#part14

Hey guys, hope you're doing well. The song in the chapter is 'Without you' by David Guetta and Usher. Sorry for any mistakes, have fun :)

The chapter is also up on Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17576201/chapters/43395533

After a turbulent start to the evening, Kelley and Alex are waiting for the clock to strike 12. They’re standing on their balcony, knowing they’re going to have a pretty great view of the fireworks that are going off a few blocks away at midnight. On the rooftop of the house on the other side of the street, which is a few floors smaller than the one they’re living in, a huge party is going on. The music can be heard up to their balcony, so even though they did not make it to the party they wanted to go to, it at least feels a little bit like they’re celebrating.

“Yo, this is DJ Toxxic, only about half an hour till midnight. Let’s turn up.” the voice of the DJ echoes through the street.

“No way, Kel! That’s the DJ from the World Cup After Party!” Alex laughs.

“Oh my god, you’re right! What are the odds? That’s so funny.” Kelley laughs amazed.

“Must be karma.” Alex smiles, shivering from the cold.

“Feeling cold?”

“I’m freezing.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty chilly, I’ll get us a blanket.” Kelley says, disappearing inside. When she rejoins Alex on the balcony, Alex smiles at her thankfully.

“Thank you.” she shivers.

“Let’s get you warmed up again.” Kelley says, standing behind her and putting the blanket around them, rubbing her hands over Alex’s arms to warm her. For the next 30 minutes they’re standing at the balcony railing, talking and watching the skyline for something to happen. Kelley is standing behind Alex, holding onto the railing, the blanket wrapped around them, keeping them warm.

“Okay guys, a little over a minute until the new year. Let’s start it with a bang! This one is for Alex.” the DJ’s voice says into a microphone and starts playing ‘Without you’ by David Guetta, which is their song from the night they won the World Cup. The crowd on the rooftop starts cheering loudly. Alex turns her head to look at Kelley in disbelief, who grins at her and shrugs.

“Oh, what a coincidence. Somebody must have texted the DJ.” she says, feigning surprise.

“Why in the world do you still know the DJ?” Alex laughs.

“For occasions like this.” Kelley winks at Alex.

“I can't win, I can't reign

I will never win this game

Without you, without you”

Alex leans back into Kelley, turning her head to kiss her jaw. She whispers the next line against her jaw.

“I am lost, I am vain

I will never be the same

Without you, without you”

Kelley smiles at her, losing herself in Alex’s eyes.

“I won't run, I won't fly

I will never make it by

Without you, without you

I can't rest, I can't fight

All I need is you and I”

“10!” the crowd starts counting down.

“Without you”

“7!”

“Withoooooooooooout”

“2!”

“youuuuuu”

“1!”

“Happy new year!!!” everybody on the rooftop screams. However, Kelley and Alex are in another world. They both lean in for a kiss simultaneously, as the fireworks start exploding in the night sky and the beat drops. Their lips clash lovingly. The kiss feels like a promise and is full of passion. The whole moment is magical and everything falls into place like in a cheesy romantic movie.  

“Can't erase, so I'll take blame

But I can't accept that we're estranged

Without you, without you”

When they pull away, they smile at each other brightly.

“Happy New Year, Kelley.” Alex whispers.

“Happy New Year, Alex.” Kelley whispers back.

“I can't quit now, this can't be right

I can't take one more sleepless night

Without you, without you”

They both turn towards the fireworks. Kelley puts her arms around Alex’s waist from behind, singing next to Alex’s ear.

“I won't soar, I won't climb

If you're not here, I'm paralyzed

Without you, without you”

Alex puts her hand on Kelley’s cheek, caressing it tenderly, while looking out over the city and singing the next line.

“I can't look, I'm so blind

I lost my heart, I lost my mind

Without you, without you”

They remain standing there, watching the fireworks, until they’re over, occasionally stealing a kiss.

“Of course, you would pick our song from the night of the World Cup.” Alex says, turning around in Kelley’s arms.

“It was just too fitting.” Kelley smiles and Alex puts a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“I love you.”

“I love you, even more.” Kelley says honestly.

“That’s not possible, because I love you the most.”

“Well, I love you the mostest then.” Kelley says, causing Alex to laugh loudly. Kelley watches her with adoration in her eyes and a huge smile on her face, having to laugh as well. She loves the way Alex’s face scrunches up and how her eyes almost disappear. She loves the way she throws her head back and leans on her, if she’s standing close.  

“What is it?” Alex asks, as she calms down and sees Kelley watching her.

“I missed that laugh.”

“I missed you. So much.” Alex says shakily.

Kelley leans in and kisses Alex softly.

“By the way, it’s true what they say.” Kelley says, grinning at Alex.

“What?” Alex smiles back.

“When Allie says something about us acting like 16-year-olds. The things I say, the things I do are sometimes so foolishly juvenile and I guess that’s how you make me feel. You make me feel like a love drunk teenager and that’s something I never want to end.”

“I never want it to end either. It’s hard to describe how you make me feel, Kelley.”

“Trust me, I know.” Kelley smiles.

“Just for your information, if 16-year-old Kelley O’Hara would have been at my high school, I would have totally had a crush on you.” Alex smirks and winks.

“Girl, if you would have been at my high school, I would have never passed classes.” Kelley laughs.

“Why? You’re smart, babe.” Alex laughs.

“Because instead of learning I would have stared at you all day long, duh.” Kelley states, feigning to be offended.

“And you’re adoreable.” Alex says, pecking her lips.

“You know, I like to think so.” Kelley flips her hair arrogantly, smirking at Alex.

“Don’t get cocky.”

“I have every right to be.”

“Yeah? And why is that?” Alex chuckles.

“Because I made Alex Morgan my fiancée.” Kelley wiggles her eyebrows cockily.

Alex rolls her eyes at her, shoving her lightly, “Are you calling me a trophy wife?”

“Heck yeah, greatest trophy there ever was!” Kelley jokes, making Alex laugh loudly.

“Thanks, but I prefer to be noticed for my intellectual capacity.” Alex jokes back flirtatiously.

“Baby, you're the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen, but that's still the least interesting thing about you.”

“Oh wow, that would get you all the ladies, tiger.” Alex states playfully.

“Hmm nah, I’m good. I only care about this one girl, she’s pretty awesome.” Kelley says, continuing the playful banter.

“Good answer.” Alex whispers, leaning in for a kiss. Suddenly, rain starts pouring heavily, but they continue to kiss. When they pull away, they both look at each other and start bursting into laughter, because their clothes and hair are already soaked after just a few seconds.

“Shit.” Alex laughs, looking up at the night sky. Meanwhile, Kelley bends down and picks Alex up bridal style.

“Kelley!” Alex squeals, “What are you doing?”

“I’m carrying my trophy wife inside.” Kelley winks and starts walking inside. Alex laughs and kisses Kelley’s cheek. With her right hand she wipes the raindrops that are running down Kelley’s face away and pushes her wet hair from her face.  

“You’re mad cute, kiss me.” Alex says after kissing the corner of her mouth. She puts her finger under Kelley’s chin to turn her head and pull her in for a kiss. They continue kissing, while Kelley carries Alex into the living room and sits her down on the couch carefully. However, the kiss still doesn’t end. Kelley is standing in front of Alex and leans down to keep on going.

“I’ll get us some towels and fresh clothes.” Kelley says in between kisses and starts pulling away reluctantly.

“Later.” Alex mumbles and stops her by grabbing onto her shirt and pulling her back in. After a minute, Kelley pulls away again, smiling at Alex.

“No, no, no.” Alex says, following her with her head, wanting to keep on kissing.

“Babe, we’ll get sick.” Kelley says, standing up fully.

“I don’t care if I’m wet, come back.” Alex pouts.

“That’s what she said.” Kelley calls over her shoulder, making her way upstairs.

“Veeery funny.” Alex rolls her eyes.

“I don’t even see you and I know you just rolled your eyes so hard.” Kelley yells from upstairs.

“Ugggh, how do you even know that?!”

“I study you for a living.” Kelley calls from the bedroom.

Alex mouth curves into a huge smile that doesn’t leave her face.

“Hey babe, do you want coffee?” Alex asks loudly.

“Uhh, yeah sounds awesome! Co-”

“I know! Cortado with whole milk.”

“Do you want to marry me?”

“You already asked that.”

“Damn right I did!” Kelley yells proudly.

Alex just chuckles and makes her way to the kitchen. While she prepares the coffee, all she has to think about is how she loves Kelley’s habit of always keeping the conversation going even though she is already upstairs for minutes. Most people would just wait until they’re downstairs again, so they could talk properly, but Kelley never leaves Alex hanging without an answer.

“Chocolate ice cream, huh?” Kelley asks, entering the kitchen.

Alex turns around and looks towards the kitchen island, where she left the empty tub, because she didn’t have the energy to clean it up. She nods her head guiltily. Kelley hands her a towel and lays the clothes down on the counter. Alex starts drying her hair and her face with the towel. While Kelley starts getting out of the wet clothes.

“Damn it must have really been bad then.” Kelley says just as guiltily, knowing that Alex only eats chocolate ice cream, when she is really sad or upset.

“It was. It was a whole tub kind of bad.”

“A whole tub? Aww, babe I’m sorry.” Kelley stops and grimaces. Alex takes a step towards her and puts the towel on Kelley’s head, drying her hair for her.

“Kel, it’s okay. I’m fine, stop worrying.” she says softly, but meaningfully, leaning in to peck Kelley’s lips tenderly.

“Alright.” Kelley says, starting to dry her body and putting her pants on. She reaches for her hoodie, she was pretty sure she brought downstairs, but it’s gone. She turns her head towards Alex, who is in the process of pulling it over her head. When her head pops out, Kelley smirks at her knowingly.

“What? I just want to be cozy.”

“Why don’t you put your own hoodie on then, hoodie thief?” Kelley grins.

Alex looks at her with puppy-eyes, “Yours are cozier and they smell like you.”

“You know that you don’t need to look at me like that, you look hot in my stuff.”

“Well, you look hot in your stuff.” Alex says, biting her lip.

“How in the world can you go from looking like a cute puppy to looking like a fucking supermodel, that’s so unfair. You’re making me go insane.” Kelley groans.

“You’re one to talk.” Alex says with a deadpan look, as she hands Kelley her coffee.

“Oh my god, you’re amazing, thanks babe.” Kelley says, looking at the coffee excited and pecking Alex’s cheek.

“You’re welcome, love.”

“Cuddling?”

“Cuddling.”

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After an hour of cuddling on the couch together, Kelley looks at her watch hesitantly.

“Do you already have to go?” Alex pouts, noticing Kelley’s change of mood.

“I should get going in 10 minutes or so.”

“I’ll miss you.” Alex says, nuzzling her head against Kelley’s neck.

“I’ll miss you, too.” Kelley says, closing her eyes and breathing in Alex’s scent.

“Okay, let’s get you to the airport then, before I never let you leave.” Alex says.

When they get in the car, Alex immediately rests her hand on the inside of Kelley’s thigh. Kelley intertwines their hands and lift them up to press a kiss to Alex’s hand. Alex smiles at her and never lets her hand go for the whole ride. As they get closer to the airport, Alex grows increasingly more silent. Their goodbyes are never easy, but Kelley knows that it must be very hard for Alex to let her leave after learning about what happened in LA. She strokes her thumb over Alex’s hand reassuringly and Alex squeezes it in response, as if to say thank you. When they stop in front of the gate, Kelley turns to stand in front of Alex, who is still holding onto her hand. Kelley gives her a sad smile, which causes Alex’s eyes to tear up.

“Nooo, hey don’t cry, I’ll be home in 3 days.” Kelley says, pulling Alex into a hug, cradling her head and stroking it softly. A sob escapes Alex’s mouth.

“Hey, Al, look at me. I know I fucked up. It will not happen again, I swear.” Kelley promises.

“I don’t want you to think that you’re alone again.” Alex cries.

“No, I know now, I promise.”

“I sound pathetic, it’s only three days.” Alex says, wiping her tears.

“No, you don’t babe. I understand, okay?”

“Okay.” Alex breathes out shakily, calming down.

“If anything’s wrong, promise to call me!” Alex says urgently.

“I promise. Same goes for you. I’ll call you when I landed and we’ll Facetime in the evening, okay?”

Alex nods her head, “But don’t stress yourself, I know that you’re working all day.”

“I won’t, we’ll figure it out.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Kelley says softly. They both lean in and share an affectionate and prolonged kiss, followed by a bone crushing hug. When they part, they gaze into each other’s eyes longingly. Kelley presses her forehead against Alex’s, taking her hand into her own again.

“Thank you.” Kelley whispers gratefully, letting out a deep breath, as if it was a huge relief to get those words off her chest. Alex reaches for Kelley’s neck with her free hand, stroking her hand over her skin in a calming matter.

“Forever.” she promises, making Kelley’s heart jump.

Kelley leans in again, pecking Alex’s lips a few times, before separating.

“Bye, gorgeous, don’t talk to strangers.” Kelley jokes, as she starts walking away.

“Behave yourself, tiger.” Alex jokes back, waving at her. Kelley waves back and blows her a kiss, before disappearing behind the gate.

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The next three days things are sailing smoothly. Ever since they made up, their communication goes back to normal and their usual long-distance routine kicks in. When they play for their clubs in the NWSL they spent the majority of their time apart either way. Over the last years, they have become experts in mastering this situation. When their relationship started, they decided that if there was no way in being together permanently, they at least had to rock the hell out of this long-distance relationship, but they still really hate that they have to. However, that’s also why their phone calls and Facetime calls always work like a Swiss clockwork and all their teammates envy them for the cute surprises they set up for each other every once in a while. So, when Kelley is on the plane back to New York, she’s really happy to say that the time spent apart was a piece of cake. Nevertheless, one thing never changes and that’s missing Alex like crazy. Even though they are a well-coordinated team, they both know that being together is always better than being apart and Kelley is happy to catch an earlier flight to surprise Alex. On her way home from the airport, she makes a detour to a flower shop, which apparently has very rare and beautiful flowers. Kelley did some research on the plane and found out that they sometimes sell lavender roses, which Alex gushed about a few weeks ago when she saw them on Instagram. When she gets there, she is lucky that they are in stock and buys a huge bouquet. Half an hour later, she enters their apartment as quietly as she can. It smells absolutely amazing and she hears Alex’s humming from the kitchen. Kelley tip toes through the hallway and stops in the doorframe of their kitchen. Alex is standing at the counter, cleaning up the kitchen. She looks breathtakingly beautiful, her hair pushed to one side and it is falling down her shoulder in slight waves, due to letting it air dry. The tone of her humming sounds content and happy and when Kelley catches a glimpse of the side of her face, she can spot a soft smile on her face. Kelley stands in the doorframe for a while, not able to stop watching Alex, as if she put a spell on her. Alex radiates a peacefulness that calms Kelley down immediately and lifts all the weight off her shoulders, making her feel at ease. Looking at Alex, a strong feeling of love overcomes her. It has always been like that for Kelley. Alex holds some type of power over her and it never stops. She shakes out of her trance, realizing that she has been standing there for a while and thinking ‘Stop staring, you weirdo.’

“I didn’t know you could get even prettier in three days.” Kelley flirts, making Alex jump. She turns around and looks at Kelley wide eyed, letting out a happy scream. She immediately runs towards Kelley and jumps into her arms, wrapping her legs around her waist. Kelley catches her and Alex holds onto her face, going in for a bruising kiss.

“You’re here!” Alex lets out relieved, as Kelley lets her down.

“I’m here.” Kelley smiles brightly.

“Hey.” Alex whispers, biting her lip, wearing a huge smile.

“Hey.” Kelley whispers softly, shifting her gaze to Alex’s lips and pecking them.

“I brought you flowers.” Kelley says, holding out the bouquet.

“Oh my god, Kelley. Lavender roses?? They’re so rare, where did you get them??” Alex gasps.

“I did some research. Do you like them?”

“Kel…They’re so beautiful. I love them, I love you, thank you.” Alex says softly, giving Kelley an affectionate look and a kiss.

“Do I smell caramel apple pie?” Kelley asks excited.

“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to pick you up and let it cool in the meantime, but you beat me to it.”

Kelley throws her head back and pumps her fists, “Man, you are just perfect.”

“I hope so is your favorite pie.” Alex laughs.

“Of course it is, it’s my favorite pie, made by my favorite person.”

“Funny that you say that, because I made that pie for my favorite person.”

Kelley holds her hand up for a high five, which Alex accepts happily. They sit down next to each other at the kitchen table and start talking about Kelley’s trip and her new partnership with BMW for a while.

“I’m so proud of you, that’s so exciting, Kel.” Alex says, running her hand up and down Kelley’s thigh and squeezing it. She smiles at Kelley fondly, hanging on to every word that leaves Kelley’s mouth.

“Thanks.” Kelley grins at her proudly, who has been leaning her head on her elbow and now leans forward to press a kiss to Alex’s lips.

“Hey, you wanna see some photos of the upcoming campaign?”

“Is that even a question?”

“Okay, are you aware that you are about to witness top secret material, Miss Morgan?” Kelley asks, channeling her best secret agent voice.

“I am.”

“So, we don’t need to ensure that your lips are sealed regarding this exclusive preview?”

“If you keep talking to me like that, I can’t ensure anything.”

“It’s better to play it safe then.”

Kelley smirks at Alex, observing her surroundings, before quickly kissing her as if they can’t be caught. Alex laughs at her antics when she pulls away.

“Your lips have been sealed, Miss Morgan.” Kelley winks, pulling out her phone. Alex chuckles, shaking her head, waiting for Kelley to show her the first picture.

“You’re so- HOT!” Alex interrupts herself with a loud exclaim mid-chuckle, when she looks at the picture in Kelley’s camera roll. Alex’s jaw drops to the ground and she snaps the phone out of Kelley’s hands, holding it closer to her face to look at the picture in detail.

“Oh. My. God.”

“You can call me Kelley.”

“Uh-uh, shut your perfect face, baby.” Alex holds up her pointer finger, while still going through the photos.

“Okay.” Kelley obeys quickly.

“You have to stop that campaign from launching.” Alex says absorbed in looking at the screen.

“Why?” Kelley laughs.

“Because.” Alex grumbles, looking up.

“Good one, are you three years old?”

“I have my reasons, smartass.”

“Babe, I mean you have the original and not just a photo. No reason to become all jealous again.” Kelley laughs.

“I’m not!” Alex exclaims defensively, making it clear that she is. She looks at Kelley wide-eyed, startled by her own outburst.  

“Okay, can I have my phone back then?” Kelley grins, holding out her hand.

“No!” Alex says, quickly pulling the phone to her chest, turning a bit so Kelley can’t reach it.  

“You are aware that BMW has copies of those, right?” Kelley smirks.

“Tell them, they have to delete them.”

“Okay, I’ll call them and tell them they have to delete every single one.” Kelley teases.

“Except for those on your phone, we’ll keep them. What even are you? A fucking supermodel?” Alex mumbles, taking another glimpse at the pictures.

“You’re crazy.”

“Wait till those photos lunch and all the girls and boys are going crazy.” Alex finally smiles at her, stopping the jokes.

“I choose crazy you, over all of them.” Kelley grins cheekily.

“I know you do.” Alex says, pulling Kelley in by her chin for a tender kiss.

“Babe, those photos are perfect. You’re stunning. This campaign is going to be huge, I know it. Again, I’m really really proud of you.” Alex says honestly, making Kelley smile brightly.

“Thanks, gorgeous.”

“You’re welcome, model.”

Kelley scoffs, while Alex makes her way to the oven, to pull out the pie.

“And Kel?”

“Yeah?”

“It’s not Miss Morgan, it’s future Mrs. Morgan-O’Hara.” Alex mentions nonchalantly over her shoulder. Kelley watches her with adoration, smiling to herself like a fool.

“Thank god, it is.”  

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