#megan rapinoe cringe

[anewsbuddy]

Megan Rapinoe's retirement? What we know about USWNT star's future

Megan Rapinoe will retire from international competition after the 2023 World Cup. Earlier this month, the 38-year-old American said she would be hanging up her cleats after the 2023 NWSL season. It will be the end of an incredible career for Rapinoe, who helped the U.S. Women’s National Team win two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal. Throughout her career, Rapinoe has been a vocal supporter…

[gamergirl929]

It's Gonne Be Me, You, and The Dance Floor (Kristie Mewis x Reader)

You never expect for Megan Rapinoe's retirment party to be as wild as it currently was, but here you were, surrounded by drunk current and former USWNT Players, with a healthy dose of WNBA and NWSL players sprinkled in. Unfortunately for you, a drunk Emily Sonnett decides to drag you onto the dance floor, despite that fact you weren't much of a dancer. Eventually, she's whisked away by Lindsey Horan, the woman knowing full well you weren't the dancing type. However, before you can making your escape from the dance floor, you turn, walking smack dab into Kristie Mewis.

Anonymous Request: Kristie Mewis/G!P Reader, finding a somewhat private place at a party to fuck.

“Hey.” You jump, pulled from your thoughts by a pat on the back from Emily Sonnett, the blonde grinning.  

“Get out of your head, come on, have some fun!” She says as she motions to the party going on around you.  

Retirement wasn’t something you’d expected to party about, but when Megan Rapinoe announced her retirement, the team knew they had to throw a party for the USWNT veteran.  

You didn’t realize that party would mean renting out an entire club for the night, with a completely open bar and a DJ.  

A number of retired players had flown out to join in on the festivities, as well as a number of Megan’s NWSL teammates from OL Reign. 

Her wife, Sue Bird, and some of her Seattle Storm teammates also made an appearance, refusing to miss the retirement party of Sue’s significant other, who they all adored. 

You sigh deeply, downing the entire glass of liquor in your hand, earning a pat on the back from Emily.  

“Atta girl! Now get out there, let’s dance!” She yells, dragging you out on the dance floor.  

You weren’t much of a dancer, but Emily had grabbed your arms anyway, swinging them around dramatically.  

Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Lindsey making her way towards you, pulling Emily into a headlock.  

“What are you doing...?” She asks and Emily grins.  

“Having fun with Y/N!” Her grin widens, the Gotham FC player visibly drunk.  

You chuckle, about to turn and make your way off the dance floor, that is until you run smack dab into Kristie Mewis.  

You couldn’t lie, you’d honestly been in love with Kristie Mewis since the moment you laid eyes on her.  

You knew deep down that you’d never have a chance with her, but a girl can dream, can’t she? 

“Hey!” She beams, peering around you, snorting when she sees Emily wobbling as she attempts to dance with Lindsey.  

“Someone’s drunk.” She giggles and you laugh, glancing over your shoulder at Emily who’s doing, what she thinks, is dancing.  

You shake your head, turning back to Kristie, your eyes widening when you see the soft smile she’s sending you.  

“What?” You ask, your cheeks flushing when she takes a step towards you, the two of you almost chest to chest.  

“Do you want to dance?” She asks confidently, your eyes widening.  

“U-U-Uh, s-sure, b-but I’m not the best dancer.” You cringe and Kristie hums, placing her hands on your shoulders.  

"You’ll get the hang of it.” She winks and you swallow hard, giving her a less than confident nod.  

She weaves through the crowd, pulling you to the middle of the dance floor.  

“Come here.” She says, pulling you in, your fronts now together.  

You knew you were blushing, the tips of your ears burning as she pulled you closer.  

Unexpectedly, her hands run from your shoulders down to your chest, her thumbs caressing your collar bone, her blue orbs glassy, but not from the effects of alcohol.  

“Kris?” You say, pulling the woman out of whatever trance she was in, her cheeks dusted pink.  

“S-Sorry.” She stutters, glancing away bashfully before clearing her throat.  

“If you aren’t comfortable, you don’t have to dance with me.” She smiles and you shake your head.  

“I-I mean, I can try...?” You shrug, her smile splitting into a grin.  

“Follow my lead?” She says, holding her hands out and you nod.  

The music booms loudly as Kristie starts to sway, the woman nodding in encouragement when you follow her movements,  

She takes a step closer, her body flush with your own, her nose nearly brushing yours.  

Her fingers knit behind your neck as her hips move, her lower half brushing yours repeatedly.  

You breathe one another’s air as your hips rock, her tongue slipping between the tight line formed by her lips as she grinds harder into you.  

Her hands roam your body before settling on your waist, pulling you closer, your lower halves now flush.  

“Shit.” You say, the curse indivertibly slipping past your lips.  

You didn’t have time to be embarrassed, not when Kristie’s lips skirted along the underside of your jaw.  

You’re unable to stop yourself from gasping when you feel her press a kiss to your pulse point, her tongue taking a swipe at your tan skin.  

You’re not sure what possess you, but your hands leave her waist, and instead slip around her, settling on her jean short, covered ass.  

She whimpers as you pull her impossibly closer, the two of you now grinding feverishly against one another, which goes unnoticed by the bodies dancing around you considering many are doing the same.  

You realize far too late that you were getting hard, the protrusion in your pants growing hard with each roll of Kristie’s hips.  

Kristie’s breath hitches, her body stilling when she realizes what exactly she’s grinding against.  

Your cheeks were flushed a deep shade of red as you take a step back, the blonde now able to see the outline of your cock beneath your jeans.  

“I-I-I'm sorry.” You stutter, preparing to bolt, but Kristie stops you, her fingers tangling in your belt loops as she pulls you back against her, your erection now pressed against her.  

“Do you want to stop...?” She asks, rolling her hips again to gauge your reaction, the woman smirking when your eyes slam shut, your bottom lip trapped between your teeth.  

“I-I-I...” You fall silent, wrapping your arms around her as she grinds against your now rock-hard member.  

“Tell me.” She purrs, unable to stop herself from gasping when you whimper in her ear.  

“Do-Don’t stop.” You beg, the woman smirking against your neck.  

Your hips rock, the woman pressed against you soaked beyond belief.  

She’d wanted you for so long, asking you to dance had been spur of the moment, but now she couldn’t have been happier, the woman smiling against your neck as you moaned in her ear, the blonde rocking her hips against your member.  

She moans against your neck, the sound making you growl.  

“F-Fuck.” You stutter, giving Kristie’s sides a squeeze.  

“I-If we don’t stop...” You sigh, your brows knitted in pleasure, the woman in your arms giggling against your neck.  

“If we don’t stop, what?” She asks innocently, using her hips to rock harder against you.  

You duck down, panting in the woman's ear as you attempt to gather your thoughts.  

“I think you know what.” You say, whining when she winks, knitting her fingers behind your neck as she pulls you in, her nose brushing yours.  

“Are you gonna come...?” She asks, and you nod rapidly, grunting as her hips swivel.  

“Well...?” She says, your brows furrowing in confusion, that is until her hand slithers between your bodies, the woman palming the appendage between your legs.  

She hugs you tight, keeping you upright as she strokes you rapidly, getting you off in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by your drunk teammates.  

She places a hand behind your neck and pulls you in, your hot breath puffing against her ear, soft whimper and whines passing through your lips, the sounds making her even wetter than she already was.  

“Why don’t you come for me?” She asks, watching your face contort in pleasure, your body stiffening before you groan against her neck, her hold on you tightening as you shudder, your pants filled with your release.  

Kristie continues to stroke you, only stopping when you grab her wrist, unable to take any more.  

You pant against her shoulder, the woman kissing the curve of your jaw over and over again.  

“How was that...?” She asks, smirking when her blue orbs lock with your glassy Y/E/C orbs.  

“Fucking great, even if I didn't expect it...” You say as you attempt to catch your breath, the blonde giggling.  

You lick your lips, leaning in, your lips nearly touching.  

“What I do know is I want to return the favor...” You rasp, the sound of your voice making her clit throb.  

You nod your head off the dance floor, weaving through the dancing bodies until you break free of the crowd.  

You scan the club, smirking when you spot a nearby bathroom door, the sign on its front signaling to the other patrons that it was out of order.  

Kristie is unable to stop herself from laughing when you drag her inside, her back resting the closed door.  

Your palms rest on either side of her head, the blonde grinning.  

“Do you want this...?” You ask, worried she may push you away, even after what happened on the dance floor.  

She cups your cheeks, pulling you in and slamming her lips against yours.  

It doesn’t take long at all for the kisses to heat up, your tongue swiping against Kristie’s, the woman moaning into your mouth.  

Your hands slide off the door, finding their way onto her chest, the woman whimpering when you knead her breasts.  

“Y/N...” She moans, holding her arms up, a sign to you that she wanted the shirt hugging her upper half off.  

You pull the shirt up over her head, and toss it on the floor, your Y/E/C orbs taking in the now visible flesh that had been hidden beneath her shirt.  

Kristie tilts her head back, her lips parted in a silent gasp when you caress her breasts through her bra, her nipples visible through the material.  

She whimpers when your lips leave hers, trailing down her neck until you reach her breasts, your lips wrapping around one of her erect nipples.  

Her fingers tangle in your hair as you lavish her breasts with attention before turning to the opposite, playfully nipping at her pebbled nipple.  

Your hands continue their descent, your fingers tangling in the belt loops of Kristie’s shorts, her eyes flashing open to reveal her blue orbs, darkened with arousal.  

Slowly, you unzip the zipper of her shorts, giving them a tug, the blonde nodding immediately.  

You kneel down, pulling her shorts, as well as her ruined panties down her legs, the woman kicking them off, the clothes joining those already on the floor.  

You were painfully hard, but you wanted to give Kristie the attention she’d given you, you wanted to watch her come undone in your arms.  

Kristie’s breath hitches as you sink to your knees in front of her, pressing tender kisses to her inner thighs.  

She whimpers when you give her inner thigh a gentle nip, her fingers tangling in your hair as she pulls you where she needs you the most.  

At the first tentative lick to her core, she moans, leaning her head back roughly against the bathroom door.  

Your tongue traces her slit before it’s making contact with her clit.  

“Fuck.” She sighs as your tongue works between her legs, dipping into her entrance before running along her slit and flicking against her pulsing clit again.  

Kristie whimpers and whines loudly, her thighs already starting to quake around your head.  

You knew she was worked up, especially after what happened on the dance floor, you knew she was just as turned on as you were, which meant it wouldn’t take her long to orgasm.  

In all honesty, you wish she wouldn’t come, which meant you’d never have to be anywhere else other than between her legs, her taste and smell intoxicating.  

You wrap your lips around the tiny bundle of nerves, giving it a soft suckle, the woman crying out, her grip tightening on your hair.  

“Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.” She begs as you lick her wildly, the woman unable to keep her hips still.  

Moments later she cries out, the sound thankfully covered by that of the booming music in the club.  

Her essence coats your tongue as you lick her clean, the woman’s thighs twitching as you place a kiss to her clit before moving to your feet, your lips wet with her slick.  

She pants heavily cupping your cheeks and pulling you into a kiss, the kiss softer than before, but more intimate considering you had the taste of her on your lips.  

Your tongues slowly meet, the two of you sighing deeply as you kiss lazily.  

Kristie pulls back, her forehead resting against yours, her blue orbs raking down your front, smirking when she realizes you’re hard again.  

Your brows knit when her hand slithers between you, her palm settling on the bulge in your pants, your front already damp from your earlier release.  

“Maybe we should take care of that?” She says seductively, your eyes raking down her front, settling on her bare core.  

“I know one way to take care of it.” You smirk, Kristie’s throat bobbing as you slowly reach for your jeans’ button.  

Kristie catches your wrist, your eyes widening when she chooses to pop the button of your jeans and grab your zipper, tugging it downwards slowly.  

In a blink, your pants are on the floor around your ankles, your boxers the only thing covering your lower half, the size of your member now visible.  

“Fuck.” Kristie whispers, backing you up against the opposite wall, the woman pulling your shirt over your head and tossing it to the floor.  

Her hands run from your shoulders down your chest, pausing to squeeze your breasts before her hands splay on your visible, muscular stomach.  

“Damn.” She whispers, prodding your hard muscles.  

She leans in, pressing her lips against yours, the kiss tender, distracting you from the fact that she was tugging down your boxers, that is until your erection springs free.  

You glance down at your erection, your brows arching when you see Kristie gazing at it before running a fingertip along the underside of your cock.  

You lean back heavily against the wall, your eyes fluttering shut.  

“I want to feel you inside me.” Kristie confesses, your eyes flashing open, meeting Kristie’s shining blues.  

“A-Are you sure...?” You whisper, the woman nodding with no sense of hesitation.  

Your hand drops to your already throbbing member, giving it a few pumps, the sounds you're making, makes Kristie shudder.  

Much to her surprise, you take charge, flipping your positions, the woman’s back now pressing against the cold tile wall.  

You turn your attention back to your member, Kristie sighing when you run your head through her lower lips, stopping to rub it against her clit.  

“Shit.” She sighs, her brows furrowing as you teasingly spread her opening with your tip before pulling away.  

“Don’t tease.” She whines, her bottom lip jutted out in a pout.  

She wanted you, and she wanted you bad, something that made you whimper, her eyes flashing open, locking with your Y/E/C orbs.  

You lick your lips lining yourself up with her entrance, the blonde nodding rapidly when you give her a questioning look.  

You slowly slip into her, your head slipping in slowly, the woman whining loudly.  

“Fuck.” She whimpers, as you slowly slip inside her until you’re completely sheathed, her walls wet and warm, welcoming your invasion.  

You remain still, lightly kissing her neck, letting her get acclimated to the stretch before you light thrust your hips.  

“O-Oh.” She sighs, lifting one leg upward, curling it around your waist, gripping your shoulders tightly.  

You put a bit more power behind your next thrust, earning a throaty moan in return, her walls fluttering around you.  

You quickly establish a rhythm, your thighs slapping together as you pound into the woman.  

“Fuck, Y/N...” She sighs, gasping when you lift her into the air and press her back against the wall, her legs wrapping around your middle as you reposition yourself and slip back inside her.  

“Oh, Jesus Christ.” She sighs as you start thrusting upwards, the woman getting wetter and wetter with each thrust.  

She uses your shoulders as leverage, bouncing along with your thrusts, her lips parted as a wide array of sounds pass from her open mouth, a mixture of whines, whimpers, groans and moans. 

Your muscles start to contract, your breathing quickening with each thrust, your orgasm impending.   

“I-I’m so close.” Kristie says in between gasps, her walls fluttering around you.  

“I-I’m gonna-- 

You go silent, groaning loudly against her neck as you stiffen, your thrusts slowing as you orgasm, your thighs quaking as you fill her with your release.  

Kristie comes with a cry, her walls clamping down around you, milking more of your seed out of your softening cock. 

Her nails dig ridges in your back as she trembles in your arms, the feel of her climaxing in your arms bringing you a sense of pleasure you never thought you’d feel.  

Your thrusts slow, the woman panting heavily in your arms as you lazily kiss her neck, helping her through her orgasm.  

She leans in, kissing your lips softly, your now flaccid member still inside her as you kiss tenderly.  

You part, Kristie’s hands on your shoulders as her chest rises and falls rapidly.  

“Well...” She says, giggling as she scrapes her nails against the nape of your neck.  

“I didn’t expect that to happen.” She chuckles and you shake your head, your lips splitting in a grin.  

“Me either.” You smile softly, bashful even though you were currently still inside the woman.  

She hums, leaning in to press another kiss to your lips.  

“What do you say, we take this back to the hotel?” She asks with a seductive smirk, your lips splitting in a grin.  

“I was kind of worried you’d want to pretend like this didn’t happen.” You mumble insecurely, the woman in your arms smiling as she tilts your chin up with her index finger, her sparkling blues meeting your Y/E/C’s.  

“I’ve kind of been wanting to do this for a long time.” She confesses, her cheeks dusted pink.  

Your brows arch.  

“Really now?” You ask and she nods, smiling against your lips when your lips meet again.  

“Still want to take this back to the hotel?” She asks and you smirk.  

“Absolutely.”  

Eventually, the two of you exit the bathroom, fully clothed, your hand in Kristie’s as she drags you out of the club, a slurring Emily Sonnett yelling from across the club.  

“GET IT Y/N!” She hiccups and you snort, Kristie giggling as she squeezes your hand, the two of you eager to continue where you left off at the hotel.  

In that moment, you were incredibly thankful that a drunk Emily Sonnett dragged you onto the dance floor.  

[bamagirl777]

TWIN TALK: CRINGE!! Hypocrite, Megan Rapinoe, is sponsored by anti gay g...

[female-buckets]

Diana Taurasi: "Russia loves gay people!"

Translation: "I was gay and in love in Russia once..."

[hobinharryheath]

🗣Ok but hear me out‼️ Re-inc anorak jackets 😏😏

[wadingincranberries]

At a Q&A with Sue Bird

Someone just had to ask if she's read fanfiction...why'd you have to make it weird

[4stars-uswnt]

Love Heals All Wounds (and Embraces Scars) [Binoe x Daughter!Reader]

requested by anon: Could you do something with binoe the first time they have to pick their teenage daughter up from school because she’s sick?

warnings: mention of surgery and scars

A/N: congrats to the Storm on winning the WNBA championship!! and SBird for her FOURTH **insert goat emoji**

“Megan!” Vlatko calls from across the field, waving the forward over to the sidelines.

Megan passes the ball back to Tobin, abandoning the drill and making her way over to her coach.

“What’s up, coach?”

“Sue’s been trying to reach you for the past ten minutes. Here, she called me.” He holds out his phone, which Megan takes and puts up to her ear.

“Sue? What’s wrong?”

“It’s (Y/N). The school called and said she wasn’t feeling good. They took her to the nurse’s office, but apparently she’s writhing in pain. I’m on my way to pick her up right now. Do you think you can get out of practice and meet us at home?” Sue explains, worry evident in her voice.

You had been adopted by Sue and Megan when you were 14 years old, after they found you living on the streets. You didn’t have the best childhood, bouncing around to different foster homes and group homes, eventually running away to fend for yourself, which is where your moms found you. Although you are now 16, your moms still see you as their baby, and therefore are very overprotective of you.  

“Oh my gosh. I’ll be right there.” Megan quickly hangs up the phone, handing it back to Vlatko. “Coach, I really need to go. It’s (Y/N). She’s really sick, and Sue’s going to pick her up from school.”

“Of course, go.” Vlatko nods, knowing how much you meant to the forward, having met you on many occasions.

Megan rushes back to the locker room, gathers her things, and runs to her car. Thank goodness camp was in Seattle. As she drives on the highway, breaking a few speed limits, her phone rings.

“Babe, I’m on my way to the school right now.”

“Change of plans.” Sue tells her girlfriend. “They had to take her to the hospital. They think it’s appendicitis.”

Megan feels her heart drop, and she clenches the steering wheel. “Okay. I’ll meet you at Virginia. I love you.”

“I love you, too. See you soon.” Sue responds, ending the call.

After winding through traffic and speeding through yellow lights, Megan finally arrives at the hospital. Running through the doors, she approaches the reception desk.

“Hi, excuse me. I’m looking for (Y/N) Bird-Rapinoe.”

The receptionist scans the computer and then glances up, an apologetic look written across her face. “I’m sorry, but she’s in surgery right now.”  

“Okay, can you at least tell me what room she’ll be in? Or where I can wait for her?” Megan anxiously taps her fingers on the counter.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I don’t have that information.”

Megan could feel herself becoming impatient. “But——”

“Megan!” Sue calls from down the hall, spotting her girlfriend. The pink-haired woman speed walks towards where Sue is sitting.

“Sue, what’s happening? They wouldn’t tell me anything, except for that (Y/N)’s in surgery.” Megan nervously runs her hand through her hair, as she takes a seat next to the other woman.

“Her appendix is extremely swollen, so they’re removing it and getting rid of any possible infections.” Sue grabs Megan’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

“My poor baby.” Megan pouts, leaning her head on the basketball player’s shoulder.

Sue wraps her arm around her girlfriend. “She’s a strong one. She’s a Bird-Rapinoe after all.”

At that, Megan lets out a little chuckle, smirking. “That she is.”

—————

“Excuse me. Are you the parents of (Y/N) Bird-Rapinoe?” The surgeon approaches the two women in the waiting area.

“Yes, we are.” Sue confirms, while Megan nods her head.

“The operation went smoothly, and your daughter is going to be okay. She’s just got out of surgery, so she’s still asleep, but I can take you to her room, if you’d like.”

“Yes. Thank you.” Both Megan and Sue let out a sigh of relief and stand up to follow the doctor to your room.

He opens the door for your moms, allowing them to enter. “I’ll give you some time with her, and I’ll come back a little later once she’s awake to review the recovery process. She should be waking up soon.”

Megan and Sue thank the doctor and take their places on either side of your bed.

“She gave us a real scare, didn’t she?” Megan huffs.

“(Y/N)’s always keeping us on our toes, that’s for sure.” Sue chuckles.

You had always been independent, given your childhood, so adjusting to having parents was a little difficult for you. It took you some time to abide by their rules, learn to communicate with your moms, and eventually open up and be comfortable with them. Not only that, but naturally, you were an outgoing teenager, constantly trying to new things, which would often lead to a worried Megan and a nervous Sue. Your moms were still recovering from the time you did a Sam-Kerr-esque goal celebration, landing a successful backflip after you scored a hat trick.

“Moms?” You croaked, moving to sit up.

“Don’t try and sit up, (Y/N/N).” Sue gently guides you back onto your pillow.

“Here, kiddo, have some water.” Megan hands you a cup. You take a couple of gulps, soothing your sore throat.

“What happened?” You furrow your eyebrows. “The last thing I remember is being at school, and my stomach wasn’t feeling well, so they took me to the nurse’s office.”

Sue takes your hand in hers, soothingly rubbing circles on the back of your hand. “You had appendicitis, honey, so they had to remove it.”

“You mean I had to have surgery?” You cringe at the thought of another scar.

“Yeah, kiddo.” Megan gives you a sympathetic look, taking your other hand.

“Ugh.” You groan, throwing your head back into the pillow. “Just what I needed, another scar. They’re so ugly.” You mumble out the last part, squeezing your eyes shut, willing away your tears.

Sue caresses your cheek and wipes the tears that leaked down your face. “Honey, look at me.”

You sniffle and face your mom.

“(Y/N), your scars aren’t ugly. They are beautiful.” She whispers. You go to protest, but Sue gives you a stern look, one you’re all too familiar with. “They tell your story and show how strong you are. They remind you of how strong you are and all of the times that life tried to break you down but failed.”

By now, you and both of your moms are smiling with misty eyes.

“I guess so.” You mutter. “I love you, mom.”

“I love you too, sweetie.” Sue leans down to place a soft kiss to your forehead.

“Hey! What about me?” Megan teases.

“Of course.” You roll your eyes, a grin playing across your face. Your face softens, as you speak earnestly. “I love you.”

Megan gives you soft smile and leans down to give you a hug without hurting you. “I love you too.” She whispers in your ear.

A knock on the door interrupts the sentimental moment, and your doctor enters the room.

“I hope I’m not intruding, but seeing that you’re now awake, I thought I’d go over your procedure and your recovery process with you.”

“Sure.” You nod.

He explains the surgery he performed and the timeline and procedures of your recovery. He then looks to your moms, explaining what they should do about your bandages as well as the technicalities of insurance and all that boring stuff.

“Any questions?” He concludes.

“Yeah, how long do I have to stay here?” You ask.

“(Y/N)!” Sue exclaims.

“What?” You turn to your mom, confused.

“You literally just got out of surgery.” She exasperates, causing the doctor to chuckle.

“We’d like to keep you here overnight for observation, if that’s alright with you?”

“That’s perfect.” Megan confirms, as you grumble under your breath.

“Alright, some nurses will come change your bandages, and I’ll be back in a few hours to check up on you.” He says, as he heads to the door.

“Thank you, doctor.” Sue calls out after him.

“Why do I have to stay here?” You whine. “I feel fine.”

Megan raises her eyebrows at you, amused. “Really?”

You nod your head.

“Okay, then try sitting up.”

Determined to prove your moms wrong, you move to sit up, but immediately wince at the pain in your side. Laying back down, you let out a frustrated groan.

“Ha. That’s what I thought.” Megan boasts, as she pulls your blankets back on top of you.

You feel your eyes starting to get heavy, your medication kicking in once again.

“(Y/N/N), go to sleep.” Sue gently coaxes.

“But I wanna be with you guys.”

Your moms’ hearts melt at your words, and the two women share a smile.

“We’ll be here when you wake up.” Megan reassures.

“You promise?” You mumble drowsily, your eyes fully closed at this point.

“We promise. Now sleep, honey.” Sue squeezes your hand.

“Love you guys.” You whisper before completely falling asleep.

“We love you too, (Y/N).”

[snowshoe1980]

That was cringe worthy.... like WTF?

[socksnstuff00]

Rapinoe haters are cringe. Let her be

haha leave megan alone!

[gamergirl929]

I Think I Love You (Christen Press x Reader)

Heiress Y/N Y/L/N just inherited Y/L/N Enterprise a company known for its misogyny, can she mend the bridges her father burned with the USWNT, AND possibly find love along the way?

I mean, who doesn’t love the Enemies to Lovers trope? 

I really owe @wonder-kid-pugh​ for this one, for giving me ideas and letting me bounce them off of her, thank you so much, love! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

You drummed your fingers on your father’s old desk, your eyes darting around the sparse, dimly lit office.  

With your father’s passing, it was up to you to carry on the family name, and that meant, taking on the family business, a business with not the greatest reputation, especially when it came to women.  

Under you, that was going to change, and you would make sure of it.  

                                                          ***

“Did you see our biggest fan died?” Kelley asks the team with an eye roll, the defender holding up her phone.  

Millionaire found dead in home after suffering heart attack.  

Megan swipes Kelley’s phone.  

“Isn’t this the guy who said he wasn’t going to sponsor re-inc because women can’t run a successful business?” Megan holds the phone out to Christen who nods.  

“That’s him.”  

Kelley snorts.  

“Well, he probably wouldn’t be ecstatic about who took over the family business then.”  

Christen turns to the defender with an arched brow.  

“Who?” She asks and Kelley smirks.  

“His daughter.”  

                                                          ***

You shake your head as you storm through the building towards your office, leaving the conference room full of ignorant men, who expected the business to in no way change, behind.  

You give the tie around your neck a tug.  

How could a group of men be so utterly ignorant?

You run a hand down your face, turning towards your ringing phone, a phone that hadn’t stopped ringing since you became head of the company.  

You take a deep breath, tapping one of the red flashing buttons on your phone before bringing the receiver to your ear.  

“This is Y/N.” You say, your eyes darting around the room.  

You tune out when your eyes dart to a nearby newspaper, a newspaper announcing the transfer of Christen Press to Angel City.  

A small smile stretches across your face before it shifts into a frown, the memory of your father ranting and raving about the USWNT and their fight for equal pay, and how the company ran by Megan Rapinoe, Megan Klingenberg, Tobin Heath and Christen Press had the audacity to ask him to sponsor them.  

You take a deep breath before you find yourself again smiling.

You had an idea.  

“Ms. Y/L/N?” You hear a voice say through the receiver and you cringe, having heard nothing the person on the other side of the line had said.  

“I’m going to need to call you back.”  

                                                          ***

You didn’t expect your presence to be well received by the team, especially when your father had told the media that you thought their fight for Equal Pay was, and he quoted, ‘bullshit’, but of course, he’d taken it out of context, purposely of course to fit his narrative.

The second you’re spotted by Tobin Heath, each and every player on the USWNT sends you a glare, the hairs on your arms standing up under their cold gazes.  

You take a deep breath.  

You didn’t expect reaching out to the team to be easy, especially after what your father had said that you’d said.  

You rub the back of your neck nervously, catching Christen’s green orbs on you, her eyes narrowed.  

“Oh boy.”

                                                          ***

As to be expected, your picture was plastered all over social media the second you were noticed.

No one expected the CEO of Y/L/N Enterprises to show her face at a USWNT game, especially after the comments that came to light, comments that you hadn’t even made.  

You cross your arms across your chest, quickly realizing that more eyes were on you than on the game.  

You didn’t mind, you wanted the exposure, you wanted to prove that you were nothing like your father.  

You knew it would take time, but you were dead-set on the world realizing that Y/N Y/L/N was more than just her father’s daughter.  

You’re pulled from your thoughts by the fan’s cheers, the ball smacking the back of the net, slipping right passed the English goal keeper.  

You clap, whooping loudly, those closest to you looking your way in confusion.  

Christen picks her head up, her brows arching when she sees you celebrating her goal.  

She gives her head a shake, her nostrils flaring.  

You weren’t about to put a show on for the cameras, not at the expense of her, or her team.

                                                          ***

You release a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding after the final whistle blows, the score 3-2, with the USWNT coming out on top.  

You rub your palms together, your hands running down the front of your white-pressed button up.  

You were incredibly nervous, how could you not be when you were about to approach a team who was convinced you hated them and who, by the glares they were shooting your way, hated you?

You glance around at the many fans looking your way.  

In reality you hadn’t really thought out how you would meet the team, let alone what you were going to say to them.  

“Perhaps a more private setting is in order.” You mumble to yourself, turning on your heels an ascending the bleachers, the glares thrown your way burning holes in your back.

                                                          ***

It took a lot longer than you expected for the USWNT to get to the hotel they were staying at, but over a half hour later they come filing into the lobby.  

You wet your lips before making your way towards them, the entire team zeroing in on you, a number of them scowling.  

“Uhh, h-hi, I’d like to introduce myself, I’m-

“We know who you are.” Kelley bites and your eyes widen, your cheeks reddening under her glare.  

“I just wanted to say congrats on the win and, uhhhh...”

“Look, you don’t have to pretend to be nice to us, we ALL know how you really feel.” Christen steps towards you, and your mouth drops open.  

“I’m not pretending.” You frown, and she scoffs, stepping even closer to you, the two of you now nose to nose.  

“I’m not about to let you put on a show at the expense of me and my teammates.” She growls and you swallow hard.  

“I’m-

“Save it, and stay away from us.” She growls before turning on her heels and stomping off, her teammates following close behind.  

Your gaze falls to your shoes, a massive frown on your face.

You pick your head up, watching as the team disappears from the lobby and out of sight.  

You give your head a shake, a smirk stretching across your face.  

You weren’t the type to give up that easily, and you didn’t plan on doing that now.

                                                          ***

After that you made your presence known at the remainder of the friendlies, standing amongst the crowd, refusing to instead stand up in a secluded box away from the fans, you WERE a fan after all.  

You presence was not only at USWNT, but at Angel City games as well.  

Christen takes a deep breath, her eyes narrowing when she spots you in the stands, donned in an Angel City Jersey.  

She had no idea why you were being so persistent, it was obvious to her that you were only focused on improving your own image by extending a mock olive branch out to not only her, but the USWNT as well.  

Her brows furrow when a little girl makes her way towards you, taking your hand and giving it a tug.  

The wrinkle between her brows only grows when you make your way towards a section full of kids, all wearing Angel City Jerseys, quite a few of them wearing her number.  

You ruffle the hair of the little girl sitting beside you and Christen’s brows arch, a light smile tugging the corners of her mouth upwards.  

That smile is wiped away when you turn towards her, a small smile stretching across your own face.  

She gives her head a shake.  

She knew what this was, again another attempt to maintain your image, and she wasn’t about to fall for it.  

                                                          ***

The more Angel City games you attended, the angrier Christen Press became, she was so angry in fact that she found herself storming into your office one day.

She storms past your receptionist, the woman jumping to her feet as she chases after the angry brunette.  

“You can’t be in there-  

She steps through your office door and your eyes widen.

“I’m so sorry Y/N. I tried to stop her.”

You hold a hand up, silencing your receptionist.  

“Don’t worry, she’s fine, close the door on your way out.”  

You glance out the window before taking a seat behind your desk, your eyes locking with angry green orbs.  

“To what do I-

“It was bad enough that you used BOTH of my teams to maintain your image, but then you drag children into it? That’s low, even for you.” She snarls and your brows knit in confusion.  

You move to your feet, rounding your desk so you can stand in front of her.  

“Those kids are from a local team, a team I sponsor.” You frown, Christen’s eyes widening minutely.  

“I was taking them to see their favorite team, AND their favorite player.” You sigh as you lean back against your desk.  

“What’s it going to take for you to understand that I’m nothing like him?” You ask as you cross your arms across your chest.  

Christen falls silent, simply staring at you for a moment before she scoffs.  

“A whole hell of a lot more than you’re doing.”  

You take a deep breath, a small smirk stretching across your face as you watch the woman storm out of your office.  

At least she hadn’t said there was nothing you could do to change her mind.

                                                          ***

Tennis shoed feet thump against the pavement, music blasting in Christen’s ears as she stares intently at the road ahead.  

She hadn’t seen you in a number of weeks, which improved her mood drastically, unfortunately for her, she was about to see you again, but this time, she wasn’t in an arena or in your office.  

“Hey!”  

Christen stiffens, her eyes widening when she spots you out of the corner of her eye, though when she sees what you’re doing she skids to a halt.  

Much to her surprise, you’re incredibly dressed down, no longer wearing a suit, but a muscle tee and a pair of shorts, a trail of little giggling girls chasing after you as you dribble the ball down field.  

She watches with a small smile as you tap the ball into goal, the little girls all swarming on you before dogpiling on top of you.  

Christen’s smile widens when you poke your head up from the pile of girls, a number of them hanging off of you as you move to your feet.  

You ruffle their hair, lifting one of them up into your arms.  

A tiny gasp causes Christen to stiffen, your head turning in her direction when a number of the little girls around you squeal, running as fast as they can towards the USWNT and Angel City forward.  

You snort.  

“What about me?” You pout, smiling when one of the little girls wraps her arms around your leg.  

You hoist her up into the air, the little girl giggling wildly as she wraps her arms around your neck.  

“Didn’t expect to see you here.” You say as you make your way towards Christen, the children surrounding her in excitement.  

“I didn’t expect to find you here.” She shrugs, the typical bite in her voice completely gone.  

The little girl in your arms starts to wiggle and you smile.  

“Oh, so you’re going to leave me too?” You ask as you put her down, the little girl joining the crowd surrounding Christen.  

You give your head a small shake, making your way across the field to scoop up the soccer ball that had long since been forgotten.  

“Well, if you’re staying...” You say, tossing the ball in her direction, the woman catching it with ease.  

“Show us how it’s done, Press.”  

A smirk stretches across her face, her heart lightening in her chest.  

“Gladly.”  

Christen steps onto the practice field with a beaming grin, the one she almost always wears.  

You cross your arms across your chest, your heart skipping a beat when Christen purposely whiffs the ball, allowing it to be stolen by one of the little girls, a massive smile on her face as she allows her to score.  

Your eyes widen when your heart again skips a beat, the butterflies in your stomach brought to life.  

“Uh oh.” You mumble, your cheeks flushing when Christen’s green orbs lock with your Y/E/C’s.  

“Shit.” You grumble, the little girl standing beside you looking at you with an arched brow, her eyes narrowed.  

“Swear!” She yells and you hold your hands up in surrender.  

“Hey, I’m sorry.” You cringe and she holds a hand out.  

“2 dollars!” She demands and your eyes widen.  

“That’s a little steep kid.” Your eyes narrow, her eyes narrowing as well.  

“Careful or it’ll be 3.”  

You scoff, reaching into your back pocket to retrieve your wallet.

Christen watches the interaction with a giggle, watching as the little girl stuffs the money into her pocket.  

You glance up, finding the woman’s green orbs on you.  

You shrug, nodding in the little girl’s direction with an eye roll.  

Christen shakes her head, her gaze dropping to the child who’d just gave her hand a tug, the little girl missing her two front teeth.  

“You know, you’re Ms. Y/L/N’s favorite player.”

“Oh, really?” She asks as she squats down in front of her and she nods enthusiastically.  

“She says you’re the best.”  

Christen’s eyes dart to you, watching as you send the little girl who stiffed you a glare, one she returns, that is until you break, a smile stretching across your face.  

Christen gives her head a shake.  

She wasn’t ready to admit she was wrong, but you were making an incredibly strong case to her that you were in no way the person that your father was.

As the sun rises high in the sky, parents begin flocking to the practice field to pick up their children, the little girls giving Christen, and you the tightest of hugs they can muster before sprinting towards their parents, excited to tell them about their day of practice.  

You cross your arms across your chest, turning to Christen with a smile.  

“I really appreciated this.” You whisper, your tongue swiping at your dry lips.  

Christen turns your way with an arched brow.  

“I didn’t do it for you, I did it for them.”  

You huff, blowing a strand of hair out of your face.  

“I didn’t think you did.”  

Christen stares at you for a moment, the corners of her mouth twitching slightly.  

She glances down at her watch and you nod, knowing the woman needed to take her leave.  

“I’ll see you around Christen.” You smile as you make your way towards the field, retrieving the balls the children had been playing with.  

Christen simply watches you, a smile etched on her face as you try and dribble one of the balls, ultimately failing.  

She slaps a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle, though she doesn’t go unheard, your eyes narrowed as you send her a playful glare.  

She rolls her eyes, reluctantly turning on her heels and heading to her apartment, leaving you to watch her go with a toothy grin.  

                                                          ***

Unsurprisingly, the tabloids had got wind of your and Christen’s outing together, even though it was incredibly tame and there were children involved, they picked apart every interaction between the two of you, seeing things that weren’t necessarily there.  

It wasn’t long before the USWNT got wind of the excursion as well.  

“What’s going on between you and the suit?” Tobin nods to the stands where you’re, unsurprisingly standing, attending yet another friendly.  

She shrugs.  

“Nothing.”  

Kelley snorts from her place on the bench.  

“It didn’t LOOK like nothing.”  

Christen sighs.  

“I saw her practicing with the team she’s sponsoring while I was on my run and I joined them, that’s all.”  

Kelley pats her back.  

“You were all smiles Pressy.” She teases and Christen rolls her eyes, her cheeks lightly flushed.  

“Well, that had nothing to do with Y/N.” She mumbles, shooting a glare up the bleachers, though when her eyes meet yours, it falters.  

She abruptly turns away from you, just as the final whistle blows, signaling the end of the game and securing another win for the USWNT.

Christen moves to her feet, the woman immediately making her way onto field, but is stopped when someone taps her shoulder.  

“Would you mind if we got a word?” The man nods to the camera behind him and she nods, a bit confused as to why she was being interviewed.  

“Christen, how do you feel about your start today?” He asks, holding a mic out to her and she sighs.  

“I think I could’ve been better, I’m still a little rusty after my time off, but I’m sure I’ll-

“Perhaps taking time off for your ‘mental health’ wasn’t the best idea, especially now that your play is lacking.”

Christen’s eyes widen, her mouth agape.  

A cacophony of snarls sound from nearby, but before any of Christen’s teammates can say anything, you do.  

“That’s a highly inappropriate comment.” You growl, the man turning towards you with wide eyes.

“I apologize Ms. Y/L/N.”  

You shake your head.

“You should be apologizing to her, not me.” You bite, the man completely ignoring your statement.  

“While you’re here, would you like comment on why, after past statements you’ve said, you’ve been attending USWNT games?” He asks and you take a deep breath.  

“The ‘comments’ made were not MY comments, they were my father’s, something he’d taken completely out of context, I’m here because the sport, as well as the team means a lot to me, and I plan on sponsoring them.” You spit, the muscle in your jaw visibly jumping.  

Christen eyes widen slightly, her thoughts swirling.  

The thing she’d been so mad at you about, the comments she thought you’d made, they hadn’t even been made by you.  

“How do you feel after inheriting a company, known for its mistreatment of women?” He shoves the mic in your face and you take a deep breath.  

“Yes, that’s how my father’s company was run, but that’s not how I’ll be running my company. The misogyny in the company will be no more under me.” You state, your eyes aflame.  

“Do you really think you can rid yourself of the reputation? Are you fearful that maybe some will see you as nothing more than your father’s daughter?” He asks, and your nostrils flair.  

You take a step towards the man, towering over him, his eyes wide in fear.  

“Let me tell you something-

You stiffen when someone takes your hand, that someone being Christen Press.

“I think this interview is over.” She says, pulling you away from the man who watches you go, his throat bobbing.  

Christen releases your hand and you sigh, running your hands down the front of your suit jacket.  

“I’m sorry, I just get so tired of being asked questions like that, I HATE being compared to my father.” You growl, sending the interviewer a glare.  

Christen’s hand moves to rest on your forearm.  

“I-” She pauses, your brows arching in question.  

“I’m sorry.” She finishes and you shake your head.  

“You didn’t do anything wrong.” You sigh, running your fingers through your hair.

She frowns.  

“But I did.”  

You turn towards her, a brow arched.  

“I compared you to him.”  

You frown, shrugging.  

“Everyone does.”  

You glance down at your feet, shrugging.  

“Congrats on the win.” You give her a small, forced smile before turning on your heels and walking off, leaving the forward to watch you go with a frown.  

                                                          ***

You run a hand down your face, your elbows propped up on your desk.  

You’d never dealt with so many incompetent men at once, and the second your leadership was questioned, based on your gender, you fired the man on the spot, a warning to those in the conference room that you weren’t to be trifled with.  

Inheriting the business had taken its toll on you, but giving up was not something ingrained within you.  

A knock on your door makes you pick your head up.  

“Come in.” You say, smiling when your receptionist enters the room.  

“I know you said you didn’t want to be bothered, but there’s a Christen Press here to see you.” She smiles, a smile you return.  

“Send her in, thank you.”  

“You’re welcome.”  

You sigh as the woman closes the door behind her, at least you had one person at your job who made things bearable.  

The door cracks open and you smile as Christen pokes her head inside, the forwards green orbs locking with Y/E/C’s as she slips into the room, the door clicking shut behind her.  

“Please, take a seat.” You nod to the couch resting against the wall across from your desk and you smile.  

“Do you want anything? Water?” You ask and she shakes her head.  

“I came to apologize.” She says as she moves to her feet, crossing your office and standing in front of your desk.  

You move to your feet, shaking your head.  

“Christen it’s really-

You’re silenced when she places a hand on your forearm, goosebumps erupting across your arms, thankfully beneath the sleeves of your suit jacket.  

“No, it’s not. You don’t deserve that.”  

You swallow hard, clearing your throat as her hand leaves your arm.  

You make your way towards the large window overlooking LA, the city below teeming with life.  

“Unfortunately, it’s what everyone thinks.” You shrug and Christen shakes her head, rounding the desk to stand beside you.  

“It’s not fair to you.”  

You give her a small shrug.  

Christen steps closer, the brunette’s frown deepening.  

“What can I do to make it up to you?” She asks and your brows arch, a smirk stretching across your face.  

“Well, there IS one thing you could do.... If you want to.”

Christen’s brows arch.  

“I have a gala to go to in a couple of weeks, and I could really use a plus one.”  

                                                          ***

You weren’t sure WHY you were so nervous, but you were, adjusting your tailored suit in the mirror across from you.  

“What do you think?” The tailor asks and you nod.  

“It’s perfect.”  

You hum.  

“Have you sent the dress I had made?” You ask and she nods.  

“Should be there in an hour.”  

                                                          ***

A knock on her apartment door causes Christen to turn her attention away from the three-way Zoom call she was currently in with Tobin and Megan.  

“One sec.” She moves to her feet and heads for the door, her brows furrowed when she finds a man in a suit behind her door.  

“Are you Christen Press?” He asks and she nods, the man passing a lengthy box over the threshold.  

“Y/N Y/L/N sends her regards.” He nods before silently walking off.  

“WAS THAT A MAN IN BLACK!?” Megan yells from the computer and Christen snorts, pushing the door shut before she makes her way back towards the computer.  

“No-

“Like you’d tell us if it was.” Megan scoffs, rolling her eyes and Christen shakes her head.  

“It’s from Y/N.”  

“Ooooooo, your rich girlfriend.” Tobin teases and Christen rolls her eyes.  

“She’s not my girlfriend.”  

Megan snorts.  

“YET. Come on, show us what’s in the box Pressy!”  

Christen shakes her head, opening up the box to reveal a beautiful green dress.

“Holy shit, that looks expensive!” Megan yells and Christen’s eyes double in size as she looks at the sparkling green dress, obviously tailor made.  

“I’ll call you guys right back.”  

Megan snorts.  

“Sure, you will.”  

Christen hangs up with an eye roll, her focus entirely on the dress in her hands, that is until another knock sounds on her apartment door.  

Christen places the dress gently in its box before opening the door, her eyes widening when she sees who’s standing behind it this time.  

“Y/N?” She says and you smile, clearing your throat.  

“Did you get the dress?” You ask and she nods.  

“Come in.”  

You step inside with a smile, your eyes darting to the dress that’s resting on her desk.  

“What did you think?”  

She shakes her head as she picks the dress up.  

“I can’t accept this.”  

You frown, your hands slipping in your pockets.  

“Why not?” You ask, and she sighs.  

“This is way too expensive.” She shakes her head and you shrug, wandering around a little, smiling when you see a picture of her and her family, the woman a lot smaller and a lot younger than she currently was.  

“I couldn’t help myself, I saw the fabric and I just-

You fall silent, clearing your throat.  

“Y-You don’t have to wear it. I just-

Another knock sounds on the apartment door and you grin bashfully.  

“What?” She asks and you clear your throat.  

“I uhhh...”  

Christen pull open the door, smiling when she sees a woman holding a bouquet of roses.

“Christen Press?” She asks and she nods, taking the long-stemmed roses with a massive grin.

She turns towards you, a brow arched.  

You shrug, stuffing your hands in your pockets.  

“I didn’t ask you to the gala properly.”  

Christen smiles, her cheeks dusted pink as she buries her nose in the bouquet.  

You rub your hands together, motioning back to the dress.  

“I insist you keep it.”  

She shakes her head, about to argue but you simply shake your head.  

“Please, keep it.”  

Christen takes a deep breath, her eyes darting to the stunning dress in her hands.  

“I was right.” You mumble to yourself and Christen’s brows arch in question.

You take a step closer, your gaze focused intently on the dress before you pick your gaze up, your eyes locking with hers.  

“It matches your eyes, that’s why I had it made.” You shrug, and her eyes widen, cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red.  

You grin.  

“I’m sure whatever you decide to wear, you’ll look fantastic.”

You smile.  

“Still picking you up at 6 on Saturday?” You ask and she nods.  

“I’ll be ready.”  

                                                          ***

The night of the gala comes quickly and soon you’re standing out front of Christen’s apartment, the door to your Cadillac Escalade open as you stand beside it.  

Your mouth instantly dries when you see her, a grin stretching across your face when you realized, indeed, the dress you’d had tailored made matched her eyes.  

Your tongue swipes at your lips, your hands growing clammy as you move towards her, taking her hand and assisting her down the apartment steps.  

“You look stunning.” You smile, biting your bottom lip to stave off a wider grin.  

Christen gets to the bottom step, her hands on your shoulders as she dusts you off.  

“You don’t look too bad yourself.”  

You shake your head as you stand beside the passenger’s door, again, offering a helping hand to the forward as she climbs into the passenger’s seat.  

You push the door shut before rounding the car, taking a deep inhale before exhaling loudly.  

“Here we go.” You whisper to yourself before slipping into the driver’s seat, your clammy fingers wrapping around the steering wheel.  

“Ready?” She asks and you nod.  

“Ready.”

                                                          ***

Though the distance was short, you find it taking a much lengthier time to get to the venue considering traffic is at a standstill.

In all honesty, you didn’t mind, because you couldn’t take your eyes off the woman beside you.  

“Are you nervous?” She asks, breaking through the silence and you exhale loudly.  

“Yeah, I don’t really want to be surrounded by a group of my father’s misogynistic buddies, but at least I have you.”

Christen smiles, covering your hand that’s resting on the shifter.  

Your cheeks flush.

“And I figured, who better to take on the patriarchy with than you?”  

Christen giggles, the sound making your heart skip a beat.  

“Well, there’s no one I’d rather fight the patriarchy with than you.” She shrugs and you grin.  

Finally traffic begins to move and before you realize you’re parking in your reserved space at the venue.  

You take a deep breath, glancing Christen’s way before reluctantly leaving the driver’s seat.

You round the car, tugging the passenger’s side door open, a small, nervous smile on your face.

“Are you ready?” You ask and she frowns, her hand moving to your shoulder.  

“Are you?”  

You shrug.  

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”  

You hold your hand out, Christen’s hand sliding down your arm before her fingers tangle with yours.  

As she slips out, you push the car door shut behind her, taking a lengthy inhale as the two of you move towards the venue, only to stop at the doors leading inside.  

“This was a mistake.” You mumble, Christen’s expression faltering.  

“What? Why?” She asks and you shake your head, turning to her.  

“I shouldn’t have invited you.” You frown and Christen’s eyes narrow, her bottom lip jutted out in a minute pout.  

When you see the look on her face your eyes widen, and your face pales.

“N-No! That’s not what I meant!” You say, your arms flailing around.

“I meant, WE shouldn’t have come.” You glance away, unable to look her in the eye.  

You stiffen when her hands move to rest on your shoulders, her thumbs stroking your collarbone.  

The calming gesture has more of an effect on you than you care to confess, even to yourself.  

“You can do this Y/N, don’t let them run you off.” She whispers and you take a deep breath, your eyes darting to the entrance where you can see a number of your father’s old friends, a number of them shooting scowls your way.  

“I’m more worried about you.” You admit and Christen’s brows furrow.  

“What do you mean?” She asks and you sigh.  

“I don’t want them to target you. If you thought my father was bad, they’re ten times worse.” You frown and Christen shakes her head, her cheeks lightly dusted pink at the fact that you wanted to protect her.  

“Even if they do, I can handle myself. I had no problem handling your father.”

You let out an even lengthier sigh.  

“I know you didn’t, and I know you can, I just...” You trail off, shuffling nervously on your feet.  

Christen smiles, finding this nervous side of you endearing.  

Her hands leave your shoulders in favor of taking your tie in between her fingers.

“You’re the CEO of Y/L/N Enterprise, now go in there and show them that.” She smiles as she adjusts your tie, stroking the black silk.  

You take a deep breath, turning your head to look through the glass door, the men inside still looking your way, or more so scowling your way.  

You turn to Christen, inhaling deeply before you nod.  

“Let’s go.”  

                                                          ***

You stood on the venue’s balcony, the ice in your whiskey clinking against the sides of the glass.  

“Your father was right when he said you’d run his business into the ground.”

“Imagine how the business would be thriving if he had a son!”  

You swirl the contents of your glass as you lean over the balcony, the door behind you opening.  

“There you are.”  

You sigh in relief when you realize it’s Christen, a smile stretching across your face when you see she’s holding an entire bottle of whiskey, placing the bottle on the balcony’s thick railing.  

“I figured you could use this; they won’t miss it.”  

You smile, unscrewing the bottle’s lid before topping off your glass, and taking a swig from the bottle.  

You sigh.

“You know, they’re right?” You shrug, taking another swig.  

“Y/N-

You shake your head.  

“It’s what my father always told me, and he was constantly reminding me.”

Christen leans against the railing beside you, the woman frowning sadly.  

“No matter what I did, he was never proud of me, I was valedictorian, in high school you know? I graduated top of my class in college, and he still wasn’t proud of me.” You take a sip of your whiskey.  

Christen eyes your profile, the brunette’s heart breaking in her chest.  

Your head lolls to the side, your glassy eyes locking with Christen’s green orbs.  

“You know I used to play soccer?” You ask and she shakes her head, propping her elbows up on the balcony’s railing.  

“After my mom walked out, he forced me to stop, said it, ‘was just a waste of time.’”  

You down the rest of your glass before again topping it off with the bottle’s contents.  

“I was actually pretty good too, I wanted to play in college, but my father forced me to go into business, even though any idea I pitched was shot down before it could even go airborne.”  

Christen frowns, regretting the fact that she’d ever compared you to the man.  

“I’m sorry.” She whispers and your brows arch in question.  

“I’m sorry that I ever compared you to him.”  

You shrug, nodding in the direction of the packed venue.  

“Everyone does it, and apparently I don’t measure up.”  

Christen reaches for and takes your hand, giving it a squeeze.  

“In my book, you’re already way better than your father.”  

You chuckle, leaning towards the woman, your head resting on her shoulder.  

“No one has ever said that to me before.” You confess, the woman slipping her arm around your middle, her hand resting on your waist.  

“Well, I’ll remind you every day if I have to.”  

You smile, giving her a playful nudge.  

“It almost sounds like you like being around me Press.”  

Your cheeks flush when Christen rests her head against yours.  

“Maybe I do.”  

                                                          ***

After emptying the entire whiskey bottle together, the pair of you decide to walk to Christen’s apartment, your hands brushing the entire way.  

You come to a stop in front of the stairs leading to her apartment building and turn to her with a huff.  

“Even though tonight was a complete and total disaster, I’m glad I had you by my side.” You smile, taking a step closer to her and she grins.  

“I wouldn’t call it a disaster, we got to drink expensive whiskey.”  

You chuckle, slipping your hands in your pockets.  

“I suppose we did.”  

Your tongue swipes at your lips, the taste of whiskey on your tongue as you step even closer to the woman, her hands immediately moving to rest on your shoulders.  

“Uhh....” You swallow hard, your hands finding purchase on her waist.  

Christen’s glassy green orbs dart from your equally glassy Y/E/C orbs, to your lips and back.  

“I’m glad you chose me to be by your side.” She whispers and you smile.  

Slowly, nervously, the two of you lean in, your lips inches apart, the whiskey coursing through you giving you the courage to lean forward, that is until someone drives past, their horn blaring loudly, causing the two of you to spring apart, your lips never even grazing one another.  

You rub the back of your neck nervously, your cheeks blood red, mirroring the coat covering Christen’s own cheeks.  

“Th-Th-Thanks for coming with me tonight, Chris.” You stammer and she nods, her throat bobbing.  

“Anytime Y/N.” She whispers.  

Needless to say, you’re incredibly surprised when Christen’s lips press against your cheek, the tips of your ears burning as you turn to the woman, who is slowly ascending her apartment building’s staircase.  

“Goodnight, Y/N.” She whispers and you smile.  

“Goodnight Christen.”  

                                                          ***

The following morning you’re nursing, not only a hangover, but an incredible amount of embarrassment.  

You couldn’t believe you’d tried to kiss her, you couldn’t believe you’d been so stupid.  

And unfortunately for you, you weren’t the only one, besides Christen who’d seen the almost kiss, a picture of the two of you plastered on any and all tabloids, reading.  

Heiress and CEO of Y/L/N Enterprises spotted with USWNT star, Christen Press. 

You pinch the bridge of your nose.  

“Ms. Y/L/N, Christen Press is here to see you.”  

You swallow hard, your cheeks flushing.  

Unsurprisingly, Christen slips passed her and makes her way into the room, bypassing the couch and heading right for you.  

You swallow hard, your mouth opening and closing as your receptionist shuts the door behind her.  

“Y/N, about last night-

You rise to your feet, rather abruptly in fact, so abruptly that it makes the soccer player jump.  

“I’m so sorry Christen, I have an urgent meeting that I really must be getting to.”  

Christen frowns, the woman watching as you jump to your feet and practically sprint out of the office, leaving the forward behind.  

Christen frowns, her heart aching in her chest.  

She gazes around the office, spotting the picture on your laptop’s screen, her cheeks flushing.  

Before she even realizes she’s turning on her heels and walking out, only to be stopped by the receptionist.  

“Just give her some time.” She smiles, drawing Christen’s attention the brunette’s brows furrowed.  

“I’ve never seen her act the way she does when she’s around you, there’s something special there, she just has trouble expressing how she feels.”  

She leans forwards in her seat.  

“Just don’t give up on her.” She smiles and Christen nods, a smile stretching across her own face.  

“I won’t.”

                                                          ***

“What’s wrong?” Tobin asks, as she gives her best friend a nudge, the forward shrugging.  

“It’s nothing.”  

Megan knocks a ball in her direction, the Angel City player catching it on her foot with ease.  

“Does this have something to do with the gala you and your girlfriend went on?” She asks and Christen rolls her eyes.  

“She’s not my girlfriend.”  

“Not YET, I mean we ALL saw those pictures.” Megan quips and Christen rolls her eyes.  

“Seriously, I don’t think she’s interested.”  

“Are YOU interested?” Emily butts in and Christen’s cheeks betray her, flushing pink.  

“I’d take that as a yes.” Tobin smirks, her best friend’s bottom lip jutting out in a pout.  

Christen shrugs.  

“I feel guilty.”  

Kelley’s brows arch as she slides in, swiping the ball from the forward.  

“Why?”  

“For comparing her to her father.”  

Kelley stops, frowning.  

“We all did.”  

Megan shrugs.  

“How could we not, after her father said she made those comments??”  

Christen sighs, stopping the ball with her foot.  

“Still, she’s nothing like him, she’s funny, sweet, generous-

Christen pauses, her cheeks flushing.  

She clears her throat.  

“You should’ve heard how they talked to her, how many times they said they wished her father had a son instead of her.”  

Lindsey scowls.  

“That’s low.”  

“The worst part is, she believes them.”  

Kelley sighs.  

“Well, when you’re told something so many times, it’s hard not to start believing what the person says is true.”  

Christen frowns, turning her attention to the bustling stands, the brunette smiling when she spots you amongst the crowd.  

You give her a half-hearted wave, a small smile playing on your lips, something about the interaction makes Christen frown, your eyes widening when you see her saddened expression.  

You take a step down the bleachers, wanting more than anything to make your way to the sidelines, but you know you can’t.  

You slip your hands in your pockets as you sigh deeply.  

Running away this morning had been a mistake, but you weren’t even remotely ready to confront your feelings for the woman, feelings your yourself didn’t quite understand, but seeing the look on her face, and the pang that reverberated through your chest at the sight of it, made you realize you could longer deny what you were feeling.  

You were in love with Christen Press.  

                                                          ***

“Fuck.” Christen mumbled under her breath as a yellow card was held high in her direction, the forward throwing her hands up in the air in exasperation.  

You frown, sighing deeply as the whistle blows, signaling the end of the first half.

You glance towards the tunnel, wanting more than anything to go see the stressed USWNT player, but knowing there was no way you were about to get in the tunnel unless you snuck down there, and you weren’t great at sneaking.  

You briefly think about doing so, but when you catch sight of a nearby security guard, you decide against it.  

Maybe you could get her attention before the start of the second half?

                                                          ***

Christen kept her head down during tactic talks, garnering the attention of her teammates, who worriedly glance in her direction.  

Just as everyone is about to leave the locker room, Vlatko places a hand on her back.  

“Are you okay to play the second half?” He asks, concerned and Christen nods.  

“Yeah.” She answers, sure to keep her demeanor cheery as she usually did.  

Vlatko gives her a once over before nodding, the pair exiting the locker room together.  

Soon they’re back out on the field, walking the length of the sidelines.  

“CHRIS!”  

Christen’s brows arch, the woman picking her head up, her attention focused entirely on the bleachers.  

Green eyes catch Y/E/C and you smile.  

You cup your hands around your mouth, shouting.  

“YOU GOT THIS CHRIS!”  

A small smile stretches across her face before it splits, her pearly white teeth on display.  

The look on her face mirrors your own, a toothy grin that spreads across the whole of the bottom of your face.  

You give her a thumbs up, earning one in return, the forward with a little extra pep in her step as she makes her way towards the field.  

You nod to yourself, elated to see the happy smile back on Christen’s face, you could only hope that happiness would lead to a better second half for the woman.  

                                                          ***

Christen’s second half is a complete contrast to the first, the woman sinking two goals before the final whistle blows.

Wearing a massive grin, she turns to the stands, hopeful to see you, but those hopes are dashed when she finds the spot you were occupying empty.

“Looking for someone?”  

Christen turns, towards Tobin, her cheeks flushed.  

Silently, Tobin nods towards the tunnel, where you’re currently standing.

You shuffle nervously on your feet, your hands slipping in your dress pant's pockets as Christen makes her way towards you.

The second she gets to you, you blurt out.

“I’m sorry.”  

Christen’s lips part.

“I shouldn’t have left like I did this morning.”

“Y/N-

“It was incredibly rude of me.”

“Y/N-

“I was just scared, I wasn’t ready to-

You fall silent, your eyes as wide as saucers.  

Christen’s lips looked as they felt, incredibly soft, full, something you had the joy of knowing considering she was currently kissing you.  

Your lips move in tandem, your hands resting on her waist as she delicately cups your cheeks, her fingers tenderly stroking your jawline.  

You’d wanted this for so long, even before you’d eventually realized you wanted it that day on the soccer field.

Christen pulls back, much too soon for your liking resulting in your chasing her lips, the woman smiling into your second kiss.  

Wolf whistles break the two of you apart, your cheeks, as well as Christen’s flushing when you realize you have an audience.  

Your lips split in a grin as you rest your forehead against Christen’s, playfully bumping your nose against hers.  

You glance at her teammate’s out of the corner of your eye, your grin widening.  

Christen waves them off, unaware that you’re currently staring at her profile, your mind and heart racing wildly.  

She turns back to you, her green orbs widening when she sees the look on your face.  

“What’s wrong?” She asks, cupping your cheeks, a frown forming on her lips when she sees the glassy sheen of tears in your eyes.  

“Y/N-

“Chris...” You cut her off, your throat bobbing as you attempt to rid yourself of the lump in your throat.  

Your mouth opens and closes multiple times before you eventually find your voice.  

“I’ve never really known what love is, but when you’re around, my heart races in my chest, and the butterflies in my stomach go insane... You do things to me no one else ever has and I...”  

You pause.  

“I think-”  

You clear your throat.  

“I think I love you.”  

The frown immediately disappears from her face, her lips splitting into a megawatt smile.

She leans in, her lips pressing delicately against yours, the kiss much softer than your first, and second kisses, her lips feather light against your own.  

Reluctantly, she pulls back, but doesn’t go far, her forehead resting against yours.  

“I think I love you too.”  

[griffinequestrian]

Heels Down Mag: Feminism Is Not A Brand

By Justine Griffin for Heels Down Mag

Don’t call me babe. Or boss babe. Or hustlin’ babe. Or any other #hashtag deviation. Why can’t I just be the boss without the babe?

Feminism in 2019 is murky and strange. More women than ever feel empowered – in sports, in their careers, and even in politics. More women are standing up for themselves and others thanks to movements like #MeToo, or changing tides in congressional districts, shifts in views from the executive suite, and even in equestrian sports.

It doesn’t matter which side of the political line you fall on – the stories behind sports icons from Serena Williams to Megan Rapinoe embody something bigger than all of us. They are the role models we need in this confusing, ever-changing, and sometimes hateful, world.

People are taking notice. But there’s a fine line to where an inspiring movement begins and where it blurs into something else. Usually when there are brands that are really stretching to capitalize on it – that’s a good sign you’re being led astray.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all about being proud of a #hustlin’ lifestyle, and support each and every woman out there who goes above and beyond to get it all done. But do I really need to wear a pink sweatshirt that says BOSS BABE across my boobs to feel good about myself?

Absolutely not.

While perusing social media, I’m always astounded by the amount of boarding barn ads that highlight “NO DRAMA” in all caps somewhere in their description. I feel like the barns that truly offer a “no drama atmosphere” don’t need to say it out loud in all caps. But I digress.

Maybe instead of wearing these #GirlPower T-shirts and spreading these #WorkItMomma messages on our Instagram feeds, we can embody these hashtags in real life and try paying it forward. Why don’t we work harder on creating a sense of community at our own barns – supportive ones that embrace diversity and different points of view, but are built on the shared experience of horse crazy girls who’ve grown up to be horse crazy women?

We should show up to support one another in the show ring, after a difficult lesson, or at the vet’s office when bad news is on the line. We shouldn’t jab at each other in passive aggressive text messages or on Facebook over who “paid more” for their show hunter or how they performed over the weekend.

Cut the crap. Stop hiding behind the fake filters of social media, and just be supportive and nice to one another. Stand up for each other. That’s what feminism should be about.

Then maybe I wouldn’t have to cringe at these “lady power” shirts. And then maybe the “NO DRAMA” ads would just go away on their own.

[perpetually-enamored]

Erin McLeod & Ella Masar McLeod

Erin: CANWNT/ FC Rosengard

Ella:FC/Rosengard

notes: Mcmasar; married and are the og’s; http://www.pitchsidereport.com/2015/03/17/ella-masar-love-entry-25/

Ashlyn Harris & Alexandra Krieger

Ashlyn: USWNT/Orlando Pride

Ali:USWNT/Orlando Pride

notes: A Team and/or Krashlyn (cringe); ***unconfirmed relationship*** (under technicalities will remain *unconfirmed* until it is either announced or Kriegs has a big rock on her finger) possibly together as long as *6ish* years

Christine Nairn & Caitlin Friend

Nairn: Seattle Reign

Caity: Melbourne Victory/ FC Bulleen

notes: confirmed relationship & one of the bests honestly

Kyah Simon & Alanna Kennedy

Kyah:AUSWNT/no current club

Alanna:AUSWNT/Orlando Pride

notes: Kylanna; as confirmed as an unconfirmed relationship can be since about 2012

Chantel Jones & Grace Gill

Chantel: No current club

Grace: most recently Canberra United

notes: engaged/ maybe married if I missed something

Lianne Sanderson & Ashley Nick

Lianne:Former ENGWNT/no current club (ACL recovery)

Ashley: No current club/most recently Apollon Ladies

notes:  probably more confirmed than any married couple due to being the most overly in love cringy mush of a relationship there is (this is not me hating, just stating facts)

Rachel Daly & Christen Westphal

Rach:ENGWNT/Houston Dash

Christen:Boston Breakers

-Westly

notes: RD3 is the mushiest mush ever and I love it,Rachel Previously in relationship with Sarah Gorden of Chi Town Red Stars

Chloe Logarzo & Jasmine Peters

Chloe:AUSWNT

Jassy:Softball player

notes: Confirmed relationship, http://theliftedbrow.com/post/160788222087/women-in-sport-out-on-instagram-are-elite

Tameka Butt & Kirsty Yallop

Tameka: AUSWNT/Klepp Elite(Norway)

Kirsty:NZWNT/Klepp Elite(Norway)

notes: own a house together & just v cute honestly

Michele Heyman & *May*?; In a relationship

Michele:AUSWNT/no current club)

notes: michele kills the suit game

Hayley Raso & Jenna McCormick

Hayley:AUSWNT/Portland Thorns

Jenna:Canberra United/ AFL player for Adelaide

Notes: unconfirmed and quite possibly no longer a thing/ was it ever really a thing? Who knows

Bianca Sierra & Stephany Mayor

Bianca:MEXWNT/Por Akureyri(Iceland)

Steph:MEXWNT/Por Akureyri(Iceland)

Notes: so very cute & saw steph play v canada

Casey Stoney & Meg Harris

Casey:ENGWNT/Liverpool Ladies

Meg:former ENGWNT

Notes: I don’t think they are officially married, but close enough & are mum’s to their twin beans Teddy and Tilly

Amanda Laddish & Rebecca Moros

Mandy:FCKC

Becca:FCKC

Notes: Livin it up with their pup in K Town

Natasha Dowie & Becky Easton

Tash:Former ENGWNT/Boston Breakers

Becky:Former ENGWNT

Notes: married last year, they have this cute lil gay penguin pillow with their names on it and tbh that’s goals

Hedvig Lindahl & her wife Sabine

Hedvig:SWEWNT/Chelsea FC

Notes: Lindahl is 100% one of the best keepers in the world atm & they are married with two sons

Tobin Heath & Christen Press

Tobs:USWNT/Portland Thorns/currently dead Tobs pls come back I miss you

Chris:USWNT/Chi Town Red Stars

Notes: ***unconfirmed*** guys they aren’t dating they just like to hug a lot and hang out in the same places like Portland and NJ where Tobs plays / is from & in Cali and Chi town where CP23 lives / plays and they like to travel to Europe together and go to tree hotels in Sweden and smile like lovesick fools whenever they are around each other and wear each others clothes and have candlelit dinners and run around on the beach under pretty rainbows and also paint rainbows ok? ok.

Pernille Harder & Magdalena Eriksson

Pernille:Danish NT/Wolfsburg

Magda:SWEWNT/Wolfsburg

Notes: very very cute & lowkey favs

Lisa Dahlkvist & wife Jessica

Lisa:SWEWNT/Orebro

Notes: ugh their daughter is such a bean

Nilla Fischer & Wife Mariah

Nilla: SWEWNT/Wolfsburg

Notes: married since 2013

Natasha Kai & Miki-Rae

Tash:Former USWNT/sky blue(currently double ankle rehabbing)

Notes:together since summer 2013, tash is the bomb.com honestly who doesn’t love the flyin’ Hawaiian’

Kaitlyn Savage & Liz Milne

Kait:no current club/ most recently Orlando Pride

Liz:NZWNT for a short time

Notes: I know nothing, but they is cute

Jodie Taylor & Emma Kete

Jodes:ENGWNT

Emma:NZWNT

Notes: still could be up for debate ig but I mean come on it’s a thing

Elise Kellond-Knight & Felicitas Rauch

Elise: AUSWNT/Potsdam

Feli:GERWNT/Potsdam

Notes: also up for debate but I like it

Stephanie Labbe & Georgia Simmerling

La Bae:CANWNT/Washington Spirit

G Simms:Canadian Olympian (alpine skiing & track racing)

Notes: How lit is it that G Simms is a summer AND winter Olympian w o w I love my country, La Bae is the bomb & their cute. Steph previously in relationship w Marie-Eve Nault (Former CANWNT)

Niki Cross & Molly

Niki:retired pro; most recently houston dash

Notes: A teams biggest supporters so how can you not love ‘em, married in 2016

Keelin Winters & Meg

Keelin: retired Seattle Reign

Notes: Keelin’s eyes are so pretty awe; married in 2015

Jill Loyden & Maria

Jill:Former USWNT/Sky Blue(retired)

Notes: Not much knowledge, unsure if they are married or not, and don’t know a lot about Maria but she is involved w/ soccer too

Jane Campbell & Maritza

Jane: USWNT and Houston Dash

Notes: Unconfirmed but idk issa cute one

Kadeisha Buchanan & Crystal Emmanuel

Keish:CANWNT/Lyon

Crystal: Canadian Olympic Sprinter

Notes: unconfirmed but I’m down & Keish deserves everything

Rebecca Quinn & Haley

Quinny:CANWNT/Duke

Notes: unconfirmed but Quinny is a gem and I dig it

Marta Vieira da Silva & Jessica

The goat:BRAWNT/Orlando Pride

Notes: unconfirmed but go Marty go

Abby (Mary) Wambach & Glennon Doyle Melton

Abby:Retired USWNT

Notes:Ok tell me pls that I’m not the only one who did not know Abby’s name was Mary until very recently? If I am that’s fine really bc no off fence but not a fan l o l

Samantha Kerr & Nikki Stanton

Sam:AUSWNT/Sky Blue

Nikki:Sky Blue FC

Notes: unconfirmed but  but I mean Brooklyn the foster pup is their child so, Sammy is fan freakin tastic but she kinda bugs me tbh, idk if it’s the giant ass jersey sizes or her pony tail but ya still one of the best

woso gays cont’d:

Melissa Tancredi & Selenia Iachelli (both retired CANWNT)

notes: no longer in relationship, Tanc in my mind has a thing with Julia Spetsmark of Orebro but that’s 101% made up by me

Megan Rapinoe (USWNT/Seattle Reign) rumored to be dating Sue Bird of USA Basketball

notes: no official confirmation but we all know Pinoe is “GAAAYYYY”-quote from her

Meghan Klingenberg (USWNT/Portland Thorns)

notes:maybe dating Moe’s sister in Hawaii?? Idk man all I know is Brittani and Kling 5ever

Section: No known relationship but they give off “the gay vibe”

Carmelina Moscato(retired CANWNT)

Larissa Crummer(AUSWNT/Seattle Reign)

Here it is:-)

[biofunmy]

At World Cup, U.S. Team’s Pride Is Felt by Others, Too

PARIS — Like many French fans at the Parc des Princes stadium on Friday night, Marine Rome was heartbroken as her team spiraled out of the World Cup in a quarterfinal matchup against the United States.

But for her, at least, there was some consolation.

Rome, 32, is the co-president of Les Dégommeuses, an amateur soccer team in Paris primarily made up of lesbian and transgender players. For many soccer fans, Friday’s game exposed the gap in talent that remains between the French and American teams. But to Rome and others in France’s L.G.B.T. community, the juxtaposition highlighted a different gulf: one in inclusion, in diversity.

In the American players, Rome observed a walking, running, kicking representation of L.G.B.T. pride and acceptance — a kind she and many others said was still lacking in France.

“In France, with the idea of universalism and equality, when you’re a minority you’re supposed to be silent, because they say we’re all the same, even though we’re not,” Rome said. “I think that’s the main difference with the U.S.”

The difference, she said, felt stark. Five members of the American team and the coach, Jill Ellis, are publicly out, and the team as a whole has worked in recent years to engage with L.G.B.T. communities in the United States. One of the viral moments of the team’s 2015 World Cup championship was striker Abby Wambach’s kissing her wife after the final only a week after the United States Supreme Court had legalized gay marriage.

Such things are nearly unheard-of in France, many people in the French sports community said. Marinette Pichon, the career goals leader for the French team, said in an interview that gay players in her country would not dare come out publicly.

“There is still homophobia in French football today,” said Pichon, who is considered the only player in the country to ever publicly identify as gay.

Attitudes toward L.G.B.T. rights vary widely among the nations involved in the World Cup this summer, and the United States is not the only team that has been so openly welcoming to gay players. But it has the highest profile.

After the game on Friday, American winger Megan Rapinoe was asked about playing during Pride Month, and on a weekend when many cities around the world were holding their annual Pride events.

“Go gays!” said Rapinoe, who scored two goals on Friday. “You can’t win a championship without gays on your team. It’s never been done before. That’s science right there.”

Rapinoe soon had everyone around her laughing.

“To be gay and fabulous during Pride Month and the World Cup is nice,” she said.

Then she smoothly transitioned back to answering questions about soccer.

The moment, in Rome’s view, embodied everything a French player could not do, and the reason she and many of the 20 members of Les Dégommeuses, a nickname that translates roughly as the Smashers, at the stadium on Friday were cheering for players on both teams.

The organization, created in 2012, has about 100 players and two primary aims: to create a safe space — at weekly practices and games in Paris — for people who might otherwise be excluded from French soccer culture, and to press for greater inclusivity in the country’s sports landscape.

“It feels like family because I don’t have one,” said Marko, a lesbian who is a refugee from Chechnya, where the government has arrested people simply for being gay. Marko asked that her full name be withheld for safety reasons. “My only family is Les Dégommeuses.”

Going back to the early 20th century, sports have provided a haven and positive space for many lesbians, according to Susan Cahn, a professor of gender and sexuality in sports at the University at Buffalo. The playing field offered an environment, she said, where many sensibilities — physical contact, intensity, aggression, muscularity — can take on positive connotations.

Over time a stereotype developed that good female athletes must surely be lesbian, leading organizations to an overcorrection, a sort of hyper-feminization that academics refer to as “the feminine apologetic.” Many players felt forced to erase their identity.

The importance of a team like the United States, then, is not only in seeing straight and gay players side by side, but also debunking notions of what a lesbian player might look like.

“The fact that these women are out, explicitly or casually, lets people know that lesbians are in sports, and they come in all shapes and sizes,” Cahn said.

In France, the problem can be deceptively acute. Rome cringed as she recalled a marketing campaign unveiled by the French soccer federation some years ago that reductively revolved around high heels, glitter and the color pink. (She said the team’s marketing promoting the team has improved significantly around this World Cup.)

She pointed to more subtle things, too. In December, Jess Fishlock, a Welsh midfielder playing at the time for the French club Olympique Lyonnais received one of Britain’s highest civilian honors for her services to women’s soccer and the L.G.B.T. community. But the club’s news release about the honor, Rome noted, stated only that the award had been for her commitment to “various causes.”

“In France, you can’t be yourself, you have to hide,” said Frédérique Gouy, 34, a civil engineer from Paris who came out four years ago and joined Les Dégommeuses shortly afterward. “It’s a big difference from the United States and many other teams at this World Cup. We are still at the beginning of the fight.”

Pichon, 43, who scored 81 goals in 12 years playing for France, said she experienced the situation in French soccer firsthand.

“You don’t dare to say that you are homosexual in the locker room because you fear the consequences on the image of your team, of your club, but also on yourself,” Pichon said. “You may well become a punching bag for other players. I know many people who refused to come out because they feared the consequences.”

Pichon saw something different in two stints playing professionally in the United States. She said the American approach to welcoming and integrating L.G.B.T. players into their women’s teams was “the approach we should work toward in France.” And she said she was amazed to see television commercials and marketing content in the United States that featured positive images of gay people.

Pichon did not broadcast her sexual orientation during her playing career. She said she was not desperate for anyone’s acceptance. But many say there are positive effects when professional athletes feel personally comfortable enough to express themselves that way.

Rome, for instance, recalled watching the French tennis player Amélie Mauresmo come out as gay 20 years ago. Rome was 12 and was having trouble articulating why she felt she was different than her peers.

“I realized, thanks to her, that I was not a monster, basically,” Rome said.

Being honest to oneself can have an effect on performance, activists said.

Rapinoe realized the power, and the positives, of being more open about who she was years ago. While she had been out to friends and family since college, she did not come out to the broader public until after starring in the 2011 World Cup.

“When you’re out, it’s only one part of who you are,” she told Yahoo Sports earlier this year. “But when you’re not out, it’s just this all-consuming thing.”

These are the ideas that Les Dégommeuses and others are hoping will be voiced as the United States maintains its platform at the World Cup.

Les Dégommeuses have tried to do their part. They smuggled an enormous rainbow flag into the opening match of the tournament and waved it joyfully for several minutes before putting it away to watch the game. They commissioned posters to hang around Paris depicting diverse images of women’s soccer players. On Saturday, they marched in the Paris Pride parade.

Before the game on Friday, Rome had hoped a French victory would make their players superstars who would feel emboldened to express themselves publicly.

“Maybe they have the next Megan Rapinoe on their team,” Rome said.

That did not happen. France lost, and the United States advanced.

For now, cheering for the real Megan Rapinoe will have to do.

Constant Méheut contributed reporting.

Sahred From Source link World News

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2RMAzm7 via IFTTT

[4stars-uswnt]

A Champ and a Superstar [Emily Sonnett x Reader]

requested by anon: could you do a emily sonnett where the reader is her gf and doesn’t play soccer but supports emily and meets the team for the first time :)

You make your way to the private box, guided by a couple of security guards. Taking your seat, you unbutton your black blazer, straighten out your jeans, and take off your sunglasses. You had just arrived at the SheBelieves Cup to watch the US take on Japan, but more importantly, you were there to watch your secret girlfriend, Emily Sonnett.

—————

For the past six months, you had been on tour all across the country for your first album, only seeing your girlfriend through the screen of your phone. But you had decided that in between shows, you’d stop by to watch and support her. Although you were still a small up and coming artist, your debut album had become increasingly popular in not only the states but around the world; there was even talk of a few Grammy nominees in your near future. Therefore, due to your newfound fame, the overwhelming amount of attention you’d received from the paparazzi, and the fact that you were an extremely private person, you and Emily both decided to keep your relationship under wraps for the time being, only telling your family and your manager.

—————

It was about twenty minutes before kickoff, when you receive a text from your publicist, letting you know that US Soccer and Fox Sports had found out about your presence and they wanted a quick interview. You sigh and lock your phone, knowing you won’t be able to get out of this one, as you knew your appearance would be a big deal not only because of your ‘celebrity status’ but also because you had been a huge public fan and advocate for the team.

A few moments later, a woman with a microphone and a cameramen enter your box, upon approval of your bodyguard. She explains to you the basic outline of her questions, and then signals for the camera to begin.

“Thanks, Julie. Today, we’re joined by singer and song-writer, (Y/N) (Y/L/N). How are you?”

“I’m doing good. Pretty excited to watch this match and support the team.” You respond with enthusiasm.

“Yes! I’ve seen your tweets. You’re a pretty big fan of the national team. How did that start?”

You continue to answer her questions, varying from your new album to your thoughts on the team. Meanwhile, down on the field, many of the USWNT players had noticed your interview playing on the big screen. Being big fans of you and your music, they were all surprised and freaking out that you were here watching one of their matches.

“Oh my gosh! Is that (Y/N) (Y/L/N)?” Kelley points.

“Holy crap, it is.” Ashlyn gasps, and Ali rolls her eyes at her wife’s childish behavior, even though she was a huge fan of you herself.

“Her music makes me proud to be gay.” Pinoe smirks triumphantly, proud of the fact that she had been the one to introduce your album to the team.

By now, there were murmurs amongst the team of their favorite new artist sitting in the stands.

Rose pokes Emily on the shoulder, interrupting her juggling session.

“Hey, did you see (Y/N) (Y/L/N) is here?”

Emily immediately lets the ball drop to the ground and turns to her friend, eyes wide open.

“What!?” She exclaims. “She’s here? Like in the stadium?” Why hadn’t you told her you were coming?

“Yes, dummy. Right up there.” Rose points at the big screen, where you were just ending your interview. You give the camera one last smile, before the screen returns to the regular scoreboard.

Emily scans the stadium, searching for you. As soon as she sees you in your box, she finds you’re already looking at her. The defender gives you a small smile before tilting her head sideways, silently asking you what you were doing here. You only smirk and wink at her, before she has to return to the huddle, as the game is about to start.

—————

You sit back and relax, enjoying the play of both teams, occasionally checking your phone and responding to some emails. You clap and cheer at each of the three goals from the US, finding yourself getting emotional over Christen’s goal. As the game is coming to an end, and the US has clearly won, 3-1, you see Emily waving at you, calling you to come down to the field. You beam with excitement, turning to ask your bodyguard to escort you.

On your way down, you are stopped to sign some autographs and take some pictures, as you were easily recognizable, especially after your interview. But once the final whistle blew and the celebrations began, the crowd’s attention turns elsewhere, focussing on the stage where the award ceremony was starting.

Once the trophy was lifted, the players disperse across the field, some still celebrating with confetti, some taking pictures and interacting with fans, and others greeting friends and family. Emily Sonnett was one of the latter, as she made a beeline for you. You lean down over the railing, as your girlfriend approaches.

“Hey there, champ.”

“Hey there, superstar.” Emily smirks, knowing your disdain for the title. She watches as you roll you eyes, but before you could respond, Emily decides to make a bold move. She reaches up to cup your face, bringing you in for a chaste but sweet kiss. You bring your own hands up to the blondes face, caressing her cheeks, as the two of you pull away. Leaning your forehead against hers, you let out a small giggle.

“Did we just do that?”

Emily hums. “We just came out.”

Your smile widens, finally feeling truly happy.

—————

While you and Emily were stuck in your own little world, the rest of the USWNT watched on as the defender started talking to you, their jaws dropping, as the two of you kissed.

“Worms! How does your son know (Y/N) (Y/L/N)?!” Alex turned to Kelley, who was just as baffled as everyone else.

“I—I have no clue.” The freckled woman stutters.

“Wow. Sonny has more game than we thought.” Pinoe exclaims, Ashlyn nodding along in agreement, as the team continues to watch you and Emily.

—————

Your joyful bliss comes to a halt, as you peek over your girlfriend’s shoulder and see all of the players with their eyes on you.

“Ummm… we have a little bit of an audience.” Motioning towards the group of women, disregarding the hundreds of fans in the stadium and the thousands watching on TV.

Emily turns around to face her teammates, cringing at the looks they’re giving her. She looks back at you, nodding her head towards the team.

“You wanna meet them?”

Your eyes almost pop out of their sockets, and a knot forms in your throat. “Um, what?”

“C’mon, they just saw us kiss. They’re gonna wanna meet you.” Emily explains, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

You nod in agreement, too nervous to actually speak. You had been a huge fan of this team and many of the players, like Alex Morgan, Christen Press, Megan Rapinoe, and Tobin Heath, since you were a young girl. These women were not only your idols but also some of the most important people in your girlfriend’s life, so it was no surprise that it felt as you were about to throw up your nerves.

Emily guides you down on to the field, your security not far behind, as you make your way towards the locker room. Walking down the hallway, you can hear the familiar tune of your most popular song, “Never Giving Up,” blaring from the room you are about to enter. You feel your face flush in embarrassment upon hearing your own lyrics. Your girlfriend rolls her eyes at her teammates purposeful choice of song, as she runs her hand up and down your back, trying to soothe your nerves.

“Don’t work yourself up, babe. They’re gonna love you. In fact, I’m pretty sure they’re already pretty big fans of yours.” Emily kisses your blushing cheek.

As you enter the USWNT locker room, all conversation quiets, all dancing stops, and the music pauses, as all eyes were now on you. After a moment of silence, with no one really knowing where to begin, you hear Kelley whisper into Alex’s ear.

“Holy crap. That’s (Y/N) (Y/L/N). We’re in the presence of (Y/N) (Y/L/N).” Alex gives her best friend a slap on the shoulder, effectively silencing her.

“So you’re all probably wondering how I know (Y/N).” Emily starts, addressing her teammates and even the coaching staff, who are now listening. “Ummm, so here’s the thing… it’s just…I didn’t mean to keep this from you guys… but we agreed to keep it private…so don’t be too upset—”

“We’re dating!” You burst, unable to listen to your girlfriend stumble over her words any longer. At the confirmation of their suspicions, the team is left stunned into silence once again.

Lindsey breaks the stupor first. “Wait, let me get this straight. You, Emily Sonnett, the woman who face planted after tripping over nothing the other day, are dating (Y/N) (Y/L/N), the most popular singer at the moment who is undoubtedly up for a Grammy this year?”

Emily, who had been mentally following her friend’s words and connecting the dots, nods in affirmation. “Yup.” She exclaims, beaming pridefully, as she wraps her arm around your waist, kissing your temple.

“How?” Kelley blurts out, receiving another slap from Alex.

“Hey!” Emily protests, while you let out a snicker, poking your girlfriend’s side.

“Wait!” Ashlyn interrupts, and she narrows her eyes at you. “Even though we are big fans of you, and always have your album playing in the locker room, and we appreciate your support, and you’re part of the gayng…wait… I’m getting off track.” She shakes her head. “What are your intentions with our dear Sonny?” The other women, also curious, turn to you, awaiting your answer.

“Uhhhh… well I… ummm.” You struggle to form a sentence, as the gaze of the twenty-two women, many of whom you look up to, crumbles your confidence. It isn’t until you feel your girlfriend squeeze your waist and give you an encouraging smile that you find the appropriate words.

“I love her.” You state honestly, ignoring the look on Emily’s face, as this is the first time you’re saying those words. “Even though we’ve only been dating for a couple of months, I think I’ve known ever since our first date, despite Em almost ruining it by spilling wine on my dress.” You chuckle fondly at the memory before continuing. “She makes me laugh even when I don’t want to, and she comforts me when I’m sad. I’ve honestly never been happier than when I’m with her.” You reveal, and you take a deep breath. “So I guess my intentions are to love her, and exude the same light in her life as she shines in mine.”

Next to you, you see your girlfriend with misty eyes. She buries her face in your neck, peppering you with many kisses beneath your ear.

“I love you too.” She whispers for only you to hear, as she pulls away to gauge her teammates reaction, hoping for their approval.

“Well no wonder she’s a singer and song writer. That was freaking beautiful.” Ashlyn calls out.

“Yeah. No kidding.” Kelley huffs out, wiping her eyes of what you can’t tell to be real or fake tears.

Megan approaches the front of the room, now standing in front of you. “Thank god you’re a good one, kid. We liked you before, but now we absolutely love you. Some more than others.” She smirks at your girlfriend, before she boasts pridefully, “Y’know I was the one who introduced the team to your album.”

You tuck your head, almost not believing that Megan Rapinoe actually enjoys your music. “Thanks.”

“Well, now that your dating Sonny here, you’re officially part of the fam.” She looks back at her teammates for confirmation. “Right guys?!”

You hear a collection of ‘yes!’, ‘duh!’, ‘hell yeah!’, and ‘of course!’ come from the group of women.

You can’t help but beam at the thought of being accepted by the team.

“Thank you.” You whisper, snuggling further into Emily’s chest.

Looking down at you, she sweeps the hair out of your face. “For what?”

“Loving me.”

She softly grins, placing a kiss on the top of your head. “There’s nothing else I’d rather do.”

[gamergirl929]

A Hit And A Miss (USWNT x Reader)

A/N: The reader, the newest member of the USWNT, gets a little more than she bargained for when she tries to dance with Mallory at a club, hilarity ensues.

T.W: Minor mentions of blood. 

You clink your glass against Sonnett’s before throwing the shot back with a wince, alcohol burning your throat and your chest.  

“Noice!” Sonnett shouts over the music as she downs her own shot with a wince. 

You nod your head and glance around the club in search of Mallory, Sam and Lindsey who you’d lost in the sea of dancing bodies.  

“I think they’re over there!” Sonnett shouts as she grabs your wrist and drags you through the sea of people.  

You finally spot the group and the two of you head their way, the music blaring loudly overhead, Little Mix’s Only You to be exact.  

You nudge Sonnett and nod in Mallory’s direction with a mischievous smirk.  

The chorus starts blasting through the club, the base booming loudly as the dancing bodies increase in tempo.  

You slip up behind Mallory and place your hands on her hips, pulling her back against your front, your cheeks flushing at your own actions.  

Suddenly and without warning, Mallory pulls her elbow back and slams it into you eye.  

You stumble back covering your eyes with your hands as you kneel down.

“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” Mallory shouts loudly, flapping her hands as the people around you stop dancing and Sonnett drops down beside you.  

“Fuck.” You grumble, your eye watering as Lindsey helps you to your feet.  

“Jesus Mal!” Sam says as she pulls my hands away from my face, quickly realizing my eye is already beginning to swell.  

“Come on, let’s sit down.” Lindsey shouts as she leads everyone through the crowd, Mallory’s arm around your shoulders as she guides you through the crowd.  

You eventually drop down at an empty table and Mallory immediately cups your cheeks, turning your head and leaning towards you to get a better look at your eye.  

“Damn it Y/N.” She mumbles and you pout.  

“What? I was just going to dance with you.” You frown and Mallory lets out a heavy sigh.  

“Some guy was grabbing on me and I thought you were him.” She frowns and your eyes widen, well, one eye widens.  

“What?” You growl angrily. “Where is he?” You say as you jump out of your seat and glance around the club.  

“Heel.” You hear someone say before you’re pushed back down into your seat.

A gasp leaves your parted lips when an ice pack is being pushed against your eye.  

You hiss from not only the pain but the feeling of the ice almost directly on your skin.  

“Shhhh.” Mallory coos softly as she tucks a strand if loose hair behind your ear.

Rose frowns as she stares at the two of you, knowing the group around you had been waiting for you to make your move on Mallory for a while. 

“I think we should call it a night.” Lindsey shouts and everyone nods, while your shoulders sag.  

“I’m sorry you guys.” You frown as you all head outside and Sonnett shakes her head as she pats your back.  

“The price we pay for being pranksters.” She grins, before slowly leaning towards you. “Honestly though, I think you wanted to dance with Mal.” She whispers and your cheeks flush.  

You shrug.  

“Maybe I did.” You grumble and Sonnett beams.  

“Always next time kid.”  

“Next time then.”  

                                                            ***

“HOLY FUCK!” You yell as you stare at your face in the mirror the following morning, the reflection you’re seeing one that’s hard to look at.  

“What!? What!?” Mallory suddenly runs in to the bathroom, half asleep and her eyes widen when she sees your face.  

The white of your right eye is filled with blood while the flesh around your eye is swollen and bruised.  

“Oh no. Oh no.” Mallory frowns as she cups your cheeks, her eyes scanning your injured face.  

“I am so sorry. I’m so sorry.” She sniffs and you shake your head, your hands covering her own.  

“It’s okay, don’t worry about it, Mal.” You smile softly. “It was my own fault. I’m just worried about what Jill will say when she sees me.” You cringe and Mallory’s frown deepens.  

As delicately as she can, her thumb runs along the bottom of your eye and you hiss, entire eye stinging at even the slightest touch.  

“Shit. I’m so sorry. We’ll… We’ll talk to her together.” She frowns sadly and you shake your head.  

A knock on your hotel room door has you both turning, your eyes widening.  

“Stay here.” Mallory whispers as she pulls the bathroom door shut behind her and moves towards the door. She peers through the peephole and sighs before tugging the door open.  

“How is she?” Lindsey asks as she and Sonnett walk into the room.  

“Ummm…” Mallory fidgets. “Well…” She hums.  

Mallory pulls the bathroom door open and you turn towards the trio, eyes wide.  

“Holy shit!” Sonnett yells while Lindsey and Rose stare at you, mouths hanging open and eyes wide.  

“What’s everyone looking at?” Sam says as she slips into the hotel room and peeks into the bathroom.  

“Damn Mallory.” She says, eyes wide and the forward huffs.  

“I didn’t mean to!” She pouts and you chuckle.  

“You and your damn bony elbows.” You snort as you turn to look in the mirror.  

Mallory grumbles under her breath.  

“What was that?” You grin and Mallory sticks her tongue out at you.  

“I said my elbows aren’t bony.” She grumbles again and you chuckle.  

“Whatever you say Mal, this is proof they are.” You say, pointing to your eye.

“I’m so sorry.” Mallory pouts and you turn to her with a small smile.  

“It’s not your fault, it’s mine…” You say as you glance back towards the mirror.

“Just remember me fondly after Jill kills me, okay?” You snort and Mallory face palms while the other girls in the room snicker.  

“Speaking of, we better get ready, the buses are coming soon to take us to practice.” Lindsey cringes and you groan.  

“I’m so dead.”  

                                                            ***  

“Uhhh, so question…” Mallory fidgets as she pushes into the locker room in front of you.  

You slip passed her, your head down and hoodie over your head along with a hat to at least, somewhat try and hide your injury from the girls.  

“What’s up Mal?” Tobin asks and she stammers.  

“Wh-Wh-Where’s Jill?” She asks and almost the entire team turns to her, sharing worried glances as they eye the younger girl curiously.

“She’s on the field, is something wrong?” Kelley asks as she moves towards the girl, eyes narrowed as she scans her face.  

“We just…” She pauses. “I just need to talk to her before practice.” She shrinks away from Kelley, her eyes flicking to your back where you’re currently hiding in the corner.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Alex asks, crossing her arms across her chest. She follows Mallory’s gaze towards you, her brows furrowing.  

“Y/N?” She calls out and you clear your throat.  

“Ye-Yeah?” You stammer, swallowing hard.  

“Alright Y/N why are you hiding?” Kelley asks and you scoff.

“I’m not.” You say incredulously.

“Then turn around.” Megan says and you hum.

“No, I’m good.”

Suddenly you’re turned around by none other than Kelley O'Hara.

“Fuck!” She yells eyes wide as she looks at your bloody, black and blue eye.  

You sigh loudly as you pull your hood down and toss your hat off, exposing your face to the remainder of the team.  

“Did someone hit you!?” Ashlyn Harris says as she jumps up from where she’s sitting. “I swear to god I’ll kill them.” She snarls and you and Mallory share a glance, both cringing.  

“Calm down baby.” Ali Krieger says as she slips an arm around her. “I’m sure Mallory and Y/N will tell us what happened.”  

“But seriously, did someone hit you? Because if they did, they have to die.” Megan Rapinoe asks, arms crossed across her chest.  

“Ummmm…” You and Mallory hum at the same time while Sonnett, Lindsey, Sam and Rose look on, all cringing.  

“So, what happened?” Alex asks, eyes narrowed as she moves towards you to get a better look at your eye.  

“Shit.” She mumbles as she wraps her arms around you and pulls you against her chest.  

“Are you okay? Does it hurt?” She whispers as she cups your cheeks and examines your eye again, ever the doting member of the team.  

She’s soon joined by Ash, Ali, Christen and Tobin.  

“Oh my god.” Christen mumbles as she looks over Alex’s shoulder at your bloodied eye.  

“I’m not sure if coach is going to let you practice.” Tobin winces and you huff as the women look at you with worried frowns while the rest of the team continues to question the younger players.

“Just tell us what happened.” Allie long urges, her arms crossed across her chest.

“Yeah, spill.” Crystal Dunn shouts.

A cacophony of voices all asking the same question is what eventually makes Mallory cave.

“I HIT HER!” Mallory yells and everyone turns to her, their eyes wide.  

“WHAT?!” Nearly the entire locker room yells out and you wince.  

You wiggle out of Alex’s arms and move towards the forward, throwing an arm around her shoulder.  

“It was an accident. I came up behind her to dance and she uhhh…” You motion to your eye. “Elbowed me in the face.”  

The locker room is so silent, a pin could drop, that is until Kelley lets out a snort. 

Alex moves towards her and gives her a nudge but the woman can’t contain her laughter, tears springing to her eyes.  

“YOU finally make a move on Mal and she elbows you in the face!?” She laughs and you and Mallory both blush, eye wide.  

“Kelley!!!” Alex growls through clenched teeth as she nudges her, albeit, harder.  

“Okay! I’m done.” She lets out a heavy sigh and you swallow hard.  

Christen pinches the bridge of her nose and shakes her head.  

“Finally makes a move and Mal blacks her eye.” She whispers and Tobin shakes her head as she throws her arm around her shoulder.  

“What are we going to do with those two?” Tobin huffs.

“You two can’t even gay right.” Megan says as she face palms.

“Wait, what? What are they talking about?” Mallory asks as she turns to you, brow furrowed and cheeks pink.  

Your eyes are wide as they dart around the room, 20 some odd pairs of eyes looking your way.  

You clear you throat and let out a whistle.

“You know what? I think I’m going to take my chances with Jill.” You shrug before turning around and running out of the locker room.  

“Wait! Come back here!” Mallory calls out, chasing after the newest member of the team.  

Everyone turns to Lindsey, Sam and Sonnett who all let out a huff.  

“She almost danced with her! She was so close! AND IT WAS A GAY SONG!” Sonnett yells and everyone in the locker room face palms.

“What song?” Megan asks and Sonnett huffs.

“Only You by Little Mix!” Rose frowns sadly.

“Fuck, that is a good song too.” Kelley adds.

“It was perfect!” Sam growls.

“Yeah it was.” Lindsey adds.

“At this rate it’s going to take a decade before Y/N makes another move.” Christen shakes her head.  

“Keep your bony elbows away from me!” They hear you shout through the closed locker room door.

“Damn it they aren’t bony!” Mallory shouts back and everyone snorts.  

“Tell that to my eye!” You yell back and Alex shakes her head as she mumbles.

“These two, I swear to god…”  

Suddenly, the shouting stops and the players in the locker room all share a glance.  

“Ummmmmm, care to tell me what happened to your eye??” Jill’s voice cuts through the silence and everyone’s eyes widen.

“Uh-oh.”  

[perpetually-enamored]

woso *gays*

DISCLAIMER:I do not know any of these people, I do not claim to know these people, therefor none of this is factual information (except of course the McLeods who claim their love for one another on the daily) please don’t attack me if you don’t like someone I put on here:) If there is somebody missing or somebody that is a big no no to be on here message me and I will kindly fix it:-)

Erin McLeod(CANWNT/FC Rosengard) & Ella Masar McLeod(FC Rosengard)

-married

-aka mcmasar

Ashlyn Harris(USWNT/Orlando Pride) & Ali Krieger(USWNT/Orlando Pride)

-unconfirmed***

-aka the A Team or Krashlyn(cringe)

Christine Nairn(Seattle Reign/Melbourne Victory) &Caity Friend(Melbourne Victory)??

-1yr anniversary was May 13/16

Kyah Simon(AUSWNT/Boston Breakers)& Alanna Kennedy(AUSWNT/WNY Flash)

-possibly together since 2012?

Chantel Jones (Retired/former WNY) & Grace Gill(retired atm/Canberra United)

-engaged

Lianne Sanderson(former ENGWNT/WNY Flash) & Ashley Nick(Former Sky Blue FC)

-aka beautiful soul & beautiful soul’s gf

Rachel Daly(ENGWNT/Houston Dash) & Christen Westphal(Boston Breakers)

-aka westly

-Rachel previously in relationship w/ Sarah Gorden of Chi Red stars

Chloe Logarzo(AUSWNT) & her gf Jassy

Tameka Butt(AUSWNT) & Kirsty Yallop(NZWNT)

-just bought their 1st home together so that’s cute

Michele Heyman(AUSWNT/Canberra) & her gf May***?

Hayley Raso(AUSWNT/Portland Thorns/Canberra) & Jenna McCormick (Canberra)

-not sure if they still are/ever were a thing but idk they are in my head

Bianca Sierre(MEXWNT) & Stephany Mayor(MEXWNT)

Casey Stoney(ENGWNT/Liverpool) & Meg Harris(Former ENGWNT)

-ft their twin beans Teddy & Tilly

Becca Moros(Houston Dash) & (Mandy Laddish(FCKC)

-i think they are still a thing?

Natasha Dowie(former ENGWNT/Boston Breakers) & Becky Easton(former ENGWNT)

-married

Jessica Fishlock(Wales WNT/Seattle Reign) & Tyla Jay Vlajnic(Melbourne City)

-unconfirmed? maybe confirmed, not sure

Hedvig Lindahl(SWEWNT/Chelsea) & her wife + their baby nugget

-married

Tobin Heath(USWNT/Portland Thorns) & Christen Press(USWNT/Chicago Redstars)

-unconfirmed

-guys they aren’t dating they just like to hug a lot and hang out in the same places like Portland and NJ where Tobin lives & Cali where Chris is from and they like to travel Europe together and go to Tree hotels Sweden and smile like lovesick fools whenever they are around one another and run around on the beach under pretty rainbows and also paint rainbows ok? ok.

Lisa Dahlkvist(SWEWNT/KIF Orebro) & her wife Jessica + their little nugget

-married

Pernille Harder(Danish WNT/Wolfsburg) & Magdalena Eriksson(SWEWNT/Linkopings)

Nilla Fischer(SWEWNT/Wolfsburg) & her wife Mariah

-married

Natasha Kai(Former USWNT/Sky Blue FC) & her gf Miki-Rae

Kaitlyn Savage(Orlando Pride) & Liz Milne (NZWNT for a short time/Adelaide United 15/16)

Jodie Taylor(ENGWNT) & Emma Kete (NZWNT)

-i have 0 idea if this is really a thing there is a 100% possibility I made it up in my head

Elise Kellond-Knight(AUSWNT/Potsdam) & Felicitas Rauch (GERWNT/Potsdam)

-another one that I may have made up in my head but hey a girl can dream

Other (possible) woso *gays* not pictured because they either are single or I don’t know of their relationship w/ somebody or I’m just speculating that they are *gay* or there are no pictures etc etc…

-Stephanie Labbe(CANWNT/Washington Spirit(cringe))(formerly w/ Nault)

-Marie-Eve Nault(soon to be retired CANWNT)(formerly w/ Labbe)

-Melissa Tancredi(CANWNT)(formerly w/ Sel)

-Selenia Iachelli(retired CANWNT)(Formerly w/ Mel, possibly in relationship w/ Alex Rutwind)

-Megan Rapinoe(possibly dating Sue Bird of USA Basketball)

-Abby Wambach(retired USWNT)(formerly marrried to other retired USWNT player Sarah Huffman & is now dating Glennon Doyle Melton)

-Sam Kerr(AUSWNT) & Nikki Stanton(Sky Blue)??? idk about them but I saw it somewhere

-Summer O’Brien & Clare Polkinghorne (AUSWNT) -another big question mark

-Meghan Klingenberg(USWNT/Portland) -is she dating Moe’s cousin in hawaii or??

-Carmelina Moscato (former CANWNT) - i mean… it’s the vibe

-Sophie Schmidt(CANWNT/Frakfurt) purely my thought, no actual evidence that I’m aware of

Larissa Crummer(AUSWNT) - again it’s the vibe

Stephanie Ochs(houston Dash): rumoured to have dated Michele Heyman