#kelce!reader

“Alright, Joe, is this your first podcast appearance?” Y/n asked.

“Uh…” Joe thought with a hum and a long exhale. “No? I don’t think so, but it’s my first one in a while.”

“Well, it’s certainly great to have you back in the podcast sphere.” Y/n grinned.

“Thanks,” Joe said, “I’m not usually a big… podcast or interview person, but this is definitely different.”

“Better?” Y/n teased with a quirk of her brow.

“Yeah, yeah, definitely.” Joe chuckled, running a hand through his hair as a slight blush spread across his cheeks.

“Okay so,” y/n began, “I don’t know if you’ve ever watched an episode of my show before—

“I have.” Joe murmured lowly, listening along with a nod.

“But I usually like to start off my episodes with a fun little drink.” Y/n explained. “I usually ask the guest what they want, however, you did say to ‘surprise you’ so...”

Y/n reached behind the couch to the short table out of frame from the cameras, coming up with two vibrant, green drinks.

“Have you ever had matcha before?” Y/n asked as she handed one of the cups to Joe. He took it, their hands brushing for a short moment.

“No, I have not.” Joe said as he carefully examined the cup with a furrowed brow.

“It’s powdered green tea, some people say it tastes like grass but I like it.” Y/n explained with a slight giggle.

“Alright, I’m gonna trust you I guess.” Joe chuckled before holding out his cup. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” Y/n said, clinking her glass against his. The two of them met each other's eyes for a second before looking away with bashful grins as they took sips of their drinks. Y/n watched Joe closely as he tasted the drink, laughing as he furrowed his brows slightly before he noticed she was watching him.

“So… thoughts?” Y/n asked.

“It’s good.” Joe said simply as he took another sip. “It’s really good.”

Y/n turned towards the camera, giving it a playful shrug, “I guess I’m just the best podcast host ever, guys, I don’t know what to say.”

Joe let out a genuine laugh, something that even surprised himself and caused y/n to laugh as well.

“Best in the family, that’s for sure.” Y/n added, giving the camera a wink.

“You trying to get me involved in your family drama?” Joe asked, cocking his head to the side. Y/n shook her head, a smile spreading across her face.

“Of course not, I’d never want to get in the middle of that.” Y/n said, to which Joe rolled his eyes playfully.

“Alright, so, Joe,” y/n cleared her throat, “rumor has it you are a big Star Wars fan.”

Joe’s cheeks immediately reddened as he let out a chuckle, “that is true.”

“You did tell me that so I guess it’s not much of a rumor but anywho.” Y/n said quickly. “Which movie do you think is the best and why is it The Empire Strikes Back?”

Y/n tried to stay serious but once she and Joe locked eyes the two of them let out sputtering laughs, naturally falling in towards each other on the couch. Y/n’s hair curled against Joe’s arm on the back of the couch, it taking every bit of restraint in him to not brush it back behind her ear.

“No, it is Empire Strikes Back,” Joe chuckled, “I feel like that’s pretty… universally agreed upon.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Y/n grinned.

The two of them continued their casual conversation back and forth with the same chemistry they had off camera (albeit a bit less charged given the future online audience).

“Ok, now,” y/n said, taking a sip of her drink, “we are just about to wrap up, but we do have one more brief segment I like to do with my guests… if that’s alright with you?”

“Of course,” Joe said, turning slightly more towards y/n.

“So,” y/n explained, “I had my friend, Claire, who helps edit the podcast— hi! Shoutout Claire— send me some photos of you she gathered from the internet—”

“Oh no.” Joe groaned, running a hand along his face with a nervous chuckle.

“That require some more context.” Y/n chuckled. Joe’s mind immediately began to race with what embarrassing photos she had probably found.

“Now, to make you feel less nervous,” y/n explained, swallowing harshly, “she has also included some photos of myself that require an explanation.”

“Oh boy, ok.” Joe chuckled, feeling at least a slight bit better. Y/n, however, was a bit nervous about the prospect of Joe seeing her in such an embarrassing context. Sure, other guests or randos on the internet seeing cringy pictures of her were one thing, but the guy she’d been crushing on for the past month was something else entirely. Nonetheless, she had to keep up her end of the bargain to take some of the inevitable heat off Joe’s back that would probably be caused by whatever photos Claire had been able to find. Plus, she had traditions to uphold.

“Ready?” Y/n asked, turning towards Joe as she reached to grab the tablet nearby.

“As I’ll ever be.” Joe sighed, a slight, nervous grin spreading across his lips.

“Ok, good.” Y/n said. She turned the tablet on, quickly navigating to the brief presentation Claire had made consisting of the photos.

“Now, just so you know, I also haven’t seen any of these,” y/n explained to Joe and to the camera, “so if these are the worst, most humiliating pictures of me, please don’t run away.”

“Impossible.” Joe chuckled. “I’m sure they’re great.”

“Yeah,” y/n teased, “great and only slightly embarrassing.”

“Eh, we’ll see.” Joe grinned. Y/n let out a shaky exhale before looking over at the space between the two of them. It was too far apart to easily show Joe the pictures, so y/n adjusted her microphone, scooting closer to Joe. As she did, Joe did the same, the two of them sitting practically side by side as Joe’s arm remained draped along the back of the couch.

Y/n tapped onto the first slide, revealing her photos:

Y/n immediately let out a groan, dropping the tablet into her lap as she buried her hands into her face. Joe laughed out loud, quickly picking up the tablet before looking closer.

“Oh, wow, that’s… you’re killing with the boa.” Joe teased, pointing to the photo of a young y/n posed for the camera.

“Are you making fun of me?” Y/n whined.

“No, no, of course not.” Joe chuckled. “Your outfit is awesome.”

“She had to have asked my mom for that, oh my god… I had to have been four years old?” Y/n sighed, slowly looking up from her hands. Joe glanced over at y/n, his smile wide enough y/n could see faint dimples now that she was close.

“Probably— I don’t even know— playing dress up or something?” Y/n chuckled nervously.

“And what’s going on over here?” Joe smiled, pointing to the of a very drunk y/n sprawled out on the couch with a glass of wine, turning towards y/n with a sly grin.

“I mean, I don’t think I even need to say anything,” Y/n laughed, “I think it kinda sums up exactly what was going on: me drunk on the couch with a bigass glass of wine.”

“Fair enough, I guess it’s my turn then?” Joe said with a chuckle. Y/n let out a relieved (only slightly embarrassed) sigh before taking the tablet back from Joe.

Y/n tapped onto the second slide, revealing Joe’s photos:

Joe and y/n both let out loud gasps— y/n’s more excited and Joe’s more terrified.

“Oh my god, stop!” Y/n cooed, pointing to the picture of a very young Joe smiling happily while wearing a brightly colored, striped shirt. Joe let out a nervous chuckle as he ran a hand over his blushed face.

“Dang I had a big head.” Joe grumbled with a nervous chuckle.

“Stop, you look like a cute little troublemaker.” Y/n giggled. The corner of Joe’s mouth quirked up slightly (and involuntarily) at the fact that y/n had just called him “cute”— I mean sure, it was five year old him, but that didn’t mean it didn’t make his heart skip a beat.

“Well, I can’t lie, the fit is fire.” Joe said, causing y/n to giggle before turning her attention over to the next picture, a picture of Joe at LSU after they had just won the Natty.

“And this looks like you with a giant cigar in your mouth at LSU and a hat that— oh.” Y/n began, her eyes widening as she finally read the text on the hat before turning to Joe as his cheeks grew impossibly redder.

“Oh my god, no.” Joe groaned, running a hand through his hair. Y/n was a bit shocked, not sure of what to do other than laugh awkwardly.

“Is the— uh, I’ve— we can—” Y/n stammered, but Joe quickly shook his head.

“No, it’s only fair.” Joe chuckled stiffly. “It, uh, was just kinda a joke ‘cause… yeah. A joke…”

Y/n felt her cheeks burn before she reached out to pause the recording and turned towards Joe, who looked flushed and embarrassed.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t know that was in there.” Y/n stammered. “We can cut it or delete the episode and—”

“No, no, no, it’s fine.” Joe said, his hand shooting out to rest on y/n’s thigh. Y/n stiffened, her rambling quickly stopping, the two of them looking down at where Joe’s hand rested before looking back up to meet each other's eyes.

“Are you sure?” Y/n asked. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or—”

“Y/n.” Joe said lowly. “It’s fine, seriously.

Y/n let out a long exhale, nodding slightly.

“It’s fine,” Joe repeated, running a hand through his hair, “I’m the one who wore a hat saying I had a big dick, the least I can do is explain it.”

Y/n let out a genuine laugh that quickly helped to cut the awkward tension. Joe chuckled himself, smiling slyly before reaching over to take a sip of his drink.

“Ok, right… sorry.” Y/n chuckled. “Are you— do you want to continue?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m good.” Joe nodded, smoothing his hand along y/n’s thigh before slowly (and reluctantly) removing it. The two of them immediately missed the touch as y/n turned the recording back on.

“But, uh, anywhom...” Y/n said before looking over at Joe, the two of them laughing at the sheer awkwardness.

“No, uh,” Joe let out a breathy chuckle, “it was a nickname from LSU and someone made me a hat with it and… yeah, the rest is history I guess.”

“Do you still have it?” Y/n asked.

“The hat or…?” Joe teased, the flustered look that appeared on y/n’s face making him chuckle.

“Yes, the hat.” Y/n groaned before letting out a small giggle.

“Yes,” Joe laughed, “I still have the hat.”

“That’s great.” Y/n grinned, meeting Joe’s eyes as a small smile spread across his face.

“Yeah.” Joe murmured. Y/n blinked, shaking her head quickly as she forced herself out of her Joe-induced haze.

“Well,” y/n turned back towards the camera, “I think that is all we have for this episode, I would like to thank Joe Burrow for being such a wonderful guest. Joe, it was great to have you, please come back anytime.”

“Thank you for having me,” Joe nodded. “I think you’ve made me into a podcast person.”

“Oh my gosh, really?!” Y/n gasped, grasping onto Joe’s forearm.

“No,” Joe laughed, “but I did have fun.”

Y/n sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes playfully before looking back at the camera.

“Ok well, thank you guys for watching, see you next week!” Y/n waved to the camera, Joe joining her with a quick, tight wave of his own.

COMMENTS

burrrrrow09 am i going crazy or was there like insane chemistry between these two ?!?!?!!?! luvkelce13 why was this episode making me sweat ?!?!? like holy shit just kiss already bengals_girl i have never seen him like this before— why was he BLUSHING ?! lovelyy/n she was soooooo giggly this episode lol

Y/n knew she probably shouldn’t have been reading the comments Monday morning, but she found herself navigating to them after an influx of tags beneath the Bengals recent post following their Sunday night loss. Years of online ridicule should’ve made her skin thick. It should’ve allowed the comments to bounce right off of her, immediately leave her mind and not weigh heavily upon her. It should’ve made her immune.

Key word: it should’ve.

She wasn’t sure how long she’d been there, the usual early-riser Joe still asleep upstairs after his late night game. Y/n was curled up on the couch, phone grasped tightly in her shaking hands as she tried (and failed) to force her eyes away from the screen. Her vision began to blur as her eyes filled with tears, her stomach churning. 

“Hey, baby.” Joe said, leaning down to press a kiss to y/n’s head. Y/n immediately tossed her phone away, straightening slightly in a way that made Joe eye her suspiciously.

“Y’good?” Joe murmured, smoothing a hand along the nape of y/n’s neck. His gaze flicked down to her tense body and swollen eyes.

“No, yeah, I’m good.” Y/n said quickly, flashing Joe a smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes. “How is— are you feeling good? Sore?”

“Sides a little bruised but pretty good.” Joe said, leaning down to press another kiss to y/n’s head before wrapping his biceps around her neck, resting his head next to hers. Y/n reached up, resting her hands on Joe’s forearm and allowing herself to relax into his touch. The two of them sat in quiet for a moment, Joe gnawed on his bottom lip, still feeling the residual tension in y/n’s body.

“You, uh, want to get some coffee or something?” Joe asked, clearing his throat. Y/n furrowed her brows, craning her neck enough to look at Joe while he still held her tightly.

“Uh, sure? But…” Y/n said, blinking up at Joe as he slowly unwound his arms from her. He turned towards the counter, quickly snatching up his car keys before turning back to her.

“But what?” Joe asked.

“It’s Monday.” Y/n said, slowly climbing off the couch. She stood in front of Joe, the two of them looking at each other closely.

“Yeah?” Joe said with a nonchalant shrug. He wasn’t completely clueless, he was picking up on what y/n was trying to imply.

“You don’t go out on Mondays.” Y/n said simply. “Those are your rest days.”

“Yeah, well… maybe I want to go out.” Joe said, stepping closer to y/n. As someone who was very, very routine-oriented, the words felt weird coming out of his mouth.

“But… those are your rest days.” Y/n said again. Joe sighed, finding himself simultaneously annoyed and overjoyed by how well y/n knew him.

“Y/n, let me take you out for coffee. Please.” Joe murmured, reaching up to brush a bit of y/n’s hair back. She peered up at him, the dampness of her cheeks still visible as she mulled it over before slowly nodding her head. A grin quickly spread across Joe’s cheeks before he leaned forward to kiss y/n’s head.

The drive to the coffee shop was quiet, one of Joe’s hands draped atop the steering wheel, the other resting on y/n’s thigh. Where y/n would usually talk about whatever video her friend had sent her or this drink she had last night, she instead sat quietly, staring out the window. She was stuck entirely in her head, the comments still swirling around and making her feel like she was about to collapse in on herself. Joe kept stealing glances over at her, her prolonged silence a quiet confirmation that something was definitely off… something that he didn’t want to pry for if she wasn’t ready to share.

When they finally made it to the cafe, Joe adjusted his hat before climbing out of the car. He rounded it quickly, fully intending on opening y/n’s car door— y’know, like the gentleman he was— but she’d already done so before closing it. He froze in front of the car, his brow furrowed as y/n stopped a few feet in front of him.

“Sorry, just… thirsty.” Y/n said quickly, glancing around the parking lot before turning back towards Joe. He resisted the urge to reach out for her, instead allowing her to walk past.

“All good.” Joe said, the two of them making their way to the entrance. Y/n hugged her arms closely to her body, walking a measured distance from Joe as he opened the door for her. She murmured a small “thanks” before stepping inside. Immediately, everyone in the store turned to look at them, a few of the faces lighting up in excitement at the sight of the two of them together.

“I can get yours if you just want to sit down, yeah?” Joe said, resting a hand lightly on y/n’s back. Y/n gave him a quick nod before making her way to a booth tucked in a back corner of the cafe. Joe watched her carefully as he waited in the short line.

“You need to calm the fuck down.” Y/n murmured to herself, running a hand down her face as she allowed her head to fall forward. Each pair of eyes on her felt like they were burrowing into her, digging beneath her skin and going straight for the chest. She took in a shaky breath before straightening up, surprised to see two men standing at the opposite end of the table— both who definitely weren’t Joe. 

“Yo, Kelce.” One of the men said. They were both decked out in head-to-toe Ravens gear, one of them pointing his phone camera directly at y/n with a smirk on his face. Y/n assumed they were still in Cincinnati from the game last night— the game the Bengals had handedly lost.

“I don’t know what your deal is,” the man began with a scoff. Y/n felt her breath catch, her cheeks immediately burning red hot. She glanced around, noticing a couple other patrons looking over at y/n and the men.

“But whatever you’re doing to Burrow, you got to cut it out.” The man sighed, crossing his arms across his chest. “He’s been playin’ like shit since he’s been with you.”

The second man chuckled. Y/n’s eyes widened in surprise. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words crumbled on her tongue. Y/n’s stomach turned, the words that had previously just been on her screen verbalized in front of her.

“I– I—” Y/n stammered. The guy with the camera laughed, zooming in on y/n’s confused expression.

“You, like, not letting him hit or something?” The other guy sneered, which only spurred his friend to laugh cruelly. Y/n felt her eyes begin to water, her chest tightening.

“What the fuck did you just say?” Joe snapped, suddenly right behind the two men. He held his and y/n’s drinks in his hands, gripping the plastic cups so tightly y/n was nervous they were going to explode right there in the middle of the cafe.

Y/n wasn’t sure she’d seen him this angry before, and to be quite honest, she was scared. Not of Joe, but for the two men whose nasty smirks had immediately fell at the sight of the 6 '4, muscular man that could easily beat both of their asses without breaking a sweat.

“Yo, bro, we were—” the man with the camera stammered, turning to point the camera at Joe. Joe took a step forward, brushing past the men to stand between them and y/n.

“I don’t care what you were doing, put your camera away.” Joe snapped, the man immediately fumbling to put his camera away.

“It was j– just a prank,” one of the men stammered. “A joke.”

“Yeah, a joke!” The other one nodded quickly.

“I don’t give a fuck, you don’t talk to her like that.” Joe said, pointing at y/n. “If you’ve got shit to say about me or my team, you talk to me, not her.”

The two men stood in stunned silence, some of the other guests in the cafe watching with shocked expression at the stern tone of Joe’s usually calm, level-headed voice. Joe looked around, noticing the eyes (and cameras) on them, and was quietly glad he’d made it abundantly clear he had no tolerance for people talking shit about his girl, especially in front of him.

“Get out of here.” Joe said simply before turning away from the men as they quickly scurried out of the cafe. He quickly placed their drinks on the table before leaning down to be eye level with y/n as she sat in the booth. She met his eyes for a split second before immediately pulling him into a hug. Her heart was pounding more off of adrenaline than anything, her fingers curling into his t-shirt.

“Hey, it’s okay.” He murmured lowly, smoothing a hand down y/n’s back. “Let’s get out of here, yeah?”

She nodded against his neck before the two of them pulled apart. Y/n met his eyes again, giving him a soft look, a quiet “thank you”. Joe quickly grabbed their drinks, balancing them both in one hand before turning towards y/n. He followed closely behind her, one of his hands gently resting on her back as they went towards the exit. 

Then, just before they left, Joe did something that surprised her: he reached hand up to cup her jaw before pulling in for a kiss. Not a quick peck or a sweet “on the cheek” moment, but a full on kiss, saliva and all. When he finally pulled away, y/n’s eyes were wide and she swore she heard a patron let out a low whistle.

“I love you and I don’t want you to let what other people think get to you.” Joe murmured. “They don’t know you and they don’t know us.”

The corner of y/n’s mouth quirked into a smile.

“I love you.” Y/n said, reaching out to take Joe’s hand.

When y/n opened her notifications later that evening, she was greeted by another influx of tags— albeit much larger than the ones underneath the Bengals’ post. Immediately her stomach churned, but she still found herself tapping through to see what was up… only this time the tone was much, much different. It seemed Joe’s message was loud and clear.

JOE BURROW STANDS UP FOR GIRLFRIEND Y/N KELCE AFTER HEATED ENCOUNTER IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: “IF YOU’VE GOT SHIT TO SAY ABOUT ME OR MY TEAM, YOU TALK TO ME, NOT HER.”

burrrr_9: wow i’ve never seen him like this, he does not play about @.ynkelce >>> alexbaker100: as he should !! she’s an angel cleogal: @.ynkelce cincinnati loves you !!! sheisty101: joe knows how lucky he is to have @.ynkelce, love them

“What can I say,” Joe said lowly, “I’ve always known what I wanted.”

Y/n swore she caught a glimmer of something in Joe’s gaze as it fluttered down to her lips before meeting her eyes once again. Y/n felt her breath catch slightly, but nonetheless her body was naturally gravitating forward, pulled towards Joe with an almost magnetic force… a magnetic force he was certainly feeling the effects of as his hand resting on the back of the couch shifted to cup the nape of y/n’s neck. The two of them leaned in until they were only millimeters apart, their breath mingling before—

A shrill ring cut through the tightly strung moment, causing both of them to jump apart.

“Shit.” Y/n swore before grabbing for her ringing phone. She fumbled with it, the tension of the moment still evident in her shaky hands. As she read the name, her brows furrowed.

“I’m sorry, I should probably take this.” Y/n murmured quickly before getting up off the couch. As she walked away, Joe let out a long exhale, running a hand down his flushed face. He could hear only bits and pieces of the rushed conversation over his still pounding heart as one of y/n’s cats— Sam, he’d studied and she was impressed when he could tell the difference— padded across the floor. Y/n had warned him before he’d come over the first time that her cats were “antisocial and her little shadows that hated and ignored anyone else”, but both of them were quite surprised when the two little fluffballs had quickly warmed up to Joe. The cat looked up at him with a curious curl of his tail before unceremoniously hopping up onto the couch and plopping down in Joe’s lap.

After a while of Joe looking around y/n’s living room, she quickly rushed back into the room with a panicked look on her face. She ran a hand haphazardly through her hair before letting out a whine.

“Everything alright?” Joe asked as y/n sat down on the couch next to him with a sigh. 

“No,” y/n frowned, “my guest for the podcast today just cancelled. And I’ve been hyping up a guest episode for weeks and I had everything prepared a– and the episode goes up tomorrow afternoon and I can’t get anyone in time and—”

“I’ll do it.” Joe blurted before he even had a moment to think about it. Y/n’s eyes widened slightly before she turned towards him.

“What?” Y/n asked, looking over Joe for any sense of a joke, but he remained relaxed and casual on the couch.

“I’ll do the episode with you.” Joe said. “I–If you need a guest and, y’know, that’s alright with you.”

Y/n’s face softened immediately, the relief completely radiating throughout her body before she threw herself forward. Her arms were tossed around Joe’s broad shoulders, pulling him into a tight hug. Joe stiffened for a second out of pure surprise before gently wrapping an arm around y/n’s back. He took in a long inhale, taking in the scent of y/n’s hair and the feel of her warmth against his own, before she pulled away.

“Oh my gosh, sorry.” Y/n said with a nervous chuckle, brushing a piece of her hair back. “That was just— I’m very thankful for you— for your help.”

“Yeah,” Joe said with a grin, “no big deal. I’d be happy to help.”

Y/n flashed him a wide smile, raising her shoulders with an excited squeal before leaning forward to press a kiss to Sam’s head, who was still curled up in Joe’s lap.

“It’s a miracle, Sammy.” Y/n cooed, petting the cat's head. Joe found himself smiling as he watched her. As if feeling his eyes on her, she looked up at him with a chuckle.

“Ok, I’m gonna go get the mics set up, yeah?” Y/n grinned.

“Sounds good.” Joe said with a nod. “Do you need help or…?”

“No, no, you’re already doing… more than enough by just being here.” Y/n said gently. Joe felt his cheeks warm, looking away from y/n for a moment with a flushed chuckle.

“Seriously, it’s fine.” Joe murmured before clearing his throat and sitting up straighter, a bit of boldness working its way into himself. “I, uh, really like spending time with you.”

The smile on y/n’s face grew impossibly wider.

“I really like spending time with you too, Joe.” Y/n said. They let out flustered giggles, the two of them looking like nervous school children as they stared at each other with stupidly wide grins.

“Ok, um, I’m gonna go… get set up.” Y/n whispered before getting up off the couch.

“Alright.” Joe nodded, looking up at her from his seated position as she leaned forward to press a kiss to his cheek. His cheeks immediately blushed bright red.

“Thank you, Joe.” She said one last time before making her way back to her office, leaving Joe a flustered mess wondering how he was going to psych himself up to talk to her on camera without looking like he had a massive crush on her.

“What are you doing?” Y/n furrowed her brows as Joe continued to snap pictures of her. He didn’t say a word, just silently moving from angle to angle as y/n scowled at him.

“Stooopp.” Y/n groaned, tossing her head back dramatically. The photos didn’t stop and Joe’s smirk only widened. He continued to shuffle around, the muscles of his back shifting and contorting as he moved from position to position.

“Seriously, stop.” Y/n huffed, folding her arms over her chest and cocking her head to the side. As best as she tried, she couldn’t stop the smile coming across her cheeks.

“Why don’t you just take pictures of this amazing view like a normal person?” Y/n gestured towards the ocean with an exaggerated flail of her arm. Joe finally stopped, straightening up from the awkward position he was in. He took a step towards her, his camera finally lowered as his eyes raked hungrily over her sunkissed body. Once he was close enough, one of his hands fell to rest on her back, his pinky brushing against the band of her bathing suit bottoms. Y/n’s hands naturally splayed against his bare, freckled chest as she looked up at him.

“I am taking pictures of this amazing view like a normal person.” Joe murmured before lifting the camera and taking another picture, this one only a few inches from y/n’s face. Y/n chuckled, rolling her eyes playfully before gently pushing the camera back down between them.

“You take another picture of me, I’m tossing that into the ocean.” Y/n said. Joe let out a sigh, throwing his head back and rolling his neck around with a dramatic huff.

“Eeehhhh,” Joe groaned. “Don’t think I can do that, the views just too good.”

Y/n scoffed incredulously as Joe took yet another photo.

“You’re so annoying.” Y/n smiled, causing a smile to spread across Joe’s blushed cheeks.

“You love me.” Joe grinned.

when she was brought up and he couldn’t stay cool about it…

“Great game today, Joe.” An interviewer said.

“Thanks, man.” Joe responded as he took a sip of water. He looked out at the sea of reporters clamoring for a post-game question after the win. Yes, this was a big game for the Bengals, but it was also a big game for Joe: the first game y/n attended as his girlfriend… that the public now knew about, of course.

She’d attended some of his games in the past, keeping a low profile and under the guise of being a Cincinnati local, but this time it was alongside Joe’s parents in his suite, the name Burrow displayed proudly across her back. Neither of them had particularly minded the “secretive” appearances, but when she sent him a picture of her that morning wearing his jersey proudly? Joe immediately knew that this was much, much better. 

“We all are well aware of the news this past week,” the interviewer began. Joe knew exactly where this was going and attempted to steel himself for the inevitable. He would stay calm, cool, and collected, like he always did when it came to the football side of his life.

“So, how did it feel to have y/n Kelce here for the big win today?” The reporter finished. Joe nodded to himself, thinking about the right words to answer the interviewer’s question. As he did, however, a slight blush had inadvertently spread across his face. His cheeks flushed a light pink as he ran a hand through his hair.

“It was great.” Joe said, the corner of his mouth quirking up slightly. “It’s always nice to have… people you care about there to support you.”

Perfect. Something that answered the question honestly without going into detail about how amazing it really felt for her to be there. While he certainly wouldn’t have minded talking about her for longer, the two of them liked what little privacy they had now that their relationship was public. Furthermore, he didn’t want her to feel like she was just a “character” in someone else's life, someone other people mention or talk about, but never gets a chance to shine on her own— something she had told him she’d felt like when she was younger, constantly living in the shadow of her older brothers.

He kept his composure as the questions continued, most about football, but the occasional question about y/n still did appear. He answered them calmly, keeping his flustered smile at the mention of her name mostly at bay as the time for the conference slowly wound down.

“We are well aware that you’re a private guy, but this relationship was still quite a shock to a lot of people.” The final reporter began. A small, almost mischievous smile spread across Joe’s face.

“So I’ve heard.” Joe murmured lowly, causing a ripple of laughter to cascade through the room, a rare occurrence in Joe Burrow’s usually pretty straightforward press conferences.

“But, I think on behalf of all of us,” the interviewer said, gesturing to the reporter, “we’d all like to thank y/n for being an obviously very supportive partner this season and really helping you to be your best this season, on and off the field.”

Quickly, Joe’s plan of remaining calm was thrown out the window with the kind words acknowledging y/n and her support— kind words she more than deserved. Joe’s small grin turned into a full on wide, proud smile. Even under the bright studio lights, you could see the undeniable twinkle in his eye at the pure pride he felt for y/n and the recognition of her important part in his life.

“I really appreciate that.” Joe said simply. “She deserves all the appreciation in the world.”

Even despite the well-played game, the talk of Cincinnati that day wasn’t one of Joe’s numerous gravity defying throws or Ja’Marr’s amazing catch in the third quarter, it was the way the stoic Joe Burrow lit up and blushed bright red when he talked about his girl, y/n Kelce.

when he saw her at a game…

Joe walked out towards centerfield to begin his pregame stretches. He ran his hands through his hair before sinking down to the ground. His knees dug into the turf before he began to move, stretching out his hips and quads. As he stretched, he looked out into the stands full of orange and white. Faces flew by, smiles and cheers excited for the game, but Joe’s gaze never lingered on one for too long… there was only one he was really looking for.

And there, tucked into the Burrow Family Suite at Paycor, he found it.

As soon as their eyes met, a smile so big he could see it all the way down on the turf spread across y/n’s face. She lifted her arm, waving down at him excitedly. He lifted his hand, giving her a wave as he smiled back at her. Even after seeing her at his games before their relationship was public knowledge (albeit in seating in the lower level Joe had gotten for her), the fact that she was in his suite with his family wearing his jersey made him want to giggle like a little boy… and he did, apparently.

“What the hell was that?” Tee scoffed from next to him. Joe’s eyes slowly dragged away from y/n before turning to his teammate with a scowl. Tee’s face was twisted up into a disgusted expression as he looked over at Joe incredulously.

“What was what?” Joe furrowed his brows as he shifted into a deep lunge, his eyes occasionally darting back to look at y/n as he awaited Tee’s response.

“You just let out a giggle.” Tee chuckled.

“What?!” Joe scoffed. “No I did not.”

“Uh, yes you did.” Tee said playfully.

“I didn’t— it— just focus on the game.” Joe stammered before letting out a defeated sigh. Maybe he had let out a childish “giggle”, but he had a good reason.

“So…” Tee continued as he shifted to stretch out his ankle. “Is she here?”

Joe felt his cheeks flush pink as he spared y/n a quick glance. She was turned towards his mom, listening intently to whatever embarrassing story about him she was probably telling her.

“Yeah.” Joe said, fighting back the little smile that threatened to spread across his face. “She’s with my parents.”

Tee let out a holler, a couple nearby players turning around confused.

“You’re a lucky man, Joe Burrow.” Tee said with an exaggerated sigh. “She is so out of your league it's crazy.”

Joe scoffed, rolling his eyes playfully.

“Yeah, I know.” Joe murmured. “I’m very, very lucky.”

when she tricked him into making a tik-tok…

The two of them were stretched out across the couch in Joe’s living room. He was watching some YouTube video on the TV intently, a hand resting on y/n’s feet as they lay in his lap, his other hand gently petting one of y/n’s cats, Blaine. Y/n scrolled on her phone, catching up on notifications, when she stumbled upon a Tik Tok of someone pranking their boyfriend.

Now, she knew Joe wasn’t really one for recording Tik Toks or Reels or, as he liked to call them, “little video thingies”, so she knew she’d have to play it cool and not let him suspect anything was going on.

“D’you mind if I film something? It’ll be real quick, the lighting in here is just really good.” Y/n asked as she got up from the couch. Joe’s eyes drifted over towards her, looking her up and down before nodding and reaching to pause the TV. It wasn’t unusual for her to film things around the house, and over time, Joe had really grown accustomed to it, it being her job and all.

“Ok,” y/n said to the camera as she sat her phone down to record, “I just wanted to do a bit of a check in, but we’re gonna start with a fit check.”

Joe watched her quietly, just barely out of frame as y/n took a step back from the camera. As if sensing it was showtime, Blaine hopped off of Joe’s lap before strutting across the couch and plopping down in the background of y/n’s video.

“So, fit check for an evening in with my current boyfriend.” Y/n said, trying her best to keep her tone neutral. Immediately, Joe’s brow furrowed as he stuck his head slightly into frame.

“These pants are—” Y/n continued.

“Wait, pause,” Joe said, letting out a bit of an exasperated chuckle, “what did you say?”

“‘Fit check for the evening’?” Y/n asked, putting her hands on her hips as she turned to look at him, doing her best to keep a straight face as Joe scooched closer towards her on the edge of the couch, now entirely in frame (“Perfect framing, Joseph,” she thought quietly).

“After that.” Joe said.

“‘Current boyfriend’?” Y/n said. Joe’s eyes widened as he looked at her in shock.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Joe scoffed, the corner of his lip curling into a bit of a sassy sneer.

“What? You are my current boyfriend.” Y/n said, pushing her lips together to try and hold back her laughter over Joe’s dramatic expression.

“Y/n, we’ve been dating for almost three years and live together.” Joe said, drawing out each word as he gestured widely.

“Ok… and?” Y/n asked with a shrug.

“‘Current boyfriend’ implies you’re going to have another boyfriend at some point…” Joe explained, getting up off the couch and slowly stepping towards y/n. Y/n looked up at him as he stopped in front of her, his hands moving to rest lightly on y/n’s arms. His brow was furrowed, a small crease forming between his eyebrows as he looked down at her with a face full of concern.

“... and you can see why I have a problem with that, right?” Joe said lowly.

Y/n tried to keep her expression neutral, but quickly failed, letting out a loud laugh right in Joe’s face. Joe’s expression shifted into one of pure confusion.

“It was a prank.” Y/n said quickly, the words practically spilling out, before moving to cover her mouth with one of her hands. Immediately, Joe’s tense shoulders deflated. Y/n continued to laugh at Joe’s brief moment of panic as he scowled at her.

“What is wrong with you?” Joe said with a dramatic groan. “That was so not funny.”

Y/n giggled, practically bouncing up and down before wrapping her arms around Joe’s shoulders and looking up at him with a mischievous smile.

“Oh, it was so funny.” Y/n smirked, wiggling her eyebrows up at him. “... and it was all on video.”

Joe’s head immediately whipped to the side, eyes locking square onto the camera. He moved towards the camera, y/n holding onto him tighter as she was dragged along. As Joe leaned down to look closer at the phone, a slight smile could be seen on his flushed cheeks

“I am deleting that. How do I—” Joe began, the recording ending as y/n let out a squeal.

Y/n took in a long breath, stretching her arms out with a groan. She wriggled around before draping herself atop Joe’s back, allowing him to act as her own personal heater as she wrapped her arms around Joe’s shoulders. She laid there for only a moment before she felt him begin to stir. His arm that had previously been wrapped around her waist curled first, reaching for a presence that no longer was where it had been only a moment ago.

“Good morning.” Joe grumbled, lifting his head from the pillow and peering over his shoulder. His hair was a mess— a sure sign of a good night's sleep— as he squinted against the morning light to look at y/n. She moved up a bit, hooking her chin on his shoulder so their noses brushed slightly, causing Joe to let out a deep chuckle.

“What are you doing?” Joe said, his voice gravelly as he carefully shifted under y/n onto his back. She continued to hold onto him with the firm grip of a koala as he settled back into the pillows, his arms wrapping around her and hugging her impossibly closer. With their new position, y/n rested her chin on his broad chest and looked up at him.

“I was cold.” Y/n said lowly, biting back a smile.

“Cold?” Joe teased. “If I remember correctly, you were very, very hot last night.”

Y/n rolled her eyes dramatically as a smirk spread across Joe’s face. His hands smoothed down her sides before falling at her hips. He pinched a bit of the fat on her ass, causing y/n to let out a surprised giggle.

“Hey! You watch it, mister.” Y/n scoffed as she slapped Joe's shoulder playfully.

“What?” Joe laughed, holding his hands up innocently. “You were the one who asked for a massage—”

“That was last night and that quickly devolved once someone started getting too handsy.” Y/n scoffed, holding a stern finger up.

“Ok but… can you blame me?” Joe said, smoothing his hands along y/n’s body with a quirk of his brow. Y/n fake gagged before flopping back down on Joe’s chest. Joe laughed, cupping the back of y/n’s head before pressing a kiss to the top of her hair.

The two of them fell into a natural, comfortable silence, the only sounds y/n could hear in the room coming from the ceiling fan and Joe’s heartbeat, which thrummed steadily in her ear as it pressed against Joe’s chest. Joe gently traced his fingertips up and down y/n’s spine, feeling every ridge, bump, and curve he had just about memorized.

“D’you want to go on a walk and get some coffee?” Joe asked as y/n peered up at him. His gaze was entirely relaxed and gentle as his lips curled up into a smile.

“Yep.” Y/n smiled, pressing a peck to Joe’s smiling lips.

“Who would’ve guessed?” He teased. Y/n groaned before burying her face in Joe’s neck.

“I literally can’t say no to a coffee walk.” Y/n said into the crick of Joe’s neck, the words causing tingly vibrations to buzz across Joe’s skin. “You know that’s my weakness.”

“I thought I was your weakness?” Joe asked, causing y/n to lift her head up. She wriggled around slightly, getting nose-to-nose with Joe. Joe’s grip on her hips tightened slightly, but his gaze remained relaxed.

“You’re my ultimate weakness, Burrow.” Y/n murmured lowly. “Coffee walks are a close second.”

“Aww, you like me.” Joe smiled widely, the corners of his eyes crinkling. A deep giggle bubbled up in y/n’s stomach as she draped her arms around Joe’s neck.

“I mean…” Y/n said, directing her eyes down to look at their bare bodies tangled up in the bed. “Was that not clear enough?”

“Good point.” Joe chuckled. “You must really like me then.”

“Oh yeah, I really—” Y/n pressed a kiss to Joe’s jaw— “really like you.”

Joe let out a low sigh, his hands gently combing through y/n’s hair as the two of them savored each other's touch and presence. Their lips moved back and forth, a dance between two people who had plenty of practice. Y/n pressed one last, long kiss to his lips before she lifted her head to stare down at him. She bit her lip, hiding a mischievous smile at Joe as her head tilted to the side to look at his flushed expression. Joe’s hand cupped y/n’s neck, attempting to pull her in a bit closer as he leaned up to clear the gap between their lips.

“Let’s go on that coffee walk.” Y/n whispered, pulling just out of his reach. He let out an incredulous scoff.

“What?” Joe chuckled, reaching for another kiss which y/n dodged.

“The walk.” Y/n repeated. “Let’s go—”

She started to get off the bed, one leg going so far as to sling off the side. Joe immediately let out a low groan as y/n wriggled atop him, sliding further off the side of the bed. Before she could continue to slide out of the bed, Joe’s arms quickly encircled her in a tight bearhug, forcing her back atop him with a yelp.

“No, it can wait.” Joe groaned, trapping y/n against himself.

“But you said—” Y/n pled.

“I know what I said.” Joe whined, his eyes as wide as a puppy dog’s, “but that was ten minutes ago when you hadn’t kissed me yet and getting out of bed still sounded like a good idea.”

Y/n sighed, giving Joe a dramatic pout.

“Hey, hey, don’t give me that.” Joe said, moving to hold y/n’s face in his hands. He traced his thumb gently along y/n’s lips, his featherlight touch immediately tickling y/n’s pout into a smile. Joe smiled back at her, pressing a kiss to her lips.

“Y’know what?” Joe murmured as he pressed a kiss to y/n’s jaw.

“I have a way—” Joe continued with a kiss to the column of y/n’s throat— “way—” he pressed a kiss to her sternum— “better idea.”

“Can I ask what it entails?” Y/n stifled the little giggle that threatened to bubble up.

“Oh, I’ll show you.” Joe said as he wrapped an arm around y/n’s lower back before flipping the two of them over, y/n’s back hitting the mattress as she let out a squeal.

She looked as beautiful as ever, her hair swept back and makeup done in a way that highlighted her naturally radiant features. She was effortlessly charismatic, chatting with the players and making jokes with her usual ease. He found himself unable to look away from her, entirely entranced by the way she was practically glowing under the lights.

And right then and there he decided he wanted— no, needed— to be there to see it in person.

So, after making a couple of calls (including one with the fancy cat sitter he insisted on getting for y/n’s oh-so-spoiled cats), Joe texted Ja’Marr and Tee and told him he was coming to join them in San Francisco. He threw together a suitcase and before he knew it, he was on a plane. Being on camera for most of the day, Joe knew y/n wasn’t going to be checking her phone for the “I love you” texts he sent her when he took off and touched down— something he always made sure to do to quell both her and his own nerves— so he didn’t take it to heart as he took the short ride from the airport to the hotel he knew she was staying in.

After corresponding with y/n’s manager, he had been able to get into y/n’s room just in time to surprise her as she got back for the evening.

As she stepped in, y/n yawned, setting her purse down atop the table in the entryway before shucking off her shoes. Just as she moved to walk into the sitting area, she finally noticed the man sitting on the couch with a stupidly cheesy grin on his face. Her eyes widened, the tiredness that had been plaguing her frame quickly evaporating.

“Oh my god!” Y/n squealed, crossing the room before throwing herself atop Joe. Joe laughed as he hugged her back before smoothing her back as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. She stared back at him in total surprise, letting out a surprised laugh.

“What are you doing here?!” Y/n asked as she grabbed Joe’s smiling, blushed face in her hands. He looked back at her, eyes darting around to her eyes, nose, lips, each of the features he’d been unable to go more than a few days without seeing.

“I saw how much fun you were having on TV and just had to be here to see it for myself.” Joe said, leaning in to capture her lips into a kiss. Y/n grinned, her hands moving to run through Joe’s long hair.

“I can’t believe you’re here.” Y/n murmured against his lips. Joe pulled away just enough to smile at her before leaning in once more.

“I can’t believe I thought I could stay away from you for so long knowing you were looking this good.” Joe said with a playful growl that caused y/n to laugh as the two of them fell back onto the couch.

The announcement that Joe Burrow had made a last minute appearance at this year's Pro Bowl was a surprise to everyone… well except Tee and Ja’Marr, who were currently teasing him over the fact that he could barely spend a day away from them, and y/n, who simply navigated her broadcast with a shit-eating grin knowing it was actually her he couldn’t stay away from.

“You mic’d up today?” Tee asked, gesturing to the bulky mic pack wrapped around Joe’s torso. They were in between events, with players stretching out and chatting casually on the field. Joe had done his rounds already, talking with the other players before naturally gravitating back to Tee and Ja’Marr.

“Yeah,” Joe said as he stretched his arms across his chest, “so you both better not say some bullshit.”

“Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ja’Marr said, brushing Joe off with a dramatic flick of his wrist. Joe rolled his eyes before looking out at the sidelines lined with cameras and reporters. He scanned them carefully before his eyes finally met hers. The corner of his mouth quirked up slightly just as the first whistle sounded, signalling the beginning of the game. 

“Yeah, I see you.” Joe said just low enough for the mic to pick up. He leaned forward into one last lunge, giving her a sly grin before turning towards centerfield.

Y/n felt her cheeks warm as she attempted to focus her attention back on the game getting sat up in front of her. After doing some pre-game content behind the scenes, and not having allotted time with the players until after the game, it was now time for y/n to just watch as the players did what they were paid millions to do: run in circles and throw a ball around.

When it was Joe’s time in, y/n found herself leaning in a bit closer, focusing a bit more. She watched him move with the same grace and accuracy he always did, the field-level view allowing her to catch even the smallest mannerism she couldn’t see from up in the Burrow family’s suite, like how his tongue darted out to wet his bottom lip as he looked around the field or how a small inkling of a grin flashed across his face after a particularly tight pass hit its intended target.

As they set up for the next play, Joe stepped to the side, quickly muttering something to one of his teammates before getting into position. The ball was snapped, Joe immediately throwing to his teammate, who then threw it back to Joe. The crowd erupted at the trickplay, y/n even letting out a surprised cheer as Joe ran forward, stretching the ball out before crossing into the endzone.

“Fuck yeah!” Joe spun around, letting out a holler as he spiked the ball on the ground. Ja’Marr followed him, the two of them jumping up and bumping shoulders before coming back down to the ground. Y/n continued clapping, a wide smile on her face as she watched the two of them. 

Then, Joe’s eyes met hers and his hand came up, pointing directly at her. Then, as if it couldn’t possibly get anymore dorky, he capped it all off with a wink. A fucking wink.

Y/n’s cheeks immediately burned as she let out a flustered chuckle, her hand covering her mouth as Joe smiled before turning back towards the field as his teammates swarmed him.

“Someone’s showing off because his girlfriend’s here.” Ja’Marr teased in a sing-song voice. Joe chuckled, shoving at his friend's shoulder playfully.

The game continued, Joe sneaking as many glances over at y/n as he could, until the last whistle finally rang out. Now, Joe’s main event was over, but y/n’s was just beginning.

Her cameraman followed her as she stepped out onto the field, microphone in hand as the players began making their way over to the fans, reporters, and cameras lining the sidelines. Joe was quickly swept up, an especially excited swarm descending upon him as he tried to make a beeline towards the one interviewer he actually liked talking to… and who also happened to be his girlfriend.

“Yo, y/n!” A voice shouted, pulling y/n’s attention to look over her shoulder as Tee and Ja’Marr approached her. Their arms were draped over each other's shoulders as they waved with the excitement of children.

“Hey, you two, what’s up?” Y/n grinned. Ja’Marr and Tee came up, capturing her in a big hug. Y/n chuckled once the two of them let her go, stepping aside with her microphone resting casually in her hand.

“Oh, nothing, y’know. Just football.” Ja’Marr said with a shrug. Tee narrowed his eyes at him, crossing his arms over his chest with a shake of his head.

“Anyway,” Tee said, “it’s good to be back, even if the break was short.”

“Definitely…” Ja’Marr nodded. “Anyway, y/n, did you bring cookies?”

Y/n let out a sputtering laugh as Tee slapped Ja’Marr’s arm.

“Dude, seriously?” Tee scoffed. “She’s here to talk about football not—”

“I was just asking! I didn’t—” Ja’Marr said.

“What’s going on over here?” A familiar voice said as he came up behind his two best friends. Ja’Marr and Tee turned just as Joe moved to rest his arms across their shoulders, jostling the two of them around playfully. He glanced between them before his gaze lifted to meet y/n’s.

“Ja’Marr was asking about cookies again.” Tee sighed, causing Ja’Marr to groan.

“C’mon, man, don’t waste her time.” Joe teased, flashing a quick grin at y/n.

“Oh, never.” Y/n chuckled. “It’s always a pleasure to chat with The Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.”

Ja’Marr and Tee exchanged impressed glances, sharing a quick fistbump in front of Joe, who rolled his eyes.

“Oh geez, don’t inflate their egos anymore.” Joe said.

“Whatever, man,” Tee scoffed, “you’re just jealous she’s not talking all about you.”

Joe’s jaw dropped in an offended expression, causing y/n to let out a shocked cackle as she just sat back and allowed the best friends to just talk and make fun of each other.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Joe said.

“Oh, puh-lease,” Ja’Marr said dramatically as he leaned into the microphone in y/n’s hand, “he was showing off for you allllllll day.”

“What are you talking about?!” Joe scoffed, his cheeks immediately flushing a bright pink, signalling he was most definitely caught.

“Oh yeah, he definitely was.” Tee laughed.

“Really?” Y/n teased, quirking a brow.

“Why— that’s not— you two need to go away.” Joe said with a sigh, shoving his two friends away.

“Ok, ok, fine.” Ja’Marr said, holding his hands up in faux innocence. “Good to see you, y/n.”

“Yeah, good to see you.” Tee said, the two of them giving y/n one last wave before getting pulled away into some other interview.

“Well, hello, Mr Joe Burrow.” Y/n said, straightening as she put on her best “interviewer voice”. Joe rolled his eyes before stepping forward, leaning down to wrap an arm around y/n. She allowed the mic to drop as she reached up to hug him, the two of them keeping the hug familiar, casual, and quick for the camera. Just as they were about to pull away, Joe slipped a quick kiss onto her temple, something so small not even the camera picked it up… but the mic strapped to Joe’s chest (and coincidentally the Internet) certainly did.

“Hello there.” Joe said lowly, his gaze slowly dragging along every curve of her body.

“Is this your first interview of the night?” Y/n asked, her head tilting in a way that made her hair fall beautifully around her face.

“Yes it is.” Joe nodded.

“Well, it oughta be uphill from here then.” Y/n joked, causing Joe to let out a scoffed chuckle.

“Oh c’mon, y’know you’re my favorite interviewer, y/n.” Joe said with a genuine grin that caused the corners of his eyes to crinkle.

“Oh geez, you flatter me, Burrow.” Y/n chuckled. “But let's get to business: that trickplay. What was going through your mind when you were running into the endzone?”

“Y’liked that?” Joe teased with a quirk of his brow, immediately causing y/n’s cheeks to burn, something Joe seemed to cause her to do with the ease of breathing.

“You were certainly moving quickly.” Y/n quipped, causing Joe to chuckle.

“Well, I guess I was mostly just thinking ‘get the ball in the endzone and don’t get tackled’... which I guess is my logic most of the time.” Joe said with a simple shrug.

“How eloquent.” Y/n teased.

“Hey, I don't know!” Joe chuckled, causing y/n to laugh herself. The two of them naturally leaned in towards each other as they did, Joe’s hand instinctually darting out to cup y/n’s elbow before reluctantly retreating back to his side. Just as they both straightened, an eager fan screamed Joe’s name from the sidelines, causing both of their heads to whip around before their eyes slowly fell back on each other.

“Well, Joe, it sounds like you have some people who don’t get to see you everyday and are very excited to meet you.” Y/n said with a long exhale. “So, I think I oughta let you go.”

Joe did his best to suppress the disappointed sigh that came from his lungs, ultimately failing as his lips pouted slightly.

“It was as wonderful as always, Mr Burrow.” Y/n said sweetly, gazing up at Joe with a sly grin that drove him crazy… especially when he knew he wouldn’t be able to do anything about it for hours while being dragged from boring interview to boring interview.

“Of course.” Joe said before leaning on closely before whispering. “I’ll see you tonight. Love you.”

“Love you.” Y/n said quietly, flashing Joe one last smile, hopefully bright enough to tide him over until she saw him the next… though Joe seriously doubted he could go long without seeing her beautiful face again.

But everything changed when he met y/n. She introduced him to a world of likes and comments and views and reposts, things he didn’t even know existed until she excitedly showed him. Joe found himself slowly becoming more receptive and open to the idea, maybe even posting the occasional story in hopes that a certain someone would see it and swipe up (and y/n did, commenting ‘wow, i’m so proud of you grandpa!’). 

As their relationship began to progress, the question of when to make things public always lingered in the back of their minds. With the publicity of both of their lives, they knew it was inevitable, but their relationship was something they still wanted to hold close to the chest at least for a while… until they had no choice but to come out and talk about it.

They had been out one night in downtown Cincinnati, hanging out at a bar like couples do. Joe had his arm draped along the back of the booth they had crammed into and y/n had a hand rested on Joe’s thigh. The magnetic force between them drew them closer until they briefly brushed their lips against each other in a kiss. Maybe it was the alcohol in their systems, or maybe it was the way they were completely entranced with each other, that made them forget there were other people around… other people who had phones that could take photos and quickly spread across the internet, revealing what they had worked so hard to keep intimate. [more details here]

Which was why y/n found herself in the awkward position of going on her brother’s podcast while news made headlines throughout all of sports and social media: Cincinnati’s golden boy was dating the youngest Kelce girl. Claims of the two of them being “Football’s Second-Favorite Couple” (behind y/n’s brother Travis and his relationship with one Taylor Swift, of course) quickly spread like wildfire.

So, after a couple days of consideration, y/n and Joe decided it was finally time to speak out and discuss things on their own terms.

“Well, I think it’s finally time we address the elephant in the room, sis.” Jason said, leaning into his microphone with a quirked eyebrow. Y/n let out a sigh, her nose scrunching slightly as she chuckled.

“What elephant in the room?” Y/n joked, causing her brothers to let out boisterous laughs. “No, no, I know… we know.”

“So…?” Travis said, gesturing for y/n to continue. Sure her family already knew about her and Joe’s relationship, and had already met him multiple times, but talking about it on such a big stage was certainly different.

“I mean...” Y/n said, the corner of her mouth quirking up into a slight smile. “The pictures definitely speak for themselves, don’t you think, Joe?”

As y/n said his name, from the side of the frame, Joe’s head popped in. As he appeared, both Travis and Jason let out surprised cheers as y/n giggled. The usually pretty stoic Joe Burrow looked over at y/n with a flushed smile before scooting his chair to sit next to her, a pair of headphones already on his head.

“What?!” Jason said. “Have you been here the whole time?”

“Yeah,” Joe said simply, “I usually sit in on her podcasts.”

“You’re a fan?” Travis asked with a teasing smirk.

“I’m a fan of whatever she puts out.” Joe said with a shrug, looking over at y/n as she rolled her eyes playfully. Y/n’s brothers swooned dramatically before collapsing into borderline childish giggles.

“You’re such a nerd.” Y/n said, looking back at Joe. Joe cocked his head to the side, smiling at her sweetly.

“Alright, alright, enough!” Travis finally said. “I know Jason and I know, but let the people know what’s up.”

Y/n let out a long breath, looking over at Joe. He gnawed on his bottom lip slightly before reaching underneath the desk to entwine his fingers with her own. He squeezed her hand gently, a silent sign of support for both of them. Joe wasn’t one for speaking, mostly allowing y/n to talk for both of them and Joe to listen happily, so y/n was surprised when Joe cleared his throat before turning towards the camera and leaning in to his microphone.

“Yes, uh, y/n and I are… together.” Joe said simply. “We’ve been together for about eight months and— well, I won’t say too much other than that it’s been great.”

Y/n felt her face warm at the sentiment.

“Yeah,” y/n nodded, “this wasn’t exactly how we had planned on making things public, but… it’s the situation we’re in, so we thought we’d make the best of it and address these things in a way that felt comfortable and natural for us both.”

“And a football podcast was the best of both our worlds.” Joe finished with a long exhale before giving y/n a quick nod, a silent signal that he’d said all he needed to say.

“Well, I don’t know about you guys but I feel like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.” Jason said with a chuckle. “I was half convinced I was gonna crack.”

“I was half convinced you were gonna crack.” Y/n teased. “But you didn’t, so thanks for the opportunity, Jase.”

“And thank you for the opportunity to get lots of views on this video, sis.” Travis joked, causing y/n to chuckle and a blushed smile to quirk on Joe’s face.

“But seriously,” Jason cleared his throat, “I’m happy for you guys.”

“Thank you, man.” Joe nodded, glancing over at y/n. “I’m… happy to be here and clear things up, even if I’m not a big… talking guy. I guess it’s a bit more manageable when I’m with someone who’s a professional.”

Y/n chuckled, shaking her head slightly before squeezing Joe’s hand.

“Ok, well, is there anything else you want to say to the people at home?” Travis asked.

“We’re happy and we’ll share more when we’re comfortable.” Y/n said with a nod. “I mean, who knows, maybe I’ll finally get Joe to make a Tik-Tok.”

“Yeah, no.” Joe scoffed, emphatically shaking his head as y/n giggled, grabbing onto his bicep as she leaned backwards.

“Well, thank you for coming on her, sis.” Travis grinned, a genuine happiness in his eyes from watching his sister practically glowing because of Joe’s presence. “We’ll see you both soon.”

“Thank you,” y/n said, waving to the lens. Joe leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to y/n’s temple just before the camera shut off.