The Shirt
Bug's Masterlist // Mamaverse
Notes: Omegaverse fic, Bug is Leah's kid. Part of my mamaverse series.
- ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──── 𔓕 ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ -
It had all started as a big joke really, an attempt to get under Leah’s skin from Georgia and Keira. Bug wrapped up in a little Chelsea jersey and parading around yelling she was a part of the best WLS team. This tiny bundle, that looked so much like Leah it was uncanny and was Leah’s self-acclaimed greatest achievement, proudly wrapped in the enemy’s colours.
Leah didn’t notice it at first, too busy talking away to Renée and some of the other girls about upcoming matches and game tactics. It’s only when Katie’s face broke out into a shit eating grin and practically malicious cackle filled the training pitch, before her loud voice broke through the various chatter.
“Takes balls that, openly admitting yer a Chelsea supporter. Didn’t realise yer were turning yer back on us Leah”.
Another cackle followed and Leah whipped around with such speed she nearly knocked Kim over before stumbling back in pure shock and horror, her mouth impossibly dry as she struggled to formulate any words.
Keira and Lucy, who had been watching with the most amused expression’s faltering slightly. A real fear of Leah actually passing out or having an aneurysm starting to take root. But then she was walking, well marching, over her face in the all too familiar scowl as she grabbed the pair by their collars and dragged them out of ear shot of her excited 5-year-old daughter.
“What the hell!” She growled, grabbing the pair by their collars beginning to yell and accuse them of all sorts of things. Not that Bug Particularly noticed, too busy being playfully teased by her Aunty Katie as Alessia held her trying to convince her into putting on an Arsenal shirt or at least cover up with a red jumper to no avail.
-
The next time Chelsea and Bug came together was on Bug’s 8th birthday, there had been a dino and shark themed party with the Arsenal and England kids, with the addition of some kids from Bug’s class. The day had been going great without any incidents until it was time for presents and Bug happened to open up a box containing a full Chelsea kit.
She hadn’t meant to look as excited as she was, she knew her mama wouldn’t be happy, but she couldn’t help it she just wanted to try it on. Though she didn’t exactly get the chance as Leah snatched it up so fast stating she was “putting it somewhere safe” which really meant she was going to burn it and reprimand Nimah for the gift later.
Alessia couldn’t help but feel bad, having caught the look on Bug’s face when the box was taken away and knowing first-hand how intense Leah’s feeling towards loyalty when it came to Arsenal having had many conversations about her Man united kit that still hangs in her wardrobe.
Bug never saw the kit again to her disappointment, instead being gifted a range of Arsenal kits and merch. As if that was some better gift, like being gifted it would make her forget about the blue kit in burnt pieces at the bottom of the bin outside. Like wearing the kit would magically make her change her mind about which club she loved.
She had no idea why she didn’t love Arsenal the way her Mama did. Leah bleeds Arsenal, her heart beats for the club and the game. Another thing Bug never got. I mean she could play sure, it was in her genes, but she had no passion for it. Maybe it was the pressure Leah had put on her when she was young, or the way Alessia had always encouraged her artistic side. But one thing Bug knew was that she never felt more at piece than when she was creating something.
-
It was a few years later, Bug now 17 when a Chelsea shirt re-emerged in the Russo-Williamson house. Bug was out, at the art studio working on one of her projects while Alessia was putting away laundry when she stumbled upon it. Hidden under a pile of old toys and scraps a streak of blue against white fabric.
She hadn’t meant to pry or snoop through Bug’s things. She really hadn’t. She just couldn't help pull it out. A soft chuckle escaped her throat as she stared down at the jersey, it looked like it hadn’t been washed yet but was clearly well worn. So that’s why Bug’s sleepovers always coincided with Chelsea matched huh. She knew Leah was out for the day, and if she was quick, she could get the kit washed and put away before anybody saw.
A few hours later, after a much needed shower to remove the copious amounts of clay and paint Bug opened her wardrobe to the shirt freshly folded on top of her boxes. On top of the shirt a was a little note reading;
“Find a better hiding spot little bug before your Mama burns it.
Love Momma xoxo
P.S. I washed it don’t want your oh so secret girlfriend to think u smell”
Flustered Bug grabbed the shirt shoving it into underwear draw and getting changed before rushing downstairs to dinner. She ignored the knowing smile her momma shot her as she sat between Bubba and her.
“So bug,” Alessia starts as she dishes out the pasta she’d spent the last few hours making. “Did you find your shirt alright? The blue one? I made sure to wash it for you.” Bug’s eyes widened as she shot a look towards Leah who was too distracted in her debate with Bubba over who was going to win tomorrows match between Arsenal and Manchester United to hear Alessia’s remark. Snapping her eyes back Bug saw Alessia’s wink before her momma placed a kiss to her head telling her not to worry and that her secret was safe.