and like, what am I supposed to do? NOT give him and Mikey a baby??

cw: real-life photo w/ a child

I blurred the little girl’s face, but lmk if using the pic as a drabble visual is problematic and I’ll take it down

“Dadaaaa!”

Jude turns just in time to catch her as she barrels into his legs.

“Hi there, princess. Where’s mama?”

“Over there.” She points across the pitch like a tiny general. “He’s talking with his friends!”

Then she cups her hands around her mouth and motions for him to lean down. Jude obeys.

“He told me to tell you—” she drops into a stage whisper, “—you better win or you’re sleeping on the couch tonight.”

Jude snorts, scooping her up easily. “Who does your mama think I am, huh?”

He shifts her onto his hip, grin turning smug. “Alright, princess. Who’s the best footballer in the world?”

She doesn’t miss a beat. “Mama!”

His face falls instantly.

“Nooo,” he whines, making her giggle. “You were supposed to say Dada!”

She doesn’t correct herself. Instead she just pats his cheeks with her little hand, like she’s comforting him.

Merciless.

Just like her mama.

Forsake my phone. Forsake my friend who's a deadbeat.

I do not forsake myself nor my duty.