#qb replies

[queenbirbs]

Which holiday or special event would you most like to see celebrated on an episode of The Rookie, and how do you imagine Chenford would celebrate it?

Since it’s my favorite holiday, I’m a sucker for Halloween episodes (there’s a reason The Mummy in the Maze is one of my top ten favorite Bones episodes), so maybe some future domestic chenford giving out candy?

Even better would be them going UC in costume to infiltrate….something or other, so we could see them at a rager of a party all dolled up.

Other than that, maybe a July 4th episode where it’s like a who dun it murder mystery while they’re on Patrice’s yacht and ~one of them is a murderer~ but there’s like 20+ suspects so they have to narrow them down. Maybe our resident detective Angela is too inebriated so Tim and Lucy have to crack the case before they make it back to shore?

Hmm I’m realizing now how similar it sounds to The Passenger In the Oven, another one of my favorite eps of Bones. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[hourcat]

And another one so that you dont think the obly thing i care about is gamer gf charles (it is)

1. Our boys

2. Captain of the football team and head cheerleader

🫶

It's just Pierre's luck, really, that the season has come to this: him standing on crutches on the sidelines watching his backup running out there with the rest of his guys and enjoying all the glory that he had dragged them kicking-and-screaming to: it's fucking irritating, the way every single part of this season has been so far--

--excluding Charles, of course.

He's standing beside Pierre now, decked out in the cheer uniform that he spent an hour complaining about this morning (we are in college, Pierrot, and still my girls and I have to dress like we're in a shitty teen drama) and holding their school's comedically-sized megaphone in his other hand that's not gently settled in the crook of Pierre's elbow.

"The brace comes off next weekend, baby," Charles murmurs, leaning over to press a kiss to Pierre's head; he squeezes his arm gently and then sighs, resting his head on Pierre's shoulder, then continues with a soft laugh, "I've been saving all our best stuff for when you're back out on the field."

more 3 sentence au prompts?

[burreauxsss]

shiestys comet

background: y/n a wag for the chiefs who is dating travis kelce of 3 years finds out he cheated on her. she assures herself that she'd never watch the nfl nor date another nfl player, until a convincing quarterback hits her dms.

joe flies y/n out to cincy which turns heads, and hearts.

(all pics from pinterest/ all tweets are fake this is a 2 part series fyi)

notes: bengals are 2-1 in this scenario. oh yeah ive been up when i cant sleep to add more to this, so i hope i satisfied everyone. i also added a song playlist to this series under here. (i used spotify because not everyone has apple music.

joe burrow x reader x ex!kelce smau

y/n_handle posted a story 📍kansas city int. airport

caption: catch flights, not feelings.

joeyb_9

❤️ 500,987 💬 44,490

Liked by: y/n_handle lahjay_10 lsufootball and others

joeyb_9: keep going, tough.

username_1: thats my qb!!

username_2: hes so fine i swear

username_3: villain arc story for 9.

username_4: he had me holding my breath during this play and screaming at my tv to get up..

username_5: joe being happier than ever during that presser... either bro got laid the night before somehow or hes just happy that travis kelce isnt talking about him.

*load more comments*

y/n_handle 📍cincinnati ohio

❤️ 78,276 💬 14,000

Liked by: joeyb_9 yourbsf and others y/n_handle: i had someone tell me i fell off, i needed that.

username_6: joe i actually never were familiar with your game.

username_7: noww why is she in cincy y/n_handle: dont worry about it.

username_8: pretty girl!!

username_9: i wish i was her y/n_handle: i wish i was you, you're so beautiful too ml.

username_10: workout routine? y/n_handle: dropping soon my loves.

*load more comments*

bengals

❤️ 1.2m 💬 315,800

Liked by: joeyb_9, lahjay_10 y/n_handle and others bengals: "blinders on, goal oriented."- joeyb_9

username_11: y/n in these likes...

username_12: okay we might win and keep our playoff spot.

username_13: joe stop hiding y/n!

username_14: the panthers are in the actual queen city.

username_15: y/n downgrading as usual.

*load more comments*

y/n_handle posted a story

caption: 🫶🏾

joeyb_9

❤️ 783,198 💬 91,000

Liked by: y/n_handle bengals and others joeyb_9: king of the queen city.

username_16: whos the queen then?

username_17: its y/n, we're not dumb.

username_18: hes gotten so much better since the chiefs game when he got his helmet mauled off of him.

username_19: this pic has to be insane!!

*load more comments*

duexmoi

❤️ 209,807 💬 31,480

Liked by: tmz and others duexmoi: another blind alert! according to a insta anon, ex chiefs wag y/n y/ln is hooking up with cincinnati bengals quarterback joe burrow! who has been well known to slide into multiple girls dms and encourage them to catch a flight to cincy according to another anon.

username_20: joe... out of all men in her dms?

username_21: no girl not burrow..

username_22: as long as shes happy.

username_23: some of yall are actually obsessed.

*load more comments*

traviskelce posted a story

caption: she couldve done better 🙌🏻

joeyb_9 posted a story

caption: she loves it over here 😶‍🌫️

y/n_handle

❤️ 296,000 💬 44,487

Liked by: joeyb_9 lahjay_10 yourbsf and others y/n_handle: yeah i love it over here! joeyb_9

lahjay_10: shiesty get tf in here 🤨

joeyb_9: wdym?

lahjay_10: you're one evil man for going for travis's ex

yourbsf: joe you had one job and you suceeded.

username_24: joe this isnt you.

username_25: so this is why he didnt answer my dms... shes mediocre y/n_handle: yeah because he was too busy putting me through the mattress after beating your favorite team, try harder.

username_26: im just gonna pretend i NEVER saw her reply to that other comment.

username_27: as a chiefs fan you're a horrible person.. y/n_handle: this is coming from the same team that uses black magic to win games.

username_28: just wait for travis's little podcast traviskelce: nothings little over here. y/n_handle: traviskelce firstly idek why you're in my comments, secondly something is tiny and its not your podcast.

username_29: in shock right now

username_30: ms shiesty did not-

*load more comments*

yourbsf posted a story

caption: alright lovebird to my right, wrap it up y/n_handle

y/n_handle 📍cincinnati oh

❤️ 241,000 💬

Liked by: joeyb_9 e! lahjay_10 and others y/n_handle: life update.

*comments off*

tmz

❤️ 3.5m 💬 173,808

Liked by: e! people duexmoi and others tmz: on the new heights podcast earlier today, travis kelce shares his own opinion on the public launch of his ex y/n y/ln with cincinnati bengals quarterback joe burrow.

travis says "she knows whos better, i could care less that she downgraded. the world fortunately doesnt revolve around y/n. yes i was wrong for cheating but her getting with burrow is just childish"

y/n y/ln and travis were together for 3 years, with the engagement rumors when she fount out the cheating happened over the course of two months. y/ln made her relationship with burrow public recently after pinning her posts in cincy.

duexmoi: 🍵

username_31: isnt he coming to cincy for a show too?

username_32: i fear his ex ate though.

username_33: joe shiesty steals girls is what im hearing.

username_34: heres a idea travis, maybe she was tired of you??

*load more comments*

note: part 3 (the finale) boutta be petty 😶‍🌫️ anyways stay tuned.

[angelicblondie]

footballplayer!rafe x wag!reader (MDNI)

note: i dont know a lot about football so some details about that might be wrong!!

it was safe to say that your life had drastically changed over the last year.

before you met rafe, you were simply a girl working a marketing 9 to 5, with a fairly boring life. you had dinner with you parents once a month, went to work every day, you had nights out with you friends on the weekends- your life was just like any other girl approaching her mid 20s.

however, over a year ago, you were at a bar on a saturday night with a couple of your girlfriends, just trying to let loose from the week. you were only a couple shots in when you spotted the handsome stranger eyeing you from afar, and you were immediately filled with intrigue. rafe felt himself being magnetically pulled to your direction, sauntering over to where you stood with your friends by the bar.

he approached you with his sickly charming smile, wooing you instantly. the two of you got to talking and if you were honest, you were smitten instantly. about 5 minutes into the conversation you realized who you were talking to - rafe cameron, the new startup qb for your cities team. you weren't a huge football fan, but you'd have to be living under a rock not to know who rafe freaking cameron was. he had become a huge deal in the past months, reasons ranging from his killer wrist to his deadly looks.

you had seen girls thirsting over him on social media and you couldnt help but agree - the guy was smoking hot, even more so in person, making you honestly a little surprised he was even talking to you.

you look a sip of your drink, eyeing him thoughtfully. "so, whats a hot shot like you doing in this dump?" you ask, your voice teasing yet soft.

rafe let out a chuckle. "I could ask you the same question. dont you gotta boyfriend at home or somethin'?" he asked experimentally, awaiting you answer with the tilt of his head.

you bit your lip, catching his drift. "no boyfriend," you reply, twirling the straw in your drink. "how 'bout you? no groupie chasing after you?"

rafe poked his tongue into his cheek with a smile, shaking his head. "nah, on my own at the moment."

you hum, nodding along to his words before wrapping your lips around your straw, locking into his eyes as you sucked the liquid out of your glass.

thats how you ended up on his bed later that night, letting him pound into you as you screamed into his pillow - truly the best sex you had ever had at that point.

whilst your sexual chemistry was undeniable, so was your romantic chemistry. the two of you flowed into conversation easily, and could feel the early excitement of your new situation.

you spent the whole week at rafes house - only leaving his side for work, and him for training. the two of you showered in the morning, made or ordered in meals for dinner, and talked late into the night, about anything and everything (and of course, had sex. lots and lots of it). you got to know rafe, from his early childhood, to embarrassing high school stories, crazy college encounters, and all about his love for football. and rafe got to know you too, since you found yourself uncontrollably sharing things you had never uttered to another soul, wondering why it was you felt so connected to him - why you trusted and liked him so much already.

at the end of the week though, it was time for you and rafe to part ways, since the football season had started, causing rafe to need to travel.

you were inexplicably crushed, wondering if your time together had run its course, and if it was time to say bye forever - only remembering each other by the perfect week, and nothing more.

luckilly though, that wasnt the case - you and rafe just couldn't stay away from each other. he called you every night, as long as he could. you watched his games on the tv in your living room, texting him after each time to congratulate or console him, depending on the outcome. you even brushed up on your football knowledge, wanting to be more useful in conversations about the topic and to understand what was going on in the games.

your friends were of course happy for you, but also perplexed. you had just met the guy, and you two were already acting like a married couple. but once you formally introduced him to them, they understood.

the two of you just simply had a special connection, and admired each other so much. it was like you skipped all the awkward first dates and base line questions, and just jumped right into the good stuff - and it was (and still is) perfect.

that how you got here - a year after the two of you made it official only 2 month into knowing each other - in a stadium in sunny california.

your boyfriend was playing against the LA team, and you were seated in a box with the other friends and family of the players, sitting next to rafes dad and step-mom, as well as his sister sarah.

you and sarah had wine glasses in your hands as you sat in the first row, sunglasses covering you eyes as you waited for the game to start. you saw the occasional phone camera pointed your way, and you gave a small smile a wave.

you had definitely received more attention since you and rafe began your relationship - people had flooded you social media accounts with both love and hate, and had began to treat you as if you were some celebrity, which was strange, since you were just some girlfriend of a football player.

a very popular football player, but still.

with you new platform, you were able to post the cutest pics of rafe and you, (and some very hot pics of him alone), and also make a bit of money from it. you still worked in marketing, but had decided to mostly work online and remotely, making it easier to travel with rafe when needed.

a big topic of conversation between the two of you when you started dating was how you would approach that part of your relationhip - balancing your individual lives to meet in the middle.

you had made it clear that you wanted to be your own person, aside from being his girlfriend. although rafe could certainly provide for the two of you, for now, you quite liked relying on yourself for your pay, and you liked the independence that came with it. of course, rafe was supportive of this decision, but made it clear that this wouldn't stop him from spoiling you with any presents and treats that he could think of - only the very best treatment for his girl.

that being said, you still wanted to see him as much as possible, and since your job offered flexibility, you decided to take the opportunity to be able to move with him when needed and continue to work for yourself.

the game was an important one - it was the game that decided whether or not the boys would make it to the superbowl.

rafe had been jittery the whole day before, pacing around in your hotel room and cracking every bone in his body. you had tried to get him to relax, but his mind was running wild.

he kept trying to find something to do. for example, he spent a whole 3 hours in the hotel gym, working out to prepare himself. you gently scolded him once he returned though, worrying it would only make him sore.

you then ran him a bath, hopping in as well so you could try to ease his nerves.

you made the environment as relaxing as possible, lighting some candles and incense, filling the bath with bubbles and lavender essential oils, soft jazz playing in the background.

you sat behind rafe, softly massaging his back to relieve the obvious tension. you whispered reassurances in his ear, wanting him to go into the game with confidence in his abilities, and a clear head.

"the only way your going to win tomorrow is if your thinking of what your doing in the moment, not the past, and certainly not the future. you have to be present and open minded, not driven by emotions or fear," you had reminded him softly, turning him around so he could look into your eyes.

rafe nodded, a serious yet tired look on his face. he worked so hard, and he was so good at what he did. you wanted this so badly for him, but knew that the only way he would play his best tommorw was if he got out of his head.

"i know, baby. you know how i get like," rafe murmured, bringing you onto his lap and tucking his face into your neck, prompting you to wrap your arms around his neck and run your fingers through his wet hair.

"if its any consolation, I'll be proud of you no matter what. you've worked so so hard this season, and everyone sees it. I truly cant think of someone more deserving of this than you, babe," you reassure, trying to make you voice as soothing as possible.

you meant your words of course, but you really did want him to win. you knew how competitive he could be, and like him, so were you.

so once the game started, you removed the sunglasses off your head and into you purse, sitting down and taking a long sip of wine.

it was a long game, rafe team managing to get the first touchdown, causing your section to jump up into the air and celebrate. the screen had shifted to your boxes reaction, zooming in on you and sarah hugging and jumping up and down in excitement, cheering louder than anyone else there.

rafe had looked up, trying not to get too excited and keep his head in the game, but seeing you jump around so happily for him caused him to break out into a large smile, blowing a large kiss your way before running to his groups huddle.

the game got a bit rough after that, the other team getting 2 touchdowns causing you to wince each time, taking long sips of you drink. any time rafe looked in your direction you sent him a proud smile regardless, wanting to keep his spirts and hopes high.

by the 4th quarter, the other team had 4 points on you guys, meaning all you needed to win was just one touchdown.

with about 5 minutes left, the two teams on the field hadn't managed to score any points, and you were starting to worry. rafe, as quarterback, was talking to the coach of his team with a serious expression nodding along to his words before running over to his team. using his hands a bit, he explained the play, looking at each of their faces to make sure they understood the plan.

once it started, you and sarah were squeezing eachother hands tightly, muttering words of encouragement as your eyes glued to the field. you could hear the voice of ward narrating to rose, explaining what he thought the play would be and what would be the smartest option. you wanted to role your eyes at his condescending tone, but decided against it, focussing your attention on the game.

you watched in focus as rafe threw the ball back to one of his teammates, and they passed the ball to another. you lost sight of the ball whilst keeping your eyes on rafe (a constant tendency), and before you knew it, you turned your head to see one of his teammates run across the end zone and hold the ball up high, celebrating his victory.

you all immediately jumped up, cheering in celebration. you face broke out into the biggest grin as you watched rafe and all of his team mates pile on top of each other on the field.

the game still had about 4 minutes left, but it didnt matter, because luckily, the other team didnt manage another touchdown, meaning rafe and his team were going into the super bowl.

you and rafes family met him out back of the stadium, instantly hugging and congratulating him. you of course held on extra long, kissing his face all over casting a red hue on his cheeks.

before going out to dinner all together, you and rafe went to congratulate other members of his team and some of his friends, talking for a bit about the events of the game.

during dinner you sat close to rafe, his hand on your thigh as you leaned on his shoulder, enjoying the high of his victory and chatting casually with his family. eventually you two parted from the other, walking the short distance back to your hotel and luckily not getting recognized.

the minute you stepped into the room you were on rafe, holding his face as you pushed your lips onto his, as he grabbed your hips in mild shock. once it wore off, he took control of the kiss, walking backwards to the bed. once his knees met the corner and he fell back, you straddle his waist, waisting no time to lift the shirt of his body, revealing his toned figure underneath.

soon the two of you were a mix of sweaty bodies under the sheets, writhing in pleasure and letting out muffled noises. rafe had you underneath him, arching your back off the sheets and letting out little whimpers, too embarrassed to be loud, fearing the thin walls of the hotel.

"let it out, baby, I want to hear you," rafe coaxed.

you whine, grabbing his tone biceps. "cant, rafe. people'll hear"

rafe laughed a bit sadistically, squeezing your waist and pounding into you hard. "don't care. want everyone t'hear how good m'making y'feel. c'mon, you can let it out, I know y'can."

you moaned a little louder this time, cursing loudly whilst you screamed. "fuck, please, rafe, m'so close."

rafe placed one of his hands on your lower stomach and watched as he pressed down, earning a high pitched gasp and moan from you, throwing your head back against the pillows.

rafe tilted his head up to look at you and his lips tilted upwards. "yeah? can y'feel me? right here in your tummy?"

you nod wordlessly, your body squirming in pure pleasure. "please, rafe, I need t'come."

rafe continued his pace, groaning gutturally as he approached his own high. "fuck, go ahead baby."

your walls clenched around his dick, and rafe watched, tranfixed as the white ringlet appeared near the base of his cock, becoming more and more definded every time he slowly moved in and out of you. the view made his reach his own organsm, cumming into the condowm as he threw his head back, his stomach clenching as he released.

the two of you spent the rest of the night cuddled in bed, watching a movie and snacking on the room service you had delivered. and you truly couldn't ask for a better way to celebrate your boyfriends accomplishment.

[brodygold]

The Lecture

Bruce slid into his usual seat in the front row of the lecture hall, noting his best friend, Sawyer, already there. Sawyer was hunched over his desk, rearranging his meticulously organized notes. His wide-rimmed glasses slid down his nose as he adjusted his pocket protector, crammed full of pens in every color imaginable. The faint glow of his acne-covered cheeks highlighted his enthusiasm.

Bruce set his worn-out bag on the floor and pulled out his trusty notebook, a favorite blue pen, and his lucky number 2 pencil. He also placed two highlighters—yellow and green—on the desk for easy access. He and Sawyer exchanged quick grins, ready for another one of Dr. Hanson's legendary physics lectures.

"I heard we're talking about quantum particles today!" Sawyer whispered excitedly, the grin on his face wide enough to show his braces.

"Poggers, Sawyer! I've been waiting for this since the semester started," Bruce replied, his voice buzzing with equal enthusiasm.

While Bruce didn't sport Sawyer's stereotypical nerdy look, he had his own geeky charm—a mop of unkempt blonde hair that fell past his shoulders, a pair of noise-canceling headphones permanently dangling around his neck, and a gamer’s gut, nurtured by too many late-night snack breaks. They were an inseparable pair, their shared passion for science and gaming solidifying their bond.

As the rest of the lecture hall filled, a hush fell over the room when the door banged open. A young man, probably in his late 20s, strolled confidently to the podium. His athletic build was hard to miss under a tight gold jersey, the fabric hugging his broad chest and biceps.

"Hey there bros. You all can call me Mr. Gold. Or Brody if you're feeling more casual."

Sawyer shot his hand up. "Mr. Gold, where is Mr. Hanson? He didn't say anything about missing class today."

"Great question, bro. I actually ran into him on his way to class and we had a nice chat. We both decided it might be good for me to give a guest lecture today while he runs some errands." Mr. Gold took the opportunity to write the title of the lecture on the board:

The Physics of Football

"Ew. Sports." Bruce thought.So much for quantum particles. He didn't even like playing video games about sports, and now they were forced to learn about the "math and science" behind it all? He wondered if he should just get up and leave, but he was sitting in the front and everyone would see him. Might as well just sit and listen to what Mr. Gold had to say.

"Now it might sound strange to you nerds, but there's actually a lot of math involved in sports. The players may be too dumb to do the calculations in their head, but they're there. Let's go over an example."

Mr. Gold turned around and started drawing on the board. It was easy to see it was one football player throwing the ball to another.

"Let's say that during the play, the QB wants to throw the ball to the wide receiver. Thanks to forces like gravity, the ball will eventually land. The tricky part is getting the ball to land in the receiver's hands. Let's say he throws the ball and the two are 70 yards apart. What shape is the path of the ball?"

Pfft. That was an easy question. Bruce went to put his hand up and give the answer, when his mind suddenly went blank. He knew they'd just covered this exact topic in his calc class, but nothing came to mind besides "curve." He tugged at the collar of his button down, feeling uncomfortable in it all of a sudden.

"Anyone? Guess we have a bunch of dumb jocks in this class." Mr. Gold let out a chuckle. "The answer is 'parabola.' The ball travels in a parabola from the quarterback to the receiver. Now let's just say the equation representing the parabola is as follows." He turned back around and wrote a relatively simple equation on the board.

"Now obviously the dumb jock isn't going to know what the equation is when he throws the ball. He just goes off of instinct and practice. But there's so much we can figure out from knowing the exact equation. For example, we can figure out when the ball hits the ground. Any idea how we might do that?"

Bruce scoffed. Another easy question. You just sent the equation equal to zero and... and... damn it! This was supposed to be so simple to a nerd like him! His mind felt like it was slowing down. Though the football example was making more sense now. He was getting a bit invested in it and could see Sawyer was too, the other nerd having taken off his glasses to better pay attention.

"You bros really are dumb jocks, huhu." This time some of the guys in the class laughed along, their voices seeming deeper than Bruce remembered. Maybe he shouldn't have stayed up all night binging that new space documentary series. "Let's work through it together nice and slow. We set the equation equal to zero like so. Then we just need to solve for x. Simple algebra at this point. Why don't we try it ourselves and see what we get?"

Bruce tried to solve the equation in his notebook, but he found it harder to hold the pencil. His hands almost seemed meatier than they should be. His grey t-shirt felt great though. Nice and tight, just how he liked it! But seriously, who would ever need to know this stuff? Like Mr. Gold said, it's all instinct and practice anyway!

"Alright bros. Did any of my dumb jocks get the answer? You should have gotten 6 seconds. By the blank looks on your faces, it seems you all may be a bit too dumb for this. I was going to ask if any of you remembered how derivatives worked, but why don't we all go throw the ball around outside instead?"

Bruce let out a yell of approval with all the other jocks in the class. He turned to look at his best bro Sawyer and gave the hot jock a fist bump,. Who cared about any of this nerd crap anyway? He looked at the golden jersey he was wearing with pride. The Golden Army was his home, through and through. He was just in school to get a sports management degree and work full time for the best team ever made!

Mr. Gold smiled at the cheers. "Excellent. Class dismissed."

[mrs-delaney]

Hide | An Unexpected Invitation | Chapter Two

Summary: Riley Carter never expected much from a simple text asking if she liked food, but Joe Burrow's direct approach catches her off guard in the best way. Between late nights at Electric Lady Studios finishing her band's new album and her growing anticipation for their first real date, Riley finds herself drawn to the NFL quarterback's refreshing authenticity. After a messy public breakup left her wary of relationships, especially with someone in the spotlight, she's surprised by her willingness to break her own rules for Joe. As their text exchanges and late-night calls deepen their connection, Riley faces a decision: maintain the careful distance she's built around her heart, or take a chance on someone new.

Pairings: Joe Burrow x Riley Carter (OC)

Word Count: 3.2k

Requested: No | Yes

Warnings: Mild language, flirty banter, mentions of past toxic relationships, public scrutiny, and undeniable chemistry.

This story is ONLY posted on Wattpad and Tumblr under miss_delaney. If you see it anywhere else, it has been stolen. Do NOT copy, repost, translate, or distribute my work on any other platform. Please respect my writing.

Want to be added to the taglist? Drop a comment or message me! 💕

Requests: Open

Author’s Note: Here we go! Sorry its late. This chapter is all about setting the foundation for Joe and Riley’s dynamic—playful, unexpected, and just a little bit risky. I love writing those early moments where two people click without fully realizing what they’re getting into. Their chemistry is building, and things are definitely about to get interesting. Let me know what you think! 😊💛

Riley stared at her phone, thumb hovering over the screen as she read Joe's message again.

Joe QB🏈: Do you like food?

A laugh escaped her lips before she could stop it. Was this his idea of a smooth opener? It was so direct, so oddly simple, that she couldn't help but find it endearing. She'd had guys slide into her DMs with carefully crafted messages, obviously rehearsed lines, and pretentious attempts at intellectual conversation. But "Do you like food?" That was new.

She tapped out a response, deliberately matching his directness with a hint of playfulness.

Riley 🎤: Yes, QB. I like food. Love it, actually. I'm always down for a nice meal.

She hit send and set her phone down on the kitchen counter of her rented NYC apartment, turning her attention back to the coffee brewing in front of her. The rich aroma filled the small space, mingling with the distant wail of sirens and the perpetual hum of the city that filtered through her half-open window. She was only in the city for another week—just long enough to finish the studio sessions for her band's new album before heading back to LA for meetings with their label. She wasn't expecting a quick response—the guy probably had a rigorous schedule with his sponsor events and appearances while he was in town. But barely thirty seconds later, her phone buzzed.

Joe QB🏈: Alright then, wanna come over Friday night? I'll cook you dinner.

Riley nearly choked on her coffee. Well, that was unexpected. Not the invitation itself—she'd had plenty of those—but the casual confidence behind it. No "maybe we could" or "if you're free sometime." Just a straightforward invitation to his place, with the added detail that he'd be cooking. It struck her as both presumptuous and refreshing.

She hesitated, finger hovering over the keyboard. The sensible response would be to suggest a restaurant instead—something public, neutral, safe. That's what her publicist would advise. Hell, that's what she would advise any of her friends. Never go to a guy's place for a first date.

But then again, this wasn't exactly a normal situation. They'd already met on national television. He'd already admitted to having a crush on her in front of millions of viewers. And something about his straightforward approach intrigued her.

Riley 🎤: You're telling me Joe Burrow can cook?

His reply came almost instantly.

Joe QB🏈: Don't sound so surprised. I can follow a recipe.

She grinned, shaking her head at his confidence.

Riley 🎤: Guess we'll see if they're as good as your QB skills.

Setting down her phone, Riley leaned against the kitchen counter and took another sip of her coffee, a strange flutter of anticipation settling in her stomach. She'd just agreed to a date—was it a date?—with Joe Burrow. The same Joe Burrow who'd turned bright red on The Tonight Show when she'd walked out. The same Joe Burrow who'd kissed her cheek and asked for her number with that endearing mix of confidence and nervousness.

It had only been a few days since The Tonight Show, but Riley's life already felt a little... different. Not dramatically so—she was still working with her bandmates on their new album, still navigating the busy recording schedule, still trying to make the most of their limited time in NYC. But there was something new weaving its way through the familiar rhythms of her life: the constant presence of Joe Burrow in her text messages.

She wasn't sure what had possessed her to say yes to his casual "I'll cook you dinner" text, but here she was, letting him monopolize her phone in the best way possible. What started as a simple exchange about food turned into hours of texting—playful, funny, and way too easy.

Each notification from him sent a little jolt of anticipation through her system—a feeling she hadn't experienced in years. Maybe it was the novelty of it all. Or maybe it was just him.

She liked his sense of humor. It wasn't forced or over the top; it was subtle, the kind of humor that made her laugh without even realizing she was smiling. And he paid attention. He actually asked her questions, remembered things she'd told him, and sent follow-up texts that felt genuine rather than perfunctory.

Like yesterday, when she'd mentioned in passing that she was trying to cut back on caffeine, and twelve hours later, he'd texted to ask how the caffeine withdrawal was going. It was such a small thing, but so few people actually listened to the details.

Joe Burrow was nothing like she'd expected.

She wasn't sure what she'd expected. Most athletes she'd encountered at industry events or award shows had come across as cocky—all swagger and practiced charm, their public personas polished to a shine. But Joe seemed different. He texted like a normal person—sometimes with perfect grammar, sometimes with abbreviations, occasionally with a meme that made no sense out of context but somehow made her laugh anyway.

There was something steady about him that settled her, a calm confidence that never veered into arrogance. In an industry where she was constantly surrounded by big personalities and bigger egos, his groundedness felt like stepping into a quiet room after hours in a crowded club.

And maybe that was why she didn't slam on the brakes like she normally would have. Why she was willing to consider having dinner at his place rather than insisting on a public restaurant with an escape route.

With a sigh, Riley set her empty coffee mug in the sink and headed to the studio. She had work to do, and she couldn't spend the entire morning analyzing text messages like a teenager. But as she settled in front of her keyboard, her phone buzzed again.

Joe QB🏈: What are you up to tonight?

She smiled, typing back quickly.

Riley 🎤: At Electric Lady. Long night ahead.

The response was immediate.

Joe QB🏈: What's Electric Lady?

Riley stared at the screen, momentarily taken aback. Was he serious? Electric Lady was legendary—practically hallowed ground for musicians. But then again, not everyone lived in her world, did they?

Riley 🎤: You're kidding.

Joe QB🏈: I'm not.

She shook her head, smiling despite herself. There was something endearing about his willingness to admit he didn't know something.

Riley 🎤: It's only one of the most iconic recording studios in NYC. Hendrix built it. Bowie recorded there. Springsteen, Patti Smith, The Clash... Do I need to keep going?

Joe QB🏈: Alright, alright. I get it. Sounds cool.

Riley snorted. "Sounds cool." As if she'd mentioned a trendy new coffee shop rather than one of the most significant musical landmarks in the city.

Riley 🎤: Cool doesn't even begin to cover it. It's my happy place when I'm in the city. Something about the history in those walls... it's like you can feel it when you're creating there.

There was a pause before his next message—longer than his previous replies had been.

Joe QB🏈: You sound like you're working late a lot this week.

The observation surprised her. Most people—especially people she'd just met—didn't notice or comment on her schedule unless she explicitly mentioned being tired or busy.

Riley 🎤: Yes, we are on a roll. We're finishing the bridge on this new track that's giving us hell. It's either going to be the best thing on the album or drive us all insane before we get it right.

She set her phone down, turning her attention to the keyboard in front of her. Her fingers drifted across the keys, finding the melody that had been haunting her for days—an insistent, driving sequence that contrasted with the vulnerability of the lyrics she'd been working on. It was the kind of song that would have their fans holding up lighters at shows, a perfect arena anthem with just enough raw emotion to make it personal.

But her mind kept drifting back to their conversation. To the way he actually seemed to care about what she was doing, not just when she'd be free to see him.

The rest of the week followed a similar pattern. When she wasn't at Electric Lady, she was either catching up on sleep or texting Joe. It was quickly becoming her favorite way to wind down after her long nights in the studio.

In the back of a sleek black Escalade, Manhattan's lights refracting through rain-streaked windows, her phone lit up with his name. Not a text this time—a call. She hesitated for only a second before answering.

"Isn't it past your bedtime, Burrow?" she teased, leaning back against the leather seat.

A low chuckle filled her ear. "Probably. But I figured you'd still be up."

"Good guess," she replied, watching the city lights blur past her window. "Just heading back to my place from the studio."

"How's the mysterious project going?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

This was what continued to surprise her about Joe. He was curious about her work, and unlike other people who would ask about her career out of politeness, Joe actually seemed interested in the details. It threw her off at first. She wasn't used to someone wanting to know her, not just the version of her that showed up on red carpets and album covers.

"It's going well," she said, more openly than she might have with someone else. "Today was mostly vocal tracking—the less glamorous part where I sing the same line fifty times until it's perfect."

"Sounds exhausting," Joe commented.

"It can be. But there's something satisfying about getting it exactly right. The guys are patient, though. Andy, our drummer, is practically a saint when it comes to vocal sessions. Nick keeps us laughing even when we're ready to kill each other over a single note."

"I get that," he said, and she could hear the understanding in his voice. "It's like when we run the same play over and over in practice. Looks boring from the outside, but there's something about the repetition, the precision..."

"Exactly," Riley said, surprised by how well he seemed to understand. "Different fields, same principle. The pursuit of that perfect execution where everything just clicks."

There was a comfortable pause before Joe spoke again. "So, we still on for tomorrow? Or are you going to be too wiped from your late nights?"

She smiled into the darkness of the car. "I'll be there. Seven o'clock, right?"

"Yeah," he confirmed. "I've already started prepping some things."

"Wow, taking this seriously, huh?" she teased.

"Can't have America's dream girl thinking I can't cook, can I?"

Riley groaned at the reference to the media nickname that had stuck after their Tonight Show appearance. "Please don't call me that."

Joe laughed, the sound warm and rich through the phone. "Sorry. Couldn't resist."

"Uh-huh. I'm hanging up now," she said, though there was no bite to her words.

"Goodnight, Riley," he said, his voice softening.

"Goodnight, Joe," she replied, ending the call with a smile lingering on her lips.

The car pulled up to her building, rain now falling in earnest. As she dashed inside, nodding to the night doorman, she realized she was actually looking forward to tomorrow night in a way she hadn't anticipated. There was something about Joe's direct approach, his genuine interest, his unexpected moments of vulnerability that made her want to know more.

Their calls had quickly developed a rhythm of their own. Late at night, her phone would light up just as she was finishing at the studio.

Their conversations rarely lasted more than ten minutes, but she found herself looking forward to them—this small, consistent connection across the miles between their separate worlds.

But as much as she was enjoying their easy back-and-forth, a part of her couldn't help but hesitate. A part of her kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. For the easy conversations to turn complicated, for the red flags to appear, for the inevitable letdown.

Her last relationship had left scars she hadn't realized were still there. Her ex—another musician, a guitarist whose talent was matched only by his volatility—had been part of her life for far too long. They'd spent years in an on-again, off-again cycle that was as exhausting as it was destructive. The kind of relationship that burned so hot it left everything around it in ashes, including the early days of her band when they were just starting to gain traction.

The breakup had been messy, the kind that made headlines and left her name plastered all over the tabloids. Paparazzi outside her house, speculative articles about who had cheated on whom, invasive questions in interviews that were supposed to be about her band's music. Her personal life dissected on social media by people who knew nothing about the actual relationship.

She still remembered the sting of the public fallout. The embarrassment. The frustration of people weighing in on something they knew nothing about. The way strangers felt entitled to judge her decisions, her emotions, her life.

After finally walking away for good, she'd sworn off relationships entirely. Not just publicly, but privately as well. She'd made a promise to herself: no more losing herself in someone else's orbit, no more putting her needs second, no more drama that derailed her creative focus.

She'd thrown herself into her career, traveled the world alone, and learned how to be happy without needing someone else to fill the gaps. And for the most part, it had worked. She'd become someone she was proud of, someone she didn't think she could've been if she hadn't taken time for herself.

The band's latest album—the one that had catapulted them from indie darlings to mainstream recognition—had emerged from that period of self-discovery. Their sound had evolved into something more powerfully honest, with electric guitar-driven anthems balanced by moments of intimate vulnerability. Critics had praised their ability to blend raw emotional lyrics with radio-ready hooks, and fans had responded to that authenticity in droves.

She still remembered the moment they realized things had changed for good—a sold-out show in London where the entire crowd sang their lyrics back to them so loudly that she'd had to step away from the mic, overwhelmed by the wall of sound. The guys had looked at her with the same stunned expression, all of them realizing simultaneously that they'd crossed some invisible threshold.

After a year of being single, Riley had found a comfortable rhythm in her independence. She'd learned what she actually wanted: someone who would respect her work while still making her feel cherished. Someone who understood her world without trying to dominate it. Despite the walls she'd built during her recovery from that toxic relationship, she was ready to open herself up again—just cautiously, and on her own terms.

So when Joe Burrow appeared with his straightforward texts and genuine interest, she found herself intrigued in a way she hadn't expected. There was something refreshing about his approach, something that made her curious enough to say yes to dinner at his place despite all her usual rules.

The truth was, she wasn't sure she was ready for anything serious, especially given their careers and geographical distance. But for the first time in a long while, she was willing to at least explore the possibility.

Friday morning arrived with unexpected anxiety. Riley found herself second-guessing her decision to go to Joe's place, wondering if she should text to suggest a restaurant instead. But before she could overthink it further, her phone rang.

Riley was still in bed when her phone buzzed, Joe's name lighting up the screen. She groaned softly, pulling the blanket over her head before answering.

"Hello?" Her voice was still husky with sleep.

"Morning, Riley," Joe said, his voice light and teasing. "Just checking to make sure we're still on for tonight."

She rolled onto her back, blinking up at the ceiling as she smirked. "Why are you calling me so early, Burrow? Don't you know I like to sleep late?"

"Early?" Joe laughed, and she could practically hear the grin in his voice. "It's eleven."

"Exactly. Early," she quipped, running a hand through her tangled hair. "I told you I like to sleep late, especially after a long night at the studio."

Joe chuckled on the other end of the line, the sound warm and relaxed. "Guess I'll have to keep that in mind. But I needed to make sure you weren't backing out on me."

There was something in his tone—a hint of vulnerability beneath the confident teasing—that made her heart soften a little. As if despite all his self-assurance, he genuinely wasn't sure she'd show up. It was those glimpses of real person behind the quarterback that kept drawing her in.

She rolled onto her side, smiling to herself. "Not a chance. I'm looking forward to tonight."

Joe's voice was playful when he responded. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," she admitted easily, surprising herself with her own honesty. "You say you're cooking a meal for me. That's really sweet. I can't wait to see what you come up with."

"Just a heads-up to manage your expectations," Joe said, a touch of self-deprecation in his voice that she found oddly charming. "We're not talking culinary genius here."

"I'm sure it'll be fine. What time do you want me there?" Riley asked, sitting up and pushing the blankets aside. Sunlight streamed through the gap in her curtains, illuminating dust motes dancing in the still air.

"Seven," he said without hesitation, as if he'd had the time planned all along.

"Perfect," she said, already mentally planning what she was going to wear. Something casual but flattering. Something that said "I made an effort" without screaming "I spent three hours getting ready for you."

She had a busy day ahead—a final vocal session, then a meeting with their manager about the upcoming tour schedule. The album wouldn't be out for months, but they needed to lock in venues for the fall tour now. Eleven cities in fourteen days, starting on the East Coast and working their way west. The thought of the grueling schedule would normally make her anxious, but today it seemed manageable. A problem for future Riley.

There was a brief pause before he added, his voice warm with amusement, "Do I need to send you a calendar invite so you don't forget?"

Riley laughed, the sound more carefree than she'd felt in a while. "I'll be there, Burrow. Don't worry—I wouldn't miss this."

Joe chuckled. "Good. I'll see you tonight then."

"See you tonight," she echoed, ending the call and dropping her phone onto the mattress beside her.

She exhaled, staring at the ceiling for a moment, a strange mix of anticipation and nerves swirling in her stomach. This wasn't just some guy she'd matched with on a dating app. This was Joe Burrow. NFL quarterback. Someone who lived as much in the public eye as she did, whose career came with its own unique pressures and scrutiny. Someone who seemed like he might actually understand her world in a way few others could.

But more than that, this was someone who made her laugh, who paid attention, who showed genuine interest in her life beyond the glamorous surface. Someone who didn't seem intimidated by her success or intent on competing with it.

A slow smile tugged at her lips as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. She had a date to prepare for.

Yeah. She was definitely looking forward to this.

[classiccowboy]

instagram j.b.

summary: follow along with joe and his fiance evie as they go through joes football career.

*face claim is yasmin quintana*

series masterlist.

evie

liked by millyg, lahjay10_, and 629,937 others

evie: 🤍🤍🤍

view all 5,829 comments…

user: did you notice that you made top 10 hottest NFL wags?

> evie: the peak of my existence

user: OK! This is so freaking cute

user: and what happens when i have to go to therapy over this?

> evie: we love therapy?

joeyb_9: all of my favorite things in just a few photos.

> evie: lots of happy moments..

user: how did you get a photo with my in laws?

user: you’re all so happy together i’m obsessed!

user: not momma and papa burrow!!

> evie: truly the best people ever. 🧡

joeyb_9

liked by lahjay10_, evie, and 736,828 others

joeyb_9: Jon Snow

view all 8,626 comments…

user: kiss me now

user: Joe sucks

millyg: joe burrow is cool.

user: trashhhhhh

user: mr. can’t win a superbowl

evie: winter is coming 😉

user: goat frfr

user: they know nothing about jon snow

evie

liked by joeyb_9, millyg, and 976,629 others

evie: onto the next..

view all 6,839 comments…

user: can i say ur the cutest ever

> evie: pls do

user: go bengies

> evie: bengies all dey!

user: the fact you never miss a game? get a life.

> evie: in the wise words of dani rojas.. Football is Life

joeyb_9: babe in the jungle. 😍

> evie: 🥰

user: love the fit!

user: Ev are you back to hanging out in the comments??

> evie: i’m always hanging in the comments

joeyb_9:

liked by bengals, evie, and 742,096 others

joeyb_9: Uninvited Guests

view all 11,836 comments…

user: you are HIM joe burrow

user: Joe you the best

user: snow shiesty

user: sad sorry qb

evie: my favorite/least favorite time of the year. i need a new coat.

> joeyb_9: don’t be a baby, you’re supposed to be the queen of the north. 🥶🥶🥶

user: proud of you joe!

user: jealous of the snowflakes

evie

liked by joeyb_9, lahjay10_, and 974,140 others

evie: mills said it’s getting too cold for this shit

view all 4,829 comments…

user: i played against joe in fantasy this week 😭

> evie: rip

user: isn’t this fit kind of basic?

> evie: ouch

joeyb_9: you can have my hand warmer

> evie: the sacrifices you make 🥰

user: i will never understand your relationship, he’s famous he can have anyone he wants.

> evie: it’s the people who know the least that always have the most to say..

millyg: i am never going to a playoff game again. not in this weather my guy.

> evie: you’re kind of lying dude

joeyb_9

liked by bengals, lahjay10_, and 960,002 others

joeyb_9: The journey continues

view all 6,728 comments…

user: does joey b reply?

> evie: our text messages are proof that he doesn’t

user: keep moving forward

lahjay10_: we be back brother

evie: boo kc

> joeyb_9: what do they say? tomato tomato?

user: somebody stop KC

user: joe shiesty for president

> evie: i support this

evie

liked by joeyb_9, bengals, and 827,017 others

evie: *gasp* she’s not wearing a joe burrow jersey!

view all 8,600 comments…

user: congratulations to the Bengals! what a great season!

> evie: 🧡🧡🧡

user: i’m sorry but can i marry ur bf?

> evie: not if i get there first 😉

user: who dey no matter what

joeyb_9: is this what it feels like to be cheated on?

> evie: it’s not what it looks like…

user: not me being behind you while you pounded back these ultras! you’re the best!

> evie: i was totally sober. 🥴

lahjay10_: nah if you gon wear anybody jersey number shoulda been mine!

> evie: i can see this was a major mistake

evie

liked by joeyb_9, millyg, and 639,927 others

evie: goodbye goodbye goodbye.. you were bigger than the whole sky. (what a season joey, i luv u).

view all 7,510 comments…

user: it broke my heart they lost..

user: who dey nation is proud of this team

> evie: forever..

user: leave joe and date me instead.

> evie: omg, usually it’s the other way around. i’m glad someone loves me!

joeyb_9: i can’t get enough of you.. thank you for being so supportive. 🤍

> evie: it’s a wonderful life with you.

user: i want you and mama burrow to post together more often.. i love her

> evie: my game partner for life and one of my best friends. we love mama burrow.. 🧡

evies ig stories

[keelt9]

MARIGOLD

Masterlist

“This is nuts!” Collin isn’t able to stay in his seat, and the players haven't even come out yet.

“Collin, you’re freaking me out.” He bluffs as lays back and crosses his arm over his chest.

“Am I the one who wants to come one hour before the game starts?” He raised his eyebrows looking at me. “Mom and dad aren't even here.”

“Well, well, well, I didn't hear you complain.” Collin laughs and his throat, trying to fake seriousness. 

“Becau…” I cover his mouth when I see Bengals players coming out through the tunnel across the stadium.

The Bengals fans who came clapped and shouted the name of the player they’ll want to see or can see but it was until Joe came with his classic black clothes that I felt a buzz all over my body.

I grabbed Collin's arm in excitement. “Y/N! Calm down, you will tear apart my jacket.”

I let his arm. “Sorry, sorry, just, this is nuts, right?” Collin smiles and nods.

During all the warm ups I was lost, that I didn’t even notice when our parents arrived. My eyes are glued to the cute QB across the field; when it finally over I see Joe waits a little bit looking across the field where I told him our dad bought the tickets. 

I don’t know if he could see me with the stadium starting to fill but I couldn't avoid feeling shy.

“So the worst fear of a father reached me.” I heard dad. “My daughter is over the hill for a football player.”

This time I turn around seeing my family laughing as I cover my face sitting down. 

My heart split in two all the game as much I cheered the niners, in every play and touchdown I couldn’t avoid, do the same every time Joe does the same, and move my eyes to the other side of the field every time he visibly goes down on the ground.

Still the victory stayed at home, with a missed kick from McPearson.

As we went back home I texted Joe after seeing his press conference ended. 

>I win!

He replied with a photo of  a red napkin on the floor. 

>I’ll call for a review.

“With that smile I guess you’re going back to Cincinnati, right?” Mom asked, looking for the rearview mirror.

Collin pushes my feet softly as he smirks. “Yes, but I’ll go because Lilian arrived Wednesday morning, ok?”

At the unison all answer with the same. “Yeah, of course.”

Well, I arrived Monday afternoon; for sure the cold of Cincinnati is something that is at the end if I would ever make a list of my favorite things here.

The florist’s is in perfect condition, bouquets all over the place, our usual customers register their usual purchase and Gael and the new girl, Sara working along in harmony.

Lilian enters through the door Wednesday morning tanned but with a smile side to side of her face. 

“I’m here!” I run to hug her causing almost both of us tripp but Jason is behind her ready to grab us. “I miss you so much.”

“You didn’t even see her that frequently.” Gael complains and I understand why Lilian said it is like living with Collin.

Without stopping hugging me Lilian takes out a coin from her pocket and tosses it to him.

“But hey! You’re covered in glitter this early?” I point to the other window where the Christmas tree is in progress. 

A lot of Christmas ornaments are all over the floor, bouquets of flowers are placed together and the flowers that arrived a few minutes earlier are still next to the door.

“Do you need help?” Jason asks while walking in the florist’s observing three boxes, he knows Lilian has plenty of them for Christmas.

“That would be amazing.” Gael gave him the big ribbon that every year hangs on the main entrance. 

Two big boxes appear from the backroom, leaving Lilian and Jason intrigued. 

“Where do you need these?” The voice of Joe made Jason drop the ribbon and Lilian looks at Gael who’s walking to take the boxes.

“Do you…Where…How…Why?!” Lilian couldn't even formulate a complete question.

“I told you about this!” Jason laughs, grabbing the ribbon and going to help Gael to see what's inside the boxes.

“You said you had a date!” I scrunch my nose. “You didn’t mention I will find Joe Burrow here!”

Joe laughs seeing Jason who just raises his shoulders. “He’s paying his bet.”

Lilian opens her eyes and looks at Joe. “Omg, you lost a bet with her?” Joe nods. “You never bet with her, she had the luck of hell.”

I fake an indignation expression, as Lilian takes a deep breath. 

“What do you lose?” She asked, it’s clear that Lilian feels totally comfortable around Joe. 

“Decorate Christmas trees.” Joe sees me with a soft smile. 

“Decorate?” Lilian narrows her eyes.

“You haven’t seen his Christmas tree? They are gorgeous.” While he stayed in San Francisco, Joe showed me a few pictures of the Christmas tree he decorated in the past few years, they're beautiful.

So I bet with him, if he wins, he will get the kiss and if I win, he will decorate two Christmas trees.

“Two?” Joe and I nodded. “Ok, one here, the other…”

“I wanted it to be in my home but his team could kill me if I take him one day.” Joe scoffs. “Besides, it's lucky he agreed, I heard he likes to glue to the building when they are in season.”

“Steal a QB1, that would be hilarious.” Lilian laughs as she sighs. “Well, what can we do to help you, Joe?”

Joe spent his night decorating a tree in the florist's, giving us instruction as we moved around the place. This day the florist was closed earlier, by 10 pm, Christmas lights were all over the place, a huge tree with golden and red ornaments was standing next to the window, it definitely started to feel like Christmas.

“This is so weird.” Lilian said tired as we sat in the middle of the florist having dinner. “We’re out two almost three months and my spoiled customer is having dates with my best friend; now we've reached the point where he’s comfy sitting eating the most random dinner with us.”

“Dates?” Gael asked innocently as Jason gave him a little jostle.

“Dates are different for boyfriend and girlfriend, kid.” Lilian chuckles.

I almost choked with my noodles. “Can we skip this conversion please?” 

Even Joe is smiling, his face and ears are red and he’s biting his lip, this is the kind of thing we’re a little bit far away from.

Jason is our savior. “Are you planning to stay all weekend?”

“I have an invitation for a game.” I take a sip of my bottle.

“We.” Gael sat straight proud. “We four have a game. Joe invited us to the game against Miami.” 

Lilian opens her eyes to Joe. “If you want and can come, of course.” 

“We don’t have tickets.” Jason said, making Gael shake his head.

“That’s the best part.” He makes the sound of drums in his legs. “Joe invited us to his box!”

“What?” Lilian is clearly impressed for the ways she blinks quickly.

“That’s the last question word you missed!” I chuckle, winning a push of her feet on my leg. 

“I mean, you won’t get tickets at this time of the seasons and my box is a little bit too  big.” Joe can be really playful when he wants.

“A little bit?” I asked, making Joe laugh.

“A little bit.”

Lilian stretched her back as she put her plate on the floor. “We came to another universe, love.” Jason smiley giving her a kiss on her head.

I spent the days working telling Lilian the updates with Gael about the few changes and arrangements we have been doing; by the night Joe passed by inviting me to a small walk or dinner in his house.

This Saturday isn’t different, he’s been in a long and exhaustive training, they playoffs are clenched still they know if things are like it seems the other teams could give them a surprise if they get overconfident.

“I’ll better go.” I watch the hour on my phone. “It’s late and you must be fresh  tomorrow.” 

I stand as Joe goes with me to the door, I always call for an Uber when we are outside stealing minutes with him, this time he covers with his hand my phone, making me look at him.

“Do you actually have to go?” I chuckle, grabbing his hand. “I mean this is huge…”

“You always said you aren't a friendly person on game day and you don't want to make me feel bad.” He said that more than one time, still I didn't know if that's more for him or for me.

Joe smiles as he clicks his tongue. “And you said I would never do that, I probably just be quieter.” 

The cold weather makes me shiver. “Joe it's ok, I'll see you tomorrow night after the game ends, right?”

“Or you could see me earlier in the morning?” The irony of the situation is so funny.

“Are you complaining about something you said you don't want I witnessed but now you said you mostly don’t want me to go?” Joe laughs. 

“We could have said that.” I raise my eyebrows hitting softly in his arm.

“Yeah, we could have said that.” I see my phone one more time we're been here a couple of minutes and I feel I could turn on stalactite any minute.

I shake my head. “I'll take the guest room.”

As I entered the house one more time, the big smile of Joe slowly turned, realizing I'll stay but not fully with him.

“Guest room?”

Lilian almost had a heart attack when I called her to tell her the news. It's just been a couple of days since she can assimilate unexpected changes. Still, she’s dealing as calmly as she can.

I follow my own words after Joe borrows me a couple of clothes so I can sleep. I'll walk to the guest room, where I spent most of the night, until I feel the bed sink, my cellphone mark, 5:15 am.

Joe surrounds me with his arm. “You’re sleeping in the guest room, you can’t complain so much.”

“I mean, alone.” Joe giggles but rests his head next to mine.

“Shh, I have to get up earlier.” I laughed but my eyelids felt so heavy, so I just closed my eyes a second later.

I got up before he did, practically making acrobatics for leaving the bed without him waking up. Joe told me he has a specific routine for a game day and I don’t want to mess up anything.

I picked up my things and left him a small note in the kitchen.

>See you at night ♥️ I had a wonderful night.

Lilian kept staring at me as we had breakfast. “What?”

“Nothing.” Jason sits next to her giggling. “Just… you’re not sleeping where your parents think you are, dating a football player, coming early in the morning with that smile on your face.”

I shake my head. “We go back in time, or what? We're back in middle school.”

Jason laughs this time serving more coffee. “You never did something like this in middle school?”

“Jason, I was a bear in hibernation all my school time, I mean I have one or three dates, but it was because this girl needed a friend for a friend of the guy.” Lilian nods proudly looking at Jason.

In the middle school I never bother for find a guy or date I was fully concentrate in getting good grades and learning all I could for entered to the University I wanted, Lilian from the other hand is so beautiful that she even had to effort in getting a date.

“I saw the photos, you've been way too pretty since then.” Jason flattered me, making my face burn, winning a small approbation kiss of Lilian. “Guys tend to be frightened of intelligence.”

“She was a little bit cranky at that time too.” Lilian smirks remembering how I used to lock her every test we had.

I take the last bite of my pancake with a smile. “For sure.”

We picked up Gael at 4 pm. He's so happy that a few months ago he was joking about getting a pass to Joe’s Burrow box, now he’s about to be in that box.

The sensation is different even just getting inside of the big hallways that takes you to the box of the QB, of course getting in the box is out of this world.

You can easily see the field having all the comfort you can even imagine, nice seats, food all the time and a big T.V at each side.

I sent a picture to Joe about me in his box, actually not expecting any replay but he did it a few minutes later. He’s in the stadium, I saw the post in the social accounts, probably getting ready for the warm ups.

>Bets on?

A smirk on my face appears so quickly, feeling a butterfly on my stomach. >I’m way too far, next time. 

The time between warm ups and the beginning of the game for me usually lasts an eternity. This time passed in a blink, by the time the game began I was so excited that even Lilian and Geal were teasing me about it.

The first half wasn't as we expected, the difference is one touchdown and a field goal in favor of Miami; the team has been neutralized in the red zone and Joe has been hit more times than the last week.

“They come back from this, don’t worry.” Gael said, extending his hand with his popcorns. “Besides, he won’t let his girl witness a loss.” 

I scrunch my nose. “He didn’t tell you.” I narrowed my eyes, seeing he shrugged his shoulders.

“Desperate times need desperate measures.” The kid wink at me.

The third quarter it was like the Bengals got a bust in the locker room, a wonderful interception for BJ gave them the touchdown they needed and the first series ended in a touchdown too, then just a field goal, but by the last quarter all were with our hands grabbing the seats tight.

The Bengals are down for 3 points with 00:34 on the clock and no time outs in the 23 yard.

You can see through Joe's helmet big eyes open and biting his lip before saying what could be the last call of the day.

I grab Lilina's hands and she does the same as both of us anxious for the result.

Joe has trouble in the pocket so he needs to get out searching for someone in the red zone but what it seems a lose game, Tee appears in the red zone totally alone; Joe just had time to throw the ball before he goes down.

In the screen the words “TOUCHDOWN” lights one with the clock in 00:23, Bengals win the game.

All the stands erupt in screams and cheers, we hug each other as we scream.

“I TOLD YOU!” Gael said, lifting me from the ground.

In the conference Joe praised the resilience and mentality of his team; the way he smiles tells you so much about how proud of his team is. 

I waited for 1 hour until Joe finally came out.

“Here you are.” Joe smiles one bag on his hand and his backpack over his shoulder.

As he approached my hands that were on my back came to the front with a big bouquet of marigolds, that resembles wonderful.

“You.” Joe relaxes his shoulder as he hugs me, taking the bouquet of my hands. “This is what the fifth you are giving me?”

The times I've been in his house I notice he placed bouquets of flowers in a specific zone of his house which he takes care of carefully for more than one week.

“I start to believe all your visits to the florit’s could have a second intention.” I teasing him as we split. 

“How could you say that?” He’s leaning for giving me a kiss when I see coming out of the building Ja’Marr and BJ looking each other with a funny expression.

“Aye!” Ja’Marr said as Joe split. “What a scene.”

“Such a cute girl for this boy.” BJ smiles and extends his hand. “Time to greet us properly, BJ.”

I take his hand, and recognize the first time I met him he was the first one to talk to me. 

“Y/N.” He smiles and nods.

“How the hell did you get her Joey?” Joe scoffs and smirks.

Ja’Marr laughed and couldn't avoid teasing him. “No, no, no, they're dating, my boy isn't making any question, still.” 

I see Joe giggling with a red face pushing softly to his best friend.

“She has a style, see the number of her jersey.” Joe turns around to see my jersey over my hoodie.

A huge number 1 on my chest, on my defense, it was the only one in the store, the jersey with number 9 was out of stock.

“It was this or 80, you choose.” I claimed, seeing how Joe's forehead has many wrinkles. 

BJ and Ja'Marr laughs. “We love her.”

Joe scoffs seeing me. “Yeah, I can see why.” He kissed my forehead, making my face burn as I covered my eyes, unable to hold those tender eyes on me.

[bengals-barnesbabe]

Open Practice

Pairing: CJ Stroud X Black!FemReader

Description: Football players, in your experience, are either childish, toxic or horrible communicators; your ex just so happened to be all of the above. But it’s been a few years and people can change. Or will a certain qb decide to pick up the pieces your ex left behind?

Warnings: Toxic Ex!Brevin Jordan

Word Count: 800+

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖

Walking into NRG Park felt odd. You’ve been to a football stadium before but not before noon or because your ex-boyfriend invited you to his open practice. Your relationship was like open practice actually, you practiced being the best girlfriend and he liked being open, for everyone.

Texas was huge, they were right when they said everything’s bigger in Texas. Including egos, you realized when you received a text from Brevin minutes after tagging Houston in your story.

From: No Air Jordan 🏈

Hey baby, heard you were in my city😁 Swing by tmr’s practice and watch me cook then I’ll show ya around 😉

You honestly thought he must’ve taken too many shots to the head, your breakup consisted of a few long texts and pure ignorance so you assumed he got the idea. Yet here you are sitting in the bleachers of the Houston stadium. You wandered around for a total of 15 minutes searching for somewhere to sit. Brevin only sent the one text so you had no idea where to go or where he even was. You almost left and forgot about him but a player in a #7 jersey stopped you.

“Excuse me, are you okay?” Damn dreads, pretty eyes and perfect ass lips.

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. I was invited by someone on the team, but he’s not replying to me. So I was just gonna go.” You replied sheepishly.

“That’s cool, but if you want you could come over to my section. We’ll be done in about an hour and the view’s better over here.” He smiled.

He was cute, smooth and nothing like B, exactly your type. “Yea, I think I’d like that..”

“Oh sorry, I’m CJ. Quarterback.” Team leader = good communication. Noted.

“Y/n.” A whistle went off and grabbed CJ’s attention. “I guess that means ‘back to work.”

“Yea, we’ll talk after practice.” He flashed his award-winning smile once more then jogged back to center field. I’m definitely staying.

꘎♡━━━━━♡꘎

Watching CJ- the Texans practice was actually pretty fun, you never could pay attention during their real games because of the boisterous crowd, but here on the secluded practice field you could actually focus on the players and didn’t have large men yelling in your ears.

Truth be told CJ looked electric out there. Everything he did lit up the light crowd, which makes sense with all his clean complete passes. His offense was ten times better than their defense, which sucks when it comes to game time, but what can you do?

Every once in a while he’d look back at our section and smile, just for a moment you let yourself believe it’s you he’s looking at.

Unbeknownst to you and Stroud, Brevin also noticed how he was looking in your direction. His face would tense up and for each play he’d ignore all instructions and go after the quarterback. Since he was on defense it wasn’t that long of a stretch between his duties and his actions, but he got pancaked after every attempt.

By the time practice was over, your ex was even more angered than before thanks to the amount of bruises he accumulated over the last two hours. Then he saw you and CJ talking, suddenly all his anger was justified.

=͟͟͞͞♡

“I really enjoy talking to you Y/n. Is there any way I can persuade you into joining me in getting a bite to eat?” You lightly bit your bottom lip, the corners curling upwards at his question.

“I would love that-

“I hope you know she hates barbecue, and she don’t do relationships especially with athletes.” The voice of your emotionally incompetent egomaniac ex boyfriend interrupts you from afar.

Rolling your eyes you decide to pay him no mind and just turn back to the nice guy in front of you. “As I was saying, lunch sounds great.”

Then Brevin inserts himself again, now only the field barricade separates you. “You should know who you’re getting involved with CJ, they call her Jennifer because she’s a maneater.” He wears a mischievous grin and defensive stance.

You scoff, “a maneater who’s only here because my loser ex boyfriend slid in my DMs the second I got to Texas. A maneater that was thinking about maybe hearing you out after our relationship went wrong. Even better, a maneater that was nothing but faithful to your misogynistic womanizer ass.”

“If I’m such a misogynistic womanizer why did you come?” He smirks thinking he finally got one over you.

“I heard your quarterback was way bigger than you, so I had to come check that out.” He flared his nostrils, and stormed off the field, but not before spiking his helmet.

“Jordan you’re getting fined for that!”

CJ chuckles to himself, impressed at the way you handled him. “Did you mean it?” He smirked.

You lean over the barricade and breathily whisper in his ear. “Every word.”

Then pull back to watch his face as he sucks his plump bottom lip into his mouth.

“Let’s get outta here.”

~

Walking out of NRG Park felt odd. Not because of unsatisfying BJ, but because it was the first time you’ve walked out of a football stadium and enjoyed the outcome of events.

┊┊❁ཻུ۪۪♡ ͎. ｡˚ °

A/N: this sat in my drafts for too long, but I’m overcoming my posting anxiety and letting it see the light. Also I hit 100 followers🤭 tysm babes.

Main Masterlist

[kaiasky]

when my dad and gmom were introducing me to watching football (was not allowed to play) they explained yknow, ok it's not just a game about shoving people, it's strategy, it's like a scale model of a war, except you don't want to hurt people.

and i was like okay, interesting it's a strategy game, I am at this time playing a lot of flash strategy games and risk and maybe by this point the Total War games

and i come back the next day with like. ok i think its stupid that the offensive line starts there. they should start 30 yards downfield and get a running start and just smash through the defenders in a wedge formation like a cavalry charge. and the center snaps the ball right before they collide.

now it turns out that this is, for about 30 different reasons, extremely illegal. but as I recall it was explained to me that you had to have the linemen stay still and im like aw ok.

so i go back to the drawing board and I'm like alright why don't they just have all the backs line up behind the center and just shove. it's 5v1 the defender doesn't stand a chance. and i think the reply i got was that's very sweet but i think people would just wrap around and tackle the quarterback.

and now the real answer is that pushing the runner wasn't allowed until recently, and the eagles were the first ones to realize and they very nearly won a superbowl off of it

and then i go back to the drawing board and i go alright look why are we going around the line. we should go over them. just... have some teammates boost you and jump over the offensive line and tackle their stupid QB. "idk kaia i think that's one of those things that seems good but once the opponent knows about it, it won't work"

and now while that doesn't work. having your teammates push the long-snapper's head down and leaping over them to block a field goal is absolutely allowed and happens semi-regularly now

anyways. other ideas i remember having that haven't yet panned out, but give it 10 years:

2 people running the same football. that way if only one safety catches up to them they only get to tackle one person

the onside kick is so imba like i understand that it's not but ??? "hello i just scored a touchdown. i would like to have the ball again please at my 45 yard line. and if i fail the only downside is that the other team starts 30 yards closer." how are you not taking that deal at least 20% of the time?? (i am aware abt the new kickoff changes)

literally just throw laterals. when i first saw a lateral i was like THATS ILLEGAL but nope apparently they just haven't figured out it's good yet

[queenbirbs]

Popping in with another #Chenford Chat! We know The Rookie likes to throw in little winks or callbacks to previous episodes. What do you most hope to see a parallel to at some point?? 👀

Oooh I really really want a parallel to the virus scene in 1x20, but with the positions switched. Just imagine the angst, especially in the current Chenford era.

[hourcat]

what do you think of burrow chase dynamic? they’re interesting….. remember when joe wore ja’marr’s LSU championship jersey? that’s insane

i think that, as always, the relationship between a quarterback and his wide receiver is built on carnal desire that stems from their natural chemistry, and joe'marr are absolutely no different. those men have explored each other's bodies in the name of perfecting their on-field product i know it in my heart.

[realtapiocafan]

SOOOOO HILARIOUSLY FUNNYYYYY that jayden replied to that ja’marr comment for NO ACTUAL REASON he wasnt mentioned wasnt NOTHING and it was literally just laughing emojis WHAT DOES HE WANT WITH THAT?? and MALIK DELETING HIS STORY OF TEEMARR???? he’s actually ja’marr 2.0 im sobbing but anyways its very much giving little freshies crushing on their senior trying to get noticed and commenting random shit on their igs and malik overthinking it and jayden not-so quietly dying as he stares morbidly at his comment gaining 2k likes absolutely not capable of deleting it as the number continues to weirdly grow and maliks next to him face down on the couch already in a puddle of regret after deleting his story and btj serenely cooking them dinner in the back having the common sense to shut his trap and steer clear of social media where they’re clearly on public scrutiny (he texted ja’marr smth short and sweet abt hoping the deal going through and how ja’marr deserves it and ja’marr sent him a single 🧡 in reply and now he’s just floating on cloud nine mute with happiness btw)

AHHH WTF ANON

first of all, these are such good ideas!!!! like goddamn anon, thank you so much for sparking the idea brain cells!

and yes, this type of behavior is why i got the senpai idea bc like?? sometimes there can always be one explanation and this is like Exhibit 1209 of 2023 lsu being absolutely heart-eyes over ja'marr on insta where like. everyone can see you guys.

there really was no reason for jayden to respond to that! like he wasn't tagged or anything! it had nothing to do with him! he was just scrolling through his phone like the chronically online boy he is (<3) and saw ja'marr's comment and started howling and just. forgot that everyone can see this shit and left a string of laughing emojis (six of them to be exact).

i was so helplessly amused when i saw that malik deleted the story. like is this a baby ja'marr i'm seeing??? are the parallels not just contained to the qb-wr parallels and on the field play??? but also similar personality wise??? what are the chances that two generational wrs from the same college overthink their silly little insta stories and delete them out of fear of being Perceived?

i love love love the idea of jayden staring at his phone and Regretting as likes accumulate (imagining him like oppenheimer lol). because it would be weird to delete now, wouldn't it??? but is it weirder to keep it up?? like what did ja'marr think of jayden randomly laughing omg???

meanwhile malik on the side also Regretting and being like why tf did i do that omfg i shouldn't have done anything omfg but was deleting it making it weirder? well malik didn't tag ja'marr but ja'marr does follow malik so now malik's wondering 'what if he did see the story and is now like 🤨' and so on

while mayden spiral into Overthinking and Regret, sensible sensible brian is like 'idiots'. social media man. the whole world, including us on tumblr, can catch onto your smallest move!

(in revenge for them always lording ja'marr's follow over him, he doesn't tell them about ja'marr sending him that heart.) (and he most certainly does not tell malik that he's actually grateful for the invite to train with ja'marr bc wow if this is how mayden feels everytime they see ja'marr liked their post or saw their story, this is amazing)

and as a final note, me and @dstiny4ever were chatting earlier about jayden/malik/brian and how there really isn't a good combination for their names which is so beyond frustrating. we've settled on brimayden though! so! official announcment!

[seeminglyranch87]

Taylor & Travis Timeline

January 2025 - Part 2

January 18 - NFL Divisional: Chiefs v Texans, Arrowhead Stadium, KC.

Travis arrives ahead of game

Pregame warm up

Taylor giving old Hollywood elegance today dressed head to toe in Chanel (outfit x) as she arrives for the game with her parents and brother at Arrowhead Stadium. Taylor was joined by basketball player Caitlin Clark.

Travis Kelce scores a touchdown (chiefs x espn x) Take a bow Mr Kelce.

Chiefs win! Chiefs defeat Texans 23 - 14. On to the AFC Championship.

Andy Reid setting the record straight about his star Tight End...

An Eras Tour inspired promotion during the game!

Post game (x) a reporter asks Travis

“You feeling 25 again?” Travis replies “22, baby. 22.”

January 21 - A great ESPN article (x) about what a team leader Travis Kelce is and a glimpse into his character.

Alex Smith, retired NFL QB comments of Travis Kelce

"Travis is a guy who gives energy. Every interaction with him you like. You always feel better after talking to him... Some people are so magnetic and you love being around them, and Travis is one of those guys."

Beau Allen, retired Eagles player, joined the Kelce family on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium for the KC Chiefs' Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans. Taylor complimented Beau on first meeting him and Travis gave Beau his $12k Bottega shirt/jacket.

"[Jason] Kelce called me up and was like, 'so, you're coming to this game. Don't make me regret this... don't misbehave, don't bother Taylor Swift. Don't f*** this up.'" (x)

January 22 - New Heights Ep. 121 (x) Travis & Jason discuss reflections on the playoffs.

iHeart Radio Music Award nominations announced (x). Taylor will be honoured with Tour of the Century!!

Taylor is also nominated in 9 categories including Favourite Surprise Guest: Travis Kelce ;-)

Will we see Taylor and Travis on the red carpet for the first time in March?

Jan 26 - AFC championship

February 2 - Grammy Awards

February 9 - Super Bowl LIX, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans.

March 17 - iHeart Radio Music Awards

Go to previous update -> January 2025 part 1

Go to next update -> January 2025 part 3

Return to the timeline

[gaefandomlover]

1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10, if that's okay?

Of course, it's okay!! - you literally just made my day! - A lot of these: the ones not published need major editing but I hope you enjoy!

Original Post

—

I Will Be By Your Side Theo hadn’t realized he’d been subconsciously watching Liam this whole time until their eyes met, and Liam blushed. Theo moved his head away from Liam’s gaze sheepishly but couldn’t help but draw his eyes back to him.

“What is it? Do I have something on my face?” Liam asked,

“No, you’re good. I think the bond is trying to pull us closer.”

“Really? How so?”

“Every time I look away, my eyes can’t help but fall back on you.”

Liam blushed for a moment before gathering his thoughts. We're Singing Louder Than Ever

“How about Spraystian,” Michael suggested, Dylan groaned, hiding his face in his hands. He couldn’t believe his friends were coming up with ship names when he had just met Cody yesterday.

Khylin grimaced and shook his head, “How about Spraybistian?” he suggested,

Michael and Froy weighed the name but then shook their heads.

“Christberry?” Froy suggested,

Dylan sat up when a thought ran through his mind. "Chrisberry." He liked the sound of it for some reason.

“How about Chrisberry?” Dylan suggested before he could stop himself,

Michael, Khylin, and Froy looked at him and then smiled. Dylan knew it was too late to take it back now.

Hero/Villain Prompt - (Thiam) AU The Chimera is no ordinary villain, he’s a part of the notorious group called The Dread Doctors. He was taken in by them at the age of nine and manipulated into being their perfect villain; it became all he knew. He’s only known as The Chimera, he hasn’t heard his real name in years. As he sat against the wall of his cell. He had been in there for a few days, starved for all the mistakes he’d made on his jobs. Punishment for failing a job for The Dread Doctors was equivalent to solitary confinement with the added bonus of being starved for any number of days.

But if you fail multiple, the punishment is worse. You can either be beaten, exiled, tortured to death, or even all of the above. The Chimera expected the worst since he’s been here the longest. As he sat in the cell with the only noise coming from his growling stomach and the sound from the nearby pipes, he curled into himself hugging his knees.

Mike Fukanaga/Flint Forester Standing there was Flint Forester, bloodied and bruised, his face a mask of terror.

“Please,” he choked out, “Please help me. You can do whatever you want—I don't care—just protect me from them.”

Mike’s mind swirled with emotions—confusion, concern, and skepticism. He and Flint weren’t exactly friends; they were more like frenemies. So why was Flint here? Mike considered slamming the door in Flint’s face but knew Amanda would scold him for not helping...

I'd Kiss You with People Watching - Jasher (Dialogue)

“That was only part one,” Jordan replied,

“How many parts are there?” Asher asked,

“That’s a secret.” Jordan smirked, “But I can give you a hint if you want.”

Asher tilted his head curiously as he nodded.

“It’s enough to keep you from doing anything all day.”

Asher blushed, “That sounds like a lot.”

“Maybe, but it’s more than enough to keep you from doing anything. Just relax and let me take care of you.” Jordan replied

“What are you going to do if I don’t?” Asher asked,

Jordan smirked, “I’ll find something to keep you relaxed.”

Nerd/Jock - Jasher Surprisingly I don't have much - actually anything but the summary LMAO

Asher wasn’t really popular as far as friends go In Beverly Hills. He mainly kept to himself until students started realizing that he was smart and wanted him to do their homework or at least do the framework of it. It got to the point that Asher started charging a small fee. He tried to avoid the jocks for the potential fear of being bullied. Then there was Jordan Baker, QB of the Beverly Eagles. He is well known because his dad is Billy Baker. This will have Elements of Spousal & Son Abuse from Asher's Dad, Bullying, and Homophobia

Sthiam - (Stiles/Liam/Theo)

You're in luck I just wrote something for this from another ask! So I'm going to continue from where I left off... -- Theo missed the way Stiles's eyes lingered on him when he was told what he had missed and who had remembered him while he was gone. Theo missed how since then Stiles's eyes focused on the details of Theo's complexion, like how Theo's addicting green eyes were dull, and how Theo's shoulders appeared to have thousands of pounds worth of baggage that he believed didn't need to be there.

Stiles paid extra attention to Theo, but not because he was suspicious of him - far from it. It was because He was starting to see the old Theo, the one he knew when they were kids. Stiles couldn't stop the guilt, for what the pack had done. While, Skinwalker prison was the best thing for Theo at the time, looking at the shell of the chimera made his heart ache and his magic glow with the urge to protect Theo from the horrors that have haunted his mind.

Meanwhile, Liam focused on the little things, like the way Theo's hair blew in the wind or how his eyes illuminated as the sun set over the preserve on patrol. Liam also noticed how tired Theo had been but always told people he was fine.

Liam knows he's lying, as he's seen it before in the hospital. He saw Theo frozen as he stared at the empty hallway like he was waiting for something - someone to crawl up to him. Liam never said anything because a part of him secretly hoped Theo would be the one who said something first.

[tavolgisvist]

“I used to read ads for guitars in Reveille and just ache for one. Like everyone else, I used God for this one thing I wanted. 'Please God, give me a guitar.’ Elvis was bigger than religion in my life. We used to go to this boy’s house after school and listen to Elvis on 78s; we’d buy five Senior Service loose and some chips and go along. Then this boy said he’d got a new record. He’d been to Holland. This record was by somebody called Little Richard, who was bigger than Elvis. It was called Long Tall Sally. When I heard it, I couldn’t speak. You know how it is when you are torn. I didn’t want to leave Elvis. We all looked at each other, but I didn’t want to say anything against Elvis.”

(Maureen Cleave, The Telegraph)

I was born on 29 September 1940, just days before JWL, at 69 Dovedale Road and lived there until I was 22 when I left Liverpool to live and work overseas. I never went back to live in UK. My house was at the other end of Dovedale Road from Dovedale Road School and from Penny Lane. I was near the Rose Lane end of Dovedale Road. I first met John when, after moving to live with his Aunt Mimi, he joined Dovedale Road Infants School aged 5. We were in the same class in primary and junior schools, both passed the 11 plus exam together and both went on together to Quarry Bank where I first met Pete Shotton. John and Pete were inseparable at QB and they with me and my friend Don Beattie made a frequent foursome. Don, Pete and I went on a Liverpool grammar schools exchange holiday to Amsterdam in April 1956 when we were all aged 15. John didn't come. We had a ball. I returned with Little Richard's record of ‘Long Tall Sally’ with ‘Slippin' an Slidin' on the B side. At that time we used to regularly break school rules and cycle to my house from QB on school days at lunch time. Just after the Amsterdam trip on one of those lunchtime sessions I played John the record having first got his attention by telling him the singer was better than Elvis Presley.  Well, it stopped John in his tracks and he was lost for words. This was so unusual we all remembered it and many years later after John's murder when Pete Shotton wrote his book he described this incident in detail as it was in every sense a critical moment in John's life. From that point music was going to be his life and it was.

(How I Turned John Lennon onto Rock 'n' Roll by Mike Hill for Mersey Beat)

"I never thought I'd ever meet Little Richard. He was my idol at school. The first song I ever sang in public was 'Long Tall Sally,' at a Butlins holiday camp talent competition! I love his voice and I always wanted to sing like him."

(Paul McCartney in The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorised Biography by Charles White, 2003).

Then I broke my arm and had to go into hospital. Who knows what might have happened if I hadn’t broken that arm? We could have taken “We are Siamese if you please” to the top of the pops and become the Elderly Brothers. But Paul and George had already gone a long way together at that time. Actually, viewers, I shared the limelight with Paul on what might be described as his first public stage appearance – certainly on any stage outside the school theatre. When I was well enough to leave hospital, Dad brought Paul and me down to a holiday camp at Wales for a break. Our cousin Mike happened to be producer of the camp talent show and gave us our big chance. Mike thought Paul a rave mimic – although this made him a minority in the family. The rest of them thought that we were simply crackers. I think the only joke they ever laughed at was Paul’s Irish joke. This is about the two Irishmen who came out of a pub just as an aeroplane was flying past. Mick says: “Begorra, Pat, I’d hate to be up in that plane,” and Pat replies: “Oi, Mick, but I’d hate to be up there without it!” And the only reason they laughed at that was because of Paul’s cod Irish accent. Bet you didn’t know that, brother! Anyway, cousin Mike had this idea that Paul was really good. “Why don’t you do your Little Richard piece?” he suggested. Paul’s face was a book study. “Oo-er,” he said doubtfully. “Do you really think so?” “You’d be great, real great,” cousin Mike told him. “I’d be too nervous,” said Paul. In fact he was shaking like Patrick Kerr’s left leg when we finally got him as far as the wings in the theatre. And even then we had to give him a push before we could get him out on stage. But when he found himself standing in the spotlight – without quite knowing how he had got there, may I say – he did his little turn successfully. The applause was just about to die away when the compere turned the spotlight to where I was standing in the wings and called upon me to join Paul in a duet. We must have looked a couple of junior-sized Laurel and Hardys – Paul chubby and all owl-faced, me skinny, pale as powder, and with my arm still in a sling. Anyway we sang “Bye-Bye Love” together and were rewarded with a bar of chocolate each. Talk about the big time!

(Mike McCartney, August 21, 1965, Portrait of Paul for Woman Magazine)

Early on, I’d sung ‘Long Tall Sally’ at an end-of-term party. You could bring your guitar into school on the last day. We had a history teacher named Walter Edge, though we called him ‘Cliff’ Edge because we thought hat was really funny. He was one of our favourite teachers. I got to stand up on the desk in front of all my mates in the class and sing ‘Long Tall Sally’ with my guitar because he let us.

(Paul McCartney, The Lyrics, 2021)