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#l: nwsl
womanwithahotdogstand · 10 months
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To the dad sitting in front of me at the Gotham FC game today who high fived me harder than I have ever been high fived when he asked who I typically cheer for and I said my NWSL team was “whichever team Rose Lavelle plays for” — I will think of our interaction fondly every time I watch soccer for the rest of my life.
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whatimdoing-here · 1 year
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¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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trustherkindheart · 2 years
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Absolutely the most brutal way that could've gone for ACFC. End the first half 2-0 up after some insane saves by Haracic, only to have OL Reign come back in the second half and tie it over the course of about ten minutes. And then their former WAG Tobin Heath subs in and four minutes later scores the winning goal by nutmegging the goalkeeper.
(Not to mention the ACFC supporters section was screaming for Heath to be subbed in just before 🤪)
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kazoologist · 2 months
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nc courage baby WHY would you trade out that fade for solid colors!!!!!!
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desperate-gay · 7 months
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1v1
Alexia Putellas x fem!reader
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“Hi, I’m Kelley O'Hara, and this is one v one. Today I am joined by former NWSL player who now plays for Barcelona and the USWNT, Y/n Y/l/n!” Kelley does jazzy hands towards you while you smile and wave at one of the many cameras pointed at the two of you.
Both you and Alexia decided to take a trip to the states so you could see all of your friends and family and so Alexia could take a break from all the press who followed her around. You both share an apartment in New York in case you’re ever in the US and, obviously, a house in Spain. Kelley asked if you’d be okay with doing one of the interviews she conducts with Just Women’s Sports, and of course, you said yes. You’ve missed her since the World Cup ended, so who were you to say no? Alexia decided to stay back and rest for a bit while you went.
You’re now seated in front of multiple cameras with a few crew members and beside Kelley. The room you’re in is nice and calm, and the window behind you allows the natural light to peek its way in.
“Now, getting straight into it, I introduced you as Y/n Y/l/n, but soon you won’t have that name,” Kelley smirks with a teasing eyebrow while you blush and fiddle with the ring on your finger. “Seeing as your lover, aka the goat of soccer, aka la reina, aka Alexia Putellas, proposed to you a couple of months ago.”
You laugh at the multiple names the brunette presents your fiancé with. “First of all, Alexia is going to be mad at you for calling it soccer and her la reina. Second, yes, my name will very soon be legally changed.” Kelley starts applauding with a bright smile on her face.
“I can’t believe two of my teammates are going to be married to basically the two best female soccer players ever! Mrs. and Mrs. Putellas, then Mrs. Kerr and Mrs. Mewis.” You nod excitedly, hoping for your wedding to approach sooner.
“I remember when you came up to me and Kristie, explaining to us how we couldn’t talk to our fiancé’s about our game plans.” The defender laughs and nods her head, remembering how offended both of you looked. “Me and Kristie are still mad at you for not trusting us.”
Kelley puts her hands in fake surrender before going on to explain. "Well, a couple of us were thinking about how you two are with the enemy, and one of us just had to make sure.”
“A couple of you?” You shout in disbelief, making her look at the camera with a worried face. “Nope, cut the cameras. Interview is off!” You joke as you make it look like you’re taking off your mic. The crew chuckles at your guy’s antics and shakes their heads.
After several minutes of talking about why you moved to Barca and how you’ve been over there, you are now down to the last discussion.
“As we all know, you’re with Alexia Putellas, as previously mentioned. A lot of fans want to know how the it couple met.” Kelley’s legs are crisscrossed on the chair while she faces you. “I mean, I already know the story, but gotta give the fans what they want.”
Thinking back, it was a cute little story. A couple of Spanish players were in the states for whatever reason, most likely for conferences, and you didn’t have anything to do that day.
“Well, we all know my bestest friend is the one and only Christen Press, and she’s also friends with the amazing Jenni Hermoso. So when word got around they were in town, everyone set plans to go to this nice club and essentially hang out. I specifically remember after Chris and Tobin dragged me with them when we got there and sat in the round booths, both Jenni and Chris forced me and Alexia in the middle to sit next to each other. We got to talking, and eventually, we went on a couple of dates until Jenni and Christen finally admitted they had been trying to set us up.”
Most of what you say is true, but you leave out some parts to keep it PG. After you both got extremely drunk, Alexia dragged you to her hotel room, where you both had an unrestful night. The next morning, she did explain how she’d love to take you on a date, to which you said yes, and now you’re happily engaged. After you two were together for around a year and a half, Barca had an offer for you, which you quickly accepted. Everyone adored how you moved to the club with your fiancé.
Kelley’s head rests on her hand as she stares at you in a complete trance. “Tell me more.”
You laugh at her words and say, “Umm, oh! Now Christen is my maid of honor for our wedding, and Jenni is Alexia’s. Mapi was not happy about being knocked down to just a bridesmaid or groomsman, whatever you want to call it.”
“I’m a little offended that I wasn't offered the position of maid of honor.” The brunette places a hand on her heart in fake hurt, making you roll your eyes.
“You’re literally one of my bridesmaids. I can just put you as a guest if you want."
“No! No, I’m cool with bridesmaids.”
Once the interview was done, you and Kelley hung out for a little bit to catch up. After a while, she offered you a ride back to your apartment, which you gladly accepted.
Alexia is sitting on the couch with Nala in her lap when she hears the fiddle of keys in the doorway. The pomeranian jumps up from her lap and over towards the place where you now stand. You crouch down and pet through her fur.
“Hey, baby.”
“Hola, mi amor.” Alexia makes her way over to you and pecks you on the lips.
“I was actually talking to this one.” You gesture to the dog that’s now panting in your arms. The taller girl glares at you and takes Nala from your arms before beginning to walk away. “No no no no no, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” You say as you press multiple kisses on her lips.
“That’s what I thought.” She mumbles against you and sets the ball of fluff on the ground. Her hands grab onto your hips, pulling you in, and start to wrap around your waist. She nuzzles her face in the crook of your neck while placing feather-like kisses on your skin. “I’ve missed you.”
You wrap your arms back around her, feeling all of your tension go away. “Awe, I’ve missed you too, baby. I know I’ve only been gone for a few hours, but it felt like years.” Your voice is muffled by your face being pressed against her chest.
“I’m glad you decided to sleep with the enemy.” You pull back from the embrace and notice her little smirk.
“You saw the interview, huh?”
The Spanish player nods before hooking her arm behind your legs and lifting you up. “Now, I have been patiently waiting for you to get home so I can get my daily cuddles.”
She struts off into your bedroom and throws you, not so gently, on the bed. Cutting off your complaining, she jumps on top of you, hugging your body and resting her head on your stomach. You shake her head with a smile on your face and begin to run your fingers through her faded pink hair. Her head slowly rises and falls due to your breathing, but it still lulls her right to sleep. Nala jumps beside you and also rests her head on your chest, causing you to smile softly and run your other hand through her fur. There is no other place you’d rather be than with your two favorite girls sleeping on top of you.
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meazalykov · 18 days
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Teammates, or lovers?
emily fox x uswntplayer!R
warnings: none
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Emily Fox and Y/n L/n are in a year long relationship together. The 25 and 23 year old first met when they both played for North Carolina Courage in 2023. Since then, Emily moved to London and Y/n L/n moved to Lyon to continue their football careers. So, their relationship turned into a long distance relationship. 
The two lovers were sad about it, and the first two months were pretty hard to adjust to. However, they both moved to the same continent so it was easier to see each other during small breaks in their careers. Y/n made the effort to visit London to see Emily, even if it's only a day trip. Emily made the same efforts as well, coming to Lyon to watch Y/n play with their USWNT teammate Lindsey Horan whenever it's possible. 
You remembered the night in North Carolina when you cried to Emily about your career. For a while, you lost your passion and struggled to find a challenge in the sport. Everyone involved in the NWSL knew that you were one of the best left wingers out there. You moved to North Carolina from the Chicago Red Stars to see if the team was the problem, it wasn’t. 
Emily understands your feelings completely. She cried with you as well since your feelings with the sport related with hers.
The next day, Y/n’s agent told her that ​​Olympique Lyon wanted to offer her a contract. The girl’s jaw dropped at the news. Lyon is one of the most developed clubs in the world, in terms of women’s soccer. She knew Lindsey Horan, her friend and USWNT teammate, transferred there after a year long loan deal. Y/n accepted the offer, hoping that Lyon would give her the passion she wanted back. 
“Emily, I have to tell you something.” Y/n sat down beside Emily as she held her hands. The brunette swallowed in nervousness, wondering if her girlfriend saw the rumors about her on instagram. 
“I am transferring clubs–” Y/n confessed, before Emily had the chance to talk, the left winger cut her off. 
“Not a NWSL club.. Um.. I signed a contract and I’m moving to Europe—-France specifically.” Y/n frowned. She looked at Emily and saw a look… of relief?? 
“Em what's the matter?” Y/n questioned Emily’s expression.
“Nothing n/n. I was going to tell you this soon but maybe I'll tell you now too– but I am moving to Europe as well. A club offered me a contract and I signed a few days ago.” Emily confessed. 
Y/n raised her eyebrows, she knew Emily wanted to transfer clubs, but wondered which lucky club signed Emily. 
“Where?” Y/n asked. 
“England...well London to be exact.” Emily answered. Y/n smiled and the two girls embraced each other in a hug.
When Emily and Y/n played at Courage, many fans started to suspect that they’re a couple. Many WOSO fanpages shipped the duo due to their close proximity at events. The girls decided that they didn’t want to go public with their relationship until a few years in, since they’d be established enough to not let external factors affect them. 
As the two girls moved to Europe, they found their love for the sport back. Y/n fits into Lyon perfectly, being the highest goalscorer in France and in the Women’s Champions League. Emily is considered to be one of the best defenders in England since her transfer. The “rumors” about their relationship died down completely, but some fans do miss the duo at Courage.
Now it's March 2024, the USWNT faces off Brazil in the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Y/n L/n and Emily Fox were both on the roster for the tournament which excited the couple. The couple excited the fans too, as Emily and Y/n’s pictures together during training practices excited the fanbase. 
At halftime, the score is up 1-0. Y/n’s Lyon teammate Lindsey Horan scores a header that gives the United States the lead. Emily started the match but Y/n didn’t, but the forward subbed on and replaced Trinity Rodman in the 61st minute. 
In the 79th minute, Emily fox gained possession of the ball after an error caused by a Brazilian midfielder. She passes the ball to Sophia Smith, seeing the striker in a nice path free from the opposition. 
Sophia Smith struggles with keeping control of the ball when she found contact with a Brazilian defender, so she looks forward seeing Y/n L/n onside and free to receive a pass. 
Y/n L/n is known for her dribbling and perfect finishes when she shoots from outside the box. The crowd knew this, so the screams got louder as y/n moved the ball to her left. She looks up to see that the Brazilian defender in front of her didn’t move quick enough at her move, so she goes to take a shot. 
The soccer ball goes up high in the air and curves, the Brazilian goalkeeper jumps up and the ball barely grazes her fingers before it lands in the net. Goal!
Y/n jumps in excitement before she runs to the corner of the pitch, the crowd erupts and y/n has her arms spread out in celebration. 
USWNT 2-0. 
The forward turned around and saw Lindsey Horan running to her, y/n jumped up on the blonde girl in excitement. The rest of the team on the pitch gathered around the girls as they’re guaranteed to win, unless Brazil had a miracle. 
As the group disbanded from the celebration, y/n saw her girlfriend who smiled brightly. Not caring about the amount of photographers that could capture the moment and the crowd as witnesses, the forward hugs the defender in a tight embrace. Emily accepted it, naturally putting her head on y/n’s shoulder for a few seconds before letting go and tapping her on the lower back in praise. 
Twenty minutes later, the game ended 2-0. The USWNT wins the first women’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. Y/n and Emily run and give each other a hug. Well, y/n jumped on Emily who held her as the two celebrated their win. This didn’t go unnoticed by fans and shippers. 
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The team knew about their relationship, so they gave the girl’s their own moment before the whole team celebrated. This is before going up to receive the trophy and gold medals. 
Emily and Y/n stayed side by side the entire night. The idea of hiding their relationship wasn’t ideal to them anymore, now they wanted the world to know about their love. 
(pretend this is you in all the pictures below)
y/n.l/n
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(tagged: naomi_girma, y/n.l/n, ___emilyfox)
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(tagged: 100purcent, y/n.l/n)
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(tagged: y/n.l/n, lindseyhoran10)
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(tagged: olivia_moultrie, y/n.l/n, lindseyhoran10, emilysonnett)
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liked by ___emilyfox, sophsssmith, and 33,987 others
a month of hard work ended in victory 💙 forever proud snd grateful for being with this team.
comments
alexmorgan13 🇺🇸🔥🏆
___emilyfox I love you!! ❤️
wosofan OH MY GOD???
y/n_lyonfan I CANT BELIEVE MY EYES
100purcent gold cup champs!! so proud 🥹
sophsssmith 🤍
trinity_rodman I had such a fun time! 🏆
y/n.l/n same!!
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an: my first uswnt centered fic! hope you enjoyed <3
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sunnys-out · 3 months
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Not a Fairy Tale Ending | Ali Krieger x Reader
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A/N: Hello! Thanks for the kind messages while I have been away studying for the LSAT. Just also want to say that this is completely fiction and Ali would NEVER act this way. Again requests are closed...thanks for understanding.
From prompt list: 20. "And I… I still love you, even after all of this time".
TW: Emotional manipulation, anxiety/panic attack symptoms, NSFW alluded, no happy ending...well kind of
WC: 2420
My face remained calm as I looked towards the teleprompter and not at the newer pundit on the other side of the table. My knee quietly bounced under the table and did not stop until one of the other pundits leaned over and said “hey, you never get nervous…I get it but you got this like always”. I only nod as my attention does not waver from the teleprompter. 
God, I wish it was nerves…it was more like years and years of emotions physically manifesting themselves. Sadness in my chest, anger in my arms, fear in my legs, and finally yearning in my eyes.
The director behind the camera signals me to start.
“Welcome to Morning Footy here at CBS Sports, where you get all of your football news. If you are new here, My name is (y/n)/(l/n),  former two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion with the USWNT, and former midfielder for Arsenal and Wolfsburg”. 
I finish introducing my fellow pundits and then subtly take in a breath before I start, my knee beginning to bounce betraying the calmness in my voice as I begin.
“And today we are introducing our newest pundit for the month, fellow two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, and recently NWSL champion, Ali Krieger” I could not feel my hands as I clapped as I looked over at Ali. The last time I had seen her in person was at my retirement game that we had with Ireland and I could not even remember when that was.
Her smile was cordial and genuine from what I could tell from across the table. 
“Ali, you’ve played with and against (Y/N) before, it must be nice to see a familiar face here huh?” the pundit beside me patted my shoulder, bringing me out of my slight daze.
“She's been an amazing player since the beginning and now a pundit! I tell you she swore up and down that she would do coaching and never be a pundit” she teased as the pundits looked at me as I just shrugged my shoulders.
“The way life works you know” I said sheepishly, my knee not bouncing any slower than it was a minute ago.
Ali continued, “Still I would love to go back and just partner up with her in training again like old times.”
A little laugh escaped me as my fists were clenched underneath the table
 “Sure you would,” I thought to myself.
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I had my first cap with the USWNT in the 2007 Algarve Cup in Portugal…fresh out of UNC and was signed by Wolfsburg. I hadn’t had any serious relationships and I was fully out. I think then I was the happiest I had ever been…then I met Ali Krieger. It was from a distance and by that I mean the passing glances and touches from when I would either get a ball from her or she would get the ball away from me. 
She was at Frankfurt and I was at Wolfsburg and we were eventually introduced by our teammates solely on the basis that we were two new Americans in Germany. I remember only bits and pieces from then but I remember that she looked at me with admiration as I already had a couple of caps with the USWNT and that was something she was aiming to do in the next year. I liked the attention that she gave me after that match because it was genuine.
I was called into camp for the Four Nations Tournament in 2008 and for the first time I was not considered a bubble player. I had proven myself worthy enough for a semi-permanent spot on the team and that was truly an honor. Ali also made it to the camp meaning I was no longer the baby of the team. 
We were all gathered around and Rampone started her usual speech before the practice and introduced the new debutants at camp. 
“Ali, you’ve played against (Y/N) before. It must be nice to see a familiar face here huh? You both can pair off since you’re familiar with each other” Rampone patted her shoulder after the talk. 
Ali nodded towards me, “Can I see if anyone else is available, I don’t want to bother (y/n)?” Rampone shook her head.
“She doesn’t bite I promise…right? (y/n) you don’t bite?” She says towards me as I take a drink from my water bottle.
I respond with a confused look towards her, “Uh….no?” and with that Rampone gently pushes Ali towards me.
I toss her her water bottle, “Rampone likes to stick the babies of the group together on the first day of camp, sorry about that” 
Ali sighs, “Nah it’s no problem…just want to get to know more people here…not that you’re not great or sorry… I’m being stupid”
I shake my head, “hey no I get it, I mean it took me a bit to get to know people, but if you can’t find another partner, I’ll still be here to take you so don’t worry”
Ali smiled at me and said thanks before leaving and pairing up with Wambach…I did wish that Wambach turned her down but it’s alright because Ali did come to me after Boxx rejected her partner offer a couple days after.
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I was always the backup for Ali, I didn’t mind it…camp was lonely at times and when she would be with me I felt less alone. I let myself be there for her when she was sad, lonely, angry at the world, but she never did so for me…I didn’t realize that until much much later.
“So, as former national teammates y’all were close right? How was (Y/N)? Any dirty secrets you can spill?” the pundit beside me joked as he elbowed me once again. I only, playfully, roll my eyes at him as Ali answers the question. 
I did not look at Ali as she said the following, my refusal to look at her could easily be interpreted as shyness or not being able to take praise.
“Oh (y/n), she was such a great player both on and off the pitch. She was always there for me especially when there was nowhere else to go. I was so glad to have been able to celebrate with her at her last game ever. She means a lot to so many people…(y/n) you mean a lot to me especially”
I did not feel my body at that moment as I slowly breathed in her words, my body now felt like I was in the middle of the ocean and I did not feel the bottom. 
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I don’t know why it always happened while we were with the USWNT…club was when I had some reprieve from Ali but I also missed her…it was such a double-edged sword. She was a drug and I was addicted to her.
We were called up for the 2011 World Cup in Germany. I remember Ali talking to me sharing that she was talking to this other footballer during the camps leading up to the World Cup. 
 I did my best to hide the jealousy I held when she spoke about the player with such admiration…I was just there to hold all her love for another…and then be there to hold the pain when caused by another…
I heard a small knock on the door of my hotel room, I looked up from my book and looked at the clock, 8:42 PM…
“Tobs? Don’t tell me you lost your key card again?” I call out but get no immediate answer.
A small recognizable “It’s me” sounded through the door. Tossing my book onto my bed and opening the door to only be engulfed in a hug by Ali was what I distinctly remember.
Her tears wetting my old UNC shirt as I immediately pulled her in, “Hey, Hey, hey…what’s wrong?” My hand gently rubbed her back as she continued sobbing into my chest. 
“She broke up with me” came out muffled as I felt her fist gripping at my old shirt leaving it wrinkled when she finally let go.
I did not say anything and just led her to sit at my bed while I stayed crouched in front of her.
“Ali, I'm so sorry, you really did not deserve that, honestly. Who in their right mind would think to do that while you're in a tournament… ” I say softly as I grab her hands and warming them in my own. 
Ali looked at me, tears streaming down her face, “I thought I meant a lot to her you know…like you have always been there for me and I thought she would too but she left me”.
My body moved on it own as I engulfed her in a hug and saying, “I will never let you go, you mean a lot to me and you will find someone who will also show that”
My memory becomes unclear because when I pulled away she had my face in her hands as she brought me into a kiss. I had dreamed of that moment for so long and it was happening. My thoughts at that moment were that she had chosen me…she chose me…
A quick call to Tobin to let me have the room for the night and everything seemed to be my fairy tale ending as soon as she kissed me again and saying “ (y/n) you mean a lot to me especially”
She would come to me the next morning before the Brazil/US match to say that she made a mistake and that she hopes that I can just forget about it and that we can still remain friends. I nodded and saw her walk off to eat with some other players while I elected to go back to my room saying I needed to call home…my eyes burned as the tears filled my eyes once I was out of sight.
We won that game…but I agree with the critics…it was my worst performance of my career…so much so that I was subbed off at the 70’ minute.
I got so much backlash from the media for my “attitude and lack of decorum” when I was seen kicking my seat before sitting down at the bench…I was frustrated, angry, and sad…not because of my poor play but because of how much Ali had affected me. 
She did not see the look I shot her when she turned away from me after patting me on the back after the game going , “Hey we all have bad games, don’t think about it too much”.
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I quickly turned away playing the shy card as best as I could.
“Nah, don’t say that…we were all like family on that team…I’m not special” I say with such a fakeness that it actually made me feel ill.
The director finally signaled the end of the segment to break for a short snack and conversation. Normally, I would stay at the table and eat my blueberry Costco muffin while chatting about the Premier League with my fellow pundits…but I wanted to leave immediately and hide in my shared dressing room…
I got up from my seat at the table and before I could get 10 steps away from the set, Ali called my name. Before, hearing her say my name would make my legs buckle beneath me but now it made me want to walk away from her faster. I didn't. It seemed that my feet were frozen to the ground. 
She caught up to me and grabbed me by that arm leading me away even before asking. 
“Can we talk privately?” 
I sigh, as I lead her to my shared dressing room and lock the door behind us. 
Words of encouragement flooded my head as I finally turned around and with as much confidence I could muster.
“What did you want to talk about?” I say as I cross the room and sit down at the nearest chair in the room.
Ali, wrung her hands, “I just wanted to talk…the whole thing with Ashlyn has been hard and it made me realize how much I missed you…how you used to always care for me and life has been busy so we never really talked much since you retired…I just wanted to see if we could possibly try this again?”
She got closer to me and I immediately stood up which caused her to reach out to grab my hands.
I found myself back in that hotel room, back to teary eyed Ali Krieger begging for my comfort…knowing that I’d crumble and give in…
“Stop” my voice firm as I moved my hands away from her…
I step back and tried to keep my voice from cracking as she looked at me confused,
“Ali…I can’t…I don’t want to do this again…I was never your first choice always a back up until you found someone…” She steps forward trying to interrupt me and grabbing my hands again but I move away.
“Ali…no” my voice finally breaks…
“I loved you Ali…since we first met…And I… I still love you, even after all of this time but I can’t do this anymore”. 
She remains frozen as I continue, “You can’t just come to me after your heart is shattered expecting me to be there for you…expecting me to just give in and kiss you and so you can have a temporary happily ever after…this is not a fairy tale ending Ali…I don’t want to do this again”.
I grab something in the room to give reason to me being in here and get to the door, “I’m not changing my mind…I deserve to get the same love that I gave you for years…it just will never be with you…I’ll see you back at the table”.
Ali stayed behind…she returned minutes later…we never spoke about it or to each other again…the cordial smiles and banters on the camera that month would be the last time I ever spoke to Ali Krieger…and, for a moment, after her time as a pundit ended I felt that same feeling of freedom when I left UNC…before meeting Ali…and no one outside of us two, the public, my fellow pundits, the fans were none the wiser. 
Well until I told my, now, wife about it…because she became the true fairy tale ending to my story as we kissed at the altar and that’s all that really matters now.
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emilysaucysonnett14 · 2 months
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NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - 2024/01/19: (L-R) Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, Crystal Dunn pose after Gotham FC introduced them as class 2024 new players of the team at Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. Introduction and press conference was attended by Juan Carlos Amoros, Gotham FC Head Coach, Yael Averbuch West, Gotham FC GM & Head of Soccer Operations and NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) Commissioner Jessica Berman. (Photo by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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04mxfutbol · 2 years
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Forgiveness (Alex Morgan x Reader)
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A/N: Part 2 of You’re Not Sorry. Enjoy!  I hope I did part 2 it’s justice.
It has been months now, three to be exact. Alex has definitely been stepping up her game although you were one hard headed person. Trying to avoid the fact that you still loved her. More than anything.
Alex would constantly try and find you during the last days of camp, trying to get a second alone with you. But when she couldn’t, she simply grabbed your hand, placing a note in your palm.
You never read them as it pained you but ultimately they ended up on your desk.
“You look beat kid.” Megan says and you chuckle. There’s a knock on the door in which Megan walks up to see who’s at the door.
“I’m tired. My phone keeps ringing.” You say as you throw your phone towards the couch.
“Here’s some advice from a wise person, answer the call.” Sue says as she hands you your phone.
“Delivery for miss Y/L/N.” Megan says as she walks back in with flowers. “Again.”
“Telling you kid, answer the phone. Trust me, it would help you.”
“See if Alex put this much effort into something at least it’s into trying to get someone back and not murder.”
“Megan!”
“Fine. I’ll answer. Also why do you call me kid? I’m not that young.”
“My god this house is filled with flowers and none are for me.” Sue says making you laugh as you walk to the room you’ve been staying at.
“Hello?”
“Hey Y/N.”
“Shit, hi Christen. I thought you were Alex. Hence why I haven’t answered my phone.” You say, your eyes widening as you realize Christen was most definitely the person trying to contact you.
“It’s okay, Tobin and I will be near Tacoma tomorrow and wanted to see if you wanted to come with us to grab some dinner?” Christen asks and you smile.
“I could never say no to my favorite people.”
“Ouch.” Sue says as she walks past you.
“You’re also my favorite Sue.” You say as she walks past you.
“We’ll see you tomorrow Y/N. Take care.” Christen says and you hang up the phone.
You walk into the spare bedroom where you’ve been staying at since you had no apartment and weren’t necessarily on the best salary with the NWSL. Sue and Megan happily let you stay with them as long as you did help around and be their personal hype person when going out.
You laid down on your bed, scrolling through your Instagram and found your way to Alex’s profile. You clicked on her icon in which she had been posting. You saw that she was somewhere that looked familiar but you couldn’t remember where. It looked all too familiar.
You looked at the multiple vases of flowers that were in your room, the notes completely covering your desk, the notes were now completely read and you didn’t know how to feel. Alex’s hoodie she sent you on your chair. Alex was doing everything she possibly could.
Soon enough it was time to go to bed, excited that you’d be spending some time with Christen and Tobin. Two people who were also a source of safety and comfort for you, just like Sue and Megan although Sue and Megan were definitely a bit more fun. Not that Tobin and Christen can’t be fun but they’re rather more protective and well more parent like.
“I’ll be back later.” You announce to the two women who were all cuddled up on the couch watching some new show they found.
“Call us if you need a rescue.” Megan says and you laugh as you make your way out.
You get into your car, driving to where Christen had told you to meet the two players. You got out of the car and arriving at restaurant on the pier. You sat on a bench in front of the restaurant waiting for the two women.
To distract yourself you decided to just enjoy the view, looking at how every person walking by you had something to be doing. You always found yourself intrigued how every person has their own life and has their own things they go through. It sometimes blew your mind, how people could be in the same room but going through different things. Mind blown.
“Hey.” You hear, a tap on your shoulder. You turn around and you see Alex, a bouquet of flowers in one hand.
“Alex? What are you doing here?” You ask as you get up and walk around the bench to stand in front of her. “How’d you know I’d be here? I’m waiting for Christen and Tobin.”
“You wouldn’t respond to my messages and I had to see you, talk to you somehow.” Alex says as she hands you the bouquet of flowers. “Please. Please have dinner with me, just one dinner. Trust me please.”
You hesitated before saying yes. You walked to your car placing the flowers in the front seat and walking back to Alex. You silently cursed at Christen and Tobin for doing this. But also maybe appreciated it?
“You look great.” You say to Alex as you both walk to your table.
“You look stunning yourself.” Alex says and you feel your cheeks heat up. How Alex still had that effect on you, you didn’t know. Well you did but you won’t admit it.
You help Alex sit down and made your way over to your chair. Looking over the menu, and ordering. While waiting for your food you both awkwardly sat in silence.
“So.” You say as you look around and drumming the table with your fingers.
“These past months without you have been absolute misery. I know I wasn’t the best girlfriend, I drowned myself in work as a way to ignore the fact that I felt like I was losing you and I didn’t know why.” Alex says, finally breaking the tension. “I’m sorry I forgot so many important things but I was absolutely terrified that pouring too much of myself to you would make you leave me.”
“Oh Alex.” You whisper as you reach for her hand. “Alex all I ever wanted was to be able to love you and care for you. I just wanted to be your forever. I wasn’t mad you were forgetting everything I was angry because you seemed to push me away every time you got scared about sharing how you felt. If anything I was terrified you would leave me because a part of me felt like you were ashamed of me.”
“I could never be ashamed of you. You’re the best that’s ever happened to me.” Alex says softly, squeezing your hand as her blue eyes looked into your eyes. “I haven’t stopped loving you.”
“Neither have I.” You say faster than your brain could comprehend what was being said.
“Your food.”
Oof what a way to ruin the moment.
“I should have let you know how I was feeling. Instead I didn’t tell you and lost you.” Alex says.
“You didn’t lose me completely.” You say.
“It felt like I did, I saw you with someone else and it killed me every single second that you were with someone who wasn’t me.” Alex says.
“I’ve only ever loved you and I can’t love anyone else but you. Even if I tried I wouldn’t stop loving you, it’s not possible to love anyone else.” You say and Alex smiles.
“I want to make sure you know just how sure I am that I want to be with you. I want to build a life together.” Alex says. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness I know I don’t but if you were to just talk to me like friends I’d gladly take that.”
You give her hand a squeeze, looking at her and smiling.
“I’d love nothing more then to get back with you, but we need to start over. We have to trust each other and actually communicate. We’re both at fault when it came to communicating.” You say.
“Mostly me.” Alex says and you nod your head.
“Mostly you, yes. But it’s not all on you, I also didn’t want to confront you because I didn’t want to lose you. In the end we just both suffered the consequences.”
“I know. I know and I’m sorry. You’re too good for me, too good for this world.” Alex says softly. “So no more secrets.”
“No more secrets.” You say nodding your head. “More communication.”
“I can do that.” Alex says and you smile. “For you I’d do anything.”
“Forgiveness is the first step.”
You both eat and talk about how to help this relationship to grow and be stronger than before. Once you finish eating you walk out to the pier, to go on a walk.
Side by side you stand against the rail to see the sunset.
“I lied.” Alex says.
“What?” You ask.
“I lied when I said I had no more secrets. I have one more.”
“Do you want to share it?” You ask and Alex nods her head.
“I've lied to every girl I said ‘I love you’ to. I mean, I thought I loved them, but then... I met you and realized... I've never been in love before.”
“I did not know that.” You say softly as you grab her hands.
“When you and I, you know split up, it felt like my whole heart was just gone. Y/N I love you and if I were to ever lose you again I’d lose me in the process.” You smile as you wrap her in your arms, hugging her and loving the warmth she always gave you.
“I love you.” You say.
You both stay in the same exact position for about two minutes before pulling away.
“Did you like my notes? I actually hand wrote all of them.” Alex says and you chuckle. “Did you get my flowers?”
“I liked your notes. I did get your flowers ALL of them, even the one sent this morning.” You say.
Alex smiles as she looks at the most beautiful sight. You look at the sunset. Alex bites her lip as she turns your around to kiss you passionately. The unexpected action makes you freeze but you quickly kiss her back.
You both smile in the kiss and when you pull away, the smile still on both your faces.
“Sorry.” Alex says with a smile.
“You’re not sorry.” You say with a giggle.
“You’re right I’m not sorry, I’ve been holding myself back but I just couldn’t.”
“I think we’ll be just fine.” You say with a smile.
“I think so too.”
“No more secrets and more trust.”
Alex was indeed sorry.
Sure enough, you were both right. Although you both ended up more than fine. Happy. You were both happy, forever.
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chelseafcwmemes · 8 months
Note
The fact that she felt the need to post it on Twitter 😂😭
Right,, even if it was a dirty foul, going all out with receipts on twitter is w i l d. Not that it makes a difference but the fact that it was Ballis first start in the nwsl too, give her a chance to settle
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wosobronze · 5 months
Note
Just a random list of clubs I could potentially see L at next year:
Barca renew - she seems happy there but I'm doubtful she'll actually stay
Lyon return - because she loves that club and the players a lot
Benfica - new league, new opportunities, probably not going to win the CL but still potential, plus she could work on speaking Portuguese 😅
Angel City / San Diego Wave - two good level NWSL teams in a sunny location (I'd say OL Reign but doesn't it snow a lot in Seattle?)
Bayern / Frankfurt - though I'm more doubtful about this, very full on league and I'm not sure how she'd fit in with either team tbh.
Arsenal (OK I know I'm dreaming here, she wont return to WSL) - they are in desperate need of a physical, intelligent right back
apparently the ol reign manager (or someone within the club i can’t remember exactly who) was at the el clasico
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lovethelifeyoulive123 · 11 months
Note
NWSL is clearly the Brazilians favorite league rn very sorry to the Chelsea fans but y’all and Arsenal will have to take that L we’re keeping Bruninha and Debinha
We are just going to conquer the WSL one nationality at a time. Let's get the Aussies back next😂
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Text
The Alcott
There will be those who will argue that what was Arsene Wenger was to Arsenal, Jean-Michel Aulas was to Lyon.
That argument is wrong.
I'm not denying Wenger's impact at Arsenal. He is part of the reason I became an Arsenal (men's) fan, after all. I didn't know Arsenal before Wenger. They became mine under him, a team of misfits, awkward in their own right, but special, different. They were awkward and gangly and they won things and you looked at them play and thought "huh, weird" but also "I'll see you next week." Arsene Wenger changed Arsenal. Let's not get that wrong.
But Jean-Michel Aulas created Lyon. I think there's a difference.
I talk a lot about the importance of understanding Lyon's history and I stand by that. To know Lyon is to understand them. To understand why they are the way they are today, you have to understand how they got to that point. You have to understand how we got to where we are, is what I am trying to say. History matters. it has always mattered.
OL Groupe released a statement overnight that Jean-Michel Aulas is no longer president of Olympique Lyonnais and that John Textor will be taking over the role.
I cannot help but be extremely concerned for what this means for Olympique Lyonnais Feminin.
Now, I know what NWSL fans are going to argue. Michele Kang cares about WoSo, they will say. Washington Spirit players love Michele Kang. She's rich, they insist, she'll put money in the team, this is a good thing.
Those arguments are superficial at best.
You can't equate Michele Kang to Jean-Michel Aulas, you just can't. Michele Kang saved Washington Spirit, sure, I'll give you as much. I'll even grant you that she cares about WoSo. I think she believes in the cause.
But that's not enough for a team like Olympique Lyonnais Feminin. There is too much at stake. This isn't a spat about an owner that doesn't care at all, this is about taking over from a president who literally, and I do mean that in the proper sense of the term, built the team in his own image. Olympique Lyonnais Feminin exists because Aulas wanted to build the best women's team in the world. He didn't want to buy it, he wanted to create it.
Aulas and Kang are both business(wo)men, I'm not denying that at all. But they don't hold the same level of influence. I sincerely doubt Kang will get Lyon players to listen the way that Aulas did. And why should they listen to Kang? What has she done for Lyon, exactly?
Lyon is such an emotional team, they really are. They crave loyalty about all else, and John Textor took that away from them. He broke their trust, and we're supposed to believe that Lyon is going to transfer their trust to a total stranger in Michele Kang?
As I said, to believe that demonstrates a total misunderstanding of Olympique Lyonnais operates.
UEFA will not pick up the phone if Michele Kang calls. FIFA will not pick up the phone if Michele Kang calls. FIFPro won't pick up, the national federations won't pick up, I'm not even sure if the league representatives will pick up.
It's nothing personal, it's just that Michele Kang hasn't ... well, done anything. She saved Washington Spirit, sure, but are we really going to sit here and argue that Washington Spirit holds the same name brand as Olympique Lyonnais? Are we going to pretend the results are the same, the players are the same, the consequences are the same?
Who cares, really, if Washington Spirit lose every game of the season? There are no real consequences thanks to how the NWSL is structured. You're going to argue I am being too harsh. Okay, I'll lower the bar. Are there really any consequences if Washington Spirit does not make the playoffs? Of course not. Now imagine the repercussions if Olympique Lyonnais fails to qualify for the Champions League.
Are we going to sit here and pretend that's the same thing?
Are we going to sit here, and be honest, you and I. Are we going to sit here and pretend that Michele Kang has demonstrated the ability to manage a team like Olympique Lyonnais? What happens when there's a clash between a Lyon player and a national federation? What is Michele Kang going to do about it? No one cares about how Michele Kang feels about the situation because Michele Kang hasn't dealt with that situation.
it frustrates me enormously that certain OL (men) fans are celebrating Aulas being out, as though he is the problem for Lyon (men)'s lackluster performances. They say you don't always appreciate what you have until it's gone, and I am genuinely, genuinely afraid that we are going to experience this live.
I'm angry at John Textor, too. I think the way he has handled this club since his takeover is insulting. It shows a blatant lack of understanding of the club's history and how it actually operates.
But more than that I am concerned. As I keep saying, Michele Kang doesn't have the understanding of Olympique Lyonnais Feminin to get the players on her side. They won't trust her, which means they won't go to her, which means they won't obey her. Those are all important elements.
I know I keep hammering on about this, but you don't run an NWSL club the way you run a Champions League club, and especially not a club like Olympique Lyonnais. You don't buy that team's loyalty, you earn it.
John Textor bought the most successful women's club in football history. He managed to turn it into Umea.
If we're not going to talk about how that will damage women's football, then we have a serious problem.
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meazalykov · 24 days
Text
redirection; prologue
esmee brugts x barcaplayer!R
a girl realizing that a huge rejection lead her to the best redirection possible
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Most of the 2022-2023 season, I’ve been working hard within the tryout camps to get a spot on the United States Women’s national team roster for the World Cup. I played for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL as a Striker.
Most people in my circle believed that I would’ve had a spot on the World Cup roster due to my overachieving skills. I had high hopes about accomplishing my biggest dream. However, when I got the facetime call from the USWNT coach, letting me know that I wouldn’t be on the World cup roster, that belief was crushed. 
My emotions were all over the place when the facetime call ended. The tears in my eyes ran down my dimpled cheeks for hours. My breathing was rigid and I couldn't think straight. It got to a point where my bestfriend, Trinity Rodman, comforted me on a facetime call. She made it on the roster and my happiness for her was distracted by the disappointment for myself.
“I feel like my skills, hard work, and motivation goes unnoticed.” I cried on the facetime call to Trinity. I pulled the black sleeves of my Adidas hoodie up and wiped my tears. To be honest, I felt like clicking the red “end call” button and falling asleep. I didn’t want Trin’s happiness for herself to drain away due to my rejection from the World Cup. 
“There’s so many people in the world that recognize your talents, y/n. Everyone is disappointed too. Just know that your time will come and you can use this as a bigger push for the 2024 olympic roster.” Trinity commented. She was right, but the disappointment and rejection was too big to have optimistic thoughts currently. 
After the facetime call ended, my imessage notifications were blown up with most of my Washington Spirit teammates, family, and non-soccer playing friends apologizing to me when they didn’t see my name on the roster that was posted. They gave me reminders of how good of a player I still am. Many of my USWNT teammates, including my close friends Sophia Smith and Emily Fox, expressed how disappointed they were because I wouldn’t play in Australia with them. 
Currently, I have seven caps with the USWNT. As a nineteen year old, this is a normal amount of appearances. So I had developed relationships with some players who consistently appear on the team. 
Alex Morgan is an example. She is my inspiration as an American striker myself. I’ve seen many people compare us and how we play. I scrolled on the 433womenfc instagram comments on the USWNT roster post and a particular comment stuck out to me, 
“Washington Spirit’s y/n l/n should’ve had a spot over Alyssa Thompson. She could’ve been a good sub for Alex Morgan since they’re both strikers and she has more international experience. USWNT missed out.” 
The tears in my eyes poured down my face again but instead of calling a friend or family member to talk to, I placed my phone on the charger and went to sleep. 
Three months later: 
The USWNT was eliminated from the World Cup after a penalty shootout with Sweden in the Round of 16. This broke my heart when I watched the match in my apartment last week. The USWNT won the 2015 and 2019 World Cup and a three-peat would've broken records. 
Currently, I sat in the backseat of a fancy black van as I headed to a fancy restaurant in downtown DC. My agent wanted to talk to me about my next career move, since my contract with Washington Spirit expired right before the world cup. 
I am assuming that my next move will be within the NWSL, many clubs contacted my agent during past transfer windows for a possible move. However, Spirit rejected those transfers since they saw me as an important striker. Trinity wanted me to stay at Washington Spirit and sign a new contract. I didn’t because I felt lost. I knew my heart belonged somewhere else. I loved the club I've been with since I was sixteen, but I needed to move on. 
The dark green pants and black long sleeve on my body was comfortable for the early-august weather. You’d expect the weather to be hot but it’s 8pm and the breezy air made for a perfect temperature. 
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I sat down in a booth across from my agent, Heather. She held a blue ipad in her hands and already ordered water for us, which I took a sip of after we greeted each other. This meeting would determine my next career move.
Two hours later, I walked out of the restaurant in excitement and shock. Heather let me know that many clubs in many leagues contacted her as they needed a goal scoring striker. 
WSL clubs, such as Chelsea and Manchester United, were the first to contact my agent. In fact, they’ve wanted me since the last transfer window. I wasn't opposed to Chelsea, since a few of my American friends played there. NSWL clubs such as San Diego Wave, Houston Dash, and Portland Thorns wanted to offer me a contract too. 
When my agent mentioned the last club that offered me a contract, my jaw dropped to my feet. Liga F club FC Barcelona needed a striker and their coach was impressed by my goal scoring abilities from last season. Barcelona was my dream club and Heather saw my eyes light up in admiration and disbelief. 
As the dinner ended, I told Heather that I'm looking forward to joining Barcelona. She told me that she will let Joan Laporta and the sporting director know about my commitment. I wanted to cry in joy, I am moving to Spain soon to join my dream club! 
(pretend you’re trinity rodman) 
433womensfc
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Liked by salmaparalluelo, and 21,613 others
tagged: @y/n.l/n
OFFICIAL: 🚨 19-year old American Striker y/n l/n from Washington Spirit signs a 3-year contract with FC Barcelona on a free transfer. She will be the first American to sign for the Liga F club 🇺🇸🔵🔴 
comments
y/nstrikes_ barca fans she will not disappoint! 💙❤️
esmeebrugts 🔥🔥
wosofan23 aitana bonmati and y/n l/n link on the pitch should be illegal 😭
        leahwilliamsfan67 i agree 
lekkerbrugts esmee ona and y/n joining barcelona?? barcelona is unstoppable. 
cghlover55 this is so crazy 😍🔥
randomuser4789 she was too good for the nwsl, can’t wait to see her compete in europe.  ❤️
   16 replies 
(pretend you're ona batlle)
fcbfemeni and y/n.l/n
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liked by esmeebrugts and 93,973 others
our american star has arrived 😍💙❤️🌟
comments
aitanabonmati ❤️
ingrid_engen 😍😍
graham95 niceee🤩
y/nhive THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY
felixfan14 SAME 😍
trinity_rodman SO HAPPY FOR YOU *nickname* 😭💗🎉
lindseyhoran10 woohoo!!!
uswnt 😍
alexiaputellas 🥰
*esmeebrugts started following y/n.l/n*
next chapter: redirection I
a/n: this is my first woso fic! this is the first chapter to this series and I'll write more for other players as well :D I hope you enjoy!
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sunnys-out · 5 months
Text
Welcome Home | Katrina Gorry
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A/N: Hello, I'm alive. Sorry, I have been busy again with LSAT prep, work, and all that good stuff. Hope y'all enjoy it as much as I had writing it.
(20. And I… I still love you, even after all of this time) from here
Warnings: familial death, panic attack symptoms, mentions of homophobia from family
WC: 2551
November 2023 Sweden
The cold air nipped at my nose as I stood still in front of the gate leading to the home. 
My feet shifted in the snow with a crunch. My hands shook, from nerves, as I move to cover my chest more to protect her from the cold. The home in front of me was familiar yet so new to me. 
I look down at the door to the once loose gate.
“Huh…she did end up remembering how to fix the gate” I thought.
______________________________________________________________
February 2018, Utah
The bags of groceries hit the counter top with a thud as I yelled toward Katrina, who remained struggling to lock the front door.
“You know this wasn’t what I had planned for us for Valentine’s Day you know…but hey we can celebrate you finally joining me here!” 
The smile on my face remained as I started unpacking the groceries.
Katrina moved through the maze of boxes that littered her apartment before stopping to look into one.
“Yeah unpacking as much as possible and then dinner…has the announcement already been posted?” she started removing framed photos from the box.
I nod and follow with, “Yup, they shot down my suggestion for the caption…“Katrina ‘Mini’ Gorry to join Utah Royals FC to join her amazingly charming and beautiful partner, y/n l/n” 
My hand gestures exaggerating the sentence to get a laugh from Katrina as I carried on.
“Plus, this absolutely beats just a Facetime call date so I don’t mind doing this with you, cariño (dear)” 
Katrina puts down the photo frame of us together when we won the NWSL championship with FC Kansas City and heads to the kitchen and leans on the counter.
“I meant to ask, how’s your sister doing? She doin’ alright?” the question gently leaving her mouth as if preparing for any sort of bad news.
I snort, “Mariana is doing great, surprisingly. She’s back in Mexico and just taking some time off. She met someone and it seems like it’s going well. She said ‘hi’ by the way”. 
My little sister, Mariana, played for the Houston Dash until she had sustained an injury that completely took her out of the sport the last year. Her body was not responding to the treatments or physical therapy and, ultimately, she decided to retire. Mariana elected to go live in Mexico and stay with our grand parents now that she “had all the time in the world for the first time in her life”. 
Katrina looks at me confused but shakes it away, “Your sister is really something, toughest girl I’ve ever met”.
I laugh, “Yeah and me the complete opposite, which is why you are the bug killer in this relationship”. I say talking out the vegetables from the bag and placing it amongst the rest. 
With a shrug Katrina said, “Well, you pay me back in fixing things around the places I’ve lived in…by the way can you do me a favor? I, may have made the latch loose on backyard gate…again…can you tell me how to fix it…again?”
My eyes meet hers as I feign frustration…”Cariño, you’re going to have to remember because what if it breaks…again and Im not around. I don’t want creeps coming into your backyard because you can’t fix it…just this once I’ll do it for you ok”. 
I sigh and leave the groceries on the dinner table and head out the back but not before I lean down and give her a quick kiss on the lips…”God, what would you do without me?” I joke.
______________________________________________________________________
The gate quietly locks behind me with a click. I feel a stir under the rebozo (thick shawl) on my chest, I gently caress the top of her head through the shawl and the movement stops. I lift the top of the rebozo and see that she did remain asleep. 
I smile softly down and whisper. “She’ll be so excited to meet you”.
 I look back at the house and see the lights on within giving off a warm glow. I begin walking and look over at the, now, empty, painted pots that line the wall underneath the window. 
I frown a bit, “damn, guess the roses didn’t make it did they?” I thought. 
As I continued closer to the door I notice several more “artistic” looking pots with doodles and little H’s adorning each and every one of them. 
A smile returned to my face as the memory came back to me.
______________________________________________________________
February 2020, Norway
The sun peaked through the clouds as Katrina and I sat looking outside the window of her home in Norway. A small heater directed at me as I meticulously continued to paint a medium sized pot. 
I hadn’t noticed that Katrina had stopped painting her own and just watched me as I seemed lost in what I was doing. My tongue sticking out of the side of my mouth as my attention was fully on the project in front of me.
“You not worried about getting paint on your ring, darling?” she said gesturing her paintbrush towards my left hand.
I finish up one little detail on the sun that I had just painted before I looked over to the ring in question.
“Oh shit…totally forgot to take it off.” my hands wiping off any paint before delicately taking off the ring from my finger and handing it to Katrina.
“Hold it for me?” I quietly ask before she silently takes the ring and places in her front pocket joining hers. 
Katrina caught my attention before I could find myself back to painting the pot in front of me.
“How’s Mariana doing?” the tone still careful.
I nod, “Uh she is pregnant actually, set to get married soon. She said that she wasn’t going to have a big thing and just get married at the courthouse…she’s still sad she couldn't make it out to our wedding last Fall ”
Katrina’s eyes widen at the mention of pregnancy, “Oh she’s pregnant? Congratulations to her then…can I ask?”. I notice that she starts to fiddle with her paintbrush as I continued painting with mine.
“What’s on your mind cariño?” my attention fully on her as she sighs softly.
She puts down her brush and takes one of my hands in hers. 
“Remember when talked about kids?...I know that you didn’t want to carry because of fear and I said I would be happy to just only when I feel ready to…(y/n), I’ve been thinking and I think I’m ready to do it, there’s a lot of support with IVF here in Norway and I’ve done the research because I know that you worry and-” she stops once I squeeze her hand. She hadn’t noticed that my eyes were already filled with tears. 
“Cariño, there is absolutely nothing I would want more. I will try to be there for you as much as I can even if it means taking time off with Chelsea” I say now holding her hands tightly in mine.
Katrina, immediately, shakes her head, “hey you have been dreaming of playing for Chelsea since you were young…I can’t ask for you to leave in your first season with them”. 
I laugh a little as I clean my eyes and nose with a leftover napkin “fine you win…well I should buy more pots when our kid is around I want to make sure they have one too.”
We had started our lives together and we were making the step to make it bigger. I had intended, no matter how much money it was going to cost me, to fly to Norway on my free weekends to see Katrina through her pregnancy. 
However, COVID completely shut me off and away from Katrina. Through facetimes filled with my constant worrying of her getting sick while she was pregnant were frequent but not enough to sustain me. 
I had only seen her once or twice after following the strict travel restrictions and I was nothing but elated. 
Katrina had asked how my sister was doing. I had shared with her that Mariana delivered a healthy baby girl, Corey. However, the news did not carry the same lightness as before, the father of the child had left Mariana before Corey was born.
Disregarding Katrina’s protests, I took a bit of time off with Chelsea to just be with her when she finally gave birth to our little Harper. Mariana, joined me in crying over our little addition to the family telling Katrina that “Corey, can’t wait to meet her”. 
Katrina would go to the Brisbane Roar for a time, while I remained in England. Katrina and I were experts in the aspects of a long distance relationship, that didn’t stop my heart from aching from not seeing Harper.  Mariana would fill in those gaps as she would send video after video of her and Corey. Katrina would also fill my phone with pictures of our little Harper…
I wish I could just live in that moment again when my only worry was when would be the time I would see either of them.
______________________________________________________________
As I moved quietly to the front door, I stopped myself from knocking. I couldn’t just yet…I missed Katrina and I knew she missed me but it had been so long since I had seen her. I plopped down on the steps away from the door. 
I pulled Corey closer to me, and she, in turn, buried herself even more into my chest…I just needed a moment to myself. I was early so Katrina wouldn’t be expecting me and plus I was hidden away from the windows; away from any curious eyes.
My breath came out white as I sighed looking towards the gate in front of me. The last time I was here I was leaving…leaving for Mexico as soon as I heard the news. Chelsea received a rushed email stating that I would be unavailable until further notice and Katrina saw me frantically packing.
I, absentmindly, started to play with my ring finger always forgetting that there was no ring there to play with. Katrina should have been madder at me then.
______________________________________________________________
February 2022, Sweden
The soft glow of my phone filled the room before the default ringtone woke me up. I carefully reached over trying not to move Katrina as much as she was asleep against my chest. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes I look and see my grandmother was on the other line. 
My grandmother never called without notice opting to only call when she knew that I would be awake. I answer and interrupt her before she starts asking her to just give me a minute in as soft of whisper I could muster.
I quietly leave Katrina’s side, walk by Harper’s bed by our and into the corridor. A yawn escapes me as I finally prompt my abuela to continue with what she was calling about.
“Ah mi niña, tu hermana esta muy mala, le encontramos en el piso desmayada y quieria avisar le,creo que tu necesitas a venir a vistar la…no sabemos cuanto le falta” (Ah, my daughter, your sister is not doing well, we found her passed out and we wanted to let you know, I think that you need to come and visit her, we don’t know how much time she has left). 
I do not remember what I responded but it must have been something akin to “I’m headed there now” as I immediately went to my laptop and bought the first ticket there. I moved through our home with complete disregard of the noise I was making at 3:30 am nor I didn’t know I was crying until I felt Katrina’s arms around me, calmly, saying my name to bring me out of my panicked state. 
The clothes still bunched up in my hands as I broke down. “It’s Mariana” was all I could hiccup. Katrina rubbing my back as she led me out of the room to not wake Harper. 
“How is Mariana?” she whispered the careful tone still there. 
I shook my head as I continued, “she’s dying, I have to go to see her…I can’t be here…I-” I start breathing slowly to calm my self as Katrina held me, I hadn’t even noticed that we were sat on the ground, her hand running up and down my back.
She smiles and nods as she herself tries to keep the tears from falling, “You go, I will be ok with Harper here, I know how much Mariana means to you…she means a lot to me too. Go take care of her…just know that I will be here for you and I… I still love you, even after all of this time…all the times we have been apart…I love you. Mariana is lucky to have you as an older sister as I am to have you as my wife”
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November 2023, Sweden
I was gone more than a year, Mariana had passed a month after I had arrived in our parent’s small home town. My parents, estranged, would not be there. Definitely not for the daughter they thought would defend their homophobia when I came out to them but defended me fiercely to her last breath.
I handled everything from the funeral, looking after my grandparents and the caring of little Corey. I watched the world cup from the bar counter of little restaurant on the corner. Bouncing Corey on me knee as I watched my wife make history. 
Katrina kept my ring safe with her, I do not trust my aunts at all especially after the fall out I had with my mother. The final check off of my list was preparing for the adoption of Corey. Once she was, in all eyes of the law, my own daughter we said our goodbyes and headed back to Sweden...back to Katrina and Harper…back home.
I sighed as I rubbed my eyes when the cold breeze hit me. The door behind me opened and enveloped me in a warm glow. It took me a few moments to register Katrina’s arms around my neck as she nuzzled her way into hair whispering, “Welcome home”.
I leaned back into her still holding Corey ahead of me as I then heard the pitter patter of little feet and a little “Mama” was heard as another weight was added on my back.
I laughed for the first time in a while, “Hey you two, careful don’t want to crush Harper’s new big sister” I say getting up. 
The sleeping bundle now with open eyes was let loose and with renewed energy hugged Harper and ran into the home pulling her in to play leaving me with Katrina. 
She grabbed me and kissed me like it was the first time and grabbed my hand as we separated. 
“I think this belongs to you, darling” She said slipping the wedding ring onto my finger as I clasped her hand once she did. 
I bring her in close, “of course it does…I love you, cariño” her lips capturing mine. 
Now two little voices came from within the home, “Mama!”. We enter hand in hand with our new favorite little distractions.
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hardtchill · 2 years
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FYI that anon talking about Tobin and salary being a problem if she wants to go to ACFC is an l chat troll. They’ve spent hours this morning trolling about how ACFC don’t want her because she is “washed” and isn’t worth using their limited allocation money on. People have tried telling them that nwsl teams always pay under the table so the salary cap literally doesn’t matter, that Tobin won’t be getting a CP level contract, Reign can afford her and they have more big names players so acfc will have no problem paying her the same wage, and probably would rather compromise salary to live with her wifey but it’s no use lol. L chat trolls gonna troll.
Thanks, thankfully they sent another ask so i can block them.
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