#tobin has two hands

[softidiotsposts]

Whatever You Want, Whatever You Need

distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? well, what about hate?

{Thank you to the lovely request here for the idea, I hope I did it justice! I actually really enjoyed writing this one so I hope you all enjoy reading it too.}

Warnings: A SITUATIONSHIP!!! suggestive/light smut (build up), angst, fluff, classic enemies to lovers with a side of hating each other, masc!R (dw still wlw), soccer used // word count: 8.1k

masterlist

The universe of professional sport is riddled in great rivalries that are remembered for decades.

Ferrari and Mercedes in F1, the US and Australia in the swimming world, the Williams sisters in Tennis and of course, the El Clásico- Real Madrid V Barcelona, the capital city's best team V Catalonia's pride and joy. Two Spanish football's giants going head to head.

Yet rivalries in sport aren't built on hate, they are created through the urge to beat someone who you think is equal or better. Someone who you know dedicates themselves as much as you.

You have no respect for Barcelona's captain and apparent La Reina of modern football, Alexia Putellas. So maybe you prove rivalry can be born of hate?

Alexia has ground your gears since the moment you had heard of her through Tobin and Christen years ago-

"She's fantastic, making waves in Spain y'know?" Tobin's casual comment sparked a fire under you because who was Alexia and why the fuck was she so special all of sudden?

The media, who had been focused on you for the better part of 5 years, suddenly switched gears. You were old news, apparently. Just some wishy-washy American that's still playing in a closed league with only a handful of good performances, they didn't care if you broke record after record (mostly your own) because all you could do is win the same league title year after year.

The only attention that you actually got was when you'd don a US jersey, of course a great honor that you would never take for granted but... it hurt a little. Hurt that people could care less about you unless it was an international break.

But even that came to a close with the Spanish controversy and ultimate World Cup win. A title that you wanted to win again but couldn't even scratch, not after a penalty shootout against Sweden that left you with a shattered heart and a weak feeling in the knees.

You were washed and used, not special and talented anymore.

Alexia was the new, shiny player with trophies to prove it, where were yours? You could only get second place after second place. And Barcelona was now the best club in Europe after winning back to back Champions Leagues.

You hated it, the US was the place for women's soccer for so long- it was the place where the best of the best played and it was the gateway to professionalism but now, the European way dominates.

It was no longer- Go to the US for college so that you can get scouted. Instead it's to go to a European academy, they'll make a player of you.

That's why you decide that if Alexia wanted to ruin all the effort you'd put in to make your career special, then you'd beat her- time and time again if you must. To prove what? You're not really sure, maybe to say that you haven't lost it.

"Hey, Barry?" You call your agent out of the blue on a Wednesday afternoon practically mid-season, knowing that your contract still has another 2 years on it but you could care less.

"Y/N? What's up?" Barry is a nice guy, a family friend you've known practically your whole life. He's guided you through your career so far- landing you brand deals with brands and promotional opportunities.

He continues, "Listen, if it's about the lack of brand-"

"No, it's not about the deals."

Your brand deals have been slowly dwindling as your career has been but to be honest, you could care less about whether or not a cereal brand that you never ate sponsored you.

"Okay... So... What is it?" Barry's voice is a murmur through the phone and you've learned throughout the years that it only happens when he thinks you have bad news.

"I want to move club," Your tone is serious and not as playful as it normally is when you call him. You hear Barry sigh before he responds.

"There's 2 years on your current contract and you know that Gotham doesn't want to sell you."

Barry is right. Gotham has been doing practically everything in their power to keep you at the club, even raising your salary significantly each contract and you know it's only because you're their top goal scorer.

"I know but you'll get them to mutually terminate, right?" You ask, even though it's not a question and more like a request.

"I don't know, Y/N. They are paying a lot for you to stay and you've won the league comfortably for a few years haven't you?"

You have but that's not the point. You want to beat Alexia and for that you need to play against her, not just at an international level.

"Plus, where do you even want to play? Gotham is winning the league, y'know? There is not a better te-"

You cut him off, "Spain, get me to Spain. Please Barry?"

You know that works on him, it always has and probably always will. Barry knows it's rare for you to actually plead for something- Let alone something related to soccer.

"Spain?" Barry's tone indicates shock and you're not surprised- You have never wanted to play abroad before, you like the comforts of home far too much for that.

"Yes, get me a contract with Real Madrid."

Your words are as final as they can be, there is absolutely nothing else you want.

Barry worked his magic and suddenly you were 'mutually' parting ways with Gotham after 5 long years with them. It was a shock and the media blew up over night, rumors that you were retiring floated about along with different clubs that you might be signing for.

Lyon. Chelsea. Arsenal. Bayern. Wolfsburg and of course Barcelona- People whispering about the potential threat you'd pose with Bonmati and Putellas behind you. Little did they know, you hated the blue and red of the club and hated their Queen.

Your medical with Madrid became public knowledge a few days after it occurred leaving the rumors of Barcelona in the dust. You were confirmed a madridista then and there before you could even sign the contract.

"You did WHAT?" Tobin's voice rang through the phone, very loud and very clear.

You grit your teeth, you should have probably mentioned this earlier- Much sooner, maybe before your move was public knowledge?

"Listen... Tobin..." You start sheepishly, knowing what was coming.

"You ended your contract? AND moved all the way to SPAIN? Spain which is-"

You sigh, "You know why."

Tobin knew, Christen knew and probably the whole national team knew of your strong opinions on a certain Spaniard.

Actually, Christen and Tobin were the first people you'd go to for anything. Advice, soccer or not soccer related, to rant, to just talk to. They are kind of like you bonus parents, a pair that you know you can rely on so they knew the ins and outs of your problems with La Reina.

"Still, you should have given us a warning," It's Christen, clearly calmer than Tobin is- Voice soft and comforting, as it always has been or at least compared to Tobin's.

You'd always liked Christen and maybe that's why you were over the moon when Tobin told you she liked her. Probably also the reason why you added a little pressure of your own when Tobin hesitated asking her out.

"Okay, no need to gang up on me now, guys," You chuckle, trying to somewhat diffuse the situation and you hear a stifled laugh in the background. Clearly Tobin is trying to not seem amused.

"I'm serious," Christen clearly is and a voice agrees from behind her- Tobin- Sounding a little less serious and more amused now.

"Okay, I'm sorry... but I have to go now."

You balance the phone on top of a cardboard box that you've already taped shut. The process of your move is in full swing now.

"I gotta go now, love you."

You hear a shouted "Love you too" from Tobin and a normal one from Christen before the phone is disconnected and you're left alone again.

Different piles of clothes wait to be sorted, although they are mostly all the same- Training gear that you won't need anymore, you figure that if you leave it, Barry will return it to the club. Other stray things also wait, books and various knick knacks that will have a new home in Madrid.

You run a hand through your short hair and sigh. You should probably continue to pack?

Madrid is different to Harrison- The city is overflowing with its culture, eras practically stand next to one another. Buildings combining decades at a time with some looking as though they were sculpted by hand while others looked as though they were built in a factory.

Madrid is grand in the best ways and you decide that this is exactly where you want to be.

The apartment that you managed to secure on the fly is modest by comparison with some. It's a two bedroom with one of them being an office and the kitchen is modern with a touch of homeliness that reminds you of home. The view overlooks some of the city and you fall in love with the fading sky. Pink mixes with orange and red to create a lovely mess, one that you absolutely adore.

El Clásico is almost synonymous with the greats. CR7. R9. Messi. Xavi. Iniesta. You could go on for what seems like ever but the point is that El Clásico is an event, the streets close and people hold their breath until their team scores. The fans don their best and shout the loudest they can, it's an atmosphere anyone would die for. You included.

Your first Clásico is two months after your signing. It's a regular league match except it's not. This is your first chance to prove yourself, in front of the supports and in front of La Reina.

Alexia is not untouchable, no one is and you were going to prove that today. For you, Barcelona's dominance ended today because Real was ready to play for keeps.

You've seen her before, in person and of course on TV but you've never spoken. You matter how many times you finished second behind her in the Ballon D'or (twice) and the few times you've both been selected for best eleven, you haven't dared to speak with her.

Maybe the hate is unwarranted? Alexia hasn't harmed you physically or even said anything about you but it's just her. What is so damn special about her? The media like to pit the two of you against each other in their articles: La Reina and the unlucky, Alexia wins second Ballon D'or, beating rival L/N.

You're so sick of it. That's why you go all out, no mercy, no matter how many points behind you're in the table, even if the game is pointless because it won't change anything.

You press high, practically step on Maria León's toes and each time you get the ball you rush ahead trying your best to break down Barcelona's steel wall defense. It's not easy. You sweat buckets full and practically gasp for air but the first half ends without a goal- for either side.

To Madrid, that's a success. They've managed to keep Barcelona at bay for 45 minutes and possession doesn't look to be Barca dominant either. To you, it's utter failure. Alexia guides Barcelona like a battle fleet, perfect and precise. You, however, are holding on to the edge of a cliff with teammates who you don't know well enough- All chances seem to dissipate the second you pass because Barcelona uses your miscommunications to their advantage.

You listen to the coach but nothing really goes on, you're thinking of Alexia... Weirdly, about how Barcelona seems to fit her as if she was made for the club. Tailor made. It's not something you normally think of and it makes you shiver even though you're boiling hot with various emotions whirling around inside of you.

The second half begins with a goal. A goal for you, the crowd cheers and you revel in it, dropping to your knees with your hands in fists before your teammates slide into you. You celebrate that goal as if it were a Champions League final- It makes you feel as though you're on top of the world, you want to scream from the tallest mountain that you've taken the first steps.

An equalizer comes twenty minutes later in added time, it's the third minute and you're counting down the seconds until full-time. You pray that you don't lose possession but the opposite happens, Alexia lands a perfect tackle in midfield (something you'd see on the highlight reels) and shoots right then and there. She's so close to the half way line that you feel as though she won't make it, you're practically sure of it but instead Misa scrambles back (or tries to) and the ball bounces in the back of the net.

You feel a pain in your chest, it's heartbreak in the face of defeat.

The match ends in a draw, a win in the eyes of the Madrid veterans but an ugly loss in yours. The focus slipped for a millisecond and Alexia took that opportunity without a second though, one gap and the rat had slipped in.

You bite the inside of your cheek as you shake hands with players wearing the blaugrana colors. It's sportsmanship at it's finest and in that moment you decide that losing to Barcelona is the worst, they act humble in their glory and it makes your blood boil.

You get to Alexia at the end. La Reina extends her arm out to shake your hand and you gives a firm handshake, she's shorter than you by quite a bit and you've never noticed up to that point. The handshake is firm and warmer than you'd like it to be.

"You play well," It's a compliment from Alexia, said in a Spanish accent that tickles your ears oddly.

You hum then mumble a barely audible, "You too."

You don't know whether you mean it. Sure, you recognize that Alexia is top of the top but saying it to her face makes your skin claw with something unnamable. 

The next time you run into the proclaimed Queen of football is at an event. A gala of sorts, you could say, for a bunch of different athletes from all other the world of sport. You recognize some of them, mostly the ones from team USA and of course, Alexia Putellas.

She's wearing a gorgeous gown, black with a rather large slit in the back of it. It shows off the various tattoos that she has but also the slight muscle definition on her back, a clear sign of the Barcelona training plan working. The dress is matched with heels with that classic red bottom that make her clearly taller, almost so that she matches your height but your own shoes (albeit not heels) make you ever so slightly taller as well.

You swallow thickly for some reason. You chalk it up to the fact that you're wearing a three piece suit in all black in the middle of Spain, even if it is in the evening and the fact that the glass of whisky that you're holding is your third of the night.

Unfortunately... Or maybe fortunately, Alexia spots you amongst the crowd. You're difficult to miss, with an excellently tailored suit that highlights your lean muscle in the correct way and height that makes you look less like a footballer and more like a basketball player.

She immediately walks over to you and you regret agreeing to go to this thing in the first place. Alexia looks dangerously sexy tonight and you feel the anger fading very quickly- You've always thought that she was hot in a sense, you've seen her in enough dresses in similar events to know this but were sane enough not to act on desperate thoughts. Not with Alexia of all people.

Tonight, though, you feel insane, like a hound let loose.

You lick your lips as she walks to you and bite the inside of your cheeks when she finally reaches you. You don't know what you want, whether you want to dance far too close with her or run away completely.

"Y/N, right? From Real Madrid." It's a question that doesn't seem to need an answer because you know that Alexia remembers you as vividly as you remember her. You can still feel the weight of her small palm in yours after the match from a week ago, it hasn't left and you're afraid that it won't.

"Yeah, Alexia Putellas, right?" You smirk because you clearly know that it's Alexia you're talking to- The same Alexia that made you move to Madrid and the same one that you want to crush.

But tonight is different, hate is half gone and turned into something that sits in the bottom of your stomach, something that makes you nauseous with lust.

She nudges your shoulder with her free hand and you catch it with your own slightly larger free hand. It makes you both pause and stare at each other, it's all hot and your eyes are glazed over with an unspoken desire.

Hate is a strong emotion, one that you've always allocated to Alexia because she has played on your nerves as if they were strings. Dancing along with trophies and words of excellence while you watched from the crowd. It was the Alexia show and you're keen to change that- A change that is being rapidly evoked, the draw last week proving that a new era is on the horizon.

"Maybe..."

Her answer is as sly as her eyes and want pools in your gut. 

"Well... I'm only interested in dancing with La Reina."

Alexia raises her eyebrows before putting her drink down on a table full of half empty glass, clearly a dumping ground for unwanted glasses of alcohol. Then she does something you don't expect, she takes your whisky and places it on the same table and then tugs you on to a dance floor full of random people. Athletes and media, just dancing to electronic music.

You grin, alcohol coursing through your veins when Alexia takes your hands to place them on her hips. Your long fingers fan out over the satin of her dress and you press yourself impossibly close to her, hearing a surprised gasp when you do so.

"So... it's La Reina?" You laugh slowly into Alexia's ear and you feel her hands trail up from the small of your back to your shoulders.

You feel her chuckle and then sway her hips in your hands. The two of you are ridiculously close, so close that you can feel her underwear through the satin. It doesn't look innocent, it doesn't look like two players who oppose each other in almost everything they do.

Alexia leans into you and her breath touches the shell of your ear, it makes a jolt bolt down your spine.

"My hotel isn't far away."

It's a statement turned into a question, will you or won't you follow through? Alexia is challenging you into it. You swallow heavily, your mind is fuzzy and you know you shouldn't but you nod anyway.

Everything else is a blur until you get to the suite. It's nice and classy, something you expect from Alexia and the moment the door clicks shut, she presses you against it. Even though you're taller, Alexia has a certain passion that dominates but you never back down easily.

So you grab her wrists and press her against the wall to your right, it's aggressive and you intend it that way. You want her to know.

She gasps but smirks then thrashes her wrists against your grip testing your strength and when they don't budge from their place against the wall, Alexia groans. It's slow and utterly sexual and makes you want to grind against her.

"You're such a fucking tease," You groan out and then guide your tongue across her neck, lapping like a wild cat and Alexia lets out airy moans with each lick.

You love the way she grinds into your front and you live for this- Power, control and most of all, that it's Alexia here and not someone else.

"You're the tease, not me," She rebuttals and the sentence is punctuated with a loud moan as you bite down on her neck.

"Don't- don't... leave.. anything," Alexia gasps out and you're not stupid enough not to listen to her.

Instead of continuing your assault on Alexia's neck, you allow one of your hands to slip under her dress and onto the inside of her thigh. It's unbelievably hot and Alexia leans into your touch when you give it. Your fingers trace the ins of her thighs and she holds onto your shoulders with an iron grip.

"Joder...Fuck... Please?" Alexia practically begs and you take it as a personal victory.

"Please? Please what? Please stop?" You tease and try to retreat your hand.

Alexia yelps, "No!"

"No... Fuck me, please?"

You moan and peer down at her. God, what a beautiful mess she looks with a flushed face and dress half way up her stomach.

"Well... If the Queen says so."

The next morning a sense of dread filled you. Fucking Alexia was a mistake, a major mistake, a mistake that felt really good but a mistake nonetheless.

You turn to see the other side of the bed empty and you scoff because of course Alexia is a coward. Yet on the clearly slept on pillow lays a sheet of paper with the hotel branding on it, the script is rushed and you can barely make out the words because the spelling is off. The number though, is clear, in bold and underlined.

Alexia wants you to text her... Or at least, text that number.

You sigh deeply, then collapse back into your back. There is no way out when she keeps tempting you deeper into the lion’s den, is there?

The one time stand turns into another one and then another and another before you've lost count of how many times you've slept with Alexia. After each match against each other, you somehow end up in bed at a random hotel room- Sweaty and gasping for air.

You don't know what you're doing but you know it's not wise in any sense of the word. Not wise to be sleeping with the enemy and not wise to be sleeping with someone that you're striving to beat.

It's after another match that you end up in this situation, this time it's an international friendly and not a league match but nevertheless, Alexia and you fall into bed without issue. You fuck and then typically go to sleep but this time you can't, you can't sleep while Alexia's breathing is even on the other side.

So you do what you know you shouldn't, you turn to look at her. The glow of the moon highlights her face, leaving a ghost touch on her face. Her features are relaxed and it makes her look impossibly young.

You reach out with a boney finger and trace down the bridge of her nose and your breathing, as well as your movements, are stilted when Alexia stirs. You don't know why but it feels like you're committing a crime, as if you'd be caught red handed if Alexia wakes up.

But you continue anyway, your pointer finger traces the high of her cheeks and how relaxed her brows are. You commit it to memory, the feeling of soft skin under your callused finger tip.

You decide that at that moment, if you were a painter, you'd paint her. The soft curve of her nose and those sharp cheekbones and of course, those honey-brown eyes that you look with with as much seriousness as they do playfulness in moments.

It's hard to resist Alexia and you never do- Not when you ask with the lightest of voices and definitely not when she demands, voice full of what you think is captaincy.

Then days blend into weeks and weeks blend into a month. A long month without Alexia, you haven't played against the Barcelona captain for a month and you haven't texted either.

You glance at your phone that lays on the coffee table from the comfort of the sofa. It feels... Personal, if you text anything other than the location of a hotel room or an address or a come over.

Too personal.

This month has been a harsh reminder that you're nothing more than two opposing players that occasionally take their anger and frustrations out on each other. You're nothing to Alexia and she needs to be the same to you.

The next time you see Alexia is at an awards event and a sense of nervousness fills you. It's oddly similar to how this entire thing started, you in a suit- this time white instead of black- and her in a dress.

This time it is red, daring. It makes it hard to resist the urge to touch her, let alone talk to her so you make sure you're separated by a crowd at all times. You've gotten to close before and have been burned, you're not doing it this time.

You're nursing a drink in a corner, you truly don't even want to be here if you're honest. It all feels too weird... Seeing Alexia again after a month of radio silence. It's also reminded you that she is nothing but someone you have to beat.

A hand comes to rest on your shoulder and you flitch before whipping around to see Alexia, a sly smile on her face that makes your heart ache and insides turn. Of course, she looks impossibly beautiful tonight and your brain is whirling with excuses to leave before you fall in this trap again.

"Long time no see," Alexia leans forwards to murmur into your ear and you feel your resolve melting the second her breath reaches your ear.

Her body is half pressed against yours and you know the feeling so well that it's become second nature to press back against her. You resist as best as you can, turning your head away from her and drinking bitter alcohol instead.

You feel just as bitter as the alcohol tastes.

Alexia, of course, notices. You've learned that she's rather perceptive when she wants to be and it makes this ten times harder.

"What's wrong, rival?" It's playful and all without bite but you bite the inside of your cheek to resist snapping back.

"Nothing, sorry, gotta go, later," You brush her hand off your shoulder and storm out.

Out of the room and out the event altogether, thankful it was ending soon so your presence wouldn't be missed. You hail a taxi and gnaw at your nails in the back of the car as you get driven to the hotel, anxiety passes over you in fast waves. There is no time to breathe in between, let alone reflect.

Once you make it to the hotel, you've bitten through a cuticle and blood is running down your palm onto your wrist where it meets the cuff of your suit. The blood dyes it red and it looks like Alexia's dress, making your memory float back to her- It hurts to deny her of anything but it hurts just as much to lay awake while she sleeps peacefully after your escapades.

You're lost and there is only one person- well, two- that can help you find your footing.

"Hello?" A groggy voice comes through the muffled speaker of your phone.

"Help me, Tobin?" You're not sobbing, hell, you're not even crying but it comes out in a gut wrenching whisper. Your voice hoarse with unshed tears.

You hear a series of mumbles, clearly Christen, then bed sheets rustle before Tobin is back on the line.

"Are you hurt? Where are you?" A series of rapid questions are fired at you with a worried voice.

"No-no, I'm fine, physically at least, and I'm in Bilbao." 

"What- Why?" Tobin's voice is still panicked, clear worry running through it.

"Awards," You say, all too sullen for it to sound good.

Tobin finally calms down and you can hear it when she asks, "What's wrong, baby?"

You resist the urge to cry or maybe laugh at the question. Alexia floods back into your mind like a tsunami, bulldozing everything else.

"I've... Messed up, badly, Tobin."

"What do you mean?" Tobin's voice is small compared to your heavy breathing and you have to strain your ears to hear her through the phone.

The hotel room is dark, not a single light is on and the blinds are drawn to create a pitch black room. It feels cold and it makes the loneliness more apparent, even though Tobin is on the phone, you feel so so alone- Spain is so far away from the comforts of home and you feel the effect of the rash decision now.

"I've... Slept with someone-"

"You're breaking down over this?" There is a laugh at the end of the question and you crack a little smile before fading back to a deep frown.

"Someone I shouldn't have."

"Oh."

It's small, so you know it's Christen and not Tobin. Then a sudden feeling of embarrassment fills your gut, you shouldn't have said it. Actually, you shouldn't have said anything at all. Should have never called in the first place.

"Who?" You're back to Tobin and hear a heated whisper that belongs to Christen, most likely scolding Tobin for even asking.

"Can't- can't say," Your voice comes out oddly small, like it never has before- or at least never when you're speaking to them.

"Why?"

Tobin presses and it feels as though she's digging her nails into a freshly carved wound. Alexia has been an outlet as much as she's been a support in a country you had no clue about. She would take you out- well, you'd pay- but she'd pick the place, no matter if it were Madrid or Barcelona. Alexia knew all the good spots like the back of her hand. Whether it were ice cream or coffee, there was always a place.

So maybe... Just maybe, she'd become more of a friend than you'd want her to be. A friend that let you fuck your anger out on her just as she would on you- An outlet physically as well as emotionally.

Unhealthy, is probably the correct word.

You're about to answer Tobin with a lie, something you don't normally do but maybe Spain has changed you? You never used to be so meek after all. But then, another call flashes on the screen, Alexia- or Putellas as she is on your phone, there is no picture to accompany it because why would there be?

"Gotta go," You snap and press the green button to pick up the call.

"You ran away from me," It's an accusation that fits the crime. You had run away and Alexia is calling you out on it right now.

You swallow, "No, I just left."

Is it a denial? Probably. It sure sounds like one, your voice smaller than more and tone sadder than ever.

"Where are you?"

The question is fast, like it always is with Alexia. Her life is fast, like a car without brakes. She cruises along, going a 100 miles an hour with everything- Football, training, sex... There probably isn't a single thing that is not done fast and with efficiency.

"Well, my hotel."

"Send me the location."

It's not really a question because Alexia is sure of the answer and she's right because all the resolve you had earlier is somehow gone. You want her here, now and you could care less about how shitty you'll feel later when she's asleep and you're not.

So, instead of hanging up, you send the hotel and room number then call the reception to let her know she's alright to come up.

It's crazy what you're doing. Anyone would tell you that, Tobin, Christen- Hell, even the people who actually know Alexia, people you play with daily would tell you this is a shitty idea.

The shitty idea ends with Alexia on your lap, grinding into you while you kiss on the bed. It's fast, as always and you try to slow her but she's relentless and you decide to just flip the two of you.

You take Alexia by the waist and flip her onto her back so you're suddenly on top of her and this suits you much better. Especially when Alexia smirks and grabs one of your wrists, tugging the hand to her mouth then she separates your middle finger from the rest and closes her mouth around it.

She sucks on the digit, taking the entire length of your long finger a few times before growing bored and adding your pointer to the mix. This sends a hot flush to your stomach and your eyes darken as much as hers do as she traces veins on your hand with her red tongue.

This was about to be a long, long night.

As always, you end up awake. Lying on your back, staring at the unappealing ceiling with thoughts running through your head at the speed of light.

Alexia is next to you, wearing absolutely nothing and you can feel the heat radiating from her- It gives you the urge to shuffle closer to her, wrap your arms around her but you're not given the chance.

"Are you awake?" It's Alexia asking, in a soft sleepy voice and you jolt next to her.

You don't expect it and you're quite shocked that she's awake- She never has been after sleeping with you or at least not that you've realized.

"Yeah..." It's a meek response that has you cringing internally.

Then you hear her shuffle and suddenly she's pressing herself against you, in a gentle embrace that sends flutters into your stomach. Alexia's skin is against yours and it feels like a boiling sensation, in the best way possible, making you hot inside.

"I can't sleep too," Alexia murmurs into your skin and it's so low that you barely catch it.

You take the opportunity to wrap an arm around her shoulders and she doesn't protest, instead you can feel her lean in. Letting you hold her closer than you ever have as your arm is wrapped around her and your face is half buried in her soft hair.

This is different, familiar, close in a way you haven't been yet. You've played against each other, pulled shirts and tackled ankles when you shouldn't have. You've been sleeping together for what feels like forever, whenever you can but this is close, this sharing you're doing in that moment.

Life isn't going at 100 miles an hour right now. You're not in Madrid, Alexia isn't in Barcelona, you're not mortal enemies that are pitted against each other anymore. Instead, you're here and she is too- Really here, in the moment. Not in some distant land dreaming about how to beat you in another match and you aren't doing that either.

It's good, this thing you have, in that moment.

You fall asleep soon after, questions on the tip of your tongue fade into nothingness as dreaming takes over.

You wake up the next morning to an empty, cold bed. Alexia is gone, as she normally is or sometimes as you are, leaving the other alone when they wake up. Usually, you'd feel some sort of resentment or maybe sadness but this time nothing comes, you're sort of content as you lie in bed. Alone.

The Ballon D'or the year your first season with Real Madrid ends is on a Monday in October and you're once again shortlisted in the main competition: The desired golden ball. You know that Alexia is probably shortlisted too and you can already imagine her on stage in a dress that looks beautiful on her, speaking Spanish you don't understand and taking home her third award.

You try not to think about losing for the fifth time as you make your way to Paris, the plane which is thankfully private is stuffy and you wonder briefly whether it's your choice of clothing. You'd opted to wear a suit, dark blue almost black with a sharply cut fit to make your stature pop even more. It's matched with a white starched shirt that is a little itchy and a bowtie in the same navy that looks a little uneven but you'd be in the audience the whole time anyway.

It's raining when you get to the Theatre where the awards are being held and you can't help but see the weather as fitting, after all, this isn't your happiest moment. You're grateful but it's unlikely you'll win, not with Alexia and her teammate, Aitana being shortlisted alongside prominent footballers from other major leagues.

You smile for the cameras, standing alone on the red carpet to get into the event. You hadn't taken anyone with you, Tobin and Christen are all the way in the US and flying them out to only take one of them seems counterproductive. Your parents aren't really in the picture anymore, so they aren't a viable option. Then again you haven't spoken to Alexia since the season had begun in September.

The two of you had seen each other over a couple of free summer weeks but it wasn't anything special. Mostly lazing around at random apartments that you'd rent or hotel rooms and sometimes, when you felt like it, you'd go out decked out in sunglasses and hats to ice cream shops or bars.

It was nice and slow, just like that one night in Bilbao. As if you'd put a pause on everything around the two of you, all the rivalry and seeming hate to just... be.

But ever since the start of the season, you haven't heard anything from Alexia, not even a singular text or dm. You figure that she's cut the breaks and is going faster than the speed of light again, chasing results with a club that she loves. You can't fault her, you're doing the same. Putting the intensity in order to create waves in Liga F for the first time.

The awards start an hour after you arrive, you're sitting in a stiff chair next to a Barcelona player you don't know. She's tatted from what seems like head to toe and the bleach is fading from her hair but you recognize her from some of the matches you've played against the Catalan club.

That must mean that Alexia is close or at least not on the other side of the large hall and you're not sure if you're ready to see her again- See those honey eyes that cut into you without any issues or that grin that disarms you every single time.

"Are you L/N?"

It's the woman next to you, she's speaking in a heavy Spanish accent that is different to Alexia's more practiced one. It's as if she doesn't speak the language often.

"Yes and you are...?" You ask, hoping that the question doesn't come off as rude because you know that she's important, just not actually sure who she is.

You hear a giggle, "Mapi, León- We study you a lot before the Clásicos, Ale insists."

You raise your brows in surprise at the admission. Alexia had been studying you, just like you'd been doing with her for years and a sense of weird... Admiration fills you.

The awards take a similar route as always and you're mostly bored until the women's awards being, with best eleven and then the Ballon D'or- You're sinking into your seat when the different candidates photos are flashed on the screen, yours being an action short in a white Madrid shirt and you recognize it as your debut goal.

There is a hush when the presenter begins to speak, opening the sleek black card to look at the name before leaning to speak into the microphone.

"The 2025 Ballon d'or France football is Y/N L/N."

You let out an audible gasp because you'd expected Alexia to win or maybe Aitana or Hasen but this- You- is unexpected, a shock.

You stand and walk to the stage, heart racing faster than it ever has and you feel unstable on your feet, slightly shaking and you stand in front of the podium with the famous golden ball in front of you.

You lean forwards to speak, something that you hadn't put a single thought into because you'd truly expected to end up as second best.

"I'm extremely thankful to receive this prestigious award," Your voice is a little shaky but you push past it.

"I want to dedicate this to all the people who have helped me get to this point- My coaches at the club who have helped us secure titles this year. Barry, my agent who I have to thank for getting me to this position and of course, I thank my teammates, both club and national, for supporting me in this journey and allowing me the possibility to achieve such an award."

"Thank you all and a good evening."

It feels odd, walking away with an award you've only seen from the sidelines. Something that only the best of the best hold and now you guess that you're one of them too.

The text is short and you read it at the after party held in the theatre,

Outside.

It's Alexia and a sense of dreadful excitement envelops you as you walk outside and see her for the first time that night. She's wearing white and your mouth goes dry when you see her, she's perfect. Absolutely perfect.

The white dress with golden accents that makes her look like an angel sent from the heavens and a grin plastered on her face that lights up the dim alley way you're standing in.

Then a grim reminder sets in. You've heard nothing from her since the beginning of September and you haven't held her since August. You're practically back to square one, nothing but playful fun.

"Congratulations, best player," Alexia smirks and leans forwards to capture your lips in a heated kiss that makes you want to kiss back but you don't.

You push her back gently by the shoulder and look away, towards the ground because you cannot stand the hurt look on her face. Why is she looking at you like that? Like she gets to be angry or sad when she is the one who has been dragging you through the water for a year.

"Don't- Just don't, Alexia," You say it sternly, like there is no room for argument because you don't intend there to be.

"What?" Alexia says, shock apparent in her voice and you're stunned.

Is she joking or being serious?

You wave your hands in the air at nothing in particular and look her in the eye, "I can't do this anymore- This thing."

"I- I... I can't sleep with you anymore, Alexia," It comes out as a whisper when you intend to yell. You're soft and she knows it.

"Why?... why- It's fun and you're fun..."

"I can't! I can't just fuck you everything other time and hold you and feel nothing!" You're yelling when you intend to murmur and it feels like a bad joke- All of this, the award, the weather, Alexia. All of it.

"I- I... I- I just..."

You can't find the right words because there are none. How do you tell Alexia Putellas you're in love with her when you don't actually know her?

It turns out that winning a Ballon D'or isn't that good after all, not as joyful as you'd imagined it would be.

The next time you see Alexia is at a newly renovated Camp Nou in January, at an el clásico that has the people on the edge of their seats. You're neck for neck with Barcelona with a goal each and the clock is ticking, final minutes running out rapidly fast as you dribble the ball up the inside of the pitch.

The Barcelona defense is tight and you know it so you pass it off to Athenea before lapping her, opening the space for her to fill before passing it back. It's a simple move that would have normally not worked but you're in injury time and the fatigue is catching up to everyone.

So your tap in goes into the back of the net somehow and Madrid pulls in front- In all the shock, you just stand there as your teammates crowd you, yelling and screaming praise. It's half a second later that you make history, Madrid wins the first clásico at Barcelona's home stadium in front of a crowd of 96 000.

The rest of the night, you go through the motions- Shock, joy, pride fill you in varying ways but all of those are traded for something else when you see her.

Alexia, with wet hair and a team issue tracksuit standing outside of the away changing room, looking uncharacteristically nervous as she fiddles with the hem of her top. Your graze is hard when you meet her eye, you haven't seen her since October and you'd purposely avoid social media as well because you know she's on there.

So you put your headphones in and try to walk past her but a hand shoots out and grabs your forearm, making you whip around to look at Alexia. Sky blue meets honey brown when you're forced to look at her, all comfort comes flooding in without invitation- You'd been lost ever since you'd walked away from her and here she is now. In front of you with wet hair and Barcelona colors like you never even left.

"Come...Come with me?... Please?" Alexia mumbles and you have to strain your ears to capture the rasp of her voice.

You can feel your resolve breaking by the second. Alexia doesn't sound confident as she normally seems to be, there is no teasing, no bite, no smirk in her voice. So you catch yourself nodding before you can fully compute what has just happened.

The trip to Alexia's is a blur, she drags you through Camp Nou to the parking lot, ignoring your respective teammates' stares by tunneling her vision on the exit. Alexia's car is nice, almost as nice as your BMW you think but you don't say anything- Instead you shove your bag in the back with hers and sit in the passenger seat while she drives.

The drive is silent, the radio is off and all you can hear is your own breathing alongside the murmur of the car engine. The apartment complex is nice and so is the parking garage but you could care less, you drag yourself into the elevator with your duffle on your shoulder and resist the urge to lean into Alexia for a hug.

As soon as the apartment door shuts with a soft click, Alexia drops her bag and turns to you then shoves herself into your arms, making you drop all your things to wrap strong arms around her. You angle from head down to bury your face into her hair, her shampoo is the same as it was and it oddly reminds you of something you haven't felt in forever...Home.

"I-I...I think I love you," Alexia whispers into your jacket and you swear your heart explodes. Bursts into a million pieces from joy.

You toe your shoes off and she does the same then you pick Alexia up without speaking, letting her wrap a pair of strong legs around your waist as you grip onto her back. It feels right, this weird thing you're doing now, feels like home when home is so, so far away.

You find the sofa, lay her down gently before resting on top of her, your feet are hanging off the edge of the shorter side but you don't care. Alexia is here and she's in love with you.

"I'll do whatever you want, whatever you need," You mumble into her neck,

"Because, I think I'm in love with you too."

The world's greatest rivalries aren't born of hate, maybe you just had to learn that the hard way? 

[wosostories]

Heath Sisters PT 1 (USWNT x Teen!Reader)

Masterlist

USWNT X Teen!Reader

Tobin is called up to her first national team camp. Along comes her sister as she has no where else to go.

This is a Reader story with Y/N, but I wrote it in third person because that made more sense in my head.

Part 1

“Come on Y/N, we’ve got to go. We’re going to miss our flight.” Tobin yells to her sister in the next room. “We need to be on time to make a good first impression.”

“I know, I’m sorry. Have you seen my shoes? I can’t find them. I’ve searched my entire room.”

“You can’t find them because they’re out here,” Tobin tells her sister, as she picks them up off the floor. “For once you put them where they are supposed to go.” Y/N bursts out of the next room and takes the holy shoes out of her sister’s hand. 

“I really need to get you a new pair of those.”

“No you don't, they're fine.” Y/N states slipping them on. “I’m ready.”

“Good, the Uber’s here grab your bags.” Y/N grabs her bags and goes to walk out the door. Tobin grabs the back of her backpack. “You don’t need to worry about the money ok. That's my job. You can tell me when you need new things.”

“I-I know. I just can’t help but worry sometimes. I know that it’s hard with you trying to finish college and your last season of soccer. And you are worrying about the draft. I just,” she sighs, “I just don’t want to put more on your plate is all.”

Tobin gives her sister a small smile. “I know and thank you for worrying about me, but taking care of you is my job so let me do it please.”

Y/N gives her a nod, “Alright Kid, let’s get out of here.” 

The sisters Tobin and Y/N head out of their apartment building and begin their ride to the airport. 

“Do you think that anyone will have a problem with me being there?” Y/N asks her sister nervously once they’re settled in the car. 

“I told you that I got it all cleared with coach. She knows that if she wanted me there that you would have to be there too. You have nothing to be worried about, ok. You’ve been worrying about things all day, can you take a deep breath for me?”

Y/N nods and sucks in a deep breath holding it before letting it go. “Feel better?”

“A little bit I guess.  It’s just they may say that it’s good cause they want you there, but no one wants a kid hanging around. I’ll probably just end up getting in the way.”

“One you know that’s not true, you are great to be around. And two, do you plan on getting in the way?”

“Well no, but…”

“Then you have nothing to worry about.” Tobin looks down at her little sister and sighs, “And if there is a problem you know to just come to me and I’ll handle it. You know that I’ll protect you from everyone and everything.”

“I-I just don’t want to be a burden to anyone,” Y/N whispers.

“Kid… You could never be a burden to anyone, you know that.” 

Y/N looks down to where she is picking at her fingers. Tobin takes them into her own and holds them still to keep Y/N from hiring herself, “You have to keep up with your own studies as well as with your own training. Club starts in like a month and you need to be ready.”

“Ya, but I don’t want to embarrass myself.”

“How would you do that?”

“I’m not as good as everyone else.”

“Why would you be? You haven’t been called up yet, not even to the youth team. You are still young and you still have time. Just play your game, you know that I’ll always be there to help you learn new tricks. And maybe some of the other girls will come help to. Give you some pointers. Then you are sure to get your own call up soon enough. And you’ll have a leg up on the other kids because you will already know what they are looking for.”

Tobin laughs as Y/N shrugs her shoulders and they spend the rest of the ride to the airport in silence curled up next to one another. They manage to make it through security and check in with no issues and make it to their flight to California on time. 

After an exhausting five hour flight they touch down at LAX and are ready to get to the hotel. 

“You have your back pack?” Y/N nods. “Perfect, let’s get our luggage and to the hotel for a nap.”

“And food?” Y/N asks quietly.

“Yes, and food.” Tobin’s bag is one of the first to come out, but when the last one comes they still havent seen Y/N’s both sisters start to panic a little. 

“Tobs?” Y/N asks her sister. Her voice quite and almost scared. 

“It’s ok. Just give it another minute,” Even though Tobin knew that it wasn’t coming and was already locating the nearest service desk. 

When Tobin finally had enough of pretending to wait to make her sister feel better  she led her over to the service desk where they got in line to ask about the luggage. It took about 15 minutes to get through the line and another 20 to locate the bag. “Looks like it got on the wrong flight and went to Florida. We can either put it on a flight here or one back to the New Jersey airport and you can pick it up upon your return.” The lady says.

“How long would it take to get here?"

“It will most likely get in early next week."

“We are only here for two weeks, just send it back to New Jersey.”

“But Toby…” 

“It’s fine Kid, we’ll figure it out. Thank you for the help.” Tobin turns and leads Y/N out to find a car to the hotel. 

“What are we going to do?” Y/N asks, tightening the grip on her back pack. 

“What do you have in your backpack?”

“I have my school and soccer stuff.”

“Any clothes?”

“My soccer gear.”

“Alright, that will work for now. First we are going to go to the hotel, we are already running late.”

“Sorry.”

“Not your fault. Then we are going to eat, take a nap, and then see if there is some place where we can get you some clothes.”

“But we don’t have the…”

“I told you this morning that that isn’t something that you need to worry about. I’ll figure it out.”

“But…”

“I said don’t worry about it.” Tobin raised her voice a little, annoyed. 

“S-sorry,” Y/N says again looking down at her feet, tears threatening to fall. 

“Kid look at me,” Y/N doesn’t budge, Tobin kneels in front of her and gently grasps her shoulders. “Look at me, Kid. I’m sorry, I’m just a little frustrated at the situation, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. None of this is your fault. Accidents happen and we’ll figure it out.”

“Promise?”

Tobin sighs again, “Ya Kid I promise.”

Tobin stands and pulls out her phone to call an Uber as they make their way outside. Tobin stops as she feels a tug on her sleeve. “What is it Kid?” Y/N points to a couple of people in front of them holding a sign that reads ‘Heath’.

Part 2

[woso-fan13]

2024 Whumptober: 12 (uswnt)

No. 12: STARVATION

Underground Caverns | Cannibalism | "Just a little more."

“I know, buddy,” Tobin almost has to shout for you to hear her over the roaring crowd, “I know you’re tired, but we gotta finish this game.”

The minutes feel like hours as you watch the clock slowly count down. Your face is red as you focus on pulling air into your lungs. The game was almost done, and then you could finally rest. 

You pushed yourself past the point where you thought you could go, spikes digging into the pitch with a newfound energy. As the minutes left turned into seconds left, your legs burned with a ferocity that was only matched with the burning in your lungs. But you pushed through, until the whistle blew and you collapsed to the ground. 

You’re allowed to rest for a few minutes, at one point a sports drink being passed to you. This time speeds by, and soon two pairs of feet appear in front of you and a hand reaches down. 

“C’mon, sweetheart,” Christen’s soft voice breaks the silence, “just a little more and then we’ll get you home.” 

You sigh, latching onto Christen's hand and allowing her to pull you to your feet. You wobble slightly as you regain your balance. Having played the full 90 in 5 games this month alone, you were exhausted. 

Tobin’s face contorts into a pitying smile before moving to squat in front of you. You smile before wrapping your arms around her neck and tightening your legs around her waist. Standing up, she adjusts you slightly before setting off. 

The three of you make a quick lap of the pitch, waving and taking a few photos. As soon as the stands begin emptying out slightly, Christen and Tobin make their way to the tunnel to head back to the locker room. 

At this point, you were simply along for the ride, head heavy on Tobin’s shoulder as your eyelids grew heavier. Your breathing transitions from long, slow breaths to the puffy breaths that indicate you're seconds away from sleep. You could finally rest. 

[maturemenoftvandfilms]

The Cardinal Who Lifts Weight

Featuring Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin

For about a year, us guys at the gym just called him Joe. He would get his reps in during his early morning workouts a few feet from me under or close to the wall clock. When I would glance at the clock, his eyes would often meet mine. I began to notice his entrancing eyes, and I would find myself admiring his stocky 6' 3”, 70-year-old figure. His graying brown hair covered by a skull-printed do-rag, which I found oddly appealing. He was friendly and would greet me by name when we walked past each other.

Meanwhile, while I suspected he might be interested, I would resolve to not convey any gay vibe to encourage him. The tension I was feeling was distracting and unwelcome.

One day when he was finishing up and getting dressed, I commented that I'd always wanted to have thicker thighs like his. He seemed flustered at first, then I elaborated its only men who ever develop nice legs like that and stared at his crotch. He smiled and we shot the shit for a bit before I swallowed all my fears and just asked him if he wanted to "fool around." lol I still can't believe I fucking said that.

“I'm a priest,” Joe quickly answered. “In fact,” He said, his voice growing quieter so no one could hear in earshot, “I’m the archbishop of Newark.”

Apparently, Joe was also known as Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin. A prelate of the Catholic Church and he has been the Archbishop of Newark since 2017. I was surprised as I never would have thought he was a priest. I mean this guy is benching two and a quarter! Still sensing interest as we talked, I moved closer to him until I could easily reach out and touch his leg, which I did. He was still wearing his gym shorts and I got a thrill out of rubbing my hand against his hairy leg.

“I could use some action, but I don’t have a place to go.” He told me.

“Me neither.” I said, not wanting to take him to my apartment.

“You want to come out to the car with me.” The old man leaned over and whispered in my ear.

“Sure.” I said.

“Let me go first. I’ll meet you on the street behind the gym.” The old man said and then got up from his sit.

I watched as he walked out of the gym. God! Did he look wonderful! I got up after I figured he had time to get to his car and quickly followed him out. I found him waiting for me just around the corner of the gym.

“Here’s my car.” He said pointing to a black Chevy Tahoe and proceeded to unlock the door, getting inside the backseat. I hurried around to the other side of the SUV and got in.

Almost immediately, he fished his slightly weathered fingers inside his shorts and pulled out first his short cut dick and then after much struggling his huge set of bull sized balls. I nearly nutted. Something about seeing someone you were lusting after for a year with his dick out tends to do that to you. Joe was surprisingly already hard, stroking his boner while waiting for me to get my cock out. As I did, Joe moved his hand over to grasp my cock and began a gentle massage. I responded in kind and held his hard dick, feeling the warm prong in my grasp. Looking back, I can laugh at the almost hysterical grabbing and fondling of this frantic first encounter.

“I’ll watch out.” He said in a stern voice charged with sexual excitement. Fortunately, the place was deserted, and we were so off the beaten path that I didn't even know where we were, and I knew the place pretty well.

Joe's dick was throbbing when I put my mouth over it and began to suck this old priest off. He hadn't received many blowjobs and seemed delighted to have me pumping up and down on his dick. Joe was so excited that he made me stop a couple of times so he wouldn't cum, even having me stop jiggling his balls as well. He apologized for being so excited, but in the end he lost control anyway as without warning he grabbed me by the hair and forced my head down on it as far as I could take it. He began spurting his musky load into my mouth while groaning loudly as he ran his hands through my hair.

I took it all as he screamed in ecstasy. It was fantastic to know I could give him so much pleasure. He gently released me, still hissing through his teeth and breathing frantically.

"Oh god that felt good." He said as I sat upright.

With that, Joe leaned over and took my 7” cock straight down his throat, right up to my balls, which were aching by this time. The sight of my cock entering his mouth still is, to this day, one of my favorite sights in the world. The sensation was indescribable as he sucked excitedly and gently on my cock. Thankfully, I’ve always taken a long time to cum, so I knew I’d be fine as he went down on me. Joe pushed his head down on my cock as far as he could without gagging. So far in fact, I felt the head rubbing the back of his throat.

After that, I couldn't last with all the pent up sexual tension and I squirmed to let him know I was about to cum and he just said, "I want to taste your cum."

Joe got what he wanted, because he was such a skilled cocksucker that my orgasm raced through my loins in a rush, and my cock spurted what seemed like an ungodly amount of cum into the throat of my gym buddy. And he took it all effortlessly. And when my cock stopped ejaculating, he did his best to empty my nuts, sucking eagerly on my deflating dick while he massaged my balls. I finally had to gently pry him off me, and even after my dick left his mouth he kept licking and flicking the tip of my cock with his tongue while my cum trickled out of the corner of his mouth.

When Joe finally finished, he pulled his head up and looked at me. I know he was wondering how it was so I told him it was fantastic before he could ask.

That's how I got to plowing a straight older guy from my gym in the back seat of my truck. Before any of that, on several occasions we'd exchanged glances. That was my first indication he might be curious.

[desperate-gay]

these are all universes! some will be in chronological order and some may just be all over the place!

@occasionallyaurora and i purposely left out two specific players bc we knew you guys would choose them, but they are on the top of our lists!

for my few ali krieger fans, we also have a universe that we already have a specific time on posting!

these are all our woso universes. there may be other athletes for the future

[darklinga]

Ross Humboldt x F!Reader

|18+| MINORS AND THOSE WITHOUT AGE IN BIO, PLEASE DNI!

Author's Note: I really got inspired on this one, I put so much effort...I hope you all like it! I had to change some things but it is actually the movie's plot. (Patrick Wilson is so hot on that movie, not only in that movie lol.)

Word count: 4.5k

Warnings: smut with plot, breeding kink, gore, violence, swearing, voyeurism? (Idk rlly), deaths, movie spoilers, oral receiving (female and male), giant rock lol, reader has stretch marks.

•SPOILERS AHEAD!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Shit." It was the only word that managed to come out of your mouth as you supported yourself on your slightly bent knees, trying to catch your breath.

You didn't know how long you had been in that place...In that damn field of tall grass.

You only knew that when you entered, it was still morning and that the reason for all this was because you had heard a boy named Tobin screaming for help, claiming that he was lost in the field.

"Okay, now me, this Tobin and God knows who else, we're trapped in this field." You comment to yourself, placing both hands on your waist, staring at the floor as you tried to think, but no ideas came to mind. "We're all screwed..."

You return to walking, looking at the sky that was now night and cloudy, threatening to dump heavy rain on the area as you adjust your tank top and pants.

"Great, and now it's about to rain...Can it get any worse?" Well, it seems like you asked this question at the wrong time.

You hear someone moving in the grass behind you and reluctantly, you look back, trying to see what or who it was.

"Look, I really don't have time to play hide and seek, there's something really wrong here so...Just show up." You sigh, breathing heavily, having no weapon to defend yourself.

Ross's figure appears, brushing away the grass with his hands as he smiles slightly at you, sweat covering his face and chest, which could be seen as the top of his pink shirt was unbuttoned.

"Hi...I heard your voice and managed to track you." Ross looks at you, breathing heavily as he places his hands on his waist.

"W-Who are you?" You move away from him, taking a few steps back.

"My name is Ross, I'm looking for my wife Natalie and my son Tobin, they are also lost in this field." Ross sighs, looking around. "I don't even know how long I've been here... If that dog hadn't come in...

"The dog?" You thought and looked at the floor. A few minutes ago, you had seen the body of a dog in an advanced state of decomposition, indicating that a lot of time had passed. "So you're Tobin's father..."

"Have you seen my son?" He raises an eyebrow, looking at you waiting for a positive response.

"No...But I heard his cries for help. The moment I entered in this field, I didn't hear him anymore." You sigh, scratching the back of your neck as you look away from him.

Ross looks down for a moment and then looks back at you.

"We can get together and try to find my family, then we get out of here, what do you think? Ross smiles at you, trying to cheer you up.

You nod, still reluctant but to tell the truth, you had no alternative but to unite with the only person you met in this place.

Ross leads the way, pushing aside the plantation with his strong hands, clearing the path for the two of you.

"Fuck..." You curse as you realize you've sunk your sneakers into the mud, earning a small laugh from Ross. " That's not funny!" You scoff, pulling your dirty shoes out of the mud.

"Somebody help me, please!" Tobin's voice echoes through the leaves, the same voice that is the reason you are here.

"Tobin!" Ross starts running, leaving you behind, trying to follow his son's voice.

You try to follow him but it was too late, the field had already changed your position.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" You stamp your foot on the floor, clenching your hands as you try to control the anger inside you. "When this kid and I get out of here, I'm going to beat the shit out of him...With all due respect, of course."

The rain starts to fall, increasing in intensity as you walk through the grass, trying to find Ross and Tobin.

"If I hadn't taken a vacation, everything would be fine..." You mutter, trying to look up, but the rain only made it difficult for you to see.

You decide to sit on the wet grass, hiding your head between your legs, hugging them in an attempt to keep warm and protect yourself from the rain.

Falling asleep without realizing it, you look up at the sky, noticing the rain had stopped and it was dawning.

"And here we go." You get up with a slight pain in your back, stretching yourself trying to alleviate it. "Besides feeling alone, I feel like an old woman..."

Starting to walk again, you look around, hoping to find something or someone to help you.

Your vision is tired of seeing only grass and daylight, the scorching sun slowly burning your skin, sweat sliding down your forehead and neck, your body warning you of dehydration.

Suddenly, you hear Tobin's voice and two other people, a man and a woman, who you hadn't heard before.

"Hey, can someone help me? I'm lost here!" You look up, your ears focusing on the screams of others.

"That's nothing new since we're all stuck here!" Cal sighs and rolls his eyes.

"Guys, my dog ​​is dead..." Tobin says in a crying voice, not knowing what to do.

"I have an idea! Tobin, keep talking loud so we can all reach you!" You start running in the direction of Tobin's voice, everyone running in the same direction.

You meet Tobin, who was looking at his dead dog in a state of decomposition, Cal and Becky, who appeared to be brothers and who were also lost there and then another man appears, Travis.

"Thank God." Becky smiles, feeling relieved in a way, as she looks at the rest of the group.

"Who are you?" You raise an eyebrow, breathing heavily as you recover from the run you had just done.

"I'm Becky, this is my brother Cal." The woman points to her brother, who was looking at you with a suspicious look. "And this one is Travis...my...ex."

You noticed the change in tone in her voice as you discreetly looked at her pregnant belly, the pieces of the puzzle quickly falling into place inside your mind.

"And you?" Becky looks at the blonde boy while rubbing her belly.

"I'm Tobin..." The boy looks at Becky, Cal and Travis, then turns to you. "I heard your voice, you were with my father, weren't you?

You nod, looking at him. "I thought your father found you." Frowning, you cross your arms.

"I had heard his voice approaching me but suddenly, he disappeared and I remained alone." The boy's loneliness was like a stab in your heart, no one deserves to be alone, especially at his age.

"I'm very sorry." You sigh, lowering yourself to his level as you rub his shoulders in a comforting, almost maternal way. "We're going to find him and when we do, we'll all get out of here."

The tension in the young boy's muscles eases as you comfort him. "Thanks." He waves and smiles.

"Okay, which way?" Cal looks around, looking for a way out.

"I have an idea...Tobin, get on my shoulders." Travis bends down, giving Tobin access to his shoulders. The boy sits on them and slowly, Travis stands up. "Okay, now...Do you see anything?"

Tobin looks in all directions until his gaze finds the church which was on the other side of the road, in front of the field.

"The church! I see it!" Tobin points in its direction and Travis starts walking, followed by the others. "Don't separate from us, not even for a minute."

You nod and the others do the same, following Travis and Tobin as they think about why this strange field exists.

Your mind browsed through your memories, more precisely in the brief moments you had shared with Ross.

Damn, the man was married and already had a son, but oh...He was so handsome. It was as if he were a Greek God...That shirt he was wearing, open on the upper part of his chest, giving access to his curious gazes, those lips that were just the right amount of flesh and his penetrating blue gaze, which seemed to drown out all your thoughts everytime you looked at him. (Aquaman reference, got it? Because Patrick Wilson is Orm and...Yeah, you got it AHEM.)

Your thoughts were interrupted by a loud thump behind you, making you jump and quickly turn around to see what had happened.

Becky had passed out, being surrounded by the group while Cal tried to save her, pressing both hands together on her chest repeatedly.

"What happened?" You ask, not moving closer to give her brother and ex space as they both tried to save her.

"She just fainted, fell..." Travis' chest was breathing heavily as he felt sick.

You looked at her belly, worried about the safety of the baby and the mother.

Suddenly, Ross appears in the tall grass, bending down and trying to save her, successfully.

Becky takes a deep breath and coughs, sitting up and looking at the man in surprise.

"Dad!" Tobin runs into Ross' open arms, who catches him and holds him in a tight hug.

"My son...Are you okay?" Ross looks at the smiling boy, stroking his blonde hair.

The boy nods and looks at the others. "They helped me."

Ross smiles and looks at everyone, his gaze meeting yours, a moment that seemed to pass much slower than usual. "You...Thank you for taking care of my son."

Nodding, you look away as a blush takes over your cheeks. CONCENTRATE!

"I ended up getting to the road but I wasn't going to leave my wife and son here." Ross smiles, hugging Tobin.

"How?" Travis raises an eyebrow, sighing.

"I can only say that it's not a straight line. Where were you all going?" Ross looks at the group, directing his gaze once again to you.

"In the direction of the building." You smile at Tobin's father earning a smile in return.

"Building?"

"We were close..." Cal helps Becky to her feet, looking around.

"Come up again, Tobin." Travis kneels, allowing the blonde to sit on his shoulders again.

He rotates 360°, unable to find the building.

"It disappeared." Tobin continues searching, without success.

"That's how it works around here, but I have a lucky ticket for anyone who wants it." Ross opens his arms, smiling widely at the others.

"You had the chance to get out of here, why didn't you do it?" Travis narrows his eyes, crossing his arms.

"I wasn't going to leave my wife and son here, considering that now, I have you all to save too." He laughs lightly, shaking his head. "Come on, I'll show you the way..."

Ross begins to lead the way, being followed by the others.

Something didn't feel right...The fact that Ross knew how to get out of that place was very strange, but there was nothing you could do but to follow him.

You continued to follow Ross, watching the sky darken quickly, the orange color of the afternoon turning into the dark blue of the night.

Humboldt began to sing, his voice resembling the song of sirens, drawing you more and more with a dangerous melody.

"You have a beautiful voice." You look at Ross, who turns to you, nodding.

"Thanks, I used to be in a band when I was young." Ross smiles and returns to lead the way.

Suddenly, you come across a large black rock in the center of the field, with several drawings contained on it, as if they were describing a ritual.

"We're here." Ross smiles, but this time differently...A mischievous smile.

"What is that?" You ask, pointing to the rock.

"This...It's the stone of redemption...Touch it and you will know everything." Ross moves closer to you, his breath hitting against your cheek. "Touch it."

You swallow hard, approaching the stone, reaching out your hand until...

"STOP!!! DON'T TOUCH THE ROCK!" Natalie shouts, appearing in the center of the field.

"Mom!" Tobin runs towards her, hugging her.

"I don't know what he told you, but it's a lie!" The mother looks at Ross, narrowing her eyes.

"Honey? What happened?" Humboldt tries to get closer.

"DON'T COME CLOSER!" Natalie places Tobin behind her, taking steps back as her gaze shifts to Becky. "You..."

Becky raises her eyebrows in surprise, not recognizing Natalie.

"I saw...I saw...She was...She was..." She breathes heavily, holding back the tears that were about to fall from her eyes.

"She was...She was what? Just say it." Ross's smile gets wider and wider as he looks at his wife.

"She wasn't alive." Natalie turns away, hiding her face with her right hand. "And you were going to hurt me..."

"Hurt you?" Ross frowns. "How can you think something like that? I would never do that, we're together...We're a family, aren't we Travis?" Ross opens his arms and turns to the man.

Becky suddenly begins to feel severe pains in her stomach, squirming as Cal and Travis rub her back.

An image comes to her mind, Ross was in the middle of the grass, his eyes were completely white as if there was no soul there, as if he was being controlled by the field, a wide smile spread across his face as he lowered his head.

Becky comes back to reality, looking at Ross.

"Let's go." Her gaze becomes serious, taking steps back. "Now."

You frown, looking at everyone there. Certainly, something wasn't right there and the only thing you wanted at that moment was to get out of there.

"Want to come with us?" Travis looks at Natalie and Tobin, who nod but don't move when they see Ross has positioned himself in front of them.

"No...You don't understand...You have to touch the stone!" Ross smiles, trying to mislead them. "But I just don't understand one thing...How did you find us? Why are you here?" Ross narrows his eyes, frowning as he points at Natalie. "The field wouldn't let you find us...Unless..." The pieces fit together in Ross's mind. "This isn't about you..." He opens his eyes wide in realization. "It's about me."

He turns to the stone, his breathing increasing more and more.

"You want the hard sell? Sure, that's fine with me." He shrugs and is then surprised by Travis, who jumps on him, punching him in the face.

"Run!!!" Travis screams as he continues to punch him.

Tobin runs ahead of Natalie, managing to get away from his father, but it was too late for his mother.

Ross elbows Travis in the face, making him fall and then grabs Natalie, who screams as she tries to escape her husband's hands.

"MOM!!!" Tobin tries to go back to her, but is held back by Becky.

You stand there, motionless next to Cal, looking at Ross in shock.

Ross begins squeezing both sides of Natalie's head, causing her to bleed as she looks at her son.

"No...Son, don't worry...It's just grass and all flesh is grass." Ross increases the strength in his hands, crushing Natalie's head, causing blood to spray everywhere.

Ross's face was covered in blood, as were his clothes, mixing with the mud and sweat present on his body.

"RUN!" Travis manages to get up and starts running, Becky; Cal and Tobin leading the way.

You look at Ross, your gaze focused on the blood present on his face. Humboldt noticed your gaze and smiled at you, licking his lips, savoring the taste of iron and then, winking at you.

"Let's go!" Travis pulls your arm, making you follow him as you all ran away from Ross, not knowing where to go.

"You have nowhere to run!" Ross shouts, still standing in the center of the field, not even bothering to follow you all.

You find an abandoned store and decide to enter it, trying to hide from Ross, but deep down you knew there was no way out.

Tobin hugs Becky, looking at the ground. "He's right, we're all grass."

You look at the boy, thinking about what you could do to help them.

"If we stay here, he'll find us and it'll be worse." Travis sighs, placing his hands on his waist.

"And what do we do?" Becky looks at her ex, waiting for an answer.

Freddy, Tobin's dog, passes through an isolated patch of tall grass, then disappears.

"What? Where did he go?" Cal asks, still looking out the window.

Seconds later, Freddy appears on the road, heading towards the church.

"There's a gap there, like a wormhole. That's where we have to go, let's go!" Travis smiles, feeling a twinge of hope in his chest.

You had stopped paying attention to others a long time ago, as your mind was focused on something else: Ross.

That moment when he licked his lips and winked at you flirtatiously kept replaying in your head. The way he breathed, the way he spoke, the way he smiled... Oh, how extremely delicious he was.

And the blood giving a final touch to that man's personality, an aggressive but erotic touch at the same time, how could that be possible? You thought.

Is this unhealthy? You questioned yourself. The fact that you were attracted to a person who had just killed their partner in front of you and everyone but who smiled and winked at you, especially you...Was it a bad thing?

You stopped and thought, wondering if it was the field that was making you think these things.

You snapped out of your trance when you noticed everyone leaving the store, heading towards the "gap."

"Hey, wait for m-" You froze as you felt a strong hand grab your shoulder, forcing you to turn around.

"Do you know what your mistake is?" Ross looks at you with a calculating look, his breath hitting your lips. "It's the simple fact that you all think that one day you will leave this place." He smiles menacingly, stroking your cheek.

You start to run as fast as you can, pushing through the tall grass with your hands, reluctantly looking back and realizing that this time, Ross was running after you.

You try to speed up your steps, running tirelessly, the dose of adrenaline increasing within your blood.

You look back again, Ross was no longer there. When you turn around, you are surprised by him, who jumps on top of you, pinning you to the ground with his weight while holding both your hands together above your head.

You squirm, not noticing that your movements caused Ross's erection to grow inside his brown pants.

"I'm impressed." Ross smiles widely, referring to the race. The moonlight hitting your skin, highlighting every detail of your bodies.

You can't focus on anything other than Ross's bloodied face, which was very close to yours.

"I noticed the way you look at me, you're attracted to me, aren't you sweetie?" Ross kisses your neck, making you sigh and close your eyes for a brief second.

"The grass knows everything, and it told me that you want to feel me inside you." He licks a stripe that starts on your neck and ends on your cheek, leaving a trail of saliva mixed with blood. "You want to be mine, don't you?"

You swallow hard, your chest going down and up repeatedly in a short period of time.

Ross's gaze goes lower and lower, stopping at your breasts, noticing your hard nipples from the contact between your two bodies.

Ross continues to trap your hands with his left hand and with his right, he lifts your tank top, causing your breasts to pop out.

"Round and perfect." He caresses your belly, his hand exploring the small stretch marks on your waist, then going higher, caressing your breasts and feeling the stretch marks also present there and squeezing your nipples, playing with them, making you moan and arch your back.

Your mind becomes empty, being once again filled entirely by him.

Humboldt lowers his face, licking the place under your belly button, moving up while his tongue tastes your soft skin until he reaches your breasts, taking one nipple in his mouth, caressing the other with his free hand.

You moan louder, arching your back and grinding against him, yearning for more.

He separates his face from your breasts, looking back at you.

"So beautiful." He kisses you fervently, as if he’s needy.

Your tongues mingle, a strange feeling in your stomach area taking over you as you feel his erection get bigger and harder.

He kisses your neck again, giving small bites there, intensifying the pleasure.

You could swear he would make you come right there, without even penetrating you.

He kneels down next to you, stopping his grip on your hands to see if you would react, but you didn't.

You did absolutely nothing, just stood there...Waiting for him to continue.

Ross seeing this, took off your pants, looking at your panties, completely wet. He smiled and positioned himself in front of her face, unbuttoning his pants, releasing his cock wet with pre-cum.

"Be a good girl and help me with this." Ross began to masturbate in front of her face, placing the tip of his cock between your lips.

You took his cock in your hands and started licking the tip, eliciting a loud moan from Ross, who looked at you while stroking your hair.

Your tongue began to work at the base, sucking the man's balls and caressing the hair on top, tracing a path over the veins that ran from the beginning to the end of his dick.

Oh, and his dick was huge. It was full of veins, with some hair at its base, it was...perfect.

Your mouth opened and you sheltered him in your heat and wetness, the sensation sending shivers down Ross's spine as yet another moan escaped the man's lips.

You knelt as you worked on his pleasure, the head of his cock hitting the back of your throat, making tears run down your cheeks as you tried not to choke.

Ross wiped one of her tears with his thumb, taking it to his mouth and sucking it, feeling the salty taste.

"Mmhm, keep going baby...I'm about to come." He throws his head back, his hips start to move at the same time as he fucks your throat.

You stay like that for a few more seconds until he comes and spills his hot seed inside your mouth.

Before you could do anything, he lifts your chin with his fingers and smiles.

“Swallow~” He licks his lips, waiting for you to do as he asked.

You swallow, closing your eyes and opening your mouth, sticking your tongue out, showing that you've swallowed.

"Good girl." He kisses your cheek, feeling proud.

He pushes you to the ground again, your back meeting the muddy grass as he takes off your panties and drops his mouth onto your wet pussy.

You moan at the contact of his tongue with your clit, sinking your hand into the mud that surrounded you.

"Mmhm, how delicious." Ross opens your pussy with his index and middle fingers making a "V" shape, penetrating you with his tongue.

Your back arches unconsciously as your loud moans echo over the plantation.

You hear the strong wind blow over the tall grass, which was moving calmly, hearing voices that seem to whisper in your ear phrases like:

"You belong here."

"You are his now and his alone."

"You are grass, all flesh is grass."

Ross lifts your legs, making your lower back rise as well, giving access to your ass.

He licks and bites one of your cheeks before sinking his lips to your other hole, his eyes focused on your face.

You close your hand in the man's brown hair, moaning and moving your hips to match Humboldt's actions.

After a few minutes, you end up squirting into his mouth, making him laugh lightly and swallow your juices.

He pulls away from you, breathing heavily.

"This way, you'll finish me off." He smiles and gets up, putting his dick inside his pants then picking you up in his arms and carrying you to the rock.

You rest your head on his chest, closing your eyes as you try to recover.

"I'm not done yet, honey." He kisses your cheek as he continues to carry you.

You return to the center of the field, the grass stops moving.

He gently puts you on your feet and holds your hands, bringing you to the stone.

"Touch her, baby." He whispers in your ear. "And we will be one, forever." He nibbles on your earlobe, playing with it with his teeth.

You move closer to the stone, extending your hands until they meet the cold surface of the rock.

The sky turns crimson, as if there were an eclipse, you feel the grass embrace your arms, slowly consuming you.

Ross hugs you from behind, one hand goes down, passing over your breasts, feeling your belly and reaching your pussy.

You moan again, rubbing your bare ass against his clothed cock.

Ross's skilled fingers begin to work on your intimacy, providing you pleasure at the same time that your hands remain connected to the stone. After a few seconds, he takes his dick out of his pants, pulling them down.

He turns you around, lifting your legs, resting them on his forearms while his hands find the stone behind you, each on the side of your shoulders, making your pussy exposed as your back meets the surface. ice cold from the stone.

He gives you a long kiss, your tongues battling for territory, mixing blood and saliva as he begins to penetrate you with strong thrusts.

The sudden entrance made you scream and close your eyes tightly, resting your hands on his shoulders, the sky was completely red and the grass was laughing, witnessing the intimate moment shared between you.

He continues to give strong thrusts inside your pussy, your ass slapping against his hips, making wet and erotic sounds, feeling you close around him while your moans mix in the air.

"I will fill you with my semen, you will have my child and we will be a happy family." He whispers in your ear as he continues to penetrate you.

You caress both of his cheeks as you nod, closing your eyes as you both reach your peak.

"Oh my..." You roll your eyes back, feeling his warm seed fill your insides, the promise of a new life being made.

He takes a deep breath, resting his forehead against yours as he smiles.

"My dear..." He kisses your forehead, leaving another trail of blood on your face.

"Now you are mine."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for reading!

[collegetennisoriginstory]

Allie!!! You have outdone yourself with this update once more (as per usual <3)! This update was beefy and there were so many cute scenes!! I've been playing and replaying the game on and off for the past few days because it's just so gosh darn cute!!! Spoilers for some scenes below, so reader beware! I especially really enjoyed the fall festival with the Haynes squad. As much as I love tension and drama, I think I also just really enjoy scenes where the characters get to goof off and have fun together; it's just so wholesome and sweet! I also have to shout-out the little running/impromptu swim date with Rayyan. When I tell you that scene got me kicking my feet and giggling like a teenager with a crush again!!! The dialogue option where MC only acquiesces because it's Rayyan asking is especially endearing. It feels like a nice callback to that one off-hand comment Felix makes if MC wins the unofficial Devil's Dozen with Rayyan, about how they can't believe Rayyan would be willing to participate at all, let alone actually win. I like the theme being set up that MC and Rayyan push each other to do things they wouldn't otherwise do without the other person encouraging/egging them on!

Also speaking of Felix, I was not expecting to like them so much, and yet here we are!! My MC (her name's Rosa!) has been pretty neutral about Felix thus far - she's nice to them bcs she's nice to everyone, but she's a bit wary around them bcs she and Tobin are close, plus the rest of the team doesn't seem to like them very much and she's pretty easily persuaded. I really only tried the Felix doubles route out of curiosity (I really can't see Rosa making this decision herself without divine intervention on my part) and now I'm a little upset because it's actually kind of wholesome?? The free coffee and world-weary quips got to me, I won't lie. I also think these two honestly make for a rather comical sight as partners. Picture Batman and Elle Woods playing tennis and hanging out together - that's essentially the vibe I'm getting from Felix and Rosa. They're getting along, but everyone is baffled. I can't help but wonder how Felix is feeling about this whole thing. This whole experience has solidified the idea in Rosa's head that Felix is friend-shaped, so I hope they're ready to deal with the consequences of their actions! You have unintentionally acquired a friend now Felix - and she will ask if she can paint your nails, try to foist off her baking experiments onto you ("...You do remember that I work at a café, right?" "Okay, but does your café sell cookies with chili paste in it? Didn't think so! Hey, don't give me that look, they're good, I swear!!"), and will insist on chatting for like at least 10 minutes everytime she visits the café unless you tell her you're busy. Your fate is sealed now, frowny-man (gender neutral)!!! 😠

Excuse me this comment gave me life!!!

Obviously a lot of spoilers so please look away guys, but THIS MADE ME SQUEAL AND GIGGLE SO MANY TIMES especially imagining your MC and Felix getting along. The cafe baking and the little "I am determined to chat at you every time we bump into each other" is truly the most adorable headcanon ever. As is your MC slowly warming to Felix.

I'm also soo glad you liked the little icy dip scene, I've been meaning to write it ever since they went on that run together and it was raised as a possibility...

Sending ya lots of love, thank you for the lovely lovely ask!

[crochetnerdsworld]

In Handy (Alyssa Naeher/Reader)

Y/N is the smallest/shortest member of the USWNT. Her fiance, Alyssa Naeher, is much taller. This height difference comes in handy one day when Y/N gets hurt during a game and is not allowed to put any weight on her leg.

It's a friendly during the international break. United States versus Colombia. It has been a very physical game, with yellow cards being handed out regularly. The score is 2-0 US with ten minutes left on the clock. Despite being down by two, the Colombians are fiercely determined to at least score one goal in the remaining time. 

Alyssa Naeher watches from the box as her fiance, Y/N Y/L/N, sprints towards the goal with the ball at her feet. Y/N may be the shortest USWNT member, but she is incredibly fast and handles the ball with ease. Y/N makes it to the box, with multiple defenders on her heels. She is about to pass the ball to an unmarked Mallory Swanson when a defender comes out of what seems like nowhere. The goalie watches in horror as the defender makes an illegal tackle, studs aimed directly at Y/N's ankle. Y/N crumbles to the ground with a scream, a loud whistle following. 

Goalkeepers aren't known to run, but Alyssa runs. She runs as fast as she can to her fiance's side and beats the medics there. Several of teammates are gathering around Y/N while several other are attempting to hold back an angry Kelley O'Hara, Y/N's best friend. The pair have known each other since Standford and are basically sisters. All that matters to Alyssa in the moment, however, is her fiance. 

Y/N is lying there on the field, Mal beside her, trying to keep her calm. Alyssa quickly kneels beside Y/N and takes her hand just as the medical personnel arrive. 

"Hey there, love. You're going to be alright. Try not to move, yeah?" Alyssa soothes.

"Don't think we're going to make our reservation tonight," Y/N flinches, her face pale. 

"Yeah, probably not. Don't worry about a thing. Just focus on breathing," Alyssa replies. 

The medics stabilize Y/N's leg and get her onto the stretcher. It's clear that the leg is broken. Everyone just hopes it isn't too bad of an injury. A trip to the ER is definitely in order though. Alyssa is torn as she wants nothing more than to follow as the medics begin to wheel Y/N off, but the game is not over yet. 

"Finish the game, Alyssa," Y/N orders. 

Alyssa nods, kissing Y/N's head. As Y/N is wheeled off, she takes a deep breath. She has to finish the game strong. For Y/N. 

******

Y/N's leg is broken. She is put under strict orders not to put any weight on it until it heals. At breakfast the next day, despite being given crutches, Alyssa insists on carrying Y/N downstairs. She sets her in a chair at a table with Kelley, Alex, Christen, and Tobin before going to grab her girl breakfast.

"I see you've got yourself a chariot there, Y/N/N," Alex smirks.

"Oh yeah. She won't even let me use my crutches to go to the bathroom," Y/N replies. 

"Yeah well, you're short as hell. It's coming in handy now, though," Kelley jokes.

"Shut it, O'Hara. You've got three inches on me," Y/N scoffs, "Also I'm crippled. Be nice to me," 

"Fine. Only because I love you so much," Kelley replies dramatically.

The group laughs at this. Alyssa returns with breakfast in hand. The conversation moves on. After breakfast, Y/N is once again scooped up despite her protests that she is perfectly capable of using her crutches, and carried out to the bus. Y/N soon resigns herself to the fact that she will not be using her crutches at all and that her small stature is indeed, coming in handy. 

[writtenbymisunderstoodnerds]

You can't flirt with her (USWNT x Reader, Christen Press x Reader

I don't know where this came from, it was a random idea that I ran with so I hope you enjoy it!

Words: 2k

It was my first time at camp. I wasn't as nervous as I expected, maybe because Christen was with me and we got to share a room. We had been dating for a little over two years now and we lived together. The team didn't know about us yet, we had decided to let the team get to know me first before telling them. I knew it was going to be hard, I was very attracted to her which meant I was very cuddly and flirty. 

I thought maybe I had messed up pretty much as soon as camp started. Christen was wearing jeans and a blouse that just looked amazing on her. The compliment had just slipped out. 

"You look amazing."

Christen blushed before giving me a look, "Thank you."

The looks we got from the team made me want to laugh. They were a mix between surprise and glares. Probably because they knew Christen had a girlfriend. When I was pulled aside by Tobin and Ashlyn, I knew they hadn't caught on.

"Hey, just wanted to give you a heads up, she has a girlfriend, you can't be flirting with her."

"I'm not. I like to hype people up when I can, but I'll make sure not to flirt with her."

"Good."

By time the next camp came around, I had gotten to know the team pretty well and they seemed to like me. During the last camp, I had been careful of how I interacted with Christen. The team knew we were close, but I hadn't flirted with her or anything that obviously gave away our relationship. Christen and I had decided that we would tell them this camp, although I had convinced her to let me have some fun before we did. The team had pulled a lot of pranks on me last camp so I just wanted to get a little payback. 

I decided to start out slow, complementing her more and light touches as I passed her or sat next to her. Christen would blush and lean into me. I loved that even after two years, I still had that effect on her. The girls however had given me looks and started asking about Christens girlfriend more when I was around. I just had to resist the urge to laugh every time they did. Christen on the other hand would answer the questions with a smile on her face, a smile mixed with love and amusement. As much as Christen told me off or felt mean putting the girls through this, I knew she found it at least a bit funny.

Some of the girls cornered Christen one day when they thought I wasn't around, "Why are you letting her flirt with you? It's not right, you have a girlfriend."

I watched Christen shrug, wondering how she was going to respond, "She's not flirting with me, she's just being friendly. It's how she is."

"Yeah right. She's never like that with us."

"Just drop it. She knows I have a girlfriend and I know when things get too friendly." 

"Okay."

Next, I started kissing her cheek or wrapping my arm around her when we stood or sat next to her. We would also cuddle up during movie nights. Such as right now, it was team bonding and I had my head resting in Christens lap as she played with my hair. There were only two days left of camp so everyone was trying to get as much time with each other before we left. Myself included. I had grown to like the team, but I also wouldn't see Christen for a few weeks once camp ended. I was going to Texas to see my family while Christen had to go back home for prior commitments.

"So what were those noises coming from your room last night?"

I cursed myself for not keeping Christen more quiet during last nights activities, not just because it would make them think we slept together which we did, but also out of respect. They didn't need to hear that, "Nothing."

"It sounded awfully like sex, please tell me you two didn't sleep together," Ashlyn asked bluntly, staring me down. 

"Of course not. As you keep reminding me, she has a girlfriend. Not that it's really your business, but I met a girl, Christen spent an hour or so in the hotel garden talking to said girlfriend while I had some fun."

They didn't seem to buy it, but dropped the topic, starting up other conversations. I heard parts of the different conversations, although the one about us not sharing a room next time, made me want to laugh. This was way more entertaining then I had expected. After a few minutes Christen got my attention, whispering in my ear, "I think they're getting seriously concerned about our growing relationship."

I smirked, "Wait until they find out how much time I spend between your legs."

"Y/n!"

The team looked at us, eyebrows furrowing, I just shrugged turning back to Christen, "What? It's true."

Once the girls stopped paying attention, Christen spoke again, "Do you think we should just tell them?"

"We will. Maybe tomorrow though. Let me enjoy the fun for a little bit longer."

---

Every time Christen went down on the pitch, it sent fear through every part of my being. The longer she was down, the more terrified I got and the harder it was to stop myself from running to her during a game whether I was watching or playing with her. Seeing as it was a practice, I didn't stop myself from running to her side, beating the medical team there and lacing my fingers with hers, "Chris! Chris are you okay?"

She groaned, "I'm okay. I think I hit my head a little bit and my shoulder might be bruised, but I'm okay."

I scanned over her for any obvious injuries or blood, relaxing slightly when I didn't find anything. Christen squeezed my hand, "Seriously Y/n/n, I'm okay. Help me up?"

I carefully helped her up before kissing her temple and hugging her tightly, allowing myself to relax knowing she was okay, "Ow, careful. Bruised remember?"

"Sorry."

"That is definitely not how friends react," I heard from behind me, but I was too focused on Christen to do anything about it. Coach called off practice early seeing it was the last day of camp. I helped Christen back to the locker room, not that she needed it, but I was worried which turned into overprotectiveness. The girls were giving me looks, but right now I didn't care. 

We managed to sneak away when I helped her to the shower. Christen cupped my cheek, pecking my lips quickly, "Stop worrying, I'm okay. I might be a bit sore, but it's nothing I can't handle and nothing a bath later won't fix. Now go get cleaned up while I shower." 

The girls gave me a look when I came back out, but I ignored them again. Things had happened in the past that made me really struggle when people I cared for got hurt. I hated when people I loved got hurt, accident or not, but when it came to the person I loved most in this world, that worry didn't go away easily. I felt myself getting annoyed when they wouldn't stop staring at me, so I stood up, deciding to wait to shower and wait outside instead. It was always harder to control my temper after Christen got hurt, "Didn't your parents ever teach you it's rude to stare?"

Ten minutes later, the team filed out to the bus. I had my headphones in, ignoring them as I sat at the back of the bus. Christen sat with Tobin, but looked back at me occasionally. My phone buzzed with a text from Christen.

Chris <3 : Stop being grumpy. I know you get like this after someone get's hurt, but I'm okay so stop it. It wasn't their fault. Enjoy the last day at camp, think you can do that for me?

Y/n: Yes ma'am. I need a shower when we get back.

Christen just replied with a winky emoji and went back to her conversation with Tobin. I couldn't help the small smile that stretched across my face. I noticed Tobin watching me before my phone buzzed again. This time it was a group chat with me, Tobin and Christen.

Tobin: You're Chris's girlfriend aren't you?

Y/n: About time someone figured it out. What finally got you to make the connection?

Tobin: Christen was texting her girlfriend and I noticed the smile on your face. I just kinda assumed. Why didn't you just tell us?

Y/n: Well you guys pranked me so much the first camp, I wanted payback. Chris just went along with it. She'll deny it, but she found it amusing. 

Chris: Never! I'm sorry I didn't tell you Tobin, we just wanted you guys to get to know her before you knew.

Tobin: Don't be, I understand. When are you going to tell the rest of the team? They're convinced you two are sleeping together and Chris is cheating on her girlfriend.

Y/n: They'll find out tomorrow, one last show ;)

Chris: Don't ask, I don't even know

---

Camp had officially ended which meant it was time for me to leave Christen for a few weeks. We had been apart for longer, but I would still miss her like crazy. I was leaning against the wall waiting for Christen while talking to the team. Christen walked up, standing across from me. I laced my fingers with hers, pulling her in and connecting our lips. Christen looped her arms around my shoulders as I pulled away, nuzzling my nose against her neck, "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too. It's only a few weeks baby, we'll be okay."

Christen was pulled away by Ali with a glare meant to kill, "Okay that's enough, Christen you have a fucking girlfriend, one you're about to go home to yet here you are making out with someone else. I never expected you to be this type of person Chris."

The laugh I tried to stop at how mad they looked slipped out making Ali and Alyssa glared at me, "What? You think being someone's mistress is funny?"

I cleared my throat, trying to remove the smile that had formed, "Of course not."

They crossed their arms, glares getting worse somehow, "We told you she had a girlfriend."

"I know, but-"

"No buts, you don't go after someone who's already taken."

"Can we not do a lecture now please? I want to enjoy my time with Chris before I go."

"Don't do dumb shit then. You crossed a line Y/n, you both did."

"Okay, okay I get it. She's just so attractive, amazing, smart-"

"But she has a girlfriend!"

At this point I was starting to wonder how smart they actually were. I knew they didn't know about me before, but I really thought they knew Christen better than that and would put it together. Christen was the most loyal and faithful person there was, she would never cheat on someone.

"I am very aware. I know her girlfriend very well."

"How?"

"Well, I've known her girlfriend for about 30 years, shower, dress and feed her everyday, see her in the mirror everyday. Do I really have to keep going for you guys to take the hint? Let's see what I see her girlfriend do. I- I mean she wakes up next to her almost everyday, plays with her hair when she can't sleep, makes her dance with her when work is getting too much because no matter her mood it always makes her smile, I tell her stupid stories to ma-"

Ali groaned loudly, pushing my shoulder, "Oh you bastard. You are her girlfriend. Why didn't you just tell us that? Why put us through that?"

"Sorry, you guys are just fun to mess with. We wanted you to get to know me before you knew. It was also a bit of payback after all the pranks I got last camp. I honestly thought you would realise. Can I go back to kissing my girlfriend before I don't see her for weeks please?"

[gunnerfc]

Tobin Heath NSFW Alphabet (18+, minors DNI!)

A: Aftercare

Tobin is so soft after sex, she’ll do anything you ask her and will cuddle with you after

B: Body Part (their favorite body part of themselves and their partner)

Tobin’s favorite body part is her hands, for the obvious reason but she loves how easy it is to pleasure you with her hands

Her favorite body part of yours is your thighs, she loves feeling them on either side of her when she’s going down on you

C: Cum (anything to do with cum)

She loves going down on you and will make out with you right after

D: Dirty Secret 

Whenever you two are apart, Tobin loves calling you and each time it always leads to her talking you through making yourself cum

E: Experience (Are they experienced? Do they know what they are doing?) 

Tobin is experienced and knows what she’s doing

F: Favorite Position 

Tobin doesn’t have a favorite position, she just loves making you feel good and it doesn’t matter the position

G: Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous?)

She’ll make little jokes after but during, she’s very serious

I: Intimacy (How intimate are they during the moment?)

Sex with Tobin is very intimate

J: Jack off (Masturbation HC) 

She enjoys watching (or hearing) you getting yourself off

K: Kink (One or more of their kinks) 

Praising, Tobin loves to praise you and hearing you whine louder

L: Location (Favorite place to have sex)

Anywhere in your shared apartment

M: Motivation (What turns them on?) 

Everything you do drives Tobin crazy and is enough to turn her on

N: No (Something they wouldn't do)

Tobin doesn’t want to do anything too public or runs the risk of having you two walked in on

O: Oral (Preference on giving or receiving)

Giving, would spend so long between your legs if you’d let her

P: Pace (Fast & Rough? Slow & Sensual?) 

Slow and sensual all the time

Q: Quickie (Thoughts on quickies) 

She likes them and they happen often but she doesn’t like how rushed you two are sometimes

R: Risk (Are they open to experimenting) 

Tobin is open to trying anything you bring up and if you both are into it, you’ll most likely try it again

S: Stamina (How many rounds) 

You two go for a few rounds that are a bit longer

T: Toys 

Tobin has a strap she uses very often but she also just loves using her mouth or hands

U: Unfair (Do they like the tease)

She loves to tease you all the time and it is no different in the bedroom

V: Volume (How loud are they? What sounds do they make) 

Tobin isn’t loud at all, you’re the louder one between the two of you

W: Wild Card (Random HC)

Tobin loves when you pull her hair or push her closer to you when she’s going down on you

Y: Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

It’s in the middle but some days it is higher

Z: ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterward)

Tobin falls asleep after you do, so however long it takes you to fall asleep is how long it takes her

[sadboi-writer]

Dear Jack (Series)

Pairing: Jack Brewer x Reader

Summary: Y/N has been overshadowed by Jack. Milton tries to make her feel better. In turn, she tries to support him through his attempt to help Nakamura.

Word Count: 3.2k

Warnings: A few curse words, I think.

Masterlist ~ Chapter One ~ Chapter Three

Chapter Two: Fat Chance

Jerry, Kim, Eddie, and Y/N were standing around Kim’s locker when Milton came running up. He was buzzing with excitement and was waving around a small trophy. 

“Guys, guess what?” Milton tittered

“What’s up, Mil?” Y/N asked, readjusting her backpack straps

“Guess who just won the district wide spelling bee? I’ll give you a hint! M. E.”

“Meh?” Jerry asked

Y/N smacked the back of Jerry’s head.

“It’s me, ya toad.” Milton snapped

“That’s great, Milton!” Y/N praised

“What is that?” Eddie asked, pointing to Milton’s trophy

“It’s the trophy I won, it’s the bronze bee.”

Eddie, Jerry, and Kim looked unimpressed.

“I have fillings bigger than that thing.” Kim replied

“Come on! Who’s the man?” Milton cheered, “Who’s the man?”

Y/N was about to respond when there was a loud cheer.

“Jack is the man!” The principal shouted

Kim, Jerry, and Eddie hurried over and were cheering for Jack in no time. Leaving Milton and Y/N to wallow in their own pity. 

“So...Jack...” Y/N trailed off

Milton knew what she meant, “Yeah...”

Y/N guided Milton to the crowd, and Milton stepped forward. Proudly showing his trophy.

“You know, I just won the first spelling bee our school has ever-”

“Hey, Jack! Show us what you did to win!” Eddie interjected

Milton sulked and walked back to Y/N. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

“It’s okay, Mil.”

Jack did a fancy back something or other that impressed the school. When Jack passed them on the way back to the principal, he shot Y/N a wink. She rolled her eyes in response.

“Well, Jack, I hope this means you’ll stay on the team.” Principal Funderburk hoped

Jack shrugged, “I told you, it was a one-time deal. I win you your trophy and you get a visit from the wedgie wizard.”

Funderburk sighed, “I guess a deal’s a deal.”

Jerry popped his knuckles as he approached.

“Just go with it.” Jerry warned, sprinkling some baby powder in his hands and handing the bottle to Y/N

He clapped his hands, “WoAAAH!”

Jerry took no time in hiking Funderburk’s underwear to the nape of his neck. The principal let out a scream.

“Is that all you got, punk?” Funderburk demanded in the highest falsetto his voice would allow

Then, the principal waddled away from the crowd. The student body started to disperse to go to class. Milton was staring sadly at his trophy.

Jack turned to the two, “Milton? Y/N, are you guys coming?”

Y/N glanced at Milton, “We’ll be there in a second.”

Y/N took her arm off of Milton as he walked toward the ladder. He seemed to be talking more to himself than her.

“You know, you’re just a little bee with broken wings. But you, my friend, are gonna hang with the big dogs!” Milton insisted as he started climbing the ladder

Y/N was quick to go around the other side and steady it as best she could. Once he got to the top Milton started to lose balance. But, Y/N couldn’t let go of the ladder without it toppling over with Milton. The scrawny boy yelped as he fell. 

“Milton!” Y/N cried out

Before he hit the ground, one of the custodians caught him.

“If you’re my guardian angel, you sir, are awesome at your job!” Milton complimented.

After school, they were all walking to the dojo. 

“He caught me! He put me down and walked away!” Milton explained to the others, “The only thing I know about him is that his name tag said Yoshi Nakamura.”

“Huh, I never noticed him before.” Jack commented

Y/N rolled their eyes as Kim stopped in her tracks. 

“Okay, hold on,” Kim stopped, “ You didn’t notice a 600 pound custodian, but you did notice when Donna Tobin changed her ponytail from left to right?”

Jack scoffed, “Okay first, it was right to left. Second, it wasn’t a ponytail, it was a french braid. And third, maybe if that custodian had legs like Donna Tobin I would have noticed him too!”

Y/N chuckled and kept walking, Milton right beside her. Before they could go inside, Rudy stopped them with a wagon of trinkets. 

“Huge news everybody, the magic shop across the mall is going out of business. They have to sell everything at half price,” Rudy announced, “I feel so bad for them. I think I’m gonna cry. It’s a good thing I have this handkerchief.”

He started to pull one of those magic infinity scarves out of his sleeve as he fake cried. He was giddy with excitement.

Jerry grabbed Y/N’s shoulder, “Yo, I don’t know how he’s doing that man... but it’s freaking me out!”

Y/N shook Jerry off and pushed past Rudy into the dojo. Rudy dragged his wagon in after her.

“Anyway, since the store closed a storage space opened up in the basement directly below us.” Rudy continued, “I finally have a place for all my stuff!”

“Oh thank God.” Y/N mumbled as she started to drag out a practice dummy

“It’s about time,” Eddie commented, “This place is getting pretty cluttered.”

“For real,” Y/N replied

“It is not!” Rudy protested

Kim sighed, “Rudy, this place looks like a crazy old cat lady lives here!”

“Okay, that is a bit of an exaggeration.” Rudy replied

Y/N raised her eyebrow at him and then made eye contact with Kim. The two went to the cabinet and each opened one door. They both scrambled back as Rudy’s things came tumbling out. A cat jumped into Y/N’s arms.

“This is not my cat.” Y/N announced

“Well, it isn’t my cat.” Rudy replied

Rudy headed off toward the basement with his wagon, he stopped and glanced at the cat.

“Are you coming Tip-Tip?” He whispered

The cat leapt from Y/N’s arms and into Rudy’s wagon. After he left Milton and Y/N went to Milton’s to bake a cake for Nakamura. Well, Y/N baked. Milton watched.

Y/N was lost in thought while they frosted the cake.

“Whatcha thinking about?” Milton asked

Y/N replied absently, “Did you notice when Donna Tobin switched her french braid?”

“Yeah, but all of us did.”

“I didn’t.”

“Well, you’ve been focused on Jack.”

Y/N’s eyes shot up, “I have not!”

“Ooh, big feelings.” Milton replied

“Just drop it.” Y/N mumbled

The next day, Milton was carrying the cake and Y/N was carrying a bouquet of paper roses they had made. Their friends surrounded them as they walked toward Nakamura’s supply closet. 

“Dude, bringing custodian’s gifts is not cool.” Jerry insisted, “I mean, what’s next? Asking the crossing guard to the prom?”

“Eddie already tried that,” Y/N revealed

Eddie nodded, “She just wants to be friends.”

“I think it’s sweet they made their new friend a cake.” Kim defended

“Thanks, Kim.” Y/N replied

“See, when someone does something great. You know, save a life, or win a spelling bee. They should get some recognition.” Milton lectured

Y/N walked up and knocked. There was no answer. So Milton knocked harder. Jerry pushed past the two and just opened the door. 

Inside, the walls were lined with newspapers outlining Nakamura’s victories in sumo wrestling. On the shelves were several trophies. They all stood in awe.

“Guys, do you know what this means?” Jack asked

Jerry nodded, “Yeah, our custodian is the king of the babies!”

 They stared at all of the articles. Until the bell rang, Milton set the cake down inside the closet and Y/N set the roses on top of it. And they all headed to class. 

They all met up after class to walk to lunch together. Milton and Y/N were debating who would be the better househusband, Loki or Captain America.

“Okay, but here’s what you’re missing with Loki: He has passenger princess energy.” Y/N argued, “As long as you provide, he will do whatever-”

Jerry cut them off as they entered the cafeteria, “Guys, look, there he is.”

Milton grabbed Y/N’s hand, “Come on!”

He dragged them up to Nakamura. 

“Mr.Nakamura?” Milton called out, “I just want to thank you for saving my life yesterday!”

“Yes, thank you,” Y/N added on

“Hey, it’s what I do,” Nakamura answered, “Mop up barf, collect trash, and catch flying boys. I’m living the dream.”

Milton continued, “We stopped by your clost and saw your newspaper clippings, your trophies, and your medals!”

Y/N nodded, “We dropped off a cake and some paper flowers for you.”

Milton cut them off, “You’re amazing!”

“Then we checked you out on the internet!” Eddie continued, “You were a six time sumo champion!”

Jack nodded, “Yeah! That match where you lost your diaper thing and kept fighting? That was awesome! And disturbing... but mostly awesome!”

Nakamura chuckled, “ That was a long time ago. I used to be a hero in Japan. Now I plunge toilets.”

Nakamura looked at Jerry and took a few steps toward him.

“And you, either change your diet or use the bathroom at home, Jerry.”

Jerry looked at Y/N wide eyed, “You know my name?”

Nakamura chuckled, “Yeah, in the Janitor’s room we call you ‘The Bowl Buster’”

“You hear that guys? I’m the Bowl Buster woAHHH!”

Kim rolled her eyes and turned back to Nakamura, “Sir, I love that awesome victory dance you do! The Nakamura Stomp!”

Nakamura chuckled, “It started when I saw a spider in the ring, the crowd loved it so I just ran with it.”

“Come on, man, do it for us!” Eddie cheered

“No, I couldn’t I’m at work!”

Milton and Y/N made eye contact and then looked at Nakamura with their biggest beggar eyes.

“Please?” They whined in unison, “Just once?”

Nakamura relented, “Fine. Just one for you two, lil buds.” 

He stomped once and the cafeteria shook, he stomped again and it shook more. He jumped and it knocked down anyone who was standing, including Y/N who fell on top of Jerry.

“That was awesome!” Y/N squealed

Principal Funderburk stormed in with spaghetti on his head, as Jerry and Y/N helped each other up and everyone else scrambled to their feet.

“Look what you did!” Funderburk fumed

“Sorry, sir, we were just having a bit of fun.” Nakamura apologized

“Fun?” Funderburk demanded, “I didn’t hire you to jump around like some hop scotching hippo.”

Milton pushed past Nakamura, “I got this.”

Y/N called after him, “Milton I wouldn’t.”

He waved them off. 

“Mr.Nakamura would like for you to talk to him with a little more respect.” Milton demanded

“Oh, I don’t talk to you with respect. Do I?”

“Actually,I-” Nakamura tried

“This man used to be a hero, so he doesn’t even need this job!” Milton continued

“Milton-”Y/N tried

“Really?” Funderburk continued

“No, I really need this job-”

“He demands you to apologize to him right now!” 

Funderburk smiled, “Really? Here’s my apology: Nakamura YOU’RE FIRED!”

Y/N sighed and chased after the principal, “Mr.Funderburk, wait!” After school, and after a very unhelpful meeting with Principal Funderburk they all were in the dojo. Nakamura was crying in the corner, Y/N sat with him as he ate his ninth pizza.

Rudy exited his office, “Guys, group meeting!”

They all grouped up, it took a second for Y/N to get away from Nakamura but they finally managed it.

“Why is weepy mchugey still here?” Rudy asked, gesturing to Nakamura

“The guy has been through a lot, Rudy,”Milton started

Y/N cut him off this time, “He saved Milton’s life and in return Milton got him fired from the school.”

This whole situation made Y/N extremely angry. They had spent the last two days getting cut off, talked over and ignored. When maybe if someone had let them speak, Nakamura would still have his job.

Milton glared at Y/N, “We found out why he quit sumo and left Japan in shame.”

“65 wins in a row! Then some rookie struts in and throws him out of the ring like a moldy pear.” Eddie elaborated

Nakamura heard the last bit, “Y’all got any pears over there?”

“There’s no pears, darling.”Kim answered

Jack continued, “As if that wasn’t bad enough, he lost his life savings!”

Rudy softened, “Wow. How’d he do that?”

“He went on a game show called ‘Are You Willing to Lose Your Life Savings’.”

Rudy rolled his eyes, “Fix this. Once the food runs out we’re going to start looking tasty to that guy. Fix this.”

Y/N nodded and went back to sit with Nakamura. He handed them a slice of pizza. Y/N patted his shoulder.

“We’ll figure it out Nakamura, you’ll be okay.” Y/N assured him

Jack approached the two and sat next to Y/N.

“Nakamura, Milton was right! You’re not a custodian, you’re a champion!” He said, “With our help, you’ll get there again.”

“I told you, it was a long time ago.” Nakamura replied, “Why do you guys believe in me?”

“We live by something called the Wasabi Code.” Jack answered

Y/N stepped beside Jack, “That means we never give up on each other.”

“We’ve just got to find a way to get you back on the horse!” Jack finished

Jerry pulled Jack away a bit, “Jack, it would probably be safer if the horse got on his back.”

Nakamura glared at Jerry as Y/N smacked him in the back of the head.

“But, uh, you know... either way!” He corrected

“Wasabi?” Jack asked, placing his hand in the center

Y/N was the first to put her hand in. The others soon followed. Trailed by Nakamura.

“Wasabi!” They all cheered

They were training and needed a weight vest for Nakamura. But, with just Milton on the front made him too front heavy so they placed Y/N on his back.

Milton and Y/N bounced as they came up on the finish line for Nakamura. Groaning the whole way from the pain.

“That was your best time yet!” Jack encouraged, “You ran around the whole mall in under four minutes!”

Y/N panted as they stopped moving, “I think this baby vest thing is fused into my thighs.”

“Bouncing around in this thing has given me a new respect for kangaroos.” Milton groaned

Nakamura unclipped them and Milton fell, while Nakamura let Y/N down as gently as he could.

Rudy came up to Nakamura on his way into the dojo.

“Hey, Nakamura! I saw you running around the mall, carrying a big pasty baby and Y/N!” 

“I’m not pasty!” Milton protested, “I’m translucent!”

The group followed Rudy and Nakamura inside. Jack jogged up next to Rudy and Y/N.

“Nakamura is training for his big comeback!” Jack explained

“A comeback sumo match?” Rudy pondered, “I bet people would buy tickets for that!”

Eddie agreed, “I payed five dollars to watch the Kelly’s dog have puppies!”

Rudy and Y/N made a disgusted face.

“I’ve seen the miracle of life, and it’s disgusting!” 

Rudy shook off Eddie’s reveal, “You know, we could have the match right here in the dojo!”

Jack quirked an eyebrow, “Well, that’s great and all, but we don’t have another sumo wrestler for him to compete against.”

“I do!” Rudy replied, he briefly explained the beached whale fiasco, “We kept in touch. I’ll give him a call.”

And then Rudy was off into his office. Not long after Jerry exited the bathroom wearing a blow up sumo suit thing.  “Time for your real workout, Nakamura!” Jerry announced, before jiggling the stomach, “Let’s belly up!”

Y/N stared at him dumbfounded.

Jack approached, “Jerry, how is this thing gonna help. You look like a bloated turkey in a thong.” 

Y/N let out a short yet loud cackle, before throwing their hand up to muffle their laugh. Jerry scoffed.

“It’s gonna make him quicker!”He insisted, “I’m scrappy and wirey! Now, come on, Big Guy!”

Jerry ran at Nakamura, who immediately sent him sprawling. Jack and Kim moved to help him up. Y/N offered Nakamura a fist bump, he smiled at them. Once Jerry was on his feet, he sprinted back into the bathroom. 

The night that the match was happening Milton and Y/N stood with each other near the match. Y/N glanced at him.

“It’s not your fault that Nakamura got fired.” Y/N said, “I talked to Funderburk, he was getting booted anyway.”

Milton looked at Y/N, “I still feel bad. He might have been able to talk his way out of it if I hadn’t opened my big mouth.”

“You were just trying to help,” Y/N reassured, “There’s nothing wrong with that. Plus, look at what we’re doing for him now.”

As soon as the other wrestler stepped in Nakamura ran off into Rudy’s office. Y/N was quick to follow after him. 

Jack came in after her with Rudy and Milton.

“Nakamura, you can’t hide in here! ...Or anywhere.” He said

“I’m not going out there. That’s Yamasaki, he’s the only one that ever beat me.” Nakamura lamented, “I can’t fight him, man.”

Kim poked her head in, “Guys, we gotta put on a fight. The crowd’s getting ugly, and they were none too pretty to begin with.”

Milton looked at Y/N, who almost immediately got the message. 

“This is all my fault,” Milton whined

He left the office, quickly followed by Y/N. The two walked into the locker room. Milton tied up his shorts and took his shirt off, making himself look as much like a sumo wrestler as he could. Y/N took off her blouse and left herself in her athletic shorts and tank top. They nodded at each other as they went to the ring. 

The two readied themselves in the ring and Yamasaki did the same. Milton was the first to move, running straight at him. Y/N went around the back and jumped on his back. Milton was thrown away, and then Y/N was slung from his back over his shoulder to the ground. Knocking the wind out of her. Milton grabbed her ankle and pulled her toward him. 

Nakamura grabbed Milton, before he could attack again.

“I got this one, lil buds.” Nakamura assured

Milton dragged a very out-of-breath Y/N out of the ring as Nakamura took over for them. Jerry helped Y/N to their feet.

Nakamura threw Yamasaki out of the ring, winning the match. Y/N was the first to his side, hugging him tightly.

“You did it, Nakamura!” They cheered

After a minute or so Jack came over. At which point Jerry started chanting for the Nakamura Stomp. Nakamura stomped once and the building shook, he stomped again, then he jumped. The floor gave way and landed him in Rudy’s man cave. 

The next week after the match Milton was helping Y/N down the stairs. After a brief visit to urgent care they found out that pretty much their entire back was bruised from how hard Yamasaki had thrown them to the ground. 

Jack was telling Jerry and Eddie about Nakamura’s plans. 

“Thanks to Milton and Y/N, Nakamura is heading back to Japan soon to get his title back.” Jack explained

“You know,”Jerry started, “I could be a sumo wrestler. I would just have to gain like 5... 600 pounds.”

Eddie smirked, “Your mom did it pretty easily.”

“That’s it man-” Jerry took off after Eddie

Y/N chuckled at their antics. 

Milton sighed, “Jack have you seen my spelling bee trophy?”

“I thought it was in your locker?” Y/N replied

“I thought so too, but I can’t find it anywhere. I know it’s small but it means a lot to me.” 

“We’ll find it, Mil.” Y/N answered

“Don’t worry, Milton. I’m sure it’s someplace safe.” Jack replied, he glanced up

Y/N followed his gaze and smiled at him when they saw a slight bronze glint right next to the gymnastics trophy.

[eretzyisrael]

by Jonathan S. Tobin

What we may be witnessing is a Hamas information operation in which the Western media will play a featured role. We can expect that their leadership will pretend to be willing to coexist, however reluctantly, with Israel while only biding their time until they can be resupplied and rearmed to the point where their campaign of “resistance” against the existence of the Jewish state and its people, will resume.

We don’t need to waste much time unpacking Abu Marzouk’s supposed moderation.

No one in Hamas can credibly pretend to be surprised by the blowback from the massacre of 1,200 men, women and children on Oct. 7.

It’s true that they were convinced that the efforts of the Israeli left to oppose the Netanyahu government’s plans for a much-need judicial reform initiative meant that the Jewish state was weak and divided to the point where, as some on the left avowed, they would not serve in the military. Perhaps Hamas also thought their cross-border offensive would be so successful and reach so far into Israel that it wouldn’t mean much fighting in Gaza.

Since the whole point of the deployment of their facilities and forces around human shields to increase the number of noncombatants killed, any claim that they didn’t know what a full-scale war would mean for their people is a sick joke.

Nor is there the slightest chance that they would ever willingly give up their guns or power in Gaza. If that is to happen—both the Israeli and American governments correctly believe that is necessary—then that will come by a decisive use of force that the Biden administration forbade Israel from using, not through talks and hand-holding with terrorist leaders in Qatar.

On the contrary, Hamas plans on parlaying its “success” in slaughtering Jews and continuing to fight them into quite realistic hopes to take control in Judea and Samaria. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas rightly fears them and that is why he has avoided elections for two decades.

Shape-shifting terrorist

Abu Marzouk is himself an interesting example of the way even the most extreme groups such as the genocidal Islamists of Hamas like to shape-shift and manipulate Americans.

He came to the United States on a student visa when he was 31. He subsequently obtained a green card and lived in the country for 14 years. While there, he led Hamas’s fundraising efforts and even engaged at times with the administrations of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, seeking their recognition.

His American sojourn ended when he was arrested for connections to terrorism as its de facto foreign minister and his links to bombings in Israel. At the time, his lawyer, Stanley Cohen, claimed that he was a pro-Palestinian activist and not a leader of Hamas. Eventually, he was deported to Jordan, rather than extradited to Israel as he should have been.

Since then, his involvement in terrorism isn’t really in dispute. But in a demonstration of the Times’ lack of credibility, it quoted Cohen, whom it disingenuously described only as the terrorist’s “friend” in its article about their recent interview with Abu Marzouk. According to Cohen, his former client was “not a nihilist. He would not support any action that he believed would bring unprecedented, wholesale retaliation by anyone on the people.”

What Abu Marzouk says or the way he is described in the Times doesn’t matter. What is of importance is how Hamas seems to be laser-focused on manipulating the West into accepting their continued existence.

[creepedverse]

How would you guys describe the group's voice? Like how would they sound like when they're talking???

Nico has canon voice and singing lines! She's getting a separate post for them once they've all been finalized, but for now there’s a sneak peak at the bottom of the post! She has a calm, almost derisive inflection. A west coastern lilt. Her voice is soft, with a slight rasp. Her register when she sings varies.

Dia is a mix of a handful of characters. Kiriari Momobami from kageguri, Lust from FMA, and a little bit of Kitty Cheshire from EAH

Shannon is a mix of Amity Blight from The Owl House and Luna from Final Fantasy 15. For a singing voice I always assigned her the YouTube Cover Artist Lizz Robinett.

Bonnie age 10-15 sounds like Flame Princess and 16-present sounds like Maya Hawke! She talks very quickly and stammers a bit. Her voice is usually deeper with men and higher with girls, like she’s trying to fit in

Arthur has a slightly high pitched voice for a guy! He is soft spoken, a waver in his voice out of anxiety when speaking to other people. His voice is very soothing though! He speaks pretty articulately, pronouncing some words differently from the locals in Farnbury since he’s from the north east/New England area! Arthur’s voice is warm and bright! Maybe kinda like Yuuki Mishima from Persona 5, but a tad more high pitched? That’s the closest I’ve got!

tommie rarely talks. he's virtually mute, save for the once-in-a-blue-moon one or at most two-word answers. when he does speak, it's in a low pitched monotone, more raspy than smooth due to the car accident. the words themselves can be nonsensical, mumbled lowly, or hard to understand.

Tali sounds like Jane from Breaking Bad / Jessica Jones but a bit lower, more mature. "Low, dead, like fog, or smoke. Honeyed, clear, hostile."

Tobins voice is low, slurred/jumbled words, nasly, a bit flat. He usually wears a muzzle-type mask that muffles his words a bit. His speech style is hostile, slang/informal, simple.

These are some canon voice clips for Nico and Tobin!

[woso-fan13]

Sicktember 2023: 20 (USWNT)

Cramping Pain

You were trying your best to enjoy the movie playing, but the cramping in your stomach was making it almost impossible to focus. You had been lucky and managed to get a spot on one of the beds- well, it wasn’t luck so much as it was team bonding night was in Christen and Tobin’s room and they had saved you a spot between them. 

You managed to curl up in a ball and power your way through the rest of the movie. Christen and Tobin must have noticed something was wrong, as they quickly shooed everyone out of the room as soon as the credits began rolling.  As soon as the room was quiet, they retook their places on either side of you. 

“Y/N/N, you alright?” Tobin asks. 

You simply nod in response.

You hear Christen sigh before she places a gentle hand on your back and rubs lightly. 

“Sweetheart, I don’t think you are,” she says, “what’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing,” you insist, “my stomach just hurts a little.”

“Okay,” Christen says, “are you hungry?”

You shake your head no in response. 

“Do you have to go to the bathroom?”

“Chris!” you shriek, your face flushing in embarrassment. 

“What?” she asks, face neutral, “I’m just trying to help.”

You feel Tobin nudge you slightly, “answer the question, kid.”

“No,” you respond firmly, “it’s just like a cramp-y feeling. I know it’s not my period, but I have no idea what it is.”

Neither woman has any clue, so they simply give you some pain meds and decide to keep you in their room overnight. Once they finally kick in, you fall asleep. 

—-

You awake in the middle of the night, the pain in your abdomen so much worse than when you fell asleep. 

“Chris, Tobes,” you whimper in the dark room, “it really hurts.”

The two women wake up, Christen flipping a lamp on to illuminate your figure. You’re still curled up in a ball, your face pale and sweaty. 

“It really hurts, please help,” you beg, voice hitching slightly through your pain. 

Now, the two women still have no idea what the problem is. But they both realize that there clearly is a serious problem and that they need to act quickly. 

They take turns, one staying on the bed next to you while the other hurriedly throws clothes on before switching. In less than five minutes from the time that you woke them, both women are ready to walk out the door. 

Christen grabs her bag that she knows includes a copy of your health information and Tobin grabs a keycard and their phones, and they hurry out the door. You hear the lock quick and count to three in your head before you hear the door unlocking and opening.

Tobin hurried back over to the bed, reaching down and pulling you into her arms. If you weren’t in so much pain, you would have found the situation humorous. Even in so much pain, you did have to admit it was a bit funny. 

Tobin leaves the room again- with you, this time- and speed walks down the hall towards the elevator. She meets up with where Christen is gesturing frantically while talking to a still half-asleep Becky, and Christen wraps up her explanation as the two of you near.

It’s a quick journey out of the hotel and a short drive in the rental car before the three of you reach the hospital. Tobin pulls the car up in front of the emergency room, allowing Christen to get out and carry you in while she goes and parks the car. 

—-

By the time the sun comes up, you’re in a hospital gown and freshly appendix-less. The two women are slumped into chairs in your room, forcing their eyes to remain open. It’s almost as if they fear that you’ll disappear if they allow themselves to sleep. 

Your teammates show up not too long after you’re awake and aware, and you watch as they force Christen and Tobin out of the room. You insist that you’re okay, sending them off to the hotel to get some sleep. 

It’s not like you weren’t well protected, there were a dozen girls standing around your bed staring intensely at you. You wouldn’t be having any privacy for a very long time. 

[four-loose-screws]

FE2 Novelization Translation - Book 2 Chapter 2 Part 6

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———————————

Chapter 2: Battle at the Border

Part 6: Crux of Fate

“Please let me make it in time!!” Zeke urged his sacred horse to gallop as quickly as he could. 

The pieces of his horse’s golden chest armor violently hit each other, clanging loudly. 

His five Paladins were not far behind.

Finally, he saw piles of Witch corpses strewn all around him, confirming to him that Alm had indeed gone to Nuibaba’s mansion. Their horses’ hooves crushed the bodies beneath them as they continued on.

-

Zeke had no idea how long ago Alm left the village, as he had passed out on the floor of the hut.

When he came to, he saw the familiar faces of five of his Paladins, all inside the hut with him. “Emperor Rudolf chose the five of us himself, and ordered that we do as you say, Sir Zeke.”

Their words made him cry as hard as he ever had in his entire life, moved by their kindness and friendship. Them being here also confirmed that Emperor Rudolf had known all along that the person with the Brand was Alm, and his order meant that Zeke was to serve Alm.

Zeke thought, ‘Emperor Rudolf, as an extraordinary talent in politics and leadership, must have decided that Alm is the one person who can unify Valentia. He intends to hand Rigel over to Alm. It is most likely that Valentia would become a republic, but regardless of the final form of the new government, the monarchy would be abolished. Emperor Rudolf is probably expecting Alm to become a great leader, both in the best and worst of times. Just as I have always thought, he values Valentia being at peace.

‘And this war is likely a sacrificial operation carried out on purpose to remove the small armies that have come to power across each region of Rigel, and purge Rigel of its corruption. Jerome is the perfect example of one such army. Like a surgeon performing a surgery, Emperor Rudolf has chosen Alm as the best candidate for a successful operation.

‘If all of this is right, then I have no reason to have any doubts. There is nothing more for me to think about. It is my duty to protect Alm until all of this is over. That is what it means to be loyal to Emperor Rudolf!’ This explanation for everything also cleared his mind of the fear that he was living a cruel paradox. He would even be able to hold Tatiana in his arms once more when they one day reunited.

“We march to Fear Mountain!” Zeke ordered his Paladins. He wrapped several layers of cloth bandages around his abdomen to stop his bleeding, then immediately left the village.

-

The decision to call Nuibaba’s mansion as such must have been a bad joke by someone with a terrible sense of humor. Or perhaps it came to be because the people envied him a bit, living a lifestyle free of society’s worldly trappings. Regardless, even if it was meant to be sarcastic, it was still not a good joke in the slightest.

Nuibaba’s abode was not a mansion at all, but a stronghold in every meaning of the word. The summit of Fear Mountain was a very steep cliff, and walls characteristic of a stronghold stood all around it. The passageway built to make it up and down the mountain was made of stone, and looked just like a castle wall. It was so narrow it would be difficult for two horses to pass by each other, and it was built into a very steep incline that led straight to the front gate.

They traveled with Alm as their vanguard; followed by Clive, Mathilda, and Gray atop their horses; and Clair flying high in the sky on her falcon. Behind them, Lukas and Forsyth formed a wall around Tobin, Python, and Delthea. Before them, Nuibaba’s subordinates did not stand a chance. Cutting them down was easy, and defeating them took no effort, but when everyone thought of Nuibaba waiting for them and how much his Medusa spell was to be feared, no matter how simple it was to make their way through the waves of small fry, it was all meaningless.

No one knew what kind of spell Medusa truly was, though that was to be expected. It was said to be such a lethal spell that no one who witnessed it had ever survived to describe it. With its true form unknown, they had even more reason to be afraid.

The prominent theory proposed that it is a mind reversal spell. It reverses all of the target’s values, senses, instincts, and psychology to its polar opposite. Those trying to live will die, and those seeking help will be killed. The spellcaster would then instantly turn to stone, protecting themself from the screams of agony and hell on earth now surrounding them. If world peace could be achieved and maintained, then the Medusa spell would reverse it all, and summon an absolute hell from which none could escape.

‘Absolute hell? Does such a thing even exist? Having control over absolute hell would make Nuibaba akin to a god. Just what kind of Arcanist is he?’ Once they finally tore down the stronghold’s gate and invaded the hall of Nuibaba’s mansion, Alm finally learned the truth.

There were no pillars supporting the high ceiling, making the inner hall a completely wide open space. It was so empty that it would not feel strange if stars started to shine within the darkness of the ceiling. Beneath it was an equally endless floor made of stone tiles. And sitting atop the stone floor on his knees, without even a chair to help support him, was an old man. He looked like a scrap of paper fallen on a desolate road.

“Are you Nuibaba?” Alm asked, more to convince himself than anything. 

The old man did not look at all like an Archanist, much less the Nuibaba of legend. He did not even wear a holy man’s robes, but a simple white, long cloth. The only outwardly trait he had of a religious figure was his bald head, without even a single hair upon it.

However, Alm should have known that a weak appearance does not indicate that a person is also weak on the inside.

“Wind, sweep away my enemies!” Nuibaba suddenly cast an Excalibur spell, without drawing its sigil, nor even moving an inch from his place on the floor. 

The spell sliced open both Gray and Python’s dominant arms; and because none of Alm’s army had any warning of what was coming, none of them could hold their ground.

“Curse you!” Shouted Delthea as she lept out in front. 

Nuibaba immediately noticed that she was a magic Unit, and first tested out the basic Fire and Thunder spells on her. But Delthea was a prodigy so talented she had already mastered Aura, even at her young age. 

He knew exactly how she was aiming her spell, and stayed completely still to judge the distance between them. It was the distance needed for him to be within the target range of an Aura spell.

The sigil Delthea drew was indeed that of Aura. However, she was unable to complete its chant because the words Nuibaba spoke when he opened his mouth for the first time were so unexpected. 

“Cast it! Cast the light that killed your brother!” He said, and every single one of the Knights of Zofia heard him.

His heightened magical abilities allowed him to sense that no one had told her, and she did not yet know the truth - that she was her own brother’s killer.

Everyone looked at Delthea as she became ghostly pale.

“Wind, sweep away my enemies!”

The moment she faltered and failed to properly draw Aura’s sigil, Nuibaba cast another Excalibur spell. This time, she was unable to dodge, and it sliced open her shoulder before she collapsed to the ground. Just as he was about to attack a third time, Clair’s falcon glided through the hall and scooped her up.

Clair wrapped her arm around Delthea’s tiny body, while Delthea grabbed ahold of her falcon’s mane. And Delthea stared straight at Clair as the thunderous sounds of Excaliber’s winds blew around them.

“What did he say? What did he say?” Delthea mumbled multiple times to herself before she finally screamed, “He said I killed my brother!”

All Clair could do was hug her. Huger tight, and tell her to forget what she’d heard. “Just forget he ever said anything!” 

It was a cruel order. Telling her to forget was certain proof that the thing she was supposed to forget about was undeniably true.

Then, from beneath the falcon’s wings, they heard Nuibaba chant another spell. “Light, shine down upon my enemies!”

He was casting Aura. Its shards of light were so scorching hot that they could even burn a falcon’s wings, causing Clair’s mount to crash head-first against the stone floor.

-

“So this is the power of Medusa?!” Zeke thought as he rushed into the mansion. 

Such a statement was far from unbelievable.

In the middle of the room sat an old man who looked as if he was meditating, and scattered around him as if they were garbage he had tossed aside, was every member of the Newly Reborn Knights of Zofia. Even Alm was dyed crimson with his own blood.

“He’s breathing!” One of Zeke’s Paladins immediately jumped off his horse to examine the person nearest to him. It was Forsyth. Both his dominant arm and his back were sliced open, and his shoulders were heaving heavily. But he was alive, meaning that Nuibaba had yet to cast Medusa.

“You never see it coming… You move, and his magic will already be waiting for you…” Forsyth said. His face contorted in fear as he passed out, still gripping the Paladin’s arm.

“I will distract Nuibaba!” Zeke said. “All five of you will carry the Knights of Zofia out of here!” He gave his orders, then galloped his horse forward to stand right in front of Nuibaba.

If Nuibaba had acknowledged Zeke’s determination to fight him, he would have at least been the slightest bit shaken. Instead, he simply watched the Paladins carry off the Knights of Zofia as they desperately clung to their lives.

“I have come to confirm with my own body just what kind of spell Medusa is!” Zeke said as his sacred horse, fully adorned in the suit of armor bestowed upon the mount of a Gold Knight, snorted and smashed the stone tiles beneath them with his front hooves. I will survive your magic, so that none will be afraid of you ever again. I will prove once and for all whether or not absolute fear exists in this world. Prepare yourself!” Zeke gripped his horse’s reins.

Nuibaba did not move even an inch. He thought that Zeke was being quite honorable.

Nuibaba had plotted together with Jerome. Based on that, Zeke knew exactly what kind of person he probably was. However, Nuibaba did not ask a single question about why Zeke had switched sides; and now that they were facing off as enemies, he simply stared back, proving his reputation as the proud Arcanist general.

The moment Zeke’s horse took a single step forward, wind blew past them. His cheek was cut for the first time ever in his life. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a spurt of blood fly past him. His horse flinched. Zeke pulled his reins to reprimand him for doing so. 

“Do not insult me with a spell like Exaclibur!” Zeke shouted, and took another step forward. 

A ball of light exploded, signaling that Nuibaba had cast an Aura spell. It was a direct hit against his horse’s armor. The grating sound of thousands of light shards scraping against metal echoed through the air. He felt the back of his neck become hot. Half of his uniform’s collar blew away.

“Why won’t you cast Medusa?!”

By the time he spoke those words, Nuibaba was already directly beneath him. Nuibaba raised his head just enough to look at Zeke from the side. His eyes were mocking the Gold Knight. 

The sight of them made Zeke’s blood boil, and so he aimed and stabbed his lance at Nuibaba’s chest.

The tip of his lance felt dull. The moment he had extended it, he realized how reckless his action was. Knowing that he was cornered, Nuibaba must have cast a lethal Medusa spell that would hit him any second now. The reason why his spearhead felt dull was because Zeke feared that premonition.

Nuibaba moved. 

‘Finally!’ Zeke thought. ‘Should I keep my eyes open, or shut them as tight as I can? If I am going to die, then I want to see my final moments.’ He made up his mind, and kept his eyes wide open.

But he saw no sign that Nuibaba had cast a spell, rather, he saw Nuibaba standing up in the air, as if he was flying.

What he thought was not what had happened at all. His lance had stabbed through Nuibaba’s body.

It pierced his chest as easily as it would rotting hunks of fat and flesh, and slid through so far that it went past his waist. The spearhead had even stabbed into a stone floor tile.

“Zeke,” Nuibaba gripped the lance with both hands and stared straight at Zeke, his elderly face not even wincing in pain. “I have only attained the first few steps of enlightenment. The difference between Rudolf and me is like that of the sun and a grain of sand. I was never able to make much progress.”

Nuibaba paused to cough up blood. “Anything other than full enlightenment is meaningless. When I learned that you had switched to Alm’s side, I realized that Rudolf had attained full enlightenment. If he is closer to full enlightenment than I, then I am worldly trash.”

“Why didn’t you cast Medusa?” Zeke asked him again.

“Medusa? I cannot cast such a spell. I am worldly trash. Duma would never bestow Medusa upon trash such as I. I am trash, and I will die like trash. To prove to you how wordly of a person I am, Zeke, I will teach you one thing about life. Never attempt to cast away your love for a woman. Do not abandon in vain the love in front of you to chase your past. After I close my eyes and summon them, turn around. Tatiana and the Zofian Saint will both be behind you.” Those were Nuibaba’s final words before his chin fell. The proud Arcanist army general crumpled around Zeke’s lance like a piece of scrap cloth.

“Sir Zeke!” It was obvious who had called his name from behind him. 

Silque was standing next to him, but he cared not about what she might be thinking as he stared at her. He simply held Tatiana in his arms as tightly as he could.

-

Jerome’s soldiers had Nuibaba’s mansion surrounded. So this was indeed Jerome’s goal all along. If Nuibaba defeated the Newly Reborn Knights of Zofia, that would be ideal, but even if he did not, they were certain to be near death when Jerome appeared before them.

Zeke ordered Tatiana and Silque to heal the Knights, then took only his five Paladins with him to the mansion’s front gate, his gold armor glittering as he openly revealed himself and awaited Jerome’s arrival.

“Do any of you have any friends among his army?” Zeke asked his Paladins. 

All of them gave the same answer - that they felt nothing but hatred for every single one of Jerome’s knights.

But it mattered not that none could be swayed to his side. The Golden General Zeke was accompanied by his five fiercely loyal Paladins Rudolf himself had personally selected. Though they were no match in numbers, Jerome’s knights were already no match for them

-

“So there’s no such thing as Medusa.” Forsyth said as he lifted his wine glass. 

Rigel’s border guard had been defeated, and the Rigel Plains were now under Zofian occupation. It was a major accomplishment, one mostly achieved thanks to Zeke’s efforts, but the Knights were relieved that this battle was over all the same. The villagers had been awaiting their return with a huge banquet prepared just for them, and were now showering them with their kindness.

Once the Knights scaled the Dragon’s Maw, known as a natural stronghold characteristic of Rigel’s rugged landscape, Rigel Castle would be awaiting them right before their very eyes, and all they would have left to do is take Rudolf’s head. 

“We turned a fear that did not even exist into a taboo. Perhaps most, if not all, taboos are the same.” Forsyth said.

Python continued, “Medusa was nothing more than Nuibaba’s bluff, and a secret he could not share with even a single soul, or else he would lose all of his power. Maybe Jerome knew that, and used it to blackmail Nuibaba into helping him, knowing that he was still very powerful.”

“I do not think that to be the case.” Zeke said as he cut into the conversation. Zeke was a full-fledged Knight of Zofia now, or at the very least, a heroic general who had declared himself one of Alm’s knights, and vowed his loyalty to his new lord. “I did say very confidently that Nuibaba was unable to cast Medusa. But now I am convinced that he could, and chose not to cast it.”

“Why not?” It was no surprise that question was on everyone’s mind.

“I think he knew Emperor Rudolf’s master plan. Alm,” Zeke said, and shifted his conversation to speak directly to Alm. “Emperor Rudolf is planning to surrender his country over to you, so that you two can restore peace to Zofia and Rigel together. I think that is why he ordered me to serve you.”

‘That’s impossible.’ Was Silque’s immediate thought, but Alm spoke up faster.

��Then why did Rudolf try to destroy Zofia? We can never forget his wicked plot to abuse the sluice. He used it to attempt to destroy the entirety of Zofia’s land. Zeke, your idea is too optimistic.”

If Alm was right, then he had once again lost his reason to serve Alm. But regardless, the moment the Newly Reborn Knights of Zofia entered Rigel Castle, they would learn everything. ‘Rudolf will probably embrace Alm when they meet. It is enough for me to just serve Alm for now.’ Zeke thought, and spoke not another word.

As the conversation shifted from Nuibaba to the sluice, Delthea looked down at her feet as the color slowly drained from her face. Even as everyone continued to empty their glasses, the party could not become entirely carefree so long as they were worried about how she was feeling. Nuibaba had told her the one secret they were trying to keep from her, that she cast the spell that killed her brother.

“Cheer up, Delthea!” Clive said, and clapped a hand on her shoulder.

That was the trigger that made everything bottled up within her heart come spilling out.

“Please tell me the truth.” She said, starting out as a mumble that crescendoed with each word until she was nearly shrieking. “Was it me who killed my brother?! Did he die by my hand?! His body had scars on it that could only be caused by Aura. And I don’t remember anything that happened. I felt it, but I couldn’t believe it. Why did I kill my brother?!”

With each word that came out of her mouth, she felt more and more certain in her heart that she had done it. The more she became certain, the more she became aware of just how grave a sin she had committed, and the greater her grief became that he was gone. She started crying as hard as she would have bled if her tiny body was literally tearing apart.

No one could say anything. It would be meaningless to try to comfort her, because what could possibly comfort her? Nothing could bring her brother back. The only option left was to push her to accept the truth faster than she would on her own, but that was also the cruelest option of all.

“Delthea,” Alm stood up and hugged her. “You did not kill Luthier.” He said with full conviction. “The person who killed your brother was the Arcanist at the sluice. A Rigelian we have already killed. Please think of it this way. Even if the sun was to burn up or if rain were to wash away all the forests, nothing would make it any less tragic for those who share the same blood to kill each other. Please find your peace in the certainty that you would have never killed your brother.

“Nuibaba’s Medusa spell was not absolute hell. True hell is family killing one another. So long as Mila’s Blessing is bestowed upon Valentia, there should be no true hell in this world, and no members of the same family should be capable of killing each other.”

Delthea didn’t know what to think of Alm’s words, but they made Silque tremble in utter fear.

Alm was about to become the harbinger of this impossible, true hell he spoke of himself. The moment he cheered with joy that he had brought an end to everything, would also be the moment he killed his own father, realized his fate is to suffer in absolute hell, and learned that he himself would prove true hell had become possible in this world.

Silque could not hold back her tears. Everyone else thought that she was crying because she was so touched at Alm’s gesture to do whatever little he could to reach out and help Delthea.

-

The days before the Knights’ invasion of Rigel Castle passed by quietly. Delthea did not speak to anyone and was silent for a few days, until finally, she told Alm that she had decided to stay in the village and dedicate her life to rebuilding it. 

“You will grow up to become a godmother to all of Valentia.” He said, and hugged her tiny body as hard as he could. 

Silque went every day to see Tatiana, who returned to her hut in the village. Because Tatiana had decided not to participate in the final battle, Silque asked if she could teach her Physic, a high-level healing spell able to heal allies from afar; and Warp, a spell able to instantly teleport Units within the middle of an enemy’s formation. Part of the reason why the Knights decided to spend several long days stationed in the village was to give Silque the time she needed to master those spells.

Zeke was also always in Tatiana’s hut. To the two of them, these last few days before the Knights deployed was a fleeting moment of peace.

Sometimes, he would step out for a bit, and Tatiana would tell Silque stories of her memories with him.

“It was all part of the gods’ will for Sir Zeke to wash up in the village where I live, and for him to save me. I want to dedicate my entire body and soul to him.”

Silque immediately stared down at her feet. Hearing such a candid expression of love made her face turn bright red, proving that she was still a young woman who had yet to experience her own first romance.

“But, there is something that always worries me. And this worry may only deepen my love for him.” Tatiana said. “Sir Zeke lost all memories of his past, but he was probably a high-ranking vassal of another nation. As I nursed him back to health, he often cried out in agony. More times than I can count. But I remember the words he spoke very well. They were often an apology to a queen. Her name is Nyna…”

The moment she said that name, her face clouded over with sadness. “‘I am sorry, but I will not betray my homeland…’ He would say as he became drenched with sweat. When his memory returns, he will also return to his country. Sir Zeke is going to leave me on that day. I am certain of it.”

Silque held Tatiana’s hands to console her. 

Tatiana smiled, touched by Silque’s kindness. Then, she said, “I will stay in the village. As your army marches, even if Sir Zeke’s memories return to him, please do not tell me the truth. Allow me to believe that he left only because he fell out of love with me. Otherwise, I will not be able to completely give up on him.”

[onlymurdersintheafterparty]

OMITB S4:E1 "Once Upon a Time in the West" Recap

The show is finally back! We no longer have to deal with Tobin, Loretta is back, and we've got a star studded cast of guest stars. I can't wait to see what's in store for this season. I'm bummed we only get one episode to kick off the season instead of two but I'm hopeful that means there's going to be a lot of twists, drama, and etc to get through in due time. Time to dive into the first episode.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Our favorite trio is recording their final episode of their newest season on Ben Glenroy when the power briefly goes out. To celebrate the end of yet another season they decide to go to Charles' place for a nightcap and Charles remembers Sazz never came back. On the way to the apartment Oliver mentions a cold case and I can't help but wonder if this is foreshadowing for next season 👀 Anyways they go into Charles' apartment and find the wine but there's no body!

Mabel being the clever woman she is spots blood spatter on the stove but I don't think she realizes yet what it is. Or does she and assumes it was a cooking accident? As the camera zooms out we realize that the trio has yet to notice the gunshot hole in the kitchen window. The fact that the body is missing is such an interesting concept because how do you solve a murder with no body or proof just the window and the stove if that?

And they don't even know it's a murder because whoever killed Sazz and haphazardly cleaned up the scene texted Charles the next day impersonating her and stating that she had to go be a double for Bakula in LA. So I think it's safe to assume the killer is one of the new characters in LA. Speaking of LA, a mysterious Bev Melon who has kept contacting the trio has invited them to come visit because Paramount wants to make a movie based off of their podcast. How convenient that "Sazz" is in LA and now the trio is as well. I'll be confused though if that whistling keeps happening to Charles even across the country.

When they get to LA and meet Bev, she's disrespectful as hell when describing their personalities. Oliver is the one she wants to strangle or hug, Charles is the un-fun uncle with a turtle face, and Mabel is a millennial with no job, no house, and basically a failure. Charles leaning across the table to give his folded note was hilarious, especially when Oliver tried to help him up only for the number to say 4 🤣 While it rolls off Charles and Oliver's backs, Mabel is offended and rightfully so. It's only one episode so far but Selena is doing a great job at showing this side of Mabel. You can really see her shrink into herself and that she's less confident than she was in the previous seasons.

Because Mabel doesn't yet want to sign away her life rights, there's a party that evening which will give her a chance to reconsider. But before then, you know the cast has to explore LA. Driven by Charles' old chauffeur in his limo, we see the trio standing in the sunroof while driving down a street lined with palm trees, In-N-Out Burger food and drinks in hand. Side note: I miss In In-N-Out Burger so bad. Their animal style fries are my favorite! But I digress.

Charles mentions that Sazz's apartment is located in one of the places on the tour so they make a detour to see if she's home. There is a stack of unopened mail and packages outside her door which is odd considering the text message said that she was in LA. How can she be in the city but her house deserted? Thankfully Charles picks up on this but tries his best not to worry and be fun to prove he's not the unfunny uncle.

The party is as awkward as you'd expect but with some fun moments. Loretta shows up and she and Oliver talk about their future and if Oliver will move to LA to be with her. It's a complex decision that I don't expect to be answered anytime soon. Charles is still worried about Sazz and Mabel just looks like she doesn't even want to be there.

We discover the actors playing the trio are Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, and Zach Galifianakis. None of the trio vibe with their counterparts. Eva tries too hard to be young and hip with Mabel, Zach is rude and dismissive to Oliver, and Eugene bores Charles with his impressions. Plus again, the Sazz disappearance is concerning. Seeing someone in a hat and trench coat, Charles follows them and the person is revealed to be Bakula. When asked about the body double work, Bakula reveals that Sazz never showed. Now the warning signs are fully going off in Charles' head. But wait! Things get even more weird because Charles gets a call from Lester that they couldn't get the window changed out that day. The same window that no one has noticed has a whole bullet hole through it. So that's where the whistling came from.

Howard got a new dog named Gravy because he can no longer adopt cats from the shelter and this is an interesting development because Gravy used to be a working dog. We don't know what job but I assume some sort of police work because when Gravy entered the middle of the kitchen where Sazz's body was she would not stop howling. So either a cadaver dog or maybe one used to sniff out certain substances? The killer could have messed with something in Charles' apartment that is causing that ringing that he's experiencing. We'll find out soon enough by episode 9 or 10. Ok it turns out that we won't have to wait because it's not Gravy it's Gravey because she is in fact a cadaver dog! I was right!

When the trio returns to New York, Howard brings over Gravey who searches the apartment and follows the trail up to the incinerator that was labeled out of order. When they go into the incinerator room and check what was recently incinerated all they find in the ashes is the replacement joints that Sazz received in Bulgaria. And the fake Sazz finally drops the act and texts back "Not your fucking friend" meaning we're dealing with a cold killer and one with a grudge against Charles for whatever reason.

I think this is honestly the saddest death in the series because this is someone that they all knew and was a good friend to Charles. He knew something was wrong just not what, and now his fears have been confirmed in the worst way. Not only did they kill her but they incinerated her too which is just so cruel to me that they'd dispose of her like that. It also makes me wonder what she had on her body that they didn't want to be discovered because a note can be thrown away but another thing such as a birthmark or tattoo can not. All I can say is that Charles is a very good friend for not only worrying about Sazz but going out of his way to find out where she went and I'm sorry for his loss. He'll be devastated when he realizes he was the target.

They really came out swinging with this first episode and I really hope they keep the momentum going because if so, it's shaping up to be the best season yet.