#sherriievalance

You were used to Arizona, the nice weather, the hot burning sun, and most of all; used to ASU. ASU’s atmosphere, and the fact you had so many friends there.

Now it’s just you in the chilly Connecticut weather as you most definitely underdressed. You had worn leggings and an athletic top—which it was way too chilly for you to be wearing just that.

But as you pushed your thoughts away you stepped into the class, immediately heading for the back of the class.

You get yourself settled and pull out your laptop, hearing the professor ramble about something until he is shortly interrupted by a girl rushing in.

You see her apologize to the professor as she lightly jogs up the steps, sitting right next to you.

You’ve seen her before—maybe. She looked familiar you thought.

You are though quickly snapped out of your thoughts as she asks for a pencil, “Yo, you got a pencil at all? I kinda need one..” Her voice barely above whisper but still being able to hear the sheepish undertone to her voice.

You nod, “Oh yeah! I only have mechanical ones.” You smile, whispering back to her as you grab the pencil out your water bottle pocket on your backpack.

The girl swiftly grabs the pencil, immediately starting to write stuff down. “Thanks.” She shortly says, her gaze drifting back to you every few seconds.

You ignore her, not in a rude way but in a ‘I need to focus’ way.

“What’s your name?” She whispered again, tilting her head as her eyes flicker over your face.

You blink, you sort of mumbled your name as you were more focused on the professor. “Whats yours?” You ask right after, sort of interrupting the girl.

“My names Paige. It’s nice to meet ya.” Paige nodded, leaning back into her chair.

You nod, smiling politely as you go back to your work.

The class had finally ended an hour later, you had a break in between now and your next class. So you decided on going to the gym area—to just practice stretching and stuff. You had heard that a few other cheerleaders would be there so you weren’t nervous at all.

After walking around campus in attempt to find it you finally did, as you walked in you saw one side of the court with the cheerleaders and the other side with the basketball players.

You shrug as you get onto the court, lightly jogging over to where all the cheerleaders are.

The three other girls quickly introduced themselves, you introduce yourself after and immediately started clicking with them.

As you guys were stretching your gaze fell on Paige—the same Paige you saw in your first class.

As if she could feel your eyes on her, her eyes look right at you, making eye contact.

You awkwardly smile for a few seconds then go back to stretching, all of sudden feeling hot.

Paige on the other hand kept looking back at you, you being right there. Knowing Paige she’s never been scared to talk to any girls, that just wasn’t Paige. She’s usually cocky and quick to sweep girls off their feet—but you were different. You gave this giddiness in her chest when she saw you, and even though she’s seen you twice she knows you’re the one.

Paige gets interrupted as Kk stands next to her, following Paige’s gaze. “Ooo Paige has a crush!” Kk sarcastically says, laughing as she nudges Paige.

Paige’s face flushes and shakes her head, “I do not.” She defends herself, pushing Kk away.

Kk shrugs, “I meannn it sure look like you do.” She pauses, “Just talk to her or somethin.” She nonchalantly says, her gaze flickering between you and Paige.

Paige shakes her head, turning around to face the hoop. “I can’t and won’t, she’s different, I can’t just talk to her. And anyways she looks straight.” She shortly says, stumbling her words a little.

Kk snickers, “You won’t ever know unless you do somethin.” She mutters, going back to the other girls.

Paige turns her head, frowning a little, her gaze flickering back to you.

But as soon as her gaze went to you, yours already on hers.

You feel a light pink blush creep up to your ears, you smile at her.

Paige awkwardly returns the smile, nodding as she swiftly turns back around.

After an hour your mini cheer practiced had finally ended. You were sweaty like crazy as all your baby hairs were sticking to your forehead.

You said your goodbyes to all your cheer teammates a few of them walking with you, as you gave Paige one last smile as you said goodbye.

Paige stumbles her goodbye as she smiled back.

Kk comes up behind Paige, nudging her shoulder. “Yo, look what ya girl left.” She snickers, nodding her head towards your Stanley that you had left.

Paiges eyes look over to where Kk was nodding, immediately feeling that same giddiness in her chest. “I can bring her water bottle back to her, and I could talk to her!” Paige says excitedly, rushing to grab your light pink tumbler.

Kk nods, “Mhm.” She hums, turning back on her heels as she feels proud of herself.

Paige awkwardly holds your Stanley, bringing it close to her chest as she walks down the path you just went down.

Her gaze shoots around as it finally lands on you, Paige feels a nervousness in her chest as she walks up to you.

“Yo, you left your water bottle back there, and I just wanted to bring it back to you, so you have water for the rest of the day.” Paige somewhat confidently said but still stumbled over a few of her words.

You give her a wide smile, ushering your cheer teammates away. “Omg thanks Paige!” You beamed. As you grabbed your Stanley your fingers brushed against hers, a small blush appearing on your face.

“I don’t know what I would do without it.” You continued, having to look up at her to make proper eye contact.

Paige shrugs, “Yeah of course.” She nonchalantly says, her gaze flickering around your face.

“Well I’ll see you around, yeah?” You asked, tilting your head as your eyes scans Paige’s eyes.

Paige nods, dropping her mouth but pausing as she thinks of what to say. “Um yeah, I’ll see you around.” She try’s to say in a nonchalant manner again, but failing.

You give her one last smile as you turn on your heels, your heart racing as what feels like a thousand beats per minute.

While Paige’s is also, feeling a blush appear on her face as she walks back out onto the court.

You’re always in his photo dumps whenever he posts them, you could be wearing his jerseys or even just walking in front of him and you would still be in his photo dump

When he announced your guys relationship it was first when you appeared in an instagram post of his, then when people started to see you courtside of almost every game you could make it too, and finally until he posted something about you two

Before his games you always hug him and give him a quick kiss, you like to call it his “good luck”

He’s very clingy, there is never a distance between you guys, rather you’re leaning on him or even staying right by him

He’s sort of protective, like if anyone try’s hitting on you even though he’s right there next to you he definitely says something, even if it’s like “She’s not single” but his accent would be a little more stronger

You two take photos together everywhere, like you have many many photos of you two together— anytime you’re out together there is always a photo for it

You each have your own space, but you’re always staying at each others house—like you’re staying at his or he’s staying at yours

Almost every person who see you guys together they can’t help but ask, “Are you guys together?” but you’re always quick to cut that idea off. Unlike Joe who doesn’t say anything, slightly tensing when you say no.

You guys are always together, rather you standing next to him or you coming to every single one of his football games you’re able to make it too.

Anytime you complain to Joe about your relationship issues, it always goes something like: “I mean he just stopped talking to me as soon as I brought you up. This happens like every time!” And Joe would only respond in nods and murmuring ‘Sorry’. But it’s almost as if every guy wouldn’t want to date a girl with a 6’4 NFL Qb ‘bestfriend’.

He always buys you stuff, hating at the fact you even think to pay for your own things.

Every time you go to his games you give him a hug, not a short little side hug— no a longish proper hug while you’re telling him “good job” && “you got this”

Whenever you tell people how close you and Joe are, and all things you do together they just give you a weird look, but to your knowledge you think they don’t believe you

Justin nods, lying back down as he wraps his arms around your waist, bringing you close to him.

You hum in response, feeling your body relax fully.

After thirty minutes of you two saying mumbled sentences to each other you decide to fully get up.

You attempt to slither out of Justin’s arms, failing as he tightens his grip.

“Justin,” You slightly whine, automatically giving up. “I need to get up, I have stuff to do.” You say clearer, lightly hitting Justin’s hands.

Justin quick shakes his head, “Like what? It’s still so early.” He huffs, a hint of annoyance in his voice as he yawns.

“It’s seven, it’s not ‘so early’ still. And I need to make breakfast and stuff.” You mumble, failing again as you tried to get out of his arms.

Justin yawns again, finally letting go of you. “What are you going to make?” He mumbles, finally sitting up right, his eyes flickering over you.

You shrug, getting up lazily and slow. “Maybe oatmeal.” You say, yawing as you stand up to stretch.

Justin tilts his head, “Oatmeal?” He laughs, shaking his head.

You roll your eyes, fixing up your side of the bed. “Well I don’t know what else to make, and oatmeal sounds really good right now.” You chirped, a small smile escaping your lips.

“Okay suit yourself, I’ll find something else.” Justin says, getting up also, immediately fixing his hair.

A comfortable silence falls between you two as you both fix the bed, the only sound is of the pillows being pat and the blanket being crinkled.

You make your way into the kitchen, Justin right behind you as he keeps his hands on your hips.

“Justin, let me make my food please.” You whine, leaning back into him as you tilt your head up at him.

Justin lets out a quiet huff, giving you a light kiss as he lets go. “You’re seriously making oatmeal?” He murmurs, leaning back on a kitchen counter as his eyes flicker over your body.

You nod, grabbing out the oats. “Yeah? What’s the problem with oatmeal?” You defend yourself, tilting your head.

Justin shrugs, rubbing his eyes. “Nothing..” He trails off, yawning. “It’s just that there’s so much more stuff you could make, like pancakes or something.” Justin laughs, shaking his head.

You roll your eyes, laughing a little with him. “Mhm pancakes? Oatmeal is actually healthy for you, and you’re a football player. You of all people should know healthiness.” You ramble, getting out the rest of the stuff from out the pantry.

Justin rolls his eyes also, “Well it’s a bye-week right now, so I don’t have to.” He replied, crossing his arms.

You nod, letting out a quiet hum as you start making your oatmeal, pouring in all the ingredients.

A silence falls between you guys again, until Justin slowly makes his way to you, leaning slightly over you to see what you’re doing.

Justin shakes his head, trapping you between both of the counter. “Still can’t believe you’re making oatmeal.” He whispered, his eyes flickering over your face and your concentration.

You look up to him for a few seconds, then looking back to your food. “Well it’s delicious, and it’s good for you.” You say simply, Justin’s body heat radiating off of him onto you.

Justin huffs, moving his hand to his hair as he fixes it again.

Your eyes gaze up to him doing so, seeing his hand get caught in the ends. “You should really get a haircut, even if it’s an inch shorter.” You hum, giggling a little as you turn around to get a better view.

Justin shakes his head, “Nah, I think I’m good for another month then I’ll cut it.” He quickly replied, sneakily moving his hands to your hips. “You know I’m still tired, we should go back to bed.” He quietly hums, slowly pulling you closer to him.

You look up at him, tilting your head as a smile escapes your lips. “You’re still tired?” You said, barely more than a few feet away from him.

Justin nods, bringing his arms around your waist. “Mhm.” He murmurs, his eyes flickering over your face.

Each Bengals fan standing up and cheering, you on the other hand screaming and clapping for Joe.

You rush not on the field, but right by it, leaning over the edge of the divider between the field and the chairs.

“Joe!!” You scream out, your eyes flickering over the field in attempt to find him. As soon you found him his eyes found you, his face lighting up.

You start crazily waving and mouthing, “Im so proud!! You’re gonna make it to the playoffs!” while you’re still waving and nodding.

After a few minutes of Joe answering questions, he rushes over to you, with a wide grin.

“Joe! You did it! You guys did it!” You scream, giving him a tight hug, still leaning over the ledge.

Joe quickly returns the hug as he nods, slightly laughing. “Yeah, we did.” He says shortly, leaning more into you. “You also don’t have to scream as much, I’m right here.” Joe laughs, shaking his head.

You giggle and shake your head also, “Sorry, but I’m way too excited. You guys did it!” You scream, slightly quieter as you climb onto him still.

Joe laughs, his fingers messing with the hem of his jersey that you’re wearing. Everything else blurred, the cheers, the cameras— everything. Just you and Joe, celebrating a win that could change the trajectory of the Bengals season.

After a few minutes you let go of the hug, giggling as you hear Joe talk about his game, your gaze slightly flickering to nearby cameras.

“Joe, I mean, it’s like he doesn’t even care about me! For my birthday all he got me was some flowers, not even my favorite ones! It’s like we’ve been dating for almost seven months for what?” You ramble, tears slightly falling down your cheek every now and then.

As you were talking, Joe lets you get every word out, not bothering to say anything. Joe does in fact hate every guy that you get with, ever since college. It’s like you can’t see his feelings for you but everyone else can.

“Joe? Are you even listening! I swear you never do-” You ramble, getting cut off by him standing up. His face expression slightly faltering, his eyes flickering over your face.

There’s a silence in between you two, only hearing your heavy breathing and the sound of the air conditioning.

After a few seconds, Joe shakes his head, scoffing. “Are you seriously crying over him?” He shortly said, his voice hinting with slight annoyance.

It gets him so so so mad that everyone can see it but you can’t.

You look up to him, your eyes narrowing. “Well, I am. But it’s not like that! I just expected him to be better, we’ve been dating for seven months.” You attempt to say, getting slightly choked up. You feel hot tears form in your eyes, shaking your head.

Joe scoffs again, less annoyed this time. “Really? Really. He doesn’t deserve you! I don’t know how many times I need to even hint something, for you to understand.” He says with more empathy, his eyes moving all over your face, examining each of your emotions.

You shake your head, your eyes widening as it hits you like a truck.

Joe likes you. It makes sense. It makes sense why he hates all of your boyfriends, it makes sense why he always shows up your boyfriends.

“Joe..” You softly say, feeling your tears finally fall down your cheek.

You stay silent, loss of words once again.

After a few seconds, you see Joes face soften. Silence falling between you guys again, this time much more comfortable. The only sound is both of your guys breathing now and the sound air conditioning.

You open your mouth, your throat dry. “Joe, I’m sorry.” You quietly say, your eyes flickering between the floor and his eyes.

Joe nods, bringing his hand to between your waist, pulling you into a hug.

You’re quick to hug him back, your tears staining his grey Nike shirt.

There’s a silence again, nothing but the sound of the air conditioning on.

A few minutes pass, you look up to him, your eyes moving around his face. “I’m so so sorry again Joe. I didn’t even realize, I mean you are such a good friend, a good person. I was just too caught up in my feelings, and how I-”

Joe interrupts you, crashing his lips onto yours. You immediately return the kiss, a quiet gasp escaping your mouth. This one kiss, this one kiss that Joe has wanted, that you’ve wanted too. It’s happening, you’ve needed this, he’s needed this. All into one singular kiss.

Joe breaks off the kiss, quickly pulling you back into the hug.

You feel your tears pour out again, this time not out of sadness but out of happiness.

You had visited your family back in Indiana, bringing Justin along. You two had been dating for almost a year so you had thought it’s been bound to bring him around your whole family.

As soon as you guys knocked the family front door—Justin holding two cases of soda—the door flew open.

“Oh my gosh! We’ve missed you so much!” Your sister exclaimed, bringing you into a hug. “Oh and it’s nice to meet you, Justin, she talks a lot about you.” She laughs, gesturing over to you as she takes the sodas from his hands.

Your face flushes slightly as you shake your head, “I don’t..” You mumbled. “But I’ve missed you guys too! Is everyone else here?” You asked, walking into the house as Justin trails behind you.

Your sister nods, walking to kitchen to bring the drinks.

As you start walking to the kitchen you see her daughter.

“Aunty!!” Your niece screamed, running into a hug.

You quickly pick her up, bringing her into a hug as you start saying your hello’s to her.

As soon as Justin sees you talking to her, he gets this familiar nervous feeling in his stomach, a smile forming on his face.

When you put your niece down she looks over to Justin, “Hii..” She nervously mumbles, grabbing onto your leg.

You laugh as you push her over to him, “He’s my boyfriend.” You smiled, your eyes flickering between your niece and Justin.

Justin kneels down, tilting his head. “Hi, I’m Justin.” He smiles, waving at her.

“Hi Justin!” She stutters, becoming less nervous towards him.

After you and Justin had said your hi’s to everyone Justin had the duty of helping grilling the food alongside your uncles.

As Justin puts a few burger patty’s on the grill his gaze drifts over to you, seeing you hold one of your nieces while one of the toddlers stumble by her side.

Justin gets that nervous feeling in his stomach, the feeling that he knows he’s chosen the right person. You’re perfect for him, and he knows it.

As soon as you put the kids to their respected parents he walks over to you, bringing you into an immediate hug.

You get caught off guard but return his hug, tilting your head. “What’s wrong Justin?” You laugh a little, looking up at him as your eyes scan for his emotions.

He shrugs, bringing his hands down to your waist. “I don’t know…” He trails off, his gaze flickering all over the place. “I really do love you, you know that right?” Justin suddenly says, his eyes finally going to yours.

You slowly nod, a small smile appearing on your face. “Yes, I do know that.” You simply said. “You do know I love you too also?” You return his question, feeling a light pink blush form on your face.

Justin looks down then looks back at you, nodding. “Yes, I really do want to be with you forever, and I mean forever.” He beamed, his hands messing with your jeans loop.

You nod again, “Really?” You say off guard again, nervously laughing.

Justin nods again, “Yes I’m so sure of it.” He says simply, with nothing but pure enthusiasm in his voice.

Your mouth drops, as you’re lost for words. “Justin..” You trail off, your cheeks pink as your gaze stays on him.

Justin the gives you a quick peck on the lips, a smile on his face.

“I love you.” You mumbled, giggling.

“I love you too.” Justin says, bringing you back into a proper hug.

“Oh my gosh, please don’t ever do that again. I could have had a heart attack you know?” You say, attempting to sound truthful. But failing because you’re not able to contain your laughs.

Luka nods, “Okay okay, won’t do it again.” He puts his hands up in defeat. “Anyways, what’d you find?” He murmurs, leaning into you as he tilts his head.

You shrug as your gaze goes back to the shell, “A shell. But it’s like super pretty, you see how it’s like pink and orange but when you put it in the sun it’s yellow?” You ramble, feeling proud of your discovery.

Luka nods as he pauses, but thinking of what to say. He opens his mouth but hesitates, “Mhm it’s as pretty as you.” He says, managing to finish his sentence before cringing. Luka takes his gaze away from you as he feels his face flush.

You immediately look up to him and start laughing, “You know I’m really flattered Luka, but to be honest-” You continue laughing but are cut off by Luka.

“No that was a joke, obviously.” Luka says shortly, slightly laughing as he’s still cringing at himself.

You nod as you look at him still, “Mhm, obviously.” You say, enunciating the ‘obviously’ in a sarcastic tone.

Luka rolls his eyes, laughing. “Whatever, it was a joke but you don’t have to believe me.” He says sarcastically, slightly nudging your shoulder.