Mel✌🏻

-----

After years of practice, you had the morning routine of an early shift down. You and Cassie moved around the kitchen like a well-oiled machine, she was making a quick breakfast and filling your lunch boxes, while you got the morning coffee and coffee to go ready.

At the same time that Cassie put the lunch boxes in the bags, you added the coffee to go cups. The routine was perfect, and you loved that you were able to execute it to a tee, and therefore have an extra ten minutes before you had to leave the door.

You move behind your girlfriend and snake your arms around her waist. Placing a couple kisses to the back of her shoulder. 

“Before I forget.” You say as you reach for something in your back pocket. “Harrison asked me to give you this today.”

You give her the envelope, kiss her shoulder one more time, and then grab the bags to give her some privacy.

Cassie turns the envelope around, for my mom. She smiles to herself seeing her son's handwriting. He was at his dad's now, and she wouldn't see him again until the weekend. It wasn't always easy to not have him constantly, but on days like this she remembered just how much it meant to get however many days she could with him.

She opens the envelope and takes out a card. A folded piece of paper, on the front were two people drawn in bright colours. They were hugging with some hearts surrounding their heads. She traces her fingers over his written words next to each person. Harrison. And next to the other drawn person, Mom. 

If she wasn't supposed to leave in a couple of minutes, she would have studied every little detail on the front of the card before opening it, but she knew if she wanted to read the inside, she would have to do so now.

Dear Mom

I am very proud of you!!

Thank you for being my mom

Love Harrison

Maybe he realised what day it was, or maybe it was just a coincidence that he wanted to give this to her today. Either way, Cassie was tearing up reading her son's words.

When the clock strikes midnight that evening, she will have been ten years sober. A journey she started because of her son. The first year of his life she barely saw him, and she worked hard on herself to turn that around. 

Cassie was wiping away some tears when you came back into the kitchen, “Everything okay?” She nodded. “Yeah, he's just the sweetest.” You smile and nod, agreeing with her statement. 

Before coming your way, Cassie turns to the fridge, and grabs a fridge magnet to add Harrison's card to the rest of his drawings that you had collected in your home over the years.

In the five years the two of you had been together, Cassie had maybe once told you the anniversary month of her sobriety, but never the exact date. While making progress in her sobriety, it wasn't something she liked celebrating big. It was a positive thing to be able to add year after year onto her sobriety, but it still stemmed from something she was deeply ashamed of.

She assumed you knew her ten years were coming up, because just adding a year on top of Harrison's age was an easy reminder, but she knew that you weren't aware of the significance today had on Cassie.

You stepped into the driver's side of the car, and Cassie joined you on the passenger side. You don't know exactly how it happened, but if you were both working the same shift, you always drove to the hospital, while she sat behind the wheel on the way back home.

—

Dana gets out of her car beside you, and the three of you walk into the hospital together. You and Dana are heading the same way, and Cassie has to go in a different direction. She kisses your cheek quickly, before turning away. “See you in about fifteen hours.” You chuckle. “Optimistic.” You yell after her.

While working in the same hospital and every now and again being on the same cases, the hospital was usually busy enough to not see each other for hours on end while being in the same emergency department.

The night shift hands over the patients and your day instantly springs into action with incoming trauma after trauma.

You had been planning to ask Dana before shift started if you could slip out for fifteen minutes around twelve, but since the rush instantly started, you had gone straight to work.

—

Three hours in, you finally had a case with Cassie. An eighteen year old girl coming in after an intentional overdose. Cases like this always hit hard because they were so personal, but you knew they tend to hit Cassie even harder than they did you.

You lock eyes with Cassie for a moment when she enters the room, before she puts her focus on the patient as she introduces herself. “So, Jaimy, I am going to be asking you a lot of questions. I know it can be overwhelming, and if it does please let me know. The reason I am going to ask all these questions is to best assess your situation, so we can see how we can best help you.” Jaimy nods in understanding, and Cassie gets to work.

While Cassie is assessing the patient, you’re hanging a bag of saline. “Sorry, I just need your arm for a moment.” The girl holds out her arm reluctantly, not showing any reaction at you putting in the IV. She has been through a lot in the last hour, so you weren’t too surprised by it. Still you take a mental note, and look to Cassie before nodding back down to her arm. Cassie nodded back and continued her conversation with Jaimy.

You move around the room collecting blood samples and preparing the tests Cassie orders, while she continues talking with Jaimy about what drugs she took and mixed. As you move behind Cassie to check the output of one of the machines on the other side of the room, you put your hand to her back gently. She leaned into your touch slightly, a silent I’m here that you had been doing for years now and now just did without even thinking.

The machine is done with its test, so you hand the results to Cassie. She looks them over before putting in the orders for some more tests. 

You move around the room, just in the background handing Cassie whatever she needed, and setting up whatever Jaimy needed. 

Cassie pulls up a stool and sits down next to the young girl. The question of why she had done what she had done, had made the room go quiet. Jaimy’s tears start flowing freely, and Cassie reaches out to hold the hand laying down on the bed closest to her. “It’s okay, take your time.”

The room stays quiet besides the beeping monitors, and Jaimy’s soft sniffles. Both you and Cassie gave Jaimy the space she needed before she would be able to share her reasoning.

“It wasn’t just one thing.” Jaimy starts, wiping away some tears with her free hand. “It was everything all at once. University, my grades, my parents, my so called friends, just everything kept adding up, and my mental health was getting so bad and then I just-” She choked on her words for a moment, but continued after a deep breath. “I got tired. I just didn’t want to be here any more. I don’t want to be.”

Cassie squeezes Jaimy’s hands softly. “I am sorry the world has been feeling so heavy on you.”

“I don’t want people to think I did this for attention.” Cassie shakes her head, “I don’t think you did, you were overwhelmed, you were struggling, you didn’t see a way out. But there is a way out, and I am very glad that you’ll be able to have a chance to find it.”

“I feel like I’ve ruined everything.” Jaimy says somehow looking smaller than she did before. “Many people think that, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.” Jaimy huffs, “Easy for you to say.”

“You’d be surprised.” Cassie tells Jaimy, who instantly locks her eyes on Cassie with a found sense of curiosity. Slowly Cassie lets go of Jaimy’s hands and folds them into her own lap.

“There was a time in my life, where I didn’t think I could continue.” Cassie speaks slowly, her emotions high, but also her intention not on her but trying to help Jaimy. “I have made decisions I’m not proud of. I’ve hurt people. I’ve lost people.”

“I desperately needed help. Accepting it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t always easy. But with the right help, the bad days get less over time. I still have moments where I question if I’m doing enough.” Cassie’s eyes move over to yours for a second, but long enough for you to be able to read the guilt she still felt in them.

“But then I have days like this.” She continues when she looks back at Jaimy. “Work?” She asks, confused. “Helping people.” Cassie says with a smile. “I have a son at home. I have people who love me. I have a job I never thought I could be worthy of. My hard days didn’t disappear, they just stopped being the only days.”

Jaimy took in every word Cassie spoke. “I don’t know if I believe that can be the case for me.” She speaks after she lets it all settle. “That’s okay, you don’t have to right now. You just have to let us believe it for you until you're ready.”

The room grows quiet again as Jaimy nods. Until the silence got interrupted by a knock on the door and Dana’s head poking in to let Cassie know she’s needed for an incoming trauma.

“I have to head out for a bit, but I will be back to check on you soon. In the meantime, you won’t be alone.” She nods her head over to you, and you smile Jaimy’s way with a nod. Cassie stands up and walks to the door, but turns around before leaving the room.

"I'm glad your roommate found you." Emma swallowed hard at the words. “Me too.” She said so quietly that you almost missed it. Cassie smiled at the small step of progress she had made already. "I'll come back and check on you."

As she disappeared through the curtain, she caught your eye for the briefest moment. You offered a small nod. I've got her. Cassie nodded back before hurrying towards the next patient. 

The emergency department never stopped moving, and neither did you. But, every now and then, in the middle of the chaos, there was enough time to remind someone that tomorrow was still worth showing up for.

You adjusted the settings on the IV drip quietly. Then Jaimy turns to you, “Can I ask you a personal question?” You nod, “Yeah, go for it.”

She hesitates for a moment, but she wants to know if Dr. McKay was telling the truth or just making up a story to make her feel better.

“Are you and Dr. McKay together?” You smiled, “We are, yes. Are we that obvious?”

Jaimy shrugged lightly, “I don’t know. It’s just the way you communicate without having to say a word, and how you move around each other like you know exactly how the other person works.” 

You had no idea people noticed the little things that had come to be so routine to the two of you. “I guess we’ve learned some things after five years together.” You chuckle lightly, even earning a small smile from Jaimy.

“Is that all you wanted to know?” You push slightly, assuming there was more to the question. “Actually no, I wanted to ask you if she was telling the truth.” “About what?” You ask, wanting to know if there was anything specific that she was questioning. “All of it.” She didn’t sound judgemental, just genuinely curious.

You sat down in the stool that Cassie left beside the bed. “Every word was true.” Jaimy stares down at her hands in her lap, running the sheets through her hand. “I thought maybe she was just trying to make me feel better, I didn’t know.”

“You’re good. She would never lie to a patient, especially not about serious topics like this.” You thought for a moment which parts of everything you could and should share, but you settled on something simple.

“I met her after she got help, when she was in a better place. I’ve been with her through many bad days though. I notice the guilt she carries, but I also notice the woman that makes me breakfast in the morning, even when she’s in a hurry. The mother that keeps all her son’s drawings on the fridge. The doctor that makes sure every patient is heard, and gets the proper care. The partner that has learned to cook my favourite meal, so she can make it on my bad days.” You think for a moment, was that everything you wanted to say? Then you think of one more thing to add. “I might not have known her back then, but I’ve known the woman she has worked very hard to become.”

Cassie stood at the door, hearing the last part of your conversation. She had spent years wondering if people would always see the worst version of her first. Her heart warmed after hearing you speak so effortlessly about the life she had built. Cassie wanted to run in and hug you, but this moment wasn’t about her, it was about Jaimy.

“She really has all that even after going through lows like that?” Jaimy asks softly. You nod, “She built it. Piece by piece. It didn’t happen overnight, of course. It happened because she kept choosing tomorrow.”

“Do you think I could?” Jaimy’s eyes started watering again. You reach out and put your hand on her lower leg. “I think today probably feels impossible.”

“It does.” She fills in. “And I also think that McKay would’ve said exactly the same thing if you had asked her ten years ago.”

Jaimy was quiet again, taking in your words this time. “I hope she’s right. And I hope some day I get to have someone like you in my life.”

“How’s that?” You ask her. “Someone that looks at me and talks about my bad days as a chapter of my life and not my whole story. You squeeze her leg, “I know you will, and you do. Right now, you've got us in your corner. And we're going to make sure you leave here with people who'll stay there too.”

Cassie gives it thirty more seconds before she walks fully into the room to check in on Jaimy. You give Jaimy’s leg one more squeeze before you give them the room, quickly reaching out for Cassie’s arm as you pass her.

—

As you walk out of Jaimy's room you notice the time and immediately check your phone.

“You alright?” Dana, asks from behind the nurse's desk, noticing instantly that something is on your mind. 

“Yeah, I’m good. I’ve just been meaning to ask if I can slip out for like fifteen minutes in a bit, but it’s been so busy. And I hate to do this so last minute, but if it's possible could I do that right now?”

“Not unless someone’s dying.” Dana instantly jokes, and you chuckle. “No one is dying, but it’s very important.” Dana raises her eyebrows. You never asked to step out, especially if it was busy. You were one of the nurses she knew she could always count on. “How important?”

“Very important. Please Dana, I’d owe you.” The corners of her lips curl up slightly, “Fine, but fifteen minutes. Not a second longer.”

With Dana's permission, you rush out of the emergency department, and head to the parking lot where the notification said they'd be waiting. 

When you see him standing there you smile wide. “Thank you so much for doing this. I wish I could stay and chat, but I really have to get back to work.”

The man smiles when he hands you the black velvet box. “Not a problem, and my pleasure. Tell Cassie congrats from us.” You smile back at him, “I will, thanks again!”

Once you're back inside you manage to not run into Cassie, but since she knew your locker combination, you needed a different place to store the box. Dana, you thought, Dana would keep it safe.

Back at the nurses desk Dana looks at her watch, “Now why did you have to sound so dramatic, you were literally gone for five minutes.” You smile sheepishly, “I know, I felt bad about taking longer.”

“You managed to do what you had to do, though?” You nod, “Yes, I did. And about that, can I please owe you another favour?” 

Dana laughed, she hadn't even cashed in the first favour and you first favour and you were already asking for a second. 

“Please, I need you to keep this safe during the shift.” You pull the box out of your pocket, and Dana gasps. “Omg!” She exclaims loudly, then followed by a soft, “You're proposing to Cassie?”

You hush her and shake your head, “No, shut your mouth before the whole emergency department starts telling my girlfriend that I am.” 

You open the box to show Dana the silver and blue Sobriety Coin. The charge Nurse instantly turns serious, “Ten years, wow.” 

When you hear Cassie’s voice coming closer, you quickly close the case and shove it into Dana's hands with pleading eyes. “I've got you.” She says as she quickly tucks it away in her drawer.

Cassie stops next to you, “Hey, do you have a moment to talk about Jaimy?” You tell her you do and follow her, but not after mouthing a quick thank you to Dana.

She doesn’t stop walking until you’re in an empty patient room, away from all the noise of the emergency department floor. Cassie slides the door closed behind you, it feels like she is working up toward something big and important, which is confusing you a little, but you don’t push her.

“So, I talked more with Jaimy. She’s medically stable, and psych will clear her sooner than later as well.” You nod along, as it sounds like the standard of care with patients like her.

“I don’t like sending her home. I asked her who she could call if she was ever in a bad place.” Cassie looked defeated for a moment, “She stayed quiet. She doesn’t have anyone in her corner.”

You step forward, and reach out your hand to her arm, letting it slide down until you can interlace your fingers with hers. “I need you to hear me out, no Cass you know that’s against the rules, just please listen.” 

With a nod of your head and a soft squeeze to her hand, Cassie continues. “I know we’re not supposed to get attached, but she reminds me of me. She needs someone in her corner the way I did when I decided that I wanted to get better. I wouldn’t do this without your permission, but if you were okay with it too, I would like to give her my number. Let her know I am in her corner, be there for her, check in on her. Be for her who I needed back then.”

You pull your hand away from hers, “Cass,” she drops her head, feeling the no coming. Which she would take because she knew doing this was against work rules, and would affect your relationship.

But instead of saying no, you pulled a piece of paper out of your pockets. You hand it to your girlfriend to read. 

bad day?

call us whenever

cassie & y/n

Along with both your phone numbers written down. “I was going to ask you the same thing.” Cassie smiles, “This means a lot, thank you.” She looked out onto the floor quickly to see if no one was near, when she saw the coast was clear she reached out her hand to grab yours and pull you closer to her. She pressed her lips on yours shortly, before pulling you further into a hug.

Together you walk back into Jaimy’s room. The two of you standing at the end of her bed.

“Earlier you mentioned you didn’t have anyone to call.” Cassie starts softly, not wanting to scare her off with it. “We’ve been talking, and if you’re comfortable with it, we would like to change that.”

You take the note out of your pocket again, and hold it out for Jaimy to take. She reads the note and then looks between the two of you.

“You don’t need to do this.” She insists. “We know, but we want to.” You tell her, but she wasn’t convinced that easily. “Why?”

Cassie takes that answer. “Because someone did it for me once, and it changed my life.” Jaimy nodded slowly, “Okay.”

—

The rest of the shift blurred together. Just like every day in the emergency department. There was barely enough time to process one patient before another came into the department in need of treatment.

A teenager with a fractured wrist. An older patient experiencing chest pain. A crush injury after a car crash. A toddler that spiked a high fever. 

The ever changing board kept you busy for every hour of your shift. The only constant in your day was catching glimpses of Cassie.

Sometimes you only caught her for a second, walking into a patient room as soon as you laid eyes on her. Other times she walked past the nurses station while you were standing there as well discussing something with Dana. She offered you a tired smile as she walked by.

Once, she caught your eye from the other side of the department floor. She looked exhausted, you felt exhausted too. You okay? You mouthed her way, she nodded before getting pulled away by Javadi.

Whenever you had a minute between patients, you found yourself in Jaimy’s room. Not because she needed you medically, just because you knew waiting in an empty hospital room was lonely.

She was waiting on a psych consult, but you knew she had to be here for a bit longer before they would speak to her. You kept her company while you could, working on some notes on the stool next to her bed, or if you had the time striking up a conversation to get to know her better.

By the time night shift started to filter in, you were mentally and physically exhausted. You were finishing handovers when someone clapped their hands, “Who’s coming for a drink?” You chuckled at the chorus of groans and half-hearted agreements around the nurses station.

Javadi looked at Cassie, “Are you joining?” Your girlfriend smiled apologetically, “Not tonight, I think I desperately need my bed.” Javadi chuckled, fair enough. Then she looked over to you with a questioning look in her eye. “Another time.” You said with a tired smile.

When she walks off, Cassie turns to you. “You didn’t have to decline just because I wasn’t going.” You smile her way, “I know, I just want to be with you tonight.” Cassie smiles back, “Yeah, me too.”

Before leaving the department, the two of you stopped outside Jaimy's room. She looked up from her bed and smiled your way, maybe just as tired as the two of you smiled her way. “The night shift is taking over from us.” You said gently. “We’ve caught them up on everything, and you are in good hands. I promise.” 

Cassie takes over. “Remember we are only a call or text away always. You don't have to do tomorrow on your own." Jaimy's eyes filled again. “Thank you." You knew she wanted to say more, but she didn’t have the words. So, you reach over and squeeze her shoulder, “We’ll see you soon.”

—

The car ride home was quiet. You were both exhausted after the long shift, so you just sat in silence with the radio playing softly in the background. Cassie’s right hand laid comfortably on your upper thigh, while her left was on the wheel.

Back at home you took Cassie’s back, like you had done every night when you got home. “Go run yourself a bath.” You say as you kiss her cheek. “I’ll order dinner.” Cassie pulls you back into herself and hugs you tight, “You’re the best.” Her kind words bring a smile to your face. You place a long kiss to the top of her head.

As soon as you hear the bath water running, you rush to the bedroom and place the velvet box in your nightstand without Cassie noticing it. Then you place the food order before changing into a pair of sweats and one of Cassie’s sweaters. 

The food arrives while you are scrolling on your phone, seeing what messages you missed over the course of your workday. You quickly hit send on your reply to Harrison’s message asking if you gave his mom the card, before you get up to walk to the door to grab the food. Of course, it’s hanging proudly on the fridge.

When you turn back around Cassie walks in, her hair still wet, one of your old college shirts on, and a pair of plaid pajama bottoms she had stolen from you years ago. “What are you smiling about?” She asked with a tired smile. “Nothing, you just look super cozy.” 

You have dinner on the sofa. Just the two of you, a bunch of takeout containers and the new episode of your favourite show playing on the tv. It might not be much, but after your long shifts, this was perfect.

When you were heading to bed, it was nearing midnight. You watched the clock as you sat down onto the bed after brushing your teeth. One minute before midnight, perfect you thought. 

The moment Cassie walked into the room, you patted your hand on the bed to come sit with you. She had a confused look written on her face, but it was late, she was tired, and you were asking her to join you in the bed, so she just complied. “What’s up?”

You just smiled and took her hand in yours. “I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how proud I am of you. You know I am proud of you every day, but today with Jaimy, I got to see how much you’ve grown over the years.”

Cassie’s heart was beating fast in her chest. She was grateful for you, but a part of her would always feel like she didn’t deserve any of it. You rub your thumb over the back of her palm to get her focus back to you.

“I know you don’t like celebrating you big, but I did want to do something to celebrate you and how much progress you’ve made.” You lean back so you can open the drawer of your nightstand.

When you sit back up again, you’re holding the black velvet box in your hands. “I wanted to be able to be the first to congratulate you, and give you this.” 

You hand the box over to let Cassie open it herself. She takes it and slowly opens the box, not sure what to expect. The silver coin with blue accents reflected the dim light from the room. 

At first she just stares at the coin. She lets her thumb run over the X in the middle, once, then twice. As if she couldn’t believe it was real. The X indicates ten years of sobriety. Ten years since she decided she needed to change. 

Tears well up in her eyes, as she looks up at you from the coin. “You knew?” You nod, “Of course, I knew.” 

She puts the coin back into the box and puts it to the side so she can fall into your arms. You hold her tight, rubbing circles over her back. “You’ve worked so hard to come here, and I am so very proud of you for choosing tomorrow every single day. You are an amazing person, so caring, so loving, and I am glad to have you in my life.”

Cassie sits back up again, a serious look flashing over her face. “I overheard part of your conversation with Jaimy earlier. ‘I’ve known the woman she has worked very hard to become.’ Those words hit really deep, and I wanted to thank you for speaking about me like that even when you don’t know that I am around to hear.” 

You reach out your hands and wipe a couple fallen tears off her cheeks with your thumbs, before kissing her slowly. The kiss was soft, but passionate. It spoke a millions words of love and gratitude without ever having to physically say them. 

The kiss gets interrupted by the buzzing of both your phones at the same time. You each reach out and look at your phones at the same time.

They’ve moved me to psychology for the night

Thank you for everything

Jaimy

The two of you smiled at the message and the groupchat name, My corner. A silent look between the two of you that meant you made the right call to not follow protocol on this one. You each sent a message back, before putting your phones on their chargers.

You kiss Cassie again, and pull her down to lay down in the bed. You lay down on your back and pull Cassie into your side. She lays her head on your chest, and her hand on your lower stomach. “Thank you for loving me.” 

You press a long kiss to the top of her head. "You never have to thank me for that.” 

It didn’t take long for the two of you to fall asleep after that.

-----

-----

“Another win for the Arsenal!” You cheer as you lift your PlayStation controller. “Another? That was our first game.” Your lips curled up in an evil smirk, and Aggie knew instantly she wasn't going to like your answer.

“Oh, because I'm counting the real life derby from last weekend.” Aggie rolls her eyes, "You're insufferable." She laughed. 

“You chose this life when you decided to date an Arsenal fan.” Aggie chuckles, “That I did.” She leans in and kisses your lips. 

When she pulls away she holds your eye contact, the rivalry gone for a moment, until she exclaims, “Rematch!” And you're right back to where you were before the kiss, ready to beat her Chelsea team.

By some miracle from the universe, you're able to beat Aggie again with a last minute goal to break the tie. As the final whistle blows you turn around with your lips pursed, wanting to make a London is red comment, but knowing you are pushing your limits on rivalry jokes with your girlfriend.

“This game is rigged.” She puts her controller down in disappointment. You put yours down as well and turn her way. Instead of making another joke, you climb onto her lap and kiss her. Her arms snake around your back, instantly forgetting she'd just lost twice  as she pulls you closer and kisses you back.

Eight months ago, you'd never imagined you'd end up dating a Chelsea player. Now eight months later, somehow, you'd learned to live with the rivalry. At least most of the time.

Your family had strongly objected to the idea of you dating a Chelsea player. Then Aggie showed up with flowers, charmed your mum within ten minutes, and spent the afternoon helping your dad carry things into the shed. They'd reluctantly decided she was the exception. 

“Wanna play another?” Aggie asks as you move off her lap again. You smile, “Yeah, sure, if you want to lose to Arsenal again.” She shakes her head and rolls her eyes playfully. “No way in hell.”

Aggie goes to set up the next game, but sees you shivering beside her. “Hold on, let me grab you a hoodie first.” You smile as she rushes off, Aggie had a talent for noticing the little things, and you loved how she instantly took action.

She rushes back into the room, as though it were a matter of life or death that you needed that hoodie. She holds it out to you. “Thank-” you stop yourself when you see the blue Chelsea badge peeking out. “No way.” 

Aggie moves the hand that's holding the hoodie down in confusion, “What’s wrong?” 

“Seriously Ags?” Your girlfriend looks genuinely confused so you keep talking. “That’s Chelsea.”

“I swear that was unintentional.” She moves the hoodie. “But it's mine, see? It has my number.”

You look at her, trying to figure out if she's messing with you or if she is being genuine.

“You wear my clothes all the time. Especially my football stuff.” Aggie was still staring at you in confusion, which was enough to tell you she genuinely didn't understand. 

“Your England football stuff, not your Chelsea stuff. That is different. England is my country too, I support England. Chelsea not so much.”

Aggie nods in understanding. “Okay, well I will grab you another hoodie then.” She pauses for a moment as she looks at the screen, her smirk grows when an idea pops into her head. “If you win the next match.” 

“What?” You look between her and the screen. “If you win, I will grab you another hoodie. If I win, you will wear this one.”

You think about it for a moment. You have won both games so far, and your track record overall is also slightly in your favour. Aggie knows you like a challenge and don't like backing down from one, so her chances of you agreeing are high.

“Fine.” You say, already regretting your competitiveness not knowing when to back down from a challenge.

Aggie puts the hoodie down beside her and settles back onto the sofa to start the next game.

It was looking like you were going to bring the match into extra time, but this time it was Aggie scoring a last second winner.

“Rigged you said, right?” You say instantly. “We can't use a rigged game for a challenge.”

Aggie simply takes the hoodie and holds it out in front of you. “A deal is a deal.” 

You roll your eyes and reluctantly take the hoodie from her. “Fine, but I want to make another deal.” You put on the hoodie, because, as much as you hated having to wear it, a bet was a bet.

“We play again. If I win, I get to exchange this hoodie for a non-Chelsea one.”

“What if I win?” Aggie asks. “Then I will have to keep wearing this awful thing.” She laughs at the clear disgust written on your face. “Deal.”

“So, how do I look?” You ask with the hoodie now fully on. Silently cursing how ridiculously comfortable it was.

“Perfect.” Your girlfriend answers with a proud smile.

“Wrong.” You say back instantly. “I look like a traitor.” Aggie laughs and you can't help but smile a little, but you quickly compose yourself again. “No pictures.”

“No pictures.” Aggie repeats. 

“I mean it. If my dad finds out I am wearing this, he will disown me.” Aggie looks at you like you’ve lost your mind. “Dramatic much?” You shake your head. “This is deeper than just you and me, and you know it.”

“No pictures, I promise.” She grabs the front of your her hoodie, and pulls you in for a kiss. “But I at least have to kiss you while you're wearing this.”

“Let's just play the game so I can get this off.”

You fight hard during the game, but Aggie gets an easy win this time. You drop the controller next to you with a deep sigh. “This is Sock Gate all over again.”

Aggie knows not to comment on her win. Having to wear her Chelsea hoodie is probably already too close to the rivalry limit. But the Sock Gate mention cements that, so she just turns off FC26. 

“How about a movie?” You nod, clearly still annoyed at the loss. She lets you pick the movie, hoping to smooth things over a little. 

It doesn't happen often that you're on opposite sides of the sofa watching a movie, and Aggie didn’t like the distance between you one bit, but luckily you gave in quickly. Shuffling closer to her already after ten minutes of the movie, and leaning into her side within the first fifteen.

Aggie looks down at you curled up into her side and smiles to herself when her eyes land on the Chelsea badge on your chest. You might be wearing it because you lost the bet, but you were still wearing her hoodie, and she loved it when you wore her clothes. Especially when it was her personalised clothing.

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