Bea

🌸22🌸

[ring1er]

Winterhaven Academy┃Masterlist

Arch Manning x Reader︱Arch Manning AU

Arch and (Y/N)'s story. Little moments, firsts, and everything in between.

The Courtyard

⤷ the one where she watches

When He Noticed Her

⤷ the one where he notices her

Shrek Slippers and First Conversations

⤷ the one with first conversations

[ring1er]

Heatwave Crisis

Arch Manning x reader

Hi guysssss!!!! It’s been a while since I last posted and I’m sorry for that! Classes have been hectic. I have 2 semesters left before I graduate with my bachelors degree! I also have been going through some personal stuff and that has also contributed to me not posting.

Anywhoooo I had this thought for a babysitter au in my head for awhile and finally decided to write it down.

I haven't forgotten about the Winterhaven Academy Series. I just haven't had any inspiration for the next chapter.

So in the meantime here is this drabble that I hope you guys enjoy! And please comment what you think! I would love to hear your thoughts😁

Disclaimer: This is an Arch Manning AU, so most of the characters and ideas will be my own. This fic does not represent who Arch is in real life. Also, please excuse the grammatical errors.

I imagine both Arch and (Y/N) to be in their mid/late twenties in this fic!!

wc: 2354

(Y/N) can feel the sweat building up on the back of her neck as the sun shines down. The gentle breeze doing little to cool her down. But it's better than being inside the house. The A/C chose the hottest week in Texas to give out.

(Y/N)'s been babysitting for Arch for a couple of months now, ever since she came across the listing online. "URGENT! Babysitter needed for a one and six year old," the listing had read.

Arch's previous babysitter, Mary, had been around since Theo, his youngest, was born. The mother of his kids had left shortly after giving birth to Theo, saying she couldn't handle raising two kids. Blindsided and hurt, Arch spent the first couple of months nursing his heart while raising his two kids with the help of his parents. Arch knew his parents couldn't help him forever so he decided to hire a babysitter and that's when he met Mary.

However, Mary was moving to Alabama in a few weeks as her husband had gotten a new job, meaning she wouldn't be able to babysit for Arch anymore. Arch had been looking for a new babysitter to take her spot, but all the interviews had been a fail so far. The two kids, mostly Milo, the oldest, had grown attached to Mary, making it even harder for them to adjust to the idea of someone new stepping in.

And then came (Y/N).

(Y/N) had shown up with her resume, but she never even got a chance to hand it over before Arch hired her on the spot. His two boys had warmed up to her immediately, and seeing how easily they connected with her was enough for Arch to make the decision right then and there.

So now, fast forward six months, and here (Y/N) is, kicked back in a lawn chair, as she watches Milo run around the front lawn with a soccer ball while Theo sits in her lap, fingers in his mouth as he babbles about who knows what. For a one-year-old, Theo is all baby rolls and chubby cheeks. Both the boys have blue eyes and brown hair taking after their dad.

Usually, (Y/N) babysits the boys Mondays through Fridays from 7am-6pm. Arch gets Milo ready for school and drops him off on his way to practice, while (Y/N) stays with Theo. She picks Milo up from the bus stop and looks after both boys until Arch gets home from practice which is right before the boys' bedtime. Arch made a promise to himself that no matter what, he would make time for his kids, even with his busy schedule. He would be there in the mornings when the boys woke up and at night tucking them into bed.

However, Arch suffered an injury to his left foot four days ago and has been told by team doctors to stay off of it if he wants to get back on the field anytime soon. Since he's on crutches, he can't really look after the kids, so he's had (Y/N) stay over at their house until his foot heals.

Everything was going fine until the A/C decided to break Friday night. Now it's Saturday afternoon, and the repair technicians won't be able to come until Monday. So (Y/N) and the boys have decided to spend most of their time outside, trying to escape the heat inside.

Arch, who's been told to stay off his foot, is inside trying to fix the A/C, something he's been doing for a few hours now. With his limited mobility, he hasn't made any real progress. (Y/N) even offered to ask the neighbor for help, but Arch was adamant that he could fix it himself.

She could hear his grunts and him shuffling around on his crutches inside.

"Do you think dad will be able to fix the A/C?" Milo asks, coming to sit on the lawn chair with (Y/N). He's wearing shorts with dinosaurs on them and a white short sleeve shirt.

(Y/N) glances toward the house, hearing another frustrated thud from inside. "He's definitely trying his best," she says gently, brushing a bit of hair off Milo's forehead. She can feel the heat radiating off of him and after hearing another grunt from inside, she pauses.

That's it, she thinks.

She and Arch could handle the heat, but she was worried about the little ones.

Standing up from the lawn chair, (Y/N) hikes Theo onto her hip. "I'm gonna go ask Justin if he can help your dad fix the A/C," she says to Milo.

Her sandals slap against the pavement as she heads next door. Milo following close behind.

Giving three firm knocks, (Y/N) steps back and waits for the door to open. A few seconds later, it swings open, revealing Justin standing in the doorway. He's about 5'11, with shaggy brown hair, and looks to be close in age to both (Y/N) and Arch. (Y/N)'s met him a few times since she started babysitting for Arch.

"Hey, Justin! Our A/C gave out and their dad is trying to fix it but he has a foot injury and, well... he's been at it for a while and it's not really going anywhere. If you're not too busy, would you mind helping us out?" (Y/N) asks, offering a polite, hopeful smile. Milo also peeks out from behind her offering a similar smile.

"Yeah, sure I can take a look. Just give me a few mintues and I'll be over." Justin says smiling.

"Great! Thank you!" (Y/N) says as she and the boys head back towards the house.

A wave of heat hits the three of them as soon as they enter the Manning household.

Milo immediately breaks away, running toward his dad, who's still standing near the A/C unit leaning against the crutch under his left arm with a frustrated look on his face. Tools scattered around the floor.

"The neighbor's coming to help!"  Milo announces proudly.

Arch pauses, slowly turning his head towards his six your old. "The neighbor?" he repeats, like he's not sure he heard that right.

He then looks up at (Y/N), who has a sheepish look on her face. She's holding his youngest on her hip, her hair tied up, wearing a red summer dress and sandals. She's a little flushed from the heat, a few strands of hair sticking to her skin, but she still looks effortlessly beautiful to him.

Arch's frustration flickers for a second as his eyes land on her, then he clears his throat, glancing away like he's trying not to show it.

"Give me another hour and I'll have it fixed." Arch lets out.

(Y/N), Milo, and even Theo look at him unconvinced.

Milo tilts his head. "You said that an hour ago."

(Y/N) bites the inside of her cheek, trying not to smile.

Arch exhales through his nose, tightening his grip on the ranch he has in his hand. He's leaning against his crutch trying to stay off his injured foot as much as he can.

"Okay, fine. Two hours. But I'm close"

Milo leans towards (Y/N) and whispers loudly, "He's not close."

(Y/N) laughs and walks toward Arch. "It's supposed to get hotter tomorrow. I'm sure you can fix the A/C eventually, but Justin is kind enough to help. The sooner the A/C is fixed, the sooner you can rest and heal."

"And plus, Theo is like a space heater," (Y/N) says smushing her face against Theo's cheeks. "With all his baby rolls." (Y/N) had fallen in love with him and Milo the first moment she saw them.

"Don't call my baby fat," Arch says, pointing the ranch at her. "He's not fat. He's pure muscle, just like his dad," he adds, tickling Theo's feet.

"He's chunky," (Y/N) repeats, then pauses, trying not to laugh. "He's a chunky little baby."

"High muscle density. Stong genetics." Arch lets out.

Milo, who has been quietly listening, points at Theo. "He's also sticky."

"That's because you gave him juice earlier," (Y/N) says immediately.

Milo shrugs. "He liked it."

Theo babbles loudly in agreement, waving his little chubby hands like he's defending himself.

A knock at the front door breaks the conversation.

"That's probably Justin," (Y/N) says, already heading towards the front door.

She opens it to find him standing there with a toolbox in hand. "Hey! Heard you needed help with the A/C,"  he says with an easy grin.

"Come in," (Y/N) replies, stepping aside. "Sorry about the sauna you're about to step into."

She leads him through the house toward the A/C unit where Arch and Milo are still standing, catching the end of their conversation.

"What if we just opened the fridge? That would cool the house down," Milo says, his hands on his hip.

"That's not how it works, buddy," Arch says looking down at his son. 

"How do you know if you never tried it?" Milo squints.

Before Arch can respond to his son, (Y/N) and Justin walk in.

Justin raises a hand in greeting. "Hey man. Heard your A/C's been giving you trouble."

Arch leans slightly on his crutch, jaw tight. "Yeah. I had it under control."

"He did NOT have it under control." Milo says as Arch quickly covers his mouth with his hand. Six year olds really have no filter.

Justin sets his toolbox down, glancing over the unit. "Alright, let me take a look, see what we're dealing with."

Arch steps a little in front of the A/C, like he's blocking it. "Just so you know, I've already checked most of it."

Justin nods slowly. "Cool. I'll check what you missed."

Arch's eye twitches just slightly. If it wasn't for his kids and his injury, Arch would knock him straight out.

He never had a problem with Justin until (Y/N) started babysitting for him. Whenever she's out in the front lawn with the boys, Justin somehow always seems to "magically" appear. Arch isn't jealous or anything. At least that's what he tells himself. But that doesn't really line up with the way his stomach gets butterflies whenever (Y/N) is around.

Justin crouches down in front of the A/C and gives it a closer look, squinting slightly as he shines his phone flashlight.

After a few minutes, the A/C lets out a hum, then a steady rush of cold air hits.

(Y/N) lets a sigh of relief as cool air brushes over them.

"IT WORKED!" Milo lets out grinning. "Dad, he fixed it!"

Theo babbles in excitement, blowing raspberry's.

Arch looks down at Justin, trying to keep his expression neutral, but the relief is obvious in the way his shoulders loosen slightly. "Yeah... I see that."

"Oh, thank god. I really thought we would have to suffer until Monday." (Y/N) lets out before quickly shutting her mouth when she sees Arch's face.

"No offense," she adds quickly. "I totally believed you could fix it."

Arch looks at her unimpressed.

She quickly turns toward Justin. "Thank you, Justin! We really appreciate it," (Y/N) says, nudging Arch with her elbow, clearly trying to get him to say thank you as well.

Arch shifts slightly on his crutches, "Thanks," he mutters under his breath.

"Yeah. No problem. If you ever need help next time, let me know," Justin says casually, giving (Y/N) a quick wink as he stands up.

Before (Y/N) can respond, Arch cuts in.

"There will be no next time," he says, unamused.

"Alright, well, again, thank you." (Y/N) says again as she guides Justin towards the front door before Arch can add anything else.

"Have a good night."

Justin gives a small wave. "You too."

(Y/N) closes the door gently and heads back towards the boys.

Milo breaks the silence first. "Dad didn't like him."

Arch points at him. "Stop talking." 

"Dad was jealous."

"Milo!" Arch hisses.

"I'm just saying!" Milo says, holding his hands up in defense.

Arch points at the tools laying around and then at Milo. "Help me and put those away."

"You're trying the change the subject!" Says the six year old.

This kid, Arch thinks.

(Y/N) lets out a small laugh as she watches father and son bicker.

Adjusting Theo, she notices his face is squished gently against her shoulder, tiny breaths slow and steady. It seems the cool air lulled him to sleep.

"Okay, how about after you help your dad put away the tools, we order pizza and watch a movie before bedtime" (Y/N) suggets.

Milo pauses instantly.

"Any pizza?"

(Y/N) smiles. "Any pizza."

Milo turns back to the tools, "Okay, I'll help."

Arch exhales through his nose, shaking his head slightly as he starts gathering things with one hand while leaning on his crutches with the other.

While Milo and Arch clean up as best as a six-year-old and a man on crutches can, (Y/N) goes upstairs to put Theo to bed.

As she comes back down she meets Arch at the bottom of the stairs. Milo is already in the kitchen looking at the local pizza menu.

Arch looks at her for a second longer than usual. "He asleep?"

"Yeah," she nods. "Out cold."

"You okay?"

"Yeah," she says quietly.

"Thanks," he says after a moment. "For calling Justin over. I know it was... selfish of me not giving him a chance to fix it while you and the boys were dying from the heat."

(Y/N) softens. She knows Arch is used to doing things for himself. He's a single dad raising two boys, and there isn't really room in his life for waiting on someone else to step in or figure out when to hand things over.

"Sometimes it's okay to ask for help," (Y/N) says softly.

There's a pause as they look at each other.

Then (Y/N)'s mouth quirks up again, "I really did think you could fix it... until maybe you hit the three-hour mark."

Before Arch can respond, she quickly runs towards the kitchen.

Arch shakes his head grinning. From the kitchen he can hear Milo listing off what he wants on his pizza to.

For a moment Arch just listens. He thinks about how lucky he and the boys are that they have (Y/N) in their lives.

She handles the ups and downs of the Manning boys.  Always quick to smooth things over, to turn chaos into something manageable.

Even though she's only been babysitting for him for six months, Arch hopes she sticks around for longer. Because not only is she a great babysitter but she fits right into the choas of the Manning household.

[ring1er]

Shrek Slippers and First Conversations

Hiiii everyone! Thank you for all the support on my first two fics!!!!!!

I've decided to call this series Winterhaven Academy. I couldn't figure out another name lol so pls bear with me.

Anywaysssss here is part 3.

Arch and (Y/N) finally have their first conversation!!!!

Winterhaven Academy Masterlist

Disclaimer: This is an Arch Manning AU, so most of the characters and ideas will be my own. This fic does not represent who Arch is in real life. Also, this is still a WIP and there will be grammatical errors. I also don't know anything about football so there will be innacurate football terms.

wc: 1273

7-14. The scoreboard reads.

Arch grips the ball, eyes locking on Lorenzo, his wide receiver. Arch shifts his weight, reading the defense, and finds a narrow gap. 

He throws.

The ball soars, spinning in a perfect spiral. For a moment, it hangs there, suspended, as if time itself has paused. The stadium holds its breath. 

Then, as if guided by fate, the ball lands in Lorenzo's outstretched arms. He spins and runs toward the end zone, every step followed by the cheer of the crowd.

The buzzer beeps right as the scoreboard flashes:

15-14. 

The stadium erupts in cheers.

Arch exhales, finally letting the tension leave his body. The victory and the chaos around him sink in.

Teammates swarm Arch, slapping his helmet and shouting in excitement. He spots Lorenzo in the midst of the chaos, both of them grinning like they just found gold.

"You made that catch look easy! Showed 'em how it's done!" a teammate says, clapping Lorenzo on the back.

"Rivals are probably crying in their stands right now!" one teammate shouts.

Arch and Lorenzo share a wide grin, bumping fists, their energy feeding the team's excitement. 

"I set you up for the highlight reel." Arch smirks, ruffling Lorenzo's hair. 

"Highlight reel? Please."  Lorenzo laughs. "I caught it like a pro. You just threw it in my general direction." 

The locker room erupts as they enter. "Dynamic duo right here! Eagles don't stand a chance next week," someone shouts.

Arch quickly strips off his helmet and pads, tossing them onto the bench, his heart still racing from the game. 

While loosening his cleats, Lorenzo drops onto the bench next to him, grinning. "Connor's throwing a party. You coming, or are you too busy being a star?" 

"Nah, I'm gonna sit this one out. I just want to relax for a bit. No parties, no noise, just some quiet." 

"Suit yourself. But you're missing out. This one's going down in history." Jumping to his feet, Lorenzo flicks Arch lightly with his towel before striding off.

Arch watches him go, a small smile tugging at his lips, enjoying the chaos around him and the quiet he's claimed for himself. 

Exiting the locker room with a duffel bag slung over his shoulder, he heads back to his dorm, the echoes of his teammates fading behind him.

The cobblestone paths of the Academy courtyard are quiet, grass swaying gently in the breeze. 

He spots movement to his right and his gaze lands on (Y/N). 

She's sitting alone at one of the courtyard tables. The glow from her laptop illuminates her face as her fingers fly across the keys. One earbud is tucked in, the other free, and her head bobs slightly to the rhythm of music only she can hear. She's completely absorbed, unaware of the world around her. Unaware that someone else had stepped into the courtyard.

He's been sitting next to her in English for months now, and except for the one time he asked to borrow a pencil, they've never spoken. Every day, he's tried to work up the courage to talk to her, but he's never gotten the chance.

Now here she is. His chest tightens and he swallows nervously. This is it.

He takes a step forward, then stops. His hands tighten on the strap of his duffel bag. No backing out now. You've waited too long.

He clears his throat. "Uh... hi." 

(Y/N) looks up, startled, blinking up at him as she pulls her earbud out. "Oh... hi," she says softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She wasn't expecting anyone to be here. She figured most of the students would still be at the stadium or out celebrating the game.

Arch shifts his weight, suddenly feeling ten times more nervous than he ever does before a game. "I'm Arch. Um... we sit next to each other in English."

"I know who you are Arch." (Y/N) says, a quiet giggle slipping out.

For a second, he just stares at her.

She knows who I am?

In class, she's focused on her notes, on the teacher. She's never once looked at him. Or at least he thought she hadn't.

Heat creeps up his neck. "Right. Yeah. That was..." He rubs the back of his neck. "That was stupid."

She smiles, shaking her head. "No. It was... formal."

He rubs the back of his neck, trying to steady his breathing. She knows who I am. She noticed me. She giggled.

"I just figured you didn't,” he admits.

"Didn't what?"

"Know who I was." He shrugs, trying to play it off. "You're always... focused."

(Y/N) tilts her head slightly. "Arch, you asked me for a pencil and then spent the rest of class tapping it against your notebook."

His stomach drops.

"You noticed that?" He blurts.

She smiles again, softer this time. "It was a little distracting."

There's a small pause before she adds, almost amused, "You’re kind of hard not to notice." 

He blinks. "Because I tap pencils?"

(Y/N) lets out a quiet laugh. "Because you're starting quarterback. The whole campus talks about you... pretty, sure even the cafeteria lady knows your name."

Oh. 

For months, he'd convinced himself she didn't see him at all. 

She leans back slightly, smiling softly. "By the way... I'm (Y/N), in case you didn't know." 

"Yeah... I know,” he blurts out before he can stop himself. "I mean... I know your name. Of course I do." 

She tilts her head, eyebrow raised. "Of course you do?"

"I... uh..." he stammers, rubbing the back of his neck, cheeks heating. "I've seen you... write your name in class."

(Y/N) notices the duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He's dressed in black Nike sweats and a hoodie with the Academy logo on it. His brown hair freshly washed.

"How was the game?" she says, tilting her head slightly.

Arch shifts his weight. "Yeah... it was good. Won by one point, but it was good."

She nods, a faint smile on her lips. "Sounds intense. Must've been crazy out there."

"Yeah... crowds and cheering and... " he trails off, remembering the roar of the stadium when they scored the winning touchdown.

"You didn't go?"  He asks, trying to keep his tone casual.

"I don't really know too much about football. And big crowds aren't really my thing." (Y/N) says sheepishly. 

"I can teach you." He blurts out. 

"Teach me?" 

"Yeah. I mean I can explain the rules, the plays... I know a little bit of football myself." He says, letting a small smirk slip.

She laughs softly, shaking her head. "Alright Coach Manning. Maybe I'll take you up on that sometime."

Arch grins, feeling the warmth in his chest. "It's a deal. You'll be a pro in no time." 

I can just imagine her in my jersey cheering me on in the stands.

For a moment, neither of them moves, the courtyard quiet around them. 

"Uh... it's getting late,” he says. "You heading back to your dorm?"

She nods, shutting her laptop. "Yeah... I should probably get going."

"I'll see you in class tomorrow, yeah?" 

"Yeah. See you, Arch," she says, offering a shy wave.

Arch watches her walk away. The hanging lights cast a soft glow across the courtyard. Her steps are light and he just takes her in. His eyes catch a flash of green peeking out from her pajama bottoms. 

Arch snickers at her choice of slippers... Shrek slippers.

Laughing to himself, he turns and heads toward his dorm, a little bounce in his step. Their first real conversation... and somehow, he didn't completely embarrass himself. 

Not bad, Arch. Not bad at all.

[ring1er]

When He Noticed Her

Arch Manning x Reader

Hi guys! I should really be studying rn but I'm too caught up in Arch and (Y/N)'s story.

This is part 2 of The Courtyard or can be read as a standalone. I'm thinking of doing like a mini series following Arch and (Y/N)'s story. Little moments, firsts, and everything in between.

Please comment your thoughts! I would love to know what you guys think!

Disclaimer: This is an Arch Manning AU, so most of the characters and ideas will be my own. This fic does not represent who Arch is in real life. Also, this is still a WIP and there will be grammatical errors.

wc: 1172

"Can I borrow a pencil?"

Too focused on taking notes, (Y/N) doesn't hear the whisper until a gentle nudge brings her back to reality. Turning to her left, (Y/N) notices a guy with blue eyes looking at her with one brown eyebrow raised. 

"I didn't mean to startle you. I was just wondering if I could borrow a pencil."  The blue-eyed boy says, pointing to (Y/N)'s perfectly organized desk. Her notebook lies open in front of her, pages filled with neat lecture notes. Four sharpened pencils line the top left corner of her desk, each one precisely aligned with the next. On the right, highlighters are arranged beside matching colored sticky notes, everything placed with careful intention.

(Y/N) looks at him, then back down at her desk. After a brief hesitation, she picks up one of the carefully sharpened pencils and holds it out to the stranger.

"Here you go," she says softly. 

"Thanks,” Arch says, taking the pencil. A quiet laugh slips from him when he notices it's pink. 

It isn't the first time he's noticed her.

He first saw (Y/N) at the Academy library late one afternoon last semester. Classes had wrapped up and most students were either back in their dorms, lingering in the library, or getting ready for whatever party was happening that night. Arch and his friends were stuck in the library finishing up their economics project. Between classes and football, he barely had time to keep up with homework. Practices ran late and by the time he would make it back to his dorm, he was too exhausted to even think about homework. 

But that day, across the library, he noticed her. 

Alone. Focused. Completely in her own world.

She was hovered over a textbook, a small stack of others piled beside her. Her hair hung loose, brushing softly against her shoulders as she leaned forward, fully absorbed in whatever she was reading. She wore the same Academy uniform as everyone else. A white-button down tucked into a navy-blue skirt. White Cortez shoes paired with frilly white socks peeked out beneath the desk. 

It was simple. 

But she made it look effortless. 

And somehow, he hasn't stopped noticing her since. 

He sees her at the campus café every morning before she heads to class. 

He sees her in the courtyard after classes finish, always hanging out with that one girl whose hair seems to be dyed a different color every month. 

He sees her in the hallways, head slightly ducked, minding her own business as the noise of the Academy echoes around her. 

He sees her in the few classes they share, her desk perfectly organized, pencils lined up with quiet precision. 

He sees her everywhere. 

And she never once seems to see him.

He won't admit it, but it gets on his nerves a little. 

He's Arch Manning. Star quarterback, number-one prospect for the NFL. He has both girls and boys falling at his feet. Attention has never been something he's had to work for.

But the one girl that's always on his mind?

She doesn't even seem to notice him.

She doesn't look at him twice in the hallway. Doesn't linger when he walks into class. Doesn't giggle with her friends when he passes by. 

It's irritating.

Confusing.

And maybe that's exactly why he's so intrigued by her.

Fall semester had just started when he spotted (Y/N) in his English class, sitting in the back of the lecture hall. 

As usual, everything in front of her was neatly laid out. The girl she was always with was sat to her right, her hair a vibrant pink this month. The seat next to (Y/N) was empty and he thought this was finally his chance. He walks up the steps of the lecture hall, students already scattered across, chatting in low voices.

Lorenzo sits in the third row. Arch offers him a quick fist bump before passing him.

Arch and Lorenzo have been best friends since the fourth grade. Their dads were best friends too, before Lorenzo's dad passed away during their senior year of high school. They've have gone through many highs and lows with each other. There isn't anyone who knows Arch better than Lorenzo. 

So when Arch walks right past their usual seats and continues up the steps, Lorenzo doesn't have to ask where he's going.

He's used to girls flocking Arch. Used to him bringing them back to their shared dorm. But since last semester, that's changed. And Lorenzo thinks it has to do with the girl Arch is always eyeing in the halls. 

Reaching the fifth row, Arch slides into the open seat next to (Y/N). A soft vanilla scent hits his nose. Of course she smells like vanilla.

She and her friend are engrossed in their conversation that they don't even notice the 6'4" stranger settling in beside them.

Honestly, it hurts his ego a little. Everyone notices him when he walks into a room, except the girl who’s been on his mind as of late.

He thought that by sitting right next to her, she would finally notice him. That maybe he'd finally be able to get a chance to say hi. It was almost pathetic to think that Arch Manning, the guy everyone on campus seemed to worship, the one who could effortlessly flirt with any girl, was struggling to just introduce himself to the girl sitting next to him.

Before he has a chance to wallow, the professor starts the lecture. Students quiet down as they pull their attention to the front. 

Arch pulls out a notebook from his bag, his mind coming up with a plan to talk to (Y/N). He could ask her for a pencil. It's simple, harmless, and his best shot at starting a conversation. Before he can overthink it, he turns to (Y/N). She's taking notes like the page might run away. 

Leaning in just enough, he lowers his voice. “Can I borrow a pencil?"

His ego is already bruised from her not noticing him, and it takes another hit when she doesn't even hear his question.

He decides to nudge her gently with his elbow, which seems to finally get her attention. She jumps slightly in her seat before turning to look at Arch. They lock eyes and finally he can see her big, doe-like eyes up close. He's imagined every scenario in his head about how their first conversation would go and him asking her for a pencil is the lamest one. But it doesn't matter because he finally has her attention.

She hands him one of her pink pencils and offers him a soft smile. Arch practically melts on the spot. He's a football player for god's sake. He's been tackled by guys twice his size, played through injuries, even dealt with concussions. 

But her smile? 

That's the one thing that might actually take him down.

(Y/N) doesn't know it yet, but this simple exchange is about to turn her world upside down. And Arch never plays to lose.

[ring1er]

that was so good! can we get a part 2?

I’m so glad you liked it! I was thinking about doing like a mini series so be on the look out!

[ring1er]

The Courtyard

Arch Manning x Reader

Hi guys! My name is Bea and this is my first ever post! I've had this idea in my head for awhile and finally had the guts to post it. This is still a wip and there will be grammatical errors, but I hope you still enjoy.

This is an Arch Manning AU, so most of the characters and ideas will be my own. The story of Arch and (Y/N) will be told through the eyes of, Sydney, a character I created. Also, this fic does not represent who Arch is in real life. I'm trying to give him a "I don't care about anyone but her" vibe.

Please let me know what you guys think!

wc: 1032

"You must be Sydney."

Startled, Sydney turns to the stranger behind her. She’s wearing the same academy uniform. A white button-down and a navy-blue skirt, but while Sydney paired hers with white Converse, the stranger added a silver chain belt to her skirt and opted for black Doc Martens.

"Yeah. How'd you know?" Sydney lets out sarcastically. Since arriving at the Academy, she's felt like a fish out of water, navigating a new school, new schedule, and new faces. She's sure everyone has noticed her as the new girl. 

A slight laugh passes Arlene's lips. Her hair, dyed a dark purple this month, whips from the light breeze, the ends tickling her shoulder. 

"We don't often get new students after the enrollment period ends. And, plus, you've tied your tie wrong." Arlene laughs.

Sydney glances down at her navy-blue tie and winces. "Great, everyone knows I'm the new girl, but now they'll know me as the new girl who doesn't even know how to tie a tie."

"Here. I've got it." Arlene reaches forward to fix Sydney's tie evening out the two ends.

"There. Now you look like the new girl who can tie a tie." Arlene says while stepping back. 

"Thanks. I've never had to wear a school uniform before. I thought it was only in the movies." Truth be told, Sydney really did think people only wore school uniforms in movies. Transferring to the Academy had thrown Sydney into a whirlwind of new rules, rigid schedules, and traditions that seemed as old as the building itself.

"Well, it's my job as a Student Guide. I'm supposed to help you settle in and make sure you have all your things before you get thrown into the deep end."  Arlene says as she pulls out a binder from her leather bag. 

"Now, let's get started on the tour. The Academy is like a maze with hallways that all somehow look the same."

For the next 2 hours Arlene gives Sydney a tour of the Academy and fills her in with all the events and activities that go on.

"And that concludes the end of the tour. My feet officially quit." Arlene lets out a whine while taking a seat on one of the benches in the courtyard. It's now 5pm and most students have headed back to their dorms, with a few still lingering around. The courtyard is centered in the middle of the Academy, a cobblestone path cutting straight through the center with manicured grass lining either side. Tables are scattered across, along with open spaces for students to relax with friends.

"I appreciate you showing me around. Though I'll probably still end up lost."  Sydney laughs, while taking a seat next to the purple haired girl. Before she can say anything else the doors to the courtyard open.

A tall, 6'4" guy walks down the steps of the courtyard carrying what looks like a duffel bag full of football equipment. He has ashy brown hair and blue eyes. His white-button down clings to his chest and arms, while his navy-blue slacks strain slightly over his muscular thighs. The way he walks exudes confidence, like he belongs in a world no one else can enter. 

"Oh, yeah. I forgot one more thing to mention during the tour." Arlene whispers. "That's Arch Manning. The Academy's star quarterback. I would steer clear of him. Sure, he's handsome and a damn good football player, but he's an arrogant prick." 

Sydney watches him as he stops at a table right across from them, filled with what she assumes are other football players. The guy's fist bump and pat him on the back. She catches the tail end of their conversation, "Great game last night, bro. With a throw like that, we'll be winning championship this year." As the rest of the guys continue to rave about last night's game, Sydney notices Arch looking elsewhere.  

At the far end of the courtyard sits a girl. A textbook lies open to her left and her eyebrows are scrunched as she scribbles furiously. The wind blows her hair and she seems lost in her own world, unaware of anyone around her. Unaware of the way Arch Manning looks at her with soft eyes.

Arch quietly says bye to his friends and makes way to the end of the courtyard where the girl sits.

Arlene also watching everything unfold says, "That's (Y/N). She's a star student around here. Nose always buried in a book and always studying. She's so quiet you won't even know she's in the room with you. Anddd... she's one of my best friends. This place is full of snobby, stuck-up people who can't tell the difference between their left and right. But (Y/N)? She's good people. The sweetest person you'll ever meet. Honestly, she makes this shithole a little bearable for me." 

"Like I said, Arch Manning can be an arrogant prick, but he goes completely soft around her. No one knows what's going on between them. She tells me they're just friends, and I believe her. I love her to death, but she can be so oblivious to the way Arch looks at her." Arlene says while looking at them.

Arch sets his duffel bag down near the table as he smiles down at (Y/N). She stops her scribbling and gives Arch a shy smile. He says something softly to her, and she nods, her cheeks heating up, before packing up her things. 

Sydney watches as Arch guides (Y/N) out of the courtyard, his hand hovering over her back, like he wants to touch her but holds himself back.

"I better head back to my dorm. I have a paper due tomorrow. I'll meet up with you tomorrow morning and I can walk you to your class." Arlene says as she stands up, swinging her leather bag over her shoulder. 

Blinking herself back to reality from her lingering thoughts about Arch and (Y/N), Sydney thanks Arlene for the tour again and says goodnight to her before heading to her own dorm. 

"Oh, I forgot to say!" Arlene stops in the middle of the courtyard, turning back to Sydney and shouting, "Welcome to Winterhaven Academy!"