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wileys-russo · 5 months

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like a dumb rom com II k.cooney-cross x catley!reader

like a dumb rom com II k.cooney-cross x catley!reader

you bopped your head along to the music which was blasting from the speaker on your bedside table, for once home alone and able to have it up as loud as you wanted.

your textbooks lay open and spread around you on your bed as you scrolled through a gruelingly long article on your laptop, sticky notes plastered all over your legs as you tried your hardest to retain what you were attempting to study.

you sighed looking at your calendar on the wall, another flurry of color coded sticky notes mapping our your schedule for the rest of the month. people could call you a lot of things but you were anything but disorganized, you simply couldn't be in order to juggle your studies and have a full time professional football career.

you'd loved football from the moment you were old enough to kick a ball, following quickly in your siblings footsteps as your poor parents lives quickly became encapsulated by all three of your routines.

different teams and matches to watch every weekend, travelling back and forward to games and tournaments, weeks full of multiple training's and commitments, food crumbs in cars where dinners and snacks were smashed in the back seat from destination a to b.

you almost felt like they deserved the peace and quiet of an empty house once you'd all moved out, your brother no longer playing having viewed it as more of a hobby than a career once he got older.

but no matter the driving and the games and the fees they were always your proudest supporters. especially when both you and your sister had made your national team debuts, first as junior matildas and then into the senior teams, you always following a few steps behind steph.

when she'd moved over to london to sign with arsenal and you'd stayed at melbourne victory you'd missed her, but you were confident that a little bit of distance in your football careers would be a good thing for the both of you to grow as players.

then a couple of years later after your olympic debut had come your own offers from overseas, european and super league teams alike all reaching out to your agent eager to offer you your first international professional contract.

it was overwhelming to look at sums and salaries and contracts you could have only ever dreamed of in your youth, your deadline to make a decision coming in hard and fast you weren't any closer to making the final call.

thats when your national team mates had stepped in and suddenly you were getting calls of encouragement and gentle attempts at persuading to join them at their various clubs once it started to leak out just who had made you offers.

the least gentle of all though was of course from your older sister, who all but chewed your ear off that you were even thinking about accepting any clubs beside the one she'd called her home for a couple of years now, caitlin and lydia both quick to back her up.

you'd been the most hesitant at arsenals offer and once you were honest with steph about your reasons why her approach softened significantly. she was fast to assure you that she'd had nothing to do with it at all and had only overheard the coaching staff discussing potential new signings that afternoon.

then came the assurance that she wanted you there with her, and that despite your own insecurities she'd never ever seen it as you copying her or riding her coat tails. her heart broke a little that you could be so dismissive of your own skills and talent that had lead to all of the multitude of offers in the first place.

knowing this was a decision that ultimately you needed to make, and with a quiet reminder from dean that the tighter she held on the further you'd pull away, she left you to make the call of your own accord, doing her very best to ignore the temptation to call you and check in daily about if you were any closer to pulling the trigger.

then a few days later came the video from melbourne victory, the signing post from arsenal and your own bitter sweet goodbye to your home country and the team you'd called family for the last three seasons.

at both your mum and sisters insistence you'd moved in with steph and dean so your sister could first hand make sure you were settling in, and so your mum could sleep at night knowing you had family looking out for you in a foreign country.

you'd settled in quickly and comfortably of course. just like steph you'd always been outgoing and bubbly, never shying away from making a new friend or striking up a conversation, and suddenly you were adopted right into the team as if you'd been there for years, your football family expanding.

back to present day and you were reveling in a rare night in to yourself, steph and dean having gone out for a nice meal together as you dedicated your evening to your studies.

it was peak exam season and mid wsl season which meant you were battling your way through, mostly on top of everything thanks to your calendar and onslaught of sticky notes.

but given your loud music what you failed to hear were the taps at your window over and over, too engrossed in your studies and mumbling along the lyrics to the 1975 song in your ear, a band both you and your sister harbored quite a shared love for.

steph had gotten you tickets for your twenty first birthday earlier this year and the next day at training both of you had been teased relentlessly for your distinct lack of voice from spending the evening screaming along to all of your favourite songs.

failing to hear the gentle taps at your window, you also missed the creak of it being thrown all the way open and the gentle thump of feet falling to your carpet.

"jesus christ babe are you deaf?" you certainly heard that.

you let out a strangled scream at the sudden unexpected voice, spinning around and falling backwards off your bed, hitting the floor with a loud groan as your girlfriends eyes widened and she hurried to help you up.

"what the fuck is wrong with you? why the fuck would you do that?" you shouted angrily after she helped you up, pushing harshly at her chest and sending her stumbling as she just caught her footing.

"i was tossing rocks at your window and you ignored me, i thought you might have been asleep!" kyra defended holding her hands up as you went at her again but thought better of it, your heart beat starting to gently slow down as you recovered from your shock.

"so your reaction to me being asleep was to..break in?" you scoffed, smacking her leg as she whined and pulled a face, mumbling how she was just trying to be romantic.

"why didn't you just message me or come to the front door? i'm home alone you idiot i thought you were a murderer or something!" you shot her an unimpressed glare as the girl gave you a sheepish smile.

"i thought it would be more romantic this way! like those dumb rom coms we love." she pouted and from that moment you could no longer be properly mad at her.

"just lucky you live a few feet off the ground, bit worried i'd fall and break my neck if i had to scale a drain pipe to get to your window." the midfielder grinned as you couldn't help but bite back a small smile at her adorable dimples.

"next time warn me ky instead of giving me a heart attack. i could have hurt you!" you warned, making the girl send you an amused smile, taking a seat on the corner of your bed as you started to tidy up your mess of study materials on the bed.

"and how exactly would you have done that babe? hit me with a book? stabbed me with a pencil? assaulted me with your tiny little baby hands." the girl grinned teasingly, poking at you as you smacked her away with a huff.

"they are not tiny! they're normal sized and they're barely smaller than yours." you glared at her, standing to move your books and laptop over to the desk you should have been studying at in the first place.

"helloo!" the girl sung out, suddenly stood in front of you as you turned, arms now free she wasted no time pulling you into a hug, your chins resting on one anothers shoulders as you relished in the feel of your skin finally in contact with hers.

"i missed you today." you sighed having had to take the day off training to complete an exam, though you were studying online you still needed to go into the distance education office to take your exams which was located in camden.

"missed you more book worm." you might have rolled your eyes but really it was the cheeky comments and consistent flirty banter between the two of you that had caused you to fall for her alluringly mischievous charm in the first place.

having kissed on a night out when you both played for melbourne victory you'd danced around your feelings for far too long, mutually chalking it up to a drunk mistake.

but it seemed you just couldn't keep away from one another and with each moment apart the two of you either on the phone or texting, a few more sober kisses shared now, you'd made it official during prep camp for the world cup, over the moon to both be selected in the final squad.

a few of your close friends knew not long after you'd made it official, having been by both of your sides during the in denial but hopelessly pining over one another stage.

you were quick to tell ellie who was always your roommate on national duties, the blonde practically tackling you to the floor with a sigh of relief she no longer needed to watch the 'slow lovesick burn'.

then kyra of course told her own little football family, charlie first and then katrina who'd given you both a shovel talk about the importance of treating one another with respect and how she wouldn't hesitate to smack either of you into line.

but beyond that you kept it mostly to yourselves, the two of you had always been close so no one thought much of how touchy and affectionate you were, having been that way long before you were anything more than friends no one thought differently.

then when kyra had joined arsenal after the world cup everything seemed to fall into place, the two of you finally able to give your relationship a proper go without hours of time difference and thousands of kilometers of distance between you to be a barrier anymore.

there was just one glaringly unspoken issue and that was that both of you were far too terrified to make your relationship common knowledge, which really was only because you were even more terrified of what your older sisters reaction might be.

a few of the arsenal girls like teyah and gio who you'd been close with since your signing had caught on quite quickly, but promised to keep it hushed.

being on the younger side of the squad had meant you'd gained a whole handful of older sisters alongside steph and again it hadn't taken long before again they'd picked up on your change in mood now kyra was around, but most had kept their observations to themselves.

unlike leah who cornered you after training, your vice captain getting the truth out of you in record time with a stern look and a few well worded questions, and of course she couldn't keep the information away from lia or beth.

so as the list of your team mates who knew the truth about you and kyra grew, so did your plaguing anxieties that someone would slip up and alert steph.

despite knowing you easily the best out of everyone it amazed you that somehow she herself hadn't caught on, you and kyra having made a few clumsy mistakes where she could have easily put the pieces together.

after your first major argument with kyra over something so stupid you could hardly remember what it was even about, you'd turned up on caitlins front door step with tear stained cheeks both for comfort and some advice knowing there wasn't a chance you could speak with steph who was always your go to person.

you knew you needed to come clean and the longer you put it off the more strain it put on your relationship with kyra and the worse you worried for steph's reaction given how long you'd kept her in the dark for.

"i really should study for another hour ky." you hummed, reaching out for your laptop as kyra tutted, moving you away from your desk with her body still wrapped around yours. "lets go look at your schedule babe." she ordered as you moved toward your calendar.

"kyra!" you exclaimed in surprise, seeing a few new sticky notes replace your old ones. "oh look, give kyra a cuddle? check." she wiggled her body against yours where it clung to the back of you making you smile.

"give kyra a kiss." she craned her head around and pressed her lips sweetly to yours as you shook your head but gave in, indulging her for a moment. "what's next? study? mmm don't see that on here for tonight." kyra hummed, finger reaching out to trail down your new list as you sighed.

"when did you even change this? you've been here for like five seconds." you laughed in disbelief at how fast she could be. "i didn't change anything!" she gasped in mock offence.

"oh look! watch movies and make kyra her favourite snack. guess we have to do that then babe, you do live by your schedule!" kyra grinned cheekily, letting go of you and making a beeline for your door, holding out her hand expectantly.

"you are unbelievably sneaky sometimes cooney cross." you smiled, crossing your arms and staring her down. "who, me? never!" she beamed, wiggling her fingers for you to take her hand as you did so with a dramatic sigh as if it was a chore, causing her to attack your face with kisses and pull you out of your room.

having followed through with your 'schedule' you'd made both of your favourite snacks and settled into the living room to watch a movie, kyra's choice of course given you knew if she wasn't into the movie there wasn't a chance she'd sit still through it.

"hey where's calvy?" your girlfriend realised suddenly, pulling her head out of your lap and looking around with a frown. "its taken you this long to realise he isn't here? he's normally jumping on you in seconds ky!" you laughed as kyra rolled her eyes.

"he's with steph and dean they found some dog friendly outdoor bistro they could take him with them for dinner, you know what steph's like with her son." you smiled in amusement, the four legged canine loved and looked at more like your nephew than a dog.

"aw and they left you here all alone." kyra cooed, reaching up to squish your cheeks as her head settled back in its previous place in your lap. "please! its a rare blessing." you mumbled as well as you could given the way your face was being poked and pulled at by the brunette.

"shut up and watch your silly kids movie." you wrenched her hands away from your face and placed them by her sides before tangling yours in her hair again, massaging her scalp gently as she sighed contentedly, tucking one of her hands up your top to rest dormant on your abs, determined to have at least some of her skin on yours at all times.

"it is not a kids movie. it's a comedy film!" kyra defended, eyes glued to the screen as you only hummed with an amused smile, melting into the sofa cushions wrapped up in your little bubble of comfort.

it wasn't long until both your attention spans wavered and you found your lips locked with kyra's, both your hands roaming one anothers bodies. the air was filled with your giggles and sweet nothings as you once again fell head over heels for the girls effortless charm, throwing your head back with a laugh at a particularly cheesy pick up line mumbled into your neck.

that giddy little love bubble burst the moment you heard the jingle of keys and australian accents which didn't belong to you or kyra invading the space, and the pitter patter of paws hurtling toward you as you both quickly broke apart.

you'd just settled with a decent gap between you as calvin arrived, launching himself on top of you with a few licks hello, jumping across to greet kyra before dean called him away.

"oh hi ky!" steph greeted with a warm smile as she appeared next, kyra quick to her feet to hug her hello. "see kyra hugs me hello. she's got manners!" your sister teased as you blew her a sarcastic kiss, unmoving from your position on the couch.

"i see you every day stephanie i hardly feel the need to hug you hello when you've been gone a few hours!" you laughed with a roll of your eyes. "i've technically not seen you all day." she countered, taking a seat in between you and kyra.

"how did your exam go peanut?" the defender questioned with a concerned look, not having spoke with you since you'd left for camden this morning a nervous wreck.

"steph what have i said about calling me that!" you ignored her question with an annoyed groan, throwing your head back and shooting kyra a glare over your sisters shoulder as she laughed at your expense.

"that you hate it and not to call you it but i will always call you it because you're my little peanut!" the blonde cooed, pinching your cheeks and shaking your head side to side, with almost eight years between you she'd always babied you in a sense and though sometimes it was welcomed most of the times you despised it.

"i wish i was adopted." you grimaced, smacking her hands away with a roll of your eyes. "not too late. i'm sure we can find a nice family willing to take in a moody twenty one year old who can't cook, can't clean, whinges and moans about everything, doesn't do her own laundry, eats her salary in groceries-" steph started to list things off on her fingers as your eyes widened and you kicked her.

"none of that is true!" you scoffed with a scowl, once again sending your girlfriend an unimpressed glare as she clutched at her stomach with laughter. "see even your best mate agrees, you're a grub!" steph ruffled your hair and stood to her feet.

"i'm a grub? have you met the six foot three toddler we live with?" you pointed toward the kitchen, referencing your sisters fiance and soon to be brother in law.

"oi! don't throw me under the bus to cover your own ass." dean yelled back, the two of you always having gotten on like a house on fire which was one of the many reasons steph was so in love with him.

"did you drive here ky?" the older catley questioned with an amused smile, kyra getting the unsung hint it was time to head home as you sent her a look to assure she could stay, but there wasn't a use.

"yeah, i'll head off now." the midfielder smiled warmly, again hugging your sister as you were quick to your feet now to walk her out, kyra yelling goodbye to dean before you both stepped out the front door.

"do you want a lift tomorrow? we could get brekky and a coffee?" you offered hopefully, the two of you lingering just out of sight, kyra eagerly agreeing already looking forward to getting you alone for even just a half an hour.

"coast?" the brunette questioned as you peered subtly around the corner, not seeing either steph or dean in the kitchen through the window. "clear." you grinned, barely able to get the word out before her lips were on yours and your back was pressed against the cool brick of the side of the house.

"okay okay, easy tiger!" you laughed quietly, pulling away as her tongue slipped into your mouth, well aware that the two of you could be caught at any moment. "few more." kyra smiled cheekily, pecking your lips repeatedly as her hands gripped your hips.

"i'll get you round nine?" your hands settled on her cheeks, thumbs stroking her jawline, training not starting until eleven thirty given tomorrow was a double session. "make it eight and we can smooch for an hour? teyah has early rehab." kyra countered with a charming grin as you nodded your agreement.

"i hate when you say smooch." you laughed against her lips, kissing her one final time before pushing her off, knowing the longer you hung about outside the larger the chance grew steph would come to check what was going on.

"which is exactly why i say it. goodnight lover!" the girl bowed to you making you gag. "i hate that more! goodnight you dickhead. text me when you get home yeah?" you frowned, kyra quick to promise you she would before she dissapeared into the night.

returning inside you weren't surprised to find your sister and her fiance curled up together on the sofa, not dissimilarly to how you and kyra had been prior to their arrival, calvin asleep in his bed on the floor.

"you gonna watch with us?" steph craned her head back to look at you, i'm a celebrity loaded on the television. "are the two of you going to make out like horny teenagers?" you questioned, knowing exactly how they could be after their little date nights.

"probably." dean grinned in response as you gagged and steph hit him lightly with a smile. "hey you never answered me before! how did your exam go chicken?" steph called out before you could leave, again an eye roll greeting her choice of nickname.

"good i think? i finished before the timer and i remembered most of my arguments. one more and i'm done! then a five week fucking break." you moaned happily, stretching your hands behind your head.

"excuse me are those mine?" your sisters eyes narrowed, pointing to the peter alexander pyjama shorts you currently had on. "noo." you smiled guiltily, grateful she couldn't see you also had on the matching shirt beneath your hoodie.

"you are such a menace." steph sighed with a shake of her head, normally she'd be on top of you in seconds demanding you give back whatever you'd stolen, but knowing she'd actually worn one of your favourite pair of trainers out to dinner and you hadn't yet noticed she decided against that course of action.

"love you steffy!" you grinned, dipping off to the kitchen to fill your water bottle, pulling a face of horror as you returned to find the two of them attempting to eat one anothers face.

"god can you at least wait until i've left the room?" you gagged in disgust as they pulled apart. "can you hurry?" steph smirked making you pull another face and whistle for calvin to follow you.

"no leave him!" your sister attempted but the fluff ball was already padding happily after you toward your room. "i'm saving him years of therapy from having to watch his parents go at it. goodnight sickos!" you saluted sarcastically, your door closing with a thud as calvin made himself comfortable on the end of your bed.

doing your nightly routine you returned to bed with your skin soft and your teeth brushed, smiling at the text from kyra that she was home safe, clicking the facetime icon beside her contact, the two of you normally falling asleep together.

you smiled happily as she accepted, propping her phone up as she brushed her teeth and the two of you chattered away, blissfully unaware of what was to greet you in the week to come.

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

part two

#kyra cooney cross x reader #woso x reader #woso blurbs #woso fanfics #woso imagine #kyra cooney cross #woso

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dejwrld · 12 days

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ʚ₊˚‧ ✿ no distractions, ushijima wakatoshi x black fem reader / nsfw + mdni

┊ •° ੈ ⋆° ┊ warning readers discretion is advised — black reader with descriptors, her/she pronouns, female anatomy described, established relationship (reader & ushijima are engaged), just some thoughts, quick drabble, mentions of reader being an influencer, nicknames (reader calls ushijima bear), alluding to smut but it ain't long just a paragraph or two, mentions unprotected intercourse, unedited, consider this a sorry for how long it's taking me to drop part 2 of marry you

He understood why Coach Susaku decided to rent out a traditional Japanese home for some of the players. Most likely to keep a close eye on some of them to ensure they make it to practice on time, keep their heads screwed on correctly before the season comes, and have no distractions.

He wasn't the one prone to break rules, especially with the start of the season so soon (in three days to be exact)—but he just missed her so much that he couldn't resist. A hot shower and an eager you up text later, he's guiding her in the darkness attempting to make as little sound as possible. Which he was sure was impossible because he weighed in at a whopping one hundred and ninety-nine pounds of muscle and was over six feet tall. Moving around stealthily even if he tried was going to be a challenge.

He wanted to mentally curse himself for switching rooms with Kageyama because he wouldn’t have to worry about going up the stairs. His original room was right down from the kitchen, closer to the back entrance of the house that was connected to the way of the hot springs. So here a 6’3, Ushijima was tip toeing up stairs the best he could so he can get to his room upstairs.

When him and his girlfriend finally made it to his room, he finally let out a sigh of relief. The first hardest thing he did tonight was done and he had to only worry about sneaking her back out before everyone else woke up the following morning. His muscular toned thighs can already feel the burn of the laps his coach was going to make him take if he found out he snuck his fiancé in a home where no distractions was allowed.

She was his distraction. He couldn’t help that he was strolling on social media and saw her post from earlier and his body got warm all over. He couldn’t help that he missed his girl. His true love. His other half. The two of them being so busy with their schedules by time they settled in bed, they’re snuggled up together or on their sides of the bed sleeping. Now that he was on the road, it felt like they were drifting apart. Not in a bad way, but more-so a way where their careers had them on a nonstop roller coaster. If he wasn’t away for a game, she was at a brand event in London. If she wasn’t at a brand event, he was training and practicing for a game.

“My bear is breaking the rules for little ole’ me. I feel flattered that he’s risking the most gruesome workout punishment for me.” Y/N giggles lowly while gently placing her sandals on the floor. She discarded them at the door to make the journey up here a little easier for the both of them.

Wakatoshi always cringes when she calls him that, but his cheeks always mask the cringe look he gives us by staining a rose pink color every time it rolls off her tongue. A silly nickname she gave him when they made their first red carpet debut. Quote on quote because of how big and stoic he was when they first met.

“Shh.” He brought his finger to his lips. “Not too loud. Hirugami’s room right across from mine.” He warns her before he’s sliding his white t-shirt off his upper half to get comfortable on the futon below him.

Y/N who came over here in just leggings and one of Wakatoshi’s worn out sweatshirts would nod and begin to slide her leggings off her legs. Ushijima felt like a horn dog for even looking, but who could blame him? They haven’t had sex in weeks. But he didn’t invite her over and possibly broke a house rule for that. He just missed her. Plus, he slept ten times better when she was in close proximity of him.

He climbed under the duvet first before she followed snuggling close to him. The warmth of her body forced Wakatoshi to swallow the harden lump that formed in his throat. His fingers running comforting circles on her body. They’re breathing practically in sync with the crickets that chirped outside.

“How the hell am I going to sneak out of here tomorrow?” She asks quietly.

“Just have to wake up early before everyone else does.” He responds placing a kiss at the crown of her head. The scent of her coconut scented conditioner engulfed his nose in a good way. A comforting way.

He had known she must have rushed over here because she didn’t bring her scarf for her hair. She simply just came with herself and her tote bag.

“I’m not much of a morning person, but perhaps that’s the consequence of sneaking in here.” She snuggles closer to him and lets out a satisfied sigh after bringing her leg to intertwined with his. Her foot teasingly rubbing up and down his calves.

“Baby.”

“Hm?”

“Don’t hm me, you know what you’re doing.”

“I can’t cuddle with my favorite bear.” She says

“Stop with the feet thing,” Wakatoshi warns.

“Fine. But can I get a goodnight kiss before we go to sleep?”

Even in the darkness of the room, he can tell she’s poking her full lips out at his words. She came over here with intentions to rile him up in some type of way. While he thought they was simply going to cuddle and fall asleep, she had something else slithering up her sleeve. She wanted him, which of course made sense. Her texts within him being away oozed with need of him. With how busy they were they simply helped the need with FaceTime calls and invisible ink videos. he still remembered the voice note of her sultry voice moaning out his name while she toyed with her pussy.

So, he's giving her what she wanted. Large hand bridging at the nap of her neck and tugging her into a kiss. He missed the feeling of her lips on his. Soft, delicate, kissable. It always made him feel like he was on cloud nine—laying on the softest clouds, receiving the softest kisses from an angel above.

When the two of them get started, you never can stop them. Wakatoshi knew this. One little kiss turns into making out. Making out trembles to him being in between her stretch-marks decorated thighs. Here he was rubbing his hardened cock on her clothed folds teasing her until her panties stuck upon her pussy lips. Soon he was on top of her, deep inside of her as her teeth bite at his broad shoulders to muffle her moans.

For some reason, through the harsh bites from her—he thought it was so hot. The thought of her poorly attempting to be quiet so they won't get caught. But as soon as he pumped forward one last time, her head fell back into the pillow to let out a dragged-out moan that Ushijima quickly muffled with his hand.

"Are you trying to get us caught, hm?" Ushijima questions through inaudible grunts, his words hitting the shell of her ear and sending a chill down her spine.

When Ushijima looked into her eyes, he saw a glint in her eyes that he'd seen many times. She always had this thing where she challenged him—he has grown to notice she does it so he fuck her a little more harder. Nibble a bit harsher on her skin. Kiss more passionately. The woman was going to drive him insane.

"Fine then.." was the last thing Ushijima Wakatoshi mumbled under breathless pants before hooking her thighs under his strong arms.

His coach said no distractions and he fumbled not even the first day in. But he couldn't help himself, he had such a beautiful girlfriend that he just had to be near her when they did have time. If he had to endure the most tiresome practice drills, he would take that risk, especially for her.

Days when the season started, Ushijima Wakatoshi was forced to run laps until he could remember the last fifty brands Y/N collaborated with all because Nicollas Romero let it slip out in front of their coach that Ushijima had his girlfriend over.

#ushijima wakatoshi smut #ushijima wakatoshi x reader #hq smut #haikyuu x reader #hq x reader #haikyuu smut #female reader #black reader #ushijima wakatoshi x black reader #hq x black reader #haikyuu x black reader #⊹˳⁺ ♡ 𝒻𝒶𝓃𝒻𝒾𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒸𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈

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is2katiemccard · 4 months

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ᅟᅟᅟ tolerate it | alessia russo x brazilian!reader, duda sampaio x brazilian!reader

Summary: Everyone goes through bad times in life, but some attitudes can end in mistakes and sometimes there is no way back.

[AN: I'm working on some requests but I couldn't stop thinking about this plot, so here it is! This will be a mini series with two other chapters, hope you like it <3]

ᅟ The last few months have been hell for Alessia. The first blow was the crisis that their secret relationship was facing.

ᅟ During the World Cup you, the English striker's girlfriend, were feeling very overwhelmed, after all, that would be the first time that you would play in that tournament for your national team. As if that wasn't already a huge weight on her shoulders, every day her coach made a point of repeating the same words to the team.

ᅟ “Are you really going to allow the queen of football to retire without a world title with the national team? I don't care if you're young, old or what, you need to give everything for her. Marta deserves this and I will not allow you to ruin this experience for her.”

ᅟ Pia Sundhage was an admirable and successful woman, but she definitely crossed some limits and the most serious thing was almost completely taking away the identity of the Brazilian team. It wasn't news to anyone that Brazil was known for its beautiful, passionate style of play, full of tricks and skills, but since the woman arrived as coach shortly after being eliminated in the 2019 World Cup, things have changed drastically.

ᅟ Despite being a young player, you already had your fair share of experiences at an international level as you left the club that formed you very young and followed Geyse, your colleague and best friend, out of Brazil. A few years passed and while the other girl shone in Spanish lands playing for Barcelona, you enjoyed the contrasting experience of living in London and playing for the red team in the north of the city.

ᅟ It was during one of Arsenal's games against United that you met Alessia and it's safe to say that from the first moment you found yourself in love with the girl with blue eyes and blonde hair. To your surprise, she also ended up really liking you and at the end of that match you exchanged t-shirts and a small note came with hers and contained your phone number and an invitation to dinner.

ᅟ The rest was history, and a story worthy of romance books, by the way, but little by little the whole situation began to fall apart and you seemed to be the only one interested in putting together and pasting all the pieces of your love. While you fought for her, Alessia didn't even recognize any gesture and just worried about her own life and career. She kept it a secret and made a point of hiding it in a trunk under lock and key. Not even your family and closest friends knew that you were a couple and that hurt, a lot.

ᅟ You begged the blonde for help not once, much less twice or three times but she just ignored your messages and calls with the excuse of being too busy preparing for the competition, which wasn't completely a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. While all this was happening and your condition was only getting worse, your teammates noticed how miserable you looked, but they couldn't understand why. It was only when Luana ran after you after a training session that they began to understand what you were going through and despite the help that the midfielder and all the other girls provided you, you never managed to fully recover as a huge part of your problems was your secret relationship.

ᅟ The trigger came at the final whistle in the game against Jamaica, making his biggest fear come true. Brazil was out of the World Cup in the group stage and your heart, which already had some cracks in it, broke in half once and for all. Your eyes roamed the stands hoping to find Alessia somewhere since she had promised she would be there for you, but your search for her was in vain. Without even realizing how it happened, you found yourself kneeling on the field with your face in the grass in front of Marta's boots, who was trying to comfort you while you cried profusely. All the cameras were on you and the Queen of football, knowing how sad and meaningful that image was.

ᅟ Tears were still flowing from your eyes like a waterfall when you felt a weight on your back and two strong arms pressed against your fragile body. All the other players, both Brazilian and Jamaican, gathered around you forming a large circle and sympathizing with the difficult time you were going through. It took some time, but you finally recovered enough to lift your head off the ground and face the older woman in front of you who was looking at you with teary eyes and you were about to break down again when Duda's low voice reached your ears and you body turned to face the girl who held you in her arms so carefully.

ᅟ Just like you, Duda was also part of the new generation of players, she currently played for the best team in the country, the same one that had revealed you to the world a few years ago. You had many things in common, but for some reason she seemed to avoid your presence, always choosing not to stay by your side for long and looking away from your direction. At first you thought she didn't like you, but Luana and some other colleagues assured you that it was just her shyness speaking louder, however, despite all that, she was the one by your side at that moment, looking at you with so much affection that your breath caught for a few moments. The brunette offered you a welcoming smile before extending her hand for you to hold and get up, but noticed how your legs shook when trying to do so and decided to take the action of picking you up and carrying you to the changing room.

ᅟ The more time passed, the harder it was to face reality. Little by little, the devastating sadness gave way to anger, and from anger, to revolt. The local atmosphere was hostile and heavy, each player was dealing with it in a different way, but they all had some thoughts in common, you could have done more, you should have done more. Even in the midst of that chaos, all the players' phones were exploding with messages and calls from family, friends and even players from other national teams who showed solidarity in that difficult time. Despite that, it took almost an entire day for Alessia to contact you and when she did, God, it was disastrous.

ᅟ It took some time, but you managed to convince the blonde to meet you in person in the hotel room where your team was staying.

ᅟ "What do you want from me? I have more important things to do than talk to you.” She said as soon as she reached her room, taking off the hood and glasses she wore as a disguise. Her words affected you more than you wanted to admit and after closing the door and making sure no one had seen the blonde enter your room, you walked over to the bed and sat on the edge of it. At that moment it became clear that you should get straight to the point with her, knowing that trying to stall would only make things worse.

ᅟ “Good night to you too, Alessia.” Your voice carried a certain irony and the coldness with which you treated her was unusual. “Since you are a very busy woman, I will get straight to the point. I can no longer stand the way you are treating me and I can't maintain our relationship if you continue like this. I know you're avoiding me and I can't understand why. We’ve always been open with each other and you’ve just signed for Arsenal, which I think should only improve our relationship, but you’re more distant than ever.”

ᅟ The striker seemed surprised by your words since you never liked conflicts or more serious conversations like this, and, despite knowing that you were right, she couldn't help but mock you, maintaining an air of superiority while crossing her arms over the chest.

ᅟ “How many times do I have to tell you that I need to focus on my career and the World Cup, hmm? I thought that by this point in the championship this would have become very clear.” You even tried to interrupt her to better explain your point of view, but she didn't even give a chance. “No, you already had your turn to speak, now it’s mine. And, what do you know, you're right, I really am avoiding you because I can't deal with your neediness anymore. Lately you've been so unbearable that I don't even feel like having a conversation with you. I’m a world-class striker, I don’t have time to deal with your bullshit and your problems.” God, how her words hurt. It was hard to believe that the girl in front of you who was putting on such a narcissistic show was the same one you had fallen in love with and loved madly.

ᅟ “Oh, now I understand. So what you want to tell me is that I have to be emotionally available to you in your worst moments just like I was when the United fans turned on you but you can't return the favor because you are a world class striker?” The temperature of that conversation was increasing quickly, as was your voice, which certainly caught the attention of your friends in the next rooms. “How selfish you are, Alessia. I can't believe you mean all this, what happened to you? When did you become so stupid and snobbish? Did winning the Euros get to your head that much? Because a fucking title doesn’t give you the right to treat me like I’m nothing or nobody.”

ᅟ “If by being a snob you mean I'm a realist, then yes, I'm a complete snob. Don't you notice the difference between us? I was instrumental in winning the Euros while you weren't even able to help your team get past the group stage of the World Cup. And don’t be fooled into thinking that I signed for Arsenal because of you and our relationship, I did it because it was best for my career and because your team needs a real player like me.” The tone of voice Alessia used was completely humiliating and the cruelty of her words was so much that it left you speechless. Your girlfriend knew how insecure you were feeling about this tournament and in addition to not helping you with that, she made sure to destroy you once and for all. The woman you loved did this to you, and you couldn't believe it.

ᅟ The expression on your face was one of pure pain and betrayal, your throat was dry and you didn't even know what to say while the blonde was still in front of you watching you with that air of superiority, but when you got up from the bed she was scared. Your body language screamed wrath and your eyes shone from the tears you refused to let go. It was at that moment that Alessia realized everything she had done to you and how much her attitude affected you. She felt like she had been punched in the stomach and the worst person in the world, but now it was too late.

ᅟ "We are over." Your sentence was said indifferently, as if you and the striker didn't have a history. “Get out of here. I don't want to see you ever again” It was obvious that you were containing your emotions, and, in order not to have to deal with them, you walked to the door of your room, coming face to face with Lelê, Geyse, Duda and Luana in the hallway. They had heard everything and were about to invade the room. You looked at them with panic, not knowing how much they had heard, but Alessia was still standing in the middle of the room, shocked by her own actions. “I TOLD YOU TO GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE.” Your scream was powerful and disturbing like a thunderclap and broke the British woman out of the trance she was in.

ᅟ She had never seen you like that. At the same time that you looked so fragile her body was filled with anger and she knew it was better to do what you said. She left the room slowly, startled by the presence of her teammates who were already there and noticing the arrival of others. Despite this, she had the audacity to try to approach you and say something, but Letícia, Luana and Geyse took a step forward while Duda pulled you away from it. The attacker seemed to want to insist on that, but the goalkeeper blocked her path. Letícia and Alessia were the same height, but the brunette's physical condition made her more threatening and firm like a brick wall. Fortunately her presence was enough for the lioness to give up on her plan and leave in a hurry, like a coward.

ᅟ Only when her silhouette disappeared behind the elevator doors did you allow yourself to give in, running back to the bedroom and, later, to the bathroom, where you barely had time to lift the toilet lid before throwing up. A few seconds later you smelled Duda's perfume around you and her hand on your back, trying to comfort you just like she had done a few days ago. You had no idea what her level of English was and how much she had heard and understood of the conversation, but regardless, she was there, by your side, again.

ᅟ You could hear Luana's voice, imagining that she must be explaining the whole situation to the other girls who arrived after the commotion in the hallway and as you thought about how horrible that situation was, you realized that in a short time you and your ex-girlfriend would play together on the same team. Suddenly the nausea was back and you felt everything spinning around you. Little by little you got better and finally came out of the bathroom, seeing all your teammates crammed into the room and ready to welcome you into their arms.

ᅟ It took a few hours and a lot of explanation on your part, but eventually everyone understood the situation and shared the same anger as you. They were all worried about what would happen in the future since you two are Arsenal players and would see each other every day in a matter of a few weeks, and that worried you too, but it was after a few minutes in silence that Tamires made a suggestion that made your eyes shine.

ᅟ Soon you, the blonde and Duda were in front of the door of Cris Gambaré's room, the director of women's football at Corinthians who was helping the Brazilian coaching staff. When she finally answered, the three of you smiled slightly and the woman took a deep breath, knowing that she had a problem to solve.

BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal midfield star Y/F/N will go on loan to Corinthians, the club that revealed her to the world. The team was surprised by the request, but accepted after some insistence from the player. She must leave for Brazil immediately and will return to Arsenal as soon as the South American season comes to an end in December.

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puppypeter · 6 months

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I very rarely think about storylines for royjamie after richmond (because it breaks my heart a little to think of anyone of the team leaving) but like it's possible that jamie would choose to stay with richmond his whole career, it's also possible that the people at richmond itself would push for him to play for *insert the name of whatever other european football team is considered the best* and he becomes a proper super star, being invited for fancy events and shit.

(In a made up world where Ted stayed in London) Roy and Jamie got together while at richmond and now Roy travels with him everywhere as his own personal coach / PA / secret boyfriend / man behind the camera of every instagram post / personal grumpy cat / number one fan / emotional support teddy bear / personal chef etc He loves being with him 24/7 and finds it fulfilling to still be involved with football and helping someone be the best they can be but without the added pressure of having to constantly step outside his comfort zone that he'd have experienced being a manager to a whole team (he's doing good with being vulnerable with Jamie, he can do it with one person that he loves and he is still going to therapy for himself to work through his own trauma/CEN/grief and is focusing on learning to be in his skin as a human being and not this fucked up idea of masculinity he's got in his head) And Roy has a private instagram account under a random username where he follows and is followed only by the richmond team/coaches/Rebecca/Higgins + Keely + Georgie & Simon + his sister and he only uses it to post pictures of food, nature, weird shit he finds in the cities they visit, and his fit boyfriend. Since it's friends only he does use captions ("the muppet had a late night last night" with a picture of Jamie asleep on the floor) and all the himbos love to comment, especially Dani's "Sexy muchachos #JOY" under every single picture.

"night out post Milan fashion week with the muppet and some lovely faces i have missed"

"one handsome dressed-up muppet in Paris"

"Elopement fit check #MyMuppet" (which sends everyone in a melt down) Here's some pics of Roy that Jamie posts instead (in his photo dumps to be sneaky but there's really a lot of roy on his profile - also they 100% got a puppy!!). Also think the proper first post containing only Roy that Jamie would post would be after they elope and it would melt down the internet (the in-universe royjamie rpf-ers especially)

(the last one is such a slutty roy pic *cough cough*)

"Roy Kent always remains 💙🪢" (somebody feel free to make an actual ig posts edit of this with better pics/captions if you fancy I will do nothing but cry and thank you forever because I have no skills but I cannot stop thinking about these muppets getting married!!)

#I chose that outfit for jamie for them eloping because i fucking love it!!!#everyone would be fucking furious #but they'll have a proper wedding later #also very aware that this wouldn't happen because roy would never live so far from his sister and phoebe #but one can imagine most of the travelling happening off season maybe? or him travelling back and forth #maybe the muppet plays for a team not too far from London? (Paris?)#and they still have their London home and get back as much as they can because that's their forever home and they miss all their friends/fa #*family #royjamie #roy x jamie #jamieroy #jamie x roy #I need Brett to do more photoshoots cause I was really struggling to find a good fancy suit pic of him with no other people/background

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greynatomy · 8 months

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Right Person, Wrong Time

Trinity Rodman x Reader

This was so fun to write honestly. Thank you to @deynacastellonaswife for the request and prompt. I hope I wrote to your expectations.

Also haven’t wrote a fic with over 1,000 words in a long time so that felt nice.

If you like this, please let me know!

-grey

———

You were standing in the middle of your apartment, figuring out what you should take with you to London, and what you can get rid of. You didn’t realize how much stuff you had until it was all laid out in front of you.

You’ve received many offers from plenty NWSL teams and many abroad, but when Arsenal put in an offer, it was one you couldn’t refuse. You decided to not finish college and go straight into playing what you love. You’ve always been a fan of Arsenal, watching the likes of Leah Williamson, Caitlin Foord, Alex Scott and so much more.

You know you wouldn’t stay in London permanently because you’d be homesick and missing your family. You’d also be missing your girlfriend of two years, not being ready for long distance at all.

You were so far into your own head that you barely heard someone ringing your doorbell and knocking on your door. Opening it, you smile at the sight of your girlfriend, but it quickly disappearing after seeing tears running down her face.

“Hey, hey. What’s wrong?” You try pulling her into your arms, but she pushes past you into your apartment. You close the door behind you and follow after her.

“I-I-I need to talk to you.”

“Okay. About what.”

“I don’t-I don’t really know how to say this, but I-I can’t do this.”

“Do what?” You try to reach out for her, only for her to pull away, hurt showing on your face.

“You’re going all the way to England and I’m staying here and I-I don’t want you to go.”

“I thought we talked about this Trin?”

“We did, but thinking about it more, I don’t want to hold you back, tie you down. You’ve always wanted to play for Arsenal.”

“You’re not tying me down babe.”

“My decision is final. Focus on your career, I’ll get drafted here and maybe we’ll still see each other sometime.”

“You won’t even talk to me while I’m there? I could be there for years. I can’t just not talk to you.”

“You’re an amazing player. You’ll do amazing there, so focus on that, don’t worry about me. Maybe we’ll come back together in the future, but now is not our time.”

“You’re sure about this?” Your bottom lip trembles, trapping it between your teeth to make it stop.

“I am.”

“You’re younger than me but so much wiser, I swear.” You can’t help but let out a small laugh, Trinity letting one out too.

“I love you and I can’t wait to see how you play with them.”

“Can I have one last kiss?”

She doesn’t reposed but grabs both sides of your head, smashing her lips to yours. You wrap your arms around her waist, holding tight, not wanting to let go.

‘Right person, wrong time’, you thought.

———

Here you are now, January 2023, in a similar situation three years before. Having packed all the essentials and must haves into boxes and suitcases and sent some off to be shipped to your new apartment.

After three years in London, playing for Arsenal, truly making a name for yourself, it was time to go back home. You’ve requested a transfer and your managers and teammates were very supportive of you.

You’ve already said your goodbyes to everyone, especially to Leah and Caitlin who’ve taken you under their wing, with lots of tears shed, you’re off to the airport for a long journey home.

———

Trinity Rodman, a star player for the Washington Spirit and the US Women’s National Team, got ready for practice like normal. But today was a little more exciting. Newly drafted and signed players are arriving for their first practice with the Spirit.

Arriving at the stadium, she went straight into the locker room to get her gear on, many of her teammates joining her. Gathering everything she needs, she heads to the field with everybody else. Their head coach, Mark, asks them all to gather around, to welcome all the new players.

“Now, we do have one more person, but she seems to be a lit—”

“—I’m here! I’m here! Sorry for being late!” You come running towards them, gear in your hands, shirt only halfway on.

Trinity froze. She hasn’t heard your voice in such a long time. She didn’t know if she should go up to you, but her body decided for her, not being able to move from her place, looking at the ground.

“Right. This is Y/n Y/ln. Wanna introduce yourself?” He gestures to you.

“Right. Uh, again, my names Y/n and I played in Arsenal and now I play here. I’m twenty-three and I’m a CM.”

“Well, good to have you here. Now let’s start practice.”

The whole practice, Trinity was distracted. She couldn’t get her foot on the ball properly, even missing some open shots. Her friends/teammates notice her distracted, but decided to talk to her after practice.

She found herself staring at you. Some times you would catch her eye, her turning away just as quickly. It was weird seeing you after all this time. It was extremely awkward too because she wanted to just be wrapped up in your arms like you did years ago.

Practice ended, Trinity rushes to the locker room grabbing her stuff and leaving, not bothering to use the showers there like she always does.

You, on the other hand, try to look for Trinity, rushing into the locker room to see if she’s still here. Unfortunately, you just missed her.

“What’s got you looking stressed?” Ashley asks you.

“Nothing. Nothing. Just probably still jet lagged or something.”

“Alright. Let me know if you need anything.”

Needing to cool down, you hop into the showers, taking a cold shower. You didn’t know what kind of reaction you could’ve gotten from Trinity after not seeing you for a long time, but it definitely wasn’t her ignoring you and practically running away from you. Quickly getting dressed, you look for Ashley.

“Hey, do you happen to know where Trinity lives?”

———

Trinity was not chilling on the couch, watching her favorite show when there was a knock on her door. She looks through the peephole, not expecting to see you standing outside. She didn’t know if she should open the door for you or not, opting to stay silent.

“Trin, come on, I know you’re there looking through the hole. Let me in, please.” You sounded so desperate for her to answer.

Giving in she opens the door, moving aside to let you in.

“What do you wanna talk about?” “Why are you ignoring me?” You both asked at the same time.

“You first.”

“Why are you ignoring me?”

“I wasn’t.”

“You practically ran away after practice. Couldn’t even catch up with you!”

“I-I didn’t know if I could still talk to you. You’ve been gone for years and it’s not the same anymore!”

“‘Cause you told me not to talk to you when I left. Said to focus on me when all I wanted was to tell you whenever some good, something great happened in my life, but you blocked me!”

“Because if I didn’t I would be calling you.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“You we’re with me. If I hear your voice and you’re not near me I’m gonna cry and I’ve cried for so long already.” Her voice breaks, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

You close the space between you and wrapped your arms around her. She tries punching and punching you away, but you hold on tighter, not wanting to let go.

“I’m not leaving you ever again, you hear me?” You voice muffled into her hair.

She finally wraps her arms around your waist, holding tight as if you’d disappear.

“Don’t leave me again.”

You gently grab her face with both of your hands, looking into her eyes. “I’m with you. I’m staying. Wherever you go, I go. You’re it for me.”

She leans her face up to yours and kisses you passionately, missing the feeling of your lips on hers.

She pulls away, mumbling into your lips, “You’re it for me too.”

Now is our time

#trinity rodman #trinity rodman x reader #woso x reader #greynatomy #woso #uswnt x reader #woso imagines #uswnt #uswnt imagines #trinity rodman imagines #woso imagine

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samkerrworshipper · 1 month

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yk the tiktok audio that’s like ‘i wish you stayed.. i wish id stayed too now i wish id stayed… i wish id done a lot of things i wish id stay i do…’

watch me write the meanest angstiest fic ever about reader leaving arsenal (circa 2020-21ish covid arsenal days) to better her career and it ends up being shit and she gets abused my the coaches or smth and ends up quitting football altogether or something along those lines and moving back to london and regretting the move and just constantly thinking about the what if she hadn’t left arsenal

anywayssss some arsenal girlies fluff where they’re all there for her

when autumn break comes yall should be scared 😡 no more mr nice guy

be afraid 👺

#sammykworshipper thoughts #arsenalwfc #woso #woso community #unhinged energy #leah williamson

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nicolchaplincoaching · 2 years

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Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Change Careers

Although millennials are sometimes stereotyped as job-hoppers, they are not the first generation to change professions frequently throughout their careers. Unbelievably, during 30 years, the Baby Boomer generation changed careers around 11 times. This figure originates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2015 study. According to their findings, people of a prior generation may have similarly tried to obtain a fulfilling career by changing jobs.

Although changing careers can be unsettling, it can also be one of your best moves. No matter your age, this is a perfect moment to think about making such a shift. Don't accept a job you don't enjoy. Find out how to make your aspirations of a new career a reality. We will examine the reasons stated by experts in career guidance in London why people typically worry about shifting professions as well as their advice on how to feel less anxious and more eager for the challenges that lie ahead.

1. Time has changed- Simply switching from one job to another within a year does not imply irresponsibility. How long you stay at a job can depend on a variety of factors, and it need not be related to your level of satisfaction. Employees are no longer required to work from 9 to 5 or in a single location. This is a result of the increasing adoption of flexible employment strategies by businesses. For instance, you can work out a compromise with your supervisor if you don't truly want to leave your job but are bothered by the lengthy commute. A competent manager will do all in their power to keep a good employee. All you require is the guts to express your needs.

2. Employers today are more understanding- People were viewed as traitors back then if they left their employers before five years. These days, employers are more receptive to pauses in employment or a change in occupations on a candidate's résumé. But what they're interested in is how you grew personally via your experiences and improved your previous position. If you discuss shifting to another company with your manager, he or she can make it apparent that the door is always open for your return. Even large companies like Yahoo see a lot of returning workers. This is so because firms today respect a worker's knowledge more than the number of years they have spent in one position. Even the career change in London is looked up as an opportunity to gauge a person’s multi-functional personality and how much vividness he or she brings to the workplace.

3. Learning new skills is more important- As previously said, many supervisors today are not particularly concerned if you have a gap in your career history or have held a few positions within the past two years. They need to know WHAT you discovered and HOW you intend to apply it to your upcoming role. Additionally, there are times when you'd need to switch occupations (i.e. when you are shifting to another place). Is it difficult for you to learn new things in your current position? Is it impossible to negotiate? What further abilities are you seeking? Which businesses and/or sectors might provide this? Consider it carefully. Keep in mind that your future is at stake.

4. It’s a practical option- Career change is often a demand of time. Sometimes the best course of action is to change jobs. This typically occurs when you move because you got married or when you have to temporarily care for a sick loved one. When life intervenes, our work takes a backseat. This is not a problem. Sincere employers will value your experience and passion more than a gap in your resume.

A career shift should be on your choices, if you want to take on an intriguing new challenge or if you want to accomplish certain objectives. A professional change frequently equips some more education to broaden and improve your skill set. Want to learn more about career change options that can help you to be ready for a new, meaningful career? Feel free to contact me.

#career coach london #career coaching london #career change london #career guidance london

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fannyyann · 1 year

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Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers’ goalie-goading throwback, delivers hits — and wins — when it counts

by Hailey Salvian and Jeremy Rutherford

Matthew Tkachuk put his father in “timeout.”

That’s why Keith Tkachuk, an 18-year veteran of the NHL and one of the league’s best American-born players, wasn’t available to talk about his son’s remarkable run that has taken the Panthers from “biggest disappointment” to one win from the Eastern Conference finals.

On a Toronto radio station in March, the elder Tkachuk called the Panthers “soft.” By many accounts, that assessment was accurate at the time, and the words seemed to light a fire under the team — as did Paul Maurice’s tirade on the bench the same day during a game against the Maple Leafs.

Florida won its next six games and went 6-1-1 down the stretch to qualify for the playoffs.

Now, there’s no time for distractions, and Matthew wants to keep a lid on his pops, who informed The Athletic of his “timeout” via text.

After upsetting the 65-win Bruins in the first round, the Panthers are the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup, leading 3-0 in their second-round series against Toronto with a chance at a sweep Wednesday at FLA Live Arena.

And the 25-year-old Tkachuk — in the midst of another career year that would have been MVP-worthy had it not been for Connor McDavid’s otherworldly season — has led the way, from scoring game-winning goals and delivering rousing speeches in the room, to delivering cross checks and goading goaltenders into fights.

He’s the player people love to hate, and he’s building a following of haters as he pushes the Panthers along in the postseason.

And even though the person who’s been most influential in Matthew’s career isn’t talking, others are. The Athletic spoke with a dozen people who for years have tracked Tkachuk’s brand of hockey — he’s a highly skilled agitator (a modest 6-2, 201 pounds) who opponents hate to play against.

Keith — known as ‘Walt,’ a nickname given to him by Winnipeg Jets teammate Eddie Olczyk because his surname was so similar to former Ranger Walter Tkaczuk — was traded to the Blues in 2001. Matthew, only 3 years old at the time, would start playing hockey with a youth program in St. Louis. Let’s just say he wasn’t a phenom.

Chantal Tkachuk, Matthew’s mom: They thought they were getting this ringer of a kid. We went to his first game and he was terrible. He was by far the worst player on the ice.

But that wouldn’t last long. Tkachuk improved steadily, adding a diverse skillset, and working through minor hockey, the U.S. national team program and the Ontario Hockey League.

Jimmy O’Brien, longtime family friend, owns OB Clark’s bar in St. Louis: They had a goal in their backyard, and 50 pucks would be lying in the driveway. Anytime you pulled up to the back of the house, you had to watch from running over the pucks because the driveway was littered with them.

Jon Benne, longtime family friend and strength trainer: I used to take wrist shots at him, and he’d knock them into the net. So when I see him tip a goal in now, I’ve seen that a million times.

Jordan Janes, St. Louis Junior Blues coach (2009-10): Matthew would do some of these between-the-legs (moves) before anybody was doing that. I would always look over at Keith and smile because in my mind I’m thinking, “Holy s— ,” like this is incredible that a 14-year-old is doing this. But you could tell that Keith, who was a “go to the net hard” type of guy, it drove him crazy.

O’Brien: His father told him, “If you ever do that stuff in a game and it doesn’t work, you won’t get off the bench.”

Taryn Tkachuk, sister: He’s not going to do that stuff just to do it. The through-the-legs goal against Nashville, he was like, “There was no way I could’ve shot that regularly.” He practiced that all growing up, so he knows he’s going to be able to do it.

Rob Simpson, assistant general manager of the London Knights: He would try new things all the time. It speaks to how smart a player he is. He was always trying to be creative in different ways to produce or make plays based on what he is seeing against defenders or what they’ve done against him before. He’s always been a creative, out-of-the-box thinker.

There are elements of Tkachuk’s game that can be traced back to the fact that he is Keith Tkachuk’s son.

Don Granato, Tkachuk’s coach with the U.S. National Team Development Program (2013-15): I think you can give some credit to — if not genetics, then just being around his father over the years.

Chantal Tkachuk: When Keith was still playing, they got to go down to the rink, skate after practice. Some of the players would play around with them.

O’Brien: He was a rink rat. He was always hanging around his dad, always going to his practices.

Barret Jackman, Blues defenseman (2002-15): I remember the coaches would have to come by and say, “Hey Walt, practice was supposed to start 10 minutes ago. Can you get Matthew off the ice?”

Benne: Matthew would be sitting on the bench the whole practice, and Keith would come over and say, “Watch T.J. Oshie. Watch how he goes into that corner and comes out.” Matthew would just be sitting there with a helmet on, just absorbing it all.

O’Brien: It’s hard to get a better education in the hockey world than sitting there with professionals and watching them at a young age.

Chantal Tkachuk: Every night, we always watched hockey. The boys would get up before school and the first thing they would do is turn on NHL Network.

Taryn Tkachuk: That was the only thing we really watched on TV. We never really watched other shows on Disney channel.

Chantal Tkachuk: Keith retired in 2010 and stepped away from his career and took almost five years off. In that time, he totally devoted all his time to youth hockey. That happened to align with the most important developmental years of the boys’ lives.

Janes: Keith knew what it took to get there. He demanded a work ethic out of his boys. Goals or not, assists or not, he just wanted to see you work. If you worked, Keith was happy. He knew if you did that, everything else would come.

O’Brien: One of Walt’s favorite things to say is, “Hey, you didn’t win? Play better!”

Taryn Tkachuk: Oh, he says it all the time. If someone didn’t play as well and maybe they’re complaining, like, “The ref did this or that,” or, “The other team wasn’t letting me do this,” my dad is just like, “Play better!” Nothing else. It’s just “Play better!”

Janes: That quote is the most Keith quote I’ve ever heard.

Growing up, Matthew was always competing with his brother Brady (23), and sister Taryn (20). Whether it was roller hockey, basketball or a made-up game they called “trampoline football.”

Benne: Matthew, Brady and Taryn would be on the trampoline, which was enclosed, and I would throw the football in the air as high as I could into the trampoline. It became an MMA wrestling match to see who got the football.

Taryn Tkachuk: I don’t even know how the game got made up. I just remember it being very physical. Literally whoever had the ball, you were about to get decked.

O’Brien: We were playing a two-on-two basketball game, and there were some of the most violent fouls you’ll ever see in your life. I had a bloody nose when we were done.

Taryn Tkachuk: If we were playing basketball, Matthew would never let me just go in for an easy layup. Of course he was going to foul me.

Jackman: I remember during one of the lockouts, Matthew was 15 at the time, and he skated with some of the NHL guys. I went into the corner with him, thinking I was going to play him hard. He tried to reverse hit me, and then he came out of the corner with the puck on his stick. He didn’t back down, even at 15, and I was in my early 30s.

Chantal Tkachuk: The most somebody hates to lose, that would be him.

Tkachuk committed to play at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program a few years before his first season there. But, at 16 years old, there was a learning curve playing with the national team and in the USHL, an under-20 league. In his first USHL season, he scored only 17 points in 33 games. He would double that production one year later in fewer games.

Granato: We knew of his talent, but in his first year, his production wasn’t there.

Nick Fohr, U.S. NTDP associate coach (2013-15): He wouldn’t shoot it. He literally wanted to show off those hands all the time.

Granato: I would tease him a bit. I’d say, “Hey Matthew, do you like to score?” And he’d say, “Yeah.” And I’d say, “No, you like to stickhandle.” He was so good at it, but I needed him to see that he wasn’t going to be that up-and-down-the-rink player.

Fohr: He wanted to have that agitator piece to him because it was kind of ingrained into him at that point, but he wasn’t big enough or strong enough to do any of that stuff at 16 years old.

Chantal Tkachuk: It was the second year in the program. That was the point where we thought he could make it.

Fohr: He played most of his second year with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, which was an unreal line. Auston was the marked man, and Matthew — after being around his dad — was like, well, “Auston is my center, nobody is touching him.” And he started to become that guy. Any little scrum, he was right in the middle of it to make sure that his teammates were taken care of.

Granato: By the midpoint of the second year, he was playing just like he plays in the NHL right now. He was great in the same areas of the ice, great in the same ways.

In the 2016 Memorial Cup Final, the London Knights were in overtime against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Tkachuk, in his first (and only) season in the OHL, took the puck up the left side, toe-dragged around a defender and scored the game-winning goal.

Aaron Berisha, London Knights teammate: At first, it looked like he was on a harmless rush.

Simpson: Matthew could always elevate at the right times.

Robert Thomas, Knights teammate (2015-16), and family friend: We always joked that Christian Dvorak actually tipped it, but obviously Matthew got all the credit for it. Just a big-time player making a big-time play.

Simpson: It’s not just by coincidence that he’s big in the right moments. He puts in the work.

Fohr: He’s in those moments because it’s just who he is. You saw it on the overtime goal against Boston. He knows somebody’s got to go in there and get the puck, somebody’s got to go screen the goalie.

Simpson: He wasn’t the one who shot it in the net, but if he didn’t have the sense and savvy to pop out and screen the goalie, it doesn’t go in.

Fohr: It’s no surprise that you see him do it in overtime in Game 7 because he does it every shift, every game.

Janes: The way Matthew was (growing up) and the way he is today, he will do what it takes for his team to win a hockey game. Period.

Because of his ability to stir up drama on the ice and (at times) cross the line, Tkachuk is one of the most polarizing players in the league.

Fohr: He’s that guy that everybody hates unless he’s on your team.

Benne: I don’t think Matthew came into the league fearing anybody. He just played with that edge, like, “I’m here, I’ve arrived, and look out!”

Granato: He could stoke a situation and get it stoked and get everybody’s emotions running on overdrive. And then, even in a highly emotional state that he stirred up, he will execute where many, many skilled players cannot.

Fohr: If he’s agitated somebody somehow, now a little bit of their focus is on Matthew and it takes just a little bit of focus off what they’re good at and impacts so much of the game.

Granato: It’s like a diversionary tactic, and a highly effective skill that he brings. He’s always ready to score the goal after he disrupts the situation, where other guys just want to take his head off. He never loses sight of, OK, while you’re trying to do that, I’m going to be scoring a goal.

Benne: He’s just going to play hard. He’s going to hit you, and he expects to get hit himself. If you watch that game against Toronto, he hammered two guys, and then he got hammered. Not whining, that’s the way the game goes. That’s the way he plays. He’s pretty fearless out there, but I think he plays right on the line. That’s where he wants to be.

Thomas: It was in full force in London. He’d always find himself mixing it up. He’s feisty and he’s got all the skill in the world. Some people just have it, and he definitely has it.

Berisha: It’s funny when people play against him and say, “Man, I hate playing against him, he seems terrible.” He’s actually one of the best guys ever.

Taryn Tkachuk: Matthew has this switch. Off the ice, he’s a completely different person: super nice, super fun. Once he steps on the ice, the switch just goes off and he puts on these different goggles and just has this compete level that you don’t even know how to explain.

The most common ways to describe Tkachuk: He’s a throwback. He’s a unicorn. He’s just like Keith … and maybe better.

Eddie Olczyk, TNT analyst, former teammate of Keith (1991-96): You see (Matthew) and it’s like turning back the clock 25, 30 years to when we played with each other in Winnipeg.

O’Brien: Walt played in an extremely physical era, and the way Matthew plays is refreshing because it’s a throwback to how it was all the time.

Janes: One thing Keith taught these boys at a young age was, if you want to score, you’ve got to be around the net. They got that right from Keith. They just took it a step further as far as their skillset goes.

Fohr: It’s just a place he’s not afraid to go to. Some players are. They don’t want to go there because it’s a hard area to play in because the D are big and strong. There’s an art to getting there and doing it the right way and Matthew has mastered it.

O’Brien: When Walt was playing, you’d see a big guy out there and you wouldn’t think a guy like that has deft hands. But Walt had sick hands, especially tipping pucks. And that’s one of Matthew’s strengths, too.

Olczyk: Matthew will make a play and you go, “Well, there’s Walt.” It’s eerie, but it’s not surprising that the boys are a chip off the old block.

Chantal Tkachuk: To this day, they tease me because skating has always been Matthew’s deficiency, so they make fun of the fact that I taught him how to skate. Keith will take credit for everything else.

Granato: Matthew plays the same kind of style as his dad. He just does it with more talent.

Fohr: To be a thorn in the side of the opponents and then have that elite ability on top of it, that’s pretty special.

Simpson: It’s very hard to find hockey sense that is that elite but also comes with the poise to make the play when it matters most.

Taryn Tkachuk: He’s literally doing every single aspect of what different players bring in a hockey game. It just makes him so unique.

Benne: Matthew doesn’t care what the media writes about him. Matthew doesn’t care if the fans boo him. Boston is going to hate him now, and Toronto is going to hate him after this series. But that’s what drives him. He wants to perform. He wants to put on a show. But more important than anything, he just wants to win.

#matthew tkachuk #for those without an atheltic subscription #because this profile is golden

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httplilyyy · 2 years

Text

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑 || 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐇 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐒𝐎𝐍

pairing: leah williamson x reader

summary: you get told about a career changing offer and theres only one person keeping you from taking it, what happens when those feelings change following a hidden secret?

warnings: fluff, teeny tiny bit of angst and the occasional swear word

words: 2227

a/n: how about a little angst on my birthday? although, it’s not as angsty as i thought when i re-read it but oh well.

woso masterlist | next part

You sat on the coach next to Leah as you were driven back down to London. You had just played a gruelling game against Everton, luckily winning 2-1.

You had come out of the match with a couple of bruises and one hell of a headache. Leaning your head against the coach window, you watched as the scenery went by.

Just as you were beginning to drift off, you felt Leah rest her head against your shoulder as her hands went to play with your fingers.

“You still wear it?” Leah mumbled as she played with the ring on your finger.

“Yeah, of course,” you replied softly, tilting your head away from the window, “I haven't taken it off.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I don't plan too either.”

“How are you feeling?” Leah asked. “I know you were targeted quite a lot during the game.”

“A little sore, but nothing I can't handle.” You said.

“I’m surprised you kept your head.”

“Hey! I am the epitome of the three c’s”

“The three c’s?”

“Yeah, cool, calm and collected.”

“Absolutely not.” Leah chuckled. “In case you forgot, you got a yellow and were on the verge of getting a red.”

“I think you've got the wrong person.” You mumbled, pretending to look around the coach.

“Oh yeah? My bad.”

“I’m surprised McCabe didn't get a red.” You said just a little louder, knowing the woman sat in front of the two of you would hear you.

“Shut up, y/l/n!” Katie said as she turned to look back at the two of you.

You didn't say anything, just sending the Irish woman a cheeky wink along with a smile.

“Stop winding her up.” Leah chuckled as she gently slapped your thigh.

“Alright, mum.”

The journey back to London continued the same way, you winding up Katie in front of you along with teasing Beth and Viv. Leah kept her head resting against you in some way, drifting in and out of sleep.

Once you finally made it back, the team piled off the coach collecting their things before saying goodbye and heading home.

“I’ve got it.” You said as you took a hold of yours and Leah's bags.

“It's fine.”

“Nope, you’re tired so just get in the car. I’ve got the bags.”

“Thanks, y/n.”

You sent the defender a smile as you handed her your car keys before you went to get your things.

“You ever going to tell her?” Lotte questioned as she bumped her shoulder into yours.

“Tell who what?”

“That you’re madly in love with Leah.”

“Woah! What?”

“Come on, y/n. Surely you would’ve made a move by now.”

“No way! She's my friend.”

“You live together, how have you not tried anything?”

“Because I don't like her like that?”

“Whatever you say.” Lotte chuckled as she walked away and to her car, leaving you standing by yourself completely confused.

Were you in love with Leah? Surely not. Right?

Shaking your head, you stopped yourself from those type of thoughts and collected all yours and Leah's things before walking to your car.

Quickly placing the bags in the backseat, you sat in the driver's side before starting the car.

“Sorry, I-” You apologised, turning your head to Leah noticing she was already asleep.

You chuckled softly before driving your way back to your shared apartment. The drive wasn't long and since it was late at night, there was hardly any traffic.

Parking the car in your spot you turned off the engine and stayed seated, contemplating how you were going to get Leah and some bags back to your apartment.

“Leah,” you whispered as you gently shook her awake, “hey, we're back.”

The defender rubbed her eyes and let out a long yawn making you laugh a little.

“Want a piggyback ride up?” You asked and Leah nodded so you got out of the car, took a hold of both your bags before opening Leah's door. “Hop on.”

Leah slowly got out of the car and you knelt down in front of her so she could climb onto your back.

Once Leah was fully on and in a comfortable position you stood back up and closed your car, locking it, before walking up to your apartment.

Opening the front door was a struggle but you managed to do it. You placed both your things by the front door, deciding to get them once Leah was in her bed and asleep.

The defender was asleep on your back and you didn't want to invade her privacy so you decided to put her in your bed.

“How the fuck am I meant to do this?” You questioned yourself as you stood by your door, looking at your bed.

After a lot of trial and error, you had managed to get Leah onto your bed without waking her up. You draped your duvet over her and she snuggled into your pillows, finally getting the sleep she needed.

You let out a smile before collecting your pyjamas and gently closing your door, going back to the living room to sleep on the sofa.

It wasn't long after and you were asleep yourself. Although you were in a very uncomfortable position you managed to drift off and before you knew it you were being awoken by someone calling your phone.

“Hello?” You answered, rubbing the sleep from your eyes.

“Good morning to you too.” Your manager's voice was heard through the other side.

“Ben, why are you calling me at..” You pulled your phone away from your ear to check the time before putting it back. “Five in the morning?”

“We got a transfer in for you.”

“Hold up? I was on the transfer list?”

“No, not necessarily.”

“Huh?”

“You aren't on the transfer list, but a team wants you and are willing to pay more due to you having a few more years on your contract.”

“Ben, it's too early just to get to the point.”

“Barcelona wants to sign you.”

“Come again?” You said, completely shocked. Standing up you started walking around the living room. “Why?”

“You’re a world class player.”

“Oh Ben, you're too kind. Now tell me the actual reason.”

“I’m serious. If you accept this offer you’ll be the most expensive player in women's football.”

“How long do I have to decide?”

“A week, maximum, but I'd prefer an answer before then.”

“Yeah.” You trailed off, looking back towards your bedroom. “I’ll think about it.”

“Okay, make sure you really do think about it.”

“Will do. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Ending the call, you sighed to yourself before sitting back on the sofa, placing your head in your hands.

“Hey, what's up?” Leah asked as she came out from your room and saw you on the sofa.

“Oh, hey.” You smiled, turning around to look at the defender.

“You alright?”

“Yeah, just tired.” You said, thinking it would be best to keep the transfer news to yourself.

“How come I was in your room?”

“Oh, I didn't want to invade your privacy so I thought-”

You were cut off by Leah letting out a small chuckle as she sat beside you.

“We’ve lived together for three years, you don't need to ask to go into my room.”

“But-”

“It's cute.”

“Huh?” You questioned, tilting your head to the side a little.

“As for next time, you don't need to ask.”

“Okay.”

“You also didn't need to sleep on the sofa.”

“I thought-”

“I know.” Leah smiled. “I’m going to make breakfast, you want anything?”

“What are you making?” You asked as you got up and followed Leah into the kitchen.

“Not sure, just going to have a look at what we have.”

“We need to go shopping.” You mumbled as you looked at the very empty cupboards.

“So cereal it is.” Leah chuckled as she pulled the cheerios box from the shelf

“I’ll go out later and get some shopping.”

“I’d come with you but I've got to go speak to Jonas.”

“That's fine, do you want me to drop you off?”

“I’m okay, thanks though. Actually I better go and get ready.”

Leah quickly finished off her breakfast before she placed her bowl in the sink and went into her bedroom to get changed.

You were scrolling through instagram when Leah came back out and you were still standing in the kitchen, this time drinking a cup of tea.

“Have you not moved at all?” Leah laughed as she saw you leaning against the counter top.

“Yeah, to make some tea.” You smiled as you took another sip before placing your cup on the side and passing Leah a thermos flask.

“What's this?” Leah asked as she took the flask.

“Some tea.” You said. “I hope I did it right.”

“Thanks, I'll see you later.” Leah said before grabbing her bag and keys, leaving you in your apartment alone.

Letting out a sigh, you finished your tea before you did some washing up. Once everything was done you decided to get ready for the day and to go get some shopping.

Due to the autumn weather you dressed up as warm as you could, throwing on a pair of joggers and a jumper as well as making sure you wore your trusty air forces.

Making sure you closed everything up in the apartment you grabbed your keys and made your way to your car.

Driving to a tesco that was close by, you parked in some random spot and made sure to get a trolly.

You walked through all the aisles multiple times you were sure you looked like a madman. Double checking you had gotten everything you needed you walked around one last time before going to pay.

Noticing you probably brought a little more than intended you cursed yourself for knowing it's going to be a pain to make one trip from your car to your apartment.

As you were placing your bags in the back of your car, you felt your phone ring in your pocket.

“Y/l/n!” The voice shouted on the other end.

“McCabe!” You replied.

“You made a move yet?”

“A move on what?”

“Leah!”

“I’m guessing Lotte has something to do with this?” You sighed, placing the last bag in the car before closing the door and putting the trolly back.

“Yup, but never mind about her. When are you asking Leah out?”

“I’m not going to ask her out.” You said, turning on your car, waiting for your phone to connect so you could start to drive.

“Why not? The whole team is rooting for the two of you.”

“She doesn’t like me like that.”

“But you like her.”

“Katie-”

“You should say something, before it's too late.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s waiting for you, she always has been. I just don't know how much longer she can do it for.”

“What do I do?”

“Tell her how you feel.”

“I swear to god if you're lying-”

“Just tell her!”

“Okay, okay. I can't believe you’ve roped me into this McCabe.”

“You’ll thank me later.”

“I hope so.”

“See ya tomorrow.”

“Bye.”

You ended the call, focusing on the road in front of you and less on the multiple thoughts circling your mind.

Stopping at the traffic lights you managed to gain some train of thought back but the rest was all a jumbled mess.

When you finally got back to your apartment and parked your car you had gained a little confidence about what you were going to do.

Taking all the bags up in one go, you closed your car with your hip and locked it with the keys in your mouth.

You placed the bags outside your apartment so you were able to open the door and once the door was opened the lights were on signalling Leah was back.

You put the bags on the kitchen counter before running back to close the front door. You checked around the apartment trying to find a certain blonde defender until you stood in front of her bedroom door.

Psyching yourself up, you knocked on Leah's door, opening it up slightly.

“Leah- Oh shit- sorry!” You shouted as you quickly covered your eyes.

“Y/n!” Leah said aloud.

You stood at her door, one hand over your eyes as you tried to get the image of Leah and Jordan making out on her bed out of your mind.

“Sorry!” You rushed out as you closed her door and made your way back to the living room and onto the little balcony.

You grasped the cold glass railing, feeling a shiver go down your spine. Closing your eyes and taking a deep breath you tried to ignore the thoughts running through your head. After a deep breath out you reopened your eyes and took in your surroundings.

“So much for waiting for me.” You said, lip quivering as you desperately tried to get rid of the tears streaming down your face. “Cheers McCabe.”

Pulling your phone from your pocket you found your manager's contact and clicked on it. Placing the phone next to your ear you waited for Ben to pick up and after a couple of rings he did.

“I’ll do it.” You said, somewhat emotionally as you wiped away a stray tear that fell from your eye.

“I’m sorry?”

“Accept Barca’s offer.”

#leah williamson #leah williamson imagine #leah williamson imagines #leah williamson x reader #woso imagine #woso x reader

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findingnemosworld · 8 months

Text

𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 - 𝐛𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥

• 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲: @a-little-bit-rascal ( 𝐈 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬, 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐨𝐤. 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 )

( he cuuute )

Once upon a time, Y/N L/N had quite the future ahead of her when it came to football, of course being a woman in a mostly male centric sport obviously meant working twice as hard to prove herself; and while for the first two and a half to almost three years she had dazzled the management as well as London with her skillset, as she was a natural midfielder, however three weeks short after her 19th birthday; she suffered a severe injury which shattered her hopes of truly shining in football, hence why she had opted for the next best thing - she had opened up her own school to provide more opportunities for young girls that dream of becoming footballers.

Her nephew, Isaac whom she had developed a deep bond with had taken after her - securing a spot at the Chelsea youth academy, and much like her, managed to dazzle the coaches and management with his skillset.

One day, she had texted her sister to inform her that she'll pick Isaac up from training to treat him with an ice cream as it was quite hot today and she missed spending time with the ten year old boy, when she arrived to the parking lot, she stepped out of her car - walking up to the railing separating the pitch from the street, most of the parents stood waiting on their children, however the children were currently playing with someone she couldn't make out properly until she got closer and her eyes widened in recognition, it was none other than Chelsea's left back, Ben Chilwell.

The sound of the whistle had indicated that the training was over, Isaac was chatting with his friends when his eyes landed on her and he yells, " Auntie Y/N "

His reaction had caught Ben's attention, whose gaze gravitated towards the boy that ran straight into the girl's embrace, he noted how the girl was about his age, he looks over at the coach who seemed to read his mind. " That's Y/N Y/LN, Isaac's aunt and a former player "

" Former player? " Ben repeats with a raised brow, curious as to how a girl who was close to his age could be classified as former.

" Poor lass had her whole career in front of her, and just after her 19th birthday she picked up a really nasty injury which cost her what could have been quite a career, she used to play for the women's team and every now and then she comes in to pay a visit to the youth academy to speak with the youngsters, she's even got her own school "

Ben nods, impressed by what she managed to accomplish; " She seems like a lovely person "

" She is - hang on let me introduce you to her, HEY Y/N "

Y/N looks up and smiles at the coach before grabbing Isaac's hand to walk towards them, " Hi coach " she beams before acknowledging Ben with a polite smile.

" This is Ben Chilwell, I'm sure you already know -- Ben, this is the very lovely Y/N L/N "

" Nice to meet you " Y/N shakes his hand.

" Likewise " Ben nods.

" Auntie Y/N used to be a top baller " Issac states proudly causing the adults to chuckle.

" So I heard " Ben nods, a sense of shyness takes over him for some reason. " Say Isaac, how do you feel about coming to Stamford Bridge to see Chelsea's next match? "

Isaac's eyes light up, " Really? "

" Yeah, I'll get you a pass to come and meet the players too! " Ben exclaims, looking up to Y/N to say. " You're welcome to join him with is parents "

Y/N forces a smile as she said, " My sister won't come, she's a nurse and Isaac's dad is mostly busy so it'll just be us "

" Great, do you mind if I send you the details? " Ben asks.

Y/N nods, taking his phone to type out her contact details. " Here " she looks at Isaac, " What do we say buddy? "

" Thank you " Isaac smiles, reaching over to embrace Ben.

" No problem mate " Ben smiles.

" I'd thank you properly but I have an ice cream date with this one, so thank you " Y/N nods once again as she ushers Isaac to her car.

A few weeks later, It was match day between Chelsea and Brentford, Y/N and Isaac were lead to their seats which were close to the pitch; allowing Isaac to excitedly point out the players to his aunt, explaining his vast knowledge on every player much to Y/N's delight as she already knew of the Chelsea men's team and had met a few of them whenever she was invited to certain events and while Ben was warming up, he looks up and catches their gaze, waving at Isaac and Y/N.

" Auntie Y/N " Isaac said, " I think he likes you "

Y/N had to stifle back a laugh, " Isaac, buddy I don't think that's how it works, he was waving at you "

The ten year old giggles, " He waved at you too, I think he really likes you "

Y/N shushes him, as they settle in and wait on the match to begin, and once the teams dispersed; the referee blows the whistle to signal the beginning of the match; Isaac was at the edge of his seat, cheering on Chelsea while Y/N watched with a neutral expression that concealed hope for the blues to be the ones picking up the win, and right at the 37th minute of the first half, Kai Havertz scores the lead with an assist from Mason Mount.

The goal sent several fans in attendance into a chorus of cheers, Isaac included who embraced Y/N as he chanted, " THEY DID IT! THEY GOT THE LEAD ", Y/N giggles, calming the young boy by placing her hand on his shoulder. " There's still time buddy, relax "

And, true to her word - right around the 43rd minute, Brentford had equalized the score much to the chagrin of Chelsea supporters, at half time Y/N and Isaac snatch a few snacks and return to their seats for the second half, for some odd reason - Y/N felt a sense of dread, almost akin to a premonition that something was about to happen, and indeed, at the 79th minute of the second half, due to a less than perfect pass from the person that had gotten them the tickets, Y/N wasn't alert enough to dodge the ball that was sent flying straight to her face, and the last thing she recalls was her nephew's distant cries for help, and then it all went to black.

" Auntie Y/N, Auntie Y/N "

She struggled until she slowly managed to open her eyes to adjust the bright lighting of what now was able to make out as a hospital room, " Isaac " she murmurs.

The ten year old boy looked up, then sprinted out of the room to call his mother, minutes later; she sees the concerned face of her sister appear. " Jesus sis, you scared us "

It was then that Y/N registered that odd and uncomfortable bandaging across her nose, " What happened? "

Before her sister can respond, Isaac speaks up. " Chilly had passed the ball far too high and it hit your nose "

Suddenly, the memories of that moment flash back and she groans softly, " Great, just great "

" Listen, you relax ok ... the doctors were able to bandage you up so the only thing you'll worry about is the swelling " Y/SN clarifies before giggling, " He was so worried though "

" Huh " Y/N mutters.

" Ben " Y/SN states, " Poor lad couldn't stop blaming himself when he came to check up on you "

" Yeah, well .. thanks to him I'm going to have a crocked nose " Y/N grumbles.

" Oh stop being dramatic, you'll be fine " Y/SN rolls her eyes, " Isaac, let's go. Auntie Y/N needs to rest "

Later that evening, while Y/N was resting; Ben had arrived with a bouquet of flowers, the sound of his footsteps caused Y/N to wake up. " Who is it? "

" It's me " Ben responds with a shaky voice. " I ... - erm - I came to apologize for the incident "

Y/N slowly sat up, " you don't have to " she responds shortly and with a tone that while it did not surprise Ben but he was visibly hurt. " I did not have to be more alert "

" But I also had a major fault in that, it never happened to me before so I really, am sorry about it " Ben states as he placed the flowers to the side.

" Like I said " Y/N responds curtly, " I'm fine, it happened and it's done for, thank you for the flowers but I need to rest so .. "

Ben nods, realizing that she's probably still upset about what happened. " Well, I'm going to head out, if you - um - need anything, you have my number " he states before walking out of the room.

It wasn't that she hated him, not even by the slightest; but Y/N did not think of, much less desire the company of anyone, specifically males hence why she decided that it was better to push him away than to let him in, she fully believed that it would work --- and boy was she wrong.

During her healing process, Isaac would pay her a visit and speak about his training sessions, and apparently Ben had taken a liking to him, paying the academy more visits to train with him as well as having arranged a visit for him to Cobham, to train with the senior team players.

" He asks about you a lot " Isaac once mentions during dinner, " He likes you Auntie Y/N "

Y/N eyes her nephew then her sister who said, " well ... you seem to have left quite an impression on Ben that he sent flowers everyday to you, but since you barely noticed I would take them "

" And coupled with the fact that - um - he suddenly likes to play with Isaac's team a lot, he had also phoned to inform us that he has booked us a box, a whole box for us to sit in and watch them play against Liverpool " Y/SN giggles, " all of that because apparently he really wants to say sorry "

Y/N sighs, " Unbelievable "

" Y/N " Y/SN groans, " Ben is not in any way, shape or form like that piece of garbage you were with, he seems quite sweet so I told him that all three of us will be there, cause hubs is busy ... and "

" And what? " Y/N grumbles.

" He sent us jerseys to wear " Y/SN beams, " So, suck it up because we're going "

Y/N did not have a choice, leading her to sit next to her sister and Isaac in the box that Ben had booked, being served drinks while watching the match in all its glory where Chelsea was able to triumph, capturing the three points much to Isaac's delight, after the match; they were lead to the back area where Ben stood, with his fellow teammates. Mason was the first to speak, " It's such a pleasure to meet you Y/N, by the way I saw some of your old videos when you played, impressive " he states, " your nephew is definitely taking after you "

Y/N forced a smile, " Thank you, he's a lot better than me " she chuckles.

" Well .. I say " Kai interjects, " this calls for a picture, so Isaac come here " he ushers the boy to stand in the middle between him, Mason and Ben as Y/SN takes the picture.

" One day I hope I can play here " Isaac said.

" You will for sure mate " Mason grins.

Ben looks at Y/N and said, " you look good " he states,

" Thank you, the scar is barely there so at least that's a good thing " Y/N responds with a cold tone.

" Erm " Ben swallows the lump in his throat, " can we talk? "

Y/SN noticed the clear tension, " Isaac, buddy ... let's go " she looks at her Y/N. " We'll wait for you in the car "

Y/N nods, turning to face Ben. " what? "

Ben inhales then exhales a deep breath. " I wanted to express my apologies again "

" It's fine Ben " Y/N interjects before Ben raises a hand.

" I want to apologize properly by asking you out on a date " Ben said, nervously looking away. " That is if you’d accept, I don’t mind if you say no but the truth is, I really like you, not because you’re talented or the fact that you’re doing so much to help women’s football make waves, I just … I really want to get to know you properly, the real you "

Y/N grows silent, for a brief moment chewing on her bottom lip which inadvertently draws Ben’s attention. " Ok, I’ll bite into this, you can text me the details "

A relieved expression appears across Ben’s features, " Ok " he smiles.

Ben had definitely pulled out all the stops to apologize and against her better judgment, Y/N had found herself enjoying her date with Ben as he went deep into his childhood and why he chose to be a footballer, she had done the same and as they moved to other topics, Ben asks her, " How come you’re single? "

Y/N swallowed the bite of chicken roughly, she takes a sip of her champagne glass and smiles. " Men are just … no offense, but they weren’t thrilled with the fact that I dedicated my life to the sport "

" Ah " Ben nods, " well, it’s their loss … because you’re a diamond, a well rounded girl that could just be any man’s dream "

Y/N hides her smile behind the champagne glass before saying, " Am I your dream girl? " she asks, giggling when his cheeks reddened.

" Well .. " Ben chuckles, " I was kind of swept off my feet when I first saw you "

" Aww … " Y/N smiles. " You’re cute "

" I believe that’s you sweetheart " Ben smiles.

After their date, Ben drives her home and insists on walking her up to her front door. " I had fun " Y/N states as they walk up to her front door.

" Me too " Ben nods.

They stand in front of her door, a wave of silence takes over them; as each one seems to be holding back. Ben was the first to speak, " I should head back " he gestures to his car and was about to walk when he was stopped halfway by her grabbing his hand to pull him back, and before he could say anything – he was silenced by her lips on his in a soft and tender kiss.

A few seconds later, Y/N pulls back and murmurs, " I don’t know if this will be a good decision but … " she swallows the lump in her throat. " Stay the night "

______________________

Clothes fly across the living room area, leaving a trail in their wake as their lips converse with pure passion coupled with their hands exploring each other’s bodies, once they got to the bedroom; Ben lays her on the bed, peppering kisses across every inch of her exposed skin relishing in the moans and whimpers escaping her soft lips.

He crawls back up, and captures her lips in a kiss; groaning when he felts her fingers tug on his hair. " You’re a rowdy one aren’t you " he smirks against her lips.

" Yes, because I’m horny right now " Y/N shamelessly admits as one of her reaches down to stroke his cock through his boxers, giggling when he buried his face in her neck and groaned. " Let’s skip the formalities " she grins.

Ben lifts his head up to look at her and smiles, " You sure about that? "

" Yes " Y/N murmurs, " We have the entire night to get to know one another "

Ben sits up, to remove his boxers; hissing when his hard cock slaps his abdomen, it didn’t help that her gaze had him almost cum from how intense it was. " Fuck, I’m definitely ready now " he growls diving back to kiss her, he hoists her legs to fold them and teased her pussy, causing her to moan against his lips.

" Fuck, don’t tease me " Y/N murmurs.

" Patience baby " Ben cooed, he slowly thrusts his cock and throws his head back. " Jesus baby you’re tight "

He takes about a moment to allow her to adjust to his size, slowly he begins to move in and out; caging her face with his palms and her lips were occupied by his own, alternating between kisses and words of praise whispered in between. " You’re so good to me, taking my cock so well "

" Ben " Y/N moans out his name.

" I know baby, I’m close too " Ben grunts, thrusting in a much quicker pace.

Y/N clings onto him, her eyes blurry form all the euphoria she was engulfed in, " Ben " she cried out.

" Cum baby, cum for me " Ben encouraged her, pressing open mouthed kisses to her neck.

Once they’ve rode out their highs, Ben heads to her bathroom to grab a clean wet towel, he comes back and cleans her up before cleaning himself up. Then he discards the towel and crawls under the covers with her, " Come here, come in my arms "

Y/N shuffles closer and lays her head on his chest. " Hey Ben … "

" Yeah " Ben murmurs.

" I like you too "

Ben laughs softly, " Well that’s relieving to know "

#ben chilwell #ben chilwell x reader #ben chilwell imagine #ben chilwell fanfiction #chilly

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