Okay tonight I have to finish my Greek things. I just gotta. I’ve read the story; I need to just write a summary + some reflections on it. It’s 150-200 words; I think. A lot of those I can just pull straight out of the story. + then say some things abt it. It’ll be easy. And then tomorrow and Wednesday morning I will write my Arth paper. Which. That I have not left enough time for. But it’ll be fine. Tbh I wrote the last one in a day, so.
Hey I just met you and this is crazy but I'm pregnant and it's your ba-- oh you're married.
Fuck.
That modern AU (featuring polyamory and trans!Rumi) where Zoey and Rumi are stuck working together, both away from where they normally live now staying in air B&B's and hotels while they're on a project. It's how they meet.
Where hook ups happen and it's just casual sex blowing off steam after work here and there. No feelings, nope none at all that's not happening. Rumi back to the city she normally lives in and it's fine.
Then oops um unplanned pregnancy and terribly timed realization of feelings, Zoey going to confess to both feelings and pregnancy, but it's not Rumi who opens the door at her rental it's uh her wife? Her really very amazingly gorgeous wife who's holding their toddler who might just be the most adorable toddler Zoey's ever seen in her life.
Fuck.
Okay apparently she missed some information here that she learns rapidly about open relationships as even Mira chastises Rumi for not talking through EVERYTHING before starting anything with anyone and offers Zoey something to drink.
Zoey, deciding the right and proper good thing to do with all of this is to tell the truth to just hide the fact she's pregnant for now, lie through her teeth and go about her life. It's not like they'll all be in the same town for long right?
Right.
And even if they DO happen to be in the same place for a long time and even if she IS falling head over heels for both of them and they are all hanging out together all the time it's not like it MEANS anything. She's just a-- a friends with benefits duh. Maybe just a normal friend.
There's absolutely no way they might feel the same way about her, that'd be crazy.
Her telling anyone anything about paternity's just going to ruin everyone's life so it's just her and the bat ("I can nickname my kid what I want. And it's currently hanging upside down in the dark for the next few months so bat.") for the foreseeable future and that's totally gonna kill her break her heart be okay.
Featuring idiots who don't do math and it genuinely does not occur to Rumi (who is grouchy, and sulky, and possessive as fuck) that Zoey's baby might be hers cause duh they used protection and it was just 'casual' so that means Zoey probably dated other people and all.
Mira, coming up with excuses to hang around their job, get Zoey over to their place, spend any time at all with Zoey because oh shit no she's cute, and funny.
(Including volunteering handmedowns and pregnancy advice with only a little less jealousy than Rumi shows.)
Rumi, about two steps away from punching the next male presenting person to smile at Zoey or be smiled at by Zoey because she's jealous (of herself unknowingly) and her 15 step plan to convince Zoey into a triad is apparently not working damn it.
Optionally, a third party being the one to do the math first. Like Celine, at toddler's birthday party, working out 1) when Rumi and Zoey met and 2) just when Zoey's due. but NOT realizing Rumi and Mira have no fucking clue.
[Truly though you could switch out Zoey and Rumi role wise and it'd still work in the best way because they're both just that level of thinking that they're too much or not loved 'in that way' when they are and overthinking the little details while not seeing the big picture. Mira's too aware to just 'yeah I'm hiding who's baby this is' about things. She's gotta be our smart one.]
In the beginning, you tried to ignore it , chalking it up to Uzair’s pettiness after a fight, believing he’d be fine in a couple of days if you just let it be.
That was until it settled into the walls of the house.
At first, it had felt obvious.
His anger was glaringly visible , so much so that Ulfat Bhabhi pulled you aside to ask what had happened. You couldn’t bring yourself to tell her.
It was sharp. Noticeable. Something you could point at.
But then it became quieter , and somehow, a lot more dangerous.
Because it had become normal.
His anger had become your routine.
Uzair Baloch still picked you up from college every day.
Still stood by the car.
Still opened the passenger door , but now he did it without looking at you.
“Chalein?”
(Shall we go?)
He said it in the same gruff tone he usually used with his men , one he had never used with you before. Not before the fight.
“Haan.”
(Yeah.)
You felt miserably awkward around him, unable to express anything except a quiet, lingering disappointment at the state of your now , ruined friendship.
No teasing.
No lingering conversations.
No “aaj kya hua.”
Just silence.
And the worst part?
You had started getting used to it.
The house stayed the same.
And yet, everything had changed.
Rishta after rishta.
Call after call.
Names you didn’t care about. Families you didn’t know.
Rehman Bhai seemed to have doubled his efforts to get Uzair married but that only seemed to make things worse between them
And in the end, all Uzair ever said to him was…
“Nahi.”
(No.)
And every time Rehman Bhai asked
“Kyun?”
(Why?)
“Bas.”
(Just like that.)
“Har baar ‘bas’ nahi hota. Reason hota hai.”
(It’s not always just “because.” There’s a reason.)
“Mann nahi hai.”
(I don’t feel like it.)
And that was the end of it. The same conversation over and over.
Rehman and Uzair barely spoke without arguing , every new rishta ending with a more irritated refusal from Uzair and growing frustration from Rehman bhai.
Until one week...
Rehman bhai stopped asking Uzair to marry.
It was like a switch flipped.
He no longer mentioned marriage around him.
Things became… less tense.
Uzair still didn’t soften around you, but he seemed more relaxed now that Rehman bhai and Ulfat bhabhi weren’t presenting a new woman every time he walked through the door.
But you should have known...
Peace never lasted long in the Baloch household.
You were in the study when Rehman bhai called you in.
“Baitho.”
(Sit.)
He didn’t look angry.
Just… tired.
He had been looking more tired these days.
“Tumhari age kya hai ab?”
(How old are you now?)
You frowned slightly.
“Aapko pata hai.”
(You know that.)
He ignored that, as if preparing to launch into something serious.
“Zindagi rukti nahi hai. Samjhi tum?”
(Life doesn’t stop. Do you understand?)
You stayed quiet.
You had a feeling where this was going and you knew it wasn’t going to end well....
“Main chahta hoon tumhara future secure ho. Tumhara apna ghar ho. Apni zindagi ho.”
(I want your future to be secure. You should have your own home. Your own life.)
That word again.
Apna.
It always stung.
When you had first moved in with the Balochs, you had always felt like an intruder , a voyeur looking through a window, craving the kind of love and warmth that could only come from something truly your own.
They had never let you lack anything.
But a stubborn, traitorous part of you had always seen their care as something… borrowed.
Something owed to your father. Not to you. Given to you as a consolation for his death not out of true familial affection
“Yeh ghar mera nahi hai?”
(This house isn’t mine?)
You couldn’t keep the pain out of your voice.
That made him pause.
“Hai. Lekin hamesha nahi rahega. Tumhe pata hai mera woh matlab nahi hai. Tum meri beti jaisi ho… par har baap ko kabhi na kabhi apni beti deni hi padti hai. Unke bhale ke liye.”
(It is. But not forever. You know that’s not what I mean. You’re like a daughter to me… but every father has to give his daughter away someday. For her own good.)
Silence settled between you.
When you didn’t respond, he said, a little awkwardly.
“Kal koi aa raha hai. Bas mil lo.”
(Someone is coming tomorrow. Just meet him.)
You hesitated.
Then nodded.
“Theek hai.”
(Okay.)
In truth, the idea of marrying a stranger scared you.
You had grown up around gangsters and politicians , neither known for treating their wives well.
Rehman bhai was a rare exception.
Seeing him with Ulfat bhabhi often made you feel painfully single , but you weren’t naive enough to think every man would be like him.
You knew better.
The worst men were often the most charming in public.
And yet…
You couldn’t live on his charity forever.
The house was quieter than usual that evening.
Not loud with laughter.
But controlled.
Careful.
Ulfat Bhabhi stood behind you, adjusting your dupatta.
“Nervous ho?”
(Are you nervous?)
“Thoda.”
(A little.)
She smiled softly....that gentle, motherly smile that eased something in your chest.
“Achha hai. Matlab serious ho.”
(That’s good. It means you’re taking it seriously.)
You didn’t respond.
Because you weren’t sure you were. You could hear the sound of men laughing in the living room before Rehman Bhai’s voice rang out.
“Aao.”
(Come.)
Rehman bhai gestured you forward.
“Yeh Yusuf Jamali hai. Jameel Jamali ka bhatija.”
(This is Yusuf Jamali. Jameel Jamali’s nephew.)
Yusuf Jamali stood up immediately.
“Assalamualaikum.”
(Peace be upon you.)
“Waalaikum assalam.”
He was… put together.
Too put together.
A polished burger baccha.
You could almost hear Uzair saying it with that signature mocking smirk he often displayed back when you were actually friends with him.
“Maine aapke baare mein kaafi suna hai.”
(I’ve heard a lot about you.)
You tried to smile, but it came out slightly awkward.
“Achha ya bura?”
(Good or bad?)
A polite smile.
“Mostly impressive.”
You forced a small smile.
He awkwardly began his introduction almost as if it were a job interview... perhaps Uzair wasn’t wrong when he said it was like a job interview.
“Main US mein tha kaafi saalon tak. Business management. Ab family business expand kar raha hoon yahan.”
(I was in the US for several years. Business management. Now expanding the family business here.)
“Pakistan adjust karna mushkil nahi lag raha?”
(Is adjusting to Pakistan difficult?)
“Adjustment mindset pe hota hai. Environment pe nahi.”
(Adjustment depends on mindset, not the environment.)
You nodded. It was beginning to feel more and more like a job interview by the minute
“Kyun? Kya problem hai us ladke se?”
(Why? What’s your problem with that boy?)
“Mujhe woh pasand nahi hai.”
(I don’t like him.)
“Reason?”
Silence.
You spoke quietly , not wanting another fight to break out between the two
“Main ek baar aur mil leti hoon.”
(I’ll meet him once more.)
That did it.
Rehman relaxed.
But Uzair...
He stood up.
Chair scraping loudly.
“Theek hai. Kar lo.”
(Fine. Do it.)
And walked away. He walked away from the table but for some reason it felt like he was walking away from you.
You lay awake that night.
That look on his face…
It wouldn’t leave you.
So you went looking for him.
And found him.
On the balcony.
Cigarette in hand.
Smoke curling into the night.
A faint smell of alcohol in the air.
He was drunk.
Usually, he would have hidden it. The Baloch men didn’t drink or smoke around you or Ulfat bhabhi for the most part. The only exception being events and stressful situations.
Tonight…
He didn’t.
“Ab chhupana band kar diya?”
(Stopped hiding it now?)
He didn’t answer.
So you tried again.
“Tumhe kya problem hai?”
(What is your problem?)
“Tumhe shaadi ki itni jaldi kyun hai?”
(Why are you in such a hurry to get married?)
You hesitated. How do you explain to someone that you felt like a debtor in what was supposed to be your home? How do you explain the want to take the burden of Rehman bhai’s shoulders? You couldn’t tell him
Then...
“Kyuki main akeli feel karti hoon. Bas itni si baat hai”
(Because I feel alone. That’s it)
Silence.
Then…
A sharp laugh almost cruel…mocking. So far from his usual warm laughter that it almost surprised you
“Toh tum apni life ka decision loneliness pe logi?”
(So you’ll base your life decision on loneliness?)
“At least main try toh kar rahi hoon!” You felt annoyance at his mocking tone.
(At least I’m trying!)
“Galat cheez try kar rahi ho!” The frustration in his voice was evident
(You’re trying the wrong thing!)
“Tumhe kya farak padta hai?!” You looked up at him angrily pointing a finger at his chest.
(Why does it matter to you?!)
He caught your wrist in a firm grip and then…he shouted at you for the first time since you’d known him…
“Padta hai! Bohot padta hai! Kyuki main tumse mohabbat karta hoon, pagal aurat!”
(It matters! It matters a lot! Because I’m in love with you, you crazy woman!)
Everything stopped.
The kiss came suddenly.
Rough.
Emotional.
Uzair held you like you were his entire world , the desperation of a man drowning, clinging to the only thing keeping him alive.
You could feel the longing almost as if he was trying to cement you to his side by kissing you. You felt yourself relax into his arms...melt into the kiss.
You were lost in the kiss.....You were lost in him.
Par kya kaare , tumhaari zindagi bhi aasan nahi hai...
Because just then...
“Yeh kya ho raha hai?!”
(What is happening here?!)
This is a rewriting of my fic “i like it here when it’s just us two” Not proofreading, and I hope you like it!
————————————————————————
“Please, baby, all I wanna do is watch you.” Paige whines, nearly tearing up looking up at me from the floor, through the crack in the bathroom door.
“Paige, sweetie, I have to actually shower at some point. Whenever you’re in there with me, I never end up actually getting clean and just have to get up early anyways. Go to bed and I’ll be there in a bit.”
I think I hear her stand and plod away, so I make light of the situation and attempt to complete my shower routine efficiently. As I’m lathering in my shampoo, I swear I hear the door creak open.
“Paige? Is that you?” I call, mostly to myself but also to my debilitating fear of a murderer catching me in the shower with my eyes closed.
“Uh, yeah, it is,” she answers. At least it’s not a murderer. Just my girlfriend, who must be having an episode because she is being annoyingly clingy at present time.
“And what, exactly, are you doing?” Somehow, I know she’s not just innocently passing through.
“Nothing.” I hear her, and see her silhouette through the glass sliding shower door, moving to kneel, yet again, and presumably nag me for something. “Since I’m doing nothing so well, can I come in? Please? Please? Please?”
“No.”
“Can I open the door?”
“No.”
“Just a crack?”
“No.” At this exact moment, I drop my bottle of body wash onto the ground, making a dramatically loud crash. Paige reaches up, while remaining on her knees, to open the door.
“Are you okay, baby? You didn’t fall, right? You’re fine?” She asks, inquiring purely as a performance, because she can literally see me through the frosted glass anyways.
“Yes. I fell, horribly,” I deadpan, glancing down at her, unamused.
“How about I come in there and make you feel better,” she asks, because she’s incorrigible.
“How about you shut the shower door and get yourself off, since you’re so eager?” I snap back, hoping she’ll give up and wait for me in bed. What I don’t expect her to do is slide the glass door shut, spread her legs, and start rubbing herself through her boxers.
“I really wish this was you, instead,” she pouts, tugging her waistband out and slipping her hand inside.
“I’m almost done in here, sweetie, so you’d better hurry up, because if you don’t get off before I get out, you won’t get off, period.” I tut, lathering soap onto my body. She gasps a bit, and quickens the pace of her hand, letting out intermittent whimpers as she tries to hurry her orgasm along. I rinse myself and turn off the shower, just as she’s about to reach her peak. “Baby.”
“Oh, no, no, no! I’m done, I’m done, I’m doing it now,” she tries to plead, as I reach down and pull her hand up. I bring it to my own lips, suckling on each individual digit.
“Stand up, Paigey. You can get me off now, if you want.” She stands, leaning on me and burrowing into my neck, lapping at the juncture of my collarbone. I hear her whimper, as if she’s touching herself instead of wrapping a hand lightly around my waist. She shuffles behind me as I move us towards my bed, removing her fingers from my mouth. I sit down at the edge of the bed, letting my legs dangle off, and push her to the ground. “Now, tell me why you should get to eat me?” I chide.
“Please, because I wanna make you feel good, please,” she begs, resting a hand on my thigh and kissing at my kneecap. I take her face in my hand, pushing a thumb into her mouth.
“You beg so nice, for someone who doesn’t listen, baby. You’re gonna need to try harder.” I pull my hand away. She pulls away from me, crossing her arms behind her back, looking the absolute portrait of submission.
“I’ll be so good for you, make you feel so good, I’ll go to bed aching just to make sure that you feel good, all I wanna do is be good, please please please let me be good,” she pleads, grinding slightly against herself, and the floor as she watches my reaction.
“Go on, baby. But don’t use your hands. I like how you look with them behind your back.” I let my head roll back as she licks at my cunt, lapping at it like she’s been starved. I rake my fingers through her hair, and she groans, causing a vibration through my clit. I cry out slightly, as a warning, and cum all over her face. She sits back, grinning in sheer bliss.
“I love doing that,” she breathes, standing up to clean herself, and bringing back a warm, damp cloth for me. I look at her nude form, and notice the stickiness between her legs.
“Oh sweetie, if you come over here, I can take care of you, too,” I coo, coaxing her into my arms.
“Uh, that’s fine, I kinda, already came? While I was eating you out? You’re just so hot when you cum and please don’t be mad at me because you said I couldn’t but I just couldn’t help it and-“ I cut her off, pressing my lips to hers and slipping my tongue into her mouth. I watch her eyes glaze over and droop as I maneuver us to the head of the bed, and lean against the pillows. Paige tugs the blankets up to her chin, and curls into my chest, nearly asleep already. “Love you,” I whisper, kissing her hair.
Summary: For three years, Arsenal vice-captain YN has been Alexia Putellas's everything—best friend, safe space, and home—until a night in Paris forces them to finally admit they're in love. Their happiness feels invincible as they build a life together, but when a devastating injury leaves YN broken and pushing Alexia away, everything they've built is tested. Now Alexia must prove that love means staying through the storms, just like YN always did for her.
Chapter 2: The Storm (Masterlist)
Two Months Earlier
YN's POV
The party was in full swing when YN checked their phone for the third time in ten minutes.
Weather alert: Severe thunderstorm warning. Heavy rain, low visibility expected through midnight.
They frowned, glancing across the restaurant's private room toward where Alexia stood with Leah and Beth, laughing at something, wine glass in hand. The team had rented out a place in Surrey to celebrate Steph's birthday—beautiful venue, great food, terrible timing.
It was nearly forty-five minutes from London. And the sky outside had been darkening steadily for the past hour.
"You good?" Katie asked, appearing beside them with a fresh drink.
"Yeah. Just checking the weather."
Katie followed their gaze to Alexia. "You drove together, yeah?"
"I drove. She came with me."
"Course she did." Katie's grin was knowing. "You two are attached at the hip."
YN didn't respond, still watching the windows. The first drops of rain had started, spattering against the glass.
"It's going to get bad," YN said quietly.
"The storm? It's just rain."
"It's more than that." YN pulled up the radar on their phone, showing Katie the angry red mass moving across the map. "This is the worst of it. And it's going to hit right when we need to drive home."
Katie's smile faded slightly. "Shit."
"Yeah."
"You could stay. Get a hotel nearby."
YN considered it. The smart choice, probably. But they looked at Alexia again, saw the relaxed happiness in her posture, the way she was fully present and enjoying herself, and knew she wouldn't want to stay. Alexia liked her own space, her own bed. And tomorrow was a training day.
"I'll be fine," YN said. "I've driven in worse."
They hadn't. But Katie didn't need to know that.
By ten o'clock, the storm had arrived in earnest.
Rain hammered against the windows, and thunder rumbled in the distance, growing closer. The party had started to wind down, people checking their phones and making worried noises about the drive home.
YN had stopped drinking after their first beer two hours ago. They nursed a water instead, standing near the windows and watching the storm intensify.
"Thinking about making a run for it?"
YN turned to find Alexia beside them, having appeared silently. She'd changed from her heels into the flat shoes she kept in her bag—always prepared—and had YN's jacket draped over her arm.
"You brought my jacket," YN observed.
"It's cold. And wet." Alexia held it out. "You'll need it."
"What about you?"
Alexia gestured to her own leather jacket. "I came prepared."
Of course she had. Alexia was always thinking ahead.
"We should probably wait it out," YN said, even as they took their jacket from her. "It's going to be bad out there."
"Or we could leave now, before it gets worse." Alexia checked her phone. "The radar shows the worst of it hitting in about twenty minutes. If we leave now, we might beat most of it."
"Ale—"
"I know you're nervous." Her voice was gentle. "But I trust you. And I really don't want to get a hotel out here. I just want to go home."
Home. The way she said it made something in YN's chest tighten. They both knew she meant her flat, but the word felt bigger than that somehow.
YN looked out at the rain again, at the dark sky and the water already pooling in the car park. Every instinct said to wait. But Alexia was looking at them with those eyes, that trust, and YN had never been good at saying no to her.
"Okay," YN said quietly. "But the second it gets too bad, we're pulling over. I don't care if we have to wait it out at a service station."
Alexia smiled, relieved. "Deal."
They said their goodbyes quickly—Steph trying to convince them to stay, Beth looking worried, Leah making them promise to text when they got home safe. The team knew YN was a good driver, steady and careful, but this storm had everyone on edge.
"You've got this," Leah said, squeezing YN's shoulder. "Just take it slow."
"Always do."
In the car park, the rain was already coming down hard. YN unlocked the car and moved to open Alexia's door first, shielding her with their body as she slid inside. They were soaked in seconds.
"YN, get in!" Alexia called.
YN jogged around to the driver's side, shaking water from their hair as they settled behind the wheel. Their hands were already shaking slightly. They gripped the steering wheel to hide it.
"Okay," YN said, more to themselves than to Alexia. "Okay. We've got this."
Alexia's hand found theirs on the gearshift, warm and steady. "We've got this," she echoed.
YN took a breath, squeezed her hand once, and pulled out of the car park.
The first fifteen minutes weren't terrible.
Rain, yes. Heavy rain, even. But the motorway was well-lit, and traffic was light. YN kept their speed careful, both hands on the wheel, hyper-aware of every other car around them.
Alexia had her phone out, watching the radar. "We're making good time. If we can just get past—"
Thunder cracked overhead, so loud it felt like it shook the car.
Alexia went quiet.
YN's hands tightened on the wheel, knuckles white. The rain had gone from heavy to torrential in seconds, the wipers struggling to keep up even on their highest setting. Visibility dropped to almost nothing—just red taillights ahead and the dim glow of streetlights through the downpour.
"YN?" Alexia's voice was smaller now.
"I'm okay." They weren't. Their heart was racing, palms sweating despite the death grip on the wheel. "Just focus on the radar. Tell me when it eases up."
"It's not going to. Not for another thirty minutes at least."
Thirty minutes. They were twenty-five minutes from home. They could do this.
Lightning flashed, bright and sudden, and Alexia made a small noise in the back of her throat.
"Hey." YN risked a glance at her. Alexia was pale, staring out the windshield with wide eyes. "Ale. Look at me."
She did, and YN saw the fear there. Alexia hated storms. Hated thunder, hated lightning, hated the feeling of being out of control. And here they were, trapped on a motorway in the worst of it.
"Give me your hand," YN said.
Alexia reached over immediately, and YN let go of the gearshift to take it, lacing their fingers together. They brought their joined hands to rest on their thigh, thumb brushing over her knuckles in slow, steady strokes.
"I've got you," YN said quietly. "I promise. I'm going to get us home safe."
"I know you will." But her hand was trembling.
YN held on tighter, splitting their focus between the barely visible road and the feeling of Alexia's hand in theirs. Every crack of thunder made Alexia flinch. Every flash of lightning had her squeezing their fingers. And every time, YN squeezed back, steady and sure, even as their own fear threatened to choke them.
They'd never driven in conditions like this. The rain was so heavy it felt like driving through a waterfall. The road was flooding in places, water spraying up from their tires. Other cars had started pulling over, hazards flashing, but YN kept going because stopping felt more dangerous somehow. Momentum. They needed momentum.
"Talk to me," Alexia said suddenly. "Please. Just—say something."
YN's mind went blank for a second. Then: "Did I ever tell you about the first time I drove in London?"
"No."
"I got lost for two hours. Ended up in Westminster when I was trying to get to Colney."
Alexia let out a shaky laugh. "How did you manage that?"
"Refused to use GPS. Thought I could figure it out myself." YN changed lanes carefully, giving a lorry a wide berth. "Took me three weeks before I admitted I needed it."
"Stubborn."
"You're one to talk."
Another flash of lightning. Another squeeze of hands.
"What else?" Alexia asked. "Tell me something else."
So YN did. They talked about nothing—about the coffee shop near their flat that never got their order right, about the book they were reading that Alexia had bought them, about the new trainers they'd been eyeing but hadn't bought yet. Anything to keep Alexia's mind off the storm, to fill the silence with something other than thunder.
And slowly, gradually, Alexia's hand stopped shaking quite so much.
They were ten minutes from home when YN's fear peaked.
The rain had somehow gotten worse. A car hydroplaned in the lane beside them, fishtailing wildly before the driver got it under control. YN's breath caught, and for a horrible second, they saw it all play out—losing control, the car spinning, Alexia screaming—
"YN." Alexia's voice cut through the panic. "Eyes on the road. You're doing amazing."
"I'm terrified," YN admitted, the words coming out before they could stop them.
"I know." Alexia's thumb traced circles on the back of their hand. "But you're still doing it. You're still getting us home. That's what matters."
"If anything happened to you—"
"It won't. Because you won't let it."
The certainty in her voice steadied something in YN. They took a breath, loosened their death grip on the wheel slightly, and focused.
One mile at a time. One breath at a time.
They could do this. For Alexia, they could do anything.
-
Alexia's POV
Alexia had never been more grateful to see YN's street in her entire life.
The rain was still coming down in sheets as YN pulled into their usual spot, the car finally, finally still. For a long moment, neither of them moved. YN's hand was still tangled with hers, and they were both breathing hard, adrenaline slowly draining away.
"We made it," Alexia said quietly.
"We made it." YN's voice was rough, exhausted.
Alexia looked at them—really looked. YN's face was pale, jaw tight with lingering tension. Their hands were still shaking slightly on the wheel. They'd been terrified the entire drive, Alexia realized. Absolutely terrified. But they'd done it anyway.
For her.
"Thank you," Alexia said, and her voice cracked slightly on the words. "Thank you for—"
"Don't." YN shook their head. "You don't have to thank me."
"Yes, I do. You were scared. I could see it. But you still—"
"Of course I did." YN finally looked at her, and the intensity in their eyes made Alexia's breath catch. "It's you, Ale. I'd drive through anything for you."
The words settled between them, heavy with meaning neither of them was ready to examine.
Outside, thunder rumbled, and Alexia flinched instinctively.
"Come on," YN said, already unbuckling their seatbelt. "Let's get inside."
"It's still pouring—"
But YN was already out of the car, jogging around to her side. They opened her door and immediately shrugged out of their jacket.
"YN, don't—"
Too late. YN held the jacket over Alexia's head like a makeshift umbrella, their other hand reaching down to help her out. "Ready? We run on three. One, two—"
They ran.
YN kept the jacket over Alexia the entire way, shielding her from the worst of the rain even as they got absolutely drenched. By the time they reached the building's entrance, YN was soaked through—hair plastered to their head, shirt clinging to their shoulders, water dripping from their chin.
Alexia had barely gotten wet.
"You're an idiot," Alexia said, but her voice was fond. "You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did." YN was already unlocking the door, ushering her inside.
In the elevator, Alexia couldn't stop looking at them. YN was shivering now, the adrenaline fully worn off, looking exhausted and waterlogged and somehow still more concerned about Alexia than themselves.
"You're staying over," YN said. It wasn't a question.
In YN's flat, Alexia immediately went into caretaker mode. "Shower. Now. I'll make tea."
"You don't have to—"
"Shower, YN."
YN went, too tired to protest.
Alexia busied herself in the kitchen, putting the kettle on and finding the chamomile tea she knew YN kept for her. Her hands were shaking slightly as she pulled down mugs, the events of the night catching up with her.
They could have crashed. Could have hydroplaned like that other car. Could have been hit by someone who couldn't see them in the rain.
But they hadn't. Because YN had been careful, and focused, and so incredibly brave even when they were terrified.
Alexia thought about YN's hand in hers, the steady pressure, the constant reassurance. The way they'd talked her through her fear even while managing their own. The jacket held over her head in the rain.
I'd drive through anything for you.
Alexia's chest felt tight with something she couldn't name. Or maybe she could name it, but wasn't ready to. Not yet.
The shower turned off. A few minutes later, YN emerged in dry clothes—soft joggers and a hoodie—hair still damp, looking slightly more alive.
"Better?" Alexia asked, handing them tea.
"Much. Thank you." YN took the mug, wrapping both hands around it. "I'm sorry about tonight. I shouldn't have driven in that. We should have stayed."
"I asked you to take me home. You did exactly what I wanted."
"Still—"
"YN." Alexia set down her own mug and reached for their free hand. "You got us home safe. You took care of me. You always take care of me."
"That's not—" YN looked away. "That's just what you do. For people you care about."
"Is it?"
YN met her eyes, something uncertain flickering there. "Yeah. It is."
Alexia wanted to push, to ask what she meant by that, but YN looked exhausted. So instead, she squeezed their hand and picked up her tea.
"Movie?" she suggested.
"At midnight?"
"We're both wired. And I don't want to be alone."
That decided it. YN never could say no when Alexia said things like that.
They ended up on the couch, Alexia tucked against YN's side, some documentary playing that neither of them was really watching. Outside, the storm raged on, but inside, Alexia felt warm and safe.
"You're my favorite person," Alexia murmured, half-asleep.
Above her, she felt YN's chest rise and fall with a long breath. "You're mine too, Ale."
"Don't know what I'd do without you."
YN's arm tightened around her. "You'll never have to find out."
Alexia drifted off to the sound of rain against the windows and YN's heartbeat steady beneath her ear. When she woke briefly in the night, disoriented, YN was still there, still holding her, and Alexia felt something shift in her chest.
She'd known YN was important to her. Her best friend, her family, her home away from home.
But tonight, she'd seen something else. The way YN's hands had shaken on the wheel. The fear in their eyes. The fact that they'd driven through that storm anyway, just because Alexia had asked.
I'd drive through anything for you.
Alexia closed her eyes and settled back against YN's chest, pushing the thoughts away. They were best friends. That's what best friends did.
Even if it felt like more.
Even if some part of her was starting to wish it was.
-
YN's POV
YN woke up to sunlight and a weight on their chest.
Not a metaphorical weight—an actual one. Alexia, fast asleep, curled into their side like she belonged there. One of her hands was fisted in YN's hoodie, the other tucked under her cheek. Her hair fell across YN's shoulder, and she looked peaceful in a way that made YN's heart do something complicated.
They should move. Should wake her up, suggest she go to her actual bed instead of sleeping on the couch all night.
But YN didn't move.
They just lay there, feeling the rise and fall of Alexia's breathing, the warmth of her against them, and tried not to think too hard about how right it felt.
Last night had been terrifying. Not just the storm—though that had been bad enough—but the realization that had hit YN somewhere around the twenty-minute mark.
If something happened to Alexia, if they'd crashed or hydroplaned or been hit by another car, YN didn't think they'd survive it. Not because they'd be physically hurt, though that was possible too. But because losing Alexia would break something fundamental in them.
She wasn't just their best friend. She was—
YN's phone buzzed on the coffee table, making them jump slightly. Alexia stirred but didn't wake. Carefully, moving as little as possible, YN reached for it.
Leah: You two make it home okay?
YN: Yeah. Rough drive but we're good.
Leah: Ale okay? She hates storms.
YN: She's fine. Sleeping now.
Leah: At her place or yours?
YN looked down at Alexia, still curled against them.
YN: Mine.
Leah: Of course she is.
Leah: You know what, never mind. I'm not even going to say it.
YN: Say what?
Leah: Nothing. See you at training.
YN frowned at the phone, but before they could respond, Alexia made a soft noise and shifted closer, burrowing into YN's side.
"Too early," she mumbled, not opening her eyes. "Go back to sleep."
"Ale, it's almost nine."
"Exactly. Too early." But she was smiling slightly, that little curve of her lips that meant she was more awake than she was pretending to be.
"We have training at eleven."
"Mm. Plenty of time." She finally opened her eyes, blinking up at YN. "Hi."
"Hi."
They looked at each other for a long moment. Alexia's hair was a mess, her makeup from last night smudged slightly, and she was still wearing her dress from the party. She looked beautiful.
She always looked beautiful.
"Thank you," Alexia said softly. "For last night."
"You already thanked me."
"I'm thanking you again." Her hand moved from YN's hoodie to rest on their chest, right over their heart. "You were amazing."
YN's heart kicked against Alexia's palm, and they wondered if she could feel it. "I was terrified."
"I know. That's what makes it amazing." Alexia pushed herself up slightly, propping her chin on YN's chest so she could look at them properly. "You did it anyway."
"For you," YN said quietly. "I'd do anything for you."
Something flickered in Alexia's eyes, there and gone too quick to read. "Anything?"
"Anything."
"Even let me steal your hoodies?"
The tension broke. YN huffed a laugh. "You already do that without asking."
"True." Alexia grinned. "What about making me breakfast?"
"Is that why you stayed over? For the breakfast?"
"Obviously. Your omelettes are excellent, even with the too-big peppers."
YN rolled their eyes but was already sitting up, careful not to dislodge Alexia too quickly. "Fine. But you're changing first. You slept in your dress."
"It's a very comfortable dress."
"Ale."
"Fine, fine." She stretched, catlike, and YN tried very hard not to notice the way the dress shifted with the movement. "I'll borrow some clothes."
"You mean steal some clothes."
"Semantics." She was already padding toward YN's bedroom, calling over her shoulder: "I'm taking the grey hoodie!"
"That's my favorite!"
"Exactly!"
YN listened to her rummaging in their closet, heard her delighted noise when she found what she was looking for, and felt that warmth in their chest again. The one that appeared whenever Alexia was around, whenever she smiled, whenever she looked at YN like they were the only person in the room.
They'd felt it for a while now, that warmth. Had gotten used to it, accepted it as just part of being around Alexia.
But last night, holding her hand through the storm, feeling her trust even when YN was terrified—
Last night, the warmth had felt different. Bigger. More urgent.
YN pushed the thought away and headed to the kitchen. They had training soon. No time for whatever existential crisis was trying to take root.
Alexia emerged a few minutes later in YN's grey hoodie and a pair of their joggers, rolled up at the ankles because YN was taller. She looked ridiculous and perfect, and YN's hands faltered slightly as they whisked eggs.
"Perfect fit," Alexia announced, spinning once.
"That's my entire weekend outfit you're wearing."
"I'll give it back."
"No, you won't."
"You're right, I won't." She hopped up onto the counter—her spot—and watched YN cook with that same fond expression she always wore. "We should talk about last night."
YN's stomach dropped. "What about it?"
"Just—" Alexia paused. "I don't want you to feel like you have to do things like that for me. Drive through storms, or—"
"Ale." YN set down the whisk and turned to face her properly. "I didn't have to. I wanted to. There's a difference."
"But you were scared."
"So were you. And I wasn't going to let you be scared alone."
Alexia looked at them for a long moment, something soft and searching in her gaze. "We're weird, aren't we?"
"What do you mean?"
"The team. The way they talk about us. The matching outfits and the constant carpooling and—" She gestured between them. "All of this."
"Does it bother you?"
"No. Does it bother you?"
"No."
"Then I guess we're just weird together." Alexia smiled. "I'm okay with that."
"Me too."
But later, after breakfast, when Alexia went to shower and YN was getting ready for training, they caught sight of their reflection in the bedroom mirror.
They looked the same as always—dark jeans, grey t-shirt, Arsenal jacket. But something felt different. Like last night had shifted something fundamental, and YN was only just now noticing.
I'd do anything for you.
They'd meant it. Would mean it again, without hesitation.
But standing there, holding Alexia's borrowed pajamas that she'd left on the bed, still warm and smelling like her perfume, YN had a sudden, terrifying thought:
Am I in love with her?
The thought was there and gone in a second, too big and too frightening to examine. YN shoved it down, deep down where they didn't have to look at it.
They were best friends. That was all.
Even if it felt like more.
Even if last night had felt like everything.
At training, Leah took one look at them and raised an eyebrow.
"Rough night?"
"Something like that," YN said.
Across the pitch, Alexia was laughing with Beth and Steph, animated and bright, looking none the worse for wear. She caught YN's eye and waved, smile widening.
YN waved back, that warmth blooming in their chest again.
"You're staring," Leah observed.
"I'm not."
"You are. You always do."
YN finally looked at Leah. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Leah's expression was knowing, almost pitying. "Nothing. Forget I said anything."
But as they headed onto the pitch for warm-ups, and Alexia immediately gravitated to YN's side like she always did, Leah's words echoed in YN's head.
You always do.
Did they? Stare at Alexia, follow her with their eyes, track her movements like she was the only person that mattered?
YN tried to pay attention to training, to focus on the drills and the plays. But every time they looked up, there was Alexia. Smiling at them. Passing to them. Existing in YN's orbit like she'd always been there.
Like she belonged.
And that terrifying thought from this morning crept back in, insistent and undeniable:
Am I in love with her?
YN didn't have an answer.
But they were starting to suspect they might need to find one.
Walter Oltmann is a quiet, gentle man. He has the calm of a cloistered monk, his serenity seemingly placing him above the messy concerns of the material world. Born in 1960, he holds a BA (Fine Arts), from the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg and a PhD (Fine Arts) from the University of the Witwatersrand . His father worked as a civil servant and the family moved from one remote area of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the next. This migratory lifestyle exposed Walter Oltmann to the rich craft tradition of rural South Africa.
Walter Oltmann’s work can be divided into two main areas of practice: drawing (pencil, ink and bleach) and sculpture (wire work). He is a master at manipulating both two-dimensional and three-dimensional line. A thread runs through the prints that he has made at The Artists’ Press.
"My recent artworks explore dynamics between humans, animals and plants, highlighting features of armour, protection and disguise. By introducing defensive characteristics such as bristles, quills and scales as well as engaging with interspecies protective strategies of mimicry, deception and aposematism, I tease the borders between human and non-human, presence and absence, fantastic and real. Hierarchical exchanges between species raise questions around domination, vulnerability and control and allow for an imagining of alternative ways of being.
A variety of armoured suits often feature alongside images of armoured but also endangered animals such as the Sungazer lizard and the African pangolin. Insects also feature frequently as an extreme ‘other’ to the human. Such works bring attention to the plight of such extraordinary creatures but also afford a cross-species framework where observation and imagination combine to open up fresh perspectives of and with other living beings. My work often presents an imaginary world where borders between the human and non-human become permeable." Walter Oltmann, 2025
One Step at a Time - Shayne x platonic! Reader (Part 11)
Description: When y/n has no choice but to leave a toxic relationship with her two young children, Mason and Hallie, she goes to her best friend, Shayne for help. Little did she know that decision would change her life.
Warnings: Uh... a form of stalking, I guess? And I think Aaron is just a warning himself, but he gets punched in the face, so I hope that softens the scary.
Notes: I like this part a lot. I never realised how much I'd enjoy writing someone getting punched, lol :)
Also the Damien arc we've all been waiting for may be upon us.
_____
It was the last day at Smosh before the Christmas break, and the energy very much reflected that. Some might even mistake it for a gas leak. People laughing too hard at jokes that weren't all that funny. Having to pause filming multiple times just because the cast wouldn't stop laughing. It was getting ridiculous, but that seemed to be what Smosh was all about.
They were having fun, and in all the chaos, y/n had forgotten about the whole Aaron situation. Even just for a moment and it felt good to let loose a little.
Both Mason and Hallie were in the office too, and although the 'gas leak' was present they were somehow able to keep it PG.
It was going to be a really long day.
It was busy. It was loud. The office was covered in Christmas decorations. A tree stood proudly in the main part of the building. But it didn't feel overwhelming. It felt... normal, and y/n could make peace with that.
At some point, y/n took Hallie outside for some fresh air. She had a carton of apple juice in her hand, which almost leaked in to her jacket sleeve.
Y/n shook her head, smiling softly and nodding along with the baby talk like she understood. But her smile instantly wiped off her face when she felt... something.
When she looked around, she saw nothing suspicious. But that feeling didn't go away. It gave her chills that had nothing to do with the cold.
Whatever it was, it made her go back inside and embrace the chaos again. Damien noticed the look on her face. "You okay?".
She nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Could you watch Hallie for me? I've got a shoot to get to."
"Of course."
Y/n put her down and Hallie ran to him, making him smile even wider.
"Oh, before I go, do you know where Mason is?".
"Uh... I think he's found one of the dogs to play with."
"Okay."
Mason wasn't with any of the dogs. On the way to the Games stage, she happened to look into Ian's office. The door was open and she saw him sitting on the couch reading a comic book he had brought with him.
She furrowed her eyebrows, noticing that Ian wasn't in there.
"Mason, what are you doing?".
He looked at her. "Ian said I could read my comic in here."
"Oh... okay. Cool. I have to go film a video."
He nodded, waving her off and going back to his comic. She chuckled to herself.
It wasn't until later on that she got that feeling again. She had already said goodbye and Merry Christmas to everyone, and gave out hugs. It was time to go home. Shayne and Damien both walked out with her, the latter carrying a sleeping Hallie. Mason chatted away.
Then, y/n stopped walking entirely when she saw someone that made her blood run cold. It was Aaron, and he was standing there like he'd been waiting for hours.
Damien noticed before Shayne did.
"Damien...".
That caught Shayne's attention too.
"Oh my god." She breathed out.
Mason tilted his head. "Is that-".
His voice brought her out of her reverie. "Mason, take Hallie back inside. Now."
"O-Okay."
There was no room for negotiation in her tone. Mason did as told, taking Hallie from Damien and heading back in.
Aaron watched him go, then decided to approach. He wasn't looking at Damien or Shayne. His attention was only on her.
"How did you find me?". She asked.
"Oh, relax. It's not like I was stalking you. I saw videos on YouTube with you in the thumbnail, and figured you'd be here."
Of course, he remembered where it was. He'd been here a lot.
Shayne had his fist balled at his side. "What are you doing here?".
"Please, y/n. I just want to talk. That's all."
He was bold enough to take a step closer, and that was enough for Damien to subtly move her backwards, keeping distance.
The warm grip on her elbow gave her some encouragement.
"Well, I don't want to talk to you."
"Then just listen. I want you in my life again. I just want things to go back to the way they were. I've changed. I promise. If you come back, you'll see that."
She shook her head. "No."
"No?".
"You asked me to listen, but my answer is no. I don't want you anywhere near me, or my kids again."
Aaron's expression shifted, just a little. But it was exactly how he looked before he hit her all those months ago. Her natural instinct was to reach back for Damien, seeking the safety and security from him. And he gave it to her. His arm tugged her closer to him and she curled into him slightly.
Aaron's eyes immediately darkened, seeing this.
"Y/n." His voice was dangerously low, controlling. "Get away from Damien. Now."
She almost listened to him. The voice he used almost scared her into giving in, but Damien's grip around her tightened, and this time Shayne stepped in physically.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm right here. You don't have to listen to him."
Her eyes filled with tears and she couldn't help burying herself into his chest. "Damien-".
"Shh, I've got you."
"Y/n!". Aaron snapped. He was furious now. Fueled by pure jealousy.
It was the tone that had her straightening and looking back at him, despite her body being turned towards Damien.
"Why can't you just stay with me? What could he possibly have that I don't?".
By now, there was a bit of a crowd around them. Courtney, Tommy, Ian, and Spencer were all ready to step in if they needed to.
She was tempted not to answer. To not give him the satisfaction. But her mouth opened before she could stop herself.
Her voice shook a little, but it was steady.
"Aaron, I'm not choosing him over you. It's not about that. I'm choosing myself, and that means I can't have you in my life anymore. You took so much control away from me, I'm just trying to take it back."
"You... you can't just do that! We're meant to be together. You said that yourself."
"That was before I realised I had a choice. I can't do this with you anymore. Leave me alone and get out of my life."
Aaron moved to grab her. Probably to drag her out of there himself. But Shayne stopped him, grabbed him by the shirt and before anyone could react, his fist flew at his face.
Shayne punched him so hard that he fell to the ground, groaning in pain.
"If you ever come near her again, I'll put you through the fucking wall next time. Do you understand me?".
Aaron's posture instantly deflated, realising who was talking to him. His face paled, cowering away from Shayne and nodding frantically. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry."
When he let him up, Aaron spared a glance at y/n, who was gripping on to Damien so tightly that even from a distance, it was clear who she wanted and didn't want. She didn't even look as he ran off.
Damien gently took her to the side to give her a moment. When he noticed tears falling down her cheeks, his heart shattered.
"It's alright. He's gone now."
His voice was soft and steady, despite how he felt inside. Around them, Courtney was instantly at Shayne's side, checking his hand. Tommy, Ian, and Spencer were making sure that Aaron was gone.
But all y/n could do was cry into Damien's chest. Whether it was because of the way Aaron had lunged at her or the fact that she'd actually stood up for herself, she didn't know. But she couldn't stop the tears from flowing. At least, not until Damien made her look at him and wiped them away himself. His thumbs swiped across her cheeks, brushing the tears away.
It helped her just to breathe.
And he hadn't said a word.
Reluctantly, she loosened her grip on him.
"You're okay." He sighed.
"Don't leave." Her voice sounded panicked, like if he moved away from her she wouldn't be able to breathe on her own.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Just as she began to feel whole again, she heard Mason calling for her.
"Mom!".
It was like his voice activated something inside her and she managed to peel away from Damien.
The boy ran to her and put his arms around her waist. She sighed in relief, then hugged him back.
"Are you okay?".
"Yeah... yeah, I'm okay."
She rubbed his back soothingly, and in a way it calmed her down too.
"Where's your sister?". She asked, pulling back a little. Mason pointed behind him and she saw that Angela was standing at the door with Hallie in her arms. Damien seemed to read her mind. He gently touched her arm.
"Let me get her?".
It wasn't a demand. Just a question that she could decide for herself. And she nodded.
He made his way over to Angela, and took Hallie from her and within seconds he was back with her. He sat her on his hip, bearing in mind that y/n was still comforting Mason.
Then, one person at a time, came up to her asking if she was alright and making sure she knew they had her back before heading to their cars.
She felt Courtney's arms around her before she could react, and she sighed, appreciating the comfort. It wasn't overwhelming. She just felt incredibly cared for.
Shayne stood just behind his wife, looking a little softer than earlier. But y/n saw the flash of guilt in his eyes.
And it made her gently pull away from Courtney. They looked at her. "I'm so proud of you. You know that, right?".
She smiled slightly. "Thank you. Is it okay if I give Shayne a hug?".
"Of course, lovely."
While y/n went over to Shayne, Courtney stayed near Damien. They looked at him, a careful question in her eyes. He felt their gaze on him.
"How are you doing, Damien?".
"Me? Oh, I'm fine." The way he held Hallie made them think otherwise.
"Damien, you look like someone broke your heart."
His resolve almost crumbled. They saw the way his breath stuttered a little. The misty look in his eyes that he had to blink away. But he kept it together. "Someone just did."
Y/n closed the gap between the unnecessary space Shayne had given her, but he didn't quite meet her eyes until she told him to.
He sighed. "I'm so sorry, y/n."
"It's okay. I know you were just protecting me."
"He just... he was saying all those things and I saw how scared you were, and when he lunged at you I couldn't help myself."
"Shayne, you kept him away from me." Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears as she spoke. "I don't care how you did it."
When she hugged him, he tensed up a little like he didn't deserve it. But when he realised she wasn't letting go, he softened again.
"Thank you."
"Can you please tell me you're not scared of me so I don't lose my mind?".
She chuckled. "There's nothing you could do that would ever make me scared of you, Shay. It's because of you that I'm not scared of every man I see."
She pulled away to look at him and saw his expression soften. "Really?".
She nodded. "I'm not scared of you."
"Thank god." He breathed out, kissing the top of her head briefly.
"How's your hand?".
"Sore." He admitted with a slight laugh. "But I'll manage."
_
Part of her wanted Damien to stay the whole night, and he did for most of it. Back safe in Shayne and Courtney's house, they had a Christmas movie marathon with pizza and snacks. Something they had all needed to unwind at the end of a stressful day.
But Damien decided to go home, only when he knew for sure that y/n was going to be okay, if only for the excuse that he needed to feed his cats.
Y/n walked him to the door and they both sighed reluctantly. Damien squeezed her hand. "If you need me, just call me. Okay?".
She nodded. "Okay."
Taking a risk, he leaned in and kissed her cheek, making her blush a little. He smiled slightly.
"Damien."
"Mhm?".
"I was just... saying things to Aaron. I mean, I'm choosing myself obviously, but-".
Seeing where she was going with this, he shook his head and gently interrupted her. "Not just now. We can talk about it later."
"Oh... okay."
Another squeeze of her hand made her look at him again. "Hey...". He reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his eyes glinting meaningfully. "It's a conversation I'm looking forward to. But it can wait."
She nodded slowly, understanding. "Yeah, you're right."
He kissed her cheek again, this time letting it linger. It was like a quiet way of letting her know something. And he smiled softly. "Goodnight, darling."
"Night, Damien."
She closed the door behind him and almost squealed like a high school girl. He called her darling.
That night, Mason didn't want to sleep by himself and so she fell asleep with him in her bed beside her. Hallie was in the crib, sleeping peacefully and blissfully unaware of the events of the day.
But y/n let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding, and pulled Mason a little closer to her. Her children were safe, and that was all she cared about right now.
But like can I ask something? Not to be rude but I really want part 2 of birthday boy for michael?🥹
Birthday Boy Part: 2
Michael Olise x University Student! Reader
TW: none
Summary: Michael receives his birthday gifts from Y/N.
a/n: I'm sorry it took so long!
Birthday Boy Part: 1
When Michael opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Y/N yawning beside him. She blinked a few times and looked over at him, a lazy smile on her face. “Morning” “Good morning. Happy birthday old man.” “I’m not old.” “Then why do you snore so loud?” Y/N giggled and Michael smiled as he leaned over to kiss her. He moved to deepen the kiss, but she pushed him away.
“I gotta go make you breakfast, remember?” “I could just eat you instead,” he purred and kissed her neck. “Tempting, very tempting but I want hashbrowns.” Michael huffed and kissed her one last time before letting her get up and go to the bathroom. He watched through the door while she put her hair up and brushed her teeth.
“I don't feel any older y’know.” Michael stated from his place in bed. “Careful, you’ll jinx yourself.”
Michael stayed in bed a little while longer, taking the time to respond to the birthday wishes that his friends and family members had sent to him before getting up and joining Y/N in the kitchen. “Ba- hm I mean Michael do you want tea?” Michael lifted a brow questioningly and smirked.
“Were you going to call me baby?” Y/N laughed and turned away to hide her flustered expression. “What? Of course not, do you want tea?”
Michael smiled knowingly and walked up behind her where she was opening a can of beans. He hugged her from behind and whispered in her ear, “You can call me baby if you want to.” “Do you want tea or not?” Michael chuckled and hugged her tight, “Yes please, ma biche.”
Breakfast was a peaceful affair and soon enough they were both ready to attend to their respected duties. Michael to training and Y/N to her classes. Michael kissed her and thanked her for breakfast before heading off for training with a smile on his face.
As previously agreed, Michael spent the evening with his friends celebrating. But as the moonlight took the place of the sun, Michael found himself itching to return to Y/N’s embrace. He made up an excuse about needing to get up early the next morning and returned home, calling Y/N’s name as he closed the door.
She was leaning against the doorframe wearing a robe and a small smile. “Did you have fun?” “Yeah, I brought you some leftover cake” Michael said as he took his sweater off and draped it over the back of a chair. He squinted when he saw that she was hiding something behind her back. "You got me a present?" "Maybe."
Michael stepped closer, their chests touching and breaths mixing as Michael reached behind her to find her hands clasped around a small box. “If you don’t like it just lie to me, okay?” Michael laughed. “Please Michael” he took the box from her grasp and kissed her. “Fine, I’ll lie” he mumbled against her lips before grabbing her hand and pulling her to the sofa.
He sat down and pulled her into his lap. Michael inspected the matte black wrapping and silver ribbon matched him perfectly then pulled the ribbon and took the lid off. He furrowed his brows when he looked inside, "you got me hot wheels?"
Y/N covered her face with her hands, "I thought you'd like it" she whined as Michael laughed. He pulled out a perfect replica of his car, identical to the custom Mercedes he had sitting in the driveway. "Oh, it's my car!"
Michael turned the car in his hands to admire it. "This is actually really cool. I’m not lying by the way." “That sounded like a lie...” “I’m not lying! I love it” Michael said honestly.
“You're really hard to find a gift for, I hope you know.” “Yeah, my mum complains about it all the time. I like this though; it's got all the details and everything. Thank you." Y/N blinked at him, clearly unconvinced.
“I got you something else.” “Yeah?” she came back with another gift wrapped in black paper and silver ribbon. She returned to her place in her lap and gave it to him.
“Feels like a book” Michael thought aloud and he began unwrapping. He pulled off the black paper to reveal the cover of The History of FC Bayern Munchen. A book that gave a detailed explanation of how FC Bayern Munchen was founded and documented its rich history.
“I thought it'd be cool to learn more about the history of the team. And look,” Y/N took the book and flipped to the last chapter of the book that covered the 2024 season. She pointed to a photo of Michael during a champions league match. “There you are. That's a good picture of you.”
Michael snorted and skimmed over the page before closing the book and looking up at her. “I love it, thank you” “You're welcome.” “I'm gonna have to get my dad a copy. He’ll go mad when he sees me in a book.”
He set the book aside and pulled her forward for a kiss, his fingers inching forward to untie her robe as the kiss deepened. Y/N pulled away abruptly, “wait I got you something else”
Michael let out an impatient huff as she got up to grab the last gift, watching her jog out of the room with a hungry look in his eyes. Y/N came back holding a gift much bigger than the last two. It was flat and rectangular in shape.
“Is it a picture?” “Maybe” Y/N said, handing it to him. “Is it a picture of you naked?” Michael guessed with an excited grin. “What? No! Open the present you pervert.”
Michael snickered and tore open the wrapping paper finding a framed picture from the night they had met. The picture captured the Munich skyline and gorgeous golden hues of the sun setting over the city. Michael had taken the picture from the top of a roof with Y/N sitting beside him.
“I thought it’d be nice to hang… somewhere.” Y/N said, her voice a little quieter than before. She worried that the gift might have been a little too romantic, especially after they had agreed to go slow.
Michael admired the photo for a moment longer before setting it down and kissing her without a word. “Maybe you should put it somewhere else, it might clash with the grey” Y/N mumbled against his lips.
“I’m putting it in the bedroom,” Michael said when he pulled away and moved her off of his lap and pulled his shirt over his head. “So you like it?” “That’s the best one, no offense to the other gifts.”
He gently pushed her back on the couch and straddled her with his lips pressed against her neck. His fingers reached inside the robe, and he smiled when he felt her bare skin. He pulled back and opened the robe chuckling lowly at the satin lingerie set she had chosen.
Michael hummed as he took in the sight, “What am I gonna do with you?” “The same thing you've done with me for the past six months. I know you're getting old, but I hope you're not already developing dementia” she teased. Michael rolled his eyes, “shut up” he grumbled chasing after her lips while she giggled.
“Fuckin’ hell, did you double knot this?” Michael hissed as he attempted to untie the bow over Y/N’s chest. “Well, I can't make it too easy for you” she retorted and grinned. Michael glared at her, resisting a smile.