was already up, seemingly more awake than you were. She flashed you a tired yet friendly smile. “Morning,” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. “Morning,” you replied, trying to shake off the remnants of your dreams. The two of you exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment of the peculiar situation you found yourselves in.

As you headed to training together, you couldn’t ignore the amused glances from your teammates. Alessia, clad in your training gear because she hadn’t brought her own, was the target of playful banter. “Nice walk of shame, Alessia!” Katie teased, eliciting laughter from others. “You two look tired, looks like our chemistry experiments worked a little too wel!” Quipped Beth, pointing out the bags under both your eyes.

Training progressed as usual, but not without the occasional teasing from one of your teammates. You knew none of them really meant anything by it though. Everyone knew it was just a bit and that the two of you were no more than friends. And so did you, cause that was the deal, right? 

“You know,” Alessia began when the two of you were alone for a second after Katie asked her when you were planning your next sleepover, “despite all the teasing and the fake girlfriend stuff, I’m kind of enjoying getting to know you better.” You felt your cheeks starting to flush as you took in her genuine smile. “Yeah, me too. It’s strange how these things work out.” You tried your best to reciprocate her smile without blushing too hard. What on earth was happening to you?

The day went by swiftly as the prospect of having Alessia around as your fake girlfriend all weekend had you slowly spiral into a nervous wreck. When Friday afternoon finally arrived, you stood in front of the bathroom mirror as you went over the many things that could go wrong. What if your parents didn’t believe it? What if they did? What would that even mean? What if she never even showed up cause who were you to think she would do something like that for you? What if her boyfriend got mad? What if she suddenly started liking you, for real? What if she didn’t?

You splashed water in your face, desperately trying to stop your mind from spiralling, and more specifically to erase those last thoughts. Where was your mind coming up with all this none-sense? Was there something more to this? Another splash. No. None-sense. You groaned as you watched drops of water trickle down your face. 

“Y/N? Everything okay?” You heard Lotte’s voice call out from the other side of the locked bathroom door. “Less is here.” You inhaled a sharp breath as you felt a familiar knot form in your stomach. “Shit,” you mumbled to yourself. “Be right there!”

“You’re early,” is the first thing you said when you came out of the bathroom after quickly drying yourself off and fixing your hair. “Nice to see you too.” A kindly smiling Alessia appeared once you opened the door. “Thought I’d help you prepare before your parents show up. Hey, are you okay?” She gazed at you as if she was examining your current state. “Yeah, I’m okay. Sorry, hi, thank you for being here.” You opened up your arms as an invitation for a hug which she accepted immediately.

“Allright, lovebirds, I’m out.” Lotte said, suitcase in hand as she hugged you both goodbye, leaving for a little romantic getaway with her boyfriend. “Have fun!” You both shouted at the same time as she closed the door behind herself.

You spent the next hour or so getting the house ready for your parent’s arrival and providing Alessia with all the necessary information on your family, as if you were doing a last minute study session for an exam.

Then, a knock on the door echoed through the house, signalling the arrival of your parents. A surge of nerves shot through you as you exchanged a quick glance with Alessia. You both took a deep breath, steeling yourselves for the upcoming performance. “Ready?” Alessia whispered, and you nodded, though your heart was doing a drumroll in your chest.

-> Chapter II

[greynatomy]

unexpected

katie mccabe x reader

this was requested from wp

kinda made caitlin as the ‘bad guy’ but it’s for the plot

i also updated my rules for requesting and added the footballer who i’ll take requests for

———

Another day, another training done for the Arsenal women’s team. Katie sat on the sidelines, catching her breath and winding down from the scrimmage. As she’s drinking from her bottle, a shadow casts over her.

“Hi, Katie.”

“Caitlin.” She acknowledges the Australian.

“Uh, well, I was wondering if you wanted to try this restaurant I found last week?”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. They have really amazing food. So?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll tell the team.”

“No, wait.” She tries to clear up her intentions, but Katie already walked away. “Great.”

Two hours later, the whole team had met at ‘Sapori’ and waited at the front of the building for everyone to show up.

“Hey.”

Looking to her left, she see’s Caitlin shuffling closer to her.

“Hi.”

“This is a really great restaurant. The ambiance is amazing so I’m glad you’re here to try it out.” Caitlin breaks the moment of awkwardness.

Katie’s lips form a tight smile. “Yeah, I’ve only heard great things.”

“Alright, let’s head in.” They heard Leah say as everyone that could make it has finally shown up.

It took a while for everyone to figure out where ghey want to sit, but they made it work. Katie took her place at one end of the table, Caitlin taking place on her left side.

Conversations were flowing freely, everyone with a smile on their face. Katie was chatting it up with Beth and Viv when she feels a hand delicately going up and down her arm, making her flinch her arm away.

“What’re you doin’?” Katie snaps, eyebrows furrowed.

“Sorry, just wanted your attention.” Caitlin frowns.

“Okay.” She slowly nods. “Just don’t do that again.”

The food came out soon after, everyone hungry and diggin in.

“Sorry, excuse me? We didn’t order these.” Leah spoke up when extra dishes were placed on the table. Katie didn’t care, she dug into all that she could reach.

“These are just some dishes that the owner would like you all to try.”

“Well, please thank her for us.”

Everyone was in their own little groups talking about anything and everything at the same time. A couple of moments go by when Katie feels small hands on her thighs. Looking down she sees a little girl who seems to try and get onto her lap. So what does she do? she helps the girl up, getting her comfortable on her lap and wrapping an arm around her.

Said child, once content on Katie’s lap, grabs the fork and starts eating the food in front of her. Katie occasionally wipes her mouth with a napkin, the child unbothered by it.

Too occupied in helping the kid eat, she doesn’t see the looks on her friends’ faces. The group silently observes Katie and the kid, seeing how comfortable they are with each other.

The kid turns in Katie’s lap, hands going on both cheeks pulling her close. Katie thinks she’s going for a kiss so she leans down, except instead of a kiss, the gnocchi that was once in the kid’s mouth, was now in Katie’s.

“Ugh, Em! Not again.” She spits it out, wiping her mouth after. All Emmy does is laugh and goes back to eating. A couple of throats can be heard clearing, making Katie look up to see all her friends staring at her. “What?”

“What do you mean ‘what?’ You’ve got a child on your lap.”

“Ye’ and?”

“Who’s child is that?”

“Completely hers.” A voice speaks up before Katie could answer. “She’s a menace and gets it from her mammy.”

“Mamma! Io mangio!”

“I can see! You’ve got sauce all over your face.” You wipe her face with a napkin. “How are you guys enjoying everything?” You ask the group.

“Oh, it’s amazing! Best thing I’ve ever eaten!” Beth exclaims.

“Who are you?” Caitlin asks.

“I am the owner of Sapori, Y/N McCabe. So nice to meet all of you. And yes, I know the last name isn’t Italian, but I just so happened to fall for an Irish.”

“Oi! Don’t make it seem like that’s a bad thing.”

“Oi!” Emmy echos.

“Wait!” Kyra says very loudly. “McCabe? So does that mean Katie’s your—”

“—Wife? Yes, unfortunately.”

“You’re beeing cheeky. Stop it.” She boops your nose.

You start to pick up some of the empty plates, giving everyone a smile.

“Hey, hey, hey! What’re you doin’?”

“I’m gonna take these back?”

“You’re not allowed to carry anything!”

“Katie, babe. I’m pregnant, not crippled. Plus, I’m barely even showing.”

“Aww, you’re pregnant?” Kyra goes to touch your stomach, but her hand gets smacked away by Katie.

“Katie! Be nice. And yes, I am.”

As the rest of the team fusses over Emmy and your belly, Caitlin decides to speak to Katie.

“So, you’re married?”

“Yup.”

“Why’d you make it seem like you were interested in me.” Katie didn’t know if she was being serious or not, but started laughing out loud.

“I don’t know what you’re on about mate. Probably just a figment of your imagination.”

[wosoamazing]

Arguments

Summary: You and Leah get into a fight. Based on this request & thank you to the anon for giving me an idea about the fight.

Warnings: None?

A/N: I'm really sorry but the Barça x teen!reader fic, where Rs Dad died before the game might not be the next fic to come out, I will try and finish it however I am just really stuck on ideas for it, if you have any feel free to let me know.

You walk out into the living room, where the rest of the team is. It is team bonding night, which you were invited to even though you’re not part of the team anymore, as you're currently in London visiting Leah and your family, because you can’t play due to your ankle. However you weren’t going to team bonding night as it was one of your friend’s 18th birthday and as much as you missed the team you hadn’t spent time with your friends in ages, and it would be the first 18th you could attend, so of course you didn't pass up to opportunity to party with your friends. When you walked out into the room all eyes were on you, they all seemed honestly impressed, Katie even gave you a grin and a smirk, however your sister’s face showed her clear disapproval for your very not modest outfit. You had a loose black sequin v-neck halter top on, with a pair of denim shorts that were almost too small to be appropriate, and your hair was in a very slicked back high ponytail, with a pink feather scrunchie finishing it off.

“You can’t wear that.” Your sister scowled.

“Oh what, so you only care about how I look, how I’ll damage your reputation.” you sassed her back.

“What's that supposed to mean?” She asked in defence.

“Oh, stop pretending you don’t know what I mean. It’s not like you care about anything else I do…..so why do you care what I wear?”

“I can’t believe you’re giving me attitude right now,” you scoffed at her “honestly, I’m glad you’re at Barça now, at least now I don’t have to deal with you and your attitude.”

“See I knew you didn’t care that I was leaving, you weren’t sad, you were happy.”

“I just hope you don’t treat Alexia like this.” she said, almost waving you off.

“Sorry that we can’t all be as perfect as you, Leah ‘Captain of England’ Williamson. I’m honestly glad I’m at Barça too, it means I don’t have to deal with your judgement daily. And anyway, everyone knows you’re just jealous. Sorry but I can’t help it that I’m better than you.”

“That’s a fucking low blow.” She said as you started walking towards the front door, “Where do you think you’re going in that?”

“To the party, remember. The world doesn’t revolve around you like you think it does.” You snapped back at her before slamming the door behind you.

____

You were waiting out the front, Leah said she would pick you up at 12:00 and with the fight you had you did not want ehr to be there before you were, to reduce the chances of you getting yelled at.

“Y/N/N,” you heard a familiar voice call out, it wasn’t Leah though, it was Beth. You walked over to her car.

“Where’s Leah?”

“Oh, she asked us to pick you up, you can stay the night if you want.”

“Fucking perfect sister my arse, yes please”

____

You woke up to an elaborate breakfast spread on the table, but Beth and Viv weren’t in sight. Walking further out into the main room, you saw a very familiar figure sitting on the couch, it was your sister.

“What are you doing here? Where are Beth and Viv?”

“They’ve gone on a walk. Can we talk?”

“About what, oh let me guess, what I wore last night was inappropriate, my behaviour was inappropriate, I shouldn’t act like that. Blah, blah, blah. I get it whatever.”

“Y/N, sit, we need to talk, I need to talk to you, I need to say something to you” you rolled your eyes at her as you begrudgingly moved to the couch and sat down.

“I’m sorry about last night. It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t slightly jealous of you being at Barça, or of Alexia for getting to spend everyday with you. I miss you and I’m sorry, and I was wrong, but that doesn’t mean you should’ve acted how you did, you shouldn’t have snapped.”

“Yeah, okay, whatever” you said with a slight huff, hoping to push her off.

“What?” She replied to you clearly frustrated as she leant back into the couch crossing her arms.

“No one has thought to consider how I actually feel about it, I constantly get asked something surrounding whether I’m having fun at Barça, not how I am finding it, whether I’m coping or not. No one has stopped to think that maybe this is more pressure than I needed, no one has bothered to check that the pressure isn't getting to me. Everyone now expects me to be some sort of goal machine, they expect me to be on a level most experienced players aren’t, they expect me to be some sort of God.” You took deep shaky breath, feeling your lower eyelids droop from the weight of your building tears, before you continued “You haven’t, my own sister hasn’t even, thought about whether I’m coping mentally let alone asking me. You know not once has any single one of you checked in on how I am going with my eating, something you all single handley promised me, Sam has though. And yeah sure I’m having fun but you know how much pressure there is? To improve. To show the world, to show you, to show the national team, to show Arsenal that this was the right choice, to show Barça I was worth the money. I feel like I need to score to get your validity, I constantly feel like I have to show you I am a good player, show you it’s not just because I’m your little sister, and can be moulded into the next generation you. I have yet to show you, to make you believe I am a good player, I deserve it, I deserve it all and I don’t have your name, your name isn’t what is getting me through, its my name, our name, our family name. I constantly am trying to get your approval, I constantly try to not disappoint you but no matter what I do it doesnt work. It just makes you more ashamed of me, and makes you more disappointed with me.” At this point tears were streaming down your face, Leah moved over to sit next to you, pulling you into her lap for a hug. 

“I’m so sorry bug, I know I haven't been the best sister, I am really really sorry.” She said as a few tears escaped her eyes.

[outsideratheart]

Fear of Failure (Alessia Russo x reader)

A/N: An Alessia Russo fic after I go see Arsenal is becoming a thing.

You had felt like a failure after losing the World Cup Final. It was you job as captain to lead and as a striker to score. When the 90 minutes were over you felt like you did neither. 

The pain you felt was tough but it failed in comparison to what you felt when you saw Alessia crying. If possible, her eyes were a brighter shade of blue due to the tears she had shed. 

“Come on. Let’s go in” Alessia tried to take your hand but you pulled away. 

“I’m going to stay out here. I can’t face them” you walk away leaving Alessia stood alone until Ella comes. 

Your relationship was Alessia was very new even though the feelings you had for each other were anything but. It was the first time she had seen you like this and she didn’t know what to do. 

The lockeroom is quiet but goes silent as you walk in. You ignore the eyes on you as you head into the ice bath where Lucy is waiting for you. 

“What should I do?” Alessia asks Lotte knowing that the defender has experience with you at a club level.  

“Give her time. She’ll come to you when she’s ready” it was wise advice and Alessia listened to it. 

You came to her when she was on the coach. She left the seat free next to her and you happily slid in. You didn’t say anything but you didn’t pull away when Alessia held you hand. She saw that as a good sign. 

She thought that once you were back in England and at Arsenal that you might have cheered up but that wasn’t the case. You were focused on the champions league qualifiers. So much so that you were working yourself into the ground. 

The whole team knew it was a cruel form of punishment for the summer so they told Jonas who promised to keep an eye on you. 

The first game comes 17 days after the final. You had missed a penalty in the first half but you were relentless after that. Arsenal get the win yet you cannot bring yourself to celebrate. This is what you expected when you play a team like Linköping. You did however make the extra effort to celebrate your girlfriend’s debut. 

“Girls” you stand up gaining the attention of the entire team “to Alessia who is now officially a member of the Arsenal” 

“I think that’s the first time I’ve seen her smile since Australia” Lotte nudges the woman in question. 

“It is and even now I don’t think it’s real” Alessia was really begin to worry about you. Everyone you normally talk to isn’t here. Leah, Beth and Viv will meet the team in Germany. Your girlfriend is hoping that once you’re around them then something will change. 

When you line up against Paris FC you expect the same result but you find yourself two nil down until the final ten minutes. Alessia gets a goal and hopes you celebrate with her but by the time she finds you, you have the ball in your hand and are running back to the spot. Your determination is rewarded as you score in injury time. Paris then take a lead but you manage to get one back and the game is sent to penalties.

It ends with Arsenal losing and you are quick to blame yourself for the loss. It feels like yet another reason why you are a failure.

“Hey” Alessia tries to get your attention as you walk down the tunnel but she gets not response. She doesn’t give up though “Y/N” her voice is a slightly more serious tone.

“Less, please, I can’t” you cannot meet her eyes.

“Can’t what? Talk to me.” The blonde asks. You were never one to hide from her. Maybe other people but you were always open with her.

“No” 

The whole locker room goes silent. A moment that seemed to be private was being held out in the open. 

“Why?” 

“Because I don’t want to!” She didn’t deserve you to snap at her “I cannot have you look at me like I’m broken”

“Y/N, you are—“

“Not good enough, I need to be better. Please leave me alone so I can be better” 

The next couple of days you were worryingly quiet. You may have spoken to Alessia but you didn’t really say much.

When you landed in Germany you pulled Jonas aside. He told you that you would be rooming with Alessia for the duration of the trip and that it would be a trial for future away games. 

“I need you to split me and Alessia up” you told your coach.

“Y/N, I have no issue with your relationship with Alessia. You told me as soon as you knew she was joining the club and I trust you to be professional” 

“I don’t mean our relationship, god no. I mean I cannot share a room with her. Jonas I am struggling right now and I cannot put that on her”

“Ok. If that is what you think is best then I’ll put you with Lia” 

“Thanks coach”

It was hard for Alessia to see you pull away from her but you did. She noticed that you spent more time with the injured players than you did her. The only person she felt comfortable talking to about this was Lotte as she knew her well and Lotte knew you.

“I don’t get what I did wrong. I know she is struggling and I want to be there for her but she won’t talk to me, not about that anyways”

“She loves you Alessia, anybody with a set of eyes can see that, and you know that she isn’t good about asking for help”

“She’s talking to Leah and Beth though. Why is she ok talking to them but not to me?” 

“She isn’t talk to them, she is talking with Viv or at least that is what i’m guessing. Viv is the person Y/N goes to when she doesn’t know what she is feeling. Once she figures that out then she will come to you”

Lotte saw you do the exact same thing when you lost the Champions League semi final. It took you a few days to come to terms with what happened and even then you still blamed yourself.

“I hope so Lotte because I can’t stand to see her hurting and knowing that I can’t do anything to help her”

Meanwhile you were in your therapy session with Viv in one of the quiet areas, or at least that is what it felt like. The Dutch woman was patient with you and listened when you needed to talk. She didn’t ask questions unless you asked her one. 

“I failed everyone Viv. First England and now Arsenal. That hurts enough but to know that I have failed the person I love most in the world, that is not something I can handle. I feel like I’m on the verge of breaking and she shouldn’t have to deal with that”

“Have you stopped to think maybe she wants to? I know you struggle with these kind of things but this is the first time you are going though it whilst having a girlfriend. You need to stop seeing her as a team mate because she is so much more than that now”

You hated how right Viv was. You have opened up to Alessia before and she didn’t love you any less when you showed your vulnerable side.

Your girlfriend had accepted that you would come to her when you were ready and now she just wanted to be with you. Only problem is that she couldn’t find you. She had asked every player and staff member yet none of them could give her the answer she was looking for. Then she saw Viv leave one of the physio rooms and between the crack of the door and the door frame she saw you. 

For the first time in a long while you looked into her eyes and let her see the pain behind yours. You watch as she hesitated on the other side of the threshold. 

“Come here” 

Alessia all but ran you to you. Whilst you stayed seated on the physio table, she took a stand between your legs. With her arms wrapped around your neck, her fingers begin playing with the baby hairs at the nape of your neck. 

“I’m struggling Lessi. I felt like a failure after Australia and I thought I would be able to redeem myself this season at Arsenal but I’ve failed again” 

“Thank you for telling me” 

When she leans down you don’t pull away. You feel your shoulder relax as her lips touch yours. 

“You’re not a failure. You lead the lionesses to their first World Cup final and I think that is an amazing achievement” 

How could you believe her? She was your girlfriend, never would she admit you let her down. 

“I failed you. I wanted to win for so many reasons but you were one of my biggest motivations, you always are. I wanted to win so that I could see the smile on your face as you lift the trophy like you did at the euros. Instead I watched you cry”

“You know one of the things that annoys me the most about you?” Alessia asks and you feel your stomach drop “you are one of the biggest hypocrites I know” 

“I am not” you defend yourself and rightly so. 

“You are when it comes to football. It’s both a good thing and a bad thing. You always say how we are a team, win or lose we do it as a team. After we played Australia in Brentford, Leah blamed herself. You told her that a loss is not one persons fault” 

“It’s not” 

“Baby, do you hear yourself?” 

You did hear yourself and you realise what your girlfriend was insinuating. 

“I just wanted to do good” 

“You did. You did so good. Right now though we have to process what happened and move on” Alessia knew that you would talk about your failures all night and maybe that’s what you needed. She also knew that you needed to find closure before it destroyed you. 

“And how do we do that?”

“Together” you laugh at her cheesiness “I mean it. I knew I’d learn things at Arsenal but I didn’t think the first one would be that my girlfriend doesn’t come to me when she’s hurting” 

“I’m sorry. It’s hard for me to open up to people. I don’t like people seeing me weak, definetley not you” 

At first thought that hurt Alessia and she is about to tell you that much but you cut her off. 

“I am going to try though. I don’t want to shut you out anymore. For the last couple of days I’ve missed being with you and I don’t want to feel that again. I can’t promise that I will tell you everything, not right now, but I will let you in Less” 

This seemed to be enough for your girlfriend because she pulls you up so she can give you a proper hug. 

“I’m here and you won’t push me away again. I won’t let you” Alessia’s voice was adamant and you never argue with the blonde when she used that tone. 

“I love you Alessia. Do you think we could go away somewhere just the two of us? We have a couple of days off when we get home and I need some time away from football. I’m in desperate needs of some quality Alessia Russo time” 

“You know what? Now that I think of it, I am long over due some one on one time with you. How about we go get some food then you can come my room, the room you will be moving into, and we can look at some places?” 

You agree with the forward and take her hand as you leave the room. When the two of you walk through the campus restaurant everyone notices the closeness between you and how your hands are intertwined. They also saw a smile of both of your faces, a smile that they were yet to see in Germany. 

[munson-blurbs]

Single Dad!Eddie x Fem!ReaderSeries

Summary: Fast-forward two years, and the little Munson clan is celebrating Halloween with some old--and new--faces.

Warnings: allusion to smut, a lil surprise...

WC: 1.2k

A/N: Happy Halloween! A gentle reminder that requests for the TUI universe are officially open. And thank you to @rip-quizilla and @the-unforgivenn for helping me with this little blurb.

Divider credit to @saradika

Autumn has fully settled into Hawkins, Indiana. The sun sets a bit earlier each evening; green leaves become orange, then red, then brown, before fluttering to the ground and being raked into trash bags. A chill hangs in the air, not strong enough to create frost, but enough to warrant a layer of clothing or two.

Lucky for you, your Halloween costume this year is a long-sleeved olive green shirt underneath a sleeveless brown house dress, high socks, and loafers. Warm, cozy, and perfect for pretending to be Misery’s Annie Wilkes.

Eddie strides towards your shared bedroom, a Ghostface mask pushed up atop his mess of curls. He leans against the doorframe and lets out a low wolf-whistle. 

You roll your eyes and grin. “You’re so full of it,” you laugh, adjusting the straps of your dress where they’re twisting on your shoulders. “This is quite possibly the least sexy costume anyone could wear.”

Eddie tuts, pushing off on his bicep and shaking his head. “It’s not the costume; it’s the woman wearing it.” His lips tug upward in a toothy smile. “C’mon, give me a little twirl.” He moves his forefinger in a circular motion to indicate what he wants. 

You oblige, slowly turning and offering a 360-degree view of your outfit. “How do I look?” you deadpan.

“Like you’re killing for two.” He presses a kiss to your lips, his palms resting on your rounded bump just as they have ever since you’d started showing. Now that you’re in your final few weeks of pregnancy, he seems to find an excuse to touch it every spare chance he gets. “You’re sure you’re up for trick-or-treating? If you’re too tired or something, you can hang back. Jeff and I can handle the kids.”

It takes all of your willpower not to let out a disbelieving snort. If the two men are engaged in conversation, Harris and Ettie could be halfway to Timbuktu before they even notice they’re missing. “I’ll be fine,” you reassure him. “Annie Wilkes wore sensible shoes, which certainly helps. Although,” you scrunch up your nose, “these are kind of uncomfortable.”

Eddie peers down at your loafers and immediately bursts into laughter. “Babe…they’re on the wrong feet.” He cradles your face in his hands and brings his lips to the tip of your nose. “Let me fix that for you, okay?” You sit on the bed while he crouches down, slipping off your shoes and placing them on the correct feet. “There ya go.”

“I can’t see over my belly!” You lament with a laugh, holding out your hands so your doting husband can help you up. “Thank you. I promise I’ll be more useful once I’m not pregnant.”

“I think growing a baby is pretty damn useful,” Eddie murmurs, thumb grazing your cheek, “not to mention how goddamn gorgeous you look while you do it,” he adds, a soft growl inflecting his tone. He would ravish you right then and there if Freddy Krueger himself didn’t appear by his side. 

“Is it time for trick-or-treating?”

“Jesus Christ!” Eddie jumps, snapped out of his lovesick stupor in an instant. His hand flies to his chest as his heartbeat steadies. “You scared the hell outta me, Har.” He takes a deep breath before answering his son’s question. “We’ll go as soon as Uncle Jeff and Auntie Viv and Ettie get here.”

Harris nods, the dark gray fedora slipping in front of his eyes. “I wish my baby brother could go with us,” he says with a sigh, swaying his arms back and forth. “When is he gonna be born?”

“Two more weeks until he’s officially due,” you report, gingerly caressing your bump and smiling. Harris has been asking about the baby’s arrival ever since you and Eddie told him he was going to be a big brother. “And then he’ll come trick-or-treating with us next year.”

He beams at this idea, bouncing up and down with enough energy to make you question whether he’s already started eating candy. “I...can’t…wait!” he exclaims, each word more breathless than the last as he acts like a human spring. “Do…you…think…he’ll…like…Skittles?”

Eddie places a hand on Harris’s shoulder to stop his movements. “Baby Brother won’t be able to have Skittles for a long time,” he chuckles, the dimples in his cheeks making an always-welcome appearance, “but if you wanted to share with me, I wouldn’t turn down some peanut M&Ms…”

“Nah, I’m good.” Harris says simply, turning his attention back to your stomach. “It would be kinda cool if he was born on Halloween, though.”

You wrinkle your nose. “But then I wouldn’t be able to trick-or-treat with you tonight,” you point out. 

“Oh. Right.” Harris puts a hand on your bump and speaks directly to it. “You stay put until I get my candy.”

Jeff and his family arrive thirty minutes later, clad in their Winnie-the-Pooh themed costumes. Ettie, held in her mom’s arms, is the titular character. Viv makes the perfect Kanga with a Roo stuffed animal hot-glued in the fabric pouch that stretches over her own bump. 

“That’s a good look for you,” Eddie snorts when Jeff walks in dressed as Eeyore. 

“Right back atcha,” Jeff retorts with a playful smirk. “You’re like a geriatric Ghostface.”

You and Viv share an eye roll at their juvenile banter. “How’re you feeling?” she asks you, strategically ignoring the way Jeff and Eddie are swapping insults. 

“Tired of being pregnant but terrified to give birth.” You laugh as you say it but your words are 100-percent true. As much as you’re ready to have your body back to yourself, delivering a baby is a daunting task. “How about you?” She’s due only one month after you are, and the two of you often commiserate about your respective pregnancies. 

“Exhausted,” she admits, right hand fingers digging into her lower back and massaging it. “Chasing after a two-and-a-half year-old while being almost eight months pregnant is not for the weak.”

Your lips scrunch up sympathetically. “I don’t know how you do it, honestly.” 

As if on cue, Ettie wriggles out of her mother’s grip so she can toddle over to her favorite uncle. Eddie scoops her up, and she greets him with an excited “hi!”

Tears gather at your lash line embarrassingly; the sight of your husband cooing over a young child has your third trimester hormones working in overdrive. You clear your throat and blink them back before anyone can notice. “Who wants to go trick-or-treating?”

Pillowcases in hand, Harris and Ettie cheer loudly as the six–almost eight–of you head out to take on the neighborhood in a conquest for full-size candy bars. You and Viv walk next to them; your husbands lag behind to lock the door.

“You ready to do this with double the amount of kids next year?” Jeff smirks, as Eddie turns the key and jiggles the knob to ensure no one can get it.

Eddie huffs out a laugh. “God, no.” He looks at his long-time friend and grins. “But I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

--

[arsenal-womens-1]

In the blink of an eye

People often use the saying "your life can change in the blink of an eye" a lot. Six weeks ago, you understood what the saying meant. One day, you were taking a silly DNA test for fun with your friends. The next thing you know, you find out your whole life is a lie when you get the DNA results back. It turns out the people who said they were your birth parents are not, in fact, your biological parents; they kidnapped you.

For six weeks, you've kept a huge secret. It's eating at you. Leah Williamson is your sister. For six weeks, you've been going to training, playing, eating, and talking with your biological sister, and she has no clue about your secret. How were you supposed to tell someone they're your sister when you were kidnapped at six months old? You can't even look at her. People have started to notice that you can't look at her and that you are avoiding her as much as possible.

You have been staying with Beth and Viv for about five weeks now. You couldn't go back to that house, not after what you found out. Beth and Viv don't know the real reason; they just think that your mum and dad went back to live in Spain. Your head is a mess, questioning who you are, why did they take you. Would your life have been different? Would you have gotten into football? All these "what ifs," you would never get the answers to any of them.

It hurts, knowing that you would never get the answers to why they took you and stuff like that. Hearing a knock at your door, you get up. Standing in front of you was the one person that you didn't want to see. “Hey, you ready to go? Beth and Viv are waiting in the living room.” Nodding your head, you walk past her and into the living room where you see a bunch of footballers walking over to where all the shoes are kept. You pick a random pair.

After you put them on, you walk over to where Beth and Viv are, giving a weak smile to Viv. She looks at you; it's clear you had been crying at some point. “You ok, kid?” Giving her another weak smile, you nod your head. Hearing Kim shout, “We will all meet at the restaurant, everyone drive safe,” as all the footballers pile out of the tiny apartment. You, Viv, Beth, Leah, and Jordan are the last to pile out. Walking to the car, Beth and Leah were whispering to each other about something.

Pulling out your phone, you take a picture of your outfit, posting it on your Insta and Snap stories. You stop at the car, waiting for Viv to open it. When she does, you get in; Jordan was in the middle, and Leah was on the other side. The car ride was quiet for the most part. Getting out of the car, you walk into the restaurant. Beth, Viv, Leah, and Jordan weren't that far behind. Alessia and Ella come over; you know them from England.

You got your first call-up two months before the Euros, and I guess Sarina liked the way you play, as you got the call to join the team for the Euros. It's now November 1st; life has been crazy since you won. Walking to the table, you sit more away from your Arsenal teammates. The night went well; everyone was happy and talking to each other. It's now the next day; you had a game today, so you need to get there at 5 am because it's a 12:30 kick-off.

Getting up, you slip on a hoodie and joggers, trying to shake off the weight of your secret. As you head out the door, you walk to the kitchen where some of the Arsenal girls are; some stayed over last night. Beth passes you a coffee. "Hey," she says, her voice soft and it has a hint of tiredness in it. "Are you okay? You seemed a bit off last night." You force a smile, hoping to deflect her worry. "Yeah, just tired, I guess. Big day ahead."

Giving another forced smile, you walk over to the couch and flop down next to Jen. The news was on the TV; nothing interesting, so you just go on TikTok and watch some fan edits showing Jen. A few here and there were of to the training center; it's cold as it's like -4. As you arrive at the training center, each step you take is heavier than the last, burdened by the weight of your secret. Your mind is a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

Jen's concerned gaze follows you, her eyes silently pleading for you to confide in her, but you just can't bring yourself to do it. Not yet. Inside the training center, the familiar sights and sounds offer little comfort. Your mind keeps drifting back to Leah. How do you face her knowing what you know? The guilt threatens to consume you whole. As the bus parks up, you catch Leah's eyes. For a moment, it feels like she can see right through you, like she knows the truth.

You quickly look away, unable to bear the weight of her gaze. She was just a teammate six weeks ago, and now she is your sister. Well, I guess she always has been, but you didn't know. Getting on the coach, you sit next to Katie, Catlin, Steph; you don't really talk to them. The game was a blur; yous won 2-0. After taking photos with fans, you walk down the tunnel where Leah, Beth, Katie, and Georgia Stanway are.

Leah walks over to you; as you try to walk away, she gently grabs your arm. “Hey, can we talk?” You just shake your head, and you try to pull your hand away. “What have I done to you to make you hate me?” You shake your head. “I don't hate you, Leah.” She still has your hand in her grasp. “You can't look at me; you don't talk to me, and you won't tell anyone what's going on.”

You do the only thing you can think to get her to let go of you. The connection of your hand connects to her face echoes through the tunnel. The girls come over and quickly separate you. Beth comes up to you and pulls you around the corner. “What's going on? Leah just wanted to know if she did something; why did you slap her?” Looking at Beth, the concern for you and a bit of anger for slapping Leah, you couldn't bear it any longer.

You let all the emotions out, letting a sob rip through you. Beth steps forward and gently pulls you into a hug so your head is resting on her shoulder. “She-I'm-” She tries to calm you down. “She's my sister.” Letting another sob rip through your body, you feel Beth tense under you. “What are you talking about?” Wiping your head around, you see Leah standing there.

[eimids]

Loving you is all I need

Leah Williamson x reader fluff

Leah and reader get stuck in an elevator together while they are fighting.

this is just a quick blurb

warnings: slight angst but also fluff

Words:650

"Hold the door" You yelled as you ran to the elevators. You and Leah had been fighting the previous night so you were a bit late to training. Someone sticks their arm out of the elevator to keep the doors from closing.

"Oh.. hi Lee" You said when you realized who was in the elevator.

"Hi Y/n"She said coldly to you and pressed the button with number six on it.

"are you seriously still mad at me? You never call me by my name it’s always some nickname" You frowned a little.

"I'm not mad. Just disappointed. I thought you wanted to get married with me but guess not" Leah said sounding hurt.

"But I do want to-" You started when the elevator stopped. You fell to the ground from the sudden stop.

"Shit y/n/n, are you okay?" Leah asked clearly worried.

"Yeah I think I am but my ankle hurts a little" You answered. Leah didn't respond but started pushing different buttons to call to someone that the elevator stopped.

"It's not working. Fuck this. Why there would read that if you push that button it would call somewhere when it doesn't fucking work" Leah said panicking a little.

"Leah calm down. Come and sit with me. Soon someone will realize that we didn't show up to training." You said to the blond woman.

She sat down next to you and calmed her breathing. You sat there a while in an awkward silence until you spoke.

"I'm sorry that I said no to your proposal but you never really gave me a chance to explain myself. You just got sad and left" You started.

"Well can you explain now. Whe have been together for 3 years and we have known each other for ten so what's the problem here? Or do you just not love me anymore?" Leah asked shyly.

"Oh Lee nothing like that. I love you so much and you know that. I won't ever leave your side. But it's just.. You remember how messy the divorce was between me and ex. It wasn't good for anyone and my mental health went so low. I just don't want to go through that again" You answered with tears in the corners of her eyes.

"Sweet I would never hurt you. I wouldn't cheat you like she did. I will do anything to protect you and I just want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to have kid's with you and I want to grow old with you. I don't want to spend another day alone. All I want is you my love"

"Okay then ask me " You said quietly.

"Huh?" Leah asked confused.

"Aske me again" You said again and Leah flipped you to sit on her lap. She looked right in your eyes and asked.

"Y/f/n. Will you marry me?" Leah asked smiling.

"Yeah" You answered laughing and crying and then kissed the blonde.

You sat there kissing passionately a while, own bubble. Suddenly the elevator started moving again and you had to snap back to reality.

Soon the doors opened and Leah stood up, then helping you. You then walked to the team room. You were limping and Beth came running to you.

"Oh My God. Are you guys okay?" Beth asked worried, Viv by her side.

"Better than ever." You said smiling. Then you looked at Leah and kissed her.

"Sooo we have some news for you guys" You started.

"Don't say you too are leaving Arsenal" McCabe said quickly.

"What, no! Why would you think that?" Leah asked laughing.

"I just saw a dream about it. Did you guys know th-" Katie started but Buv interrupted her.

"Just tell us the news" Viv said inpatient.

You looked at each other and said.

"We are getting married"

[yall-batman-fanfic]

Valerie's First Birthday | Batfam x Batsis x Batmom

Synopsis: A kiddie party with supers, what can possibly go wrong? A lot, apparently.

Time sure flies. One day you’re pushing out a melon-sized human being out of your… out of you, and now you’re celebrating their first birthday. Vivian knew that Valerie won’t remember a thing on this early stage so she opted for a small celebration for Valerie. Bruce suggested they throw a big birthday party for their daughter, considering it was a huge milestone that she’s turned one, but Vivian said that they can just save for future birthdays instead, besides didn’t want Gotham to be part of it, she wanted Valerie to be surrounded by family and friends, and it just so happens that the only friend that Valerie has in Gotham was Bunny Vreeland. Her other friends? They were a bunch of supers, and it’ll be too risky to have them all mixed up for that. 

But then Veronica had a plan. And how can they say no to that? So they agreed to do two things: share a birthday party with Bunny since they were born days apart, and then have another party in the manor with those who they were close to in the Justice League. 

Vivian and Veronica shared in the responsibility in handling their daughters’ birthday party, which was hosted in some playpen for toddlers, and Veronica was pondering the theme that had bunnies, rainbow, and princesses and witches. 

“So, Valerie and Bunny’s birthday party theme is basically Easter?” Tim commented.

“I see it more as the Wizard of Oz,” said Dick. “What do you think, kiddo?” He asked his sister who sat on his lap with her pet gargoyle, who she named Geg – Greg or Gregory, but the girl still can’t pronounce her “Rs”.

Vivian looked at the mock-ups that Veronica sent to her again. “We’re going with the Wizard of Oz, I’m calling Ronie.”

“So, I guess Val’s going to be the Good Witch?” Bruce asked, already checking Glinda’s costume online.

“No!” Jason exclaimed. “It’s like you didn’t read Wicked! She ain’t gonna be Glinda!” 

“I haven’t read Wicked, Jason,” Bruce stated.

“How about the Broadway show? Did you watch that at least?”

“Does it look like Batman’s one for broadway musicals, Jason?” Tim snickered.

“Whatever – Val’s not gonna be Glinda! I don’t care if that Rabbit is gonna be Glinda, but not Val.”

“Rabbit?” Duke asked, completely lost.

“He means Bunny Vreeland,” said Damian.

“Oh.”

“How about Dorothy?” Bruce asked.

Alfred hummed. “I think the character of Elphaba would be more suitable for Ms. Valerie with her magical background,” he picked up his granddaughter and handed her a sippy cup with her drink. 

“She’s the green one, right?” Bruce asked.

Jason groaned loudly and said, “Yes, Elphaba is the green one!”

“But isn’t she the bad guy in the Wizard of Oz?” Stephanie asked.

Jason pulled out the book from their shelves and handed it to Duke while saying: “She’s the Wicked Witch of the West, but she’s not all that bad! It’s society that made her wicked! There’s a difference between internally wicked and becoming wicked because society made you one! That’s the whole point of the story!”

“He seems to be very passionate about Wicked,” Steph whispered to Cass and Tim.

“Vivian took him to see a lot of plays, ballet, and Broadway. It’s their bonding time,” Bruce said to them. “But this is the first time I saw him like this too.”

Vivian returned to the sitting room with the announcement that they were good with the Wizard of Oz theme, and Veronica wanted Bunny to be Glinda. 

“And I think our little Val would be a perfect Elphaba, but we’re not going to cover you in green pain,” Vivian snapped her fingers and a black witch’s hat landed on Valerie’s head. It was the perfect size. 

Valerie giggled and made grabbing motions at her mother.

“Did you have that all this time for this day, Viv?” Stephanie asked.

“No, this was mine when I went to school for witches,” Vivian started humming the song Popular from Wicked while dancing with her daughter.

“You didn’t say that you went to a witch’s school –”

“She’s messing with you, Brown,” said Damian.

“Oh.”

The party went well with Bunny and Valerie wearing Glinda and Elphaba costumes – respectively – and playing with the other children. Since it was a shared birthday, the two mothers chose a date that was right in the middle, for Bunny it was a few days after her actual birthday and for Valerie it was days before her actual birthday. 

During that party Veronica insisted everyone wore costumes too. Dick was in charge of choosing the costumes of his siblings… not everyone was happy with what was assigned for them. 

Jason was the Tin Man.

Tim was the Scarecrow.

Duke was the Cowardly Lion.

Damian was freaking Toto.

Dick was Dorothy… yes, he wore a freaking dress too. 

Cassandra and Stephanie decided to wear something that was similar to the movies and the show, as the people in Emerald City; Barbara and her father were invited and came with the former as the Wizard of Oz. 

Vivian and Bruce, on the other hand, came in as the couple in the Broadway show. They dressed up as Elphaba and Fiyero. But really, Bruce just wore a blue suit to follow the character’s costume, and Vivian wore one of her black dresses. But when they saw their family all dressed, especially Dick and Damian, and Alfred who wore the winged monkey uniform from the movie, they felt bad for just picking out something from their closets.

“Shame!” Dick told them. 

“I know,” Vivian said as she held back her laughter when she saw Dick and the others. “That dress… hold on, is that my maternity dress?”

“Cool, right? I just made some adjustments,” said Dick.

“And is Duke wearing my faux fur coat?”

“Dick said that he already asked you, Mrs. P,” Duke said.

“He didn’t, but go ahead… and Damian… Toto?”

Damian glared at Dick. 

When Alfred  came down with Valerie all dressed in her Elphaba costume, she gasped and squealed when she saw her family all dressed up. Putting her down, Alfred held her hand as she waddled towards the crowd that perfectly dressed up as the characters of the Wizard of Oz and Wicked. Even when she didn’t know that yet, she was happy to see the colors and how funny they looked. 

Immediately the glares that Damian and Jason had on Dick disappeared and they were just glad that their sister was happy.

The highlight of the party was when Valerie and Bunny played around while wearing their costumes and were the perfect cast of the two characters. The two were inseparable the entire time. They held each other's hand as they roamed around and played, and even when they blew the candles on their cake they did it together.

When the two girls thought it was time to go home when Bruce and Veronica were about to pick them up for a photo, the two hugged each other and pouted.

“No!” Bunny said and held Valerie tight.

“Stay – Bunny!” Valerie made her point and glared at her father.

By the end of the party, the two girls were tired and were asleep on their mothers.

~*~

The party for the Justice Kids – and Vivian called them — was held on Valerie’s actual birthday. It was just a small one in the manor with food and games that Dick would be hosting for them. They extended the invitation to everyone in the League and the families of the Leaguers too. 

“I swear, Kent! Drop her, I will bring out my Kryptonite sword!” Damian called out to Jon who was flying around with Valerie in his arms, happily enjoying it.

“I'm not going to drop her, Damian!” Jon told his best friend but so Damian won't pop a vein, he went down and placed the girl on the ground. Valerie was confused – why did the ride stop? She was having a great time! When she saw Damian about to get her, Valerie turned to Jon and said: “Again!” While hugging his leg.

“Come on, Val. You can play at the swing instead,” Damian attempted to get her, but Valerie hid behind Jon’s leg and pouted at her brother.

“Fly,” Valerie said. “Want Jon.”

Jon laughed awkwardly and took Valerie from the ground and tried to hand her over to Damian, who was stunned with what she said, but the girl wouldn’t go with her brother. She really wanted to fly. 

“Jon!” Valerie hugged him. “Fly?”

Dick and Tim winced at the sight of Valerie preferring to go with Jon than Damian.

“I'll go make sure he doesn't kill him,” said Dick.

“Good idea,” Tim muttered. Wouldn't want a murder in a kid's party.

The Kents were the first to arrive at the Manor – not surprising. In fact, Bruce and Vivian were used to them popping in out of nowhere. Following the Kents were the speeders, with Barry driving all the way from Star City with his family to celebrate and so Valerie would also meet his own children. The twins: Don and Dawn Allen. Following them was Diana, then Hal came. Roy arrived too, with Lian.

Valerie was well acquainted with Lian and happily dragged the older girl to where she was playing with the other kids. 

But then Bizzaro and Artemis came and Valerie's attention were on the big guy who was a sweetheart and gifted her with a toy doll. 

“Not happy birthday,” Bizzaro greeted her.

“Bee!” Valerie hugged him and his gift. 

When Artemis was about to give her gift, Jason took it first as it was a weapon. 

“She's a kid, Artemis!” Jason told her. “You can have this after I teach you how to use it,” he told his sister.

The Outlaws were followed by Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance with their own son – who was a year older than Valerie – Connor Lance-Queen. 

Soon the backyard was filled with people and kids running around, playing. And while Vivian would have wanted to invite all of their super-friends, she knew that they can't just drop everything and come to the party too. Someone has to stay and watch over Earth and protect it from local and intergalactical threats. Hence the Titans staying at their tower, but Raven came with Damian's invitation. Well, he told Dick that he wanted Raven to come. 

The Young Justice too were there but wouldn't be staying too long as they also had to look after their domains. Tim was the only exception since he was in a family event.

Coming to his wife's side, Bruce handed her a slice of cake and sat beside her. “Is everything alright?” He asked.

Vivian hummed, turning to him, she said, “Yeah, everything's fine. Why?”

“You’'ve been staring at them for a while now.”

“I'm just happy, that's all. I’m glad to see everyone here – relaxing. Dad's there with Alfred, having a pint. Superheroes get to enjoy the life they fight to protect and be with their families. You're here with our family.”

Bruce wrapped an arm around her and pressed a kiss on her temple. “She's growing up fast. Too fast,” he whispered as he watched Valerie play with Connor Lance-Queen, and the Allen Twins. 

“She is,” Vivian sighed. “And I'll be back to work.”

“You can always not go back.”

“I know, but I want to… but I also want to be here with here — if I can, I would put her in my bag and we'd be at Gotham University.”

Bruce chuckled. “I know. Sometimes I also want to bring her to work.”

“Which one? The office job or the Bat-job?”

“Both…” his smile fell when he realized the clothes his daughter was wearing. It was a Batman costume for kids. “I don't want her to have to put on a cowl, Viv.”

“Bruce?”

“I’'m doing everything I can now to make sure that she never has to be in this line of work.”

“It's not really our decision to make, my love. It's hers when she grows up.”

“I know, but as much as I can, I will fight so she doesn't have to.”

Vivian had Bruce face her and kissed his lips. “I know, and I'd want that too… but if it means losing you to Batman's war, I don't want that. I need you, Bruce. Val needs you. Crime won't disappear, we both know that, and if it comes to it and she decides to take the cowl… then we'll be here – all of us — to make sure she knows how to continue this fight.”

Bruce rest his forehead on his wife's and closed his eyes as he felt her magic envelope them. 

“Dada!” Valerie ran to him and tugged on his pants.

Bruce picked up his daughter and lets her sit on his lap. “Tired, Val?” He asked.

Val was sweaty from all the running and hungry. Very hungry that she tried to reach for the cake. Vivian was quick to have it away from her reach and had it floating in mid-air beside her before summoning Valerie's own plate with her carrot bites and other party food.

“I will not get used to that,” Lois said as she watched the plate and drink float beside Vivian.

“You will, eventually,” the familiar voice caught their attention. Appearing from the portal was John Constantine with Zatanna Zatara, and their son, Zachary Giovanni Zatarra. “Sorry, we're late. Zee had a last show before the party.”

“Making an entrance as always, Zatanna,” Bruce got up with his daughter in his arms. He and Vivian went to the new arrivals and greeted them.

“Well we are performers, Bruce,” said Zatanna.

“She is,” John said, pointing his thumb at Zatanna. “And this little bugger, too,” he gestured to his one-year-old son, who he held in his arms. 

“Happy Birthday, Valerie,” Zatanna handed the gift to Vivian.

“Happy Birthday, love,” John greeted the girl. He then turned to his son. “Zach, remember, do not touch the shiny looking one,” John pointed at Valerie who looked at him confused.

“John, come on, they're kids,” Zatanna told him.

“I agree with him,” Bruce said.

“Bruce!” Vivian chastised him. “He's our godson!”

Zachary turned to Valerie and waved his hand at her. “Hi,” he said.

“Hi,” Valerie waved back. “Carrot?” She offered the one she had in her hand.

“Okay!” Zach took it to eat.

“Oh, so you eat your vegetables when it's from her, eh?” John playfully glared at his son. “When it's me or yer Mum, it's a bloody war.” He placed down his son, and Vivian took Valerie and put her on the ground too so she and Zach could play with the other kids. 

With the kids gone in the garden, Adam got up from his seat and approached their little group with Alfred.

“John fucking Constantine,” Adam greeted him.

“Bollocks,” John hissed. “You didn't tell me your Dad will be here.”

“And if he was?” Vivian raised a brow.

John sighed. “Adam, good to see you again — looking old.”

“John!” Zatanna chastised him.

“I am old, love – don't worry,” Adam reassured Zatanna, his gaze returned to John. “You got old too.”

“Well, can't stay sixteen forever, can't I? When was the last time I saw you – thirty-something-years ago?” John was about to light a cigarette but Zatanna and Vivian confiscated the stick.

“Something like that, all I remember was finding you in my daughter's bedroom and chasing you out into the street with your tail between your legs.”

Barry and the others froze with what they heard.

“Say what?” Hal asked. “You mean to tell me those two dated in high school?”

“They did,” Clark explained.

“Hold on – Batman dated Zatanna, and Vivian dated John… and now the exes are dating each other's exes?.” Oliver massaged the bridge of his nose. “How come we're only hearing about this now?”

“We thought it was pretty obvious since John and Vivian were close,” said Diana.

“We thought they were friends!” Said Barry.

“I think it’s interesting that you’re best friends with your ex and your husband’s ex,” said Dinah. 

Vivian sighed. “Dad, please don't.”

Adam nodded. “Sorry, love. I just didn't expect John fucking Constatine to be here.”

Turning to Zatanna, John said, “This is why I didn't want our kid to have my name.”

“That's the reason why I agreed to that too,” said Zatanna.

“Why, because you just made the name Constantine shite with all your bullshit?” Vivian pointed out.

“You know that’s the truth, Vee,” John conjured a bottle of ale and started drinking. “When’s the other family coming over?”

“What other family?” 

“He means your Endless family, love,” Adam said. “I wouldn’t mind if Dream comes over. I’d finally get to meet him.”

“I don’t know, Dream tends to just come around if he’s needed. And I think Gregory the Gargoyle is already his birthday gift for Val.” She pointed to the tiny gargoyle who was following Ace, Titus, and Haley around. The gargoyle even tried barking, mimicking the three dogs. “And no offence, but I don’t think any gift from Desire and Despair means anything good, considering they wanted to kill me the last time we saw each other.”

“Especially Death – unless, our little Goth-girl wants to make Val here immortal,” John pointed out and handed Vivian a pint. “What about Delirium?”

“The best gift she could give is probably sanity… Destruction’s been doing some art.”

“He’s not really Picasso or Van Gogh, Vee. I wonder what Destiny would give.”

“He doesn’t really interact with us… unlike with the others.”

Barry approached Bruce and asked about what they were talking about – he was confused the moment they said Dream, and then Vivian and John kept mentioning words or names that were Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction, Destiny, Death. Everyone was just confused now.

“So, Clark hasn’t disclosed it to the team,” Bruce said.

“It’s not really my story to tell,” said Clark.

“Last holidays, Vivian was attacked by wraiths from Hell. They were sent by beings called the Endless are anthropomorphic representations of the powerful natural forces they embody – Destiny, Death, Dream, Destruction, Delirium, Desire, Despair. Vivian also met her father then, who happens to be an Endless – the Lord of Dreams,” Bruce explained. 

“How did we not know about this?” Asked Hal.

“It was an isolated incident. Vivian dealt with it within the night. Since then, Dream has been visiting occasionally, especially when Valerie has been showing that she has inherited Vivian’s gifts. She’s been seeing ghosts everywhere. Dream was also the one who gave her Greg..”

“Who?”

“The Gargoyle. Val has a pet Gargoyle.”

“Not really something you can bring to show and tell, huh?” Barry chuckled as he watched the Gargoyle follow Valerie around. 

“I can’t just call Dream for a kids party, John. He’s already got his hands full with Hell,” Vivian told John.

“Hold on, what’s going on with Hell? What’s Lord Morpheus got to do with it?”

“Oh, you don’t know? Luci retired.”

“He can’t do that – can he do that? Can the Devil actually retire?” John turned to Zatanna for answers.

Zatanna shrugged. “I have no idea.”

“So, any danger we should look out for with Luci now who-knows-where?” John asked.

“No. Dream said Lucifer is now vacationing at Australia… he just got tired.”

“Fucking finally! I’ve been trying so hard to get that fucker off my back!” 

“You and I both,” Vivian clinked her bottle with his. 

As the party was ending, many of their guests left. But Clark and the other members of the League stayed a little longer to help with the clean up, and because Valerie and the other kids were having so much fun showing their powers. The twins were showing their speed force abilities, Zach was showing the little magic he can do. Raven was entertaining them with the magic she can do. Jon was enjoying the magic show with the kids. Valerie, being the youngest of them all, has yet to show her magic. So far she can only see ghosts and those beyond the mortal world. 

In the middle of cleaning up, Valerie called for her parents by saying: “Mumma, Dada! Birdie!”

At first they thought she was referring to her brothers, but Valerie kept calling them, so the adults went to the sitting room where a raven perched on the shelf. Vivian and Bruce knew that raven anywhere.

“Matthew,” Bruce greeted.

“Hey! Hi! Glad you remember me!” Matthew flew down and stood on the ground. “Boss,” he greeted Vivian.

“I’m not your boss, Matthew,” Vivian reminded him.

“Well, you’re the boss’ daughter. Ms. Dream?”

“No.”

“Dreamling?”

“I will throw you in the oven.”

“Alright, sheesh. Anyway, the boss sent me to say that he’s running late and to get ready.”

“For what?” Bruce asked.

“Well, rumor spread in the Dreaming that today is  this one’s birthday,” Matthew nudged Valerie. “And let’s say, Cain and Abel were trying to make a present. Same goes with Mervyn Pumpkinhead. Lucienne also prepared something for the little Dreamling.”

“That’s nice of them,” Vivian sat on the ground with her daughter. 

“She’s talking to a bird,” Lois sighed. “This house is never going to be normal, isn’t it?”

“You should be used to it by now,” said Clark. 

“Oh! The boss is coming,” Matthew said.

From the corner of the room, a figure appeared. Dressed in black robes that were more contemporary, Dream appeared and greeted the guests with a nod. His gaze turned to Vivian and Valerie but the sight of Adam caught his attention.

“Adam Royce,” he greeted.

Adam got up and approached the Endless. “Lord Dream, pleasure to finally meet you.”

Dream shook his hand and bowed his head slightly. “An honor to meet the man who raised my daughter.”

“Well, always saw her as my own,” Adam patted him on the shoulder. “I think Mads and I did a good job.”

“You both did,” Dream smiled, slightly. 

“The birthday girl is right there,” Adam pointed to the direction where Vivian carried Vivian with Bruce at her side. 

Dream strolled across the room and greeted his daughter and his granddaughter. 

“Vivian,” Dream greeted. “And Valerie. She has grown since I last saw her… and so has the gargoyle.”

“She named him Gregory, but she calls him Geg for now,” said Vivian. “Do you want to hold her?”

Dream was hesitant but nodded stiffly. Vivian handed Valerie to him, who went with the Endless without a fuss. Her eyes were wide as she looked at Dream, curious. He didn’t feel like Mumma or Dada, or Grandpa Alfred nor Grandda. He was very different. She reached out and touched Dream’s cheek to see if he was real, and he was. 

Dream smiled at her touch and said, “I am real, Valerie Pryor-Wayne. And I am also your grandfather.”

“Gampa,” Valerie whispered. She then started to whimper and reached for her father. Dream handed her back to Bruce, his smile never leaving. 

“She’ll get used to you,” Vivian said to Dream. “We still have cake, if you want.”

“I shall be off. I simply wanted to wish Valerie a happy birthday, and to leave her these,” a wave of a hand and pile of gifts appeared at the corner of the room. “From those of the Dreaming. Death too has found something for Valerie — she mentioned it is what children these days like – and Destruction created an art piece for her. Delirium also gave her a gift.”

“Well, thank you for these and to everyone in the Dreaming, and to Destruction, Death, and Delirium… it is upsetting that you’re not staying.”

“With Hell still not having a steward, I’m afraid that I cannot stay any longer.”

“Good luck with finding a new steward for Hell… thank you, Lord Dream.”

Dream reached out and tucked a piece of her red hair to the back of her ear, and then disappeared. Turning to her daughter, Vivian took Valerie and said, “Want to see what Gampa Dream and the others gave you?”

“Me mentioned Cain and Abel,” said Bruce.

“I’m sure it’s not a bloody rock, Bruce.”

Sitting on the ground, Vivian showed to Valerie the gifts from the Dreams and Nightmares, and the other Endless. There was a book in the pile, and it was from Lucienne. Domain joined them on the ground and started handing Valerie one of the gifts from the pile and then handing Jason the things they think were not entirely for toddlers (Mervyn Pumpkinhead gave her a mini pitchfork; Cain and Abel gifted her a gardening set). 

As the family looked through the gifts with Alfred and Adam, and the other Robins and children, the rest of the Justice League watched and tried to process what happened.

“So, that was Dream — is he the same with Morpheus?” Oliver asked.

“Yes — I think so,” said Diana.

“Does that make Vivian a half-god—demigod, too?” Barry asked.

“Well,” Stephanie joined them with her ice cream. “Last we saw Dream, he said Viv has the power of creation and life. So, I guess Ariana Grande was right — god was a woman… or in this case, god is their mom.”

“Does that make the squirt,” Hal referred to Valerie. “A quarter-god? Batman has too much power in his cave.”

~*~

“I think it’s adorable,” Zatanna said as they watched Valerie and Zachary play in the middle of the sitting room. With the two toddlers was Haley and Greg. “I think they’ll be best friends.”

John scoffed. “As long as they stay friends.”

“I have no idea what your problem is if Zach and Val…” Vivian shrugged.

“She’s not going to date,” said Jason from the couch where he ate cake. “Not when I’m around.”

“Agreed,” said Damian.

“That. That’s why,” John pointed at the two brothers sitting on the couch watching their sister closely. 

“They’re joking, John,” Vivian told him. “Bruce, either you stop it or I gouge out your eyes.”

Bruce turned to his wife and sighed. He pulled her to sit on his lap and then took a bite from the piece of cake she had on her fork.

“Hey!” Vivian pouted.

“If she starts dating then it’s official, she’s growing up way too fast,” Bruce said to her.

“Nothing we can do about that, my love,” Vivian leaned down and kissed him. “We just have to be here and watch her grow up and make sure she makes good decisions, and not play with OUIJA boards during slumber parties.” She kissed him again. “We’ll be fine. She’ll be fine, Bruce.”

He hummed. “Seventeen more years.”

Vivian pouted. “Seventeen more years.”

“Mumma, Dada! Look!” Valerie called for them. 

Turning to their daughter, they watched as she grinned at them, then she grabbed Zach’s face and placed a kiss on his lips, then said to them: “Kiss, kiss!”

Bruce and John held their breaths. In fact, all of the Robins were holding their breath after seeing that. 

“Relax, it’s just an innocent kiss!” Vivian told them and joined her daughter and Zach on the floor. “But Val, next time when you kiss Zach just on the cheeks, like this,” Vivian called for Zatanna, and when the woman joined them, she kissed her on the cheeks and Zatanna returned the gesture.

Wanting to try, Valerie kissed Zach on the cheeks and giggled. Zach too wanted to try and kissed her on the cheeks.

Damian was about to get his batarangs but Jon stopped him.

“Don’t teach them, Ma!” Jason told her.

Adam chuckled and patted Bruce on the shoulder. “Got no one to blame but yourself. You and Vivian are not really discrete.”

Bruce groaned and ran his hand down his face. This was not what he wanted to see on his daughter’s first birthday.

[jujutsukatsuki]

i’ve been waiting to see someone write thissss! (i think ur taking requests??)

the scene when alastor threatens husk!

the idea is reader (gn!) is there to comfort husk but he brushes them off, kinda like a hurt/comfort thing!

Okay I'm a little rusty but i got this! i wanted to do this as a Alastor x Reader but Reader is friends with Husker! I would like to add that I DO NOT SUPPORT VIV OR THEIR ACTIONS!

"This whole hotel will be full of demons wanting to check out into Heaven..." Charlie rambles on to her estranged father Lucifer, Vaggie follows on the other side of the short demon king and the princess of Hell. You followed behind them with Alastor, tall dark and creepy as he had been described by Mimzy moments before the group walked down the hallway.

"Hey Boss... can i have a word?" Alastor turns his head before his body, you hate when he does that, the sickling crack his neck makes. You turn to face the gambling demon cat, also known as your best friend in the hotel. You loved Husk, he was everything to you. "what is it?" Alastor's sickling smile never faulters, you're convinced he'd never drop the smile for people who weren't you. He was always sweet on you, even if on the outside it didn't look like he was. "You and i both know Mimzy only shows up when she needs somethin'. That bitch is trouble and who knows what kinda demon she fucked with to come running to you this time?" Alastor smirks and leans in towards the furball, you chew your lip, ready to jump between the two something you've done a few times before. "Its nothing i cant handle, don't worry Husker!" Alastor turns, arms crossed behind his back with his cane in hand, you look between Husk and Alastor. Husk looks angry that Alastor isn't listening. Husk looks to you and gives you an almost pleading look. If anyone could reason with the radio demon, it would be you. "Who in their right mind would cross me?" Alastor lets out a small hum as he starts to walk away. "I mean... you've been gone a while and its not like anybody knows why." "They don't need to know, and don't you worry your fuzzy head about it!" Alastor turns and pets husk on the head, something he absolutely hates. Husk lets out a loud growl as him and Alastor are nose to nose. The next few moments are a blur to you once husk mentions Alastor's metaphorical leash. The lights flicker, the room glitches with Alastor's power, your skin runs cold and you see the green leash snap around Husk's neck as he's thrown to the floor. "enough!" You yell, your hair standing on edge, eyes staring daggers into Alastor, your eye twitches with annoyance as you grab Alastor's arm and rip him away from Husk. "Now now sweet-" Alastor tries to calm you down, husk is shaking on the floor from the encounter. "No! This is enough Alastor, go find Charlie and Lucifer. Now!" You snap and point to where the group had gone. You never snapped at him, never even raised your voice. But right now, there was smoke coming out of your ears with how upset you were. Angry tears threatening to spill as you hold your stance. The green leash fades away and Alastor marches off without another word. "You okay?" You help Husk up who shakes you off with a tsk. "I don't need your pity, I'm fine." Husk grumbles and retreats to the bar downstairs. "Husk, please." You try and catch up with him. "What!" He turns and snaps.

"I don't need you playing the role of my parent! i can take care of myself, that's all ill ever need. Myself and what ever alcohol i can get my hands on." His voice is heavy, you know this is his mask. The one he puts on when something really bothers him and doesn't want to talk about it. You pull him into a hug and gently rub his back, you can feel his body tense, his wings are stiff before he slowly relaxes under your touch, his wings gently folding around the two of you. "I know Husker." You say gently, fingers combing his fur. "But I'm always here, you don't have to do it all on your own. I got you too. Family and losers and what not." You hum as the two of you pull away. "Yeah yeah, whatever you say." Husk smirks as he waves his hand, you know he understands what you're saying and what you mean is true, but the little bit of ego he had left doesn't let him fully show it. You and Husk reach the bar just as the building starts to shake due to some loan sharks trying to get in to look for Mimzy. The building catches fire, as they throw some Molotov cocktails through the windows. You gasp as you see some of the glass coming for you but i certain red demon pulls you from harms way. "I suppose i need to remind everyone why I'm here!" Alastor grins as he goes into his demon mode, you close your eyes, you hate seeing him in his giant demon mode. Once he's outside, you start helping Husk clean the building up.

"Darling, you alright?" Alastor comes back in to check on you

"Peachy." You snarl, still upset about earlier. Now even more upset due to Mimzy and her drama hurting the one place you loved.

Alastor straightens his suit before he forces Mimzy to leave, seeing as she was hurting the hotel and his beloved. You ignore the conversation as you sweep up glass. You feel a certain hand on your shoulder, you turn to look at Husk.

"It's okay, I shouldn't have made that comment. Don't let me get between the two of you." "I just don't like how he treats you." "Its okay, its my deal to take care of, not yours."

You let out a deflated sigh before turning to see Alastor who was waving around his cane to start fixing the hotel once again.

"Ali-" You say softly using the nickname he adored, it was simple but sounded amazing rolling off your lips.

"Yes darling?" He cuts you off as he grabs your hand and pulls you into him. You cant help but smile gently before grabbing his bowtie and yanking him down to be face to face with you.

"You ever hurt my Husky like that and i will make sure its your screams broadcasting on the radio. Understood?" You hiss and stare in his red eyes.

"Yes beloved." He nodded.

"Good." You nod back before going back to continuing to clean up the hotel lobby.

Sure life in the hotel wasn't the best, but it was your life none the less.

i hope this was good! its been a while since i wrote something!

[billybob598]

Someone Like That (Leah Williamson x Reader)

Ok, hi everyone! This is my first fic, so please give me any feedback good or bad! I'm gonna try to get another one out in a couple days as well. Enjoy!

Word Count: 1.7K (I think)

Leah watches with baited breath as you dive to stop yet another shot. She gets her head back in the game quick enough to clear the ball out of bounds. You scramble back onto your feet.

“Come on Arsenal, we have to close the ball down quicker!” Everyone just gives you a small nod in acknowledgment. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a hand reach out for a high-five. When you make eye contact with Leah she gives you a grin, you return it as you slap her hand. 

As the game against Bayern continues on, you cannot but watch in awe at everything Leah does. When she assists Frida with that cheeky chop pass you almost ran across the field to hug her. But you didn’t, mostly because that’s a long way to run for a goalkeeper. When the final whistle blows you sink to your knees with a sense of relief. 

“Oh my God, Y/N!” You look up to see Leah heading straight for you. As she opens up her arms to you, you can’t help but be mesmerised at how gorgeous she looked. Even after playing 90 minutes of gruelling football. It’s only when she gives you a concerned look that you snap back to reality and give her the hug she’s been waiting for. 

“You played amazing today, y'know,” you mumbled into her neck.

“I know,” she says with a smirk. You quickly shove her away with an unimpressed look. “Ok, ok, sorry,” Leah watches fondly as you roll your eyes at her before starting to walk around the stadium, thanking the fans. 

Katie and Jen watch the interaction shaking their heads.

“When are they going to realise they’re in love with each other?” Katie asks, slightly frustrated. Ever since you had joined Arsenal two years ago the pair of you had been crushing over each other, neither wanting to make the first move. It was actually quite annoying for the rest of the team, watching you guys dance around your feelings. Of course, there were multiple bets going on about when you were going to get together and who was going to make the first move. 

“I don’t know, they might never,” Jen says with a light shrug.

“Well, we can’t let that happen,” Jen looks at Katie, mildly surprised by her statement.

“Why not?”

“Because I’ve got 10 pounds on them getting together before the end of the season,” Katie replies. 

A couple days later, there was a team bonding night at Viv and Beth’s. You weren’t particularly fond of social interaction. It was weird, why would you go watch a movie at someone else's house and have to share snacks when you can just watch that same movie at your own place while having all the snacks to yourself? As you approach the door you hear a shout from behind you. 

“Oi! Y/L/N!” You're not surprised when you turn around to Katie jogging to catch up with you.

“What do you want?” You don’t intend to sound so annoyed but it just slips out.

“What’s got your knickers in a bunch?”

“Sorry, sorry, what’s up?” You say with a sigh.

“Actually, I think I might know why you’re so moody lately,” there’s a hint of mischief in her voice and you don’t like it at all. You gesture for her to continue as you both stop outside of the door. “Does it have anything to do with a certain English blonde who might also be the captain?” Your eyes widen as she continues speaking, “I mean everyone knows you're in love with her and that she’s in love with you so, it would really be better if you fessed up before the end of the season. For everyone.” 

“Wait, wait did you say Leah was in love with me?” 

“Yeah. It’s pretty obvious.”

“No, no way. There’s no way someone like that likes me. I mean, she’s way out of my league,” you scoff. 

Katie laughs, “Okay, Y/N, I know you don’t think very highly of yourself, but you’re actually kinda hot.” The look of bewilderment on your face has the Irish woman chuckling to herself as she knocks on the door. As it swings open you’re met with the rather grumpy looking Viv. 

“Catch yourself on, Viv, neither you or Y/N look very happy to be bonding,” Katie says, rather loudly. Viv gives you a soft smile before letting the pair of you in. 

“Not that happy to be doing this either?” Viv whispers into your ear. She gets her answer when you give her a look of “are you kidding, look at me.” 

As the night progresses, you are actually enjoying yourself. There were a lot of games and laughing. Despite this, you can’t get your previous conversation with Katie out of your head. Did Leah actually like you? Should you make a move? No, that’s a bad idea, there’s no way Leah frickin’ Williamson likes you. Because of this you expertly avoid Leah all night. The captain can’t act like this doesn’t hurt her a little bit. She tries to rack her brain about what she possibly could have done to offend you. Beth had been giving her sympathetic looks every time she tried to talk to you and you completely shut her down. Leah was starting to get angry, she hadn’t done anything. Not anything she could remember, anyways. So, as Beth started to usher people out of the house, sensing Viv’s social battery depleting, Leah watched with irritation as you got into your car and drove away. No words being spoken between you and her the entire night. She jumps when a hand lands on her shoulder, turning around to see an apologetic looking Beth behind her. 

“It’s okay Leah, maybe she just wasn’t feeling well or something,” her friend says.

“Yeah, maybe,” Leah huffs out. 

“You have to tell her about your feelings,” Beth reasons, trying her damndest to get her friend and teammate to finally tell you that she was in love with you. Walking to her car, Leah whispers to herself, “There’s no way someone like that, likes me.”

The entire drive home and the entire time she’s getting ready for bed, Leah’s thoughts are on you. Did you actually like her? Should she tell you? No, that’s a bad idea. Is it? Before she has time to second guess herself, Leah grabs her car keys and starts making the drive to your flat. It isn’t until she’s standing outside your door that she realises how terrible of an idea it actually is. She’s just about to turn and walk away, when the door opens. You look up startled by the blonde’s presence, “Leah! What are you doing here?”

Leah feels a blush creeping up her neck as she responds, “Um, I came by too, y’know, like talk or something.” Or something? God she was such an idiot sometimes. Now it’s your turn to blush as you open the door to her, motioning for her to come in. 

“S-Sure, come in,” you reply nervously. The second Leah fully enters your flat she’s engulfed by your scent. “Do you wanna sit or something?” You try your best not to stop your hand from shaking from nerves. Leah sees this and all she wanted to do was take your hand in hers and hold you until you stopped shaking. But, she couldn’t do that, not yet, not when she wasn’t sure if you were mad at her or not. The pair of you fidget nervously for a couple seconds in an awkward silence. Finally Leah breaks it,

“Are you mad at me or something?”

“What? No, why would I be?” Your confused face sets something off inside Leah.

“You didn’t speak to me at all tonight, you didn’t even want to sit beside me!” She has no idea why her voice raised so quickly, she has no idea why she’s so mad at you. The look of hurt that comes across your face makes her want to go die in a hole.You mumble something incoherent. “What did you say?” You take a deep breath before meeting her eyes. God, you could just get lost in those blue eyes forever.

“I don’t know why I was ignoring you,” You say unshakily.

“You don’t know?” Leah replies, clearly not satisfied with that answer, “You don’t know or do you not want to tell me?” The hard glare she has on her face is enough to send your eyes back down to the floor, suddenly finding the hole in your sock very interesting. “Answer me Y/N,” it sounds like a command. Then, after a beat, she uses a much softer tone, almost like she’s begging you, “Please, answer me Y/N.”

“Because…” 

“Because…?” The silence is deafening. Leah decides she has finally had enough and slowly starts to turn and walk away when you say in a very loud and clear voice,

“Because I love you for God sake! I love how much passion you have for football. I love how you and your mum are like best friends. I love how whenever there are kids around you make it your mission to play with them. I love how intense and serious you look on the pitch. I love how you are insanely clingy when you're tired or drunk. I love how your tongue always sticks out a little when you’re doing your sudoku’s. I love everything about you, big and small. Sometimes I feel like I love you more than I love myself. Because I fucking love you, Leah,” your voice gets quieter at the end of your confession. Leah freezes, not saying anything for a couple seconds. You take this as her answer, shoulders sagging as you mumble out a quiet apology. Your cheeks flushed with embarrassment. This night was officially the worst.

Just as you start to turn away Leah grabs your hand, pulling you into a searing kiss. It takes you a second to fully register what’s happening, but when you do you immediately kiss her back. After air becomes a necessity you pull away, leaning your foreheads together. 

“I love you too,” Leah whispers against your lips.

“Yeah, I think I got it,” you say with a giggle. Leah rolls her eyes and pushes you away. 

“No, no come back,” you plead with her, slowly connecting your lips as you pull her closer to you. “Do you wanna stay here tonight?” All Leah does in response is hum against your lips with a smile.

You definitely were happier than you’d been in a long time, and so was Katie a couple days later after realizing she was ten pounds richer.

[scribblesofagoonerr]

Please don't shut us out, kid.

Massive credit to @alotofpockets for the help being able to write this up as I did!!

I'm not sure if there's any needs for any warnings in the book just yet, however, if any of you guys feel like there needs to be then please let me know!

It’s been almost five days since you’ve been home after the game that left you with a devastating injury.

It’s been two since you choose to willingly not leave your bedroom.

The inside of the home that you share with your teammates, that was once filled with warmth and happiness, is now the stone cold opposite of that.

There is barely any noise from your bedroom and after several days, it was evident that it is beginning to worry both of your team mums, “I can’t take this any longer, Viv. This isn’t healthy for her to be shut up in her room like this” Beth states with a vivid worried expression painted on her face.

Viv is quick to pull the blonde back to stop her from barging into your room, “I know, but we need to give her her space, liefje” she explains to her girlfriend, “We have to wait for her to come to us, remember?” she questions.

“I just don’t like the idea of Y/N pushing us all away like this. We’ve been through this before, we know what we can do to help her” Beth points out, all she wants to do is help you and she doesn’t like the idea of you staying cooped in your bedroom like this.

“We have to give her the time to do it on her own though, we can’t just go barging in like we want too” Viv tells her girlfriend gently as she smiles, “I know you’re worried about her liefje, but if we try and push too much then it’ll only end in tears” she adds.

With the two of them hovering outside of your bedroom door, you’re able to hear the conversation loud and clear as day; You’re not sure how much more you can take off the whispers behind your back.

Struggling to get off the bed due to your injury, you somehow manage to shuffle in the direction of your bedroom door and swing it wide open, which shocks both of the older women standing in front of you, “Happy now?” You mutter loud enough for them both to hear.

“Kleintje” Viv begins to speak.

“Save it, I heard what you were saying” You scoff at the dutch woman who’s only trying to help you.

“We’re just concerned about you, kiddo. We want to help you” Beth tries her luck to explain, “We don’t like the idea of you being on your own. You remember that we went through it, don’t you? We know what we can do to help!” she insists.

“I’m fine, I don’t need nor want your help!” You snap at the blonde, hobbling past them both as you make a bee-line for the bathroom; It’s the only place that you'd willingly been in the flat, the bedroom and the bathroom.

You had completely avoided the kitchen and the living room, or any sort of conversation from either of your team mums; You didn’t want help, nor did you want sympathy from them.

You just want to be alone, it was the best thing right now.

“So, she still hasn’t come out of her bedroom, like at all?” Taking the opportunity to pop round the next day and check in on you, Leahs’ in shock when she hears that you haven’t even left your room in the past few days, “It’s been, what? Like six days now since it happened” she frowns and glances at your bedroom door that remains tightly shut.

Beth takes a sip of her coffee and shakes her head, “No, not really, although she did make a surprise appearance earlier” she remarks, sarcasm evident in her voice as she was the one to have taken most of the backlash earlier from you that day.

“Oh” Leah furrows her eyebrows’ further before she purses her lips and tries to figure out what advice to offer, “Do you want me to try and have a word? I might be able to get through to her” she suggests.

“I wouldn’t do that unless you want to be in the firing line” Laura jokes as she comes out of her bedroom and greets the blonde in a hug from where she’s standing behind her, “Hey, Le” she greets the blonde.

“Hi, buddy” Leah returns the hug with the young girl as she waits for any further explanation about your recent change of behaviour.

“She all but bit my head off when I tried to talk to her to see how she was, she hasn’t been the same since then” Laura tells the blonde.

“That doesn’t sound like Baby England” Leah frowns in concern, knowing you for the fun, carefree and loveable teenager that you are, you didn’t have anything in you to be horrible to anybody.

“She’s not herself right now, Leah” Viv exhales a sigh and shakes her head.

“I just wish there was a way we could help her, we’ve all been through it. We know exactly how much of a challenge this will be– We can help her get through this!” Beth is desperate to try and help you, despite how much you keep refusing it.

Each and every one of the girls on the team were absolutely devastated to hear the news of your ACL, the fans and the media all had their own opinions but you’d done your best to try and shut any of the outside noise out, but it was more difficult than you thought it would be.

You hated that your injury had been blown up on social media, several videos of the very single moment you went down made into edits and you really did hate that.

A time where you’re most vulnerable and your pain had been exploited like it was nothing, that made you feel a wave of anger.

So much anger is bubbling inside of you that you just didn’t know what to do with it. Your phone is still in your hand, overplaying the current video on the screen of a fan-made edit, zooming into the scene of you being carried out on that damn stretcher, the fans’ all watching is dismay as the Baby of the Arsenal team and England is taken out of action for the foreseeable future, and the only thing you can think of right now is launching that at the wall to make it all disappear.

The sudden loud bang startled the older three girls, immediately turning their attention to the direction of your bedroom.

“What was that?” Leah questions, confused.

“I… I don’t know” Beth frowns at the door and just wants to burst in your bedroom, but she knows that you need space.

“It sounds like Y/N threw something at the wall” Laura figures it out as she frowns, debating whether to go and try her luck to try and talk to you again, “I’ll go and see if she's okay” she decides to go with her instinct and check in on you.

“Laura, we need to give her space” Viv states, shaking her head.

“I know, but Beth is right, Viv. It doesn’t seem right that she’s in there shut up on her own and now if she's throwing stuff then that is worrying as well. I’ll go try and talk to her, if she bites my head off again then I’ll just come back out” Laura tells the Dutch women, making the decision to start and walk in the direction of your bedroom.

“Good luck” Beth can’t help but joke, trying to find some light humour in this.

“Y/N” Laura knocks on your bedroom door and waits a few minutes as she hears the sound of sobs. “I know you don’t want to come out and speak to us, Y/N/N, but you’re upset, so I’m coming in, okay?” she questions.

Not waiting for a response, Laura pushes the bedroom door open and walks in to the heartbreaking sight of you crumpled up on your bed, clutching a hold of your pillow while you sob into it; Your phone lay on the ground, completely smashed up.

“So, guess it was your phone that you launched then” Laura jokes as she steps in closer and leans down carefully to pick up the broken phone to inspect further, “It’s alright though, it’s just a phone. You’ll be able to get another one I’m sure” she reassures you.

“Get out! Get out!” You turn your anger in the direction of the older girl as you sneer your words venomously, “Get out of my room, Laura! Just get out!” You shout even louder.

“Y/N, I just want to… Let us help you–” Laura’s pleading words are cut short.

“No, no! I don’t care– I don’t want to hear it. Leave me alone and get the fuck out of my room!” You’ve never really been one to swear, but your only emotion is that you feel right in this moment in anger, but you really don’t mean to direct it at the older girl who you very much think of like a sister, “Seriously, Laura! Whatever bullshit you want to spew, I don’t want to hear it– Leave me the fuck alone, will you?” You snap at her.

“Y/F/N” Leah appears in the doorway of your bedroom, having heard the commotion and is in shock at the vulgar words that spill from your mouth, considering in all the time that she’s known you, not once have you swore at anybody, “Hey, Laur. Why don’t you go back out into the kitchen? I’ll have a word with Baby England here, hopefully I can have some luck, aye?” she asks, although you recognise the unimpressed look from your England captain that you’ve been under scrutiny of a fair few times before.

“Okay” Laura exhales a sigh and hands the broken phone over to the blonde, “I think I found out what the noise was. It’s gonna need to be replaced” she notes before she walks out of the bedroom.

Leah glances down at the phone and tuts while placing it on your chester drawers, “Got that angry that you broke your phone, huh? I mean I guess I had that thought once or twice before. Let me guess, it was the fan-made TikTok videos, wasn't it?” she wonders, knowingly as she moves to take a seat on your bed.

“What don’t you girls get? I want to be alone” You sneer at your blonde England captain, usually you wouldn’t think twice about that. The older girl was someone you looked up to so immensely, she’d been one of them to take you under her wing and you respected her so much, but right now you were so upset to even think different, regardless of who it was, “I just want to be alone, so why do you all insist on coming in here, saying you want to help me. I don’t need the help… I don’t want the help– I can do this on my own!” You shout loud enough for the rest of the girls to hear in the flat, hell probably even people standing outside the flat that are minding their own business.

“Right, well okay then” Leah huffs, shaking her head and for a minute there, you thought she was about to give up and walk out as well; You didn’t actually want her to go, you didn’t want none of them to go yet you were too stubborn to say that you really actually did need the help. “So, clearly the soft loving, gentle approach hasn’t been working all that great, so maybe it's time for some tough love now instead?” she questions.

You're stunned now, you didn’t expect her to bite back. You just stare at the blonde in confusion, awaiting her to further speak.

“I know you’re angry, I know you are and that’s okay, it is. We’ve all been there, every single one of us in this flat has been and is currently going through the same injury you’re facing” she pauses a moment to take a breath before she continues, “It’s okay to lash out, we all understand that but do not lash out at us, okay? We’re the ones’ willing to be here for you, we’ve been through it. We want to help you, Y/N! All four of us, we all know how much of a challenge this next 9 months is going to be emotionally, physically and mentally– You need us, you can’t go through this alone, okay? So just don’t… don’t push the people away that care about you so much” Her words should be like a wake-up call from the bitter mood you’ve been in the last six days, but you’re too stubborn to agree with her.

“You don’t know shit all about how I feel” You scoff at the older blonde.

Leah clicks her tongue at your sharp comeback, “I know more than you think I do, Y/F/N, remember that? Look you need to stop this little self-made pity party cos’ honestly you’re really just acting like a brat right now, and you’re not like that. Th... This isn’t like you at all” she takes a deep breath before she continues, “It’s okay to admit that you’re struggling, it’s okay to be vulnerable– Look back to April when I did mine, huh? You remember what I was like, the 9 months took it out of me, you physically can’t do this alone, Baby England. Don’t force yourself to be lonely in this journey, because it's’ going to be the hardest thing that you’ve ever done” she states.

You don’t have it in you to argue, you know that Leahs’ words are right, 100% right and these next 9 months are going to be tough to go through so it would be better to go through it with the support of the ones that love and care about you dearly.

You don’t bother to say anything in response as you struggle to stand up from your bed, silently agreeing with the blondes’ speech.

“Good. Right, so now that we’re in agreement of that. Will you please come out of your room and join us in the living room, instead of sulking in here on your own?” Leah questions you knowingly.

“Fine” You mumble just loud enough for her to hear.

“I’ll lead the way, shall I” Leah remarks as she turns round and heads out of your bedroom, “Look whos’ decided to join us” the smug comment slips past her lips as she gestures to you, following her out of the bedroom where’d you spent the last several days cooped up in there.

“Wow” Laura whispers to herself in shock.

You shuffle to sit on the sofa in the living room as you glance at your two team mums’ and adopted older-sister type figure, “I don’t want to hear a single word about this, not a single word. Otherwise, I’m going back into my room and I’m not coming out” You state firmly, slumping down further as you cross your arms and have a sullen expression on your face.

Beth holds her hands up in mock surrender while Viv slowly nods in agreement with what you said, they were just happy enough for you to be sitting anywhere other than your bedroom.

“Well would you look at that, auntie Le’s bit of Williamson magic did the trick after all” Leah’s just standing there with her arms crossed and a proud smirk planted on her face, taking the chance to be able to gloat to Viv and especially Beth, but more than anything being happy that you were finally not shutting any of them out.

It’s bound to be a hard 9 months but sometimes things like that are made to be easier with your loved ones around, after all the comeback is always stronger than the setback.

© scribblesofagoonerr

[wexhappyxfew]

hey shannon!!!! from prompt list 3 & the action category - “intervene” with kennedy and bucky, but kennedy is the one doing the intervening/defending him????!!! HELP - @softspeirs

KATIEEEE!!!!!! @softspeirs i am *here* i am *back* and we are here with a kennedy x bucky prompt that had me lowkey losing my mind w/this piece half-written months ago and me now just finally having the time to finish it up. the pure EXCITEMENT of this prompt with kennedy and bucky, kennedy's reactions, bucky's reactions and their dialogue....oh i was absolutely losing it. definitely one of my longer ones i think, but it came out just as i was hoping (and probably better). also the scene inspo for this hit me even before your prompt and when you sent this in - oh i was SO EXCITED. so i sincerely hope you enjoy!!! :D

flak-happy

(a/n): kennedy x bucky (pre-stalag, pre-anything-that-happened-in-the-stalag lmao). i fear we enter bucky: the definition of yearning, and kennedy: the definition of miss-repressed-emotions and oh boy does it make for the absolutely perfect combination, especially in a moment of time where things are turning rather dark and dreary and sad. oh kennedy farley you are so seen!!!! please enjoy my-return installment in the silver bullets universe!!! <3333 (he'll make it up to her, he swears)

"5-0," Kennedy said quietly, the tiny bit of newspaper in her hands something she was half-way between scorning, ripping into a million pieces, and lighting on fire, "they're trying to kill me."

"It's a baseball team, Kenny," Margie said from beside her, "the only thing actually trying to kill you are the Germans."

"But I have a helluva lot more emotional involvement to this team than the Krauts, Margie, that's the difference." Kennedy said, flipping the paper over and grumbling under her breath, "Fucking Danny Doyle - at this point, just say he's in left field 24/7, even when he's actually in left field. Can't even hit the goddamn ball."

"Okay," Vivian Ratcliff said quietly from beside Kennedy, plucking the newspaper clipping that Lieutenant Montez had gotten for her this morning from her fingers and neatly folding it up, "you need a drink. A stiff one at that." Kennedy sighed and crossed her arms between the two as they continued walking forward towards the flying club and bit back her lip.

"And I'm going to have to hear all about how the Yankees won their game," Kennedy mumbled, "please say we can open a tab?"

"Or!" Margie butted in, "Better yet, someone will already have a tab started for us." Kennedy glanced at Margie, gaze burning into the side of Vivian's head, who was currently running a hand through her short, dark curls in the hand-held mirror she was carrying with her.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Kennedy asked her and Margie chuckled.

"Ev Blakely." Margie offered with a grin, "He's always putting his ViVi on his tab."

"Oh, screw off, Margie." murmured Vivian, brushing her bangs that lay wilted against her forehead, back a bit - the entirely noticeable blush that had sprung across the waist gunners cheeks and the smile poking at her lips evidently hard to ignore.

"I am not, and I repeat, not his 'ViVi', he's just a sweet thing, a gentleman," Vivian offered with a shrug of her shoulders, wiping at a smudge of her red lipstick at the corner of her mouth gently, "honestly." Margie chuckled as Kennedy sent her a glance.

"Whatever you say, Viv, but he's a real charmer that Ev Blakely," Margie said, grinning, "especially that you're ViVi to him, hm?" A small smile quirked onto Vivian's lips as she snapped the hand-held mirror shut and slid it into her pocket and offered them a slight smile.

"Shall we head in?" she asked them with a smile and a nod before stepping inside, cheeks still flaming, "It seems like we're all in need of a stiff drink." Kennedy watched as Vivian then stepped inside, nodding and smiling to a few pilots that had stepped passed her. Slowly, Kennedy glanced towards Margie who simply smiled.

"What?" Margie said with a chuckle, "It's clear Blakely's sweet on her."

Heading inside the flying club, the atmosphere was alive with both a gentle, slow song by Ella Fitzgerald, the quiet chatter of voices still about the place and the mixture of smells which combined two of the finest things on Thorpe Abbotts - cologne and alcohol.

"Beer?" Vivian offered glancing back at both Kennedy and Margie stood in the small opening between the bar area and the dance floor.

"Yeah." Kennedy said quietly, following behind Vivian with a sparing glance towards the dance floor where Judy was, more probable, to be forcing Carrie to dance than anything it seemed.

A large group of some of the pilots had gathered in front of the wooden bar, a few backs turned their way, with a few pairs of wandering eyes meeting her own. At the moment, she made rather quick and inherent eye contact with Bucky Egan. Who was staring down Colonel Harding in front of him.

Kennedy glanced at Margie and Vivian, who sent her sparing looks as she stepped closer, curious to both listen in and figure out why the look in Bucky's eyes made her stomach twist.

"Now-now who's flak happy?' Bucky asked, leaned up against the bar, a morose look drawn on to his features, eyes peering into Colonel Harding's persistent and demanding. Kennedy stepped closer, her eyes looking to Colonel Harding's face - it was a mixture of sadness, grief and evidently being somewhat drunk, but it was somewhat a sorry sight.

"Who?" Colonel Harding seemed to challenge.

"You are." Bucky said with a nod, his eyes frozen on the Colonel's gaze. There was something slightly unsettling in that split second of time - this almost far-too-large group surrounding a somewhat bitter conversation. Flak-happy; what a word. Enough to stir thoughts of death in all of them. How much it surrounded them, consumed them. Buck's half-crescent glance towards Bucky was enough for Kennedy to catch Buck's gaze and see the unfurling repent growing.

"You are." the Colonel said firmly back.

"No, you are," Bucky said, before giving a quick tap of the back of his hand on the Colonel's front pocket, "sir."

For a moment, the low drone of the music seemed to dim to a distant hum as they all stood there, eyes darting back and forth, waiting to see the reaction of the Colonel, to someone like Bucky. Notorious for his outbursts at this point, it seemed.

Kennedy watched for a moment longer, before she bit the bullet and stepped forward, directly placing herself in front of Bucky and looking right up at the Colonel, hands placed behind her back, heart pounding in her ears, praying to God above that she didn't look a fool in this moment. Whatever conversation it had been, friendly or foe or whatever other words could've been tossed around - she was having none of it.

This was for Captain Dye, to celebrate 25 missions, for people to relax a bit. Not to think about what tomorrow or the coming days could bring.

Then, the Colonel began to laugh, eyes not fully connected to the bright laughter from his lips, reaching up to place his cigar to his alcohol-laced lips. Kennedy mimicked her best impression of a laugh that she could muster in this moment without feeling in-genuine and watched as the Colonel's eyes brightened a bit.

"Good to see you, Sergeant Farley." he said and she nodded, saluting as well.

"And you, Colonel." she said and he grinned, before turning away and pointing to the guys - 'Single fillies!' he began to yell and point, people clambering and murmuring amongst one another as the rather large group began to slowly disperse.

She watched, predictable as it was, Blakely saunter up to Viv and Margie seemed to drop to her knees immediately at the sight of a tail-wagging Meatball.

In the midst of this all, Kennedy seemed to only just remember now that she had stepped between the Colonel and Bucky in this very moment and that very same Bucky Egan was now stood just behind her.

And if anything, she knew he had a shit-eating grin on his face and would poke fun at her little heroic moment of relief. She really didn't know what had compelled her to do such a thing - to step in between people that had far higher ranking than she probably ever would. But there was something on his face, that look in his eyes. Like he was distant, in a completely different time zone and realm than where he actually was.

And she couldn't remember a time when Bucky had ever looked like that.

Kennedy found that she was bracing herself as she turned around, but by that moment, as she was turning, Bucky was already watching her. It looked like a mixture between an attempt to smile on his face, and the struggle of an onboarding cold front. And her heart sunk a bit.

Maybe she was a bit stupid for that.

They barely knew each other past their Yankees and Red Sox feud and those few times they'd had conversations together - about what, she wasn't sure - she had spent the greater part of the time noticing every bit about how his eyes lit when he laughed, the crinkle of his grin, the pure sound of his voice.

For what reason she was stockpiling those images and feelings in her brain, she'd never know.

But, standing here now, it felt completely different.

Bucky was different.

"Hi, Farley." he said, voice more exhausted sounding than intended it seemed.

"Hi." she said back, noticing their closeness to each other and the eager smell of his cologne, taking the opportunity to step back.

Then she stared at him - she had no clue what to say.

For the first time in months, she didn't have a clue what to say to him - to explain whatever that had been, to try and chalk it up.

Yeah, she had no clue.

"You alright?" she said him, before scratching the back of her neck.

"Doing the best I can, yourself?" He was bored of this conversation already, he was done with it - say something, say something. But when she took the chance to actually go to open her mouth, she noticed his eyes were far-off, looking past her shoulder.

Slowly, she took a glance and noticed all he was staring at were the people - the couples, the duos - dancing with each other. Kennedy looked back towards Bucky again and found his eyes trained on her again.

"You dance at all, Farley?" he asked her, leaning back up against the bar, the broad stretch of his shoulders enough to fill her entire birds-eye view, enough to make her cheeks tint to annoying pink.

"I regret to inform you that it is quite possibly the last thing you want me to do."

"Really?" Bucky asked with a wry chuckle, smirking at her, "Well, isn't this new. Thought Kennedy Farley was good at damn-near everything." Kennedy looked at him an tilted her head.

"Well, I don't know whether to take that as an insult or compliment, but I'm afraid that growing up my mother put me in ballet and in turned into a complete mess of me on stage - so no, I don't." she said, crossing her arms, suddenly wanting to get herself out of this conversation as quickly as possible.

"I'm intrigued," Bucky said, tilting his head slightly and nodding to her, "tell me more. Ballet, huh?"

"It was like a chicken on a balance beam, alright? I'm sure you could've done better than me-" Bucky chuckled at her mid-sentence.

"Were you really that bad?" he asked her, "I don't believe you."

"Wouldn't be the first time." she murmured and he raised a brow, "This typically would be the time where I ask the same question back, but I've seen you dance and well….clearly know you dance so…." Bucky let out a barking laugh and hung his head for a moment before looking back up at her.

"Well, Kennedy Farley, dancing is a whole lot more than just some stupid ballet classes your Mom put you in when you were a kid, alright?" he said, pushing off from the bar counter and stepping forward. Kennedy look up at him as he stepped closer and equally stepped back.

"What are you doing?" she asked him as he stepped in front of her, managing a small smile.

"Dancing." he said, "With you."

"You can't be serious-"

"Oh, I'm serious!" he said, reaching forward to take her right hand in his, adjusting his other hand to her waist. It was honestly a mixture of feelings, intoxication and his cologne that suddenly made her feel slightly insane.

"Bucky-"

"Nah, nah, you're fine, look at you," he said as they slowly started to sway back and forth, "you're a natural." Kennedy looked up at him, feeling every inch of her hand pressed into his, his other hand on her waist.

"Well, if we're doing this, then you oughta tell me what Colonel Harding was talking about when I came up to you all." she said, watching as his eyes darted to hers and his grip tightened.

"Maybe another time." he said tilting his head to the side, to which she raised a brow.

"Oh, no, no, no, I saw that look on your face-"

"Farley-"

"Major Egan." she said, pausing and looking up at him expectantly. It seemed to work. Bucky watched her, his grip tight on her hand and pouted his lips a bit.

"The war. In the air." Bucky said quietly, tilting his head to the side, "Guess you can say it's making people go crazy."

"Quite the observation." Kennedy murmured and Bucky let out a huff, "Well, why was he addressing you. I mean….sorta front and center there-"

"He thinks it's starting to get to me." Bucky said quickly, pausing as she peered up at him again, watching his eyes under the dimmed yellow lights of the flying club.

Kennedy felt her heart stammer for a moment as she looked up at Bucky - there was still that distant look in his eye, but something else that craved and yearned for touch and connection and possibly something else she couldn't quite decipher. She believed that was all anyone in this war wanted - when the battle was done, when the flight crews were back at base, sweat and grease-stained faces, eyes hazy and glazed. All people wanted was someone else to get it, to understand them and hold them and tell them that maybe things were going to be okay.

But, with Bucky, with their separation of rank and about a million other things, she quite honestly, was at a loss for words.

"You?" she instead asked quietly. Bucky watched her, face unchanged.

"Yeah." he said quietly, almost ashamed, "A trip to London would probably do me some good, don't you think?" Kennedy watched him - he wanted this. He agreed with the Colonel. Bucky wanted this.

"If that's what you want-"

"I think the Colonel was really onto something, Farley." Bucky said, stopping her mid-sentence, "Doing those missions. Over and over. I feel like I'm going crazy." Kennedy felt like she couldn't even hear the music anymore, she didn't even realize how close they were into each other's hands and arms, she didn't even realize the tick of desperation in Bucky's voice. Like he was alone in the dark, trying to grasp onto something.

"Bucky." Kennedy said quietly, watching as he sighed and shook his head, dropping her hand, removing his, rather warm, hand from her waist and stepping back.

"Sorry." Bucky said, reaching up to run a hand through his hair before turning back to the bar and finishing what was left of his drink, before looking at her again, "I shouldn't have said a damn thing. Freak you out when you're trying to relax. I'll…" Bucky watched her and sighed, before stepping around her, "I'll see you around."

Kennedy stood there, the flash of his body disappearing from in front of her, the hint of sweat, beer and cologne trailing as she turned to look over her shoulder and found him moving right out of the room.

Kennedy's heart was in her throat - a mixture of feelings of not knowing what Bucky would do next, especially being alone and if this was making her suddenly want to do anything she could to help him.

So, she did the only thing a Farley would do. She hurried after him. She kept her eye on his form as he hurried out and into the cool night air.

Stepping outside she looked over and found him stood at the edge of the road, against the lick of grass that spread between the barracks and looked towards the dark airfield.

"You know, it really isn't the nicest thing to leave a girl hanging on the dance floor," Kennedy started, walking towards him, a slight smile on her face, "especially if she just told you how much she really didn't like dancing." She tried to joke about it, but she just watched Bucky's shoulders drop the slightest bit instead as he ran his hand again over his hair to hang on his neck.

"Sorry, Farley," Bucky said quietly, "I just, I don't want to rope you into this, right now." Bucky said, motioning to himself. Kennedy raised a brow.

"Rope into what, Bucky, I'm right here." Kennedy said watching his back and crossing her arms, "Quite frankly, you just told me you think you're going crazy from it all and downed the rest of your drink. And probably are slightly buzzed. So. I will rope myself into this." Kennedy eyed the few newer airmen walking by them. "Sir." Bucky glanced over his shoulder at her and she simply stared back.

If he wanted her to be scared of this side of him, it would have to take a whole lot more for her to disappear, for her to run.

This Bucky she almost liked. Where he wasn't putting up the facade, the mask, the strong-front that showed he was fine.

Because no one was fine when their job was trying to just beat the odds and survive.

"Farley-"

"Bucky." she said and she watched as he stared at her. He grew quiet.

Slowly, she stepped closer and moved to stand there beside him. Glancing upwards, she found him, looking far off again towards the darkened tarmacs with B-17s.

There was something about standing there in damn-near total silence with him. It was so unlike any other version of the Bucky Egan she'd met, but in this moment, she hoped that this was exactly what he needed.

Someone to be there, but to stand in this silence with him.

Away from the music and the drinks and the B-17s and the bullets.

Away from it all.

All to simply realize he was alive, and on the ground and standing on his own two feet.

"To get in one of those planes again," Bucky started quietly, "I can't….it's hard. To do that. Again and again." Kennedy looked up at him, her face drawn into one of concern and worry.

"I know." she said quietly, watching his eyes as he glanced at her, "It scares me. Every time without fail. After what had happened with Birdie and then Margie those few months ago. The thought? Jesus, I didn't want to have to leave solid ground." Bucky watched her for a moment.

"You don't give off the impression that you're scared, Farley," Bucky said quietly, "always thought you were one of the strongest we got." Kennedy managed a genuine smile up at him.

"Thanks, Bucky." she said - genuinely - she figured people didn't see that often, so she could appreciate when someone like Bucky told her that. He managed a slight smile at her words.

"Would you go to London?" he asked her and she felt her face change into one of slight surprise and near-joking. She offered him a look, one where she almost burst out laughing.

"Me?" she asked him and he nodded, "No, no….probably not." She looked at him again and almost nervously laughed.

"Silver Bullets needs me. And for the moment, despite everything, I'd rather let that trip go to someone else, who needs it more." Like you, she thought quietly. She looked at him and found his face saddened a bit and offered a shoulder bump.

"Go to London. Take the trip." she said softly, "Take some time to relax." Bucky looked at her, his eyes aching to watch hers it felt as she stared at him.

In another world, she would've said she'd loved to go to London - she always heard about London as a kid; Buckingham Palace, the guards in their uniforms, the city streets, all of it. But for now, she didn't need it. She was fine.

"Well….I only asked because…" Bucky cleared his throat, "Buck sorta denied my offer and I figured, well, since you and just about everyone else also need a break, figured I'd offer to come. With me." Kennedy looked up at him, her cheeks flamed in the darkness and she hoped the fact the moon was covered by clouds, covered her obvious shyness.

"Oh." Kennedy said quietly, her eyes wanting to leave Bucky's but whole-heartedly refusing. In her mind, she told herself that he could tell something was most definitely wrong with her, with her blubbering and lack of words and shock and nervousness. But instead he offered a slight smile her way.

"I mean," she started, a small laugh escaping her lips, "you're….you're a Major, Bucky, and I'm just, I'm a Sergeant. And we're from different planes. And it'd be…I don't know, people, they'd say stuff-"

"Farley," Bucky said, "we're…..friends, ya know, it'd just be us two. As….friends." And even she wasn't convinced of his words in that moment and suddenly she felt hot all over and the thoughts in her mind were enough to force her to look away from Bucky in an instant. She looked forward again over the field of B-17s in the darkness and swallowed her shaky breaths.

"Farley, I…" Bucky started, before clearing his throat, "I just…I think I'm drunk. Just, ignore me-"

"Okay." Kennedy said quickly, looking over at him and nervously meeting his gaze with a nod, swallowing sheepishly as she looked up again to his eyes, "I-"

She really couldn't get herself to speak properly at the thought. Of Bucky. Her head felt light, her cheeks hot, her body hot, her thoughts a jumbled mess.

He was drunk, she told herself, he was drunk and wouldn't remember this and she could go back to being brazen and bold and stubborn with him.

Not this mushy, genuine and sweet part of herself that she rarely showed a soul.

Looking at Bucky, suddenly her mind went into a frenzy at the thought of the two of them, in a room together, in London - how awkward it would be!

She'd take the bed closest to the window, he'd take the one closest to the door and she'd have to hear his every breath as he fell asleep and his snores through the night.

And she'd have to wake up and he'd see her exhausted and barely awake and exceptionally grumpy.

And then he'd say something about how she reminds him of the pigeons on the streets in the city and she'd launch her shoe at him.

And then she'd feel embarrassed having to get ready and knowing he's right in the other room.

And - no, it was too much. Because what if they just happened to ignore it all and she allowed herself to feel these feelings that made her feel sick to her stomach - no. She looked away from him and suddenly wanted to be alone.

No, let him go to London - get the drinks, get the girls, and she'll keep her mouth shut.

Because he was right - they were just two people, barely even friends, who happened to know each other and have strong opinions about baseball. No, she wasn't going to say a thing.

"I'll make it up to you then someday, Farley - the dancing," Bucky said before patting her shoulder gently and letting out a low whistle, "I'm off to barracks. Figured I need to shut up before I keep letting my mouth yap, ya know?" Kennedy slowly looked over at him, sticking his hands in his pockets and giving her a wide smile - one between a forced and slightly buzzed grin and a genuine one.

"I'll let you know how London is, okay?" he said and she nodded, tying herself directly to where she was standing so she wouldn't convince herself to follow him again.

"Okay." she said and he smiled wider and then mock-saluted to her before turning away.

"I'll be seeing you, Farley." he said and as he staggered down the path, her own heart thumping inside her chest she shut her eyes and let out a breath before crossing her arms tighter across her chest.

She couldn't have said anything better? Come up with better words? A better send-off and good-bye? Should she have taken the offer?

No, no, no, no. Nope.

And with that, Kennedy turned and moved right back into the flying club and ordered as strong a drink she could get at this time of night.

[chaifootsteps]

I don't blame anyone for hating what they did with Stolas in Murder Family given how long a shadow it cast over the show

what I will say is that I still thought they had the chance to do something interesting with his character even if I wasn't really convinced Stol1tz was something they could make happen and still have it make sense (and sure enough they haven't, they just keep being like '5 second hint there's a connection and Stolas has a redeeming feature that Blitzo would like, actually!')

but for me the line where I was just like 'nope, there is no way you can still pull a good character out of this mess' was Apology Tour

Stolas is awful all episode long in AT, but for me the nadir was him claiming Blitzo couldn't be bothered to come help him.

I just couldn't believe the episode would have him act like Blitzo never told him he was taking his daughter to the doctor and that he never sent M&M to help him, risking their lives to do so. It isn't just that Stolas is being petty in this moment it's that the script acts like he just doesn't remember or care about either of these things. It's ripped straight from the script of an abuser - the ungratefulness, the pathological lack of empathy for someone else's child, the entitlement over their time, the treating of their employees as objects to save him without acknowledging their existence or help. It's way worse than a lack of self-awareness but that's all Viv thinks is the problem with Stolas, apparently

But the episode frames it like Blitzo should still apologize for hurting his feelings by snapping at him the previous night and is unsubtle as possible that the audience is supposed to think he missed out on the love of his life.

To me that was it. There's just no saving a character when the disconnect between who they are and what the writers think they're doing with him is that big

There really isn't. There have been multiple windows to fix everything that's wrong with Stolas, and everything that's wrong with Stolitz, but instead Viv slammed that window shut in Apology Tour when she wrote him as smug, manipulative, and cruel as he's been since Murder Family.