woso wife

“Brilliant, we’re officially that family,” Jordan muttered under her breath, stepping aside as one of your shoes went flying across the floor.

“Jord, not now,” Leah shot her a warning look, grabbing the stray shoe from across the airport, “Monkey, we don’t throw shoes, you know better than that.”

Jordan scoffed, shaking her head in protest, “If Henry did that…”

“Monkey,” Leah murmured, a warning tone in her voice, ignoring the older woman, “This is silly to be kicking off over a pair of shoes. Either you put them back on, or we go back to the car and we’re not going anywhere other than straight home. It’s your choice?”

You huffed, eyes glassy with frustration, “But they hurt! I don’t like ‘em anymore!”

“Baby, you’re the one that was determined to wear them,” Leah’s expression softened, “This is what happens when you don’t wear them in, isn’t it? Now, I know you don’t like them, but there’s only a few limited options, sweetheart.”

“Surely there’s another pair in her suitcase?” Berny offered gently from behind.

“Perhaps,” Leah murmured, straightening up, “But we’ve checked in. We can’t access the cases now.”

“Right then,” Berny smiled, already moving to take your hand, “How about me and you go for a little wander, hmm? We’ll see if we can find another pair of shoes for you?”

Your whole mood flipped, “Yeah! Can I pick ‘em myself?”

“We’ll have to see what they have, darling,” Berny chuckled, “You’ll have to pop your shoes on for now to go over and have a look.”

“Alright, Grandma!” You were only too eager to agree, shoving your new trainers  on before taking her hand and walking off to the shop inside the airport.

“Typical,” Jordan snorted, shaking her head, “Grandma to the rescue, eh?” She teased, sharing a knowing look with Leah.

Leah rolled her eyes, “It’s like butter wouldn’t melt.”

“I bet that Monkey comes back with new shoes, a bar of chocolate, and god-knows what else that she manages to con Grandma out of,” Jordan quipped, an amused smile on her face.

“Oh, absolutely,” Leah muttered, “She’s got Grandma wrapped around her little finger.”

“Grandma! Grandma!” You chirped, cheerfully as you spotted the big slushy machine right in front of your eyes, “Can I have one of ‘em?”

You stood inside the airport shop, the bright lights and row of colourful goodies peaked your interest. You were like a kid inside of a sweet shop. Every shelf was packed with snacks, toys, and little trinkets—too many good things to choose from.

Berny followed your gaze, smiling as she shook her head, “I don’t think your Mum will be too happy with me if I spoil you, will she?”

“She won’t mind!” You grinned up at her, already bouncing on your toes, “Promise!”

“We’ve only come in here for shoes, remember, madam?” Berny reminded you, though her tone was gentle, amused rather than stern.

“I knoooow,” You whined, dragging the word out with dramatic flair, “But it looks so colourful! Pretty please?”

Berny raised an eyebrow, “We’ll see. Let’s just see about sorting you out with some comfortable shoes first, my lovely.”

“Crocs! I want ‘em!” You announced with no hesitation.

“Ahem,” Berny said pointedly, lifting an eyebrow, “You seem to have forgotten your manners, madam.”

You blinked with a sheepish smile, “... Please?”

“That’s better,” Berny said, patting your back fondly, “We’ll have to see if they are your size. What colour would you like?”

“White, please!” You insisted with enthusiasm.

“Let’s see what they have then,” Berny murmured, rummaging through the various sizes until she found the right one for you, “Here we go then. I believe these are your size, aren’t they?”

“Uh-huh…” You murmured, but your attention was already on something else, “Grandma, they’ve Croc charms! Can I have those too, pleeeeeease?”

Berny gave you a look that said she was trying to hold firm but she wasn’t even close to succeeding, “... Only a few, sweetheart.”

“Yes!” You exclaimed in triumph, looking at the charms that had caught your eye, “Ooo! A football! And a ducky! And a teeny tiny chocolate bar!”

“I think three will be enough for now, dear,” Berny mentioned, dampening your delight, “Maybe when we arrive in Nashville then we can have a look for some others, yeah?”

“Can I get an actual bar of chocolate for the plane?” You asked, eyes wide and pleading, “Mum won’t mind, at all. I swear!”

“Alright,” The older woman sighed, giving in, “But I don’t think your Mum is going to be too impressed about all of this. So let’s just keep it our little secret, hmm?”

“You’re the best Grandma ever!” You declared, hugging her around the waist, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“Hmm, more like a massive pushover,” Berny muttered, “Right, come on then, let’s go pay for this before you persuade me to buy half the shop.”

“But what about the slushy?” You gazed at her, excitable, “They’re sooo good!”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea if this is how you’re acting before the sugar hits,” Berny replied, narrowing her eyes at you, “How about a bottle of water instead?”

“Nooo, water is gross,” You wrinkled your face up in disgust, “I promise not to stick my head under it like when I was with Auntie Vivi in Scotland!”

“... What?” Berny raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“N… Nothing! I mean… Forget that I said out,” You mumbled, your attention then thrown towards the various colourful whistles, “Ooo, can I ‘ave one ‘em? Then I can pretend to be a footy coach!”

Berny tried and failed to hold a straight face, “Alright, but only if you promise to not blow the whistle in the airport.”

“Deal!” You barely responded before you were grabbing one that faintly resembled  a football coach’s whistle, “I want this one!”

“Manners, remember?” Berny gently prompted, “Right, come on then, you. Let’s go and pay for this lot before you scam me out of buying anything else.”

“... Please can I have a slushy, as well?” You pleaded with innocent eyes.

“Fine, alright. One slushy, and that’s it,” Berny stated, with a firm tone of voice, “Nothing else, cheeky monkey.”

“Thank you, Grandma!” You grinned, hugging her arm tightly, “You’re the bestest!”

“Anything for you, my darling girl,” Berny smiled as she led you to the till, already mentally bracing herself for the look that Leah was bound to give her when you came skipping back with your arms full of things other than the initial pair of shoes you went in for.

“Muuuuuum!” You squealed, zooming through the airport, goodies stuffed in a plastic airport bag swinging in one hand, while the other hand held a slushy, “Mum! Mum! Look, I got a whistle, and some Crocs! Oh, and I got charms for ‘em as well!”

“Slow down before you crash into…” Berny’s words left her mouth just as you literally ran straight into a man in a business suit yapping away on his phone, “I’m so sorry. Please, excuse my granddaughter—Logan, be careful!”

“Oops, sorry!” You peered up at the man and apologised, “I apologised, Grandma Berny! See? I did!”

The man gave a startled grunt and adjusted his jacket, already stepping aside but the damage was already done, and the sugar had well and truly hit.

You were already vibrating like a wind-up toy, and it showed.

“Oh boy, here comes trouble,” Jordan drawled from her seat, grinning over the rim of her coffee cup.

Leah barely had time to open her arms before you launched into her, smacking your slushy against her hoodie and nearly knocking her backwards, “Oof, Monkey—Careful!” She warned, steadying you with one hand and checking the damage to her hoodie with the other, “So, what’ve you managed to con Grandma out of this time then, huh?”

“Knew it,” Jordan smirked, already holding out her hand like she was expecting to see a haul, “Go on then, show us what you’ve brought then, cheeky monkey.”

“Looky, Auntie Jord! I got a whistle! See?” You grinned wildly, giving it an almighty blow and laughing like the Tasmanian devil, “And Croc charms! And… And chocolate as well!”

“Oh, and chocolate as well? You’re bound to have a sugar rush any minute then,” Jordan murmured, already reaching for you, “We’re all doomed!”

You barely had a chance to respond before Jordan was pulling you into her lap and attacking your side with tickly fingers, “I give it… ten minutes before you’re climbing the walls in the airport.”

“Nooo!” You squealed, wriggling like mad in her grasp, “Lemme go, Auntie Jordy! Let me go!”

“Alright, alright,” Jordan relented after a few minutes but not without a final poke to your ribs that made you squeal again and topple sideways off her lap in a heap of giggles.

“I’m gonna go watch the airplanes!” You announced, scrambling to your feet and already taking off at top speed before anyone could have the chance to grab you.

“Monkey!” Leah called after you, exasperated but not quite ready to chase, “Stay where I can see you, please!”

You heard her. Sort of. But your feet were already moving… running ahead as Leah, Berny and Jordan all called after you.

You smushed your face up against the window and watched in glee at the planes outside, “Looky! Looky! The plane is there! Can we board yet? I wanna goooo!”

“Monkey! Get back here, now!” Leah’s words were left unheard.

“Helloooooo!” You banged your whistle on the glass window in an attempt to get the attention of the people down on the ground, “Hi! Hi! Can you see me? I can see you! Give us a wave!”

“Oh for the love of…” Leah was up in a flash and storming across the terminal, “Logan Reece!”

You barely had time to respond before you feel a strong pair of arms wrap around you and haul you down from the window, “Honestly, you’re being such a little terror today, young lady! What has gotten into you?”

“Wait, no, no… Muuuuum! I was only tryin’ to wave to everyone—Put me down!” You protested, flailing around as you are carried over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes, “Put… Put me down!”

“No, I won’t. Just once… We’re in the airport. You have to behave!” Leah said firmly, landing a light love tap to your bum for good measure, “I know you’re excited, and I know you are also hyped up on sugar but this is not a playground, Logan Reece!”

You weren’t about to go quietly.

“Heeeeelp!” You kicked, thrashed and pounded your fists against Leah’s back with zero remorse, “Heeelp! I’m being kidnapped! Somebody… Somebody heeeelp me!”

Leah froze mid-step.

“Oh no… no, no, she’s not… she’s fine!” Leah was practically spluttering and turning redder by the second as multiple travellers slowed down, heads turning with concern, “She’s absolutely fine, she’s just… she’s being dramatic!”

“Heeeeelp!” You shrieked, causing an absolute scene, “Put me… Put me down! You won’t get away with this! I’m… I only wanted to look at the planes!”

“She’s just… Logan Reece! Stop shouting that out loud in the middle of the airport!” Leah hissed, mortified, “What an earth is wrong with you today? You’re getting out of hand. This is why you are not allowed sugar!”

“She’s definitely dramatic,” Jordan chimed in, amusedly as she watched from where she sat, “Wonder where she gets that from?”

“Yeah, I wonder…” Leah mumbled, dropping you into the nearest seat with a firm look, “That’s it. I don’t want you running off anymore! No more sugar, either. Our flight will be boarding soon—Honestly, I should’ve brought some Lego or something for you to keep you occupied.”

“I’m boooored!” You whined, swinging your legs and kicking the seat in front of you, “I hate waitin’! It’s so stupid and long!”

“It won’t be much longer, sweetheart,” Berny called over without looking up from her magazine, “Just try to be good for your Mum in the meantime, alright?”

You crossed your arms and huffed again, clearly not impressed with that, “I’m still sooo bored!”

“Ma’am?” A security guard wandered over at the worst time, “Is everything alright over here?” The man asked, cautious but he was clearly clocking the spectacle that you were causing in the middle of the airport.

Leah inhaled slowly through her nose, “Yes, sorry. She’s uh… She is mine. I can prove it,” She fumbled with the passports, flustered and clearly dreading what this might look like, “She’s just not thrilled about… Well, anything. I apologise for her causing a scene.”

Right at that moment, you blinked up innocently at the security guard, and then blew your whistle.

The security guard barely flinched, “Right, I see. I understand… I have young kids. They can be… difficult at times, can’t they?”

“They certainly can be at times,” Leah gritted her teeth, trying to act calm and collected in front of the security guard, “And she’s the eldest, if you can believe that.”

The security guard let out a low chuckle, “You definitely have your work cut out for you—Footballer and mum of two? I respect that. I thought I had it hard with four,” He said, and you were determined he was about to start telling Leah his life-story, “Good luck on your holiday.”

The security guard finally wandered off, offering a sympathetic smile as Leah stood there, stunned, cheeks flushed and her jaw tight.

“Can I…?” You started, making a move to stand.

“Freeze!” Leah let out a slow, tired sigh, entirely unimpressed, “You’re sitting exactly there until it’s time to board! I don’t know who’s worse sometimes, you or your little sister.”

“I think you might actually have it easier with Buddy,” Jordan chimed in, grinning as she sipped her coffee, “She seems to listen better.”

“Don’t I bloody know it. Buddy is an angel compared to this little menace,” Leah murmured, slouching back into her seat while keeping a watchful eye on you, “Sit. Stay. Do not move. Don’t even think about moving from that seat.”

“Woof,” You barked, a shit-eating grin plastered on your face, feigning your complete innocence while your brand new whistle dangled from your mouth like a chew toy.

Leah just closed her eyes and exhaled slowly through her nose, “... God help us all on this holiday. I think Jord might’ve got it easier taking Buddy to Greece with her.”

Roughly seven minutes later, the sugar rush fizzled out just as dramatically as it had hit.

You were sprawled on the cold airport floor with your cheek pressed to the tiles, “I’m sooo tired!” You whined, voice thick with exhaustion, “Why’s it so noisy? I just wanna sleep!”

Jordan didn’t even bother to look up from her coffee, “I think I can spot a sugar crash,” She said in a sing-song tone of voice, “It was only a matter of time.”

“That’s what happens when you have one of them slushies,” Leah murmured, glancing down at you curled up on the ground, “Get up off the floor, Monkey. You’re not going to feel comfortable lying there.”

“I don’t wanna,” You whined in protest, rolling slightly onto your side, “M’ comfy where I am.”

Berny chuckled, “It doesn’t look very comfortable there, my lovely.”

“M’ fine,” You whispered, but your voice was wobbling now—You didn’t want to open your eyes. The lights were too bright, the announcements were too loud, and the buzz of people dragging suitcases and tapping on phones—everything was too much. 

Everything felt too much and not enough all at once.

“Come on, troublemaker,” Jordan gently nudged your hip with the side of her foot, “Get up. It’s not a good idea to sleep down there.”

“I like it here,” You whined, voice trailing into a miserable mumble, “Too many people… too loud… floor’s cold but it’s quiet…”

The light felt like it was stabbing you behind your eyelids. There was a kid shrieking. A suitcase wheel caught your ankle and jolted you… and suddenly, everything just hit you at once. It was like a hundred needles pricking your skin from the inside out.

Leah leaned in closer, softening her voice. After all the years, through everything you had been through—the sleepless nights, the abundance of tears, and the bedtime stories—she could read your body language like a book, “Hey, hey, Monkey. What’s the matter? Talk to me,” She crouched beside you, brushing a stray strand of hair out of your eyes.

“I… I don’t know!” You burst out suddenly, your voice cracked as your hands automatically flew up to clamp over your ears, “I don’t know what I want! I… I don’t like it, I don’t—Make it stop, Mum! Make it… Please make it stop!”

Your chest heaved as the tears came hard and fast. You were overwhelmed, stuck deep in the middle of a storm inside of your own head—You couldn’t fix it. You just… You didn’t know how. You didn’t even know what you needed.

Nothing felt right to you, and the more your brain whirred… the more everything hurt.

“Oh, baby,” Leah’s heart ached, reaching for you instantly, “C’mere, you’re alright. I’ve got you,” She whispered, pulling you gently into her lap despite your half-hearted wriggling.

Your whining didn’t stop, it just gradually started to turn into hiccupy sobs, “I… I don’t like it, Mum,” You sniffled, pressing your face into her hoodie, “I… I don’t like it—I don’t like the noise, I don’t like the food. I just… Make it stop! Make it stop!”

“I know, sweetheart, I know,” Leah soothed, stroking your back slowly, “It’s all a bit too much right now, isn’t it? It’s okay. Just breathe, yeah? You’re safe with me, I’m right here.”

“I… I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” You crumpled up against her, clinging onto her hoodie, “Don’t… Don’t like it!”

“You’re fine, you’re okay,” Leah cradled you tightly and rocked you gently, her chin resting on top of your head, “Just a little bit longer, baby, and then we’ll get on the plane, yeah? Nobody is looking, you’re safe, I’m right here, holding you and you’re okay.”

You shifted slightly in Leah’s lap and your hoodie lifted just enough so Jordan was able to catch the unmistakable sight of the patterned waistband. She blinked, furrowing her brow and glancing over at Leah with a silent question in her eyes.

“Not now,” Leah whispered along with the tiny shake of her head.

You stayed curled into Leah, letting her voice and touch try to soften everything else. You were overstimulated, overtired and frustrated beyond words.

You just didn’t know what you needed right now.

“You’re safe, baby. I’ve got you,” Leah whispered, pressing a kiss to your forehead, “Everything is okay, I promise.”

Your thumb crept into your mouth and your body sagged against Leah’s chest. The crying began to slow, and the whining gave way to heavy breaths, and sleepy, shuddering sighs.

Leah kept one arm snug around you while she rummaged one-handed through your backpack, “Hey, look who I found,” She murmured, pulling out the worn, well-loved stuffed monkey, “Here’s Mini. Why don’t you cuddle her and try to get some rest while we wait, yeah?”

You didn’t hesitate to snatch Mini and pull her in close, burying your face in her soft fur as you clung to her with both hands. The familiar texture soothed you instantly as you began to chew gently on one of her ears as your breathing finally started to even out.

Jordan looked over wearily, “Is she okay?” She questioned, her voice a lot quieter and gentler now, “She… She really took a U-turn there.”

“She’ll be alright,” Leah murmured, brushing her hand through your hair, “She’s a bit… Overstimulated right now. It happens sometimes, I think she was so excited about going on holiday that it’s only just hit her now.”

Berny gave a soft, fond sigh, “Poor darling.”

Leah checked the time on the screen behind Jordan. Her fingers continued stroking your back gently, “We’ve still got about forty minutes before we board. I think there’s a sensory room near Gate 19—I remember that Katie told me about taking her to one in Dubai and it seemed to do the trick,” She paused, turning her attention directly to you, “Do you think that’ll help, baby?”

Your eyes fluttered open just enough to glance at her and give the tiniest nod, burying yourself even deeper into her hoodie.

“Yeah?” Leah wondered tenderly, cupping your cheek, “Right, let’s head there for a bit. We can hang out there until we’re ready to board the flight.”

You didn’t even have it in you to even mutter a response, allowing her to shift you gently in her arms and stand up, adjusting your weight against her chest as you clung onto Mini like a lifeline.

“We’ll wait here for you, my lovely,” Berny told Leah softly, “Make sure that you get your girl sorted out and calm enough before the flight.”

“Thanks, Grandma,” Leah murmured, exhaling a tired sigh.

You didn’t protest as you just let yourself be carried, thumb still in your mouth and eyes squeezed shut against the noise and lights.

“It’s okay, Monkey. You’re alright, I’ve got you baby,” Leah continued to sooth you, but you barely registered them through the fog in your mind, but helped nonetheless.

The walk to the sensory room wasn’t too far, Leah pushed the door open and slid inside. It was dimly lit and softly coloured, the hum of the airport faded instantly behind the thick door. There were bubble tubes, a variety of fidget toys, fibre optic lights, and a heap of oversized bean bags piled in the corner.

“Here we go, here we go,” Leah whispered gently as the door shut behind her. She crouched and gently sat you down on the padded floor just inside, “We’re here, now. You’re safe.”

You didn’t answer with words. You just stumbled over to the pile of beanbags and immediately burrowed your way into the centre, squirming beneath the oversized bean bags with quiet desperation. You continued to wriggle down until the weight pressed over your back, your sides, and even your legs until you were surrounded on all sides and barely visible beneath the mound of soft fabric.

“Is that better?” Leah kept her voice low, smiling as she kneeled beside you, “You really needed that deep pressure, didn’t you?”

You didn’t have the energy to verbally speak up as a soft hum came from underneath the bean bags that gave Leah all the answers that she needed to know.

“We can stay here until we have to board our flight, sweetheart,” Leah reassured gently, smoothing a hand across the top bean bag, “I just want to make sure that you’re okay, yeah? I should’ve known it might be too much inside the airport with all the loud noises, and everything else…”

There was no answer, but your breathing was already beginning to even out, and that was enough to reassure Leah that you were going to be okay… for now.

“Look, Grandma! It’s the bit where they rescue princess Fiona from the tower!” You animatedly chatted to the older woman, pointing your index finger at the screen with a grin. You were nestled up close beside her, Mini clutched securely in your arms with your red Arsenal blanket tucked snuggly around you.

“Oh, I remember this part,” Berny leaned in closer, squinting fondly at the screen, “I swear you have watched this film hundreds of times!”

“More like thousands,” Leah chimed in, watching you engage more positively with Berny from her seat nearby, “The original DVD we brought her has burned out now, hasn’t it? It’s a good job that it can be streamed now.”

You giggled quietly, keeping your eyes glued to the screen as Donkey yapped away about the lava while Shrek climbed the tower, “This bit is funny when Donkey panics!” You murmured, half to yourself, “Look, Grandma. Look!”

Jordan’s gaze shifted to you, softening at the sight, “She seems a lot more settled now, aye?” She noted, her tone tinged with relief—it was a stark contrast to the meltdown in the terminal, “So, I’m guessing the sensory room helped a bit?”

“Yeah…” Leah murmured, raking her free hand through her hair as she watched you fondly interact with Berny, “I should have thought more realistically about the fact that the airport might be too much for her.”

“... I had no idea that things were getting that bad again,” Jordan mumbled.

“Yeah, it started in Melbourne,” Leah admitted, her eyes briefly flicking back to you, “And since then, it’s just… spiralled, I guess? Some days are better than others, but… well she’s been a bit more withdrawn. More sensitive. And it’s been harder to bring her back when she gets overwhelmed.”

Jordan’s face fell at her words, “Oh, Le…”

“I know it probably seems like a lot,” Leah mumbled, her voice a little tight as she swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, “But, what’s the alternative, Jord? Wet clothes, a full-blown meltdown, and her feeling worse about everything else?”

“I get it,” Jordan nodded, keeping her tone low, “I really do.”

“This way…” Leah glanced back at you, a fond smile appearing on her face, “She’s dry, she’s calm, and she feels safer. And right now… that’s all that matters.”

Jordan smiled, “That’s true, Le. You have to make sure your girl is okay.”

“You’re doing the best that you can, my lovely,” Berny said from afar where you were too intrigued in the film to care less about the conversation—when Shrek is involved, everything goes out the window.

“Grandma, look!” You giggled again, clearly delighted at Donkey’s frantic narration, “The lava’s not even that hot, and Shrek just walks straight through it like he does!”

Berny laughed, leaning in closer again despite the numerous times she’d seen the film, “He’s not frightened, is he?”

“Nope!” You nodded eagerly, hugging Mini tighter and bouncing slightly in your seat, “And look, the dragon likes Donkey and he doesn’t even notice!”

“She’s really enjoying that film,” Jordan smiled, “How many times has she watched it now?”

“Too many times to count. It’s her comfort film though, ain’t it?” Leah murmured, watching you with a fond smile as you chatted away to Berny, “It won’t be long until we’re in Nashville now, Monkey. You excited?”

Your face lit up straightaway, “I’m so excited! We’re going to Nashville! Have you been before, Auntie Jord?” You didn’t wait for a response before looking at Leah, “Can I have a cowboy hat? I wanna look proper cool!”

Jordan chuckled at your enthusiasm, “I bet you will look proper cool, Monkey, especially if you get one with sparkles or stars on it.”

“Stars?!” You gasped as your eyes lit up, squirming with excitement under your blanket, “Oooh, I want one with stars! Ooo, I want pink—No, wait, I want red, just like Arsenal!”

“Remember, you’re only getting one,” Leah shook her head, letting out a quiet laugh, “I’m sure we can look at what they have available at one of the shops when we get there.”

“We have to get one for Buddy as well! She needs one!” You insisted, not wanting your favourite little buddy to miss out on the opportunity for a cowboy hat of her own, “She’ll want a red one like Arsenal as well!”

“I think most of those hats might be too big for her,” Jordan chimed in, smiling fondly, “What else do you want to do while we’re there?”

“I… I want to ride a horse!” Your eyes lit up in excitement at the thought of it, “I can wear my cowboy hat then and ride a horse like a proper cowboy! Yeehaw!”

“Alright, alright, settle down,” Leah raised an eyebrow with a grin, “There’s no need to start causing chaos on this flight, is there?”

“Can we go to that cafe? The Bluebird?” You continued to bounce in your seat excitedly, the idea of exploring Nashville was so exciting to you, “I really wanna check it out sooo badly!”

“We’ll see, sweetheart,” Leah agreed gently, “We’re going to be there for a week and we’ll have plenty of time to check everything out. How about we just calm down now and continue to watch the film? It’s not a good idea to get all worked up before we’ve even landed.”

“Your Mum is right there, darling,” Berny piped in, knowingly as she brushed her hand over your hair, “There’ll be plenty of time for excitement once we arrive. It won’t be long now.”

“Okay,” Your answer was simple as you invested your attention back to the film where Shrek was sprinting down the tower stairs with Donkey clinging to his back.

Leah watched you with careful eyes and smiled to herself, seeing the way that you clutched Mini tighter and yawned, the excitement slowly giving way to exhaustion.

“I think somebody is starting to get tired now,” Jordan observed quietly, glancing over to look at you and see your eyes drooping, “The excitement is too much for her, huh?”

“Mm,” Leah agreed, keeping her voice low as she leaned her head back against the seat, “Won’t be long until she crashes now. I guarantee that she’ll sleep for the remainder of the flight.”

“Oh, so that’s you having to carry her off the plane then, eh?” Jordan said amusedly, turning slightly in her seat so she could see Leah better, “How are you holding up, Le?”

“I’m fine, there’s no need to be worried about how I feel,” Leah mumbled, refusing to meet the eyes of the older woman, watching you wriggle slightly and fighting to stay awake.

Jordan scoffed, nudging the blonde, “Le, this is me you’re talking to. I’m your cousin. I’ve known you for how long now? Tell me how you actually feel and don’t sugarcoat it.”

“I just… I’m worried about her right now, Jord,” Leah finally admitted, her gaze following you to watch you wriggle slightly, trying to fight to stay awake, but she eventually exhaled a sigh and looked at Jordan, “I’m really worried about. She was doing so well, wasn’t she? I mean… sure, she’s had slip ups in the past, but this… there’s something more, there’s something that she’s not telling me.

“Well… Maybe there is,” Jordan mumbled, “But you just need to be there for her, and  be ready for whenever she does talk to you. For what it's worth though, you’re a brilliant Mum to both of your girls, and you’re doing a great job, so try not to beat yourself up over this, okay?”

“Thanks, Jord,” Leah smiled gratefully, “I don’t know what I’d do without you sometimes, you know that?”

Jordan reached over and squeezed Leah’s arm gently, “We’re family, Le. You don’t have to do any of this alone. You’ve got everyone to support you, remember that.”

You weren’t aware of the quiet conversion taking place around you as your focus was solely on the screen, your whole interest was in watching Shrek land outside the castle with Princess Fiona slumped over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. Your head was drooping slightly against Berny’s shoulder, eyes blinking slowly now and Mini had slipped down in your arms.

“Hey, Monkey,” Leah’s voice was soft as she leaned closer, brushing some hair from your eyes, “Are you starting to get tired now, my girl?”

“M’ not tired,” You mumbled in protest, although your eyelids were betraying you by fluttering shut as the moments passed.

Berny chuckled gently beside you, “Are you sure about that, my lovely? Why don’t you close your eyes for a bit, and sleep, hm?”

“Nooo,” You whined faintly, smushing your face against Mini’s fur as your thumb began to make its way into your mouth,”M’ fine.”

“I don’t know about that one,” Jordan teased with a grin, “You seem like you’re already falling asleep right now, Monkey.”

Leah smiled, keeping her eyes fixed on you as you curled up your Arsenal blanket, “You’re tired, aren’t you, my girl? There’s no point fighting it. You’re okay, just close your eyes for me.”

You always tried to fight sleep when you were overtired, and it never ended quietly, “Noooo!”

Point proven exactly.

“I think it’s a good idea for you to sleep now, and then you’ll be refreshed when we land in Nashville, won’t you?” Berny put the option out there, adjusting Mini in your arms, “You’ll be ready to sing and dance to all the music.”

You pondered the thought for a couple of seconds, “Okay, Grandma. You’re right,” You leaned in closer towards her, making sure to keep Mini tucked in tightly beside you, “I’ll sleep now.”

Leah met Berny’s gaze over your head, “Thank you,” She spoke quietly, watching you slowly fall asleep, curled up under your Arsenal blanket, cheek smushed against Mini’s head as your thumb found its way into your mouth, “I was beginning to think she wasn’t going to sleep this entire flight.”

“You just needed Grandma’s magical touch. You two used to be the exact same when you were younger,” Berny stated, amusedly as she watched you fondly.

“Pretty sure Leah used to be able to fall asleep anywhere she could,” Jordan teased, nudging her cousin's arm, “You're still the same now.”

“Time to wake up, cheeky monkey,” You barely registered Leah’s words let alone her brushing back a bit of hair from your face, “We’re almost in Nashville now.”

Berny chuckled quietly beside you, “I think someone’s still tired.”

“Looks like you’ll have to very well carry her off the plane if she doesn’t wake up in time,” Jordan grinned from across the aisle.

“Monkey, wake up, my girl,” Leah tried again, her voice patient but firmer this time.

“Noo…” You whined, your voice thick with sleep and your face scrunching up in displeasure, “I don’t wanna, m’ still tired.”

“We’re almost in Nashville, baby,” Leah soothed,  “But I need you to put your seatbelt on so it’s safe, yeah?”

You could faintly make out the crackle of the captain’s voice over the intercom, announcing the descent into Nashville but your brain was still half-asleep to understand it properly.

None of that mattered to you though, you were far too happy nestled deeply under your Arsenal blanket, Mini tucked under your chin and your cheek smooshed sleepily against Berny’s shoulder.

“I know you want to sleep,” Leah murmured, her voice warm and laced with a smile, “You can still do that, but it’s really important your seatbelt is on for when the plane lands, alright?”

“Nooo,” You whined again, a little louder this time as your voice wobbled on the edge of a tantrum, “I… I don’t wanna!”

“Come on, my girl,” Leah reached out across gently, her hand cloning around the seatbelt as she tried to pull it over your lap, “Please, let’s just buckle you in—”

Without thinking, you swatted her hand away, “Nooo! G’way! Leave me ‘lone, Mum!” You whined, your own movements sharp and unfiltered.

“Hey,” Leah took a steadying breath and softened her voice, “That’s not okay to do that. I know you’re tired and it’s making you feel grumpy, isn’t it? But we don’t hit, you know that. We use gentle hands, remember?”

Berny glanced over with a quiet, reassuring smile, “She’s just worn out, dear. It’s understandable.”

“Typical Monkey,” Jordan teased, flashing you a grin from across the aisle, “I thought you were excited to be able to ride a horse and get a cowboy hat? You can’t do that if you stay asleep on the plane, can you?”

You had the energy to scowl at her, your grumpy tantrum simmering beneath your sleepy haze, “Nooo,” You whined, pitifully, “My legs’re too tired. Don’t wanna walk.”

Leah sighed softly, still reluctant to let go of the seatbelt, “Alright, alright, that’s fine. We can sort that out when it comes to getting off the plane, but first you need to buckle up. Rules are rules, okay?”

You let out a dramatic sigh but gave in, not putting up any fight this time, slumping back and allowing Leah to click the seatbelt snugly across your lap. Your head lolled back against the seat with Mini still clutched tight in one hand.

“We’re in Nashville now?” You mumbled sleepily.

“Yeah, almost,” Leah smiled, smoothing your hair, “We’re going to be landing very soon.”

“Are you excited, Monkey?” Jordan asked as the wheels descended on the tarmac.

“Uh-huh,” You nodded faintly, though your eyes didn’t open.

The plane finally touched down with a gentle bump. As soon as the seatbelt sign flicked off, Leah stood up and stretched, and waited for you to stir a bit more, “Alright, ready to walk off the plane now, my sleepy girl?” 

You groaned miserably, burrowing further under your blanket, “Noo, I don’t wanna walk. Too much!”

“You can’t stay on the plane, can you, cheeky monkey?” Leah said gently.

“Mhm, can try!” You mumbled stubbornly, drawing a chuckle from Berny.

Leah crouched beside your seat, brushing your blanket aside, “But then you’ll have none of the fun that we’ve planned, will you? No cowboy hats, horse riding, ice cream…”

You peeked one eye open, “Ice cream?”

Leah smirked knowingly,  “Oh, I thought that might catch your attention, huh?”

“Piggyback, please, Mum?” You asked, moving to hold your arms out with an adorable pout on your face, “I can’t walk.”

“Really? Is that so?” Leah’s face softened instantly, “Come on then, as you wish, my girl.”

“You handle your girl, I’ll grab the bags,” Jordan said, rising with an amused facial expression, “Just try not to fall asleep walking through customs, aye, Monkey?”

“You’re talkin’ too loud, Auntie Jordy! Shhh!” You whined, pressing your head against Leah’s shoulder.

“What? No way! You just need to wake up,” Jordan teased, reaching forward and ruffling your hair.

“Don’t wind her up, Jord. She’s still waking up,” Leah said, adjusting her hold on you as she carried you through the noisy terminal.

You instantly weren’t a fan of the loud voices, footsteps or overhead announcements.

“S’too loud!” You whimpered, burying your face deeper into her shoulder.

“We’ve just got to go through border control and we’ll be able to start our holiday, my lovely,” Berny explained warmly, doing her best to reassure you.

“Why? Don’t wanna do that,” You mumbled, clinging tighter to Leah.

“Not long, Monkey,” Leah promised, “We’ll go through everything we need to do in the airport and then we’ll be able to go to the hotel, we can check in and get settled, and then maybe we can go see about finding an ice cream or something nice, yeah. Does that sound good?”

You gave the faintest nod in response, burying your face in Leah’s shoulder in hopes to block out everything else around you, “Don’t like it, s’too loud,” You whispered again.

“I know,” Leah murmured, her hand rubbing small, calming circles on your back, “it won’t be long now, I promise. It’s okay, my girl.”

You didn’t answer, too busy squinting into the brightness of the terminal lights that were harsh and cold in comparison to inside the calm of the plane. There were too many people and  a whole lot of noise that you weren’t keen on.

“How much longer?” You asked, voice tight and uncertain, “I don’t like it.”

“We’ve just gotta go through security now, my girl,” Leah said quietly, “Then we’ve gotta get our passports checked, and we’re all done.”

“You’re doing so well, my lovely,” Berny added with a proud smile.

Leah’s eyes flicked ahead, noting the dogs in the distance with the officers, “Oh, God. It’s a good job she’s on my back or she’d probably be running towards the dogs,” She whispered.

“What?” Jordan asked, bewildered.

“Dogs?” You lifted your head faintly, curious to see where they were.

You loved dogs—Bu and Bella especially. You always loved having the chance to walk either of them for a walk.

Even the dogs in Melbourne seemed friendly to you, so of course you wanted to stroke them. 

But then your eyes noted the two uniformed officers by the security checkpoint, these dogs looked a lot different with enormous dogs at their sides, and carrying large guns—the officers looked strict, scarier than the ones you had seen in London.

You whimpered at the sight of them, “Don’t like it…”

“Don’t like what, Monkey?” Leah asked, tilting her head to try and see your expression.

“They… They’ve got big guns. Don’t like it,” You whispered, shrinking back.

“It’s okay, my girl,” Leah soothed instantly, keeping her tone gentle, “They’re not here to hurt anyone. They’re here just to protect people, they’re just keeping everyone safe, they’re the good guys, alright? I promise.”

“Don’t… Don’t like it, make… make ‘em go away!” Your voice cracked, high pitched and panicked now, “N… No, don’t like it!”

“Hey, hey,” Leah hushed you, her hand firm on your back, holding you close, “It’s okay. I’ve got you. I’m right here, sweetheart. No one’s going to hurt you, I promise.”

Jordan looked over from just ahead and saw your trembling frame clinging to Leah, “You okay, Logs?”

“She saw the security,” Leah said quietly, “Dogs and the guns.”

“Oh, bless her,” Berny said softly, giving your arm a gentle pat, “Poor little love.”

“I… I don’t wanna go near ‘em,” You cried out, your voice high pitched with fear, “I… I don’t wanna! No! They’ll think I’m bad, I don’t want ‘em to shout at me!”

“Hey, hey, it’s alright, my girl,” Leah murmured, keeping her voice low and soothing as she adjusted her grip on you, “I’m holding you. I’m not letting go. You’re being so brave right now. Can you continue to be brave just a little longer for me?”

You whimpered, clinging even tighter to her as your whole body shook with anxiety, “I…I don’t wanna do it.”

“I know, baby. I know it’s scary but we have to do this,” Leah told you, rubbing soothing circles on your back, “Just shut your eyes, baby. It’ll be quick, and then we’ve just gotta get through passport control.”

“Mum, I… I don’t want to go near them,” You said again, this time your voice was quieter but still trembling.

“I’m afraid that we have to, my girl,. But it won’t take long, I promise,” Leah stopped walking just for a moment, “I’ve got you. You’re safe. Can you close your eyes for me, Monkey. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

You clung tighter to Leah, your face buried so deep into her neck it was hard to breathe properly, but you didn’t care. 

The sounds around you felt too loud, too sharp for you to handle.

“You’re doing so well, my girl,” Leah whispered as she picked up the pace, her hands rubbing steady, grounding circles on your back, “You keep those eyes shut for me, yeah? We’re nearly through now.”

You squeezed your eyes shut tighter, teeth clenched and barely able to process anything beyond the sound of the barking dogs nearby. It sent a jolt of fear straight through you as you clung to Leah more tightly.

“We’re on the other side now,” Leah said softly, “It’s okay. You can open your eyes now, Monkey.”

You slowly peered your eyes open, still clinging to Leah, “Can we go now, Mum?” You asked, still not lifting your head.

“Soon, baby,” Leah promised, kneeling down to gently place you down on the floor, “We just need to go through passport control. I need to put you down for this bit, alright?”

“Nooo…” You moaned, dragging the word out as your face twisted into a frustrated pout.

“I know you don’t like it,” Leah replied patiently, “But it’s really important. I can’t carry you for this bit, so I need you to just stand here for this nice lady to see your passport.”

“Nooo, I… I don’t wanna,” You shook your head, the edge of panic creeping in as your thumb mindlessly found its way into your mouth once again.

“Just for a minute,” Leah repeated softly, “Then I’ll pick you straight back up again, Monkey.”

You let out a huffy little whimper and scrunched your face up in protest, definitely not happy with that, “C… Carry me, Mum!”

“I wish that I could, baby. But I need you to hold my hand instead, alright?” Leah said, crouching beside you, “I’m not going to let go, I promise. All you have to do is stand here so that the nice lady can take a quick look at your passport photo, yeah?”

You scrunched your face up even more, frustrated and overwhelmed, stomping your foot hard, “NO!”

“Listen, you’re being so, so brave right now, my girl,” Leah said softly, steadying you with both hands before turning to the woman at the booth with a quiet smile, “I’m sorry, my daughter has ADHD and she’s Autistic so transitions like this can be hard and overwhelming for her.”

“Of course,” The woman gave a kind nod in understanding, “Take your time. There’s no rush.”

You were too overstimulated to register any of that—too busy panicking. Your grip on Leah’s hand tightened to the point your knuckles had gone white, as you were shaking your head fiercely and tears were welling up in your eyes, “Don’t wanna, don’t wanna! I… I don’t wanna, Mum!”

“It’s okay, Monkey,” Leah crouched down, cupping your face in her hands, “You are being so, so brave right now, my girl. I’m so proud of you. One final step and we can go find some ice cream, yeah?”

You whimpered, trembling from the effort of staying upright on your own, “H… Hurts. My legs are tired.”

“You’re doing so well, my lovely,” Berny praised from standing behind you.

“We’re nearly done, Monkey,” Leah whispered, her voice thick with love and patience, “Can you look at the lady for just a second? Just one second, then we’re all finished.”

Reluctant to let go of Mini in one arm, you slowly turned your head, just barely enough for the passport control officer to see your face.

“There we go,” The woman said gently, giving you a kind smile, “That’s perfect, thank you so much. I can tell you’ve been really brave.”

You didn’t answer the lady, you didn’t have enough energy in you to respond as you just clung to Leah again, tucking your face back into her arm.

“And that’s it. All done,” Leah said, instantly scooping you back up with a soft groan, you wrapped your legs around her waist as you slumped against her, “Now we can start our holiday, can’t we?”

“Can we go now?” You questioned, already restless and buzzing with energy after your brief sleep on the plane and now you were tasked with the unfortunate luck of having to wait for Leah to slowly unpack, “Can we? Can we? I’m bored! I wanna go!”

Leah glanced over with a knowing smile, holding up a pair of trousers and calmly hanging them in the wardrobe, “We need to unpack first, and you’re supposed to be helping me, madam,” She said, a teasing glint in her eye.

“Unpackin’ is sooo borin’ though, Mum!” You groaned, tilting your head with your usual sense of dramatics, “I wanna go explore! Why can’t we just go now?” You asked, scrambling to start jumping up and down on the bed.

Leah pursed her lips, shaking her head as she continued to pick up a t-shirt from her suitcase, “We can as soon as it’s done—Ah, ah, no jumping on the bed, Monkey!”

“I wasn’t doin’ nuffin’ I wasn’t ‘posed to!” You replied with a mischievous glint.

“Oh, really?” Leah arched an eyebrow, unimpressed, “That sounds exactly like something a guilty person would say.” 

“Nope! I’m innocent!” You insisted, flashing your most angelic smile.

“Sure you are, Menace,” Leah muttered, returning to keep your focus on the task at hand.

“I wanna go nooooooow!” I’m booooooored!” You whined in complaint, “You’re taking foreveeeeeer, Mum!”

“Someone’s not being very patient today,” Leash said dryly, “This would go a lot quicker if you stopped whining and actually helped.”

“Fine! I’ll help!” You huffed, rolling off the bed with exaggerated effort. You grabbed your suitcase, unzipped it and proceeded to dump everything onto the bed in one giant heap, “Done!”

“Monkey—” Leah muttered in disbelief.

“What?” You shot her an innocent smile, “It’s unpacked like you wanted!”

Leah pinched the bridge of her nose, “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

“But it still counts, though!” You beamed a wide grin, “Sooo… can we please go now?”

“Well at least you said please,” Leah stated sarcastically,  giving you a look that made you squirm though it was laced with affection, “You really are a Menace sometimes. I think your Mama got the better deal taking Buddy on her holiday.”

“I’m a delight to have around, thank you very much,” You said proudly, then turned on the charm, “Pleeeeeease can we go? Pretty, pretty please?”

Leah’s lips twitch in amusement, “You’re a lot more awake now after that nap on the plane, huh?” She teased, folding one of your shirts properly and starting to tackle the mess you’d made.

You flopped onto the bed again, limbs splayed in full drama queen fashion, “Muuuuum, you said we’d go after unpackin’ and I’ve done it!”

“I know you’re excited, Monkey,” Leah said patiently, smoothing out a hoodie before placing it into a drawer, “But now I have to tidy up the tornado of mess that you have created. Why don’t you watch something while I finish?”

You stuck your bottom lip out, but relented and grabbed your iPad, “Kay,” You mumbled, already opening Netflix. 

Within seconds, the familiar theme tune of Shaun the Sheep filled the room. The bright colours and silly wordless antics settled you almost instantly. Leah didn’t say anything but smile fondly as she continued to fold and hang your clothes. 

Ten minutes later, Leah had successfully put all of your clothes away as she heard to change in cartoon to Scooby Doo, another familiar classic that you loved, concerned with the way you were jumping around on the bed one minute, and the next… flat out, quiet and peaceful, and not being a general menace to society like you usually were.

“Hey, Monkey,” Leah said gently, her eyes softening when she saw you curled up under your blanket with your head half-buried in the pillow, “Whatcha up to?”

You peeked up, your eyes still glued to the screen, “Watchin’ Scooby-Doo,” You mumbled, thumb tapping lazily on your iPad screen, “Do you think it would be cool to have a mystery van?”

“I think that would be cool,” Leah agreed with a small smile, though the slightly raised eyebrow gave her away.

Apparently, she didn’t find it quite as cool as you did.

“Although, I think I’d fear for everyone’s safety with you behind the wheel of that thing,” Leah teased, walking over to pick up your abandoned hoodie off the floor, “What would you even do with a Mystery Machine?”

You shrugged, fiddling the strings of your hoodie—technically, the one you had borrowed from Leah and never given it back, “Chase the baddies… solve crimes… eat all the snacks,” You said, your voice going soft and thoughtful, “Me and Buddy would be so good. We’d be like a proper team.”

“Sure,” Leah chuckled, “I’m not sure if I like the idea of you two behind a wheel though, my girl.”

“Why not?” You tilted your head to the side in confusion, “We’d be awesome!”

Leah smiled fondly at the determination in your sleepy eyes, “Of course you would, Monkey.”

After a beat, Leah moved to sit beside you and give your back a rub, “We’re going to be heading to the festival soon. Can you put your shoes on for me now, please?”

“Do I hafta? I’m watchin’ Scooby-Doo!” You pouted, not that keen to turn your attention away from the cartoon.

“And Scooby-Doo will still be here, waiting for you when you come back,” Leah teased, prising the iPad out of your hands, “Come on, shoes on.”

You huffed, your brows pinching together in annoyance, “Urgh, you’re a fun sucker sometimes, Mum.”

“Excuse me?” Leah arched her brow, “I don’t like this newfound attitude you’ve got, lose it, please or no Scooby.”

You gasped, your head snapping around scandalised, “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me,” Leah stood firm on her decision.

“That’s so cruuuuuuuel,” You whined, grumpily.

“Cruel?” Leah simply raised her eyebrow, unimpressed with your antics as she folded her arms over her chest, with a look that you definitely knew she absolutely would dare, “I think cruel would be making you fold everything up that you tossed on the bed, my girl. Wouldn’t it? Now come on, up. Shoes on so we can leave.”

“Urgh, finnnnnnnne!” You huffed, letting out a long dramatic groan and throwing your head back onto the pillow for that extra flair of dramatics that you were known for, “I guess I’ll do it, but just so you know…. I was just at a really good bit then!”

“I’m sure you’ll cope just fine enough without it,” Leah teased.

“Nuh uh!” You protested, scowling at the blonde.

“Come on, Drama Queen,” Leah gave a low chuckle, reaching down to ruffle your hair before standing up again, “Up we get. There won’t be any cowboy hats in the shop by the time we get there at this time.”

Your eyes lit up in excitement, “Cowboy hat? I want one!”

“Ah! I thought that would get your attention to move a bit quicker,” Leah teased, handing off your trainers to you.

“Yeehaw!” You exclaimed, gleefully.

“Oh God, I think I preferred it when you were quiet and watching cartoons,” Leah muttered, trying and failing not to laugh as you jumped to your feet with a sudden burst of energy.

“C’mon, Mum!” You were already halfway into your shoes, hopping around with one trainer still in your hand, “We gotta go! I want one of those fancy shmancy cowboy hats!”

“Careful, my girl. Or the only place you’ll be going is to the hospital when you snap your ankle before we even make it out of the door,”

“I don’t like hospitals,” You mumbled, not so keen on the idea of those places.

“I know, that’s why we have to be sensible and not injure ourselves.” Leah explained gently, “I know you’re excited, but we have to think before we do things, right?”

“Okay, but hurry up. Or the cowboy hats will all be gone,”

“Slow down, my girl, there is plenty of time—”

“Mum! Do you think they’ll have red ones— Oooh! What if they have sparkly red ones? We still have to get Buddy one, it’s only fair!” You rambled, one trainer one while you struggled to balance and shove the other one on.

“Yes, I’m sure they will,” Leah replied, already chuckling, “And we’ll have to see about that, if they have any that will fit her.”

You were already darting through the corridor of the hallway, eager to meet the rest of the family, “Grandma! Grandma!” You ran directly into the older woman just leaving her own hotel room, “I’m ready—I want to find a cowboy hat!”

“Careful, Monkey!” Leah scolded lightly, shaking her head.

“This is a vast improvement to the airport,” Jordan pointed out, joining Leah in the corridor, “How’d the unpacking go? I thought it would take you less time with you both doing it.”

“Yeah, it should’ve done,” Leah explained with a sigh, “But well… Monkey’s idea of helping unpack was tossing everything onto her bed in a heap, so I ended up doing it all by myself.”

Jordan snorted, “Classic Monkey.”

“I was watchin’ Scooby-Doo!” You huffed, peeking out from behind Berny’s leg like a wounded puppy, “And I was bein’ quiet! I did a good job of that!”

“It was just better to do it on my own in the end,” Leah added with a tired smile, “At least I know where everything is when someone’s asking for something,”

“You have a point there, love,” Berny said with a chuckle.

“Come on, hurry up!” You bounced on your feet, excitedly, “I wanna find my yeehaw hat!”

“Whoa! We’re actually in Nashville!” You gasped, eyes wide as you turned in slow circles as you took in your surroundings, “We’re like… We’re actually here! Whoa!”

“We are indeed, Monkey,” Leah said, wrapping a free arm around your shoulder and pulling you in close to kiss the top of your head, “Take it all in, my girl.”

“This is so… Cool! Whoa!” You bounced on your toes, pointing everything out with excitement, “I can’t… I can’t believe we’re here—Whoa! It’s so awesome, isn’t it?”

Berny chuckled watching you with a fond smile, “Somebody is definitely excited to be here.”

“She’s like a kid in a sweet shop,” Jordan whispered, leaning in towards Leah with a grin on her face.

“God, no, don’t mention sweets around her,” Leah muttered, shaking her head, “She becomes… feral.”

“It’s nice to see her be so happy and carefree for once,” Berny said softly.

“Hey! Looky, that girls’ got the same boots I’ve got on now! We’re matching!” You squealed, noting the matching cowboy boots you’d somehow managed to blag Leah into buying you along with the cowboy hat.

“Yeah, that’s bound to happen here, my girl,” Leah chuckled, her tone turning more serious, “Right, listen… I know you are excited to be here, but this doesn’t mean that you can run off, alright? You need to stay where I can see you.”

“That’s no fun, Mum!!” You whined, a pout plastered on your face.

“You can still have fun, Monkey. But I want to make sure you’re safe, and I can’t do that if you’re running off now, can I?” Leah reminded you gently, “Me nor Mama wouldn’t be happy if you got lost.”

“Muuuuuum!” You groaned dramatically.

“Hey, hey, I need you to use your listening ears,” Leah warned lighty, trying to re-engage your focus, “It’s really important that you listen right now, my girl.”

“I wanna go explore!” You whined, stomping your foot in protest.

“You can do that,” Leah nodded, “But I don’t want you running off, okay? It’s very busy here, and you don’t want to get lost, do you?”

“Fiiiiiine,” You mumbled, though your focus was elsewhere instead.

“Good girl,” Leah praised, “Right, so we’re—”

“Ooo! Churros!” You gasped, your eyes lighting in delight as you spotted them, wriggling out of her grasp and heading straight for the cart.

“Monkey, hey, no—What did I just say?” Leah called, but you were already weaving through the crowd and making your way to the van, “Monkey, come back here—Don’t run off! Menace!”

“Churros are life, Mum!” You called back, racing towards to make sure you could get your hands on one, “Hello!” You greeted the man in the van cheerfully.

“Howdy there, little lady,” The man replied with a grin, “What can I get for you today?”

“Ooo, I’d like some Churros please!” You asked eagerly, bouncing on your toes as you whipped your bank card out of your pocket to pay for them—usually you wouldn’t be allowed your bank card as you’re not exactly trusted with money, however, you’d managed to convince Leah that you could handle it on the trip.

Churros were definitely a necessary purchase in your own opinion.

“You’ve got your hands cut out with her, haven’t you?” Jordan chuckled, standing beside Berny as she watched you run off towards the van.

“I’d say so,” Berny agreed with a wry smile, “I’m sure she’s just excited to be here. It’s a new experience for her, isn’t it?”

“I bet Buddy’s a breeze compared to this troublemaker,” Jordan said, amusedly.

“Sure,” Leah murmured, scanning the crowd, “Monkey makes Buddy seem like an angel—Where the hell has she gone now?”

“You need one of those trackers on her, Le,” Jordan said helpfully.

“You’re telling me,” Leah muttered, her eyes gazing around to spot you in the crowd, “I’ll be back in a sec,” She added, already pushing her way through people to find you.

“Good luck, my lovely!” Berny called after with an amused expression.

“Monkey?” Leah called your name, pushing through the crowd of people, “Monkey—? Where are you?” Her voice turned to a plea, more desperate and panicked to not see you in her eyesight.

A few minutes and several calls of your name later, Leah was finally able to spot you standing by the churro cart, happily munching on one with a sugar-coated grin, “Monkey!” Her voice cracked with relief, “There you are—Oh thank God.”

You stood beside the churro cart with your cheeks stuffed with them, sugar coated across your chin, “Muuuum!” You squealed, happy as a clam to see her, “Looky! I got ‘em!”

However, Leah’s relief was quickly overshadowed by frustration, “C’mere you, now!” She scolded, marching straight over to you.

“D’you want one of ‘em?” You offered her the sweet treat with an innocent expression, “They’re sooo good!”

Leah blinked, trying to keep her cool as her eyes scanned over you quickly—you were safe and in one piece, there was just a lot of sugar over your face, “What?” She answered in disbelief, “No, I don’t want one of them!” She told you flatly, snatching the churro from your hand before you could take another bite, and dumping it in the nearest bin.

“Muuuuum! What d’you do that for?” You whined, feeling utterly betrayed, “That was my churro!”

“Tough,” Leah didn’t seem phased in the slightest bit.

“But it was mine!” You argued, voice starting to change to a high pitch whine, “That’s no fair! You can’t do that!”

“I don’t care, you can’t just run off like that. What did we just talk about?”

“I only wanted a churro though,” You insisted, trying and failing your best to look innocent.

“You should have thought about that before you ran off, shouldn’t you?” Leah snapped, “And now? No more money either. It’s clear that you can’t be trusted with it, can you? Bank card, now,” She demanded, holding her hand out.

“WHAT?! Nooo!” You exclaimed, appalled with that decision, but you had no choice but to hand over your bank card into her outstretched hand, “C’mon, it was just a once off! I can be trusted—It’s not fair! That’s evil!”

“I’ll take that as a thank you for keeping you safe,” Leah replied coolly, not backing down any time soon, “Card, now.”

“COUNTRY GIRL, SHAKE IT FOR ME, GIRL!” You screamed the lyrics to the song that was being performed, having the time of your life as you stomped your boots to the beat, not caring the least that your voice was completely off-key, “SHAKE IT FOR ME!”

Your cowboy hat was slightly crooked while your cheeks were flushed with the sun and the endless amount of sugar that you’d managed to inhale during the time you were here, and your new Lion King backpack bounced with every jump.

You were absolutely buzzing, and not just from the music.

Leah laughed, her arms crossed as she watched you bounce around and have a good time, “Are you enjoying yourself there, my girl?”

“Hell yeah!” You beamed, twirling clumsily in the grass, “I’m in my cowgirl era right now! I neveeeeeeer want to leave this place!”

“Right,” Leah said, laughing under her breath, “Stay put here, alright? I’m going to get some drinks. And don’t even think about moving.”

“Ooo, drinks!” You perked up immediately, “Can I come? I want one! I’ll have a vodka coke, thanks!”

“Yeah, right. Nice try there sunshine,” Leah smirked, “You’re not going to be able to drink. Not here.”

You scrunched your nose up in protest, “Why not? That’s fuckin’ dumb, ain’t it!”

“Oi!” Leah swatted you lightly around the back of your head, “Language, Menace!”

“English?” You shot back with a cheeky grin.

Leah sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, “How about I get you a coke?”

You huffed, “Come on! The rules don’t have to apply to me!”

“Yes, they do,” Jordan chimed in from nearby, not even looking up from her drink, “Especially for you, troublemaker.”

“Pft,” You scoffed, turning around to look at the older woman offended, “Says who? Rules don’t mean absolutely nuffin’ to me!”

“Oh yeah? Well unfortunately for you, my girl, they do… Unless you’d like to get caught and be arrested, eh?” Leah raised an eyebrow.

You faltered, “Okay then on second thoughts… maybe not.”

“I thought as much,” Leah chuckled, ruffling your hair, “Stay here. Don’t move—Stay.”

“Woof,” You muttered with a smirk as Leah wandered off.

It didn’t take long for your attention span to plummet, growing bored of everything going on around you, “Mum? Pst, Mum!” You jabbed Leah in the ribs, far too eager to get her attention, “Muuum!”

There was still no response.

You huffed in annoyance, “Leah!”

“Excuse me?” Leah turned sharply.

“Finally!” You cheered, throwing your hands up dramatically, “I got your attention! Hooray!”

“What’s the matter now, Monkey?” Leah asked, unimpressed.

“Hi,” You replied sweetly, “I’m bored.”

“Bored? We’re at a festival, listening to live music with food… people, lights,” Leah exclaimed, moving her hand around in exaggeration, “There’s loads to do!”

“Yeah, well I can’t do any of it ‘cause you’ve got me on a fuckin’ leash!” You gestured dramatically to your Lion King backpack with the attached rein that Leah had looped around her own hand.

“O, knock it off with the language,” Leah scolded, “And maybe that’s because you keep wandering off,” She shot back, her patience thinning.

“Urgh,” You groaned, huffing in protest and trying to break free from the rein, “Fun sucker!”

Leah continued to look unimpressed, “You’re spending too much time with Kyra. Her pestiness is rubbing off on you.”

“Malfoy’s being cranky,” You muttered under your breath.

“What?” Leah arched her brow, “I don’t look like him!”

“Sure you don’t,” You teased with a sly smirk and avoided Leah’s gaze.

Jordan snorted, “She’s got a point there, Le. You kind of do with that hair cut.”

“See?” You grinned, “Point proven.”

“Stop being a little shit, Monkey,” Leah warned.

You gasped, scandalised, “You said a bad word!”

“I’ll give you a bad word,” Leah murmured, shaking her head, “Pack it in, or else you can consider yourself grounded, and there’ll be no more fun.”

“Le, love, don’t…” Berny stepped in, “She’s just having a good time, isn’t that right, sweetheart?” She turned to look at you.

“Course I am, Grandma!” You grinned proudly.

“She’s just excited,” Berny made up the excuse for you, looping her arm around your shoulder and bringing you in for a hug, “You’re running on sugar, music and mischief, aren’t you?”

“Yep!” You beamed, feeling far too proud of yourself, “I’m having a blast ‘ere—Looky! There’s a rainbow sherbet stand!”

“Not a single chance,” Leah laughed lightly, shaking her head, “If you have any sherbet then you’re going to be off your rocker, my girl. You are definitely not having any more sugar tonight.”

“Why? That’s not fair!” You whined in protest.

“It’s very fair,” Leah replied amused, “You’re already hyper enough without that.”

“Just to look at it?” You tried.

“Not even to look at it,” Leah stated firmly, “Don’t even think about it.”

You dramatically pouted, crossing your arms over your chest, “S’not fair!”

Leah raised her eyebrow, unimpressed before deciding to ignore your theatrics, turning her attention back to the stage and pretending she didn’t notice you glaring up at her with narrowed eyes.

You stood there, huffing and rocking back and forth on your heels, clearly not done with your own dramatic performance.

Your eyes darted between the sherbet stand and Leah’s back.

Calculating. Plotting.

“Don’t even think about it,” Leah warned, catching on to the idea you had in mind.

“Who, me?” You flashed her your best innocent smile, “I wasn’t… I wasn’t gonna do nuffin’! I’m innocent, I swear!”

“Sure you weren’t,” Jordan chimed in, amused at your antics, “You have that look on your face.”

You pouted, “I wasn’t… I’m innocent, you can’t prove anything!”

Leah scoffed, “I’m not convinced—”

“Tell ‘em, Grandma!” You looked towards Berny for backup, “I wasn't going to do anything!”

“You’re alright, my lovely,” Berny gave you a reassuring smile.

“You’ve got Grandma wrapped around your little finger,” Leah chuckled, wrapping her free arm around your shoulder, “I know your game, don’t even think about bolting.”

Somehow—against all odds—you managed to convince Berny to get you more sugar-filled treats.

It started innocently enough. A bit of puppy-eyed pleading along with a pout, and well a timed whine.

The sugar kept flowing—churrors, funnel cake, fizzy pop and finally the rainbow sherbet you had begged for until Berny caved.

You were fuelled with sweets and packed with overstimulated glee.

But then came the regret… the horrific regret that was very real.

As the evening drew in, the buzz of the sugar began to fizzle out, and then came the impending sugar-crash.

You realised that eating all of that sugar was really not a fantastic idea, but in your opinion, they were too good not to eat—so maybe it was definitely worth it after all.

Now? It was a completely different story.

Right there in front of everyone, you slowly melted off the folded chair and curled into a tight ball on the grass at Leah’s feet.

No shame. No regrets. The ground? Surprisingly comfy.

“Monkey,” Leah slurred her words slightly due to the intake of alcohol that she had already drank, “What on earth are you doing down there, my girl?”

“M’ tired,” You mumbled, already halfway to sleep with your hat tipped over your face to block everything out.

Leah laughed and shook her head, “Come and sit back up here on the chair like a normal person.”

“M’ fine ‘ere, don’t move me,” You mumbled, barely having any energy to shake your head.

“That can’t possibly be comfy,” Leah said, staring at you in disbelief.

Jordan looked over to hear the commotion and burst out laughing, “You okay, kid?”

“M’ tired. Grounds comfy,” You whined, refusing to budge from your newfound spot on the floor, “M’ not movin’! Night night.”

Leah closer, nudging you with her boot, “Monkey, come on. Up. The ground’s dirty and cold, and God knows what else is on it. Get up, please.”

It was too late. You were already snoring softly.

“Is she… Really asleep?” Jordan questioned, looking utterly baffled, “There’s no way she’s falling asleep on the floor.”

Berny tilted her head, amused, “It appears she is.”

“Monkey can sleep anywhere,” Leah let out a laugh in disbelief before slowly crouching down and scooping you into her arms, “Although this… This is new falling asleep at the festival,” She muttered, sitting back down and nestling you against her chest.

You shifted a little, instinctively curling closer and burying your face into the crook of her neck with a quiet sigh.

“I think she may be out for the count now,” Leah whispered, using one hand to rub slow circles on your back, “All that sugar really took it out of her.”

Jordan grinned, “Well that certainly is one way to end the day.”

Leah chuckled, pressing a kiss to your hair, “Well let’s just hope that she can last longer tomorrow before she crashes.”

“She’s had the time of her life. That’s what matters,” Berny noted, smiling fondly.

The music rolled on as Leah swayed gently with you in her arms, letting the beat of the music match the rhythm of her hand against your back.

You were most definitely done for the night. 

Tomorrow? Nashville had a whole lot more chaos in store for you.

© scribblesofagoonerr

It was the Champions League Final today. Sure, you were probably going to end up on the bench, but you still couldn’t help the anxiety bubbling up inside of you.

Arsenal were against Barcelona. An incredible team that were reigning champions three years in a row. 

The best of the best.

There felt like there was so much pressure riding on this game.

You snapped your arms tight across your chest and glared at the bowl in front of you, “No I don’t hafta. Breakfast is stupid!”

“Baby, it’s Coco Pops,” Leah tried the soft route, considering you weren’t about to budge any time soon, “They’re your favourite breakfast cereal. I made sure that we brought some with us to Lisbon so you wouldn’t be without.”

“Don’t wanna eat,” You mumbled, remaining stubborn as ever.

“Monkey, you have to eat,” Leah’s tone turned more firm, “You can’t skip breakfast—Look, we can even load the iPad up and you can watch cartoons?” She offered, hoping for a win.

“Nooo!” You whined, shaking your head in firm disagreement, “M’ not eating them and you can't make me!”

Leah exhaled a sigh and raked her free hand through your hair, “It’s going to be a big day today, sweetheart. It’s really important that you eat, or you’ll be no use when you get subbed on in the game, will it?”

“I don’t want to eat ‘em, Muuuuum!” You yelled, voice breaking as your breath came short and quick.

Everything felt hot.

You’re too hot.

“Hey, hey, settle down,” Leah said in a gentle tone of voice, placing a gentle hand on your back, “No shouting, please. What’s the matter? Are you nervous? That’s pretty normal to feel like that. I think we’re all feeling a bit nervous.”

You wanted to just… You wanted to scream—It was everything, and more.

Your skin didn’t feel like it even fit right.

There was just so much more that you couldn’t even put into words right now.

You just knew that right now you didn’t want to eat your breakfast.

Even if it was your favourite.

You let out a small sob and buried your face in Leah’s shoulder in an attempt to hide from the outside world around you, “N… No! I don’t wanna!”

Leah shifted in her chair to wrap both of her arms around you, “Okay, alright, it’s all okay,” She held you close, rubbing circles on your back, “Do you remember what we were talking to Auntie Al and the rest of them the other day at lunch?”

You sniffled, trying to listen.

“They were telling us about when they won the Champions League, remember that?” Leah continued to speak in a gentle tone of voice, “It was eighteen years ago, and they were so proud. Auntie Al still speaks of it being one of the best days of her life.”

You didn’t give a real response, other than a shaky breath.

“I have a good feeling about today, my girl,” Leah whispered against your hair, “It’s gonna happen. Do you believe in magic?” She pulled back just enough to tilt your chin up, “I do. And I think it would be a pretty amazing birthday present for you if we win, wouldn’t it?”

Before you could respond, Katie strode into the hotel dining room with her usual cocky grin plastered on her face, “Oi, oi, what’s going on in here then, little lady?”

You glanced up and scowled at the familiar brunette unimpressed, proceeding to curl further into Leah like she was able to just shield you from everything.

“Someone doesn’t want to eat her breakfast,” Leah said, a knowing glance to peer down at you all but practically clinging to her, refusing to sit in your own seat.

Katie crouched beside the table, eyeing you playfully, “Yer not wanting to eat yer brekkie, aye? That’s not like yer.”

“I’ve tried with her,” Leah exhaled a sigh, dropping the spoon back in the abandoned bowl, “I’m havin’ no luck. I think she’s feeling overwhelmed.”

“Here, let me have a go,” Katie reached for the cereal bowl, “Come on, yer’ve gotta keep yer strength up all for when we lift that trophy, yeah?”

There was still no response from you.

“Alright, time to bring out the big guns then,” Katie shared a grin with Leah, lifting the spoon, “Here comes to choo-choo train—”

You turned your head in a dramatic fashion.

“Geesh, tough crowd,” Katie muttered, dropping the spoon back in the bowl, “Alright, listen lady. Even if yer being a stubborn little… Right, yer’ve gotta eat, like it or not.”

Once more, you didn’t budge.

Katie tried again, relentlessly attempting to try and achieve getting you to even eat a single bite, “Open up…” 

You weren’t having any of it. 

You squirmed. 

And then, without further warning, you snapped, “I’m not fuckin’ Buddy!” You didn’t even think twice before flinging the bowl with force, the milk and Coco Pops flying through the air, until the entire thing landed on Kim.

“Logan Reece!” Leah exclaimed in outrage, “That is not okay to do! What has gotten into you today, young lady?!”

The moment should have been comical. It was déjà vu all over again.  

Twice.

Most of the girls remembered you doing the same thing eight years ago, with a chocolate cupcake to the poor Scottish woman.

Not to mention when you flung your breakfast at Caitlin in Melbourne last year.

There was a stunned silence for a brief second.

Kim just stood there, frozen and in complete disbelief.

“Oh my God,” Kyra burst into a fit of laughter and breaking the initial silence in the room, “No way did that just happen… again!”

“Seriously?” Kim murmured, deadpan as she glanced down at herself where the milk and cereal was dripping off her now, “Again?!”

“I’m so sorry, Kim,” Leah was quick to apologise, spluttering and reaching for napkins to frantically dab at Kim’s shirt, “I’m so sorry—she’s just… she’s pretty overwhelmed right now.”

“Yeah, I can tell,” Kim muttered, the napkin in her hand doing little effort to soak the spilled milk, “Why is it always me?”

“Don’t forget it’s happened to me as well,” Caitlin chimed in at the perfect opportunity, “The little menace just loves to throw her food at people.”

Kim barely spared a single glance at Leah, “She needs a timeout. Now.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Leah muttered, already untangling you from her side and was now standing up, “I’m already on it now. Don’t worry.”

“I cannot believe that just happened,” Kyra snickered, “Should’ve worn your raincoat to breakfast today, Cap.”

“Don’t rile her up, pest,” Steph nudged Kyra, giving her a knowing look.

Kim slowly turned to her with a sharp look, “Do you want to join your counterpart in timeout as well?” She questioned, not even waiting for a response from the young Australian girl, “Zip it, Kyra.”

Kyra did as she was told and shut her mouth immediately.

“This isn’t fair,” You whined, not having a whole lot of choice but to be tugged away from the table and led back upstairs to the hotel room you had this misfortune of sharing with Leah, once again—After the whole fiasco in Melbourne last year, you never had the opportunity to have your own hotel room.

It wasn’t even you sneaking into your room, and that was all on Kyra right there.

“Muuuuuum, s’ not fair. I don’t wanna,” You whined, in full sulk mode, “I’m twenty now. Timeouts dumb, and stupid… and I don’t need one!”

Leah stopped abruptly, turning to crouch so she was level with you, “Are you  sure about that?” Her tone was steady, “Because throwing your breakfast across the room doesn’t exactly scream ‘mature adult’, does it, Logan Reece?”

You scowled. You hated hearing your first name—especially from her. It always meant you were in trouble.

“Go,” Leah said firmly, pointing towards the designated timeout spot she’d set up in the corner of the hotel room, “Five minutes. Sit, calm down, and think about your choices. Then we’ll talk, okay?”

“S’ not fair,” You grumbled, slumping into the chair with exaggerated reluctance, arms crossed over your chest, “Don’t like this,” You mumbled, kicking the carpet.

“Actions have consequences, Monkey,” Leah reminded you gently as she settled down on the edge of the bed, pulling out her phone but keeping an eye on you, “No talking. Just think.”

Timeout felt like torture.

You continued to shift around on the chair for what felt like the millionth time. You fidgeted, crossing and uncrossing your arms all while you kicked your legs grumpily against the carpet in the hotel room.

Five whole minutes to you felt like the longest time in the world.

That was like, forever.

You even tried glaring at Leah every couple of seconds in a silent plea for mercy, hoping that she’d maybe forget the rules for this once and let you off.

But no… apparently not.

Instead, she sat on the edge of the bed carelessly scrolling through her phone in her hand.

“Mum,” You whined, trying to get her attention.

There was no answer from the blonde.

You flopped back in your chair in a dramatic fashion only you could handle, “Muuuuuum. M’ bored sittin’ here!”

Still, nothing at all.

“This is so dumb,” You muttered to yourself, “I’m twenty now. S’ not fair!”

“I know exactly how old you are, Logan Reece,” Leah said without missing a single beat, her tone was calm but firm, “But you weren’t acting twenty when you launched your cereal.”

You shrank back instantly at the mention of your full name again, scrunching up your nose, “I didn’t mean it… Was an accident.”

“Oh, really?” Leah finally looked up, her eyebrow raised, “You shouted, swore and then threw your cereal across the table. Which part of that exactly was the accident?”

You didn’t answer, instead you just continued to stare down at your lap.

Eventually, the timer went off on her phone and without any hesitation, you bolted from the chair and threw yourself into Leah’s arms like nothing had happened.

“I… I’m sorry!” You cried, burying your face into her shoulder, “I… I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean it. I promise, I… I didn’t!”

“Hey, hey, calm down,” Leah soothed, holding you tightly, “Take a few deep breaths, yeah?”

You did what you were told, inhaling and exhaling. Just enough to help.

“Better?” Leah asked, tucking a loose stray of hand behind your ear.

You gave a wobbly nod, “Uh-huh.”

“You’re not a bad girl, Monkey,” Leah murmured, brushing a hand down your back, “But you need to learn how to use your words instead of throwing things. Especially when you’re overwhelmed.”

You sniffled, nodding into her shoulder while your fingers curled into the fabric of her training top, “I’m sorry, Mum.”

“It’s alright, sweetheart,” Leah reassured you quickly, rubbing your back, “You made a mistake but it’s okay now. I know you felt overwhelmed in there, and I should’ve removed you from the situation before it escalated in the way it did. I know you’re having a bit of a tough morning, aren’t you?”

“Uh-huh,” You murmured, remaining to cing to Leah, “Didn’t… I didn’t mean it to throw my breakfast at Auntie Kimmy. M’ sorry.”

Leah brushed a strand of hair out of your face, “I know, sweetheart. That’s why I thought it was best to have a timeout, so you could get the chance to stop and breathe, yeah?”

“Didn’t like everyone bein’ in there,” You admitted, reluctant to let go of Leah, “Too loud… And everything felt itchy.”

Leah hummed, rocking you slightly in her arms, “I know, baby. I know. You’re allowed to feel all of that,” She paused, “But throwing cereal? It’s not the answer, is it?”

You gave the tiniest shake of your head.

“So, what are you going to do next time that everything gets too much?” Leah questioned, thoughtfully.

You hesitated, sniffling into her shoulder, “Tell you?”

“Exactly,” Leah kissed your temple, “You come to me, and let me help you. I’m your Mum. That’s my job to take care of you, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” You whispered, melting into her arms the moment she pulled you up and into her lap, “I don’t like bein’ in trouble anymore.”

“You’re not in trouble anymore, Monkey,” Leah promised, rocking you gently against her chest, “You’re having a hard morning. You just need to reset and try again now, alright?”

You nodded, letting yourself sink into her completely, “M’ sorry for throwing breakfast at Auntie Kimmy,” You repeated your apology, “I… I don’t want her to be mad with me.”

“Oh I know that you are, Monkey,” Leah hugged you tighter, her chin resting on top of your head, “Auntie Kimmy will understand, she won’t be mad. You know she loves you to pieces and can see you were having a tough time as well. I’m sure it’s nothing that a big hug can’t fix, is it?”

“I can do that,” You mumbled, a faint smile appearing on your face, “Can I still play in the game today?”

Leah’s smile faltered, “I don’t think that’s quite a good idea, Monkey. It’s clear you’ve been having a hard morning, maybe it’s better to sit on the bench for this game?”

“What? Nooo!” You whined, immediately protesting against the idea, “That’s… That’s not fair! You can’t do that—It’s the Champions League Final!”

“I know, and I know you’re not pleased with the idea of it,” Leah said, pulling back just enough to look at you, “But even if you sit on the bench, you’re still a part of the team, sweetheart. And you’ll have Auntie Wally there to keep an eye on you.”

“S’ not fair!” You huffed, definitely not happy with the decision, “I… I promise I’m fine. I want to play, Mum.”

“I know you do, Monkey, but I think this is for the best. You’re not fit to play, regardless of what happened this morning. You’re still recovering after giving birth,” Leah explained, while you stiffened at the sudden mention of the one thing you were trying your hardest to forget, “Right now, we just need to focus on getting you back to a good place. You… You can’t play like this, you’d only be hurting yourself more than helping the team.”

“N… No, you can’t take football from me!” You whispered, tears returning to your eyes, “Mum, it’s the final—Everyone will be watching! I…. I wanna be on the pitch! I wanna… I wanna make you proud…”

“Oh, my girl,” Leah’s heart cracked right down the middle, “You’re already making me so proud of you,every day you make me so, so proud of you! I know how much you want too, but you need to take the time to focus on yourself, yeah? Regardless of what happens today, win or lose, I’m proud of you.”

You gave a faint soft nod and buried your face in Leah’s chest.

“And you know what? Bench or not, you’re still a part of this team,” Leah murmured, lowering her voice to be more gentler now as she slowly rocked you in her arm, “You’ll still be right there with us, but you need to be sensible about this.”

You sniffled once more, peeking up as your voice remained hesitant, “I… I know.”

Leah smiled, scooping you further into her lap as she shifted properly on the bed, “You’ll come back even stronger next season,” She kept her arms wrapped firmly around you, “I know it, my girl.”

“This isn’t fair! This is ridiculous! I’m fine! I could be helping!” You huffed, fidgeting in your seat on the bench as you watched the game pan out, the nerves coiling tight in your chest.

You sat beside Lia, who had been tasked with watching over you—not exactly your idea of a good time, all things considered. 

Arsenal tried to carve out an opening within the 22nd minute and forcing an own goal from Irene Paredes when Frida delivered a dangerous cross into the box.

You jumped up high in the air, excited to think that Arsenal had taken the lead—only for VAR to rule it out and declare Frida offside when she recovered possession of the ball.

The injustice of it stung just a bit.

The 67th minute had just ticked past and the tension was so thick in the air. Your knees bounced wildly. Your sleeves were taking a beating from how much you were tugging at them—Your mood soured even more when you saw the sub’s board lighting up.

“S’ not fair!” You grumbled once again, seeing Beth’s number going on to replace Chloe and Stina coming on for Frida, “I should be goin’ on! S’ not fair!”

That should have been you.

But no… Instead, you were forced to sit on the bench and watch in absolute despair.

“This ain’t fair! Why am I not allowed to be subbed on and they are?!” You scowled, huffing and crossing your arms over your chest. 

Of course you weren’t annoyed with either of them, they deserved it but you were annoyed with the situation.

It really wasn’t fair.

“Monkey,” Lia gave you a firm look, “Knock it off.”

“No, like actually, I don’t get it! Everyone’s out there grafting and I’m stuck ‘ere watching this… And I can’t do nuffin’ to help!” You fumed, tugging at your sleeves anxiously while your heart raced every time a player from Barca got near the box.

“Hey,” Lia pulled you in close, wrapping an arm around you, “It’s okay. You’re still part of the team, remember?”

“Pft, as if! I don’t feel like it!” You exclaimed, pulling away as you scrunch your face up in protest, “This… This is supposed to be my game too!”

“Calm down, little one,” Lia warned in a gentle tone of voice but it still held an edge of firmness, “You might not like it. But there’s no point in throwing a strop in front of everyone here.”

“I’m… I’m not throwing a hissy fit!” You protested, crossing your arms over your chest, “S’ not fair. I just… I wanna be on the pitch. Not sitting here, not bein’ able to doin’ nuffin! I feel… I just feel useless!”

“Let’s go!” Emily screamed off camera after a good clearance.

You flinched as you watched Emily scramble back to recover from a Barca break, “I could’ve been there, doin’ something… and instead—instead i’m being fuckin’ forced to sit here—”

“Aye! Language!” Lia chastised.

“English,” You muttered cheekily, barely caring anymore.

“Don’t get cocky, little one,” Lia warned, but you were too fired up to flinch.

At one point, Leah caught your eye during a water break, “Stop it,” Even then she was able to remain stern, causing you to shrink down in your seat while your face was hot with frustration and embarrassment.

You had no choice but sit there and watch with disappointment seeping through you as the minutes passed.

It was the 74th minute of the game when the breakthrough came, Beth slid a reverse pass through to Stina, who managed to tuck it into the bottom left corner.

“O… Oh my God!” You shot up from your seat, the strop forgotten in an instant as you screamed loud enough to make half the bench jump, “YES! G’WAN STINA BALLERINA!”

You were high on energy and bouncing on the spot, your arms flailing in the air and shrieking in delight.

“Stina… She was actually on side for once!” You shouted as Lia grabbed the back of your shirt instinctively to stop you from running over into the tactical box in your excitement, “She was bloody onside!”

“Sit down, Monkey,” Lia laughed, yanking you back but you couldn’t stop grinning with wide eyes,your hands rested on your head not actually believing what had just happened.

“I knew it! I bloody knew it!” You exclaimed, vibrant energy as you yelled to nobody in particular.

“Calm down, Monkey,” Lotte laughed, shaking her head.

You scoffed, looking at the brunette in question, “Calm down? This is big! Stina just scored!” You shouted just before you turned to Kyra, your counterpart, “Ky! Ky! Stina fuckin’ scored! Stina Ballerina went and put it in the back of the net! G’wan girl! Pop off!”

“She was onside! She was onside!” Kyra grinned, leaning over and putting you in a headlock, “Stina Stina Stina Stina Stina Blacksteniuuuuuuuus!” She shouted at the top of her voice, excitement bubbling up.

Even Renee cracked a smile at the noise that the pair of you were making from where she stood on the sidelines of the pitch.

But that still didn’t stop you itching to get on the pitch yourself.

By the 80th minute you were starting to become insufferable to deal with.

“When can it be my turn to go on?” You questioned, very much near breaking point, “I’m bored sittin’ here!”

“Monkey,” Lia fixed you with a firm warning look, “Reign it in a bit.”

You huffed, slumping down and crossing your arms over your chest—You have no doubt the camera’s probably already cut you mid-sulk on the bench and it was now displayed on the big 4k screen.

“Aye, look, Monkey!” Kyra grinned, not so gently nudging your shoulder before pointing to the said screen, “You’re on the big screen! Give everyone a big smile!”

“No,” You scowled, trying to look away because you have no single doubt that everyone watching would mention this to you—including your family up in the stands, and extended family such as Alex and her girlfriend, Jess Glynn, who also happened to be one of your favourite singers.

Not to mention Jacob would absolutely tease you over this.

Yeah. Just brilliant.

“Relax, Monkey. It’ll happen,” Lotte murmured, beside you as she nudged your arm and grinned, although she hadn’t clocked the full story—she had no idea you’d already been told no, “You just gotta be patient, yeah? You’ll get your moment.”

You really did want to believe her.

However, it was difficult when the minutes were nearing until the full time whistle blew.

“I hope you do, otherwise I’ll chuck you on there myself,” Kyra leaned forward from her seat beside you, “You’re fidgeting like mad right now—Come on, Gaffa. Give ‘er a chance, eh? She deserves this!”

“Give the kid a shot,” Vic piped in from the bench.

Renee hesitated for a brief second before exhaling a sigh, “Alright, fine. Go and start warming up. You’ll be subbed in during the added time.”

“YES!” You bolted upright from your seat and wasted no time in starting to warm up on the sidelines—You were going to be ready.

This was your moment now.

Even if others wouldn’t agree with that decision.

With a quick warmup on the sidelines, the added time was announced before you and Lotte both stepped onto the pitch, subbed in at 90+1.

Lifelong childhood Gooners.

On the pitch.

In the Champions League final.

It felt like fate.

As you stepped onto the turf, your heart thudded with excitement and there was a faint buzzing in your ears as your name was called out to be subbed in for Mariona. 

Across the pitch, Leah’s head snapped towards the board with a mixture of shock and confusion spread across her face.

Your number was lit up to place Mariona’s.

That wasn’t the plan.

Surely it was too soon for you to be returning to the pitch?

You waited for the Spaniard to make her way over to you, allowing her to pull you into a hug, “Make the most of this moment, sweetheart,” Her voice warm and gentle, You’ve earned it.”

“Go on, Monkey,” Alessia encouraged warmly, embracing you and squeezing you tightly. 

You raced onto the pitch and began to make an immediate impact in the game.

This was your moment. Like Mariona said. 

You weren’t about to waste it. 

Not for one single second.

With an extra seven minutes of added time, you ran harder than what you had in months. The passion burning deep inside your core—-every touch on the ball, every sprint, nothing was going to matter now, but you just wanted to make sure you were present in the game. 

You wanted to live in the moment. 

And then—-the full time whistle blew. 

The stadium erupted.

“YEEEEAAAAHHHH!” You screamed at the top of your voice, fist pumping and jumping in the air as triumph took over your face, “WE FUCKIN’ DID IT! C’MONNNN!”

You didn’t spare another single thought other than turning around and sprinting full-tilt towards Leah, the adrenaline was still screaming through your veins. 

“Muuuum!” You screamed, barely allowing Leah to have any chance to react in time before you barrelled into her, both of you crashing to the ground in a tangle of limbs, noise and pure, unfiltered emotion.

You were crying before your knees even hit the grass.

You continued to cling to her like a lifeline and sob into her shoulder, your arms wrapped around her as if letting go would undo the whole thing.

You wanted to remember this moment forever.

“Oh my girl… We did it,” Leah whispered, tears streaking her cheeks as her hand cradled the back of your head, “We fuckin’ did it, my girl!”

If you weren’t so shocked and emotional you definitely would have called her out on her use of colourful language, never to miss the opportunity to wind her up. 

Even today.

“We… We are the fuckin’ champions!” You choked out between ragged breaths, your voice cracking with disbelief, “We… We actually won!”

“We did indeed, baby girl,” Leah murmured, her voice trembling softly and thick with pride and love, there was so much that she wanted to say but she just couldn’t find the words as she just held onto you tightly, “You… You were on the pitch with me, remember this moment, my girl. We did it together.”

“I barely even touched the ball,” You murmured, 

You couldn’t even speak anymore. You just buried your face in her neck while your body shook with laughter and sobs as you lay tangled up with her on the pitch amidst the rest of the chaos.

It wasn’t long before you were piled on by Kim, Lia, Manu, Lotte and Naomi joining your post-match celebrations with screams, hugs and bodies flopping over yours.

Any other day you’d have hated it—the weight, the noise, the touching—you’d have shrieked for everyone to get off, to let you move and breathe.

But today?

Today was so much different.

Because today, you were officially Champions of Europe.

Eventually the dogpile untangled itself, bit by bit until you were helped to your feet by Beth and tossed straight into another tight embrace by none other than Katie, who spun you in a circle in happiness.

“We fuckin’ did it, little lady!” Katie shouted, cupping your face between her hands, “We fuckin’ did it!”

“Language, Auntie Katie!” You giggled infectiously, allowing her to lift you up and throw you up on her shoulders—for old times sake, you know?

“Katie! Put her down before you drop her!” Leah panicked, back in full-mum mode as she saw an accident waiting to happen, marching over with her eyebrows already halfway to her hairline.

Katie just chuckled, “Ah, don’t worry, Le. She’s fine—I’ve not even had a drink yet,” She joked, spinning in a slow circle.

“Leave her be, Mama Bear, we’re celebrating!” Beth teasingly grinned as she jogged up beside Leah, throwing an arm around her shoulder, “Let her have her moment. Champions of Europe. First time in Eighteen years!”

“CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!” You screamed at the top of your lungs, throwing your hands in the air from your perch on Katie’s shoulders—the words still didn’t feel real right, as if they never actually would.

“Yeeeeah baby!” Katie grinned, bouncing slightly and making you shriek with laughter, “This is the celebration of a bloody lifetime!”

You didn’t care, you were having the time of your life right now. Your face was streaked with happy tears and your hair was a wild mess in comparison to how it started, and you were so high on life after the win.

Arsenal were Champions of Europe.

That name had never sounded so good to you right now.

“Oi! Oi! Oi! British Menace!” Kyra yelled, grinning like a devil, “Planning to get down and celebrate together any time soon?”

“Nahhhhh, Aussie Pest!” You grinned, trying to kick your leg out at her from Katie’s shoulders but nearly overbalancing in the process, “I’m livin’ the life, Ky! I’m absolutely livin’ the life right up here!”

“Aye, little lady! Stop flailing about or I’m gonna drop yer,” Katie held onto you tightly as she felt you start to wobble, “I’ll have yer Ma’s on my case if yer not careful.”

Leah was instantly at your side again, “Katie, man, put my daughter down before she breaks her neck and I have to take her to the hospital instead of the podium!”

“Alright, alright,” Katie groaned theatrically, crouching to let you slide safely to the ground, “Fun police are out in full force tonight.”

Your legs wobbled when you hit the grass, but Kyra was already there to steady you while laughing, “I can’t believe we did it!”

“Me neither! It feels… surreal!” You shrieked, grabbing her hand in an attempt to run towards the crowd of Arsenal fans in Lisbon, “We fuckin’ did it, Gooners! We fuckin’ did it! C’mon!”

“Yeah baby! Best believe we did!” Kyra whooped before promptly tackling you to the ground.

“Ah, Kyra!” You squealed in surprise, landing in a heap with a breathless laugh, “Nooo! Ky! Nooo!”

“Careful, Monkey,” Kim said in a warm tone of voice that still held a sense of sterness to it, “We don’t need you injuring yourself before the celebrations even start.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know, Auntie Kimmy!” You called, grinning up from the grass, “We’re only messin’ about and havin’ a good time!”

“C’mere, you,” Kim attempted to pull you into a tight hug as you stood up, “I want to talk to you.”

“Agh, no!” You groaned, tilting your head back in a dramatic fashion, “Seriously! You’re not gonna start to get all soppy on me now, are you?”

“I’ll pretend like you didn’t just say that,” Kim remarked in a playful tone, “I just wanted to say that I’m proud of you, Monkey.”

You shrugged, feeling instantly uncomfortable, “Why? I hardly did anythin’ at all,” You mumbled, “It was all you and everyone else!”

 Kim could see your facade, pulling you closer to her, “Stop being cheeky for once and just… listen.”

“Okay, okay, alright. I’m listenin’ to you!” You went quiet, nodding in agreement.

“I’m proud of you, sweetheart,” Kim spoke up again, leaning forward and pressing a kiss to your temple, “After everything you’ve been through… You’re still standing, and still fighting. You still love the game. And now… Look where we are!” She gestured around you, to the cheering team and the flashing cameras, “We’re standing here as Champions of Europe!”

You swallowed hard, your throat suddenly feeling tighter, “... Yeah.”

Leah joined you properly, wrapping her arms around your shoulder protectively, “We did it, my girl,” She whispered, her lips brushing your hair, “If only your Grandma Jean could see this moment now. She’d be so proud of you, Monkey!”

Your grin faded into a trembling smile, “You… You really think so?”

“I know so,” Leah said softly, brushing a tear from your cheek, “She’d be standing up there with the rest of the family and shouting louder than all of us combined. She would be so proud of you right now!”

“I… I miss her,” You quietly admitted, tilting your head up to look at the sky, “I did this for you, Grandma. I love you.”

“And she loves you too,” Leah protectively wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pointed up into the crowd, “Look over there, your little sister is waving!” 

You followed her line of sight to where you could make out a small figure—Buddy, donned head to toe in her own Mini Arsenal kit while on David’s shoulders, beaming from ear to ear.

“I see her!” You beamed a matching smile, just about able to make out the high-pitched squeal that she was no doubt shouting at the top of her lungs from the stands, “When can she come down onto the pitch? She’ll love this!”

“You bet she will,” Leah chuckled, a fond smile plastered on her lips as she waved and blew a great big kiss into the crowd—no doubt something that fans would have easily captured, “Soon enough. We have to lift the trophy first, though.”

To the left, you caught Elle and Jacob—the two of them with their arms wrapped around one another, both grinning wide and proud. Absolutely buzzing and overwhelmed with pride and emotion.

Then, your eyes found Amanda.

There she was, swaying Rugrat gently to her chest. The infant’s tiny frame bundled up, her face tucked against Amanda’s neck with a pair of tiny pink ear defenders bobbed gently with each step. You noted the way that one of Rugrat's hands was curled around the fabric of Amanda’s shirt while the other rested limply against her chest.

Your breath caught for just a second.

It was too much.

Leah felt it in an instant.

“Hey,” Leah murmured, her grip tightening protectively around your shoulders as she pulled you in close, “You’re okay. You’re safe, right here. I’ve got you.”

You nodded, a bit too quickly, “I know… I just…” You swallowed the lump that formed in your throat, your eyes were locked on the tiny pink ear defenders that bobbed gently as Amanda swayed. 

You had to look away—right now… right now it hurt too much to even think about.

You didn’t want to dwell on anything today. Today was supposed to be a happy day.

Today your team won.

And today? You were Arsenal. You were Champions of Europe.

Leah didn’t push you to speak, she knew you weren’t ready as she kept her arms firmly around your shoulder, she just leaned in and pressed a kiss to the side of your head, right above your temple, “It’s okay. I’ve got you. Everything is fine, yeah?”

You nodded in agreement, this time slower as you finally allowed yourself to let the tears fall freely, burying your face in her shoulder in an attempt to look away and block out any emotions that you didn’t want to feel right now—right now, you wanted to live in the moment and be happy.

Looking at Rugrat—your baby… It was agony. Pure, raw agony.

It reminded you of everything that happened, everything that you didn’t want to relive again.

Your whole body trembled and the sobs that left you were quiet but full of ache.

“Come on,” Leah gently guided you forwards with her arms wrapped around you, “Let’s go and join everyone else. We’ve gotta clap for the Barca girls, yeah? Then we’ll get our medals and do the trophy lift.”

That’s when Alessia appeared on the other side of you and looped her arm around your shoulder.

“Hey, Monkey,” Alessia whispered gently as she glanced at you, “Hey, are you okay? What’s wrong? What’s the matter?”

You didn’t know what to say—the words just weren’t coming out.

Your mouth opened, but nothing came out. Nothing more than a strangled breath and followed by a broken sob, and suddenly it felt like your legs didn’t quite feel so steady anymore.

“She’s okay,” Leah tightened her hold, rubbing soothing circles on your back, “She just… She saw the baby. My mum’s got her at the minute, it’s all a bit too much.”

Understanding dawned across Alessia’s face in an instant as she softened her expression, giving you a small, knowing nod.

“Leah!” Lia called her over, waving her hand frantically.

Leah turned at the sound of someone shouting her name, “One sec!”

“Go on,” Alessia gently squeezed your shoulder, “I’ve got her. She’s safe with me.”

“Thanks, Less,” Leah shared a grateful smile with Alessia and headed over to Kim.

“C’mere you,” Alessia tucked you close to her, wiping a stray tear from your cheek before turning to wave up at the stands—right where Buddy was still bouncing and waving her arms excitedly, “You’re so brave, you know? So strong. You deserve this day. Every single moment we’re about to make.”

You couldn’t muster the right words—You didn’t know what to say. You just leaned into Alessia’s side and clung to her while your teammates were all just dotted around, buzzing in the atmosphere of the win.

“Come on, my girl. It’s time to collect our medals now,” Leah murmured, her voice soft as her fingers curled around yours.

You didn’t want to let go of Leah’s hand.

Not even for a second.

Everything felt so loud. Your heart hurt and the flashing lights were too much to handle as you stood in the line to receive your medal. The noise pressed in from every single side of the stadium—You weren’t a fan of the cheering, the shouting nor the booming volume from the large speakers.

It felt like the ground was moving under your boots as you tightened your grip on Leah, there was an attempt to cling onto her as if you were almost afraid that she would disappear if you even let go for a single second.

Your chest felt squashed. The heat felt unbearable. Like everything going on around you was too fast. You didn’t know what to do, other than duck your head and keep it pressed against Leah’s arm in hopes to try and block out some of the noise and flashes that were making your eyes sting.

“You’re okay, my girl. You’re okay,” Leah whispered, rubbing gentle circles on your back as her voice tried to keep you anchored, “I’ve got you, right now.”

“H… How much longer?” You questioned, though your voice was barely louder than a whisper.

“Not that much longer,” Leah promised, brushing her lips against your hair, “We’ll get our medals. Then we’re going to lift the trophy, yeah? We’ll keep it simple, Monkey.”

You weren’t very keen with that answer, overall.

It didn’t feel simple to you.

None of this was simple.

“What’s wrong?” Kim questioned, concerned as she caught the tail end of the conversation.

“She’s just feeling a bit overwhelmed,” Leah explained in a gentle tone of voice, “She’ll be okay, though.”

“Not long now, sweetheart,” Kim sent you a reassuring smile, understanding the overwhelming feeling of everything, “Before we know it, we’ll be celebrating our win, yeah? You’re doing an amazing job, right now, darling.”

You didn’t say anything. You couldn’t—You just pressed yourself further into Leah’s side as your whole body vibrated with the effort of trying to hold it all together.

Before you know it, your free thumb is making its way into your mouth and sucking hard, you couldn’t have cared less about people seeing though—you were just trying to not cry in front of everyone.

Leah could feel you trembling and leaned down, “You’re doing brilliant, baby,” She murmured, gently prising your thumb out of your mouth, “But let’s try to not put your thumb in your mouth though, yeah?”

You whimpered softly as your bottom lip wobbled and the line inched forward. Every step closer made your legs feel heavier—The lights were bright. The clapping was becoming louder. Your ears rang and your stomach flipped as you clung onto Leah tighter while your hands became increasingly sweaty and shaking inside of hers.

You didn’t want to go up there.

Did you even deserve a medal?

It wasn’t like you’d even played in the match. It was just seven measly minutes.

You hadn’t done enough to deserve one.

Leah gave your hand a squeeze, “Just one step at a time, okay? It’s going to be fine,” She told you in a soft tone of voice, moving closer towards the podium to step up and receive your medal.

It didn’t feel like one step, though. It felt like a mountain.

“Mum,” You faltered in your step as you moved that slightest bit forward, you wanted to keep your body pressed right up against Leah’s side and not say a single word, “I… I don’t want to do it.”

“I’m right here, my girl,” Leah murmured, pulling you close to her and rubbing her hand up and down your back, “I’m right here. You’re safe. You’re doing so well today.”

But even her calm voice didn’t stop the panic flooding through your entire body.

“I… I don’t wanna,” You clung to her arm tighter, then tried to clamber upwards, tugging at Leah’s top as you tried to scramble into her arms, desperate to be held.

“I know, sweetheart,” Leah murmured, her own voice cracked with heartbreak as she held you close, “Monkey, I can’t pick you up right now. I know that it’s hard. You’re being so brave, and it’s just a little bit longer, okay?”

You let out a high, whiny sound which almost sounded like a sob. Your whole body felt incredibly tense, but you didn’t care how ridiculous you currently looked—You just wanted her.

You just wanted your Mum.

“I’m right here, I’m not letting go,” Leah leaned in closer, pressing her forehead against your own, “I’m not leaving you. You’re okay.”

You didn’t want to stand in the line anymore to receive your medal.

By the time that you were about to collect your medal, you were very reluctant to let go of Leah’s hand so it happened that you collected both of them together—You didn’t care about the thoughts or comments. 

You didn’t want to let go of her hand.

You stepped up, barely as you clung to Leah and trembled.

The medal went over your head and straight into your mouth, your teeth clamping around the cool metal like you thought it could help you and anchor you to something real… something safe.

It didn’t.

“Right then,” Leah said gently, keeping her voice soft against the roar of the crowd in the background, “Auntie Kimmy is going to need my help to lift the trophy now…”

“No, no, no… Don’t go!” You cried, fingers tightening around hers in a panic.

“I know you want to hold my hand still, baby,” Leah murmured, crouching a little closer, “But it’ll just be for a minute—”

“Noooo!” You whined, not caring less about causing a scene at this very moment.

“Monkey,” Leah added more firmly, but you weren’t wanting to hear anything as you shook your head while your voice was high pitch in panic.

Leah paused, gazing around and fully aware of the cameras, of the fans in the crowd and the way that your distress might play out on screens and in the headlines, “Listen to me, yeah? Listen, sweetheart… It won’t be for long, I promise. You’ll still be able to see me.”

Before you could fall apart any further, Lia stepped in as she rested a steady hand landing gently on your back, “It’s alright, Le,” She said kindly, “I’ll stay with her while you lift it. She won’t be alone. You go ahead.”

“Thanks, Wally,” Leah gave a grateful smile, giving your hand a final squeeze before gently passing it over, “I won’t be long, Monkey. Don’t worry. You’ll be okay.”

“Me and you will be alright here, won’t we?” Lia spoke to you in a gentle tone of voice, “You can hold onto my hand and squeeze it as hard as you’d like.”

“Want Mum,” You whined pitifully, reluctantly holding onto Lia’s hand as she guided you over to the podium to join the rest of your teammates.

“She’s right there in front of us. You can see her,” Lia looped her arm around your waist and lifted you slightly so you were tall enough to peek over the shoulders of everyone, “Just one trophy lift, there’ll be some confetti and celebrations and then you can go straight back to her.”

“I… I see her,” You whispered, your eyes fixed on Leah the whole time.

“It won’t be long now,” Lia kept her tone of voice gentle which is exactly what you needed right now, “Any minute now your Mum and Auntie Kimmy are going to lift the trophy, and then you can go see her, okay?”

You gave the tiniest of nods in response, flailing in Lia’s grip as you anticipated the wait for Leah and Kim to lift the trophy, but that still didn't stop you wanting to be with Leah, "I want my Mum," Your voice was barely louder than a whisper.

"I know," Lia murmured, her hand resting gently on your back, "You can soon enough, sweetheart. You're doing so well right now."

Then it was time.

Leah moved towards Kim to grasp the other handle of the gleaming silver trophy. The stadium buzzed with electricity—The two of them lowered the trophy slowly, then lifted it high.

And then everything erupted.

Everyone was jumping up and down, and going mental.

The confetti cannons exploded, showering the air in shimmering gold.

The music pounded loud through your chest.

The bright lights were flashing directly in your eyes.

It was all too much to handle.

You flinched violently and your whole body tensed up, everything felt completely overwhelming to you right now.

“T… Too loud,” You cried, shaking your head desperately as your hands automatically flew to your ears, “Too loud. Too bright. I… I don’t like it, I don’t. Make it… Make it stop.”

“Hey, it’s okay. You’re alright, sweetheart,” Lia said swiftly, turning your body away from the stage and lowering you slightly, trying to shield you.

But you weren’t interested in any of that right now.

You wanted Leah.

Determined to reach her, you twisted free, and ignored the shouts of your name and hands trying to hold you back. You ducked under arms and wove through the crowd, “Mum!” You called aloud in a panic, your voice cracking as you got closer to her, “Mum!” You repeated, gripping onto Leah’s arm like it was your lifeline, tugging hard with both hands.

“Hey, my girl,” Leah said softly, dropping the trophy’s handle and bending down to scoop you into her arms without hesitation, “You’re okay. It’s alright, I’m here. I’ve got you now.”

“D… Don’t like it. Too… Too loud,” You crumpled your face up in protest, panic wild in your chest, “I… I don’t like it. Make… Make it stop, Mum, please!”

“You’re okay, I’ve got you now,” Leah whispered, pressing you close to her, “I know it seems a lot, but it’s okay. You’re going to be alright.”

“Mummy! Mummy! Monks!” You heard the familiar voice of your favourite little buddy running straight towards you and Leah, as Leah continued to have her arm wrapped around your shoulder, “Mummy! Monks!”

The post match celebrations were still in full swing as the players' families joined everyone on the pitch to continue the celebrations.

“Oh! Here comes trouble!” Leah teased in a light tone of voice, “Incoming!”

Buddy came sprinting onto the pitch as fast as her little legs could carry her while Jacob was hot on her heels, running after her slightly out of breath but grinning all the same. Amanda followed shortly after, cradling Rugrat against her chest once it was safe to step onto the pitch. Elle and David were also there—Elle was decked in an Arsenal 24/25 home top with Williamson on the back, and David…

You had to be a double take.

David was wearing an Arsenal top.

He was a lifelong Spurs fan in a rivals top.

Now that was pretty funny.

“Ooh, there’s my little Bubba,” Leah cooed, immediately bending down and scooping Buddy up into her arms and showering her face with kisses, “Hi! Did you enjoy the game?”

“Uh-huh! It was sooo fun!” Buddy insisted, her giggles infectious as she was in Leah’s arms.

“She barely sat still at all through the second half,” Jacob teased, leaning forward to ruffle Buddy’s hair, “Itching to get down here to you both, weren’t you, munchkin?”

Leah chuckled, adjusting her hold on Buddy on her hip, “Oh, I can imagine so. I thought you were sitting with your Mama, huh? Didn’t fancy staying put?”

“She was determined to make Jordan come and find us during half time,” Amanda filled her daughter in, using her free arm to wrap around Leah’s shoulder and congratulate her, “Well done, Bubba. We’re all so proud of you!”

“Thanks, Mum,” Leah beamed a wide smile.

“I think this little madam wants a cuddle,” Amanda motioned down to the baby in her arms, “You want to take her?”

“Course I do,” Leah murmured, carefully trading arms to easily take Rugrat from Amanda, “Ooh, hi baby girl. How’re you doin? Oh, I missed you!”

You stood there beside her with the medal heavy around your neck and your heart hurting a little heavier.

“Mummy! Mummy! Stina scored!” Buddy chirped, almost like she completely forgot that Leah was actually playing in the game herself, “She shooted! She scored! Everyone was screaming!”

“She did, didn’t she? It was very impressive,” Leah grinned, brushing back sweaty strands of Buddy’s hair from her forehead, “I’m glad you liked it!”

Buddy stared at the gold medal around Leah’s neck curiously, “Can I wear ‘our medal, Mummy?”

“Of course, Bubba,” Leah smiled, taking the gold medal from around her neck and gently settling it over Buddy’s head, “Be careful, though. It’s quite heavy!”

Buddy gasped loud and dramatically, “Woah!” She whispered reverently, clutching the medal in both hands like it was the most precious thing in the world she had ever held., “It so shiny! It mine?“

Leah let out a laugh, shaking her head, “No, Bubba, it’s mine but you can borrow it for now.”

Amanda turned to you, arms opening wide, “C’mere you,” She gave you a warm and kind smile, “I’m so proud of you as well, sweetheart!”

“Why?” You furrowed your eyebrows, “I didn’t barely do nuffin’!”

“You still played a part in your team though and that’s what matters,” Amanda told you honestly, pulling you tighter in her embrace, “You’re a Champion of Europe, sweetheart. At twenty years old. How does that feel?”

“Surreal,” You murmured, your eyes landing on your shiny gold medal, “It feels like a dream right now, Nana ‘Manda.”

“Then soak it up,” Amanda retorted, pressing a gentle kiss on the side of your temple, “This is one of those forever memories.”

“Aye! Look at you, superstar!” Jacob grinned, throwing his arm playfully around your shoulder, “That gold medal around your neck suits you, Monks’!”

“Thanks!” You beamed a smile, your fingers fumbling with the cool gold in her hands, “You’re not borrowing it, though. It’s mine!”

Jacob held up his hands in mock surrender, “Relax, I wouldn’t dare dream of taking it from you,” He paused, “Oi, take a look at this. What’d you make of this then?” He motioned to David wearing an Arsenal shirt with Williamson on the back.

“Grandad!” You exclaimed as you smirked, the sight of him in red and white was too good to ignore, “I can’t believe Mum actually made you wear that!”

David let out a hearty chuckle, pulling you into a side hug, “A bet’s a bet, sweetheart. Arsenal made it the final, didn’t they?”

“And we won it,” You added, smugly.

“And won it,” David echoed, giving your shoulder a squeeze, “I’m so proud of you. Even if wearing this shirt has ruined my reputation.”

Before you could reply, you heard a familiar voice shout your nickname from just behind, “Monkey!”

Your head snapped round in an instant, “Mama!” You ran towards her and throw yourself in her arms as she caught you with ease and held you close.

“Ooh, I am so, so proud of you, little one!” Jordan murmured, against your hair, swaying you  gently from side to side, “Look at you, with that gold medal wrapped around your neck! You’re a little baller!”

You buried your face into her shoulder and clung tighter, “Did you see me, Mama? I… I played. Just at the end, but I played!”

“I saw every second, little one. You were brilliant,” Jordan kissed your temple, “I knew you’d be amazing in the game. I just wish I could’ve—” She stopped herself, but you’d already heard the crack in her voice as her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

You pulled back slightly to peer at her face, “You’re sad?”

“No sweetheart,” Jordan blinked to try and keep the tears at bay, “I’m so proud of you today. And nothing else other than that matters!”

“No, Mama,” You interrupted, brushing your thumb against her cheek just like Leah or Jordan always did the same when you were upset, “I know how much you wanted to be a part of it too.”

Jordan didn’t reply straight away, she kept her hands steady around your waist but you could feel the slightest tremor in her breath and she nodded, “I… I did, but like I said, it’s your day. I’m just glad to be here, for you. You won, little one. You’re a European Champion. That’s incredibly special and I’m so proud of you!”

“I love you, Mama,” You mumbled, resting your forehead against hers, “I’m glad you were here as well!”

Jordan smiled, her eyes filled with tears as she hugged you tighter, “I love you so much, Monkey.”

“Oi!” You heard the unmistakable voice of Alex, “Don’t hog all the cuddles with our little superstar now, Jord!”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Al,” Jordan chuckled, placing you back down on the ground and kissing the top of your head, “She’s all yours now.”

“Auntie Al!” You squealed, running straight over to her for a hug and jumping into her arms.

“Ooh! Ello’ there, stargirl!” Alex grinned as she caught you with ease, spinning you around just a bit, “How’re you doing?”

But your attention faltered as you clocked the woman standing beside her.

“Omg! You’re Jess Glynne!” Your jaw dropped in sudden starstruck, “Auntie Al, look… look, it’s Jess Glynne!”

Jess laughed, brushing her curls back with an easy grin, “That’d be me.”

“Ohmygodohmygodohmygod,” You mumbled, suddenly becoming shy and hiding your face in Alex’s shoulder.

 “Our Monkey here is a big fan,” Alex told her with a grin, “She absolutely loves your music.”

“You are?” Jess replied warmly, crouching a little to your level, “You alright, sweetheart?”

You're in a complete state of shock still as you peeked out and shyly nodded, “I… Wow! You’re amazing!”

Jess laughed gently, “So are you from what I can tell. Proper little wonderkid, aren’t you?”

“Wow,” You whispered, still in a state of shock, “I… I can’t believe you’re here! Wow… Auntie Al, look, look!”

“I know, pretty incredible isn’t it?” Alex laughed, ruffling your hair, “C’mon superstar, how about we go and see your Mum? I reckon we need to get a photo of you three all together.”

“Okay!” You exclaimed eagerly, your heart still thumping in your chest as Alex placed you back down on the floor with ease, so you could run over to Leah, “Mum! Mum! Look, it’s Jess… Jess Glynne! And she’s with Auntie Al!”

Leah turned at the sound of your voice with a wide, proud grin on her face before putting Buddy down and gently handing Rugrat to Amanda before jumping up and down a bit before throwing both of her arms around Alex, “Al!”

“Congratulations, girl!” Alex beamed, throwing both of her arms around Leah, “I am so bloody proud of you! Well done! You smashed it!”

“I told you… I told you I believed in magic,” Leah murmured, squeezing her best friend tight, “I told you, and we did it. We really did it!”

Alex let out a soft laugh, pulling back just enough to see her face, “You really did say that, didn’t you?”

Before Leah could answer, a little voice piped up behind them.

“Auntie Al! Auntie Al!” Buddy squealed, running over and wrapping her arms around Alex’s lower legs and peering up with an innocent smile, “Ou’ ‘ere!”

“Hello, little legs! How’re you doin’?” Alex leaned down to swoop Buddy up into her arms, “What’ve you got there then?”

“Mummy’s medal!” Buddy declared proudly, holding the medal high like a trophy, “Mummy said I could ‘ave it!”

Leah raised an eyebrow with an amused sigh, “No I didn’t, Bubba. I said you could borrow it to wear.”

“Nooo!” Buddy clutched it tighter, completely unfazed,  “I like it do. It mine now!”

“Oof, she’s definitely got your stubborn streak,” Alex laughed, pressing a kiss to Buddy’s cheek.

“Apparently so,” Leah replied with a smile, already reaching for her again, “Conned me out my own medal now as well.”

“Mum! Mum!” You burst in, practically bouncing with excitement, “Looky! It’s actually Jess Glynne! From the Jet2 advert!”

That comment had everyone laughing in hysterics.

You turned to the red-headed singer with wide, sparkling eyes, “Are you real?” You asked in awe before boldly reaching out and poking her arm, “You are real!”

“Oh, Monkey. Never change,” Jordan grinned, clearly entertained.

“You’ve met her before, sweetheart,” Leah reminded gently, “You know who she is.”

“Nah, I ain’t. I would’ve remembered!” You insisted, shaking your head furiously.

“Yeah? Are you sure about that?” Alex teased, grinning, “I seem to recall a certain photo of you snoozing on her shoulder after that late dinner we had.”

“No, no, no—Wait!” Your eyes went as wide as saucers, “That was you?! God, that’s so embarrassing! You’re like… So cool!”

Jess laughed, “It’s true. Your head was on my shoulder, out like a light. Proper little nap queen.”

“Noooo! No way! God, that’s… mortifying!” You threw your hands over your face and dragged your hands down, “Stop! Stop! I don’t wanna hear nuffin’ more ‘bout it!”

“Alright,” Amanda interrupted with a smile, “How about we take some pictures before our Monkey here actually combusts?”

“Sounds great, Mum!” Leah grinned, throwing her arm proudly over your shoulder.

“Fire one with Monkey in the middle, and Leah and Jordan on either side,” Amanda suggested, “Then one with Monkey and Leah, and Monkey and Jordan.”

“Perfect, and then we’ll get one with all the kiddies!” Alex added, already arranging people like a pro.

You posed between Leah and Jordan, both of them grinning proudly, arms around your waist while you hugged them both tightly. 

Followed by another one with just Leah behind you, arms wrapped around your middle, and another one with Jordan pulling you close and planting a kiss on your forehead right as the shutter clicked.

“Right, let’s get Buddy and Rugrat in the next one,” Alex instructed, “Leah, you take Rugrat, and Monkey… You stand in the middle. Leah to her left. Jordan to the right. Buddy, you stand in front of your Mama. Perfect. Everyone ready?”

“Can we just get it over with?” You grumbled, shifting your weight.

“Big smiles! Say cheese!” Jess called out carefully.

“CHEEEEESE!” Buddy shouted, flashing her toothy grin—complete with the missing ones—and still proudly wearing Leah’s medal.

“Ah, that’s lovely,” Alex smiled, taking the picture, “Okay I think we should have one with Buddy and Monkey.”

“Urgh, not another photo!” You groaned, tilting your head back dramatically.

“Just stand there and smile with your little sister,” Leah encouraged, chuckling, “It’ll be over soon enough!”

“Urgh, whatever,” You huffed, resisting the urge to roll your eyes.

“Ready? Big smiles, and say cheese!” Alex insisted, ready to take the photo, along with the rest of the adults capturing the photo.

“Crackers,” You joked, crouching beside Buddy and smiling at the camera, while Buddy clung her arms around your neck and toothy grinned.

“Oh, that one’s definitely becoming my new lock screen,” Jordan insisted.

“And mine,” Leah added, bouncing Rurgat gently on her chest while the tiny baby looked up at her with bright, curious eyes, “Hi, angel. You’re finally awake, huh? Didn’t want to miss out on the fun?”

“Right I think we should have one now with just the kiddies,” Alex suggested with a keen smile, “Monkey, if you can hold Rugrat—”

You tensed, and Leah automatically felt it.

“Al, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Leah interjected quickly.

“Right, right, no worries,” Alex pivoted smoothly, “Okay, grandparents next, step up! I reckon that we do one with the grandparents and grandkids, and then one with Monkey and the grandparents.”

“Dad, do you want to hold Rugrat?” Leah offered, gently transferring the alert six-week-old into David’s arms.

“Of course,” David agreed warmly, settling Rugrat against his chest, “Come here, little one. Come to Grandad. You’ve very wide awake, aren’t you? Don’t worry, you’re not missing much.”

“Amanda, you take Buddy, and Monkey can stand in the middle,” Alex directed, “Alright, everyone ready? Big smiles!”

“CHEEEESE!” Buddy squealed, while you offered the camera a much more reluctant smirk.

“Lovely,” Alex praised, “Now let’s grab one with just Monkey and the grandparents.”

“How many more photos?” You groaned, tilting your head back in exaggerated despair, “I’m so over this!”

“Don’t pretend you don’t love it,” Jordan teased, “Now go on, stand there and smile for a picture with your Nana and Grandad.”

After a few more reluctant photo with your family—Leah and Amanda proudly lifting the trophy, Leah and David laughing in the moment, you tucked under Alex’s arm, then you squeezed between her and Leah, another shot with Jess pulling faces beside Alex, and finally Jordan crouched beside Buddy and you as Buddy beamed and held up Leah’s medal—you were completely spent.

“Can we be done now?” You complained for what felt like the hundredth time in the span of the time you’d been taking photos, “I’m bored!”

“Yeah, we’re done,” Leah chuckled, looping her arm around your shoulder, “We’re going to go in now and join the rest of the team, yeah?”

“Finally,” You muttered, sagging against her side.

“Buddy, can Mummy have her medal back?” Leah asked gently.

“It mine,” Buddy declared firmly, clutching it tighter to her chest, “No ‘ours!”

“Bubba, Mummy needs it for now, okay?” Leah kept her voice gentle, crouching down the 4-year-old’s height, “You’ve done a really good job holding onto it for me though, and I’m so proud of you!”

“Fine,” Buddy huffed, reluctantly allowing Leah to take it from around her neck, “I come in der wif ‘ou?”

“I’m afraid you can’t, Bubba,” Leah told her honestly, “But we’re going to see you at the party. Okay? You just need to stay with Mama and everyone else for now, alright?”

Buddy wasn’t so keen on the idea of that, pouting and crossing her arms over her chest, “I come wif ‘ou, Mummy! I no wan’ stay wif Mama!”

“Hey, Buddy!” Jacob swooped in just at the right moment, crouching beside your favourite little buddy, “How about me and you kick a ball about on the pitch, yeah?”

“... Otay!” Buddy hesitated to agree.

“Thanks, J,” Leah thanked the lad, patting him on the shoulder before Jacob ran with Buddy to find the nearest football to kick, turning to face the rest of your family,“We’ll see you all at the party in a bit.”

“Peace out!” You stated, starting to head down into the tunnel.

Leah laughed, giving you a slight nudge, “Come on, my girl. Let’s go join the chaos in the changing room, yeah?”

The second you stepped through the doors of the changing room, the chaos hit you full force.

It was boiling, loud and completely unhinged. There were wet footprints streaking across the floor, half the squad was in various stages of kit and champagne-soaked victory shirts, and someone was already blaring music from a speaker someone had smuggled in.

You barely made it three steps before someone shoved a drink into your hand—something fizzy and most definitely dangerous and far too strong.

You blinked at it, sniffed it and took a cautious sip, “Oh… It’s strong,” You said, and then took another sip.

And then another.

And that was all it took.

You were an absolute lightweight when it came to drinking.

Within minutes, you were red-cheeked, starry-eyes and absolutely buzzing. A complete livewire. The shy kid from an hour ago was long gone. Replaced by something wild and gleeful and just a little bit dangerous.

Leah watched you guzzle half of your drink and raised a brow, “Steady on there, my girl.”

“Muuuum, leave it out. I’m havin’ fun!” You declared promptly, not wasting time to have another drink, “I’m buzzin’!”

Leah laughed, shaking her head and deciding to just let you have all the fun you wanted, “Alright then, baby. Just be careful not to break anything.”

You had no such intentions to do anything like that.

Kyra was the first one to rope you in and drag you by your wrist towards the crowded group screaming the lyrics to Stina’s chant, bouncing up and down fueled by the alcohol in everyone’s systems.

“Stina Stina Stina Stina Stina Blackstenius!” You screamed along with them, shrieking with laughter as Katie tackled you to the floor mid-chorus and slid with you across the champagne-soaked floor.

“Watch out!” You warned with barely any time before you crashed dramatically into Leah’s legs, grinning up at her innocently, “Hi, Muuuuuuum!”

“Hi, sweetheart,” Leah chuckled, patting your hair before proceeding to have another drink of her own, “Are you having fun?”

“Tons of it!” You insisted, grinning at her cheekily and breathless, scrambling up to get off the floor, “I don’t ever want this night to end!”

“Plenty of time still, kid!” Steph chimed in, ruffling your hair as she directly handed you a heineken bottle to swig, “Ave’ at it!”

You frowned while pouting at the bottle, “What am I supposed to do with it?”

“Shake it and spray it everywhere,” Beth encouraged, finally joining in on the chaos after she had the unfortunate luck of having to dope after the game instead of joining in on the celebration, “Go wild, Monkey!”

So you just did what anyone would do—pop open the cork and spray it everywhere.

You shrieked in delight as it foamed over your hands, pointing it upward like a fountain and soaking Alessia’s hair and earning a scandalised scream from her.

“Monkey!” The blonde exclaimed in shock-horror before proceeding to tackle you into a headlock, “I’ll get you back you little menace!”

“Right, girls! Picture! Picture!” One of the assistant coaches insisted, gesturing to you all to come together for a group photo, “Come on! Picture time!”

“Urgh! Not again!” You whined in complaint with an exaggerated eye roll, but you still dragged yourself into the clump of girls, tucking yourself neatly in front of Leah as everyone crowded around the trophy. You leaned back into her, your drink still sloshing in one hand, medal swinging from your cheek while your cheeks were pink from all the shouting and Heineken.

The phone was snapped just as you were mid-complaint.

“Hey! You got me bad side!” You grumbled, mock-scowling at the poor assistant holding the phone. You weren’t really mad honestly, and you didn’t have time to keep sulking because the opening notes of another iconic anthem suddenly boomed through the speaker.

Your whole face lit up in glee.

“ABSOLUTELY EVERYBODY! EVERYBODY, EVERYBODY!” You shrieked at full volume, pointing in random directions with a whole lot of energy.

“Sing it, little lady!” Katie whooped, charging over and before you could even run, grabbing you around the waist and hoisting you clean off the floor.

You squealed as she spun you around in dizzy circles with your arms flailing and hair going wild in all different directions, your shrieks of laughter echoing off the wall as Leah took the opportunity to capture the whole thing on a video.

You didn’t care though, you were feeling high on life.

You didn’t ever want this moment to end, and you were going to make sure absolutely everybody knew about it.

“Let’s party it up, bitchessss!” You yelled, stumbling into the afterparty with Katie, who had the trophy held proudly above her head, “I’m ready t drink and have a good fuckin’ time!”

“Monkey,” Leah warned softly from behind, walking beside Laia as the room erupted into cheers, “Reign it in a bit, please.”

“What?” You grinned, head cocking to the side, arms flung out like you were embracing the world, “I’m livin’ my best life right now! Woohoo—Buddy! There you are!”

“Monks’!” Your favourite little buddy squealed in excitement, running straight to you.

“Missed you! Where’ve you been?” You wondered in a drunken state, wrapping both your arms around your little sister, “Are you ready to party? We’re gonna dance the night away!"

“Listen,” Leah said, easily taking Rugrat from Amanda, who was wide eyed and awake amongst the chaos in the room, “You can tonight Just be sensible, okay? Know your limits.”

You huffed, exaggerating an eye roll, “Don’t worry, Mum. I’ll be fine!” You insisted, sparing a glance at the six-week-old infant, “What’s she doin’ here? I don’t like her!”

You didn’t wait around for an answer before pulling Buddy towards the dance floor, trying to not think about the baby in Leah’s arms.

“Has she eaten much?” Alessia asked quietly, eyeing you with mild concern.

“If three bags of crisps and a jelly pot count, then sure,” Steph mumbled, shaking her head.

Alessia winced, “She’s a proper lightweight.”

“I fear it’s already gone to her head,” Beth chimed in, watching you start to bounce around the room high from the energy and alcohol.

“LET’S FUCKIN PAAAAAARTY!” You shrieked, vibrantly as you threw your free arm around Kyra while holding Buddy on your hip, ”Buddy! What’re we sayin’? North London Forever?”

“Uh-huh! I like dat one!” Buddy nodded excitedly in your arms.

“Let’s gooooo!” Kyra added, just as excited with alcohol in her system.

“Aye, Jess Glynne!” You spotted the red-hair in the distance of the room, walking over to her, “What’re you doin’ here? Ooo! Ooo! Can we sing a song?”

“Down, Monks’!” Buddy insisted, trying to wriggle free in your arms.

“Spoil sport,” You mumbled, reluctantly putting her down as she toddled over to Jordan.

“Hello again, troublemaker. You seem a bit drunk there,” Jess smiled, amused, “We can sing a song together if you would like that.”

“Auntie Al! Auntie Al!” You squealed, excitedly stumbling towards Alex, “I get to sing a song with Jess Glynne! So cool!”

“Oh good lord,” Alex muttered, catching your arm before you tripped, “That is pretty cool. How many have you had to drink now?”

“Eh, not a lot,” You carelessly shrugged your shoulders,” I’m only a bit tipsy. I can still walk in a straight line… kinda!”

“What’ve you even been drinking to get in this state?” Jordan wondered, watching in concern as she handed Buddy a cake bar.

You stumbled around, grinning like an idiot, “Lord I don’t know, but it was… pretty fuckin’ good, Mama!”

Jordan arched an eyebrow, turning to look at her ex girlfriend, “Leah, what have you been giving her to be in this state?”

“I had nothing to do with giving her anything,” Leah chimed in, swaying a wide awake Rugrat in her arms, “If anything then blame Katie for that.”

“Typical,” Jordan mumbled,  shaking her head.

“I want some more!” You exclaimed, swinging your arms about in the air, “Gimme! Gimme!”

“Oh my God,” Jordan mumbled, rubbing her temple, “I can’t believe she’s already in this state. I have a good piece of mind to go and have a word with Katie over this.”

You didn’t waste time lingering around as you heard the opening tune of one of Jess Glynne’s songs, “Oh my God, I loooooove this song!”

“Monkey, do you want to come up here and sing a song with me?” Jess called you over from the DJ booth, motioning you to join her.

“Can I?” Your eyes lit up in excitement, “Let’s fucking goooooo!”

“Monkey swore!” Buddy gasped in realisation, glancing between Leah and Jordan, “Dat not allowed!”

Leah hummed, brushing a strand of hair out of Buddy’s face, “She did, and you’re not to repeat it either, alright?”

“You got it dude,” Buddy responded with a thumbs up, “Can I go an’ dance wif Auntie Wally?”

“Go for it, little ‘un,” Jordan chuckled, waving her hand off in the direction of where Lia is dancing with Mario, “Have fun!”

You were having a wail of a time up on stage, performing with Jess Glynne as cameras were out and everyone was filming the performance.

“Thank you! Thank you!” You joked, staggering down off the stage as you searched for another alcoholic beverage, “Thank you very much!”

“What a performance that was, Monkey,” Elle let out a low whistle.

“I think you need to slow down on the drinks, sweetheart,” Amanda said in concern, noting the way you were stumbling all over the place, “Why don’t you drink some water?”

“Pft, I’m fine! I’ve only had… three,” You struggled to remember, trying to count on your fingers, “... I think?”

Jacob snickered, “You think?”

“I’ve told her to just be sensible, and I’m keeping an eye on her to make sure she doesn’t go too wild,” Leah informed her family, sitting down on a chair as she was mid-feeding Rugrat a bottle.

“Heh, check it out. I got a blue tongue!” You exclaimed, sticking your tongue out in front of your own phone, “I like that!”

“How’ve you managed to get a blue tongue?” Beth laughed, amused with your current antics as she now had a fast asleep Phoebe cradled to her chest, “What’ve you been drinking to get that?”

“I dunno, but it tastes like victory!” You exclaimed, bobbing up and down with your medal around your neck, “Yeeeehaw!”

“Oh, she’s pissed for sure,” Jacob grinned in amusement.

“Here, Monkey, have another one,” Katie encouraged, shoving a drink into your hand much to the disagreement of your family.

“Katie no,” Jordan eyed the drink in your hand but it was too late as you were already drinking it, “Remember to get her to drink some water, Monkey.”

“Oh looky out, the fun police have arrived!” You exclaimed, rolling your eyes as you neck back the rest of the drink that you were handed, “Boooo!”

“Logan,” Leah gave you a warning look, “Stop being rude and drink some water, please.”

You groaned, tilting your head back for dramatic effect, “I don’t want any water. I wanna drink more! We’re champions, baby!”

“Dance wif me, Monks’! Dance wif me!” Buddy insists, holding her arms out for you to take and spin her around, “Dance wif me! Spin me ‘round!”

You did as Buddy requested, taking her hands, dancing and spinning around with her as her giggles became infectious, “Ready for me to catch you, Buddy? Ready?” You picked her up and held her high in the air, trying your hardest not to stumble in your step.

“Logan Reece!” Leah’s voice cut in, sharp, “Don’t you bloody dare think about throwing your sister in the air!” She shouted across the room, quickly getting your attention.

You pouted while you placed Buddy gently back down on the dance floor, “But she likes it…”

“Absolutely not!” Leah was quick in her stride to pass Rugrat over to David now she was done burping her and storm over to where you was, “You don’t ever think about doing that, especially when your three sheets to the wind!”

“You’re overreacting a tad there, Mum,” You groaned, rolling your eyes in exaggeration as you proceeded to climb on top of a stray table and hold your arms out like you were in a scene from Titanic.

Leah was still not letting up, “Get down off the bloody table right now, young lady!”

“Ooo, young lady. You’re in trouble now!” Kyra teased, not realising the seriousness of it at all.

“Down,” Leah didn’t wait around for you to get down before proceeding to lift you off the table herself, “Come with me, you’re going to drink some water before you end up injuring yourself!”

“Do I hafta?” You huffed in protest, “M’ only havin’ a good time!” You swooped up a random drink from a table and took a swig.

Leah scoffed, “A good time? It’s a bit more than that,” She paused, taking the alcohol away from you, “No more drinking until you’ve drank some water, my girl.”

“Oi, that’s mine!” You scowled, not happy with that decision of Leah stealing your alcohol, “Give it back! Thief!”

Your words did little to phase Leah as she retrieved a bottle of water and handed it to you, “Here, water. Drink it now,” She instructed, “I’m your Mum, I care about you and I don’t mind you drinking tonight, we’re celebrating but I want you to be safe. At this rate you’re going to fall asleep on the floor by the DJ booth.”

“I don’t wanna drink water,” You grumbled, reluctant to crack open the bottle of water in your hands, “I wanna party!”

“You’re not drinking anymore alcohol until you’ve drunk some water first,” Leah stood form on her decision.

You groaned in disagreement, “Muuuuuum, I’m twenny now. You can’t just—”

“You live under my roof,” Leah swiftly cut you off with a firm look, “I can, and I will.”

“That’s fuckin’ bullshit!” You swore directly at her without even thinking twice about it.

“She swore! Monkey said the F word!” Buddy shouted mid-twirl as she danced with Rory.

“That’s naughty,” Rory added, gasping.

“She did, and she shouldn’t have,” Jordan said, exhaling a sigh, “No one’s saying the F word anymore tonight, alright?”

“Cept me!” You declared proudly, jumping back up on the table, “I’M A FOOKIN’ CHAMPION OF EUROPE! THE ONLY IN THE LAND!”

“Right. Off the table. Now!” Leah barked.

“Bah humbug,” You pouted, wobbling slightly, “I’m celebratin’! Leave me ‘lone!”

“Monkey, don’t think I won’t throw you over my shoulder,” Leah warned, resting her hands on her hips and giving that look that you were all too familiar with.

You scoffed, rolling your eyes and continuing to dance on the table, “Pft, whatever. I’m fine—”

“I don’t care if you’re fine or not, drink this water now,” Leah told you firmly, “Either you drink it, or you’re cut off for the rest of the night, alright?”

“Ugh, fine, whatever…. Captain Buzzkill,” You sloppily gulped it down, then shoved the bottle back, “There, done. Can I go back to drinking and partying now?”

 “Sure, just be careful, alright?” Leah stated firmly, exhaling a sigh with a feeling that she wasn’t getting through to you at all.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever, buh-bye now!” You waved cheekily before continuing to dance and have the time of your life.

“God, she’s going to be an absolute pain to deal with tomorrow,” Alex winced, witnessing your antics for herself, “I wish you luck.”

“And she’s gonna have a horrific hangover,” Jordan added.

Elle frowned in sympathy, “She’s definitely going to feel it. Are you going to be alright dealing with her tomorrow, babe?”

“It’s not like I have a choice,” Leah laughed faintly, admiring Jordan coo over Rugrat in her arms, “At least we’ve got a good while until Buddy or Rugrat are like this, and it’s not every day that you’re a champion of Europe. Just let her have this one.”

You were having a time of your life living it high and dancing around on the dance floor with your teammates, “Oi, Buddy. C’mere!” You shouted over to your favourite little buddy.

“Monks! Monks!” Buddy shouted, running up to you with wild and sweaty curls while Rory continued to dance with Lia and Mariona, “Come dance wif us!”

You grinned, reaching forward to ruffle Buddy’s hair, “I will! I’m just having some… juice,” You weren’t sure how to word it.

Buddy scrunched her face up in disinterest, “Dat no’ like juice, dat smells funny an’ so strong! Ew!”

“Sure it is,” You waved your hand off, going to hand your little sister the drink over without even thinking twice about it, “Think of it like… apple juice, or summit.”

Before you can even properly hand the drink to Buddy, it’s quickly swept away by Steph, “Jesus! Monkey, what the hell are you doin’? Are you out of your mind right now?!”

You blinked, suddenly startled, “... I was only givin’ her a small sip.”

“She’s four, Monkey!” Steph shouted, “This isn’t a drink you can give to your sister!”

“You… You just told me off!” You mumbled, your bottom lip starting to wobble, “You can’t do that!”

“Yes, I did and I can when you’re putting your four year old sister in danger!” Steph shot back, furious that you even attempted to do such a thing like that.

“Muuuuum!” You barrelled into Leah, throwing your arms around her neck and plonking yourself on her lap, “Tell her she can’t shout at me!”

“Oof, Monkey,” Leah let out a groan, startled by your sudden appearance as she chatted with Elle, “What’s the matter, baby?”

“Auntie Stephy just shouted at me!” You proceed to shout, clinging your arms around her neck, “Tell her she can’t… Tell her she can’t do that!”

Leah’s brow was furrowed, “What? Why? What’s happened?”

“I… I don’t know,” You mumbled, burying your head in her neck to try and shelter from it. You weren’t that keen to tell Leah what happened knowing you’d definitely be in trouble for it.

“Steph?” Leah glanced at the Australian women, “Why did you shout at my kid? You have no right to do that!”

“Le, before you go off on one you need to understand that I found Monkey trying to give Buddy alcohol,” Steph explained, cautiously, “I think it might’ve been vodka.”

Leah’s eyes were high in alert, “Vodka?!” She  exclaimed, gazing at you disapprovingly.

“... I thought she might like it,” You told her, innocently and hopeful that Leah wouldn’t go absolutely nuts about it.

“Right,” Leah exhaled a dangerously calm breath, pinching her nose, “Bed. Now.”

“What? No!” You exclaimed in disbelief, quick to protest against the idea, “Nobody else is going to bed yet! S’ not fair!”

“I don’t care,” Leah shifted you on her lap to start and get up, “You are. You’re done.”

You shoved back, shaking your head in disagreement, “No! I’m a champion of Europe, I don’t need a fuckin’ bedtime!”

“Logan Reece,” Jordan stepped in, sharply and fixing you with a look that made you straighten up instinctively.

Leah turned to her, exhaustion already sinking into her bones, “I’ve got Buddy on the dancefloor with Kyra and Alessia, Rugrat’s dead asleep… Can you—?”

“Yeah,” Jordan said, already reaching out, “I’ll handle her. You stay and enjoy the party. Where’s your room key?”

“Right, yeah, it’s here,” Leah handed it over without hesitation and then leaned down, pressing a kiss to your hair, “You may be twenty, but just so we’re clear, you’re also my daughter. And I’m not going to wait until you’re slurring your words and putting your baby sister in danger to step in. What you did was really silly, Monkey. So now I think it’s best you go with Mama, let her tuck you in, and call it a night, alright? I love you, but bed means bed.”

“I don’t need to go to bed!” You insisted, the alcohol fueling your system as you still stood your ground. 

“When you’re putting your sister in danger and making reckless decisions then you're done,” Jordan cut in, calm but stern, “Now are you going to walk, or am I going to carry you?”

“I’m not partying yet! I still… There’s ages!” You weakly protested, throwing your head back for extra dramatics, “I’m not goin’! You can’t make me!”

“Tough,” Jordan interrupted with her voice still firm, leaning out to take hold of your hand, “You lost that right the minute you tried to pour vodka down your 4 year old sister's throat! Bed, now. Move it.”

“Mamaaaa! I don’t wanna!” You whined in complaint, refusing to take her hand and garing at her, “S’ not fair!”

“Come on, Monkey,” Jordan exhaled a sigh, taking it upon herself to take a hold of your hand, “Time for bed, little one before you say something that you’ll regret.”

“Why’s everyone against me? S’ not fair!” You huffed in a sulk, reluctantly allowing yourself to be dragged through the room,  “Didn’t do nuffin’ wrong!”

“You don’t think so, huh?” Jordan questioned with an arched eyebrow, “I think that we have very different opinions on that now, so come on let’s get you to bed before you cause anymore trouble.”

“I’m a grown up! M’ not goin’ to dumb, stupid bed!” You thrashed around in Jordan’s grasp, “Not fair! I… I don’t wanna!”

Jordan sighed like someone already regretting every life choice that led to this moment, “Okay, champion of Europe. Let’s go. You’re done for the night.”

You pouted, tugging against her arm half-heartedly, “Don’t wanna…” As Leah’s voice cut in just before Jordan could exit the packed room.

“Make sure to brush your teeth, please,” Leah called over the laughter still echoing down the hallway, soft and firm as her arms cradled Rugrat close.

You turned with a defiant glare that didn’t quite land, “You brush your teeth!”

Leah smiled with deliberate patience as she shared a subtle look with Jordan before Jordan continued to tug you in the direction of your hotel room that you shared with Leah.

“Come on, little one,” Jordan mumbled, realising it was too late to disagree with handling things now.

The door clicked shut.

Somewhere down the hall, someone was already filming.

When you’re a champion of Europe, but you still have a bedtime.

The TikTok edit practically made itself.

© scribblesofagoonerr

Lia -

( X ) soft soft love making as she breeds you

( X ) Eating you out

( X ) Jealous Lia

Katie + Caitlin -

( X ) Pent up Katie just fucking you right there on the pitch during practice

( X ) Size kink with Katie

( X ) Cait and Katie reminding you who you belong to you

( X ) Needy DP with Cait and Katie

( X ) Soft Riding With Caitlin

( X )Throat fucking with Cait

Beth + Viv -

( X ) Soft Riding with Viv

( X ) More Soft riding with Viv

( X ) Viv Eating ur pussy

( X ) Giving Vivs cock attention

( X ) Beth and Viv breeding you during your heat

( X ) Car sex with Beth on the way to team bonding

( X ) Jerking Beth

Steph

( X ) riding her

( X ) Sucking her fat cock

( X ) Mirror sex 18+ Live

( X ) sitting on her face

Kyra -

( X ) Steph and you helping kyra out during her rut and getting her between you.

( X ) Taking Kyra’s V card

( X ) Punishing her for being bratty

( X ) Needy Kyra While ur studying

( X ) Morning // Night time Sex

Leah -

( X ) Leah fucking into you as lessi eats you out

( X ) Leah Fingering you gently at the team movie night

( X ) Leah making you Squirt

( X ) Ball sucking and Bj

( X ) Eating u out

( X ) pervy roommate Leah

( X ) sleepy morning sex with Roommate Leah

( X ) MORE pervy!Leah

Alessia -

( X ) Alessia Eating you out

( X ) Needy Creampie sex

( X ) Your passenger Princesss Duties

( X ) Lessis cum pouring out of you after she promised to pull out. “Oops baby, i guess ill have to fuck it out of you”

( X ) Fucking u for the first time and shes scared to hurt you

( X ) More Alessia eating you out

( X ) Fwb! Roommate Less after promising to pull out

Lotte -

( X ) Shy lotte on live as you play with her cock

( X ) Drunk hook up

There wasn't nearly as much to do in this bar, so you stuck to Kim's side. It was a nice change, but for Kim, it was torture. You had a tendency to wear very distracting outfits for nights out, and tonight was no exception. Kim was lucky that she hadn't been called out for oogling you, despite being caught by teammates many times. If you had noticed, then you hadn't said anything, but Kim was pretty sure that you were oblivious to the things that you did to her.

"Are you okay, Kim? You're being very touchy." Kim nodded in response to your question. If she let you believe that she was tired, she could get the two of you to leave without catching flack. The look that Leah was giving her over your shoulder was pure skepticism, but Kim didn't care about that. All that Kim cared about was that you believed why she wanted to leave.

"A bit," Kim mumbled. You were quick to pay the tab for the two of you, which wasn't nearly as high as it could have been. A quick, quiet night out was nice because it meant you weren't spending a small fortune on overpriced drinks that wound up forgotten or spilled half the time.

Kim's touchiness didn't stop when the two of you left the bar, but it definitely changed. Her focus was primarily on driving the two of you back home, but there was something about the way her fingers moved along the inside of your thigh that felt distracted. Kim would have loved to be making out with you in the back of an uber, but this was also good. She could see the way you shifted in your seat, breathing a little heavier as you fought with yourself over whether or not to open your legs more.

Ultimately, you ended up with your legs parted just for Kim. There wasn't quite enough time for Kim to tease you too badly, but she knew how to work you up. It was made even worse by the fact that despite her hand touching you, her eyes were glued to the road at all times. Kim didn't even spare you a glance whenever the two of you had rolled up to stoplights. She knew how much you wanted her attention, and despite the fact that she wanted to give it to you, you were left wanting.

"You're mean," you pouted as Kim parked the car. Now, she finally looked over at you. You were fully pouting at her, and all Kim could think about was kissing you. A part of you wanted to push her away and make her work for it, but you couldn't. You wanted Kim just as badly as Kim wanted you.

"I'll make it up to you," Kim promised. She got out of the car and walked around to open up your door for you. The two of you walked in together, careful to keep your hands to yourselves in case any neighbors were watching. They had a tendency to glance outside whenever one of you came back at an odd hour, and Kim didn't want another passive aggressive note from one of the older women about ladylike behavior.

Once the two of you were inside, all bets were off. Kim was backing you up against the wall as she aggressively chased after you with kisses. You didn't mind it, secrectly loving all the bruises and marks that she'd leave whenever she got like this. Kim was a gentle soul, but you loved being able to turn her on enough to mandhandle you a bit. She was strong, even if she didn't like to show off too much, not like some of her teammates.

"I know that I didn't get a chance to say it earlier, but I love this dress. In fact, I think it needs to stay on a bit longer," Kim said as she played with the bottom hem of your dress. You had worn it specifically to show off for Kim. If you had gone anywhere else for the night, she would have thrown a fit and found something to cover you up with. However, she knew that the team wouldn't make any moves towards you, even if Leah had been eyeing you up all night.

"I hope this means you won't tease me because I don't think I can handle teasing tonight," you told her. Kim bit her lip as she slid her leg in between yours. She could feel the heat radiating from between your thighs. Your whole body was running a bit hot, as was Kim's pressed against yours. The two of you seemed to be on the same wavelength, although you had only just reached where Kim had been since the two of you left.

She liked nights out with the team, but she preferred to stay in with you. You didn't need to get dressed up or spend half the night dancing to lure her in. Kim was always ready to go whenever you wanted her. She was just good enough at hiding it that you didn't know. She was also a lot more patient than you, and rarely just went to you whenever something had her feeling a special kind of way.

"I won't tease, I promise." Kim pressed a line of kisses down your neck. Your head fell back a bit, pushing your body away from the wall. Kim grabbed onto your thighs and picked you up with ease. She carried you back into the bedroom, not stopping for anything until you were laid out on the bed in front of her.

Kim leaned over the bed and held onto your hips. The skirt of your dress had been pushed up a bit, but not quite all the way. Kim pulled you by your hips to the edge of the bed, stopping when your hips bumped against hers. You stared up at Kim as she stood in front of you. It felt like an eternity before she did something, even if it was only a few seconds in reality.

Your body felt supercharged, as if every moment that Kim had been secretly staring at you had been subtly turning you on. Your legs fell apart, and Kim was able to push your dress up around your waist. She bit her lip as she took in the sight of you, fingers twitching slightly against the outside of your thigh. Both of you were looking at each other the same way now, and with a small nod, you gave Kim permission to do what she wanted.

"We left your party early, and you do deserve a celebration tonight," you told her. Kim's mind ran wild with all of the possible things she could do to you. Most of those thoughts would stay buried. Kim knew what she liked already, and that was truly all that she wanted. You had always been the adventurous one, but no matter what, Kim always gave you reason after reason to stick with her. She didn't need to try out ten things when she knew how to make you cum with the same skill that she played football.

"Then let's not waste any time love," Kim said. She hooked her fingers around the waistband of your underwear and pulled them down your legs. You'd think it was the first time that Kim had seen you naked from the way she was staring at your cunt in awe, but she did this every single time she saw you naked. It was a pretty great confidence boost, one that you definitely didn't seen with Kim because she already made you feel secure. "You're so fucking beautiful."

"Kim," you whined as you felt heat rush to your cheeks. She didn't pay your bashfulness any attention, instead far too focused on the task ahead of her. Kim knelt between your legs and pressed a series of gentle kisses and small licks of her tongue against your cunt. Her mouth focused on your clit as she prodded at your entrance with her middle finger.

Kim teased you with her finger until you were practically sucking her inside of yourself. She moved her finger slowly, curling at the perfect spot to make you twist and writhe beneath her. Kim knew that under normal circumstances, this would be driving you crazy, but you were just barely tipsy enough to not call Kim out on her teasing. Instead, you just enjoyed it, unaware that it wasn't enough to actually make you cum.

You were no stranger to telling Kim what you wanted. Tonight though, it didn't seem like she was going to make you. Kim added a second finger on her own as she sucked your clit into her mouth. She was being a bit rough with you, but it was what you wanted. You pulled Kim's head in, grinding your hips to make everything go a bit faster. You were close, and Kim knew that she had you right where she wanted you.

“No!” You crossed your arms, still staring at the TV, determined to avoid any attention to the situation.

Leah pinched the bridge of her nose. Of course, this was happening now–when they were already running late. Thanks to your latest school suspension, she and Jordan had no choice but to bring you along to training.

But beneath the defiance, there was something else brewing. You could feel it in the pit of your stomach–anxiety. Your 13th birthday was coming up, and it was weighing on you more than you let on. You knew your behaviour was becoming more erratic, you just didn’t really know how to express yourself other than lashing out–Leah and Jordan thought it was just the aftermath of a visit with Mark, but this was different.

You hated your birthday. You didn’t like to celebrate it. It was always a reminder of things you didn’t want to remember.

“Monkey, we have to go,” Leah tried again, stepping in front of the screen, “Come on, shoes on.”

You let out a dramatic groan and flopped backwards on the sofa, “I don’t wanna!”

“Monkey, seriously, come on,” Leah stepped closer, blocking more of your view, “We haven’t got time for this today. We need to go.”

“I’m not goin’! You can’t make me!” You repeated, your voice edging on a full-blown tantrum.

Leah exhaled sharply, hands on her hips, “Unfortunately, my girl, you can’t stay here on your own, can you?”

“Yes, I can!” You argued, sitting up with a glare.

Leah raised an unimpressed eyebrow, “You’re twelve. You definitely cannot.”

You huffed, glaring at her, “Why can’t I just stay with ‘Manda?”

“Mum’s at work,” Leah reminded you patiently, “You’ll have fun at the training grounds, I promise.”

“I don’t wanna go to the stupid training grounds!” You kicked your feet against the sofa, “What am I even supposed to do there?”

“There’ll be plenty of footballs around,” Leah said, her voice thinning as she fought back another sigh, “And I packed some things to keep you busy.”

“Still don’t wanna go,” You grumbled, scrunching your nose in defiance. 

Leah exhaled a sigh, “Monkey, please–”

Jordan poked her head around the living room door, “I take it you’re not having much luck?”

Leah let out a sharp huff, arms crossing, “You try.”

Jordan smirked and strode over, kneeling in front of you, “Alright, little one. How about we pop your shoes on, yeah? Time to go.”

You hesitated, eyeing her suspiciously, “Can we get ice cream later?”

“Ice cream?” Jordan grinned but didn’t give in so easily, “Hmm… I dunno. Getting suspended from school isn’t exactly ice cream-worthy behaviour, is it?”

Your bottom lip jutted out into a pout, but still begrudgingly dragged yourself off the sofa and over to grab your trainers, “Yeah, but Jordy…”

“But Jordy nothing. Being suspended doesn’t mean you get rewarded, Monkey,” Leah chimed from behind.

You shot her a glare as you shoved your feet into your shoes, “You’re so mean! You never let me do anything fun!” You mumbled under your breath.

Leah rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. She just picked up your backpack–the one stuffed with snacks, toys, and a change of clothes in case of an accident, “Right, come on. Out the door. We’re already late as it is.”

Jordan chuckled, ruffling your hair as she passed, “Come on, little one. Enough sulking, let’s go to training. The squad can’t wait to meet our little troublemaker.”

You huffed as you climbed into the backseat of Leah’s car, “I don’t wanna go to stupid training.”

Leah glanced at you through the rearview mirror as she buckled in, “Why not? I know Auntie Ale is really looking forward to seeing you. And Beffy too.”

“I don’t care,” You grumbled, arms crossed over your chest, “Training is dumb! I wanna watch my tablet instead! S’ not fair!”

Jordan and Leah exchanged a look between them before Leah noticed something.

“Seatbelt, please, Monkey,” Leah reminded you, her voice carrying a warning edge.

“S’ not fair!” You repeated, kicking your feet against the seat.

“Seatbelt,” Leah repeated, keeping her tone of voice calm as she strummed her fingers on the steering wheel, “We’re not going anywhere until it’s on, madam.”

“You ain’t listen’ to nuffin’ I’m saying!” You snapped, frustration spilling over, “I don’t wanna go! I want my tablet!”

“You know why you don’t have your tablet,” Jordan reminded you, “Until you can behave at home and school, you’re not getting it back. Now, seatbelt on. Please.”

“No! I don’t wanna!” You sank further into the backseat, arms crossed tighter over your chest as you did no more than kick the back of the seat in front of you, “You are stupid! You can’t make me!”

Jordan sighed and leaned over to grab the seatbelt. But the moment she reached for it–

You bit her hand. Hard.

Jordan yelped in pain, jerking back. But you weren’t done. You grabbed a handful of her hair and kicked out.

“Ow! Ow– Monkey, let go! Let… Let go!” Jordan shrieked in pain.

Leah spun around in her seat, “What in the—Monkey! No!”

“Le, ow, uh… A little help here, please?” Jordan grimaced.

“Monkey, let go!” Leah pried her fingers from Jordan’s hair, “You do not kick, pull hair or bite! That is not okay!”

You didn’t reply. Instead, you snapped your teeth at them with a growl in an attempt to look vicious.

Leah’s patience finally snapped, “Monkey, enough! Keep that up and you won’t be getting your tablet back at all—honestly, I don’t know what has gotten into you lately!” She warned, before glancing at Jordan wearily to make sure she was okay, “Jord, are you alright?”

Jordan cradled her hand, wincing as she flexed her fingers, “Yeah… I know she didn’t mean it, did she?”

You bared your teeth again and snarled, “I’m a Piranha! I swim in the Amazon!”

Jordan blinked at you, her lips pressing into a thin line. For a second, it looked like she was actually debating whether to be annoyed or just let it go. She glanced down at the faint teeth marks on her hand, sucking in a sharp breath before shaking her head.

“Hey, uh uh, cut that out!” Leah scolded, her patience fraying. She turned back to start the car, muttering under her breath, “Let’s just go before we’re any more late than we already are…”

Jordan exhaled through her nose, giving her bitten hand a final once-over before sighing dramatically, “So… I guess she’s going through a biting phase right now, then?” Her voice was light, but there was a pointed edge to it—like she was trying to make a joke but also genuinely wondering if she needed to start wearing protective gloves around you.

Leah shot her a look, unimpressed, “Apparently.”

Jordan bit her bottom lip and shook her head, casting you a wary glance, “Would’ve been nice to know that before I got up close and personal with her teeth,” She flexed her fingers again, “Maybe she needs to start wearing a muzzle…”

“You’re not helping,” Leah exhaled a sigh, rubbing her temples to try and heal the upcoming headache as she felt a sudden kick to the back of her seat, “Monkey, stop kicking my seat!”

You didn’t listen. In fact, you thought it was funny to kick it.

“Monkey, stop it. I’ve already asked you once,” Leah said, remaining to still have a calm tone of voice.

And again. Another kick.

Leah was quick to slam the brakes on the car, the sudden force jolting everyone forward. You let out a sharp gasp, your hands flying out to grip the seat in front of you as your stomach flipped. For a split second, your heart pounded in your chest, startled by the abrupt stop. But the moment passed, and you forced yourself to recover quickly, masking your brief panic with a dramatic huff.

Leah spun around to face you, “Enough, Monkey! You need to start using your listening ears, or you’re going to find yourself in a lot of trouble.”

You quickly averted your gaze, glaring out of the window to avoid meeting her stern expression, watching the world pass by in a blur. The quiet inside the car felt heavy, filled with tension you weren’t sure how to get rid of.

“I don’t wanna go to stupid training,” You muttered, under your breath, barely loud enough for her to hear, “It’s dumb.”

Leah glanced at you in the rearview mirror, her eyes softening a little at the sound of your voice, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she just kept her focus on the road, probably knowing that giving in would only make things worse.

You sulked the entire drive to London Colney. You weren’t happy about this, and you were definitely making sure everyone knew it.

Your foot hadn’t stopped kicking Leah’s chair, a constant, irritating thud filling the car.

Leah exhaled sharply through her nose, “Monkey. Stop.”

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Jordan shot you a look over her shoulder, “Come on, little one. How about we give it a rest now, eh?”

You glared back, but finally, or more like reluctantly, stopped.

The car rolled to a stop in the car park of London Colney, and Leah put it in park with an exaggerated sigh, “Right… showtime.”

Jordan checked the time on her phone, groaning, “We’re gonna be late.”

“I know,” Leah muttered, gripping the wheel tighter. Her jaw clenched slightly as she inhaled slowly, visibly trying to keep her patience in check.

From the back seat, you sat rigid with your arms crossed tightly, your glare burning into the back of Leah’s headrest. You had not come all this way just to actually get out of the car. No way.

“Better now than ever, hey?” Jordan joked, twisting in her seat to look at you, “Come on, little one. Out of the car.”

“No!” You scowled at her, arms crossed over your chest.

Jordan turned, leveling you with a look, “Monkey—”

“I don’t wanna!” You snapped, not giving up with the glare that was embedded on your face.

Leah groaned, rubbing her hand over her face, “Stop being difficult and get out of the car now, Monkey.”

“You’re a meanie!” You whined in protest.

Leah rolled her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Sure, I’m a meanie, but that still doesn’t change the fact that you need to get out of the car.”

“No! I don’t wanna do that!” You exclaimed, glaring at Leah as you kicked the back of the seat again.

Leah’s fingers twitched on the steering wheel. Her patience was hanging by a thread, “Tough. You can’t sit in the car all day, come on. Out you get,” She said firmly, unbuckling her own seatbelt, “We’re going to go into training, and you can meet the rest of the girls, who are all really looking forward to meeting you. And we’re not going to bite anyone else today, are we?”

“No! You’re stupid! An’ horrible! I don’t wanna!” You snapped, kicking your feet against the back of Leah’s seat.

Leah inhaled sharply through her nose, her patience already wearing thin, “Monkey, don’t start.”

You started.

You kicked the back of her seat harder. You kicked the centre console. You kicked anything within reach, a furious little storm of limbs and defiance.

Jordan groaned and rubbed her temples, “Monkey, you need to stop that, please.”

You did not stop that.

Leah opened her door and stepped out, moving to open the backseat door. The second she did, you grabbed onto your seatbelt like your life depended on it, arms wrapped around it in a vice grip.

“I’M NOT GOIN’! YOU CAN’T MAKE ME! NO!” You screamed loudly, causing a scene in the middle of the car park.

Leah crouched slightly, resting an arm on the seat, “Monkey, let go. We need to go in.”

“No!” You screamed in defiance.

Jordan leaned over to try and help, reaching out to undo the seatbelt manually, “C’mon, little one—”

Smack.

Jordan’s head whipped to the side as your palm connected with her face. A stunned silence filled the car for a split second.

Leah stared at Jordan. Jordan stared at Leah. A bright red headprint bloomed across Jordan’s face.

“Right, that’s it,” Leah growled, all patience gone, “I’ve had enough of this.”

Before you could even react, Leah yanked you free from the seatbelt with far too much ease. You barely had a second to struggle before she hoisted you up and chucked you over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“NO! NO, LET ME GO!” You screamed, failing wildly, “PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME DOWN!”

Jordan rubbed her cheek with a wince, “Ouch,” She mumbled.

“Babe, are you alright?” Leah checked on her girlfriend.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m alright,” Jordan mumbled, more from the shock than the actual pain, “Let’s just get inside before she causes any more chaos.”

“Right, yeah, course,” Leah agreed, securing an arm around your legs as you continued to kick and thrash.

Jordan grabbed your backpack and followed after Leah, still massaging her face, “Do I have a handprint? It feels like there’s a handprint.”

Leah glanced over and grimaced,  “Oh, yeah. It’s a full palm and everything.”

“Great,” Jordan muttered under her breath.

“PUT ME DOWN!” You screamed, pounding your fists against her back, “LET ME GO! I DON’T WANNA GO!”

Leah ignored you completely, walking with long strides towards the entrance.

 Jordan followed, shaking her head in amusement, “This is going to be a great first impression,” She joked.

Leah rolled her eyes, “Yeah, yeah. Just get the door, will you?”

Jordan stepped ahead and pulled open the heavy door, and just like that, the first impression you made on the Arsenal squad was you kicking and screaming over Leah’s shoulder like a furious toddler.

The room fell into a stunned silence as all eyes turned to the commotion.

“Well, that is one way to make an entrance,” Beth Mead was the first to speak.

“Um, Leah. Did you… Have you kidnapped a child?” Jodie Taylor added, confused, clearly having forgotten that you were coming into the training grounds today.

Leah rolled her eyes, not letting you go to stop you having the chance to run off, “Ha ha very funny.”

“So, what time do you call this then?” Emma Mitchell joked.

“Sorry, we’re late, we had… trouble,” Jordan mumbled, setting your backpack down on the bench in the changing rooms.

“What in the… Jord, what’s happened to your face?” Danielle Carter questioned in concern.

“Ah, that’s nothing a little bit of ice can’t fix,” Jordan waved it off like it was nothing.

“PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME DOWN!” You continued to scream, not bothered in the slightest by everyone around.

“Here you both are! We were wondering where you both were!” Alex Scott wandered over with a wide grin on her face, “And here’s my favourite munchkin!”

You weren’t in the slightest bit phased about seeing her as you continued to hammer your fists against Leah’s back with a surprising amount of force for such a small child.

Alex winced at Jordan’s face, “Jesus, Jord. Well… that’s gonna leave a bruise, ain’t it?”

“Girls, this is…” Leah began to introduce you.

“PUT ME DOWN! I HATE YOU! LET ME GO!” You continued to hammer your fists on her back.

“... Monkey,” Leah finished.

“Oh! You mean we finally get to meet the little rascal…” Katie McCabe grinned, leaning forward to ruffle your hair.

“Katie, I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Jordan attempted to warn the Irish girl, “She’s in a… biting mood today, it seems.”

Katie rolled her eyes, still reaching a hand out toward you, “Ah, she’ll be grand. I’ve got siblings—”

Too late.

You spotted the hand, and the instinct took over.

You lunged, sinking your teeth right into Katie’s hand.

“AHHH— WHAT THE FUCK—” Katie shrieked out in absolute horror, trying to yank her hand away, but you had latched on like a feral cat—growling as you sunk your teeth into her skin.

“Monkey!” Leah scolded, prying you off, “Monkey! Let go. Now!”

Katie let out a strangled wail of pain as she tried to shake you off, but you were relentless, clinging onto her like a rabid animal, “Let fuckin’ go off me, yer little menace!”

Jordan sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Katie, I did warn you.”

Alex, still watching, snorted, “You’re really getting taken out by a twelve-year-old right now?”

“She’s a fuckin’ menace!” Katie hissed through gritted teeth, finally managing to pry you off her arm. She stumbled back, holding her now bruised and indented hand close to her chest.

Beth leaned in, inspecting the damage, “Oof. That’s pretty nasty, looks like it’s gonna scar.”

Some of the girls stood there horrified, and some of them snickered seeing such a fierce player being taken out by a twelve-year-old.

Kim raised an eyebrow, “You good, McCabe?”

“Yer, I’m all grand, it’s totally fine,” Katie said quickly, but her voice crackling slightly deceived her as her eyes were a little too shiny, “I’m… I’m just gonna go to the medical.”

“Oh, come on, I bet the damage is minor,” Emma Mitchell snickered.

“Do you need a tissue?” Fara Williams asked, biting back a grin.

Katie stood there, trying to fight back the tears, “I… I need to get it checked out. I’ll, er… I’ll be back,” She said as she took a step back and dipped out of the room.

Leah strode over to the bench, still carrying you like a misbehaving toddler as you wriggled and fought in her grip. The second she set you down, you tried to slide right off the bench, but Leah was quicker, placing a firm hand on your chest and pressing you back into place.

“Ah, ah, I don’t think so, little madam. You are staying right here, where I can keep an eye on you,” Leah’s tone left no room for argument.

“You got it from here, babe? I need to get ready for training before I’m any later,” Jordan reminded her, still rubbing a faint red mark on her face.

Leah nodded, settling her training kit on the bench beside you, “Yeah, leave it with me. I’m on light training anyway, remember?” She rested a hand on her stomach–a subtle reminder that she was now twelve weeks pregnant, and she was being extra careful.

Jordan smirked, “Good luck.”

Leah exhaled sharply, turning her full attention to you, “Right, I think you and I need to have a little chat, don’t we?” She crouched slightly so she was eye level while her gaze remained unwavering, “What was it I said earlier?”

You shifted, looking anywhere but at her.

“Monkey, what did I say?” Leah asked in that gentle tone of voice that still held some authority behind it. 

“No more bitin’ people anymore…” You crossed your arms with a scowl, eyes darting away stubbornly, “But she deserved it!”

“Monkey–”

“I’m a piranha! I swim in the Amazon!” You bared your teeth, giggling mischievously.

Leah groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose, “No, no, you’re not. I swear I’m gonna have to ban Finding Nemo if this carries on—”

Your eyes widened in pure horror, “Nooo!”

“Well then, stop with the biting!” Leah gave you a pointed look, “You’re not a dog, and you certainly don’t bite people. How do you think Katie feels now?”

You slumped dramatically, exaggerating your misery.

Leah raised an unimpressed brow, “Oh no, don’t start sulking now. You’re not the victim here, little lady,” She pulled off her hoodie, grabbing her training top as she spoke, “We don’t bite. We use our gentle hands.”

You huffed, kicking your feet against the bench, but Leah paid you no mind as she tugged her top over her head.

“I want you to apologise to Katie for biting her,” Leah continued as she adjusted the hem, “Because good girls don’t behave like that. Do they?”

Silence.

Leah paused, glancing at you, “I asked you a question, Monkey.”

You shrank slightly, mumbling under your breath.

Before Leah could push for an answer, a member of the training staff approached, interrupting her train of thought, “Leah, we need you for a quick check-in before light training.”

Leah sighed, rubbing a hand down her face, “Right, yeah, okay…”

That’s when you seized your opportunity to mutter just loud enough for her to catch it, “I don’t care, I’m not a fucking good girl.”

Leah, halfway through tying her shoelaces, froze. Her head snapped up, eyes narrowing as she processed what you had just said, “Excuse me, what did you just say?” Her voice was sharp, her patience already fraying, “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, or what you’ve been hearing at school, but you do not swear like that. That’s another week without your tablet.”

“Noo! That’s not fair!” You whined in protest, flailing your arms around.

Leah’s gaze lingered on you, frustration warring with disbelief in her eyes, “That’s too bad, you should have thought about that before using that colourful language, shouldn’t you?” 

“You’re a meanie!” You shouted, glaring at her while looking around to throw the nearest thing at her.

“Don’t you even think about throwing that,” Leah caught you in the middle of plotting to throw her own hoodie at her as she took it out of your hands, “That’s enough. We’ll deal with this properly later. Now come on, you’re coming with me so I can keep an eye on you. I’m not having you running riot around here.”

You didn’t budge, stubbornly crossing your arms and staying planted on the bench.

Leah’s jaw clenched, her patience hanging by a thread. Without another word, she grabbed your hand and yanked you up, “You need to start using your listening ears, little madam.”

As you are marched along, you can’t help but drag your feet dramatically while resisting every step. Then, with a wicked grin, you suddenly twisted your foot out, aiming straight for Leah’s ankle to try and trip her up.

Leah barely caught herself, tightening her grip on your wrist, “Oh, you little—! Do not try that again.”

You huffed, scowling up at her, but before you could plan your next move, you spotted one of the training staff walking just ahead and a mischievous idea sparked. Quick as a flash, you stomped down–hard–on Leah’s foot.

“Ow! What the—right, that’s it,” Leah hissed aloud in pain, stopping dead as she yanked you back with another force to make you stumble slightly, “You really are testing my patience today.”

The staff member turned, eyebrows raised, “Everything alright, Leah?”

Leah forced a strained smile, her grip tightening on your wrist, “Peachy.”

The staff member eyed you warily before wisely deciding not to get involved.

Leah crouched slightly so she was at your eye level again, her voice lower but even firmer, “You do not kick, bite, or stomp on people. None of this is acceptable at all! You carry on the way you’re going, and I promise you—you will not like the consequences. Now behave, or else. Understood?”

You tilted your head, faux-innocence dripping from your expression, “Oh, yeah? What consequences?”

Leah’s mouth opened slightly before she shut it again, her brain short-circuiting for the briefest second. Despite being a little shit, you had a point—what was she supposed to do with you?

The blonde’s lips pressed into a firm line as she struggled to come up with an answer, only for her grip to tighten slightly as she yanked you forward, “Come on, you menace,” She muttered, trying to save face as you grinned triumphantly.

Just as she hauled you towards the medic room, you could both hear voices echoing from inside.

“Stitches?! Oh my God, I’m gonna need stitches, aren’t I?!”

Leah exhaled sharply, already knowing exactly who that was. She pushed open the door, and there sat Katie, legs splayed out dramatically as the medic examined her arm, looking absolutely horrified.

“You’ll live,” The medic replied dryly.

Katie, however, wasn’t convinced, “Are you sure, though? I mean, it feels like a deep bite. What if it’s, like, internal bleeding?”

The medic sighed, patting Katie’s arm, “You’ll be fine. Worst case, you’ll just need a tetanus shot.”

Katie’s eyes went wide in horror, “A tetanus shot?!”

Leah rolled her eyes, shoving you gently into a chair before looking at Katie, “It’s a bite, McCabe. Not a gunshot wound.”

That’s when Katie spotted Leah and you properly, sitting up straight as her whole demeanor shifted in an instant, “Yer’ know what, I think I might be fine after all—umm I’m good now, thanks,” She mumbled quickly, hopping off the table like she hadn’t just been five seconds away from asking for a priest.

“Keep yer’ little ankle biter away from me, Leah,” Katie mumbled, moving towards the door in a hurry, “I might ‘ave to get a bloomin’ jab cause of ‘er!”

Leah rolled her eyes in response, “Oh, for crying out loud—Katie, it’s just a bite. You’re being dramatic.”

You giggled, earning a sharp look from Leah.

Katie glared at her, “Yer, but it’s a deep bite. From a feral child–your feral child. I swear if she attempts to bite me again…”

The Irish girl attempted to move towards the door, but the moment she passed you, you grinned at her, baring your teeth before snapping them together hard.

Katie actually jumped in fear before trying to play it cool, her lips pressing into a thin line.

“You got a problem, buddy?” You taunted, your voice dropping into a cocky rhythm, “Huh? Huh? Do ya, do ya, do ya?” You snapped your teeth again, inching forward slightly.

Leah yanked you back immediately, “Oh, absolutely not!”

Katie muttered something under her breath, shooting you a wary glance before practically sprinting out of the medic room.

Leah turned to you, pinching the bridge of her nose, “You are going to be the death of me.”

“Me?” You just grinned and bared your teeth again, “I’m innocent. I’m just pretendin’ to be a piranha like in Finding Nemo!”

“I’m bored. I’m bored…” You swung your legs in sync, sighing dramatically, “I’m so bored.”

Leah, in the middle of a light workout, shot you an unimpressed look, “Give it a rest, Monkey. I know you don’t want to sit here, but I’m not trusting you to run wild unsupervised.”

“But it’s boring in ‘ere! Why do I have to sit and do nothing? It’s not fair!” You complained, glaring at Leah from your spot where you’d been told to sit and not move.

“Monkey—”

“I wanna go kick a ball around, not be stuck in here!” You groaned in exaggeration, slumping your shoulders dramatically. You were itching to move, to cause some kind of mischief.

Leah arched an eyebrow, “Then maybe you should’ve thought about that before you acted like you did this morning, huh? You’ve not exactly been an angel, have you?”

“I won’t cause no more trouble though!” You tried, flashing your best innocent look.

Leah wasn’t entirely convinced, “Oh yeah? And how am I supposed to believe that?”

“Dunno, but I don’t wanna be stuck in ‘ere. It’s dumb and borin’!” You complained, the tone in your voice sounding particularly whiny, but you didn’t care–you just wanted to be free.

Leah was about to respond when a voice cut in from the doorway.

“Alright, Le? How’s motherhood treating you then?” Clare Wheatley—Arsenal Women’s Development Manager—strode into the gym, her amused gaze flickering between the two of you, “Nice to finally meet your little troublemaker. Katie’s been wittering on about her war wound. You must’ve really sunk your teeth in, eh?”

You grinned, baring your teeth like a feral little gremlin.

Leah groaned, rubbing a hand down her face, “Yeah, at this rate, I’m personally blaming Finding Nemo.”

Clare raised an eyebrow.

Leah sighed, “The one time I wish she’d actually watched Shrek instead.”

While Leah was distracted, you spotted a row of yoga balls stacked in the corner of the gym. A grin spread across your face as you walked over to them, picking one up and bouncing it.

“Bouncy. Bouncy. Bouncy,” You murmured to yourself, entertained for a whole five seconds before an even better idea popped into your head.

“Monkey!” Leah’s voice snapped you from your thoughts, her sharp tone making you jump, “Don’t you even dare—”

You didn’t listen. It was too late. With a mischievous giggle, you yeeted the yoga ball across the room, watching it sail through the air before colliding directly with Kim Little, sending her toppling over.

“---throw that ball,” Leah finished, immediately abandoning her workout. Her eyes narrowed as she stormed towards you, “What did I just say? You’re really not listening today, are you?”

Kim picked herself back up, rubbing her elbow with a confused scowl, “Who the hell threw that ball at me?” She demanded, scanning the room—until her gaze landed on you.

Leah looked mortified.

And you? You decided to be cheeky.

You put on your most innocent expression while tilting your head, “Erm…  I can’t understand a fuckin’ word that you're sayin’ right now.”

Leah sucked in a sharp breath through her teeth, “Monkey!”

You turned round to look at her, continuing to look innocent, “What? I didn’t do nuffin’!”

“Don’t think you’re fooling me with that look,” Leah scolded you, standing there with her hands on your hips, “What’ve I told you about swearing? I don’t want to hear another word like that come out of your mouth today. Understood?”

“Understood?” You mimicked, copying Leah’s stance, hands on your hips.

Leah’s look on you hardened, “You needn’t think you’re being funny or clever right now—I don’t know what’s gotten into you today, young lady, but I’ve just about had it with your behaviour. And if you carry on, then you’re going the right way to not getting your tablet back at all!”

“Noooo!” You wailed, “You can’t do that!”

“Try me. No more swearing or I’ll wash your mouth out with soap,” Leah wasn’t backing down anytime soon, crossing her arms over her chest before looking at Kim apologetically, “Kim, I’m so sorry! Are you alright? I honestly don’t know what’s gotten into her today. She’s just acting out, and all sorts, I swear she’s usually not like this!”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” Kim brushed her hands on her shorts and dusted herself off, “This kid needs a timeout, Leah.”

You suddenly looked at her in awe, “Oh my God. Are you Shrek? You sound like him!”

Kim blinked in disbelief, “What?”

“You’re a realistic real-life Shrek!” You exclaimed, bouncing up and down in excitement, before you gasped aloud, “Do the roar! Do the roar!” You insisted.

“What? I’m… I’m not gonna roar,” Kim mumbled, exasperated and already looking like she was done with you, “I’m not doing that.”

“Oh,” You pouted, sticking your bottom lip out while attempting to look at her with big, wide eyes, “Please? Pretty please? Pretty pretty please?”

“Absolutely not,” Kim replied in firm disagreement.

You weren’t ready to back down. Not yet, at least.

“Do it,” You stated bluntly.

Kim shook her head, “No. I’m not… I’m not going to roar.”

You frowned, “... Fine. You’re borin’ not doin’ it,” Then, an idea popped into your head, and you beamed, “Oh! Oh! Do you know the muffin man?”

“The muffin man?” Kim murmured, confused.

Leah groaned, running a hand through her hair, “No, Monkey, don’t—”

“THE MUFFIN MAN!” You shrieked, beaming a wide smile, “Kim! How old are you? Where do you live?”

“I… What?” Kim looked at you in utter confusion.

At that moment, Jordan appeared in the doorway like a knight in shining armour, taking one look at the situation before offering a weary smile, “Bad day?”

Leah turned, her patience hanging by a thread, “I’ve just about had it with her antics, Jord! First, she slapped you, then she bit Katie, tried to trip me up and stomped on my foot, and now she’s only gone and launched one of them bloody yoga balls at Kim and then swore.”

You gasped aloud, “You swore, Le! You need to wash your mouth out with soap!”

Leah shot you a deadpan look, “Oh, don’t even start with me, Monkey. You are in no position to be calling me out right now.”

Jordan, unfazed, stepped forward, “We’re going to get lunch now. Let me take her?”

Leah hesitated, knowing Katie would be there and you were likely to cause any more trouble, “Are you sure that’s such a good idea?”

“It’ll be fine,” Jordan nodded, waving her off, “You need a break as well. You can’t be stressing yourself out, it’s not good for you nor the baby. I can handle it.”

Leah sighed, looking at you before nodding, “Alright. But if she starts to act up, call me.”

“I will, but don’t worry, I can handle her for a bit. In the meantime, just try and relax, please,” Jordan grinned, ruffling your hair, “Come on, little one. Let’s go before you cause any more trouble in here, yeah?”

You huffed, but followed, already plotting your next mischief.

“Right then, so what’d you do to cause Le to look like she’s about to have an aneurysm, huh?” Jordan questioned as you wandered alongside her, peering down at you with an amused expression.

“I dunno,” You said, feigning innocence with a casual shrug, “I didn’t do nuffin’ that bad. I only threw a yoga ball at Shrek–but it was an accident. Kinda.”

Jordan snorted, side-eyeing you with amusement, “Shrek?” She repeated.

“Kim,” You clarified, swinging your arms as you walked, “She sounds just like Shrek, Jordy! I even asked her to do the roar, but she wouldn’t. So lame.”

Jordan shook her head, trying not to laugh, “And I’m guessing Leah didn’t find that funny?”

“Nope, ‘cos I swore, and now she’s threatening to wash my mouth out with soap,” You wrinkled your nose, “What does that mean? She’s not actually gonna make me eat soap, is she? That’s gross. And I didn’t swear that much!”

Jordan hummed faintly, “Mmm, I find that hard to believe, little one,” She teased, ruffling your hair, “Le wouldn’t just threaten that out of the blue, would she?”

You hesitated, “... Okay, maybe I did. But I didn’t mean it! It just slipped out—”

“I thought as much,” Jordan failed to hide her amusement as she pushed open the canteen door. The room was already bustling with people, teammates scattered around the tables, chatting and eating, “Tell you what—maybe we try not to stress Le out any more today, yeah? We gotta be careful, for her and the baby. Remember?”

You furrowed your brows but nodded reluctantly, “I can do that.”

“Good girl,” Jordan praised, guiding you further inside, 

“Oh look, it’s the ankle biter,” Katie teased from the nearby table, flashing you a grin, “Yer not gonna try an take another chomp out of my arm, are yer?” 

Immediately, you ducked behind Jordan, peeking out cautiously.

“She’s just messing with you, little one,” Jordan chuckled, nudging you forward gently, “C’mon. Let’s grab a seat. You can either come with me to pick out your lunch, or I’ll grab something for you while you sit.”

“No food,” You stubbornly decided, shaking your head in protest, “I don’t want lunch. I don’t want it!”

“You have to eat something, little one,” Jordan reminded you, keeping her patience, “So, you either come and pick what you want to eat, or I’ll get it for you?” She repeated.

“No, no, I don’t want nuffin’ to eat for ‘tupid lunch!” You exclaimed, not wanting to eat any of the food at all.

Jordan exhaled a sigh, running her hand through her hair, “Monkey, you need to eat something at least, or you’ll feel hungry later on—”

You weren’t in the mood to listen at all, instead taking the opportunity to run over to Alex–maybe she’d not make you eat lunch?

“Hey, look who it is!” Alex called from her seat, grinning as she held her arms out wide, “Can I get a hug from my favourite munchkin? I didn’t get one earlier, did I?”

Without hesitation, you launch into her arms, “Auntie Al! Auntie Al!” You exclaimed, gripping onto her with the single thought in mind that you know she wouldn’t make you eat lunch, not if you don’t want to.

“Oh, that’s a much better greeting than earlier,” Alex teased, amusedly as she held you tightly, “What’re you running away from, eh?” She tickled you.

“Apparently, someone doesn’t want to eat lunch today,” Jordan said, sharing a half-amused look with Alex, “Maybe you might have a bit more luck than I am?”

“Ah, I see,” Alex smirked, knowingly, “Why don’t you want to eat anything for lunch, munchkin? I bet your tummy will be grumbling soon!”

“Nuh uh, not it won’t,” You remarked, thinking that you knew best in this situation.

Jordan exhaled a sigh, shaking her head, “I told Le I would handle getting her lunch and don’t fancy the wrath of a pregnant lady today,” She explained to the older girl, “Am I alright to leave her with you, while I go and grab us both a bit of lunch? Le is just finishing up in the gym and then she’ll be coming here to join us.”

“Not a problem, I love hanging out with my favourite little munchkin,” Alex teased as you wormed your way to sit on her lap and play with her bracelet on her wrist, “I’ll keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t bite anyone else.” She joked.

“Life saviour,” Jordan remarked playfully, leaning forward to ruffle your hair, “I’m just going over there, little one. You’ll be able to see me, and I’ll be right back with some lunch. Be good for Auntie Al.”

You wordlessly agreed as you continued to mess with Alex’s bracelet that she had on. You didn’t care to listen to the conversation around you with the rest of the older girls dotted around the table.

“So, how come you don’t want to eat lunch, madam?” Alex questioned, nudging you playfully.

“I dunno,” You mumbled with a small shrug.

Alex smiled, smoothing a stray hair from your face, “That’s okay. Tell you what–let’s see what Jordan brings you back for lunch and if you don’t like it, you can come up with me and pick something out? There’ll be loads of options. I think there might even be pizza or nuggets.”

“Ummm,” You pretended to ponder the thought, tapping your chin, “Can I have chocolate cake?” You asked sweetly, hopeful you could charm your way into getting it.

Alex gasped in mock surprise, “Chocolate cake? Now that doesn’t sound like a very healthy choice for lunch, does it, munchkin?”

You pouted in response, “Yeah, but it tastes good, Auntie Al!”

Alex chuckled but shook her head firmly, “How about this? We’ll pick out something yummy for lunch first, and then if you eat that, we’ll see about the chocolate cake afterwards.”

You let out an exaggerated sigh, tilting your head dramatically, “But what if I eat it really fast? Then nobody would even know.”

“Nice try, munchkin, but you’re not tricking me,” Alex gave you a pointed look, “Eat your lunch first, and then we’ll talk about it.”

“I don’t like you anymore,” You huffed, crossing your arms over your chest, “You’re mean for not letting me ‘ave it! Jordy would let me ‘ave it!”

“Jordy would let you have what exactly?” Jordan asked, appearing just in time with two plates balanced in her hands. She set one in front of you, eyeing you with a knowing smirk, “What’s Auntie Alex being mean about now?”

“I want chocolate cake,” You whined, dragging out the words as if they physically hurt to say.

“Chocolate cake, huh?” Jordan raised an eyebrow, “Well, if you want that, then you need to eat your lunch first. And then afterwards we can see about getting you some.”

You weren’t so keen on that answer, sticking your bottom lip out, “B… But I want it now, J… Jordy!”

“Just because you want something doesn’t mean you get it right away, little one,” Jordan reminded you with an amused expression.

“T… That’s not fair. I… I want it!” You whined, not used to not getting your own way, as you proceeded to kick the chair like that would help matters.

“I want doesn’t get, Monkey,” Jordan remained calm and patient as she stuck her fork in her food, “Now come on, it’s pasta–you love pasta.”

“N… No!” You blurted, voice climbing in pitch, “I don’t… I don’t like no more! I… I want cake!” Before anyone could stop you, your hand shot out and you flung a handful of pasta across the table. It sailed through the air and hit Katie square in the face with a wet splat.

“Oi!” Katie blinked in stunned silence, noodles clinging to her cheek. She slowly wiped them off and gave you a deadpan look, “Am I just yer target today or what?”

“Looks that way,” Beth snorted, covering her mouth with her hand to stifle a laugh.

Jordan, to her credit, didn’t flinch. She calmly reached out and took your arm with a gentle but firm grip, “Hey. That’s not okay to do that, Monkey. We don’t throw food at people. It’s not nice, is it?”

“I don’t care!” You shouted, twisting and thrashing in your chair to get away from her, tears pricking at your eyes. The table had gone quiet again, but you were already far too gone to notice.

Jordan exhaled a long, tired sigh, dragging a hand down her face, “Fine. Alright. But until you eat something for lunch, you’re not getting any cake,” She said firmly, tone brooking no room for negotiation.

“Nooo!” You wailed, crumpling like a ragdoll as you threw yourself dramatically to the floor, “I want… I want chocolate c…cake!”

Jordan barely blinked, completely unfazed by the meltdown now erupting at her feet, “And you can have cake,” She said with practised calm, “After you’ve eaten your pasta. Now, up you get and come eat your lunch, please.”

“I… I don’t want that. I… I want cake!” You shrieked, fists pounding the floor, legs kicking wildly, It’s gross! You’re mean makin’ me eat that horrible stuff! I don’t want to eat it! You can’t make me!”

Jordan’s cheeks flushed, aware of the growing number of eyes turning towards you from around the canteen. A few teammates looked up from their meals–some sympathetic, some amused, others visibly trying not to laugh.

“Monkey…” Jordan muttered, crouching slightly, voice low and mortified, “Come on now. Get up off the floor. Please, little one.”

But you didn’t budge one bit. Not even an inch. You were in full meltdown mode.

Jordan blew out a heavy sigh, muttering something under her breath before pinching the bridge of her nose, “Alright. Fine. You win. You can have chocolate cake as long as you get up off the floor.”

Immediately, the tears dried up. You sat upright like a spring, rubbing your face and standing next to her with an innocent little smile, as if the past five minutes hadn’t even happened, “Cake now, please?” You chirped sweetly.

“Yeah. Cake now,” Jordan blinked, lips pursed.

“You caved way too easily then,” Beth piped up from a few chairs down, her voice thick with amusement.

Jordan turned slowly, fixing her with a look, “I’m sorry, would you prefer her to still be screaming the place down?”

“Touche,” Beth grinned, spearing a cherry tomato off her plate with her fork.

“Right, come on then, you,” Jordan gently nudged you forward, “If I get you this cake, it’s on the condition of no more tantrums, yeah? Deal?”

“Deal!” You beamed, skipping alongside her.

But the moment you reached the food counter, Jordan frowned, eyes scanning the trays, “Little one, there’s no cake here.”

Your face twisted in disbelief, “Yes, there is! You’re lyin’ to me!” You snapped, stabbing an accusatory finger in her direction, “There… There is cake!”

“No, I’m not,” Jordan replied calmly, crossing her arms as she glanced down at you, “I’m looking, Monkey, and there’s none here.”

“Yes, you am! I seen it over there!” You insisted, wiggling your little finger furiously towards the far table, where a plate of cake sat under a loose bit of clingfilm, “I want that one!”

Jordan followed your pointed finger and blinked in realisation, “Ohhh, Monkey, that’s leftover cake that Kelly has brought in,” She explained, “If you would like some of it, then you’ve got to use your nice words and ask, little one.”

You didn’t like that answer. Not one bit.

“N… No, I don’t!” You huffed, folding your arms stubbornly, “You do it for me!”

“I’m not going to do it for you, Monkey,” Jordan gave you a look, the kind that meant she wasn’t budging, “You’re a big girl, yeah? You know how to be polite. If you want some cake, then you need to use your voice and ask nicely.”

You stared at her, lower lip wobbling slightly, “I… I don’t wanna do it,” You mumbled, your confidence draining with every second.

But before another whine could escape, the teammate in question—Anna Moorhouse—who had brought in leftover cake from her birthday–had spotted the exchange. With a soft smile and a half-eaten sandwich in her other hand, she made her way over.

“Hello, again,” Anna greeted warmly, holding a paper plate with a slice of cake on it in her hand, ““Would you like a piece of cake? It’s really good.”

Your cheeks went red. All that fuss and now you were going shy. You nodded bashfully, “Y… Yes please,” You murmured, barely above a whisper.

“There we go,” Anna grinned, crouching slightly as she held out the plate, “That’s more like it, Enjoy it, kid—it’s proper good cake, that.”

You took hold of the paper plate with both hands like it was treasure.

“What do we say to Anna, little one?” Jordan prompted gently.

“T…Thank you,” You stuttered the words.

“You’re very welcome,” Anna beamed, ruffling your hair with her free hand—brave, considering your usual tendency to nip when touched unexpectedly.

“Come on then, you,” Jordan said, steering you gently back towards the table, “Thanks, Anna.”

“No problem,” Anna chuckled.

As soon as your bum hit the seat, your finger swiped a generous dollop of chocolate frosting, and you shoved it straight in your mouth, your face lighting up in delight, “Mmm! It’s yummy!”

Jordan chuckled, shaking her head as she sat down beside you, “I’m glad you like it. But you’d better eat it fast, though, before Le comes in, otherwise I’m gonna end up in the bad books.”

“I heard my name,” Leah walked into the canteen right at that moment, Kim alongside her, just in time to catch the tail end of the conversation, “Why would you be in the bad books?” She asked, confused.

However, the confusion doesn’t last long.

Leah’s gaze immediately zeroed in on the cake in front of you, and then up to Jordan in disbelief, “Are you being serious? Please don’t tell me that’s what you’ve given her for lunch?”

Jordan stood up straight, already on the defensive, “Le, she was screaming. What was I supposed to do? I’m not gonna be that parent who lets her cause a scene. You’d have done the same.”

“No,” Leah said sharply, folding her arms, “No, I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t have given in so easily, for a start,” Her eyes never left the cake as she stepped closer, “I left you in charge, Jord. One tantrum and you cave?”

Without warning, Leah reached for the cake in your hands.

You weren’t letting go.

There was a brief but intense tug of war before the inevitable happened—the cake flung from your grip and launched through the air, landing with a soft splatter squarely on Kim’s chest.

Kim blinked, looking down. Smeared chocolate frosting now decorating her shirt, “This kid…” She muttered, dabbing her face with a napkin, “Needs a serious timeout.”

“MONKEY!” Leah snapped.

You flinched immediately, arms flying up to shield your face like muscle memory, “N… No, don’t hurt me!”

Silence hit the canteen like a dropped plate.

Leah’s expression shattered, her anger vanishing in an instant, “Oh, baby. No—no, no, I won’t hurt you,” She said, her voice soft as she dropped to her knees beside you.

But it was already too late.

Your body was shaking, eyes wide and distant. Your breath came in shallow, panicked gasps. The noise around you faded to a blur–you couldn’t hear her. Not really. Not through the terror.

“Monkey, look at me. Please, my girl, look at me,” Leah begged, her hands hovering helplessly in the air, too afraid to touch you in case it sent you spiralling further, “You’re safe. I swear, you’re safe. I’m sorry–I didn’t mean to shout, I’d never hurt you.”

Jordan stepped in gently, “Le, maybe let me—”

“No, I’ve got her,” Leah murmured, refusing to take her eyes off you. Her hands were trembling now as she reached out, her fingertips brushing your arm, “Baby, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it. I promise. I’d never hurt you.”

You whimpered, curling in on yourself like you were trying to disappear, “Did… Didn’t mean it… I didn’t mean it…” You whispered over and over, rocking slightly.

It shattered something in Leah. The way you pulled away from her—the first time you’d ever rejected her touch.

“Monkey,” Leah breathed, “My girl…come here—please…”

Alex was suddenly there, her hand resting on Leah’s shoulder, “C’mon, Le. Let’s get some air. Just for a minute.”

Reluctantly, Leah let herself be guided away, her face pale, eyes lingering on you until the very last second, “What have I done?” She mumbled to herself.

Jordan stayed behind, heart pounding as she watched them go. Once she was sure Leah was in safe hands, she turned—ready to comfort you.

But you were gone.

“Monkey?” Jordan’s voice sharpened, panic creeping in fast.

Scanning the room, there was no sign of you.

“Monkey,” Jordan called again, her voice quiet but insistent, full of coaxing and concern, “Little one, it’s not the time for hide and seek, okay? Please, come out for me…” Her eyes darted nervously beneath tables, behind chairs, her breath caught in her throat. Each passing second of silence made her heart beat louder, the room feeling colder as she realised—

You were gone.

“Why,” Leah dragged her hand over her face, “Why do I always have to be the bad guy, all the time? It’s not fair!”

“I know, I know that it might seem that way right now—” Alex began gently.

“Seem it? Al, I know it. Jord just caves whenever Monkey even starts to throw a strop, and sure, I’m left to pick up the pieces!” Leah huffed, exasperated.

“Le, calm down. It’s not good to be stressed out. For you, and the little guy wriggling around in there,” Alex nodded to Leah’s bump with a soft smile.

“I can’t just—How do you… What makes you think it’s going to be a boy?” Leah asked, confused.

“Call it my intuition, eh?” Alex chuckled, “I know you’re annoyed, Le, but you can’t stress yourself out. I saw what she was like in there, and it was bad, Le. I know what she can be like, and this… this was worse, Le. She wasn’t going to eat her lunch, and sure, Jord gave her cake. It was a solution to the problem. I… I don’t think this is about the cake, is it?”

“No, it’s not– I know it’s just cake… “ Leah’s voice cracked, “She just… She flinched, Al. She fucking flinched away from me—I caused that. I made her feel so scared that it made her think she was back at Marks’ house—but how… how do I get past that?”

“You know that she isn’t really scared of you, Le, and that little girl loves you so much,” Alex insisted, her tone of voice remaining calm, “And you will be able to get past it.”

“I don’t know why I had to shout,” Leah admitted, running a hand through her hair, “I’ve never done that before. Not even when she threw that tantrum in Tesco and screamed at me like I’d stolen her whole world.”

“A tantrum in Tesco?” Alex questioned, letting out a low whistle, “What happened to cause that then?”

Leah let out a low laugh, shaking her head, “It was silly. She wanted sweets, and I told her no… She wasn’t hearing any of it.”

“I want it!” You whined, clutching the packet of Jelly Babies like your life depended on it. You’d already been told no—but that never really stopped you from asking again.

Leah came to a stop in the middle of the cereal aisle, sighing as she turned to you, “We’ve already been through this, Monkey. No sweets today.”

You pouted, still holding on stubbornly, “Why not? I want them!”

“We’re not here for treats. We’ve got a list, remember?” Leah said, voice calm but firm, “Do you want more Coco Pops or something else for breakfast?”

You didn’t care for breakfast. Not when Jelly Babies were in your hands, “You’re mean,” You muttered, and then, for the dramatic effect, dropped yourself to the floor with a thud.

Leah pinched the bridge of her nose, “You need to behave, Monkey. We’re here to get what we need. No sweets today.”

“You’re horrible!” You snapped, tears brimming in your eyes.

“Monkey—” Leah began.

You were distraught, flailing your arms on the floor of the supermarket, “No! I want it!”

Leah knelt slightly, trying to keep her voice steady despite the glares from nearby shoppers, “Get up off the floor, please. Monkey, come on—if you’re not going to behave, we’ll leave the shop and go straight home.”

“I see,” Alex nodded in understanding, “But right now, right here, it’s normal be overwhelmed. You’re human, Le. And even the best mums snap sometimes,” Alex reminded her best friend, pulling her out of her thoughts.

Leah’s voice broke as she sat down hard on the edge of the sofa in a different room, pressing her hands against her face, “I scared her, Al,” She whispered, “I’ve worked so hard to make her feel safe… safe with me—safe with me, and Jord. And in one second, I undid all of that.”

Alex knelt in front of her, gentle but steady, placing a hand on her knee, “You didn’t undo anything, Le. One moment doesn’t erase everything else. You’ve held her through the nightmares. You’ve handled the accidents like a pro. You’ve rocked her through panic attacks and let her sob into your top until it was soaked through. That’s what counts. Not one raised voice.”

“But I raised it, Al,” Leah whispered, eyes red, “She looked at me like I was him. Like I was him. And I hate myself for it.”

“She doesn’t think you’re him,” Alex said softly, rubbing gentle circles against Leah’s knee, “She’s traumatised, Leah. You know that, and sometimes, her brain can’t tell the difference. That’s not on you. That’s on him. You didn’t cause that fear—he did. You’re the one teaching her that it’s okay to feel scared and still be loved.”

“It’s been a constant battle the last several weeks, ever since Monkey has started having these supervised visits with Mark. It’s… It’s like she’s a completely different child right now,” Leah admitted, hanging her head low.

“Oh?”

“Last Sunday, we all went round to my Grandma’s for Sunday dinner, with the whole family, and well, let’s just say that Monkey did not want to eat the roast dinner that was cooked,” Leah filled her best friend in.

“Right, everyone—food’s ready whenever you want to all come and sit down before anything gets cold,” Berny gestured to the food dotted around the table, “Gravy is in the middle, and everything else that you need.”

“Finally, I’m starving!” Jacob exclaimed, not wasting any time to race to the large table.

Holly took a seat opposite her younger cousin, “Oh, Grandma. This looks amazing!”

“It does, indeed,” Jordan agreed, glancing over the table where there were several plates of steaming food, “Come on, little one. Are you coming to sit at the table with us all?”

“I’ve set you out a special place, sweetheart,” Berny gestured to the plate and cutlery set up between Amanda and Leah, “I made sure that there are loads of Yorkshire puddings too since Le told me they are your favourite.”

“Come on, cheeky monkey,” Amanda knelt down beside you, “We’re all going to sit down and eat Sunday dinner. Do you want to sit beside me?”

You looked away briefly from your Lego that was sprawled all over Berny’s carpet, “No, thank you, ‘Manda.”

“Well, at least she was polite about it,” Ben, Leah’s cousin, joked as he moved to sit at the table beside Jacob, “I can’t wait to eat, I’m starvin’!”

Leah shot her Ben a deadpan look, then turned her focus to you, “Come on, sit down now, Monkey. You can continue to play with your Lego after you’ve eaten something.”

You shook your head stubbornly, bottom lip jutting out as you turned back to your half-built tower, “Don’t want to eat. Wanna build instead.”

Leah crossed her arms, her voice gentle but firm, “You’ve been playing with your Lego all afternoon, baby. It’s dinnertime now, yeah? Everyone’s waiting for us to join the table.”

“I want nuggets,” You said without looking up, forcing a yellow brick into place.

“We’re not eating nuggets tonight,” Jordan chimed in with a smile, reaching for the condiments, “We’re having roast chicken, remember? It’s like a giant chicken nugget but without the batter.”

“No! I said I want nuggets!” You snapped, turning back around with a pout and crossing your arms tightly.

“You had nuggets last night, and the night before,” Leah reminded you calmly, “Today, we’re eating a Sunday roast dinner. You don’t have to eat all of it, but you need to sit at the table and try, Monkey.”

“I don’t want to!” You whined, already pushing yourself to your feet, “I’m not hungry! I just want to play!”

“Monkey,” Leah warned as you took one step towards the hallway, “Sit. Down.”

“I hate roast dinners! And I hate Yorkshires cos’ they’re stupid!” You shouted, crossing your arms and stomping your foot, making Bella bark from the corner where she was curled up.

“Excuse me,” Amanda said, raising her eyebrow, “We do not shout at the dinner table, especially not when someone’s worked hard to make us food.”

“I’m not eatin’ your dumb food! It’s yucky!” You screamed louder, hands clenched into fists now.

The table fell into a tense hush.

Jacob paused mid-bite, Ben’s fork hovered halfway to his mouth. Holly winced, eyes wide. Even Berny’s eyebrows raised, but she stayed cool as ever, simply sliding the gravy boat close to her.

Leah slowly got to her feet, walking over, “Right. That’s enough,” She said in a voice that meant she wasn’t playing around anymore.

“No!” You shrieked, throwing yourself forward and knocking over your Lego with a frustrated yell. Before anyone could stop you, you reached out and gave your plate on the table a hard push, sending it clattering to the floor.

Ben let out a low whistle, “Oh, damn…”

“We should have seen that one coming,” Jordan, Leah’s older cousin, muttered, taken aback at your outburst, shaking her head.

“Monkey!” Jordan gasped, standing up as well, “Absolutely not. You do not throw food!”

“I hate it here!” You wailed, tears springing to your eyes, “And I hate ‘tupid roast Sunday dinners! I wanna go home!”

Leah crouched down in front of you, “Alright. I get that you are overwhelmed, but this behaviour is not okay, and you know that. If you don’t want to eat, then that is fine, but I want you to sit on the sofa and calm down. You’re not playing with any Lego either until you’ve said sorry for shouting and throwing.”

You shook your head wildly, bottom lip trembling, tears still falling, “No! I don’t wanna do that! I wanna sit with Bella!”

“Bella isn’t your safe space right now, sweetheart,” Amanda said, her tone soft but firm, “Your safe space is with us, and right now we’re all trying to eat dinner together as a family.”

You stomped your foot again and then dropped to the floor dramatically, crying louder now.

“I think someone’s a bit overdone,” Berny said quietly, passing the roast potatoes to Holly as though your meltdown wasn’t happening two feet away.

“Leah’s kid is feral,” Ben whispered to Jacob.

“Oi,” Jordan, Leah’s cousin, warned from across the table, “She’s just having a hard time. Don’t be a dick.”

Leah let out a slow breath and gently pulled you into her lap, letting you sob into her chest as she rocked you slightly, “It’s alright. I’ve got you. Shh now. Big feelings, yeah? We’ll talk after, but no more shouting, my girl.

Holly passed the mashed potatoes down and whispered to Amanda, “Should we save her a plate for later?”

Amanda just nodded, “We’ll warm it up when she’s ready.”

Leah continued to rub your back in soothing small circles, “Now, how about we go eat dinner at the table, with everyone else?”

“M’ not hungry. I… I don’t want it,” You hiccuped between sobs, clinging to her shirt like your life depended on it.

“I know you don’t want to eat it, and that’s okay, baby, but I’m pretty hungry myself, so how about we go sit at the dinner table with everyone else? You can continue to sit on my lap, you don’t have to move, but I do need to eat.”

You sniffled but reluctantly nodded, feeling the warmth of her lap as she guided you back towards the table. Leah carefully positioned you so you were sitting comfortably in her lap, still clinging to her shirt. She picked up her fork and took a small bite of her food, her other hand still rubbing your back gently.

“I think it was a lot for her to deal with, all of my family together, in one place,” Leah admitted, exhaling a sigh, “Tossed her whole dinner on the floor. Classic Monkey.”

Alex chuckled, shaking her head in amusement, “What did she end up eating in the end?”

“Grandma plated her up another dinner—it turned out that she wasn’t a huge fan of the gravy, but somehow, she decided that tomato ketchup tasted better,” Leah let out a humourless laugh as she rested a protective hand over her growing bump, “How am I meant to do this with another baby, Al? I can’t even get it right with Monkey.”

“You did–You are getting it right with Monkey,” Alex said firmly, “She’s here, isn’t she? Still choosing you every single day. You’re the one she cries for when she’s scared. You’re the one she wants when she’s overwhelmed. This isn’t because you’re perfect. It’s because you’re her mum, biologically or not. You’re her mum—you and Jord, you’re raising that girl, and that’s what matters.”

A silence settled between them, thick but gentle, and then—

“I just keep thinking about her flinching,” Leah said, barely above a whisper, “It was so quick. Like instinct. Like something in her said, danger. And it was me. It was me.”

Alex sighed, her eyes soft with empathy, “And did you hit her?”

Leah recoiled, “Of course I didn’t—!”

“Exactly,” Alex interrupted, “You didn’t hit her. You didn’t even touch her. You shouted. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t the end of the world. You didn’t hurt her, Le. Not really. You scared her, and now you’re here, falling apart because of that. That tells me everything I need to know.”

Leah let her head drop against the back of the sofa, “I just want to be her safe person.”

“You are,” Alex promised, “You’re not the bad guy. You’re the mum. And sometimes, being the mum means saying no to cake and dealing with the meltdown that follows. And sometimes, it means accidentally shouting because you’re pregnant and tired and overwhelmed and your child is being an absolute brat.”

Despite herself, Leah gave a short laugh through her tears, “She was being a brat.”

“The brattiest,” Alex grinned, “But she’s still your brat. And you’ve still got time to fix it.”

Leah sniffled, wiping her eyes, “I’ll go and talk to her later.”

“Good,” Alex said, standing up, “And after that, go take a lie down or something and let someone else take care of Monkey, because you, my dear, need rest.”

“You volunteering?” Leah smirked faintly.

“I mean… I am fond of the munchkin,” Alex winked, “But seriously. Lean on people, Le. You’re allowed to. You don’t have to carry this whole thing on your back.”

Leah nodded slowly, glancing down at her small bump, “I just want to get it right.”

“You already are,” Alex reminded her, gently.

Leah leaned forward and let Alex pull her into a hug, one hand still over her belly, while the other clung to her shoulder of someone who had been there through every high and low, before pulling away, “I am feeling exhausted. Monkey refused to go to bed last night because she was worried about having an accident.”

“Oh, no,” Alex frowned, “Poor munchkin… I had no idea things were that bad, Le. If her behaviour is this bad because of the visits, then surely there’s something social services can do to stop them?”

Leah exhaled a sigh, “No… Unfortunately, it’s the courts that get the final say on these things. But it’s just not… every visit is like undoing all the progress. Take bedtime last night for example, it should be simple, right?”

Alex grimaced, “I’m guessing it wasn’t?”

“Absolutely not. I spent half an hour chasing her around the house, and that was just to wrestle her into her pyjamas,” Leah muttered, a small, exhausted laugh leaving her lips, “She was wild. Not in a naughty way—just… she was panicked.”

“Monkey, come here,” Leah called aloud, exasperated as she chased you through the house, “It’s time for bed!”

“No! I’m not tired!” You yelled, your voice high-pitched with defiance as you darted into the hallway.

Leah followed, holding your pyjamas in one hand and trying to keep calm, “It’s late, sweetheart. You need to get some rest—we’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”

“I don’t wanna!” You stomped your foot hard, arms crossed, your whole face screwed up with resistance, “I’m not goin’ to bed! You’re a meanie!”

Leah stood firm, holding your pyjamas out, “Monkey, enough. It’s bedtime. Now, come here, and get ready for bed, please.”

You shook your head furiously, “I want to stay up! I don’t want to go to bed! You can’t make me!” You shouted again, tears welling up behind your stubborn frown.

“Monkey—”

“No! I don’t wanna!” You scrambled backwards towards the living room, circling into the sofa cushions like a fortress.

Leah raised an eyebrow, her voice soft but unwavering, “Monkey, listen, this behaviour isn’t appropriate right now, and if you continue to act the way that you are, then you’re going to be in trouble.”

“I don’t care!” You crossed your arms over your chest, glaring at Leah, “I’m not goin’ to stupid bed!”

“I’m going to start and count to three, and if you’re still not moving then you’re going to find yourself in big trouble,” Leah took a breath, her patience beginning to wear thin, “One…

“Nooo!” You wailed.

“Two…” Leah remained unfazed, “Monkey, if I get to three, and you’re not marching yourself into your bedroom, then I promise that you won’t like the consequences, my girl.”

“I hate you! An’ I hate stupid bed!” The words came out in a sob as you buried your face deeper into the cushions.

“I know,” Leah’s eyes softened for a moment, but her voice remained steady, “You can hate me all you want, but that won’t change the fact that it’s still bedtime. Now, come on, jammies on, and into bed please.”

You were silent for a few seconds, chewing on your lip, clearly conflicted. You weren’t really mad at Leah, but your fear of something else was keeping you from budging, “Can… Can I have a story?” 

Leah’s expression softened even more as she saw you hesitate, chewing on your lip. She could tell you were holding something back, but she couldn’t quite place it yet.

“Of course you can have a story, baby,” Leah’s voice was tender, like it always was when you felt overwhelmed, “But only if you come and get your pyjamas on and climb into bed. You’ve got to settle in before we read, yeah?”

You nodded, still unsure, but the offer of a story seemed to ease some of the tension. You slowly stood up, eyes flickering between Leah and the bedroom door.

“Good girl,” Leah mumbled as she watched you carefully as you shuffled towards your room, but something in the back of her mind nagged at her. She hadn’t quite figured out what was bothering you yet. She followed behind, picking up your pyjamas and smoothing them out in her hands as she walked, “Get changed for bed, and then we can pick out a good book to read.”

Leah tucked you in, moving to sit beside you as she brushed your hair back from your face, “Okay, my girl, do you want to read more of Harry Potter, or something else?”

You hesitated again, glancing at her with wide eyes, still chewing your lip, “Some… Somefink’ else.”

Leah smiled softly and nodded. She began to softly read aloud from one of the children’s books in your small bookshelf—the tiger that came to tea—it was one that you loved when you were younger. You and your grandma Jean would read it every night before bedtime, and you had the words memorised.

Leha’s voice was soft and soothing as she read aloud, her fingers gently stroking your hair. The familiar rhythm of the story seemed to calm you, and for a moment, you forgot about the turmoil swirling inside. But even as her words filled the space, you were still tense, holding back the worry that gnawed at you.

Leah immediately picked up on the way that your body remained rigid, your eyes unfocused as you clutched your duvet tightly, unwilling to fully relax, “Monkey, baby,” Her voice faltered just a bit, pausing to glance at you with a furrowed brow, “What’s wrong?”

You swallowed hard, and the fear in your eyes made Leah’s heart sink. You tried to push it away, but the unease only seemed to grow, “I… I don’t want to go to sleep yet,” You mumbled, your voice barely above a whisper.

Leah leaned in closer, her hand brushing your cheek as she studied your face, “I know you don’t, but it’s bedtime, and it’s been a long day. You need to rest, sweetheart,” She reminded you, her voice laced with concern, “What’s this really about? You don’t want to sleep because you’re not tired? Or is there something else on your mind?” She asked.

For a long moment, you didn’t answer. Your fingers dug into the soft fabric of your duvet as you struggled with your emotions. Then, finally, the words came into a small, shaky voice, “I… I’m scared that I will have another accident again. I… I don’t want that to happen.”

Leah’s heart broke at the confession. She had no idea that was what had been bothering you, and she felt a wave of understanding wash over her. Gently, she brushed your hair from your forehead, her voice calm and reassuring, “Oh, baby…” She whispered softly, “I didn’t know you were feeling worried about that. It’s okay to feel scared, I’m here for you, and I’m not going to let anything happen to you, alright? You’re safe here, Monkey.”

“I had no idea it was that bad,” Alex grimaced sympathetically, “I mean it when I said that if you need to, you can lean on us, Le. You and Jord both deserve a break from time to time. The girls and I would be more than happy to step in and help.”

Leah smiled weakly, appreciating the offer. Before she could respond, someone burst in the room, face with wide panic, “Okay, right, don’t freak out, but your kid’s gone.”

Leah’s eyes widened, “What?! What do you mean she’s gone?!”

“Well, she was just here a minute ago, and now... she’s not,” They explained, scratching the back of her neck, "So, uh, we thought we should tell you..."

Leah was on her feet in an instant, heart thudding against her ribs. Alex grabbed her arm to steady her, but Leah was already moving.

“Where did you last see her?” Leah demanded, already storming towards the canteen.

Alex followed close behind, “How far could she have got?!”

The only answer was the sound of Leah’s trainers pounding against the floor as panic clawed up her throat—because if you were scared to run… There was no telling where you would go.

“I’m fine.” You choked out, fighting to stifle a sneeze building in your sinuses. Sneezing would just make everything hurt worse. Naturally you lost, and aimed two unfortunately wet sneezes into your elbow. Instantly your cheeks flushed from embarrassment and you stared at the table as you wiped your drippy nose on your sleeve, wishing for a box of tissues. 

“Get out, germ face.” Tony’s voice cut through the thick fog of congestion that had settled in your ears and you shot him what you wanted to be a devastating look. It wasn’t very good though, because your eyes burned and you couldn’t stop sniffling. 

“Tony’s right, let’s go.” Natasha murmured, pulling you up by your arm. 

“No, I’m staying. We-we have to–” You sneezed aggressively into your hand, tears pricking your dull eyes. You hated having so little control over your stupid, useless body. 

“No, you’re not. FRIDAY, disinfect the whole room. Nothing that will kill us, just murder the germs. Y/n, I’m serious, I will drag you out of here by your hair if you don’t leave right the fuck now.” You knew that Tony wouldn’t go anywhere near you right now, but you wouldn't be surprised if Nat just threw you over her shoulder. Natasha’s hand had stayed glued to your back the entire time and she kept flashing you nervous looks. 

“On it boss,” A vent opened and the smell of disinfectant filled the room, just in time for you to start coughing again. 

“You need me to take you to bed?” Natasha asked, reaching out to take your hand. You pulled away, embarrassment flushing hot on your cheeks. You hated that Natasha had to see you like this. 

You’d fallen in love with the woman from the moment you laid eyes on her. Everything she did was breathtaking. The way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, that little crinkle in her forehead she got every time she worried, how her hair seemed to glow in the sunset. But she was with Wanda. Wanda was a whole different problem. Oh, gods, Wanda. 

You’d nearly died when you’d first seen her. Her auburn curls bounced when she walked, her brilliant smile that could light up a room, the way she was always so kind to you, especially when you’d first joined the team. You’d arrived five months ago riddled with uncontrollable social anxiety. These heroes saved you from yourself. You owed them everything, but your feelings for Wanda and Natasha were beyond anything you’d ever felt. And they were dating. So you got to watch their joy from the outside, wishing you could melt into their arms. 

“I’m fine Natasha, I’ll go myself. Just,” You stood and a wave of black spots danced in your vision. The hand that had brushed your fingers returned and you pulled away tearfully.

“Please don’t touch.” You muttered, racing out of the room. 

You made it to the elevator without collapsing, but as soon as you reached it you fell against the wall, a sneezing fit overcoming your body. A quiet sob escaped from your painfully clenched lungs, but it turned into a bout of miserable sounding coughs. 

“Ms. Y/n, I believe that I should alert one of the Avengers. Ms. Maximoff is in the kitchen making something to eat, I will have her come to your aid.” FRIDAY informed, not really looking to give you a choice in the matter. You whimpered quietly, trying to get her to stop. 

“N-no, please…FRIDAY, I’m fine. Don-don’t tell Wanda. Don’t tell Wanda. Just unlock my room and set up a zoom call. I’m still going to the meeting, even if they kick me out of the meeting.” The last sentence was said with a lot more confidence than you felt, primarily because you were hoping to trick yourself into feeling more normal. 

“Ms., I do not believe that this is a wise decision. Ms. Maximoff would be happy to assist you

“I don’t care. As soon as I get off, sanitize the elevator.” You demanded, forcing yourself to regain your composure. You had a witch to fool. 

Getting past Wanda was easier than you’d expected. The woman was caught up in her cooking, humming along to a song playing softly in the background. You couldn’t help but smile as you watched her work, sniffling quietly so as not to disturb her. 

“Hey Y/n/n, meeting go well?” She asked, not really bothering to look at you, she was too busy cooking. Whatever it was, it probably smelled amazing. 

“Hey Wanda,” You managed not to sound too congested, but it was notable enough that you sort of ran past her, not allowing the conversation to continue. You could feel her eyes on you as you left, the concern starting to build in her stomach. You always stopped to talk to her even if you were busy. Hell, you let her read your thoughts when you were on missions so that you could have a fucking conversation. 

She shook her head slightly, vowing to keep her mind open to your thoughts. She wouldn’t pry unless you allowed her too but this way she could hear you if you were in significant distress.

—

“FRI, connect me to the conference room.” You mumbled, sort of collapsing onto your bed. If you were in bed you might as well get comfortable. You’d just managed to wrap a blanket around your shoulders when the team appeared on the TV screen, in the middle of a heated discussion. 

“Hi guys,” You croaked, sniffling against the fabric of your well loved blanket. It was worn with years of love and had helped you through near countless nightmares. It was your most prized possession. 

“No! FRIDAY, get her off. Now.” Tony ordered, practically leaping out of his skin at your voice. You’d scared him, and he was a little embarrassed. 

“I-if you do that I’ll just come downstairs!” You burst out, wiping your nose on your blanket. There was a sneeze building in your sinuses and you were trying to keep it at bay. The Avengers were all staring at you from the other side of the screen, Natasha in open mouthed disbelief.

She couldn’t understand how you were still functioning. She’d half expected to hear FRI alerting everyone that you’d passed out in the elevator. You didn’t acknowledge her in fear that you’d just start crying. You wanted her to hold you. Well, you really just wanted to be held. But it would’ve been nice if she held you. 

“Look, she’s not going to listen to reason. Just let her listen until she falls asleep.” Clint reasoned, shrugging. He was obviously concerned but he was also right. You shrugged, acknowledging it. 

Deciding that all they could do was let you stay, they went back to the debrief, discussing how best to go about stealth tactics next time. A lot of it was centered around hiding better. For some reason Tony was really concerned with hiding. 

“Heh…hetchiw!” You stifled a sneeze into your shirt, trying your best not to interrupt. Natasha’s eyes flicked towards you and you forced a small smile, sniffling wetly. You wished that you had tissues, not grabbing them was probably a bit of an oversight. Natasha just shook her head, one eyebrow raised. She looked down quickly, and then back up at you.

Your phone buzzed by your side and you picked it up, blinking a couple of times as you tried to focus on the screen. The words were swimming in front of your eyes and it hurt to…well it hurt to see. Your eyes felt like they were on fire and you recognized that you probably should’ve checked your temperature earlier. 

My Assassin- You’re better than this x.

You- I’m fine, Tash, focus on the debrief or Tony will get mad. 

You saw Natasha smirk from the video feed and she rolled her brilliant green eyes. She almost looked happy for a second, but then a particularly harsh coughing fit tore from your lungs. A glob of mucus filled your mouth and you spat it out into the trash can, trying to ignore the greenish tint. That probably wasn’t a good thing, but you’d deal with it later. 

My Assassin- bullshit. your breathing is terrible, we might need to take you to see bruce. please go to sleep, i’ll record the whole damn meeting if it’ll get you to sleep.

“You’re done, Fri kick her off and lock her door. Sleep well Y/n/n.” Tony said, waving a hand at you. Before you could put in a legitimate protest the TV screen was off and your door clicked. Tears instantly filled your eyes, fear jamming its way down your throat. You couldn’t be locked in like this. You couldn’t do it again. No more. You needed to go.

“FRIDAY let me out! Let me out, please Fri let me out!” You ran to the door and pounded on it, jiggling the knob, desperation filling your actions. “Let. Me. Out! I need to get out, please, please out! Please!” You slid to the floor, banging your head against the hardwood. It was the only thing you could think of. There was nothing else left, this was the end. This was how you died. 

A soft click brought you out of your panic and the door opened, spilling you out of your room and into a warm body.

Tears flowed down your cheeks as you clung to the person, chest heaving. You didn’t care who it was. 

“Hey, hey I’ve got you,” Wanda's arms wrapped around your middle and you found yourself burying your head in her neck. The action was almost involuntary, as your touch starved brain melted into her, trying desperately to hold back sobs. 

You shook against her with unheard cries, clutching fistfulls of her shirt as if she would disappear if you loosened your grip.

“Okay honey, just breathe. I’m right here. Can you tell me what happened?” She crooned, very gently running her fingers over your scalp. The pet name wasn’t lost on you, although you were too miserable to acknowledge the fluttery feeling in your chest. 

“I don’t feel good…” You bawled, well aware that you sounded like a child. You were too tired to care anymore. This was the worst that you’d felt in a long time and your body craved the comfort that she brought. 

“Shh, shh, that’s alright, we can fix that. It’s all going to be okay Y/n/n.” You sobbed again, her kind words sounding like a lie to your fever muddled mind. 

“Why aren’t you in bed, baby girl?” She murmured, shifting so that she could stare into your dull, glass eyes. You looked away, biting your lip hard. Your face was streaked with tears and snot. You dragged your sleeve over your nose and sniffled wetly, trying to regain some dignity. The attempt failed epically, as it only served to make you look more pitiful. 

“I…” You hesitated, and shook your head. You couldn’t believe yourself. You were clinging to one of the women you were in love with, ready to tell her whatever she asked. Ready to tell her that you were scared to be vulnerable and alone. That you were scared to be trapped again.

Wanda gave you a sad little smile and leaned forward to kiss your forehead. You froze automatically, your heart racing in your chest. Her lips were soft and warm, the kiss more tender than anything you’d ever felt. No one had ever cared for you like this and you didn’t know what to do. 

You could still feel the pressure of the kiss on your heated skin when she pulled away and reached up to caress your cheek. 

“You’ve got a pretty high fever, hun. Can we get you into bed?” She asked, voice impossibly gentle. You shook your head, not quite ready to explain that you didn’t want her to go and fearing that she’d leave as soon as you were situated in your bedroom. 

“Hey, no, don’t cry, I’m not leaving. How about the couch? Would that be better? I’ll bring out your favorite blanket and get you some juice, or gatorade or whatever you want. Come on, I’m not going anywhere. It’s alright.” She soothed, swiping the tears away with her knuckles. 

“Please don’t go away,” You begged, pressing yourself back against her. “T-tony locked my door…’scared me…” You admitted, worried that she wouldn’t understand. Instead of the confusion you expected, you saw rage. Pure, untethered rage. Her eyes glowed slightly red and you almost flinched away, afraid that she was mad at you. 

“No, no. Not you, never you.” She pushed your hair away from your forehead, doing everything she could to fix her mistake. “Come on Y/n, let's get you settled on the couch.” She wrapped an arm around your waist, holding you against her side. 

You dropped your head onto her shoulder and leaned heavily on her as the two of you walked to the couch. You were out of energy and you were now satisfied that she was safe. She’d never hurt you. 

“Alright sweetheart, Natasha’s going to be done soon and she’s going to sit with you while I make some soup. Sit down for me, you’re swaying.” She took your shoulders and eased you onto the couch, stopping to stroke your hair. 

“I’m going to get you some medicine. Just sit tight.” The brunette started to walk away but you snagged her hand, clinging to it tightly. 

“Stay with me, please…please,” Your desperate pleas absolutely broke Wanda's heart. She knew that she should get medicine for you, but you were just so miserable she couldn’t bear to leave you alone. 

“Hey, hey don’t cry, I’m here. I’m right here.” The mesmerizing woman sat beside you and without a second (or really a first) thought you curled up in her lap, sniffling and whimpering your misery. “Fri, can you get me Y/n’s temp?” She murmured, brushing a thumb across your heated check. 

“Ms. Y/n is currently running a temperature of 102.7, I recommend hydration and medication. I am also detecting a buildup of fluid in her lungs, causing difficulty breathing. I believe that she has contracted pneumonia, seemingly from ignoring a previous illness. She will require antibiotics.” FRIDAY said, eliciting a curse from Wanda. She wasn’t thrilled that you’d ignored your health. 

“My god, Y/n you’re an idiot. FRIDAY, get Natty up here. Tell her to bring Bruce.” You shook your head weakly, sniffling exhaustedly. A chesty cough wracked your body Wanda rubbed your back, trying to soothe the spasms. Breaths rattled though your lungs, harsh wheezes kept you from getting a deep gulp of air. 

“Hey, hey I need you to calm down,” She soothed, pulling you up in an effort to help you breathe. 

“C-can’t…Wanda!” You sobbed, terror blooming in your eyes.

“Okay, alright, change of plans. FRIDAY we’re meeting them in the Medbay. Baby girl, I know it's hard for you to breathe, but I promise that it’s all going to be okay. Sit up for me, sweetheart.” She pulled you up against your will, the petnames streaming out of her lips. You imagined this is what asthma felt like. Your chest was so tight and your body was fighting to cough up everything in your lungs. 

“That’s it, that’s it, come on lean on me.” Wanda had pulled you against her hip, using magic to keep from dropping you. It wasn’t that she was weak or you were heavy, but dragging dead weight is a difficult feat no matter the circumstance. 

“...’m sorry…” You forced out, dropping your head against Wanda’s shoulder. She rubbed your back as you climbed onto the elevator. Said elevator basically dropped the few floors to get you to the Medbay, although you didn’t feel the change of altitude. You loved the AI. 

“You’re doing amazing. You’re doing so, so well. Just keep breathing for me. We’re going to get those lungs opened up in just a few more minutes.” Wanda murmured, scooping you up into her arms. You curled yourself against her, leaning into her warmth. 

Only moments later the warmth left you. The body that had kept you safe was gone. You reached out for her, but your vision was starting to fade. There wasn’t enough oxygen getting to your brain. You couldn’t stay awake. 

“Hey, hey no keep your eyes open. Keep your damn eyes open!” A harsh voice ordered, helping you focus on the real world. “That’s it, eyes open. Look at me, okay? Focus here. Bruce is going to put something over your nose, okay? It’s going to feel claustrophobic but I need you to keep it on.” Natasha, it was Natasha. When’d she get here? Did you fall asleep?

“Only for a second love, but now you’re going to take a breath okay?” Bruce's face swam into your eyeline and you didn’t fight it as the mask was slipped over your face. You knew logically that you were safe but the claustrophobia took over and you tried to pull it off, panic growing. 

Your arms were pressed to your side forcing you to give in to the medicated air. You sobbed terrified, but your lungs were opening up, breathing was becoming easier. 

“There you go baby, there you go. Deep breaths for me. It's all okay.” Natasha soothed, releasing her hold on your arm. As it became easier to breathe you calmed down, your body forcing your mind to relax. 

“You’re doing so good, beautiful. This is going to help so much. We’ll get you feeling better in no time.” Wanda was stroking your hair, running long fingers through your matted locks. Now that you could breathe, you were struggling to stay awake. You were so tired. 

“Bruce, can you fix her?” The brunette inquired, shifting to stroke your fever hot cheek. You reached out and grabbed her hand, wanting her to hold you. 

“Yes,” Bruce sighed, sounding relieved. “She’ll need IV antibiotics and after this breathing treatment I’ll switch her to pure oxygen. Her lungs don’t sound great, but that’s to be expected. Pneumonia is a little tricky, but she should be okay.” He smiled gently at you and you returned it, grateful. 

“Tired…” You mumbled through the mask, basically asking if you could finally take a nap. Natasha leaned down to kiss your forehead, and you nearly melted. Two pretty women had kissed you today. If you’d been feeling even half decent, you might’ve been able to enjoy it better.

“Go to sleep, we’ll be right here.” She promised, reaching out to grab Wanda’s hand. The other woman nodded, looking a little tired herself. You’d sort of stressed her out. 

“Sorry…” 

“Shush, no apologies from you. Just rest, okay? We’ll make sure that everythings okay. Bruce is going to put an IV in which will help with that fever and you should be feeling better in no time.”  She reassured, allowing you to slip off into a dreamless sleep.

—

After about an hour Bruce decided that you were well enough to be moved back to your room, provided that the IV stayed in, as well as the oxygen mask. You were still virtually unconscious, but the women were beyond happy to bring you to your room. 

Natasha scooped you up in her arms while Wanda rolled your IV poll along with you. 

The gorgeous redhead placed you gently in your bed, smiling at the way you attempted to curl around her as she let you go. The moment she pulled away completely you let out a pitiful whine, reaching out at the loss of warmth. You wanted her back. 

“Tasha!” You mumbled in your sleep, threatening to wake up in your effort to get to her. 

“Aw, little baby.” She slipped her shoes off and crawled into the bed beside you, wrapping her arms around your shaking body. “Get in her Wands, she needs hugs.” Nat said, waving her over. The brunette grinned and laid down on your other side, grabbing your hand. You smiled tiredly and nuzzled into her neck. 

“Think we can keep her?” Natasha murmured, sitting up slightly so that she could see her girlfriend.