18+ she/they. obsessed with all things women's sports
requests : closed (any requests sent in will be deleted)
what i write : whatever/whoever i want for women's basketball
what i won’t write : players under the age of 21, cc, male!reader, pazzi, pazzi x reader, cheating, abuse, anything hateful/disrespectful, whatever i don’t feel like writing
if my post has anything that says ‘minors do not interact’ / ‘minors dni’ and you are a minor, please don’t interact or i will block you if i find out. no hesitation.
as the year is about to end, i’ve been sitting with a lot of feelings and i should be honest about it with you all.
i don’t really know how to properly thank you for the space you’ve given me since i’ve made this page almost a year ago. for reading, reblogging, sending messages that made me feel so much love, and for caring about words i wrote when i didn’t think anyone would be reading. these stories became something people turned into comfort, into escape, into something that mattered. that’s not something i will ever take lightly.
this little corner of the internet has held so many versions of me. being here gave me back the joy i had with writing and the connection in a way i didn’t expect when i made this little blog. it taught me so much about myself.
and because of that, this is hard to say.
as the new year approaches, i’ve realized it’s time for me to move on from writing stories. it’s not because i decided to just stop caring and abandon everything, but because i care enough to know when a chapter has reached its end.
this isn’t me forgetting this place. i will not be forgetting about you guys or the people i’ve met because that would be impossible to do.
thank you for growing with me. thank you for trusting me with your time and your hearts (even if i’ve broken it a few times with some of the stories i chose to write). thank you for making this feel like more than just another blog.
i hope the stories you loved here stay with you in the way good things do. i hope the new year is gentle with you. i hope you keep finding words and people that make you feel seen.
just wanted to say i appreciate you for all the love, support, and kindness you show me here. It means a lot. hope today brings you some peace and joy and yall get what you want and eat too much food. 🫶
Uncured how u been? It’s a minute since we’ve talked. You know I’ve been good, decide to start reading again. (I say this as I probably won’t read again for a while school and work been kicking me)
Now wtf Uncured “Ps I Love you” see I knew what was gonna happen and it still hit me.
Now I really could start with them strays again but you know who really need the strays Cathy because wtf is she on.
corey!! how you been?? i’ve been alright but it’s good to hear from you!
‘ps i love you’ (the fic i wrote and not the movie) is very under appreciated i feel like but blame the tiktok editors for reminding me of that movie and decided it needed to be written with paige
tash always says what needs to be said and catherine needs to go
pairings ━ leah williamson x baker!reader, single mom!leah
word count ━ 7.9k
summary ━ leah’s four year old daughter, juni, devises a plan to parent trap you and leah
notes ━ if the first part is messed up… no it isn’t. i changed it from past to present tense and it took all my brain power also i had to learn about the uk education system so if it’s wrong spare me 🙏🏾 i had no idea this was still in my drafts omg.
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It’s one of those rare London days where the clouds thinned enough to let sunlight pour down. Leah Williamson, against all odds, is having what she would almost classify as a peaceful day. That peace lasted exactly thirty seconds.
"Mummy, pleeease? Please please pleaseeee?" Juni begs dramatically, tugging on Leah's jacket sleeve with all the strength of a four year old on a mission. Her voice is loud enough to make passersby glance over.
Mario laughs so hard she nearly trips on the curb, while Lia just shakes her head, her lips twitching.
"Bubs," Leah sighs, adjusting the shopping bags in her arms. "I don't even know what you're begging me for. You just started pleading without context."
Juni's little shoulders slumps in exasperation, as if she was burdened with the weight of explaining obvious things to an adult. "We have to go to my bakery," she huffs. "My honored bakery! Tell them, Super Mario!"
Leah turns a sharp look on her teammate.
"What bakery?"
Mario winces and raises her hands in surrender. "Okay, don't get mad. I might have... taken her to my friend's place once. Or, uh, every day I babysat when you had physio. She got attached."
"Attached?" Leah echoed, narrowing her eyes.
"Obsessed," Lia supplies helpfully, her Swiss accent rolling smoothly. "She talks about it constantly. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised she dreams in pastries now."
Leah closes her eyes, calculating the cost of saying no. On one hand was sugar, chaos, and a wired four year old bouncing around her flat. On the other was Juni's wrath and inevitable tantrum, which was infinitely worse.
"Fine," she relents with a groan. "Is it even open right now?"
Mario shrugs, smirking. "Doesn't matter. Oni will be there."
"Oni?" Leah repeats, suspicious.
"It’s a nickname,” Mario explains. "My friend. Trust me, you'll like her."
Before Leah could question any further, Juni squeals, "Yes! Let's go, slowpokes!" And tugs them toward the direction of the bakery with surprising force for such tiny arms.
The bell above the door chimes as Mario pushes it open, and instead of the usual soft jazz, upbeat reggaeton pulses through the space. Mario grins knowingly.
"She's here," she singsongs. "Oni? Where are you? I've got a guest...or three."
From the back, you appear with your hair piled up in a claw clip, apron dusted with flour, your cheeks smudged white like battle paint. You smile warmly at the group before your gaze landed on Juni.
"La chipie is back," you laugh, bending down just in time to catch the little whirlwind as she launches herself into your arms.
"How's my troublemaker? Still causing chaos?"
"No!" Juni squeals with a grin, arms wrapping around your neck. "I've been good."
From behind them, Leah snorts involuntarily. The sound catches your attention, and you look over at her with a smile that made Leah's breath hitch. Her face goes pink immediately, and Mario didn't even bother hiding her grin. Lia just smirks knowingly.
When Lia steps forward to hug you, Juni squawks indignantly and tightens her hold.
"No!" she pouts. "Mine.”
"Juni," Leah warns softly.
But Lia only laughs, brushing it off. "It's fine. Honestly, it's adorable."
"What did you make me today?" Juni demands as you carry her toward a table.
After setting her down in a chair, you dust your hands and smile. "Well, chipie, last time you gave me two ingredients. Oreos and, very specifically, Ruffles Original Chips. So today..." You disappear briefly into the back, returning with a silver tray covered by a glass dome. With an exaggerated flair, you set it down. "I present to you, Madame Juniper," you say in your thickest French accent, "Oreo madeleines with a crushed potato chip garnish."
Juni gasps like you've handed her the crown jewels. "You're the best ever!" she declares, digging in immediately.
"Want to introduce me to your friend before Juni eats everything?" you tease Mario, wiping flour from your hands on your apron.
Mario stands, kisses your cheek, then gestures between you and Leah. "Oni, meet Leah. Leah, Oni. Don't be weird."
Leah stands quickly, sticking out her hand. "I'm Leah. Uh—I know who you are. Not in a creepy way! Just... your dad. I'm a huge fan. He's the reason I became a defender." She cringes at herself. "Wow, that sounded cooler in my head."
You grin, shaking her hand. "Nice to meet you, Leah, and relax. I promise I don't think you're a stalker."
Across the table, Juni was busy stuffing her cheeks and nodding sagely as though she'd orchestrated this exact moment.
"She talks about you all the time, you know," you add, still smiling. "Your biggest fan."
Juni, mouth full, nodded vigorously and mumbled, "It's true, Mummy."
Leah ducks her head, hiding her blush behind her hair.
"So, boss," you tap Juni's nose lightly, "what's the rating today?"
Juni chews thoughtfully, then looks to the ceiling. "Nine out of ten."
"Nine?" you gasp dramatically.
"Could be ten," she reasons. "If you have extras."
But you just laugh. "Don't worry. She has a great personality. Let her shine. Of course I made you extra, chipie, but you can’t eat it all before you get home.”
Juni nods her head as her eyes lit up. “Okay!”
“No. That’s what you said last time and you ate them all before we left the door,” Lia pipes up.
Juni shakes her head. “No! I pinky promise!” She shoved her pinky towards you and you wrap yours with her tiny one.
You kiss the back of your thumb, “Now you have to kiss your end, it locks in the promise.”
Juni giggles before she kisses her end. You get up dramatically, entertaining the four year old. "See? Now it's official. Extra madeleines for the boss."
Juni squeals in triumph, while Lia and Mario exchange knowing looks as they watch Leah’s eyes follow you as you move to pack the madeleines. Juni hops out of her seat to lean over the counter and talk to you.
Leah rubs her temple. "You're both conspiring against me, aren't you?"
Mario smirks. "Not yet. But soon."
Lia leans closer to Leah, whispering, "You like her"
"What? No." Leah flushes. "She's just... very beautiful. And sweet. And.." She trails off, watching you laugh at something Juni says. "And she's... good with Juni."
Juni perks up at her name. It wasn't like she’s difficult, she’s just challenging. She’s hyperactive and her mouth talks before her brain most times. Leah has tried dating but most women react badly to Juni's personality or ignore her entire being.
Mario snorts. "That's Oni for you. I've never seen a kid that didn't like her. But, I will admit, she seems to favor Juni because she would never bake with potato chips. She just learned to like them last year."
“Besides we don't even know if she likes women," Leah shakes her head.
Lia can’t help but let out a laugh as Mario blinks at Leah. "She likes women, Leah.”
Before Leah can argue, Juni, still chewing, mumbles, "Mummy and Oni."
The three women froze as you return with a prettily wrapped container of extra madeleines. You set it in front of Juni’s seat as she climbs back onto it, then slid into the seat right next to Leah this time.
"For you, ma chipie," you say warmly.
Juni grins, eyes darting between you and her mum. In her little head, the pieces were clicking perfectly into place.
“Juniper Kathrine, what has gotten into you?” Leah groans as her daughter sobs in her car seat.
“I want my toy!” Juni wails, face blotchy and red. Her little legs kick uselessly against the seat. “I left it at Oni’s bakery by accident when I went with Mario.”
“Okay,” Leah sighs, rubbing her forehead with one hand while the other grips the wheel. “Let me see if Mario can get it and give it to us on Monday.”
“No!” Juni shrieks like the word personally offended her. “I need Bunny!”
Leah winces. Of course it had to be Bunny, the stuffed elephant misnamed after a rabbit, the one Jacob brought the day Juni was born. Juni had never once slept without it. If she didn’t get it back, nobody in hundred mile radius would be sleeping peacefully this weekend.
What Leah didn’t know was that Juni’s meltdown was Oscar-worthy acting.
After watching you and Leah interact that first time, Juniper, wise beyond her four chaotic years, had decided the two of you belonged together. So she did what any self respecting toddler mastermind would do and sacrificed her Bunny at your bakery for the sake of love.
Step one of her plan, complete.
“Alright, alright,” Leah caves, starting the car because the alternative is a weekend of mutual misery. “A quick in and out.”
Juni sniffles dramatically, but she’s suddenly very calm, too calm.
Leah drives with her heart thumping and her mind fried. Juni sniffles behind her, occasionally hiccuping, and every time Leah reaches back to pat her knee she has to remind herself not to crash the damn car.
She parks across from your bakery and hurriedly unbuckles her daughter.
“Mummy?” Juni asks, planting her feet stubbornly when Leah tries to guide her toward the crossing.
“Yes, my Junebug?” Leah follows where she points, and stops dead. A flower shop right across from your bakery.
“Can we get flowers for Oni?” Juni asks sweetly.
Leah freezes, her soul leaving her body.
She mutters several sentences under her breath that if Juni heard, would definitely slip a few bills into the swear jar.
“…Alright,” she finally says. “You pick.”
Juni smirks so slyly it should be criminal and marches inside like she owns the place.
She picks tulips, the soft pink ones, because Mario once mentioned you like the smell of them.
Leah pays, face burning, while the older florist beams at Juni’s enthusiastic “BUH-BYE!”
Leah jogs to catch up with her daughter, taking her hand to cross the street safely.
“Come on, Mummy! You are so slow,” Juni complains, tugging her forward with the force and confidence of a child who believes she can pull a car if she tried hard enough.
Leah just laughs under her breath and opens the bakery door. The little bell chimes.
“Oni?” Juniper calls immediately, barely audible over the French pop music thundering from your speakers.
You poke your head out from the kitchen and your whole face lights up.
“Leah! Chipie!” You rush forward, turning down the music. You swoop Juni into your arms and she wraps herself around your neck like a koala. Then you look at Leah and smile brightly. Leah smiles back before she even realizes she’s doing it.
“What do I owe this pleasure?”
Leah opens her mouth, but Juni beats her to it.
“Oni, do you have any treats?”
You giggle, and Leah gently nudges her daughter’s shoulder in a half-hearted scold.
“I have some pain au chocolat.”
Juni gasps as if you just promised her the moon. “Chocolate?”
“Yeah, chipie, chocolate.” You glance at Leah. “Is that alright? She was here earlier, but she only had a sandwich.”
Leah’s mouth goes dry. “Um—yeah. She can have it. It’s fine.”
Your smile widens. “Perfect. One moment.”
As you disappear, Leah kneels beside Juni.
“Alright, bug. Where is Bunny?”
You reappear with a pastry in one hand and the stuffed elephant in the other.
“Chipie,” you say, raising an eyebrow. “Did you leave this here earlier?”
Juni grins proudly. “I did!”
Then she gestures toward the pastries and the table. “Let’s eat!”
You laugh and, with a dramatic bow, say, “Yes, boss.” You take a seat. Leah follows, her heart beating too fast.
“So,” Leah says before she can stop herself, “why did you move to London?”
You blink at her, pleasantly surprised. “To open my bakery. I have one in France, one in New York, one in Barcelona. I was deciding on LA for the next one, love California, but Laia convinced me London needed one.”
Leah’s mouth drops. “You opened all of those? At your age?”
You shrug, shy. “It’s my livelihood. And I like seeing people happy because of my treats.” You glance at Juni, who is shoveling chocolate into her mouth like she’s in training for the Olympics. “Like Chipie here.”
Leah softens completely as she watches her kid beam at you.
“Where did you learn to bake?” Leah asks, voice lower now, genuinely interested.
“Professionally? The Culinary Arts Academy. Bachelor’s and master’s in Pastry and Culinary Arts.”
“Wow.”
“Unofficially?” you smile. “My dad.”
Leah’s eyebrows shoot up. “Your father? The Maestro? Le Roi? The most feared center back in football taught you to bake? You’re taking the piss.”
You throw your head back laughing. “I’m serious! I wanted to make chocolate chip cookies at age five. We had no recipe. My father told me: ‘Ma princesse, baking is about your soul. Not measurements.’”
Leah snorts. “How’d that turn out?”
You suck your teeth. “Let’s just say the 2004 Arsenal men’s team were… extremely polite about my rock-hard cookies. Surprised half the team wasn’t out with food poisoning.”
Leah laughs so hard she wipes tears from her eyes. Juni watches the two of you like she’s watching a very successful experiment.
“Oni, can you teach me how to bake? Mummy can’t bake or cook,” Juni announces.
Leah’s laugh freezes into an offended gape. You burst into giggles.
“Mummy can’t cook?” you tease, leaning forward, chin propped on your hand.
Leah blushes so deeply it reaches her ears. “I can cook.”
Juni shakes her head solemnly. “No, you can’t, Mummy. It’s okay. I will learn to cook for both of us.”
You nearly fall out of your chair laughing while Leah splutters.
“You little monkey,” Leah growls playfully, standing up to grab Juni and flip her upside down. Juni shrieks as her hair dangles toward the floor. “Say I can cook!”
“Never!” Juni cackles. “Oni, save me!”
You stand and gently pluck Juni from Leah’s arms. Leah lets you without hesitation. You set Juni on her feet, and she immediately hides behind you, clutching your legs like you’re her shield.
“She’s evil,” Juni whispers loudly into your jeans. “I tell you.”
“I’ll show you evil, missy,” Leah says, narrowing her eyes theatrically.
All three of you burst into laughter, yours warm and melodic, Leah’s soft and breathless, Juni’s wild and delighted.
Juni watches the two of you closely and knows her plan is working perfectly.
The next couple of weeks fall into a rhythm that neither you nor Leah acknowledges out loud.
Juni arrives with Mario while Leah is at physio. Juni will “accidentally” leaves something behind. Her bow, her sparkly water bottle, an entire Lego set that took her three days to build, and once, an actual framed picture she drew of you and Leah holding hands under a rainbow. Then Leah and Juni come back after closing, always with flowers, always with some excuse to linger, always staying long after the lights should’ve been off.
Each time, Juni gets her odd dessert combination: sour gummy bears tartelettes, Nutella and marshmallow cinnamon rolls, cookie lasagna (not bad), and cotton candy flavored popcorn (Leah almost barfed).
Tonight, Juni left her boots, she had started playing at some camps Arsenal put on for younger kids, and when they come in, she is vibrating with pride.
“Oni!” Juni cheers as she bursts through the door and barrels into your legs for a hug. “We got you dahlias!”
You press your hand to your heart, smiling as you take them. “Merci, ma chipie. You always bring me the prettiest ones.” You lean down and kiss her forehead. “Your treat is on the table.”
Leah raises an eyebrow as she steps inside, closing the door behind her. “What’s the crazy combo today?”
“You’re going to love this one,” you tease, tugging her into a hug she returns without hesitation. Her face ends up tucked into your neck for a second too long, her breath warm on your collarbone. You pretend you don’t feel your pulse jump.
When you pull away, you lean close and whisper, “Ham and cheese.”
Leah snorts. “That’s not crazy.”
“That’s because she said,” you pitch your voice up in an exaggerated toddler imitation, “‘I need to eat like Mummy now that I’m a footballer.’”
Leah’s face softens instantly. Her whole expression glows.
You nudge her. “Adorable, no?”
“A bit… dangerously so,” Leah murmurs, unable to hide her smile.
You slide into your usual seats. The routine is instinct by now. You sit across from each other, Juni in the middle on her special little chair, kicking her feet.
“How was practice?” you ask, voice dropping into that automatic affection you don’t notice anymore.
Leah steals a bite of Juni’s sandwich.
“Mummy!” Juni whines, scandalized.
Leah shrugs unapologetically. “I told you, it’s training, not practice. And it was good. Light day.”
Juni opens her mouth, lets out a massive burp, and giggles.
“Juniper Kathrine,” Leah warns, rubbing her temples.
“’Sorry,” Juni mumbles, unbothered as she keeps eating.
You raise an eyebrow at Leah. “You know there’s a stereotype with you center backs.”
Leah blinks. “What stereotype?”
“You and my father are basically clones,” you say bluntly. “Single parents, played for Arsenal, captained national teams, and both of you managed to name your daughters after yourselves. That’s suspicious.”
“Clearly.” You jab a finger at her. “My father and I literally have the same name. I just have an an extra E and the accent. And then you gave Juni your middle name but with a K instead of a C. Subtle.”
“Mummy is conceited,” Juni announces proudly.
Leah’s head snaps toward her. “Where did you even learn that word?”
“Kei and G,” Juni singsongs. “They said you’re conceited.”
Leah scoffs. “What do they know?”
You raise a hand. “Obviously enough to clock you.”
Leah’s eyes narrow in playful offense. “Oh, you think you’re funny?”
“Hilarious,” you correct, standing when you notice Juni is done. “Come on, Chipie.”
Juni hops down immediately, following you with pure devotion.
Leah blinks. “Where are you going?”
“Chipie requested baking time,” you say simply, tying Juni’s tiny apron.
When you plop an oversized, dramatic chef’s hat onto Juni’s head, Leah wheezes.
“Where did you get that?”
“My graduation hat,” you say proudly, adjusting it. It droops over Juni’s eyes, making her laugh.
Leah lifts her phone, capturing the moment, smiling so softly you feel it like a hand on your ribs.
“All right,” you clap. “Let’s begin.”
“Chocolate chips!” Juni beams.
Leah’s eyes widen. “You’re making cookies?”
You nod. “What Chipie wants, she gets.”
“Yeah, Mummy,” Juni echoes smugly.
Leah lifts her hands. “My apologies, your highnesses. Continue.”
The kitchen fills with the warm sound of mixing, the hum of French pop, the smell of brown sugar melting.
“Gentle,” you guide, holding Juni’s hand as she cracks an egg. “Voilà. Now add the butter.”
You switch to French automatically, “C’est du sucre… ça c’est la vanille…” and Juni parrots each word back, proud of herself with every syllable. The four year old is determined to learn French so she can talk with you in your first language.
Leah watches from the stool, her face softening with every passing minute.
She doesn’t blink when flour dusts your hair.
She doesn’t move when Juni shrieks with laughter after turning the mixer too high.
She just watches the two of you, like she wants to burn the memory into her brain.
At some point, she realizes—this what she used to imagine home would feel like.
“What do you rate them?” your accented English snaps her out of her head.
Juni munches loudly, thinking hard. “Hmm… a thousand out of ten!”
Her cookie is chaos with marshmallows, Twix, Oreos, pretzels. Obviously, you have a problem saying no to the girl.
“A thousand?” you gasp dramatically. “I must put it on the menu. Chef Juni, will you allow it?”
Juni nods so intensely her hat slips sideways. “Yes! And call it… Chef Chipie’s Princesse Footballer Cookies.”
Leah grins at the name.
“Perfect.” You write it down. “I’ll text my team. Chef Chipie, can you pack the cookies?”
Juni begins shoving cookies into the box, humming loudly.
You step away and tap out a message to your staff.
Behind you, Leah comes close. Close enough you feel her before you hear her.
“Hey,” she says softly. “Thank you.”
You turn. “For what?”
Leah glances at Juni, who is eating another cookie behind your back. Then she meets your eyes.
“For making her this happy. For giving her something to look forward to every week. For…” She exhales, lips curling. “For being you.”
You open your mouth, but nothing comes out. Because she’s looking at you like she means it. Like she’s been meaning it for a while.
“Leah…” you start.
But Juni runs up, tugging on Leah’s jeans, chocolate on her chin.
“Mummy, Oni says I’m a real chef!”
Leah lifts her daughter, kissing her cheek. “You are, bug.”
It was your usual Saturday morning at the farmers market, your favorite ritual of the week. Fresh air plus fresh produce equals fresh inspiration. You moved with practiced ease down the row of stalls, dropping bright yellow lemons into your tote bag with satisfaction. Their scent already had you imagining lemon curd with something tamarind in it.
You were reaching for a bunch of mint when a familiar shriek cracked through the quiet bustle.
“ONI!”
You barely had time to brace yourself before a small body slammed into your legs. You stumbled back, laughing as you caught your balance.
“Bonjour, mon aim-ee!” Juni beams up at you, absolutely butchering the word amie and somehow making it sound like the cutest thing in existence.
“Oh! Bonjour, ma chipie,” you say, crouching down to hug her. She clings to your neck like she hasn’t seen you in years. You take her little hand automatically, scanning the crowd. “Where is your mum? Who are you here with?”
“That would be us,” a warm voice says.
You straighten and find an older woman and man approaching, both smiling like they already know you.
“I’m Amanda, Leah’s mum,” the woman says. “They both talk about you all the time.”
“David,” the man says with a firm handshake. “Leah’s father.”
You smile politely. “Hi! Wonderful to meet you. I’m—”
“She’s my Oni!” Juni declares proudly, hugging your leg like she’s claiming you.
Amanda and David share a knowing look.
Juni had told them her “get Mummy and Oni married” plan. She gives them consistent updates, but the two assumed it was just Juni being Juni. Now, seeing you? They understand why Juni is working so hard on the project.
It takes about thirty seconds of Juni tugging your hand with those deadly puppy eyes before you fall in line and join the Williamson family on their market run. Amanda bites back a laugh every time you fold instantly.
David walks beside you. “I had no idea The Minister of Defense was your father,” he says enthusiastically. “He was a nightmare when Arsenal played Tottenham. An even bigger nightmare when England played France.”
You snort, amused that Leah grew up a Gunner in a Spurs household. You could only imagine the arguments during face offs.
“Oh, here we go,” Amanda sighs. “Enough football talk. I want to hear about your bakery.”
“Oh! It just opened a couple months ago,” you say quickly.
“Fourth location, right?” Amanda adds casually. “And one of them has a star?”
You blink, surprised Leah mentioned all of that.
“Yes,” you admit softly. “Paris was my first. My grandparents live there and I wanted to stay close. Then New York after Paris earned its Michelin. I figured if I can bag New York I can do whatever I wanted. Then Barcelona shortly after New York. Barcelona is the longest place I’ve lived so I was a bit… homesick. And now, I’m conquering London.”
“That’s incredible.” David whistles. “You must be stupidly talented.”
Juni nods aggressively. “She’s magic, Nana,
Grandpa. I’m getting a cookie named after me!”
“Oh?” Amanda raises her eyebrows. “Are you now? You’re practically as famous as your mother.”
“I AM.” Juni places her hands on her hips. “It’s called the Chef Chipie Princess Footballer Cookie!”
Amanda and David glance at you for confirmation.
“It’s true,” you laugh. “Come Monday morning, it will debut to all of London.”
“All. Of. London,” Juni repeats dramatically. A couple of people passing give judging looks at the sheer volume.
Before Amanda can scold her, you crouch and conspiratorially whisper, “Right, Chipie, all of London. But we mustn’t yell. Too many old people here.” You widen your eyes. “It hurts their ears, you know. It gets so sensitive when they are so old.”
Juni giggles behind her hands. “Like Nana and Grandpa?”
“No, no,” you whisper back. “They’re the good ones.”
Juni beams… then brightens even more. “Oni! Will you come to Mummy’s game with us?”
Your stomach drops. “What?”
“Oh, that’s a wonderful idea!” Amanda gasps. “We have an extra ticket. Jacob got sick.”
“I—I’m not sure—”
“Dear, I insist,” Amanda says.
Juni tugs your hand, looking up at you with those damn puppy eyes. “Please oh pleeeeease?”
You sigh, trying to resist the power of the pout. You were doomed from the start.
Which is why an hour later you’re in the Williamson family box at the Emirates, wearing one of your father’s old Arsenal jerseys.
Juni bounces beside you so hard the seats shake. “Oni! LOOK. THERE THEY ARE!”
The players walk out of the tunnel.
“Mummy! Look! THERE’S MUMMY!” Juni screams, waving wildly.
Leah looks up and sees Juni tucked into your side. The both you wave to her with bright smiles. She freezes for a second then her entire face breaks into the most helpless, wide, incandescent smile. Like she couldn’t stop it if she tried.
On the pitch, Mariona nudges Lia. The two have a bet going on when the two of you get together. From the looks of it, Lia’s going to win.
“That’s it,” Lia murmurs smugly. “You owe me dinner.”
Steph and Beth, further down the line, stare.
“When the hell did she smile?” Beth mutters.
“Mate, I didn’t know her face could do that.” Steph replies.
After the match, you stay in the box, holding Juni in your lap while Amanda and David chat with other parents.
“I’m tired, Oni…” Juni mumbles, curling into your chest.
“I know, Chipie,” you murmur, smoothing her hair. “You’ll be home soon.”
“Junebug?” Leah’s voice calls from the doorway.
She’s damp-haired, glowing from the win, cheeks still flushed from adrenaline.
Juni perks up instantly. “MUMMY! YOU WON!”
Leah scoops her up, spinning her before planting a kiss to her head. “Thanks, bug.”
When Leah looks at you, something in her gaze softens even more. She opens one arm and you step forward without thinking. She pulls you into the hug with her and Juni. The little girl burrows deeper, enjoy the warmth she felt.
Amanda sneakily takes a video while David takes a photo.
Leah murmurs near your ear, “I didn’t know you were coming… or that you met my parents.”
“Juni spotted me at the market,” you shrug. “And they insisted.”
Leah smiles softly, still on an adrenaline high, but she looks a little stunned by it.
Amanda gestures that they’re leaving, and you all head out. Juni insists on holding both your hands, swinging between you and Leah.
“I’m glad you came,” Leah says quietly.
“Me too,” you admit.
“Me three,” Juni adds proudly.
Out of nowhere— “Oni!” someone yells behind you. Before you can turn, arms wrap around you and lift you off the ground.
“Laia!” you laugh breathlessly.
“Et trobava a faltar.” She mumbles. “Fa temps que no et veig, com estàs?” [I missed you. I haven’t seen you in a while, how have you been?”]
“He estat bé, he estat bé,” you reply, laughing. “Posa’m!” [I’ve been fine, I’ve been fine. Put me down!]
Laia finally sets you down just as Mariona appears, pulling you into a quick, affectionate hug and a kiss to your crown. “Vaig veure on estaves assegut, pel camí.” [I saw where you were sitting, by the way.]
Your cheeks burn. “Va ser d’última hora i la Juni em volia aquí.” [It was last minute and Juni wanted me here.]
Leah blinks. “Was that Catalan? You speak Catalan?”
You shrug. “I lived in Catalonia for ten years off and on.”
Before she can respond, you three get another interruption.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” a northern accent cuts in. You meet Beth Mead’s smirk and Steph’s welcoming smile.
“Oh piss off,” Leah groans. “We’re leaving.”
“Mummy,” Juni scolds, “that’s not nice.”
“Yeah, Leah,” Beth mocks sweetly. “Not nice.”
Steph waves, also nosy. “We just want to meet your friend.”
Juni takes control. “Beth, Stephy, this is my Oni!”
You reach out and shake their hands. “Nice to meet you both.”
“That’s enough,” Leah mutters, dragging you away.
“She’s so rude,” Beth stage whispers.
Leah rolls her eyes so hard you snort. “Where’s your car?” she asks you once you’re out of earshot.
“Oh—your parents brought me. I was going to take the bus.”
Leah stops in her tracks. “Absolutely not. I’ll drive you.”
“Leah, no, I can just—”
“No.” Her tone is final. “I insist. Juni insists. Get in.”
The ride is quiet only because Juni is asleep, but you and Leah talk the entire time. Albeit, softly like you’re sharing secrets, only so the child didn’t stir.
The car ride also consists of you two playing music. You introduce her to French rap and she introduces you to whatever chaotic mix she listens to. You judge her taste and she laughs at you for judging.
By the time she pulls into your apartment complex, neither of you wants the night to end.
Leah walks you to your door, shifting shyly, hands in her pockets. “Okay, I’m not the best at this but…” she exhales, trying again. “I like you. A lot. And I’d like to take you out. This Saturday? If you want?”
You don’t hesitate and a smile blooms across your face. “I would love to, Leah.”
Leah breaks into the softest, purest grin you’ve ever seen. And if Juni weren’t asleep in her car seat, you swear she’d be cheering.
“Oh fuck me,” Leah mutters, pacing the living room with one shoe on and one shoe in her hand. Her first babysitter canceled earlier in the week, the second canceled yesterday, and now the third one canceled exactly an hour before she’s supposed to pick you up.
Juni sits on the sofa, legs swinging, watching her mother unravel.
“Mummy,” she says softly, “you said a bad word.”
“I know, baby,” Leah groans, raking a hand through her hair. “Mummy’s… frustrated.”
Juni nods sagely like a tiny CEO. “Call Oni.”
Right. Leah grabs her phone immediately. You answer in three seconds, your voice warm enough to melt metal.
“Leah?” your voice echoes through the speaker, soft and bright, instantly making Leah’s breath hitch. “What’s up?”
“Um,” Leah exhales, squeezing her eyes shut, “Juni’s sitter just canceled on me… again. I’m so sorry.”
You giggle and Leah swears her heart skips a beat. “It’s no problem. Just bring her along.”
“It’s an upscale restaurant,” Leah argues, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I’m not even sure they allow kids.”
“Doesn’t matter,” you say easily. “I know the owner and I’ll call her after this. Just bring her. It will be fun.”
You say it so gently, so naturally, that Leah has to blink rapidly to keep her eyes from glossing over.
“She’ll be excited,” she manages. “And… thank you.”
“Leah, it’s not anything really,” you say. “I can’t wait. See you soon.”
You hang up and Leah stares at her phone like she’s just been blessed by a deity.
“Juni?” she breathes. “What dress do you want to wear, baby?”
Juni gasps dramatically. “The pink one! The sparkly one!”
“Of course it’s the sparkly one,” Leah mutters with a smile.
Within the hour, Leah manages to get Juni dressed in the expensive designer dress she got from a campaign and get out the door.
And then, there you are. Standing outside your apartment building, coat draped elegantly, hair styled perfectly, looking like the reason half of London goes to that restaurant in the first place.
Leah’s breath catches. “You look—wow.”
Juni elbows her mother. “Say pretty, Mummy.”
“You look pretty,” Leah corrects, cheeks pink. “Very… very pretty.”
You grin. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Williamson.”
Juni throws her hands up. “Let’s go to dinner!”
The restaurant was beautiful, with ambient lighting and live jazz softly playing.
“Table for Williamson?” Leah tells the hostess when you arrive.
You stand slightly behind her, greeting the familiar hostess with a smile as you hold Juni’s hand.
The hostess smiles back warmly. “Right this way.”
She leads the three of you to a quiet corner of the restaurant near the window overlooking the Thames River. The city lights reflect on the water in patches of gold and silver, romantic enough to make Leah swallow hard.
The hostess sets the menus down, then slips a couple of coloring sheets and crayons to Juni. She winks at you before walking away.
Leah stares at you, scandalized. “You did that?”
You shrug and sip your complimentary wine. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You are something else.” Leah leans closer, voice low, eyes lingering on your lips longer than she should. “I don’t know what, exactly. But something.”
Your cheeks warm. “Dangerous thing to tell me on a first date, Leah.”
Juni, meanwhile, is on her absolute best behavior. Too good, actually…it’s suspicious.
“More water, Oni?” she offers in the poshest British accent possible.
“Oh please, Miss Chipie,” you reply, playing along.
You and Leah assume Juni is going to pour imaginary water. But instead the four-year-old raises her tiny hand and waves down the waitress.
“Excuse me?” Juni calls sweetly. “Can my Oni get more water, please?”
The waitress giggles, pours water in your glass.
“Thank you, ma’am,” Juni says primly.
“My pleasure, Miss,” the waitress smiles.
Leah’s jaw drops. “How cheeky,” she mutters, poking her daughter’s cheeks.
Juni giggles. “I’m fancy.”
“You’re four,” Leah deadpans.
“And fancy,” Juni insists.
Leah looks back at you, something softens in her chest.
You’re watching mother and daughter with the fondest expression, like you’ve been folded into this moment without even trying.
Your finger grazes your wine glass. Leah watches it, eyes tracing the movement, then your wrist, then your neckline. When she looks up, you’re already watching her.
“So…” you begin softly. “You were really going to cancel the date?”
Leah shifts, embarrassed. “I didn’t want to… but I didn’t want Juni to ruin it.”
“Juni doesn’t ruin anything,” you say. “She makes everything sweeter.”
Leah’s eyes widen when she realizes you’re being a hundred percent serious.
You continue, softer, “Besides… I wasn’t going to let you cancel on me.”
Leah swallows. “I didn’t want to,” she admits. “Honestly? I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”
“Me too,” you confess.
Your foot brushes hers under the table, accidentally at first but you let it linger making Leah’s breath catches.
“Careful,” she murmurs. “I might fall for you faster than I planned.”
You tilt your head, dangerously charming.
“Who says I don’t want that?”
Halfway through dinner, Juni reaches for your hand while coloring. You lace your fingers with hers naturally.
“She’s obsessed with you,” Leah says, smiling. “Completely.”
You glance at her. “I wonder where she gets it from.”
Leah looks down at her plate, trying to hide her blush. “You can’t just say things like that.”
“And yet I keep doing it,” you tease.
Juni looks up innocently. “Are you flirting again?”
Leah chokes. You bite your lip to keep from laughing.
“Who keeps teaching you these things?” Leah asks her daughter.
“Kyra and Lessi told me when two people like each other, they flirt. Like Super Mario and Lia,” Juni explains without lifter her head from her paper.
You let out a bubble of laughter at Leah’s exasperated expression.
“I need to monitor who you talk to.”
After dessert, Juni yawns so dramatically the whole restaurant could hear her.
“Time for bed, Junebug,” Leah says.
“Noooooo,” Juni says tiredly, collapsing onto you instead of her mum. She curls into your side like it was first nature to her.
Leah watches, heart softening and breaking at the same time.
“You’re good with her,” she says quietly.
You lift Juni into your lap. “She makes it easy.”
The bill comes and Leah reaches for it but you place your hand over hers. “I’m paying.”
“No, no—this is our date,” Leah protests. “I asked you out.”
“And I suggested this place,” you remind her. “So let me take care of it. Do you get actually sick at the thought of me paying? Cause you did this last time at the grocery store…”
Leah goes still with your hand is still on hers.
“Okay,” she whispers. “You can pay…this time.”
You smile. “I like when you listen.”
Leah tries not to show the full body shiver that gives her but fails as a wicked smirk appears on your face.
Outside, the air is cool and smells faintly of riverwater and jasmine. Juni sleeps in Leah’s arms, one hand still loosely curled around your sleeve. You walk beside them, close enough your coat brushes Leah’s arm. At your apartment door, Leah pauses as you both linger.
“Can I see you again?” Leah asks quietly, voice low, hopeful, almost shy.
You smile, slow and warm. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”
Leah exhales like she’s been underwater for a week. “Good,” she whispers. “Good.”
She starts to turn when you gently touch her wrist, light but intentional. “Leah.”
You lean in, not enough to kiss, but close enough she forgets how breathing works.
“I had a wonderful time,” you say.
Leah smiles so softly it could break something inside you. “Me too.”
She walks away, carrying Juni, but she keeps looking back over her shoulder. And for the rest of the night, Leah just cannot stop smiling like an idiot.
“Oni!” Juni breaks into a full sprint across the small school courtyard straight into your awaiting arms.
You barely have time to brace yourself before she jumps, wrapping her arms around your neck. You laugh, lifting her easily.
“Hi, Chipie,” you greet, peppering her cheek with a quick kiss. “You ready to go?”
“Always,” she beams.
Many things have changed in the span of two weeks. You spend more time with Juni and Leah than with anyone else. Your lives have folded into each other with surprising ease.
Instead of Mariona picking Juni up from Reception while Leah is at the physio’s, you get her and bring her straight to the bakery. Juni’s joy brings a wave of light to your staff and customers. She drew a picture last week of you, Leah, Bunny, and herself standing in front of the bakery. You framed it right on the main wall and customers now point at it daily, asking who the tiny footballer artist is.
And the Chef Chipie Princess Footballer Cookies are such a hit that your staff jokes you need to pay Juni royalties.
Leah’s physio ends around the same time the bakery closes, so she always rushes over with a small bouquet from the flower shop next door. After some hours of you testing recipes, Leah distracting you, Juni dancing around the kitchen, the three of you leave together like a tiny found family. It feels normal, almost too normal. It felt comfortable in a way that scares you, because it feels like something you have known for years and not just two weeks.
So when you pick Juni up from her after school football club today, you expect nothing out of the ordinary.
“Say bye to your friends, Chipie,” you tell her, waving to her teacher.
“Bye!” Juni shouts. You begin the ten minute walk toward the bakery.
“How was your day?” you ask as Juni methodically skips every single crack on the pavement like touching one will summon immediate doom.
“It was good! We had music class. And at recess I played Bakery with my friends and I was like you.”
“Like me?” you laugh.
“Yep. And everyone was mad because I made the best mud pie.”
You cringe. “Juni. Please tell me you washed your hands.”
“Teacher made me,” Juni nods solemnly as if she has suffered greatly.
You shake your head fondly. Silence falls between you, warm and comfortable. The bakery storefront comes into view when Juni suddenly speaks again.
“Do you think Mummy will let me get a puppy?”
You bark a laugh. “Where did that come from?”
“Sophie E. and Sophie B. have dogs. And lots and lots of people have pets. But we have none.” Juni pouts. “Maybe I will ask for a bunny. A little fluffy bunny.”
You open the bakery door and hold it for her. “You know what? I would really, really love to see that.”
You look around. The bakery is quiet with only a few customers linger, finishing their pastries. The warm smell of vanilla and caramel fills the air.
“Have a great day!” Juni says brightly to a customer leaving.
“You too, Juni,” the customer replies.
You shake your head with a smile and start helping your staff with closing tasks, checking on Juni periodically. She is sitting at the front window, drawing with intense focus.
“You all good there, Chipie?” you ask, waving goodbye to the last staff member.
Juni quickly hides her paper behind her back. “Yep. All good.”
You raise an eyebrow suspiciously. “Mhm. If you say so.” You wipe down the counter, still watching her with narrowed eyes. She gives an exaggerated innocent smile.
You let it go. “I was thinking pasta for dinner today. Any ideas?”
“I want meatballs,” Juni says decisively.
You shrug. “Spaghetti and meatballs it is.”
You head to the back to gather your bag. The door chimes a moment later, followed by Leah’s voice. “Hi. Sorry I am late. I got held up.”
There is the sound of hushed whispers from the front. You approach slowly. “What are you two whispering about?” you ask.
“Nothing,” they say in unison much too fast.
You narrow your eyes. “Uh huh.”
You turn your back to lock the door. “So, Juni and I decided on spaghetti and meatballs for dinner so we might have to stop at the store if you do not have the…”
You turn around and freeze. Juni stands holding a bouquet of pink tulips almost as tall as she is, and the drawing she made earlier now clearly visible. It reads “Mummy + Oni” in giant crayon letters with a wobbly heart drawn around the two stick figures.
Your lips part wordlessly. “What is going on?”
Before you can fully process, Leah steps forward and pulls out a much larger bouquet made of white roses and sea lavender, the two flowers you love most. You gasp softly.
Leah’s cheeks are flushed pink. She is nervous. Vulnerable in a way you have never seen. “Obviously I am not as cute as her when I ask this,” she says quietly. “But will you be mine?”
Your breath catches. Your heart pounds so loudly you feel it in your throat. You do not even hear what comes out of your mouth. It is something like yes or maybe just a small broken sound of joy, but Leah understands.
You throw yourself into her arms. Leah catches you instantly, burying her face in your neck. Her hands slide to your waist, tugging you closer as you pull her down into a kiss. It is slow at first, surprised and sweet, then deeper as the truth sinks in. She is yours. You are hers.
“Mummy and Oni,” Juni cheers triumphantly as she wraps her arms around both your legs. “I am so happy!”
You laugh against Leah’s shoulder before pulling away slightly to pick Juni up. “Me too, Chipie. Me too.”
Leah kisses your forehead gently. “Come on,” she whispers. “Let’s go home.”
