FAMILY LINES
pairing — arch manning x Brady!reader
synopsis — your father never reached out after what happened at the UT Austin football game. You waited for a phone call that never came. It took Gisele a while to reach out, but it was only because your mom ripped tom a new one. You wanted to feel solace in a family life, so when you were invited to Arch’s thanksgiving, you were excited to be apart of a family
warnings — lowkey very fluffy. tom is still a dick. also! Disclaimer I know tom is a decent dad irl and that the Eli vs tom rivarly isn’t this huge of a deal but it’s fun to make stories like it’s a huge deal! Lmk if you want more Brady!reader!
requested — yes!
As the holidays grew closer and closer, you itched for a phone call from your father. You thought maybe his outburst was in the heat of the moment, something to not get taken seriously. But as the days drew closer and close to thanksgiving, you were beginning to get worried.
You were in Arch’s apartment on the phone with your mom as you waited for football practice to be over. You explained the situation to Diane, hearing her grow more and more frustrated by the second.
“He is such a piece of work. I mean, not inviting the mother of his child — okay I get it. But not inviting your own flesh and blood? That’s ridiculous.” Diane grumbled, the sound of pots and pans clinging together in the background.
“I haven’t even heard from Gisele, which isn’t like her. Normally she will reach out after dad and I get into it.” You mumbled, curling up further into Arch’s couch.
“You know I would fly you up, but I can’t afford that plane ticket right now.” Diane sighed, her voice guilty at her financial situation.
“Mom, it’s okay. Maybe Gisele will reach out last minute or something.” You spoke softly, knowing that it probably wouldn’t happen.
“Is Arch going home to be with his family?” Diane questioned, the sound of dogs starting to bark in the background made her grumble in annoyance.
“Yeah, his dad said I was invited if I wanted to go, but I told him I was waiting to hear from dad. I’d feel bad if I got invited to dad’s then skipped his for the Manning family thanksgiving.” You explained, the sound of the door lock clicking. “I don’t know, I’ll figure it out. Arch is back, so I’m going to go. I love you,” You hung up.
You pursed your lips and let out a huff of frustration. Tom had never gone this far to remove you from family holidays. Sure he hasn’t spoken to you up until family holidays, but you were always invited. Now it was like — complete radio silence from that side of the family.
Arch could notice the stress on your face. He opened the fridge to grab a bottle of water then looked at you. “What’s wrong? You seem stressed.” Arch asked, moving to collapse onto the couch.
“First of all you smell. Second, my mom called and made me explain the situation to her. I’m a little nervous because last time something was this serious, she blew up on Tom and Gisele.” You explained, fingers picking at your fresh nail set.
“You know you are always welcome with my family. I mean you’ve already met my dad and uncles, so it won’t be too bad.” Arch tried to reason, his hand separating yours from picking. He hated when you picked at your nails because you would chip the gel and then complain.
“I know, but if Gisele or my dad reach out last minute I’ll feel guilty to say no.” You continued, defending your mindset.
“Listen, I’m not going to tell you which way to go. But it’s a week before thanksgiving and you haven’t been invited yet. If they invite you last minute, they didn’t care enough to invite you first.” Arch paused, standing up from the couch.
“And you may feel guilty, but at least if you come to my families you won’t be an afterthought.” Arch sighed, speaking the harsh truth to you.
Which hit where it hurt. Arch navigated to the bathroom, preparing to take a shower. You sat on the couch, not willing to move. You thought about the situation in your head.
An afterthought. That’s what you would be to your dad if you were invited. You thought that maybe your dad would come around, put the situation behind him. But that wasn’t how Tom operated. And — it’s hard to blame Gisele. She has always been one of those people who tried to keep everyone happy. So if not reaching out to you kept Tom happy, that’s what she had to do.
It was hard, though.
You’ve never missed a family holiday. You loved seeing your little siblings, cousins, and grandparents. So knowing that this was a possibility, it stung.
Later that night, the phone call came. You were cuddled up in bed, just about to turn off your phone and go to sleep. Arch was already snoring next to you. You saw Gisele’s name flash across the top of the screen. With a sigh, you shuffled out of bed and left the bedroom.
You answered the phone and pressed it to your ear, hand shaking slightly. “Hello?”
Gisele let out a small sigh of shock at your voice. “Hi girl, how are you?” Gisele asked, her voice suddenly calm. You were taken aback from the relaxed nature of Gisele.
“I’m fine, I was just about to go to sleep-“
“I wanted to call to talk to you about Thanksgiving. Now, your father didn’t want me to call, but I felt that it was wrong. He-“ Gisele cut herself off, a sad sound coming from her lips.
“I know, he doesn’t want me there.” You quickly replied, ensuring that the words don’t have to leave her mouth. Your lips turned into a frown, your bottom lip quivering slightly.
“I’m so sorry, you know that I love you like my own. But Tom is just being so damn stubborn.” Gisele blabbered. You could tell she was crying on the other side of the phone.
“I know it’s not your fault. I know it’s his choice, and he gets the executive decision. It’s okay, Gisele.” You tried to calm her down, voice soft.
“Are you going to be able to see your mom? Or are you going to have to spend thanksgiving alone? Because if that’s the case I’ll make Tom change his mind — I will.” Gisele spoke, her voice still shaky.
“No, I won’t be going to see my mom. But Arch’s dad invited me to theirs, so I won’t be alone. Don’t worry.” You answered, feeling a bit emotional about how distraught Gisele was.
You heard Arch’s feet pad into the living room, his eyes looking at you. He was tired, his face still sleepy. You mouthed to him who was on the phone. Arch gave you a thumbs up before returning back to bed.
“Okay, that’s good. Please send me a lot of pictures of their food, you know I love food pictures.” Gisele reminded, the sound of Tom speaking in the background.
You let out a quiet laugh, nodding — even though she couldn’t see it through the phone. “I will, I will, goodnight.”
You sighed as the phone dropped from your ear. It was too stressful, too nerve wracking to deal with this. You were more than excited to join Arch at his family thanksgiving, more than excited. But then you’ll get posted with the Manning family, then some news page will spin media into a twisted web. They would say that there is tensions in the family (which yes, there is. But Tom hated that narrative in the media).
You knew this would cause more issues than solve them. But, it is a family holiday — so why not join a family that actually wants you there.
The drive to where the Manning family thanksgiving was being held was shorter than you thought. You were coming with bottles of wine, which you swore would be rude but Arch said otherwise.
When you pulled into the driveway, you let out a nervous sigh. You were meeting the extra extended family, not just uncles and aunts. You were meeting grandparents and cousins, ones that probably know your legacy.
It made you anxious.
Arch could see it written on your face. He put his truck into park, eyes dancing over to you. His hand squeezed your thigh slightly. “It’s going to be okay, you know everyone loves you.” Arch reminded, his hand now rubbing small circles into the flesh. “You are a natural.”
You let out a sigh, trying to push all the nerves out. “Okay, okay. I’m fine, I’m good.” You nodded, trying to affirm yourself with your words. You got out of the truck, meeting with Arch. His hand slipped into yours, the other holding the bottle of wine.
The entrance was grand, just as you expected for the Manning family. Inside, a plethora of shoes were strung in the entry way. Shouts could be heard from the living room, chatting in the kitchen, and children running around through the house.
“Archie! My boy!” An older man spoke from a reclining chair. This made all the heads pop up, eyes immediately falling onto you.
“There she is! Come here, come here!” Cooper cheered, standing up from the couch to bring you over. You dropped Arch’s hand, following Cooper. “Dad, this is Tom Brady’s own flesh and blood.” Cooper introduced you to Archie.
“Well, what a little traitor. Don’t you know we don’t like that man?” Archie laughed, then stood up from the couch. He pulled you into a hug, then sat back down. “I guess we will accept you around here,” Sarcasm, it runs in the Manning family.
You laughed, then felt a tug on your arm. Arch was pulling you into the kitchen, which made you excited for some reason. You loved Arch’s mom, absolutely adored her. Ellen was a sweet southern women, something you cherished.
“Grams, I brought the wine,” Arch spoke, setting the bottle of red wine on the counter. Olivia turned around, a thankful gasp falling from her lips.
“Oh! You know I always forget the red wine. Wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it.” Olivia smiled at you, her eyes filled with a cheerful glint. “Oh you must be Y/N! Ellen has told me so much about you!” Olivia pulled you into a tight hug.
“It’s nice to meet you too!”
Arch quickly disappeared, most likely joining his uncles and dad to watch football. May, Arch’s sister, patted the chair next to her, her hands already moving to pour you a drink. You smiled and moved to sit by her. You met May not long after meeting Arch. Now, you were inseparable.
Ellen, Olivia, and some of Arch’s aunts were running around the kitchen. They were preparing every dish possible. Unbeknownst to you, Peyton had been going around the house — capturing miscellaneous images to post on his Instagram story.
When the Thanksgiving food was ready, everyone lined up to fill their plates. Unlike your own personal thanksgiving celebration, everyone sat where they wanted to. The boys trickled back into the living room, collapsing onto the couches with their plates in hand.
May, Arch, and you sat at a small table in the corner of the kitchen. Some people sat at the kitchen counter, some at the dinner table.
It was quite comforting to be in such a relaxed environment. There was no pressure to pretend you liked the food that was made, since Arch’s family was excellent at cooking. You weren’t worried to be left out of conversations — to be an outsider — because Arch always kept you included.
It felt relaxed and simple.
Arch took your empty plate, then sat down next to you. His arm was draped over the back of the chair, his thumb resting against the back of your shoulder. His grandma sat across from you, fully indulging in interrogating you.
“So, what are you in school for? Arch says you are very smart!” She asked, her hands clasped around a wine glass (her third glass of wine to be exact).
“I’m going to school for Veterinary Science,” You replied simply, a small smile on your face. “Right now I’m pre-med with a biology specialty, then I’m going to hopefully get into a decent Veterinarian school.”
Olivia gawked, a small hoot coming from her lips. “Well I praise you! I tried college, absolutely not for me.” Olivia shook her head. “Cooper said you also cheer? Is that right?”
“Yeah! This is my first season making the competitive cheer team for UT so I’m like crazy excited. I’ll have a busy winter,” You explained, shivering at the feeling of Arch’s hand drop to your thigh.
“Well that is just amazing. Gosh, bless your heart!” Olivia finished her glass of wine, moving back into the kitchen to pour another.
You felt entirely at ease. The nerves from earlier were completely wiped from your body, feeling a sense of relief that your mind was finally moving at a chill rate. You knew that everything would be fine, truly.
That night, you toppled back into the car. May kept you drinking, which must be normal for the family holidays. Arch placed numerous Tupperware containers into the back seat. Leftover food that his grandma swore he needed.
You finally were able to check your phone. Unlike holidays at your dad’s, you didn’t feel the need to be glued to your phone. Your eyes locked onto the missed calls and texts from your dad. With a heavy sigh, you turned your phone back off.
“My dad has been trying to talk to me all night, I guess,” You told Arch, turning down the radio.
His head turned to glance at you, a slight glint of concern on his face. His hand immediately dropped to rest in yours. “Are you okay with that?” He asked, his voice cautious.
“I think-“ You paused, thinking for a moment before replying. “I think I am okay with that. He didn’t want me there, so why would I care if he’s mad that I wasn’t?”
“Smart thinking,” Arch quickly replied, his hand squeezing yours. “You had fun today, right? You were able to enjoy yourself it seemed,”
You let out a small laugh. “It was a lot better than what I’m used to. Holidays at my dad’s are like, it’s so strict on what you can and can’t do. Usually I would come and hang out for a little, then hide in my room.” You paused.
“I don’t know, it just felt nice being in a place where it actually felt like family.” You spoke simply, your voice steady at the resolution.
“I’m incredibly happy to hear that. Like, deadass. I’m glad you like being around my family.” Arch paused and you could tell he was pondering on his words for a moment. “Cause like — I don’t know. I’ve just never really brought a girl home like this.”
You raised your eyebrow. You were well aware that Arch has never really been in a serious relationship. It’s hard when you come from the kind of family he does. Some people have bad intentions, like only being there to be a future NFL wife.
That’s where you differed.
You grew up in this lifestyle. You grew up having anything you wanted — and more. Well, only when you were on your dad’s good side. You knew the life, and frankly you tried everything to avoid it.
“Don’t get all going softie on me, Archie,” You spoke, voice a hint of a whine. “I’ve had way too many drinks for you to be all sweet and adorable.”
Arch just laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, you say that until you are in bed and want your cup filled, your blanket, and this and that. Then you’ll want me to be a sweetheart.”
“Well of course! That’s part of your boyfriend responsibilities.” You mumbled, eyes peering out the truck window.
You watched the sights go past the window until eventually you were snoozing in the passenger seat. You weren’t entirely sure how you made it until the bedroom, but what you do know is this — Arch sure as hell filled up your water bottle, and your father’s messages will remain on delivered.
