#scribblesofagoonerr

[scribblesofagoonerr]

emotional support goat | buddy & monkey: double the trouble

summary: monkey gets her inheritence money, and buys an emotional support goat.

double the trouble masterlist

“Red flower, blue thorns… Red flower, blue thorns…” You muttered to yourself, repeating the famous one-liner from Shrek, clearly in your own world. You bounced around the gym in the training grounds, deliberately avoiding the light workout you’d been assigned, despite Leah’s instructions, “This would be so much easier if I wasn’t colourblind!” You added, half-heartedly trying to focus on the task at hand, but it was clear you weren’t interested.

Leah sighed, crossing her arms over her chest as she watched you saunter around the gym, “Monkey, stop muckin’ around and do what you’ve been asked.”

You grinned cheekily, eyes lighting up with a new idea, “Hey, ‘ere, Mum! What d’you think about me getting a pet goat?” You asked casually, like it was the most normal thing to say in the middle of a light workout.

“In your dreams, my girl,” Leah replied, her tone firm but affectionate.

“Awh, shucks,” You pouted, slumping your shoulders, “Come on, I’d love one! I think it would be super fun, though!”

“Monkey, stop wasting time and get on with it,” Leah’s voice grew more exasperated as she watched you continue to distract yourself with every possible excuse not to follow through, “Monkey!”

“Huh–What? I am!” You responded, feigning innocence but clearly not putting in any real effort.

Leah shook her head, “You really look like you are—Monkey!” She scolded, catching you attempting to muck around with Kyra.

“What? I’m just chattin’ to my bestie about my possible goat!” You told her excitedly, as if it were the most important thing in the world, as you ignored Leah and plopped yourself down beside Kyra, “Ky! What d’you think about me getting a pet goat? It’d be cool, yeah?”

“You’re gettin’ a pet goat?” Kyra’s eyes lit up with excitement, her smile widening, “That’s so cool! It would be so Monkey-coded of you to do something like that!”

“That’s what I thought!” You beamed, pleased with yourself, “And I even thought about names for it!”

Leah raised an eyebrow, arms still crossed, “You needn’t think you’re getting a pet goat, Logan!” She barked, her tone now sharp.

Beth, overhearing the conversation, let out a low whistle, “Ooft, first name—Leah’s being serious on this one, trouble.”

You huffed, rolling your eyes, “Me? I’m completely innocent!” You pretended to act innocent, moving over to the bench and picking up the nearest thing that just so happened to be a medicine ball as you attempted to mischievously aim it at the wall, “I’m so bored in ‘ere!”

“Don’t you even dare think about throwing that at anyone,” Leah warned, catching you about to throw it, giving you that all too familiar look, “Put. It. Down.”

Katie snorted in amusement, “I feel like I’m having déjà vu right now.”

“Ere’, Le? Have you ordered anything at all?” Caitlin wandered into the gym, looking curious, “You’ve got a delivery man waiting for you out in reception, said he’s got something for you.”

Leah furrowed her brows, “What? I… I don’t think I’ve ordered anything—”

“She’s ‘ere! She’s ‘ere!” You bolted up from the bench, wanting to race towards the reception area, “Vivi’s finally ‘ere!”

“Did she just… Did she just say Vivi?” Beth asked, bewildered.

“Yeah, I think… I think she did?” Lia murmured, just as confused as the blonde.

Katie snorted in amusement, “Oh, what is the little lady up to now?”

“Vivi?” Leah repeated, and then she heard it—the unmistakable bleating of your new best mate.

You’d only gone and brought a goat.

“Logan Reece Williamson-Nobbs!” Leah bellowed across the entire gym, “Tell me that you haven’t brought a bloody goat!?”

You have done a lot of dumb things over the years. But this? This really was up there.

You’d inherited money from your Grandma Jean, you finally had access to your funds that had been tied up–Leah and Jordan added to it, along with both of the families. It was meant for your future—Rugrat’s future. Something stable. Sensible. Safe.

But you definitely didn’t see it that way.

And instead? You went and brought a goat, and you had decided to name it after the real goat herself.

“My goat!” You beamed a huge smile, bouncing on your toes as you were ever so eager as you gasped in awe at the sight of your new four-legged friend, “Oh my God, you’re so cute! Hi! You’re so adorable!”

“What the fuck is that?” Leah stopped mid-track, eyes wide, “Logan Reece! Are you actually joking with me, right now?!”

“Mum! Meet Dory Vivianne Shrek Margherita Haribo Williamson-Nobbs. Named after the real goat, one of my favourite films, and my favourite food!” You crouched down to give the goat a loving pet, “I bought a pet goat!”

Leah stood there in disbelief, “Are you fuckin’ kidding me, Logan?!”

“Okay, first name. Not so bad,” You mumbled, not at all that phased.

“Logan Reece, you used your inheritance money–the inheritance money that you had from your Grandma Jean–for that?!” Leah’s voice cracked mid-shriek as she pointed accusingly at the bleating creature now happily trotting around reception, “I can not believe how irresponsible you have been! What… What on earth possessed you to think this was a good idea, huh?”

“Right, second name, I’m in trouble,” You admitted aloud.

By now, the whole squad had now gathered in reception, trying not to laugh—and failing.

“Aw,” Kyra gushed, crouching to the goats’ level, “Monkey, I can’t believe you brought a goat!”

Leah, standing there, arms crossed over her chest and gritting her teeth, “Yeah, neither can I believe it.”

“They’re kinda cute,” Steph offered.

“So, who’s this little fella then?” Katie questioned, amusedly.

Caitlin blinked, “Umm, babe, I think it might be a female.”

“Steph’s right, she is pretty cute,” Alessia chipped in.

“Adorable,” Emily added.

“Have you thought of a name, little one?” Lia wondered, smiling faintly.

“She needn’t think of a name, we’re not keeping that thing!” Leah was adamant, scowling at the four-legged animal like it personally offended her, “What on earth went through your head thinking buying a goat would be a good idea, Logan!?”

You shoved your hands in the pockets of your shorts, “Well… I saw it, I wanted it… And I brought it.”

“Right, well in that case I hope you can get a full refund on her,” Leah mumbled, exhaling a sigh.

“What’s all the fuss?” Kim joined the rest of the squad, her eyes widening, “Monkey, why on earth do you have a goat on a leash?”

“I brought her, Auntie Kimmy!” You grinned from ear to ear, “What d’you think? Ain’t she a cutie?”

“Cute is not the word I would use,” Kim muttered in disbelief, not believing that there was a goat in the reception—but this was just typical of you.

“I think she’s proper cute,” You ruffled your new goat’s floppy ears, “A right proper cutie!”

“I have to agree there, Monkey. What’s her name?” Beth questioned, curiously.

You continued to beam a wide smile, “You’re gonna love it, Beffy! It’s Dory Vivianne Shrek Margherita Hariibo Williamson-Nobbs,” The name just rolled off your tongue, like it fitted, “Or Vivi for short. Like the true goat herself.”

“Vivi?” Beth’s face broke out into a massive grin, “I love her, Monkey!”

“She’s not staying, Monkey,” Leah growled.

“What? Why not?” You gasped, offended at the comment, “C’mon, Mum! You know Buddy will love her too—We already lost one Vivi—You can’t get rid of this one too! You know, she could be the next Arsenal mascot!”

“No, Monkey,” Leah stood firm on her decision, “You’re not keeping her—I’m not having my house turn into a bloody farm!”

“You’d need a chicken coop, and some cows before you could class it as a farm,” Manu chimed in, and your eyes lit up at the prospect of owning your own small fluffy cow.

“Good job that Monkey’s petrified of chickens then, eh?” Steph joked.

“Don’t give her ideas,” Kim murmured, shaking her head in disagreement, “I thought you were being sensible with money now, Monkey? You have a baby to think about, remember!”

“I am thinking about her, this is an investment in her future!” You protested, pouting, “I brought a goat for her, well… And me, too!”

Leah scoffed, shaking her head, “That money was from your Grandma–an investment in your future—something to help you prepare for Rugrat, not to blow it on an irresponsible purchase You need stuff for the baby–appropriate things!”

You gasped in horror, clutching your hand over your heart, “It’s not irresponsible, and Buddy will love this as well! You know she’s been sad with Elle leavin’, well now this will definitely cheer her up!”

“Then buy her an icecream, or toy, or better yet take her to the park and push her on the swings,” Leah ran her hand through her hair, “You don’t go and buy her a fucking goat, Logan!”

You flinched at the sudden harshness of your name thrown directly at you, but that didn’t bother you in the slightest, “Language, Mum. Bet you owe so much to the swear jar now!”

“I couldn’t give two tosses about the swear jar,” Leah growled, shaking her head in disagreement, “We’re not keeping that goat. End of.”

“But Muuuuuum,” You groaned, throwing your head back in disappointment, “That’s not fair!”

Leah, however, wasn’t budging at all, “I don’t care if it’s fair or not. You’re not keeping a goat as a pet, Monkey.”

“Oh, Viv is going to absolutely love this,” Beth exclaimed, scrambling for her phone in her shorts pocket, “Here, Monkey, stand next to your new goat and smile!”

“We’re not keeping it,” Leah muttered, having an existential crisis in that moment, “Monkey, I want you to get in touch with whoever you brought it from to and tell them to come and get it back. A puppy is one thing, but a goat? It’s not happening, Logan.”

You knew Leah was being serious when she used your full name, “But Mum… The thing is,” You began to explain, hesitant for her reaction, “I can’t get a refund on Vivi.”

Leah blinked in disbelief, “What do you mean you can’t get a refund?”

“I… I can’t get a refund on Vivi,” You told her the truth, giving her a sheepish smile, “So… she’s ours for good, pretty much. But don’t worry, wait until Buddy meets her when we pick her up from pre-school, she’s gonna love ‘er so much! Besides, you can’t get rid of her, cos’ she’s my emotional support goat, and well I’ll be lost without her!”

“Brilliant, just brilliant,” Leah scoffed, shaking her head, “We’re not keeping the goat, Monkey! I’m being serious, if you can’t get a refund, then we’re giving her to an animal sanctuary, or something. My house is not being turned into a bloody farmyard!

It didn’t take long before Leah was on the phone to Jordan as you heard the tail-end of the conversation, “Jord? Your daughter bought a goat. Fix it.”

But at least Jordan was easier to convince than Leah, and you know that Vivi the goat would be a permanent fixture in your life now.

© scribblesofagoonerr

[scribblesofagoonerr]

Ask away, I need a distraction please

Writers Truth & Dare Ask Game

🎱 ⇢ post your AO3 total stats  🍓 ⇢ how did you get into writing fanfiction?  🌵 ⇢ share the link to a playlist you love 🕯️ ⇢ on a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy editing? why is that? 🛼 ⇢ describe your latest wip with five emojis 🥑 ⇢ you accidentally killed somebody, which mutual(s) do you text for help? 🥤 ⇢ recommend an author or fanfic you love 💌 ⇢ how many unread emails do you have right now?  🌻 ⇢ tag someone you appreciate but don't talk to on a regular basis 🐇 ⇢ do you prefer writing original characters, reader inserts, or a mix of both?  🧃 ⇢ share some personal lore you never posted about before 🎲 ⇢ what stops you from writing more in your free time?  🍄 ⇢ share a head canon for one of your favourite ships or pairings 🧸 ⇢ what's the fastest way to become your mutual? 🪐 ⇢ name three good things going on in your life right now 📚 ⇢ what's the last thing you wrote down in your notes app?  🍬 ⇢ post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character 🔪 ⇢ what's the weirdest topic you researched for a writing project? 🦷 ⇢ share some personal wisdom or a life hack you swear on ❄️ ⇢ what's your dream theme/plot for a fic, and who would write it best? 🌿 ⇢ give some advice on writer's block and low creativity 🥐 ⇢ name one internet reference that will always make you laugh  🏜️ ⇢ what's your favourite type of comment to receive on your work? 🍦 ⇢ name three good things about a character you hate 🥝 ⇢ do you lie a lot? what's the most recent lie you told? 🦋 ⇢ share something that has been on your heart and mind lately  🦴 ⇢ is there a piece of media that inspires your writing?  🍅 ⇢ give yourself some constructive criticism on your own writing 🐚 ⇢ do you like or dislike surprises? 🪲 ⇢ add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here ☁️ ⇢ what made you choose your username? 🐝 ⇢ tag your biggest supporter(s) and say one nice thing about them 🌸 ⇢ do you have any pets? if you do, post some pictures of them 🎨 ⇢ link your favourite piece of fanart and explain why you like it 🧩 ⇢ what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately?

[alotofpockets]

Send this to the twelve nicest people you know or who seem to have a good heart and if you get five back you must be pretty awesome. 🩷🩷

💗💗

[chaotic-toasters]

Tunnel Vision

Arsenal Women x Teen! Reader

Thanks to @scribblesofagoonerr for helping me on this every time I got stuck (I got stuck a lot 💀)

TW: Graphic descriptions of injury and blood, allusion to a panic attack

----------------------

"Hi, Foxy!" you chirped, hugging the older American from behind. "Are you ready to kick Aston Villa's butt?"

"Hey, kid," she smiled fondly, squeezing you tightly. "I'm always ready. That reminds me, are you all packed for US camp next week?"

"Yeah," you responded with a grin. "I'm excited to see everybody."

Emily released you, ruffling your hair as everyone began lining up in the tunnel. "They're all excited to see you too, but let's focus on the match right now."

"Okay, Foxy." Just before you slipped into your match mindset, somebody else tapped you on the shoulder.

"Oi," the new voice whispered. "No hello for your old roommate?"

"Jordan!" you beamed, tackling the older girl in a hug. "I missed you!"

The Brit's smile was blinding. "I've missed you too, kid. We'll talk more after the game, okay?"

You nodded, hugging her again before stepping into line behind Frida. It was always nice seeing old teammates, but you had no problem beating them in matches.

-

With the score at 4-1 in favor of Arsenal, the gunners should have been having a great time. For some reason, though, your teammates wanted more. They were hungry for a bigger gap in the scoresheet, and it was messing with some of their heads. Steph was pushed up even farther than usual, Leah's tackles were unreasonably harsh, and Stina's shots were so powerful, it was almost like she was angry. The most noticeable change in behavior, though, was Alessia's.

The Englishwoman's challenges and touches to other players were far more fierce than they should have been, and some of the Aston Villa players were making a conscious effort to stay away from her.

You, on the other hand, didn't think the forward's aggression applied to you. That was why you didn't blink twice when Alessia sprinted towards you in the box, trying to open herself up for a pass.

It was unfortunate, to say the least. Most of the players on the field were crowded into the 18-yard box, so when Alessia accidentally slammed into your side, none of the players or officials saw it. Alessia herself didn't even notice, too focused on the ball and too high on adrenaline to feel just how hard she'd hit someone.

Play continued on as you went flying headfirst into the advertising boards, colliding with the signs with a sickening crunch, players too busy yelling and trying to push each other out of the way to hear or see. Not that you could tell. To you, the world was completely devoid of sound. The nearly sold-out Emirates Stadium was silent and dark, things around you terribly blurry and dim. You tried to pull yourself to your feet, but your hand merely shook on your chest as blood started creeping down your forehead. It was strange, you thought, how you could be bleeding like this, but not feel any pain. While debating whether it was a good or bad thing, you passed out.

-

It was Beth's scream of terror that caused play to die down. She'd taken up space on the wing, looking for a pass, but when she glanced up at the goal, her eyes instead zeroed in on your limp form laying in the broken pieces of the advertising board. The Englishwoman's guttural cry of fear had rung out over the roar of the crowd and instantly caught the attention of everyone on the field, and they'd all followed her gaze only to be met with the sight of you, a curtain of crimson slowly oozing down to your cheeks.

"What- what happened?" Emily's voice was weirdly high-pitched as Lotte tried to lead her away. "She- she was fine just a minute ago!"

"Don't look," the Lioness murmured, gently guiding the other defender away by the shoulders. "You'll just worry yourself more if you look."

But she couldn't. Your only American teammate at Arsenal couldn't help but stare as paramedics ran onto the field, surrounding you, talking quietly but quickly amongst themselves. She wanted to look away, she really did, but fear gripped at not only her heart, but her head. It forced her to watch on, to watch as you suffered and didn't respond to the paramedics. The fear was stronger than anything she'd ever felt before, and she was certain that it would be the strongest thing she would ever feel.

-

The gunners were evenly split. Half couldn't tear their eyes away from where the paramedics were lifting you onto a stretcher, and the other half were trying to get their shock-ridden teammates to look elsewhere.

Most of the players apart of the second half were successful in getting the others to direct their attention away from you, but there was one player who was stood inside the box, firmly rooted onto the pitch where she'd stood when the whistle was blown sharply.

Alessia. She'd realized what had happened as soon as she saw you. She may have only felt herself collide with you subconsciously, but she could still remember it. She could remember sprinting as fast as she could, tunnel-visioned on the ball but hitting you in the process, and it was as if she'd been tased with the terrible realization of it all.

She had been the one to push you. She had been the one to send you flying into the advertising boards. She had been the one to cause whatever horrific injury you had just sustained.

She'd been so focused on the game that she'd sent one of the sweetest and most innocent people on the team to A&E.

And for it to be you? You were only sixteen. You were always so happy and and positive, and now you were in bad condition because Alessia was too busy being greedy and wasn't paying attention to anything other than scoring.

As the paramedics carried you away on a stretcher, Alessia's legs gave out beneath her. Her breathing was rapid, guilt taking over every fiber of her being as she gripped at the grass beneath her. Some of her England teammates crouched next to her, speaking quietly, but she was too spaced out to notice.

What was supposed to be a simple match day had turned into a horror show. And there was no one to blame but her.

[greynatomy]

neowwww @scribblesofagoonerr

[scribblesofagoonerr]

found a music ask, send me some numbers through and I'll answer away! 🎸🎵

Some music asks hehe 💖🎶

Favorite 3 artists/bands?

Favorite 3 songs?

Favorite 3 albums?

Last song you played?

Favorite music genres?

Favorite decade in music?

Play any instruments? If not, which would you like to play?

Do you like singing?

Do you like dancing?

Singing or dancing?

Have you ever written a song?

What do you think makes a great song?

Are lyrics and their meaning very important to you?

Do you like classical music?

Some songs that make you cry?

Think of someone; what song do you associate them with?

How many concerts have you been to?

Do you own any band/artist merch?

Do you own physical albums or singles?

Do you make/listen to your own playlists, or do you just shuffle all songs?

Favorite music video?

If you could meet any music artist, which would it be?

Your biggest crush in music?

At what age did you start enjoying music, and what kind of music did you like at first?

Alternative or "mainstream" music?

Have you ever been in a heated argumemt with someone about music?

What do you think of the Grammy awards? Do they deserve credibility?

What's more trustworthy? Popularity or critical acclaim?

Do you listen to music written in different languages?

Are you a close follower of a specific musician/band?

Any artists you absolutely hate?

Your least favorite music genre?

Have you ever dedicated a song to someone?

Do you listen to music while studying or doing homework?

Do you play music while taking a shower?

Do you think certain types of music could have a bad influence on people?

What's the most underrated musician/band in your opinion?

What's the most overrated musician/band in your opinion?

"Weirdest" music you like?

An album or song you dislike from an artist you really like?

[salemahn]

Arsenal

The Big Screen ~ @avaf00rd

821 / Fluff

April Fools ~ @wileys-russo

1.5K / Fluff

Can You Not Just Sit Still? ~ @wileys-russo

1K / Fluff

Contacts Chaos ~ @etherealstar-writes

841 / Fluff

Drop Kick ~ @wileys-russo

1.3K / Fluff

North London Bound ~ @adascore

4.4K / Fluff

Transferring To Lesbianism ~ @katiemccabeswife

1.9K / Fluff

Anxiety ~ @helen-with-an-a

2.4K / Fluff, Slight Angst

Family, Not By Blood But By Choice Instead ~ @scribblesofagoonerr

2.6K / Fluff, Angst

Baby of The Group ~ @p0orbaby

460 / Fluff

Loved Ones ~ @woso-fan13

386 / Fluff

Flashbacks ~ @woso-fan13

600 / Fluff

Misophonia ~ @mrchiipchrome

2.7K / Fluff

Have I Given Enough ~ @adascore

2.1K / Fluff, Angst

Daddy Issues ~ @katiemccabeswife

4.9K / Fluff, Angst

Paintball ~ @etherealstar-writes

1K / Fluff

Foster ~ @woso-dreamzzz

914 / Fluff

Flu Season ~ @imbored1201

1.4K / Fluff

Found Family ~ @samkerrworshipper

5.9K / Fluff

Endo Struggles ~ @lvnleah

3K / Fluff

Baby Arsenal ~ @dqrciedaily

620 / Fluff

Travel Day ~ @alotofpockets

1K / Fluff

To Jump The Gun(ners) ~ @adascore

3.5K / Fluff, Angst

I'm Never Babysitting Again! ~ @scribblesofagoonerr

5.2K / Fluff, Slight Angst

Little Sh*ts ~ @avaf00rd

4.2K / Fluff

[moonlight-alexia]

do you have any favourite teen reader fics that you recommend? thanks :)

most of what i read when it comes to teen reader tends to be hurt/comfort/angst :)

ad astra per aspera masterlist - b14augrana (this is my top favourite series for teen!reader atm) (alexia)

nena - kyra-cooneyx (barca)

in your corner - barcaatthemoon (barca)

sniffles - barcaatthemoon (barca)

i hate you for what you did and i miss you like a little kid - alesandraelin (awfc)

drop kick - wileys-russo (awfc)

birds of a feather - pitchsidestories (awfc)

family, not by blood but by choice instead - scribblesofagoonerr (awfc)

12 weeks - katiemccabeswife (auswnt)

crashing - chaotic-toasters (auswnt)

[scribblesofagooner]

Family, not by blood but by choice instead | awfc x reader

I messed up on this blog so I made a new one which is @scribblesofagoonerr so I’m gonna be posting over on there instead now.

You should have known, there was tell-tail signs all throughout the last several years and yet you were so blind about it all.

Your mother was a narcissist, she was manipulative and gaslighted you your whole life, you were always made out to the bad guy and she was the victim.

It was clear as day to anyone on the outside, but your niave self just chose to always believe different about things.

Looking back on the several years of your childhood, you had always thought you upbringing wasn't completely terrible. It was just the 2 of you, only your mum and you ever since you could remember. Your parents ended up splitting up when you were really little but ever since that day, you had always been made out to be the reason for their seperation.

You had always wonderd how it could be your fault. You was only 3 when he walked out, so how could it really be like that?

"You were always too much to handle. He couldn't cope," Your mum would say, all of them long nights when you would wrap your tiny arms around her and sob your little heart out to her.

"I'm here, you've got me. You've only ever got me," Her words were embedded in your head from the day that you'd decided to try and have an open conversation about the possibility of finding your dad. "Why go and find him? Haven't I been good enough. I'm the one that's looked after you all of these years and this is the thanks that I get in return?" It was always something that like, always a guiltrip and it was something that she knew would work well.

The harsh statement of the most recent conversation with the older woman left a bitter taste in your mouth and make you question every single thing in life.

"Aren't you happy for me? I made it, mum!" You exclaimed, you were happy enough to want to share the news with your mum but you found so dumbfound by her response which left you feeling shame and judgement for even wanting to tell her.

"Yes you have made it Y/N but you know, you only have me to thank for that now, don't you?" Your mum once again found a way to make it about herself, regardless of the situation;  It was always and only ever about her. "I'm sure that you can find some way to thank me though. All of those years and the amount I have spent on football boots for you. You'd be nowhere if it wasn't for me and I think you owe me now, don't you?" she told you.

You remember feeling stunned by her words, there was a lot of emotions that you had felt building up inside as you were ultimately confused how she'd somehow managed to twist this to make it all about herself but of course she was quick enough to make an excuse to end the call when she grew bored of talking to you.

You should have knew better, every phone call always ended up being the same way and it always left you with a feeling of guilt for making a life for yourself and that phone call that night wasn't any different. You had just been so excited to spill the news, however that excitment soon faded and was replaced by confused feelings of upset and anger once you'd told her, you fought to hold in your tears during the initial phone call but you were on the verge of breaking by the time she had hung up.

That phone call was the one you told her about making it into the national team, you had only been a part of Arsenal womens' first team for under a year and it felt like a massive achievement to be selected to represent your country and immediately you couldn't wait to share the news with your mum - You thought that she'd be pleased for you but you couldn't be further away from the truth.

Ever since that phone call, you had tried your hardest to distance yourself from your mum but it hurt to do that. The women was the only blood related family member that you had, it had only ever been the 2 of you, together through thick and thin.

Flash forward to now, the current time where you are sitting on the sofa, you had returned home after a long training session and you couldn't help but think about it that conversation on a constant loop in your head. 

"You were quiet tonight kidda," Leah perched on the arm of sofa as looked at you in concern. "I'm about to start cookin' tea. How's chicken dippers and smiley faces sound, eh?" she suggested.

"Mhm. Sure that sounds good to me," You mumbled as you kept your eyes focused on nothing but the telly.

The truth was that the conversation was constantly replaying in your head; The conversation, the bitterness and manipulation, every time you thought about it it then made you think of every other time that something like this happened.

Maybe your childhood wasn't as great as you really thought?

"Okay then... Is there anything that you want to talk about?" The blonde questioned, hoping for a bit more of an insight on your mood; Returning from her own rehab session, the entire car ride had been quiet compared to normal and the older woman couldn't help but feel something wasn't right.

"Nope," You stood firm in your reply, shaking your head as you kept your eyes glued on the TV screen; You couldn't really say that you payed much attention to whatever it was, the noise was pretty much a blur that was playing in the background.

"Are you sure?" Leah questioned, frowning worriedly as she took note of the tears welling up in your eyes. "Kidda, what's the matter? You look like you're gonna cry." she stated.

"I... I'm fine," You mumbled, fighting hard to keep the tears at bay until you could escape to your bedroom and allow yourself to be vulnerable and alone. You'd always felt complete shame to show any sort of vunterability in front of anyone, let alone the blonde footballer who'd virtually taken you under her wing ever since you joined during the transfer break of 2022.

You'd always been told that crying showed weakness and you refused to be seen as weak.

"Okay," Leah was quick to drop the subject when she realised you weren't going to open and talk about things. "It's okay if you don't want to talk about it but just remember that I'm always here to listen. Anytime that you want too, alright?" she told you.

Unfortunately you were stubborn to not give in and blurt everything out in the open. You were just trying to wrap your head around the idea of things and see things for how they really were.

"Uh huh," You mumbled a response as you got up from the sofa and trudged in the direction of your bedroom.

Leah exhaled a sigh as she shook her head, herself heading into the kitchen to make a start on dinner. The woman knew better than to try and get you to talk if you didn't want too.

She'd always been around to witness the moments like this and the backlash of it. Of course the blonde knew this was all stemmed down to one person causing you to be like this and she hated that you were left upset every single time.

Every single time you and your mum fought, you'd always ended up quiet and in a bad mood, often resulting in lashing out at people around you as a coping mechanism.

None of the girls ever took it to heart, they were old enough to realise that none of your anger was directly aimed at them and there was bigger issues to be dealt with.

The Arsenal women all had their own opinions on the teens' mother but they would never voice them out loud to you. It wouldn't be fair on the youngest in the squad even after the countless times they had seen the girl upset by her own mums actions.

Ever since the teen had moved in, there had been several nights where Leah would be the one to comfort the girl and pick up the peices, waking up in the middle of the night to hear the teen's heartbroken sobs and feeling her own heart shatter every single time, wanting nothing more than take away any sort of pain the girl was experiencing.

It was heartbreaking for all of the team to witness and always sought out to comfort the teen no matter the situation. They knew that no matter they say, they couldn't stop her contacting her and she would be able to make her own decision soon enough when she turned 18 and until then they'd be the ones' to pick up the broken pieces when the mum let her daughter down.

They were your family, not by blood but by choice. You'd probably be lost without them sometimes.

"I... I should have realised sooner," You thought to yourself as you lay crumpled up on your bed that following night, it was almost near 4 in the morning and you were still wide awake with things racing through your head.

You couldn't help but think about things, how you should have noticed the tell-tail signs of her gaslighting you were old enough to properly realise, that was your first mistake.

Your second being that you believed her manipulation, she would always twist things to make her seem like the victim in all different situations - back when you were a child and even now as an adult.

How long it had taken you finally realise it after all of these years. Why hadn't you realised it sooner?

Without realising, you were sobbing aloud as you clutched on to your pillow tightly - the pent up anger was replaced by complete sadness and loss. You only ever wanted the approval of your mum about things and you fought so hard for it.

The phone call, the hopeful seal of approval...  Every time it always seemed to be the same type of emotions when you spoke to your mum - It was a vicious cycle of emotional abuse, or so you'd been told from other people and you never wanted to believe it.

Only problem was that you'd not been able to see it yourself, even if it was clear as day. Even if regardless of a psychological therapist telling you this, you refused to believe them words. Nor your team mates, who had realised it the first time they had the chance to meet her and even then you wouldn't listen or hear them out.

It was your mum, your flesh and blood so how could she be like that? You had never been able to wrap your head around it.

The sound of sobs were what woke Leah up, she was quick to pad out of her bedroom and down the hall to where your bedroom was. "Kidda?" The women pushed the door open and her heart cracked to see you looking so distraught and vulnerable.

The blonde was quick to move to be right beside you, she was always the one to comfort you and she wouldn't ever stop doing that as long as you needed her.

"Hey, kidda. Come here," The blonde scooped you up in her arms and rocked you all while she ran her slender fingers through your messy bedhead. "You're okay. I'm here," she reassured you.

Leah was always patient enough to wait for you to calm down before she gave you the chance to speak, she wouldn't ever push you to talk if you didn't want too.

"L... Le," You cried aloud as you clutched onto her. You breath became shaky as sobs wracked your body.

"I'm here, it's okay," Leah spoke calmly, continuing to try and comfort you the best way she knew but she already knew it was going to be a long night ahead of them - An emotional night that would leave you drained tomorrow.

A vicious cycle of on a loop.

"Ready to tell me what's going on inside that head of yours, huh?" The blonde tried to carefully ask.

There was another brief pause of silence, nothing but the quiet sobs coming from you as the blonde continued to comfort you and reassure you that she was here and not leaving you.

To Leah's surprise, you did open up this time around, even if you didn't mean too.

"I should have realised. I should have... I should have realised," You made the mistake to speak aloud rather than think it like you thought you had.

"You should have realised what, kidda?" Leah questioned, confused about what you meant.

You snap your head in the blondes' direction as you bit your bottom lip, debating whether to be open with your thoughts that you tried so hard to keep buried inside.

"About my mum... I should have realised," You repeated your words as you fought the tears from spilling. "She's so... She's so-- Why does everything I tell her, why does it always get turned back around so it's about her?" That was it. You blurted out your own feelings - There was no hiding how you felt anymore.

Leah smiled sympathetically and moved onto the sofa to sit closer to you, wrapping her free arm around your shoulder to comfort you, "I... I don't know kidda," she spoke honestly.

"So many people, so many people have told me-- They've warned me about her but I have... I never wanted to listen," You confessed, the tears openly rolled down your cheeks and you probably looked a right blubbering mess but you couldn't stop your emotions pouring out. "And now... Now I finally realise how it's always been. Why is she like that, Le?" You asked.

"I can't say I know the answer to that one kidda, I wish I knew," Leah replied, exhaling a sigh as she couldn't fathem herself how a mother could be like that with her own child, she felt so much for the girl and always wished she could make the situation better for her. "Listen, I know it's hard but you've got us. All of us girls here at Arsenal and you're so loved by all of us." she told you.

"I... I just want her to love me, and she just... she doesn't even care about my feelings!" You stated, roughly wiping at your tear stained cheeks angrily to the point that you made them red. "Why does she always throw everything back in my face? Everything that I have ever done, she's always made it about her... Always!" you cried.

"I know, I know it hurts... I know it does," You kept your head buried in the blondes' chest as you hiccuped from the sudden breakdown in the middle of the night. "And I am sorry that you have to go through this. It's not fair on you kidda." Leah added, biting her bottom lip.

All of emotion had led you feeling exhausted in the end, you fought it hard to keep your eyes open as you lay slumped against the blonde woman.

"Come on let's get you back into bed, yeah? I mean you're almost falling asleep on me here, kidda," Leah joked with you, hoping for you to even crack a small smile as she gently moved you back to your bed and tucked you in under the duvet. "I'm so sorry you have had to deal with the kidda but you know you have a family here with us. We may not be blood but we really love you kidda." You heard the faint words spoken to you as you felt your eye lids close, completely warn out.

Sure, the Arsenal women weren't family by blood but instead they were family by choice and that was more important. They were there for you whenever you needed them and you knew you felt safe with them around. You truly felt happy with your chosen family.

[scribblesofagoonerr]

Christmas fic with the two chaotic little troublemakers 🎅🏻🎄

— christmas chaos buddies 🎄

a little Boxing Day treat featuring your two little favourites! written with @scribblesofagoonerr 💗 bit of a long one at 4.2k words

“Alright, Munchkin!” Beth said, hoisting you up onto her hip so you could see what was on offer at the canteen. “What would you like for your Christmas dinner?”

You looked at the food in front of you, wrinkling your nose. There were big dishes of turkey, potatoes, sausages, and vegetables that didn’t look anything like the ones you liked at home. 

You pointed at the rolls right away. “Bread please.”

Beth laughed softly, shaking her head. “You can’t just have bread, Roo. How about some turkey? Or potatoes? You eat the ones me and Mamma make at home!”

You glanced at the turkey and scrunched up your nose. It looked weird. “I don’t like it,” you mumbled.

“You haven’t even tried it,” Beth said, but she wasn’t really mad. “Come on, just a little bit.”

Next to you, Buddy was tugging on Leah’s hand, bouncing on her toes as she scanned the food, protesting about eating any of it, “I don’ want to eat it!” she announced, dramatically pointing ahead at the tray of steaming broccoli, “It smells funny!”

“Bubba, you have to try it,” Leah sighed, her voice already tired and definitely not in the mood to argue with a stubborn three-year-old, “I need you to at least try and eat one vegetable on your plate, okay?”

“Nooo!” Buddy whined, crossing her arms over her chest, “I don’ like it! It’ ugly, Mummy!”

“It might look ugly, but I promise you it tastes good,” Leah began to explain, trying to stifle her own amusement, “Why don’t you just try them?”

“I think she might have a point about the broccoli, Le,” Monkey chimed in, appearing the other side of Leah as she stood on her tiptoes and attempted to peer over her shoulder, “It looks proper rank and disgusting. I don’t blame her for not wanting to eat none of it.”

“See, Mummy! Monks’ said I don’ have to eat it!” Buddy exclaimed, adamant on her decision to not eat any of it, “Ou’ don’t even eat it either. Why do I’ have to?”

“You pair are a nightmare together,” Leah muttered to herself, shaking her head as she crouched down to Buddy’s level, “How about we just try and put a little bit on your plate, okay? Try it for Mummy.”

“No, I don’ wan’ it!” Buddy shot back, stomping her foot in protest, “If ‘ou don’t have it then neither do I!” she added, determined on her own opinion on the matter of broccoli.

Beth nudged you forward, “Okay, turkey for you. Maybe a few potatoes too?”

“Just the bread,” you tried again, but it was no use. The turkey and a scoop of mushy potatoes ended up on your plate anyway.

As soon as Leah wrestled some broccoli onto Buddy’s plate, you both made your way to the table. It was big and shiny with decorations, and everyone was already sitting down. You joined Lia, Steph and Monkey. Lia was chatting with Steph, Monkey was looking like she was up to something, and Vic was laughing at something Kyra said from the table beside you. Monkey was in a mood because Leah had banned her from sitting with Kyra as their recent antics had been a bit too much. 

Beth sat you on her lap, your plate in front of you. You poked at the potatoes with your fork. They looked mushy. “I don’t like these,” you whispered.

Beth kissed the top of your head. “Just try a little, Roo.”

Across the table, Buddy was already causing trouble. She was sitting on a chair on her knees, playing with her dinosaurs while Leah tried to get her to eat her dinner. 

“Roar!” Buddy shouted, making her plastic t-rex stomp on the table as it almost landed in her own dinner, “M’ t-rex don’ even wanna eat the smelly trees!”

“Bubba, come on, it’s time to put the dinosaurs away now,” Leah attempted to coax Buddy into eating her own dinner, “You can play with them afterwards, okay?”

Buddy scrunched her nose up in disagreement, “I’ no wan eat them smelly green trees! ‘Ou don’ even eat them yourself!”

Leah’s eyes widened at the sass from her three-year-old, “Buddy!”

Monkey snorted from across the table, “Touche, little Buddy,” she leaned across and high-fived the three-year-old, “Nice one!”

“Don’t encourage her,” Leah shot Monkey a look that could have turned her to stone, however, Monkey just continued to grin in amusement, “Bubba, please just try and eat something. How about the carrots instead?”

“They’ gross as well!” Buddy continued to scrunch her face up in disgust, “I wan’ beige food!”

“Well… She’s definitely your kid, Le,” Beth chimed in, amusedly.

“Unbelievable,” Leah muttered, shaking her head as she practically gave up on the idea of getting Buddy to eat any kind of vegetable at this point.

Meanwhile, you were still sitting on Beth’s lap, poking at your potatoes as if they might come alive. Beth sighed softly, guiding your hand with hers to bring a small forkful to your mouth. “Come on, Roo. Just one bite. I promise it’s not that bad.”

You scrunched up your nose but reluctantly took a nibble. It wasn’t as awful as you thought, but you weren’t about to admit that. “It’s okay,” you said, which for you was practically a five-star review.

Beth beamed, “See? I told you!”

Leah glanced over, noticing your tiny triumph, “Look, Bubba, Roo’s being brave and eating new things. Why don’t you try, and you can be brave as well?”

“Nooo!” Buddy shook her head firmly in disagreement.

“Why don’t you eat the potatoes, little miss? They’re very beige,” Beth attempted to help Leah out as Buddy squinted, looking sceptical at it before proceeding to nod, “There we go, we have some luck!” She joked.

“I’ eat off your plate!” Buddy declared, before prompting to take a spoonful of mashed potato off Leah’s plate, “Mm’ it yummy, Mummy!”

“Well I’m glad you at least like the mashed potato,” Leah chuckled, failing to hide her amusement as she now had no choice but to allow Buddy to eat off her own plate, happy as long as she was eating.

You leaned back against Beth’s chest, deciding you were done with the potatoes. That’s when your eyes wandered to the plate next to you—Steph’s.

You reached out tentatively, but Beth caught your wrist. “Roo,” she whispered, her voice both amused and warning as you tried to steal some peas.

You looked up at her with your best innocent eyes. “Just one?”

“Roo, no,” Beth laughed, “If you want some I’ll go get you some, okay?”

You sighed and leaned against Beth’s chest again as she started talking to Lia who was sitting on the other side of the table. When she wasn’t looking you reached over to Steph’s plate and stole a couple peas.  

“Hey!” Steph suddenly turned, catching you red-handed. “Are you stealing my peas?”

You froze for a second, “Nooo?” you giggled. 

Steph raised an eyebrow, her smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Oh really? Because it sure looks like you’re stealing my peas, little Munchkin.”

“Roo!” Beth gasped dramatically, “Are you being a little pea monster?”

You giggled, shaking your head, “Nooo!”

“You’re a little monster!” Beth said, tickling your sides. You giggled as you squirmed in Beth’s lap, slowly slipping off before you were fully standing. 

“Mummy, I’m bored!” You huffed as you stood beside Beth, “I’m done eating.” 

Beth looked at your half-empty plate and then down at you, her eyebrow raised. “Done already? What about your turkey? Or those potatoes you actually liked a minute ago?”

You crossed your arms and shook your head stubbornly. “I’m done, Mummy.”

“Do you not want any more turkey?”

You scrunched up your nose again and looked back at your plate. “Do I have to?”

Beth leaned down and kissed the top of your head before pulling you back up onto her lap. “Just a couple more bites, Roo. Then you can be officially done, okay?”

You huffed dramatically but picked up your fork, poking at the potatoes one more time. You sat on Beth’s lap and started to munch on some turkey, actually liking it this time. 

It wasn’t all that long before Buddy got bored of eating off Leah’s own plate and decided she was done with sitting on the chair.

“Roar!” Buddy shouted aloud, standing on the chair as she held a dinosaur in each of them before proceeding to make them stomp across the table, “Roaaaar!”

“Buddy, bubba, sit down,” Leah exhaled a sigh and rubbed her temple, “Everyone else around the table is still eating. I’m sure they don’t want to end up with a dinosaur in their dinner, do they?”

“I’ pretending to be a dino’daur, Mummy!” Buddy was eccentric, continuing to make her dinosaurs stomp across the table as one nearly fell directly into a plateful of gravy.

However, as soon as Buddy caught sight that you had nearly finished the last bit of your turkey, she had another bright idea, “Me an’ Roo go see everyone else!”

“Not yet, bubba,” Leah began to say, her tone of voice firm but Buddy had already hopped down from her chair, “Buddy, come back here please.”

“What’s the worst that can happen,” Beth joked with the blonde.

“Be careful,” Leah called over, exhaling a sigh as she went back to eating the remainder of her dinner after Buddy had finished picking at it.

“Just don’t cause too much trouble,” Beth called after you both as you slid down from her lap and immediately followed Buddy. 

“Come on Roo!” Buddy squealed with delight, dragging you toward the next table where Katie, Caitlin and Kyra were seated, “Hi, ‘Ra!”

“Hi, pipsqueak!” Kyra grinned, scooping down to lift the three-year-old onto her lap, “And what’re you two up to?”

“I’ be eatin’ my Mummy’s dinner!” Buddy grinned, proud of herself for eating at least some kind of dinner, before she got restless and proceeded to wriggle over to plonk herself on Katie’s lap, “What ‘ou eating Auntie Katie?”

Katie looked down at her plate, then at Buddy, eyebrows raised. “I’ve got carrots, potatoes, and turkey. Do yer wanna try some?”

Buddy scrunched her nose up, “Nooo! Carrots’ gross! Do ‘ou have chips? Me like them!”

Katie laughed. “Chips? At Christmas dinner? What do yer think this is, a takeaway?”

Buddy crossed her arms over her chest and leant against Katie’s chest dramatically, “It’ be better if there were chips!”

“The green things are smelly!” You added in as you climbed up onto Caitlin’s lap beside Katie. 

Alessia raised an eyebrow, “Green things?”

“The trees!” you explained, your voice filled with mock disgust.

Caitlin laughed, wrapping her arms loosely around your waist to keep you from sliding off her lap. “What’s wrong with broccoli? It’s good for you!”

Buddy shook her head fiercely from where she was perched on Katie’s lap, “Nuh-uh. Broccoli look like smelly trees! Mummy said I’ hav’ to try it, but I’ don’ wan it!”

“You should try it. It’s good for yer’ Tiny,” Katie chuckled.

“Nooo way!” Buddy giggled, turning to Katie, “Do ‘ou like smelly trees?”

Katie smirked, “Love ’em. They’re my favorite part of the meal.”

“You’re lying!” you giggled, narrowing your eyes suspiciously at Katie.

Caitlin laughed so hard she nearly choked on her drink. “Oh, you’ve got her figured out, Roo. Katie’s not fooling anyone!”

“Ou’ no’ lie Auntie Katie! It’ naughty!” Buddy insisted, peering up to look at Katie, “Ou’ can’ lie or Santa won’ come!”

“Course I do!” Katie said with a wink, though the way she quickly reached for her water to wash it down made you and Buddy burst into laughter.

“Ou’ lying!” Buddy declared, her voice triumphant as she threw her hands in the air.

“Lying’s naughty,” you added, leaning back in Caitlin’s arms with a cheeky grin. 

Kyra smirked, leaning back in her chair. “Oh, they’ve got you there, Katie. Imagine being called out by a three and five-year-old. What’s next, them doing a protest outside the canteen?”

“We do that!” Buddy insisted, her eyes lighting up in excitement.

“Oh no, no, no,” Caitlin said quickly, pulling you a little closer to keep you from getting any ideas. 

“We do’ it an’ protest again… against da’ smelly trees!” Buddy was already bouncing on Katie’s lap with a plot in mind, “We’ make signs. Monks’ can help! Roo, ‘ou can yell into the loud thing–”

“A ‘egaphone!” you supplied, giggling.

Katie shook her head, trying not to laugh as she put a hand on Buddy’s shoulder to steady her. “Alright, you two, enough of that. I’m not getting in trouble because you started a riot over vegetables.”

“Ugh,” Buddy sighed dramatically, flopping back against Katie, “Come on, Roo. Let’ go an’ find someone’ else!”

You slid off Caitlin's lap, saying your goodbyes as you grabbed Buddy’s hand. The two of you ran around a few tables before you and Buddy scurried over to Amanda and Vic, who were sitting together with Amanda’s baby, Mila, cradled in Amanda’s arms. Mila was tiny, Amanda had only been back for a few weeks but you had been completely obsessed with her. 

“Hi!” Buddy announced her entrance, loud as predicated, “We ‘ere! We see baby?” She asked eagerly.

“Hello, double trouble!” Vic giggled as she helped Buddy climb onto the seat beside her. 

“Baby Mila!” You squealed as you noticed the baby looking at you from Amanda’s lap. 

Buddy continued to look at Mila in Amanda’s arms, “She so small! Why is she’ like that?” She exclaimed, confused.

“She’s only three months old,” Amanda said softly, smiling as she adjusted Mila in her arms as she looked between you and Buddy. “Babies are very little when they’re first born.”

Buddy continued to tilt her head in confusion, “I’ no like that when I little?”

“Oh, you definitely were,” Leah chimed in, crouching beside Buddy as she wrapped her free arm around the three-year-old to keep her steady, “You were once a little tiny baby just like Mila is now, Bubba.”

“Why does she have no teeth?” you asked, pointing at Mila’s gummy smile.

“Babies don’t get teeth until they’re a bit older,” Vic explained, leaning over to tickle Mila’s belly gently. “She’ll get them when she’s ready.”

Buddy’s curiosity got the better of her, trying to reach her hand out as it stopped short of touching Mila’s face, “Can I’ touch her? She won’ bite me, will she?”

“No biting,” Amanda said with a laugh. “You can touch her gently, though. Be very careful, okay?”

“I’ can do that!” Buddy promptly nodded, seriously as her little fingers brushed over Mila’s hand, “She’ so soft! Why don’ she talk?”

“She’s too little to talk right now,” Amanda explained patiently. “But one day, she’ll learn words just like you and Roo.”

“Can she walk?” you asked, your curiosity endless.

“No, Roo,” Vic said, chuckling. “She can’t walk yet either. Babies have to learn how to crawl and then walk when they get bigger.”

“Does she eat smelly trees?” Buddy questioned, wrinkling her nose dramatically.

“Nope,” Amanda said with a laugh. “Mila only drinks milk right now. No smelly broccoli for her.”

“She lucky, cos’ they be’ gross!” Buddy muttered, crossing her arms and looking at Leah pointedly.

“What does she do?” you asked, leaning closer.

Amanda smiled. “She sleeps, eats, and sometimes cries. And she loves cuddles.”

“I’ show her my dino’daurs?” Buddy didn’t hesitate to wait for an answer before eagerly grabbing it and shoving it directly in front of Mila’s face, “I’ show her the t-rex! It’ be loud like me!”

Amanda shook her head gently. “She’s too little to play right now, Buddy.”

“Why no’ play?” Buddy frowned, clearly unimpressed that Mila didn’t do all that much, “She’ borin’ if she no’ do nothin’!”

“She’s just a baby,” Vic teased, nudging Buddy lightly. “You were the same way once.”

Buddy continued to frown at Mila, a small pout plastered on her face, before attempting to try and win Mila over with her beloved dinosaur in her hand, “Look, Mi’a! Roaaaar!” She shouted, her voice loud and excited.

Mila immediately scrunched up her face, her little bottom lip wobbling before a loud wail escaped her.

“Me’ no like how loud she is!” Buddy exclaimed, dropping her dinosaur from her hand and planting her hands directly over her ears, “Mummy! Turn her off, p’ease. Me no’ like it!”

“Bubba,” Leah groaned, scooping Buddy up into her arms before she could attempt to make any more loud noise, “Remember what I said about using our inside voices, hmm? Mila’s very little right now, and we don’t want to scare her now, do we?”

“But I’ just showin’ her my dino’daurs Mummy!” Buddy protested, feigning her innocence, “I’ no get why she no’ like them though!”

“Baby Mila sad?” you said, your eyes wide as you watched Amanda bounce Mila gently to calm her.

Beth came over and crouched beside you, pulling you closer. “Babies are very sensitive. You have to be extra gentle around them, she’ll be okay in a minute.”

“Do you think you can say sorry to Mila for making her cry, Bubba?” Leah coaxed Buddy to apologise to the tiny baby in Amanda’s arms, “I’m sure if it happened to you then you wouldn’t like it either, would you?”

“I’ sorry, Baby Mila,” Buddy pouted, looking genuinely sorry about scaring her.

Amanda smiled softly, rocking Mila in her arms until she settled. “It’s okay, Buddy. She’ll be alright.”

“Right, come on my little dino, how about we give it another attempt to eat some broccoli, hmm?” Leah tried her luck to wrangle Buddy to eat her own dinner, having the advantage of still having her in her arms, “Even dinos’ need to eat their greens, remember?”

“Fine, if I must,” Buddy huffed dramatically, reluctant to eat but having no choice as she’s set back down in her chair, “But if I’ eat them then so do ‘ou as well, Mummy. It only fair. Deal?”

Leah’s own face fell at her three years old’s words, and knew she wouldn’t be able to get out of that one now, “Deal, Bubba,” She agreed, reluctantly eating a forkful of broccoli and trying to not scrunch her face up in disgust at the taste of it in her mouth, “Mm’ this is really nice, I think you’ll definitely like it, bubba!”

“Ou’ no like it either, Mummy!” Buddy barely even ate a bit of it and screwed her own face up in disgust, “It’ no nice, Mummy. ‘Ou no fool no more! It’ yucky and gross! It’ goes in bin!” No more hesitation to climb down from the table, grab her plate in her hand and toddle over to the bin and toss it in.

“Buddy, you barely touched anything on your plate,” Leah chided, shaking her head in disbelief, “Now what are you going to have to eat instead?”

“I’ eat crisps and chocolate!” Buddy declared, promptly while puffing out her chest, “I’ no where there’s secret snacks! Come on Roo, we’ go find Monks’ locker an’ get snacks out!”

“I… I don’t know what she’s even talking about,” Monkey tried to feign her innocence, holding her hands up in mock surrender, while narrowing her eyes to look dead at Buddy, “I thought you and I had a deal, huh? You little snitch.”

“I’ no stitch, I just hungy now!” Buddy insisted, mispronouncing the word and pouting in disagreement as she proceeded to tug on Monkey’s arm, “‘Elp’ us please, Monks’!”

“I want chocolate as well!” Your eyes lit up in excitement at the prospect of sneaking chocolate out of Monkey’s secret stash in her locker. “Can we eat all of it?”

“You little rascals can’t steal all of my chocolate! What will I eat?” Monkey exaggerated a dramatic sigh, “So unbelievable!”

“Nooo! It’s our chocolate!” You said with determination through fits of giggles, “You have to share it with us, Monkey! Tell her Mummy!” You turned to look at Beth to back you up. “Sharing caring!”

“Before you run off and eat any chocolate, you need to finish eating your dinner first, remember?” Beth joked, tickling your sides which earned another fit of laughter. 

“Even the carrots?” You scrunched your face up in disgust, side-eyeing them on the plate.

“Even the carrots,” Beth chuckled, nodding in agreement, “Sooner you eat them then sooner you can run off and find some chocolate from someone!”

“I don’t like it, but fine, I guess I will try,” You dramatically leaned against Beth’s chest as you ate the smallest mouthful of carrot on your fork, “It’s not that bad, but it’s still gross!”

Just then, you heard a familiar voice behind you, and before you could turn around, you felt a tap on your shoulder. “Guess what, Roo?” Kyra’s playful voice cut through the chatter, and you turned around to see her grinning at you, looking mischievous 

“What?” you asked, genuinely curious.

“I heard there might be some leftover chocolate pudding for dessert,” Kyra said, her grin turning into a wink. “Wanna help me sneak some?”

Your eyes widened. “Chocolate pudding?”

“Uh-huh!” Kyra nodded, then looked around to make sure no one was listening. “You in?”

You looked over at Leah and then at Beth, who were too busy with the rest of the table to notice. With a cheeky grin, you nodded eagerly. “Yes, please!”

Buddy quickly chimed in. “I’ help! Me like chocolate!”

The two of you ran off with Kyra who helped you get some chocolate cake each which the pair of you ate in the corner, giggling away. Soon enough, you and Beth were on your way home. 

“Hi Mamma!” You grinned and Viv’s face popped up on the screen. You held Beth’s phone in front of you as you sat in your car seat.  

“Hi, lieverd!” Viv’s warm smile lit up the screen as she waved at you. “Did you have fun today with Mummy and everyone?”

“Yeah!” you exclaimed, leaning closer to the phone. “We had carrots. They were gross, but I ate some! And then Kyra gave me chocolate cake!”

“Chocolate cake?” Viv raised her eyebrows, feigning surprise. “Was it good?”

“Uh-huh, so yummy!” you nodded enthusiastically, “But Buddy wanted to steal all of Monkey’s chocolate first. She’s a chocolate monster!”

Beth’s laugh rang through the car as she listened to your conversation with Viv, “How’s Manchester?”

“Quiet, compared to your chaos,” Viv teased, but her expression softened. “I miss you both.”

“I miss you too, Mamma,” you said, your voice softening. “Are you coming home soon?”

“I’ll be home in a few days, Roo,” Viv reassured you. “And when I get there, we’ll do something special, just us three. How does that sound?”

“Can we have pancakes?” you asked, your eyes lighting up.

“Pancakes it is,” Viv promised with a nod.

“Baby Mila is cute, Mamma!” You told Viv, “She loud though, Buddy didn’t like her crying and wanted to turn her off! She’s tiny.”

Viv laughed at that, shaking her head. “Oh, Buddy wanted to turn her off, did she? I can imagine her face saying that. Babies can be loud sometimes, Roo.”

“Yeah but Mila still cute!” You nodded, “She has tiny hands! I held her, Mamma, and she grabbed my finger!” you added excitedly.

“She already loves you,” Viv said warmly. “You’re so gentle with babies, Roo.”

“Yeah, ‘cause I’m a big girl now!” you declared proudly.

Beth smiled, glancing at you through the rearview mirror. “That’s right, Roo. You’re so good with little ones.”

“I wish you were here too, Mamma,” you said, your voice softening.

“I know, lieverd,” Viv said, her own tone gentle. “But I’ll be back before you know it. And when I am, we’ll have all the pancakes and chocolate cake you want. Deal?”

“Deal!” you grinned.

“Alright, Roo,” Beth said, taking the phone back gently. “Say bye to Mamma.”

“Bye, Mamma! I love you!” you said, blowing a kiss to the screen.

“I love you too, mijn meisje,” Viv replied, catching your kiss with her hand. “Be good for Mummy, okay? I’ll phone you later.”

“Okay, Mamma!” you grinned, bouncing in your car seat with excitement. 

Beth chuckled, saying her own goodbyes before hanging up the phone and tucking it back into her pocket. She glanced at you, “Ready to go inside, Roo?”

You nodded eagerly, “Yep! And we’re having pancakes when Mamma gets home!”

“That’s right,” Beth said with a smile, “But first, how about we watch a movie before bath time?”

“Yeah!” You nodded as Beth got out of the car to unstrap you, “Only if I can have popcorn though!”

“Deal,” Beth said, opening the car door. “Let’s get inside, then.”

As the two of you walked inside, you chattered away about everything you’d seen and done today, the promise of pancakes and dinosaurs filling your thoughts. Beth smiled as she listened, already looking forward to the next few days when the whole family would be together again.

[scribblesofagoonerr]

does monkey ever get called by her real name? like she gets in so much trouble her mums call her logan?

"I promise i won't cause any trouble," monkey had made the promise the moment that they arrived at camp—however that promise didn't last longer than a few days before trouble broke out

leah, of course had snorted at the time and gave a sharp look, "that's funny, that's exactly what you said about the water balloon fiasco at training last week, wasn't it?"

"that wasn't me causin' trouble, i just though training just needed livining up a bit," monkey argued, arms crossed and all attitude, "besides, it made a great attempt at team bonding, mum!"

"oh really? because you launching a balloon at your mama was such a fantastic idea, menace," leah answered, deadpanned, as she rolled her suitcase into st george's park, "you're only here because i want you right where i can see you, and i'm not putting your mama through the stress of taking care of both you, and your baby sister."

monkey had beamed, "you know you love me, mum!"

"sure, i do love you, my girl, but i'd prefer it if you caused a bit less chaos here," leah grumbed, ruffling her hair, "i don't want you causin' any unnecessary trouble, alright?"

"umm... define unneccasry?" monkey grinned cheekily.

she never did get a proper response to that.

"the beds are so comfy, i'm gonna feel like i'm sleepin' on a cloud, mum!" monkey had made herself right at home, flopping down on the bed in the hotel room, "so, do i get my own room? or do i have to share?"

leah snorted, amused as she began to unpack her suitcase, "you really think i'd be that daft to let you have your own room? not a single chance there, my girl."

monkey had been attending england camps for years now, tagging along after moving in with leah and jordan—but this would be her first proper experience of a tournament.

buddy was still too little to bring, and leah couldn't stomach the thought of leaving monkey at home—especially not with her history and her knack for getting into things that she shouldn't.

not to mention leah didn't want to leave jordan the stress of taking care of both girls, so here it was, 17 year old monkey, full of energy and very quick to make herself comfortable.

"nah, come on, seriously? why? that's not fair!" monkey groaned, dragging her hand over her face, "i'm not gonna be able to have no fun whatsoever if i'm stuck in the same hotel room as you, mum!"

leah however, didn't even bat an eyelid as she unpacked her suitcase, "and that's precisely why i have done it this way, monkey. i'm not stupid. i know exactly what you can be like at times."

monkey found her way to worm her way into georgia's pocket, keira's heart and lucy's tolerance. sarina hadn't stood a chance when monkey met her.

"are you the new coach 'ere? i'm monkey! i wanna play proffessional one day!" monkey spoke to sarina with a newfound confidence, "so, ya reckon you can get me on the squad?" the teenager gave the woman a proud grin with absolute cheek, "can i hug you? you look like you wanna be hugged? right? i like to hug people!"

sarina blinked in confused affection as monkey hugged her out of nowhere

"she's uh... she's mine," leah said in a flat tone of voice, "i apologise in advance..."

it didn't take long for monkey to find a way to get into trouble—everyone was recovering in the pool after a tough training session.

monkey? she'd managed to find a giant inflatable unicorn, and she was in her element.

georgia and monkey were spashing each other like five-year-olds, both of them soaked, squealing and pretty vocal—and then that is when monkey's eyes lit up with that look.

a look that just screamed chaos.

monkey picked up the inflatable unicorn and walked towards leah—who was sitting on the edge of the pool trying to relax—and gave light thwack to the shoulder with it.

leah looked up slowly, "don't start."

monkey grinned in response, "start what?"

thwack.

"monkey," leah continued to firmly look at her teenage daughter, "stop it."

thwack.

leah exhaled a sigh, the frown not leaving her face, "you're really testing me today, my girl."

monkey grinned, feeling quite amused and happy with herself as she proceeded to hit leah with the inflatable unicorn.

"monkey, stop it. i won't tell you again!" leah exclaimed, very much not amused with the situation, "if i have to tell you again then you're going to be in trouble."

"oh i'm so scared," monkey responded, acting like the big 'un in front of the rest of the girls, "what're ya gonna do, mum?" she grinned, proud of herself.

"monkey, i wouldn't," keira tried to step in, sending the girl a look that meant for her to knock it off.

monkey of course didn't look one bit interested in listening today.

and then—splash.

that was it.

leah stood up, completely drenched, "logan!"

monkey's eyes went wide, but of course monkey wouldn't be her usual cheeky self if she didn't say anything like it, "logan? i don't know who the fuck logan is!"

"logan reece, get your arse over here. now!" leah reasied her voice, and if monkey didn't find the situation so funny then she might've been a tiny bit scared.

but today the teenager definitely wasn't phased.

the silence around them was instant—jill scott turned, eyes wide, "who the fuck is logan?"

keira, without missing a beat, suddenly turned on georgia, "georgia stanway. don't you dare."

monkey shrieked, spotting leah inching closer to her, "run!"

and they were off.

"i've done it now, what you gonna do?" monkey yelled behind her, a cheeky grin plastered on her face, "gonna catch me? i don't think so. i'm like a whippet!"

leah was already storming off in their direction.

"logan reece williamson-nobbs! get back here! now!" leah stormed after her eldest daughter with a face that looked like thunder, "don't make me start counting to three—if i start counting and i get there then you're in serious trouble, young lady!"

"ooo young lady!" monkey taunted her, "you're never gonna see me again! i'm houdini! i just vanish, like poof! and i'm gone!"

meanwhile, elle toone was standing there, blinking, "wait, who the fuck actually is logan?"

beth mead started to laugh, "that's monkey's actual name."

"what?!" ella shrieked, not believeing it, "seriously?"

leah, from the distance, exasperated, "you actually thought my daughter was called monkey?"

"well... i mean... she did have... a father who favoured drugs and alcohol, right?" beth mumbled, instantly nudged in the ribs by lucy bronze, "ow, what was that for—it's true! he might've put that name on the birth certificate, eh?"

"no offence, but i geniunely thought monkey was, like... an abstract name," elle muttered, "it's kind of cool though, i guess."

"no, no, no.... leah gave her the nickname monkey when she met her because she's such a cheeky monkey," keira explained on her best friends behalf.

"and monkey hates her real name with a passion," lucy bronze added, "so, don't ever call her logan in front of her."

georgia of course knew st george's park like the back of her hand as she darted through side buildings and slipped out of sight.

but monkey? not so much.

monkey was full sprint—grinning, breathless, chaos in full swing—when she made the fatal mistake.

the teenager turned a corner at full tilt, skidding across the floor with zero traction, and slammed directly into a human brick wall.

and not just any wall either.

mary earps.

monkey bounced off her like a cartoon character, landing flat on her backside with a groan as she blinked up at the england goalkeeper in complete dazed confusion.

mary raised a brow, cool as you like, "you alright down there, kid?"

monkey scrambled upright in a flash, wide-eyed and panicked, "quick—hide me!"

mary blinked, "hide you?" she repeated, confused.

"yes! please! i'm in danger she's comin' for me—you have to hide me. she even said my full name, and you don't understand, like that is like, well serious business!" monkey ducked behind mary, clutching the back of her shirt as mary could magically erase her existence.

in the distance, leah could be heard shouting, "logan reece williamson-nobbs!"

mary whistled, impress, "geesh. full name and everythin' huh? you must have really messed up."

"exactly—you can hear the tone of her voice!" monkey hissed, "that means i'm either grounded, or worse... dead!"

and then, right on cue, leah came power-walking around the corner, eyes narrowing and her jaw tight, looking very much like a mum on a mission to kill.

mary barely contained a grin as she stepped slightly the side and casually held out her arm, revealing monkey like a magician pulling a rabit out of a hat, "i take it that she belongs to you?" she joked, with perfect comedic timing.

leah stopped dead, eyes locked on monkey as the teenager in return gave her a sheepish grin from her hiding spot behind mary and squeaked, "i'm innocent! i plead the fifth! you no have proof it was me!"

leah just gave her the look. one single look that made monkey want to shrink and hide, "you, young lady, are in a serious amount of trouble, right now—move it. now."

mary snorted, grabbing the back of monkey's t-shirt and gently hauled her forward, "she ran directly into me and asked me to hide her."

monkey looked at the older woman in betrayal, "traitor!" she muttered dramatically, "you're strong, but you are such a traitor. if i had muscles like yours, i'd be all over you."

mary grinned, smug as ever, "alright, sure, come back to me when you've grown, short-ass."

"excuse me? i'm not short!" monkey's jaw dropped, hands on her hips, "i'm fun-sized! you wanna go? go on then! i will fight you!"

"okay," mary chuckled, arms crossed, "square up then, smurf!"

"show me what you've got!" monkey raised her fists like she was about to take on the words, legs bouncing, a cheeky grin splitting across her face, "you better be scared... mazza! i'm scrappy! proper street rat energy, me!"

mary didn't even flinch, "you're five foot nothing, wearing a oversized shirt with shrek on it, and bouncing around like a toddler on a sugar high. the only thing i'm scared of is accidentally stepping on you."

monkey huffed, all bark and zero bite, puffing up her chest like she was about to throw hands with england number one, and mary didn't even flinch, just raised a brow and gave the world's most unimpressed look.

leah, however, had more than enough.

"logan. reece. williamson-nobbs," leah snapped, pulling the full name card again like it was a weapon, "you so much as blink wrong and you'll be sitting in timeout until the next euros. move. now."

monkey sighed dramatically, like she was being asked to climb everest barefoot, "this isn't fair! i'm innocent! this is—"

"this is you not shutting your mouth and marching—go, now!" leah cut in, grabbing monkey by the scruff of her shirt and dragging her off down the corridor, ignoring monkey's loud complaints.

"this isn't fair! help! i'm bein' kidnapped by my own mum—i'm innocent, you 'ave no proof it was me who dunnit!" monkey wailed like a complete banshee, "help! help! heeeeeelp!"

mary was still laughing when they turned the corner, shaking her head and muttering, "that kids' gonna end up giving her grey hairs, i swear."

keira wandered by a second later, sipping a smoothie like she hadn't just witnessed the chaos unfold ten minutes prior, "did i miss anythin'?"

mary snorted, "only the shrimp deciding to try and take me on in a fight."

keira didn't even blink, "did she lose?"

"well i mean she ran into me and fell over, so technically, yes," mary grinned.

"this isn't fair! this is outrageous!" back in their room, leah was pacing as monkey sat cross-legged on the back in her makeshift timeout spot as she tried to fool leah with her best innocent face, "i didn't do nuffin'!"

"i'm not even mad about the pool anymore," leah muttered, more to herself, "it's the running. the taunting. the backchat. what were you thinking?"

"it thought it would be funny though," monkey replied honestly, offering a hopeful smile, "you looked a bit too dry, and bored. i thought about spicing things up."

leah gave her that familiar look, "you are grounded, you know."

"yeah.... but define grounded?" monkey tried again, with her ever-trusty cheeky grin, "cos' y'know, that could mean a lot of things..."

"grounded, monkey, full-on grounded as in no pool, no fun, and you're sticking with me. you don't even think about leaving my side. understand?"

monkey gasped and clutched her heart in absolute horror, "that's... that's not fair! that's completely outrageous! so, so cruel!"

leah crossed her arms, unphased in the slighest bit, "oh yeah? good. maybe you'll think twice about causing any more chaos this tournament! you even think about pulling something like that again and you will not be setting foot out of the room, the whole time!"

monkey looked at her in shock, "what? you mean you're not gonna send me back home to mama in london?"

this time it was leah's turn to snort in amusent, "oh my girl, do you really think i'd put your mama through that? nice try, sweetheart. you're staying here with me the whole time, you're not getting off that easily."

"it wasn't me fault," monkey protested, huffing in defeat, "i'm innocent... it was the unicorns fault!"

[batllethinker]

Hope that your alright?

It hurts like a bitch and I really hope I didn't like fracture anything and this is my sisters solution (didn't have any body tape)

[woso-dreamzzz]

yes it was scribblesofagoonerr fic I knew it was between you two but wasn’t sure

I'm glad we figured it out!

[alotofpockets]

Serious about you | Leah Williamson x Lioness!Reader

Where you cross a line with your best friend

Warnings: smut (with a plot), 18+ MDNI

A/n: @scribblesofagoonerr thank you for your support throughout writing this one!

Woso masterlist | Words: 2.2k

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“Leah!” You yell out for your best friend when you see her walk through the doors of St. George’s Park for the first time since she had done her ACL. At the sound of your voice she turns around with a smirk on her face, “You’re happy I’m here, aren’t ya? Your day just got ten times better darling’.” You roll your eyes and hug her. 

“Always happy to see you, but the comeback makes it just a tad bit more special.” Leah’s smirk grew impossibly bigger. “Knew you thought I was special.” There was only so much of Leah’s flirty personality you could take at once until your body would go into panic mode, so you decided you had to step away. “Yeah, great seeing you, I gotta gay- go! I gotta go.” You quickly walk off cursing yourself, while Leah’s proud smile goes right past you.

Beth, who noticed the whole interaction, followed you out of the hall. “I see your crush on Leah is going well.” You sink into one of the chairs in the room. “Oh god, people saw that?” The blonde chuckles, “I think everyone saw you run off with a face like a tomato.” What a great start to camp you thought while your face was slowly returning to its regular colour.

“When are you just going to tell her about your feelings?” Beth was well aware of your feelings for the Lionesses Captain, as she was often the one you came to for advice and a listening ear. Her being your roommate this camp would probably come very handy for those reasons, besides Beth of course being a great friend of yours.

“You know I can't, Beth. Everybody knows Leah doesn't do serious relationships.” It was well known that Leah hadn’t had a serious relationship since Jordan, every girl she had seen since was just a meaningless hookup, so there really was no use in you ever confessing your feelings for her. 

Once you’ve come down from your embarrassing moment on the first day back at camp, you and Beth join the rest of the girls again. It was great seeing everyone again, and your embarrassment was soon forgotten.

The next morning the dining hall was buzzing with energy and laughter. Everyone was happy to be reunited, and was catching up on the time since they had last seen each other. Beth nudged your shoulder, “Look who’s coming over.” 

Your heart started racing as Leah walked in your direction with a beaming smile. Internally you were screaming at yourself, Leah was your best friend, you shouldn’t panic every time she’s near. It used to not be this bad, but ever since Leah started making flirty comments towards you, your brain just went full mush.

“Morning, love. Did you sleep well?” You tried to sound casual, but your mind went a little numb at the nickname she only used on you. “Morning, Lee. Yeah, I slept well. How about you?”

“I slept great. Any plans for today?” Oh god she wanted to have an even longer conversation, while you still had the love on your mind. You glance at Beth for help, but she just raises an eyebrow and smiles, clearly enjoying your discomfort. “Uhm well just training with the team and recovery after.”

Leah nods contently, “Alright sounds good. I’ll make sure we’re paired up for drills so we can catch up some more.” You smile and nod, “Looking forward to it.” Leah smiles and turns around to get her own breakfast. 

You turn back to Beth, “Looking forward to it? Why did I say that?” Beth rolls her eyes, “Well, clearly because you’re in love with the woman.” You groan, “Don’t say that out loud!” Beth laughs at your antics, “Relax, it’s just drills. Also, it’s just Leah.” With a huff you respond, “Yeah, just Leah. Mind telling my mind that when it stops working when she’s near?”

One thing about Leah was that when it concerned football, she was always serious. So, while you were running drills with her as your partner, the flirty side of Leah subsided. It wasn’t like she was only serious, you were still having fun while training. You were actually very much enjoying spending time with Leah like this, no embarrassing yourself this way.

Over the next couple of days the team was in full training mode, which came with plenty of recovery where you would relax with the girls. There were movie nights where Leah would sit besides you and put her arm around the back of the couch, and team walks where Leah would always find her way to your side. 

Tonight on the final day before your first match, you joined a few of the girls to recover in the hotel hot tub. You were deep in conversation with Beth and Lotte when Leah walked up to the hot tub, “Got room for one more?” She takes off her training top, leaving her in her sports bra and shorts like the rest of the girls. Only since Leah wasn’t like the rest of the girls to you, your eyes fell on her toned stomach, making you fully space out on the conversation you were having. 

“Earth to y/n.” Beth says loud enough for only you and Lotte to hear. You snap your eyes away from Leah at Beth poking your shoulder. “You’re drooling.” You want to defend yourself, but you know there is no use since she had seen you staring on full display. 

You tried your best to keep your eyes away from Leah, but each time you glanced over you were either faced with a smile or a smirk from the blonde, making your heart beat faster. On the other side of the hot tub, outside of your field of hearing Keira nudged Leah, “I think you might give her a heart attack if you keep flexing, mate.” Which only made Leah smirk again.

Slowly more and more of the girls started leaving the hot tub, until only you and Leah were left. She sat with her arms spread over the edge of the small pool, and you couldn’t help but let your eyes wander. You don’t know what came over you to check her out without anyone around the two of you to cause enough distraction for it to go unnoticed. 

“Are you just going to keep staring from the other side, or are you going to come join me?” Leah asked with glint behind her eyes that you couldn’t quite place. You move across the hot tub and sit down beside her. She moves her arm that was laying on the edge behind you to your shoulder and starts drawing patterns on it with her fingers.

You hadn’t said a word to Leah since the other girls left, and your eyes were focussed on a glimmer in the water. Leah was doing things to your body right now that you couldn’t control. “You had no problem checking me out when the girls were here, what has gotten you so shy now?” Your only reaction was the blush spreading over your cheeks and the way you swallowed hard. Leah moved her other arm to turn your head her way softly by your chin. She was about to say something, when she realised that you were staring at her lips.

Leah starts slowly leaning in, to give you enough time to stop what was about to happen. You didn’t make her stop, so she placed her lips gently on yours. When Leah realised you weren’t kissing her back, she quickly pulled away again. “Sorry, I thought there was a vibe.” That’s the moment you sprung to life. “There was, sorry.” Leah’s smile returned to her face, “There was?” You nod and lean in this time.

You knew you should stop, but this was the only way you would ever have Leah and besides every fibre in your body telling you that this was only going to end up hurting you, you just couldn’t stop. Before you knew it, you were sitting in Leah’s lap and the two of you were fully making out. 

When Leah’s hands started moving up your thighs, you broke the kiss and halted her. Leah was about to apologise, but you were quick to speak first, “It’s okay, just not here.” You said looking around. Even though the area was currently empty, it was still a public place, and you were not about to have a stranger or even worse one of your teammates walk in on you.

With big towels around your bodies, you made it to Leah’s room. Leah had never been happier to have a room to herself during camp, the perks of being the captain. Without missing a beat, she closes the door behind you and pushes you up against it. Every thought of this not being a good idea left your mind the moment she slotted her leg between yours.

Leah’s hands roamed your body, losing both your towels in the process. It all happened very fast, the next thing your remaining clothes were scattered around Leah’s room and you were laying in her bed. Leah was laying on top of you and kissing your neck, with her hands between your legs. 

The pleasure she was bringing you with simply her lips and her fingers, was overwhelming and perfect at the same time. At no point did you want her to stop, even telling her “More.” A couple of times between pants, which Leah happily obliged to. 

You didn’t realise you had fallen asleep until you woke up the next morning, still naked in Leah’s bed. At first you’re a little disoriented but then it all comes flooding back to you. You crossed a line with your best friend. Your best friend that you were in love with. Your best friend who is the captain of your team. 

Quickly but quietly you get out of bed and put on a clean training kit from Leah, since yours was still wet from carelessly being thrown on the floor last night. You take your own stuff with you and throw it in the laundry on your way back to your own hotel room.

“Well good morning to you, stranger.” You had hoped Beth had still been asleep and you could pretend that you had come in after she had gone to bed last night, but all of that was out the window now that she was looking at you with questions behind her eyes. You confess everything to Beth, who simply cheers you on for finally acting on your feelings. It doesn’t feel that way to you though, Leah didn’t know about your feelings, and knowing Leah this was just a one time thing. At least that was what you were telling yourself. 

Before you could talk about it more, you had to head to breakfast since you had an early bus to take for your first match. You didn’t get to talk to Leah, and quite honestly you were trying your best to ignore her for the time being. 

The first time you interacted with Leah was after the match when you had given your jersey to a fan in the strands. Leah had rushed to your side and handed you her jacket. You thanked her before bringing your focus back to the fans. 

On the bus ride back, you avoided Leah again, opting to sit next to Lotte instead of Leah or Beth. You didn’t know what you wanted, but talking about last night was definitely not it. Back at SGP everyone goes their own way again. You opt on staying with some of the girls in the lounge and put on a movie. About halfway into the movie Keira walks in, “Hey y/n, Leah wants to see you in the meeting hall.” 

You curse yourself, this was it. You had ruined your national career because you couldn’t stop yourself. Nervously you opened the door and found Leah leaning against one of the tables with her arms crossed. Her first words came as a surprise to you, “Why did you leave this morning?”

For a moment you don’t know what to say, standing in front of her with a slightly furrowed brow. “You wanted me to stay?” Leah’s serious expression softened, “Yes, of course I wanted you to stay.” You take a deep sigh, knowing you need to speak your mind. “Lee, last night was… amazing, but you don’t do serious relationships. I left because I didn’t want to make it awkward.”

Leah realises what you’re talking about. “Look, I know I’ve got a bit of a reputation concerning that, but this is different. I haven’t brought a girl home for months because you’ve been clouding my mind. I’m serious about you. Last night meant everything to me, and if it did for you too, I would really like to explore this new territory with you.”

You couldn’t believe what you were hearing, Leah was feeling similar to how you were feeling about her? “It did mean everything to me too. I- sorry, I didn’t expect this, I am a bit at a loss for words.” Leah smiled and stepped towards you. “Maybe instead of using words, I can kiss you?” You nod and Leah crashes her lips on yours. 

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[lvnleah]

Rory meets AWFC.

Rory meets her Mummies teammates and gets a little anxious but soon meets a Lego loving friend.

find the Rory masterlist here

thank you to @scribblesofagoonerr for helping me write this! this may or may not feature a certain monkey…

August 24th 2023

“You okay, Roo?” Beth asked Rory as she packed a few bits into her backpack.

Rory had now been living with Beth and Viv for two months now, both of them had been given three weeks off from Arsenal to help them adjust and settle. They’d fallen into a nice routine with Rory and she was even more comfortable with them now, her little personality had truly begun to shine.

After the three weeks, they’d returned back to training. They were doing sessions in the gym with just them and Rory as everyone was away at either the World Cup or had time off.

Despite not being related to Beth biologically, she definitely had her bubbly and loud personality with Viv's shyness sprinkled in.

Today, Rory was going to training with them and meeting their friends for the first time. She’d already met both Viv and Beth’s family after spending a few weeks in the Netherlands with them and Myle. All of their family had fallen in love with the girl and by the end of the week she had them wrapped around her little finger.

Rory nodded her head shyly as Viv brushed her hair into a smooth ponytail, “Just a bit nervous.” Rory shrugged, holding Twix tight to her.

"You know," Viv said, finishing Rory’s ponytail before sitting beside her, "when I was your age, I was really nervous about going to new places too. But I always found that if I bought something familiar with me, like your bunny, it made me feel a lot better. I still get anxious too, Mummy will tell you.”

Rory looked up at Viv with a curious expression. "Really? You get anxious too?”

"Yeah I do," Viv nodded. "But you have me and Mummy with you, too. We'll make sure you feel safe and happy."

Beth joined them at the table, “We'll be with you the whole time, Roo. You can even play football if you want."

Rory's grip on her bunny tightened, but she nodded, taking a deep breath. "Okay.

Viv chuckled, “Why don’t we pack a few of your favourite things in your backpack?”

“Look, I’ve already packed your favourite snacks and some toys. You can bring them with you." Beth said, holding the bag open.

Rory peeked inside the backpack and smiled a little. "Thanks, Mummy."

Viv leaned down and kissed the top of Rory's head. "You're so brave, Rory. We'll make sure you have a good time."

Beth smiled, “You'll get to see where Mamma and I work and meet some of our friends. It'll be fun, I promise."

“Are they nice?” Rory asked.

“Super nice!” Beth reassured her, “They’re very funny too!”

Viv smirked, “Not as funny as Mamma though!”

Rory laughed, a smile spreading on her face, “No ones as funny as you, silly Mamma!”

Viv ruffled Rory's hair gently. "That's my girl. Now, finish your breakfast so we can get going.”

Once breakfast was done and the kitchen tidied, they gathered by the door. Viv helped Rory put on her tiny sneakers, while Beth checked her bag one last time. The anticipation in the room was palpable, a mix of excitement and nervous energy.

"Ready to go, Roo?" Beth asked, her voice gentle but encouraging.

Rory nodded, and held out her hand for Viv to take. "Ready!”

The drive to the training ground was filled with chatter and the hum of the car engine. Rory sat in the back seat, singing along to Taylor Swift with Viv like she had done for the past few weeks.

As they pulled up to the training centre, Rory’s nerves increased. Beth stepped out of the car and got her backpack whilst Viv unstrapped her.

“Mamma carry me?” Rory mumbled as she stepped out.

Viv smiled before lifting the four year old up, resting her on her hip. Rory buried her head in the crook of Viv’s neck, her arms wrapped tightly around her neck.

Beth rubbed her hand up and down Rory’s back, “You’ll be okay, Roo. I promise.” She said, placing a kiss on her temple.

They walked into the training centre, Beth leading the way and holding the door open for Viv and Rory. Steph and Jen were in the lobby and when they saw the trio approaching, they both smiled warmly.

Steph gasped, “Is this little miss Rory that I've heard so much about?”

Rory peeked out from her safe spot against Viv’s shoulder, her grip on Twix tightening. Her blonde eyebrows furrowed in confusion at Steph's accent before she started to giggle.

“What’re you giggling at, Roo?” Beth asked, tickling Rory’s stomach.

“Her accent!” Rory said just above a whisper as she giggled. “She sounds funny!”

“Have you heard of a place called Australia?” Steph asked, getting a nod from Rory, “Well that’s where I’m from! I sound different from your Mamma’s don’t I?”

Rory nodded, “You do!” Her eyes flicked over to Jen as she walked closer. Rory stared at her curiously, trying to figure out why the woman was so tall.

“I’m Jen! I sound weird too, eh?” Jen smiled, Rory shyly nodding as she hugged Viv tighter, “I like you Bunny! What’s their name?”

Rory looked at Jen and then back at Viv, who nodded encouragingly. “His name is Twix,” Rory whispered,

“Oh that’s so cool!” Jen smiled, “Do you like animals?”

“I love them!” Rory nodded, starting to warm up a little bit, “I love doggies!”

“You do?” Steph gasped, matching Rory’s excitement, “Do you want to meet the team dog, Win?”

Rory's eyes widened with excitement. "There's a dog here?" she asked, looking up at Viv with a mix of astonishment and eagerness.

Beth laughed softly, her heart melting at Rory's cuteness. "Yes, there is. Win is a very friendly dog and loves meeting new people."

Steph nodded enthusiastically. "Win is the therapy dog here, she helps us when we’re feeling down sometimes! She’s the unofficial team mascot."

"Can I see her now?" Rory asked, her shyness momentarily forgotten.

"Of course," Jen smiles, "Let's go find Win. She’s usually hanging out in the canteen area."

They made their way through the training centre, passing by a few players and staff who greeted Beth and Viv warmly. Rory clung to Viv but looked around with wide eyes, taking in everything.

As they entered the canteen area, a friendly chocolate labrador bounced over, tail wagging excitedly. Rory’s eyes lit up as Win approached and Viv set her down on the floor.

"Win, meet Rory," Steph said, sitting down to pet the dog on the floor. "Rory, this is Win."

Rory hesitated for a moment, looking up at Viv for reassurance. Viv nodded, smiling. "It's okay, Roo. Win is very gentle."

Slowly, Rory extended her hand, and Win sniffed it before giving it a friendly lick. Rory giggled, her nervousness melting away. "She likes me!" she exclaimed, petting Win’s soft fur.

"Can we bring Win home?" she asked, looking up at Beth and Viv with hopeful eyes.

Beth chuckled, shaking her head. "Win has to stay here and help the team, Roo. But maybe we can think about getting a doggy soon though!”

"Okay," Rory agreed, still smiling. "Can I show her my bunny?"

"Of course," Viv said. "I'm sure Win would love to meet Twix."

Rory held out Twix to Win, who sniffed the bunny curiously before giving it a gentle lick. Rory giggled again, delighted by the interaction.

"Win likes Twix too!" she smiled, hugging her bunny tightly.

Beth knelt down beside her. "See? There’s nothing to be nervous about. You’re doing great, Roo."

“Oh wow it’s a party in here!” Lotte laughed as she entered the canteen, “Win’s enjoying the attention I see.”

Rory looked up, her smile growing once she saw Lotte, “Lot! Hi, I missed you!”

Rory abandoned Winnie and immediately ran over to the English girl, hugging her legs. Rory had already met Lotte, as well as Vic and Laura, a few weeks after she moved in with Viv and Beth due to them being close friends who were always around.

She was shy at first but once Lotte was laying on the floor with her playing and Vic and Laura were sneaking her sweets she was their best friend.

“Hello, Rory,” Lotte said gently, crouching down to Rory’s level, “I missed you too! How’re you liking the training centre so far?”

Rory smiled and nodded, “I like it! I love Win though!”

Lotte gasped playfully, “Win’s the best isn’t she!”

Viv checked the time on her phone, “C’mon Roo, me and Mummy need to go get changed.”

Rory huffed, “I’m bored, Mamma!”

“It won’t take two seconds, Roo,” Beth said, “Then we can get you set up with some colouring!”

“I don’t mind sitting with her while you get changed,” Lotte offered, “Only if Roo doesn’t mind.”

Beth looked down at Rory, “What do you think, Roo? Want to stay with Lotte while me and Mamma get changed? It’ll only be for a couple minutes.”

Rory thought for a second, her eyes wandering around the now empty room that Steph and Jen had left to go and warm up, “Yeah…you come back?”

“Oh of course we will, Roo!” Viv said, crouching down to the girls height, “Me and Mummy will be a few minutes, you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. You can come with me.”

Rory shook her head before talking Lotte’s hand, “I colour with Lotte!”

“Okay then,” Beth laughed, “We’ll be two minutes, okay? If you need us you can always come get me and Mamma.”

“Okay, Mummy,” Rory nodded, squeezing Lotte's hand tighter.

Viv and Beth headed off to the changing rooms, leaving Rory with Lotte. Lotte led her to a nearby table and got some colouring out of Rory’s backpack. Rory quickly got to work, her tongue poking out in concentration as she colored a picture of a butterfly.

“You’re really good at coloring, Rory!” Lotte said, smiling as she watched the little girl.

“Thank you!” Rory beamed, her shyness slowly melting away.

Just then, the door to the canteen burst open, and Katie stormed in, loudly announcing her arrival, "Guess who's back, back again! Kat—"

Her voice trailed off as she noticed Rory, who had jumped at the sudden noise, clutching her crayons tightly and looking wide-eyed at Katie.

Katie's eyes widened in horror at scaring the child. "Shit, I'm so sorry, kid!" she said, rushing over but lowering her voice. “I didn’t mean to scare you, kiddo. I’m Katie.”

Rory’s lower lip began to tremble, and her eyes welled up with tears. “I-I want Mummy and Mamma,” she whimpered, looking at Lotte.

Lotte immediately wrapped an arm around Rory. “It’s okay, Rory. Mummy and Mamma will be right back. Katie didn’t mean to scare you.”

But Rory’s tears began to fall, and she clutched Twix tightly to her chest. “I want Mumma and Mummy!” she cried, the distress in her voice clear.

At that moment, Beth and Viv hurried back into the room, having heard Rory's cries. Beth quickly scooped Rory into her arms, holding her close. “It’s okay, Roo. Mummy’s here.”

Viv knelt beside them, gently stroking Rory’s back. “What happened, Mijn liefje?”

Rory sniffled, burying her face in Beth’s shoulder. “She scared me,” she mumbled.

Beth rocked Rory gently, trying to soothe her. “Katie didn’t mean to scare you, Roo. It was just a mistake.”

Katie stepped closer, her expression full of regret. “I’m really sorry, kiddo. I didn’t know you were here.”

Katie exchanged a nervous look with Viv, “Viv, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know she was in here, I’m so sorry!”

“It’s okay, Katie,” Beth reassured her with a nod, “She’s just a bit anxious today, that’s all.”

“I’m so sorry,” she apologised once again, “I’ll leave you too it, I’m sorry kid!”

After a few minutes of Beth and Viv calming Rory down and cuddling her, Leah came through the door. Her eyes softened at the little sniffles coming from Rory, her cheeks still tear stained.

Leah calmly walked over and crouched down beside Beth who had Rory cuddled into her chest, “Hey! I’m Leah, are you little Rory who I’ve heard all about?”

Rory nodded her head against Beth’s chest, “Well it’s nice to meet you, Rory!” Leah smiled, “I bet I know what cheers you up when you’re upset…cake!”

Rory’s eyes widened at the mention of cake, “Cake?!” She asked, lifting her head from Beth’s chest.

Beth gasped, matching Rory’s enthusiasm, “Oh cake, that sounds nice doesn’t it! Why doesn’t Leah show you where to get some?”

Rory hesitated before nodding her head and jumping off of Beth’s lap. She took Leah’s hand and walked over to the canteen kitchen, Leah helped her pick out her cake before walking back to Beth and Viv.

“Chocolate cake!” Viv smiled, “Wow Roo, isn’t that good!” Rory nodded her head, a smile spread across her face.

“Where’s Monkey?” Beth asked, “Is she off causing trouble again?”

“No she was right…behind me,” Leah trailed off, looking around for the teenager, “I bet she’s causing mischief with Kyra!”

“That isn’t a surprise at all,” Viv laughed and shook her head.

Viv carried Rory into the gym whilst Beth had a quick session with the physio’s. She sat down on the bench in the corner, Rory facing her with her head pressed against her chest.

“Viv! You’re back!” A voice shouted aloud where Viv was sitting in the gym with Rory in her lap, “I’ve missed you round here– Leah’s being bossy as ever, ruining my fun, the complete buzz-kill that she is!”

“Hi Monkey,” Viv waved in agreement with the girl, “Glad to hear that you are up to your usual chaos.” She remarked, sarcastically.

“I’m not even doing anything that bad, everyone is just making a huge big deal out of it for no reason! Oh! Maybe now you’re here you can steer Leah to be in agreement that it would be a great idea for me to try sky-diving!” Monkey continued to ramble in Viv’s ear, which Rory couldn’t help but find funny as she listened to the girl natter on, “Oh! Who’s this?” She wondered, curiously.

“Monkey, this is Rory, mine and Beth’s daughter… And Roo, this is Monkey” Viv smiled before leaning down to Rory’s ear, “she’s the biggest kid around here,” she whispered but loud enough for Monkey to hear.

Monkey gasped, “Whoa, I take offence to that, you know! It’s actually Katie– Hi, it’s nice to meet you, Rory. I’m Monkey!”

Rory lifted her head from Viv’s chest, “You’re funny!”

“Thank you very much– Whoa, I like your bunny. Does it have a special name?” Monkey asked, crouching down to Rory’s level on Viv’s lap.

Rory nodded, “Mhm, it’s Twix!” She smiled, holding out the stuffed bunny so the girl could see.

Monkey gasped once again, “No way? Twix, that’s such a cool name! Oooh, do you like Lego?”

“Uh huh!” Rory nodded, her shyness being forgotten once again.

“Cool, do you want to go and build something? I’m meant to be training, but I don’t think anyone will care if I’m there or not.” Monkey shrugged, Viv laughed at how chilled the girl was.

Rory’s smile grew as she nodded her head and slipped off Viv’s lap, “Yeah!”

“So, how old are you, Rory?” Monkey asked as they began to walk over to her Lego corner in the gym.

“I’m 4!” Rory declared proudly, holding up four fingers.

“Wow, 4? That is such a cool age– You can definitely get away with a lot at that age!”

“I thought I heard your voice,” Beth joked as she entered the gym, “Don’t be leading her astray!”

“Would I ever? She’s adorable– We’re gonna build Lego together!” Monkey replied innocently.

“You’re aware that Leah is looking for you, right?” Beth questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“I didn’t do anything I wasn't meant to do!” Monkey protested.

“That definitely means that you did then…” Viv smiled, shaking her head with a knowing smile.

“Monkey!” Leah shouted aloud, trying to find the teenager.

“Uh, damn. I’m not here– Quick, hide me under the table or somethin’.” Monkey whispered to Rory, her eyes darting around for a hiding spot.

“I like her, she’s funny, Mummy!” Rory said, turning to look at Beth with a smile.

Beth couldn't help but smile at Rory's delight. "Yes, she is funny, but we have to make sure she stays out of trouble, right?"

"Right!" Rory agreed enthusiastically.

Just then, Leah entered the gym, her eyes narrowing playfully at Monkey. "There you are! What have you been up to now?"

Monkey put on her most innocent face. "Nothing, I swear! Just showing my new friend my Lego collection!”

Leah shook her head with a laugh. “C’mon, you need to actually train and not muck about.”

Monkey groaned, “Just give me five more minutes! Please, I want to do a bit of Lego!”

“You and your bloody Lego obsession!” Leah sighed, “Fine! Half an hour and then you need to train, deal?”

“Deal!” Monkey smiled, “What do you want to build, Roo?” Monkey asked as they sat down on the floor.

“Umm, I wanna build a castle!” Rory exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Monkey grinned, rummaging through the box of Lego bricks. “A castle?! That’s the best plan ever!”

Beth and Viv exchanged a glance, smiling at how quickly Rory had taken to Monkey. Beth knelt down beside them. “Me and Mamma need to train, we’ll just be over there okay?”

Rory nodded. “Okay, Mummy! We’re gonna make the best castle ever, right Monkey?”

“Absolutely, kid!” Monkey agreed, handing Rory a handful of colourful bricks. “So who have you met so far?”

"Um, Steph and Jen. They both have funny accents," Rory giggled, concentrating as she arranged the bricks into a small tower. "Also, Lotte and Katie… But Katie yelled loudly and it scared me!"

"She did?" Monkey replied with a sympathetic smile. "That’s just how Katie is, but I’m sorry she scared you, Roo. You met Leah as well, right?"

Rory nodded, smiling as she concentrated on building Lego, "Uh-huh! She’s nice and she helped me get chocolate cake! I like her!"

"Aw, whoa. Chocolate cake? I want some too!” Monkey gasped, “Maybe you’ll have to show me where you found it,"

"Yeah!" Rory exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.

"Want to know a secret?" Monkey whispered, leaning in. "Leah is who I live with. She is nice, but she can also be pretty bossy sometimes."

"You do? Whoa, so cool!" Rory's eyes widened in amazement.

"Yeah, her and my favourite little buddy," Monkey continued with a little laugh.

"Who’s dat?" Rory asked, handing a brick to Monkey.

"Buddy? That’s Leah’s daughter, and Jordan’s too. I don’t know if you have met her yet, but she’s cool.” Monkey smiled, “Buddy is actually a few years younger than you, but I bet when you two meet, you’ll be best friends!"

"Is she funny like you?" Rory asked, her excitement growing.

Monkey nodded, "She’s a little sweetheart, really. I can’t wait for you to meet her!"

"I want to meet her too!" Rory said, grinning widely as she bounced on her knees.

“I’m sure your Mamma and Mummy can sort something out!” Monkey suggested, “Buddy comes here sometimes so you’ll probably get to meet her!”

It wasn’t long before the castle stood tall and impressive, complete with towers. Rory looked at it with wide eyes, clearly proud of their creation.

“Look, Mummy! Look, Mamma!” Rory called out, waving them over. “We did it! We built a castle!”

Beth and Viv walked over, “Wow, that’s amazing, Roo! You and Monkey did a fantastic job,” Viv smiled.

Monkey nodded, pretending to wipe sweat from her brow. “Phew, that was hard work, but totally worth it.”

“Can we take a picture?” Rory asked, looking up at Beth with hopeful eyes.

“Of course we can,” Beth replied, pulling out her phone. “Gather around the castle!”

Monkey proudly held up the Lego castle proudly while Rory stood beside her, smiling. Beth snapped a few photos, capturing the moment.

As the day went on, Rory continued to explore the training centre, meeting more of the team and even joining in with passing the ball. By the time they were ready to leave, she was buzzing with excitement and full of stories to tell.

“Did you have fun today, Roo?” Viv asked as they buckled her into her car seat for the drive home.

Rory nodded. “Yes! I made lots of new friends, and we built a castle, and I met Win, and… and it was the best day ever!”

Beth smiled, leaning over to kiss Rory’s forehead. “I’m so glad you had fun, Roo!”

As they drove home, Rory’s chatter eventually quieted, her eyes growing heavy with sleep. By the time they pulled into their driveway, she was fast asleep, clutching Twix tightly in her arms.

Viv gently lifted her out of the car, carrying her inside and laying her down in her bed for a nap. Beth tucked her in, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

“Have a good nap, Roo,” Beth whispered, smiling softly. “We love you so much.”

Rory stirred slightly, a sleepy smile on her face. “Love you too, Mummy… Mamma…” she murmured before drifting back into a peaceful sleep.

[chaotic-toasters]

Send this to the twelve nicest people you know or who seem to have a good heart and if you get five back you must be pretty awesome. 🩷🩷

XHDBXISBHWIXSBHDUEHDEB THANK YOUUUU <333

Ok so this js gonna be a little awkward bc some of these ppl don't know me and some ppl have probably already seen this but

@kamwilliamsonn @scribblesofagoonerr @woso-dreamzzz @rimunagenius @gamergirl929 @decaffeinatedcylelover @blankcanvas12 @silentwolfsstuff

Lmao I only know this many ppl don't judge