#rubber football jersey
Text
A nice bunch of gear to spend the afternoon and evening in *wags*
#pvc football jersey#vinyl football jersey#pvc jersey#vinyl jersey#rubber football jersey#rubber jersey#pvc pants#vinyl pants#rubber pants#lacrosse gloves#lax gloves#dog hood#pup hood#puppy hood#neoprene hood#rubber hood#osiris#osiris shoes#skate shoes#longhair#long hair
71 notes
·
View notes
Text
White Party - Instagram AU
(Bengals Quarterback! Joe Burrow x Fashion Model! OC)
liked by joeyb_9 and 955,013 more users
yourinstagram: i love a white party 🤍
view all 270,009 comments
yourmama: my beautiful girl!
username1: 😍😍😍
username2: Burrow is a lucky man
username3: it’s no wonder that you’re a model!
joeyb_9: i love a white party too!
liked by 69,513 users
BurrowSource: Joe Burrow with Donovan Mitchell at Michael Rubin’s 4th of July Party!
view all 10,550 comments
username1: the fact Joe attended a white party but he still kept those colorful rubber band on his wrist…
username2: these men are so fine 🤤🥵
username3: i don’t know how to feel about the outfit?!
username4: my favorite basetball player and my favorite football player in a photo together… i won!
liked by yourinstagram and 325,545 more users
joeyb_9: Had the basketball versus football convo too many times
view all 10,039 comments
grantwill2: We can really set it up 😂
username1: THAT’S MY QB!
username2: i think Joey B would be a great basketball player for some reason
↳ username3: you’ll be surprised to learn that Joe played basketball in high school!
yourinstagram: i bet those were some real interesting conversations 👀
liked by 10,069 users
BenGALSStyle: @.joeyb_9 | July 3, 2023 |
Wearing: Zara Men’s Crochet Shirt (Sold Out)
Zara Men’s Crochet Shorts (ON SALE $35.99)
Amazon Jersey Tank ($15.99)
Saint Laurent amid-Top Sneakers $895
view all 1,013 comments
username1: HE WORE A ZARA CROCHET SET?!
username2: someone get Joe Burrow a stylist NOW!
username3: the zara fit and amazon tank 💀
username4: joe’s fashion choices scare me sometimes
username5: how is Joey B dating a FASHION MODEL yet he doesn’t know how to dress himself appropriately for events and celebrity parties 😳😭
liked by joeyb_9 and 220,999 more users
michaelrubin: A literal movie - white party 2023 recap
view all 40,870 comments
joeyb_9: it was a fun night!
username1: only man that can invite everyone to a party and they all show up 😂🔥
username2: if you are a celeb and not invited to this party… i think it can really put you into depression 😵💫
yourinstagram: same time next year?! 🤍
Author’s Note:
according to Google, today is Flag Day so it makes sense that an Instagram AU inspired by Michael Rubin’s 4th Of July Party is published!
if you want to request an Instagram AU, send the IG AU request to my Inbox and i will try to get the Instagram AU request published as soon as i can.
thank you all for the love and support! 🤍
#Joe Burrow#NFL#CFB#LSU Tigers#Cincinnati Bengals#Joe Burrow Fanfiction#Joe Burrow Fanfic#Joe Burrow Fic#Joe Burrow x Reader#Joe Burrow x OC#Joe Burrow x Y/N#Joe Burrow Instagram#Joe Burrow Instagram AU#NFL Fanfiction#NFL Instagram AU#Instagram AU
197 notes
·
View notes
Text
Adidas x PRADA Football Boot Collection
Adidas and Prada unveil ´adidas Football for Prada´- specially engineered releases of iconic adidas boot franchises that combine the sophisticated codes of Prada, with high-performance football technologies unique to adidas. The collection reimagines the three leading adidas products - the Predator Accuracy, the Copa Pure and the X Crazyfast.
For the collection, dedicated to men and women, the two companies combine to explore and celebrate the fundamentals of their respective DNAs – adidas performance footwear reimagined with luxury materials, meticulous craftsmanship and design details synonymous with Prada’s Linea Rossa.
Creating design cohesion across the pack, all footwear has a lining and upper expertly crafted with the finest leather - using the material in fresh ways for adidas in football - the bold red iconography of Linea Rossa, and a clean mono-colour base of black, white and silver.
Unveiled on a line-up of some of the best footballers in the world including Catarina Macario or Paulo Dybala in Copa Pure, Rafael Leão in X Crazyfast and Pedri in Predator Accuracy, amongst other players due to wear the boots on-pitch, the adidas Football for Prada collection will be available in limited numbers via the adidas CONFIRMED App from 22nd – 25th May 2023, as well prada.com and selected Prada stores from the 25th of May, 2023.
The design codes of the boot collection will also be showcased through an exclusive kit for the FIFA 23 Ultimate TeamTM video game – with animated in-game versions of a jersey and shorts in both black and white that further celebrate the combination of Prada and adidas, transcending the partnership from the physical to the digital/gaming world.
THE ‘ADIDAS FOOTBALL FOR PRADA´ COLLECTION
The collection consists of the adidas Football for Prada X Crazyfast, Prada Predator Accuracy and Prada Copa Pure.
ADIDAS FOOTBALL FOR PRADA X CRAZYFAST
The X Crazyfast sees the original silhouette reinvented with a premium leather, whilst staying true to the lightweight structure and translucent visual that the X franchise is renowned for.
With this, leather – interspersed with adidas’ Fusion Skin - prominently flows throughout the design, including the heel lining for an elevated material finish without compromising the core visual values of the X.
The structure of X’s semi-transparent mono-mesh material on the mid-foot cage has been adapted from the original grids to showcase the triangles of Prada’s brand identity. This is continued throughout the silhouette with the Linea Rossa red logo that adorns the heel of the boot.
Created at the intersection of style and performance, the boot remains first and foremost made for sport at the highest level. The tooling features adidas’s innovative SPEEDFRAME technology, incorporated with a lightweight sole plate designed for responsive acceleration.
ADIDAS FOOTBALL FOR PRADA COPA PURE
The Copa Pure is a nod to the design codes of both brands’ vast archives. Its shimmering silver leather upper, synonymous with Prada, is finished with a leather lace cover – paying homage to shoes of adidas’ past, and Prada’s iconic application of the finest materials.
This full-leather shoe is completed with the integration of Fusion Skin, which offers the player delicate control on the ball, and soft cushioning on the forefoot via a traditional quilted effect for that trademark Copa touch.
A Torsion Frame Soleplate helps keep players balanced to perform at the highest level.
ADIDAS FOOTBALL FOR PRADA PREDATOR ACCURACY
The Predator Accuracy is reimagined with a nubuck finish for the first time which is wrapped in Fusion Skin for a lighter, performance-first end-product. The boot is finished in a bold classic black, interrupted only by the Prada Linea Rossa stripe of the tongue and heel – which becomes translucent as it hits the tooling on the sole, and application of performance rubber on the upper.
These soft ‘spikes’ feature on the medial and lateral sides of a Predator boot - extending coverage on the surface, to optimize ball control and shooting accuracy. The spikes have also been transformed into triangles, in celebration of Prada’s design DNA.
Meanwhile the outsole’s FACETFRAME delivers stability, highly efficient transition, and dynamic traction for powerful movement on the pitch. The stud configuration has been optimised for use on firm ground.
The adidas Football for Prada collection will be available today on the adidas CONFIRMED app and via prada.com and select Prada stores.
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
Whether you're a newcomer as well as innovative stage football person
Any soccer earth can be a private website which participants and enthusiasts use to achieve the top football remedies they desire. The net has created a whole new globe in places you will virtually purchase soccer-related things or for that matter anything through around the globe with simply one or two mouse clicks about the pc.
Whether you're a newcomer as well as innovative stage football person, you'll need these football spikes pertaining to out of doors field game titles. You should have effortless treatment of your movements while wearing the shoes or boots. Adequate traction force can help you have total control above movement and also retrenched. Although these types of cleats can be found in many patterns, you have access to them inside rubber or even hard plastic. There might be regarding 10-14 ones to help the player with higher assist. For all you various qualities, these kinds of little league boots are good regarding lawn field.
Today, you find soccer botines de futbol nike shoes online that are out there in several of designs. Boots scarpe calcio nike are usually today made out of light-weight moist towel. Cleat technologies will continue to develop along with improve. Within just This year Entire world Glass, Nike premiered a more moderen notion called adaptive grip technological innovation. This kind of uses unique grip pegs that will adjust throughout video games based on playing surface or even terrain kinds of problems. Baseball cleat evolution will in all probability continue for many years to can be obtained.
They'll not be donned second hand, possibly that ought to be put on subsequent foot. In addition to the health risks included, absolutely no a couple of feet are usually a similar or go two feet run or perhaps walk equivalent. Running and walking inside a shoe used through yet another could be the sportsperson to adapt his or her ft . to an application form that will not match where did they work or even go walking. Several weeks time for merely a couple of baseball shoes or boots, usually buy new football sneakers scarpe mercurial pertaining to industry.
Using increasing popularity as well as enthusiasm around the online game, baseball are a standard wear of countless folks. Enthusiasts use them in the time calendar year within refers using. It can be worn to support various other game titles and also market place sportsmanship. Besides this specific, soccer jerseys are now donned by children to be a trend record. They come in different radiant colours that help increase the risk for individual an end look catcher.
While in necessity of soccer instruction equipment, skin doctor not try to find the proper goaltender gear proceeding with a nearby arrange. It could be fairly boring as well as time consuming attempting engines altlanta ga an outlet that will futures the actual angling products. Online, there is a energy to check out as much retailers as you desire from which to choose numerous kits video game your preferences. An additional edge usually it might accessible in a very lower fee. Buy obtain cleats, tennis balls, cycling tops, offers, discount posts, and various football purchasing goods around the internet.
The greater number of guys advances the impact involving harder materials with a higher division of your own boot. This may distribute the stress close to and minimize the chances associated with ache inside your ft ..
Referring to soccer shirt that may be a significant football clothing, distinct prefer consumer some thing by considering their particular style along with predilection. Even so, moreover fashion because of furthermore consider your own ease and comfort some when selecting. The information may be 100% rayon, humidity controlling as well as complicated. The initial category guarantees may can be obtained great dampness taking care of ability along with sense gentle. Benefit from category is actually a little dearer they can be capable of the first class and if they offer comfort through evaporating wetness rapidly coming from body. The 3rd category, getting names suggests is done from your mix of components incorporate cotton too cloth.
3 notes
·
View notes
Note
I don't even watch soccer (football) but my current rubber ducks are all soccer players... okay
I'm thinking I should make you a playlist (consisting of songs I think you'll like, songs I want you to listen to, and songs I feel fit your vibe)
So I've collected 96 new and used books this year and I think it's gonna be my goal next year to read them all. It's entirely doable, I just don't know if it's doable, you know? Like, I could read them in a few months if I just went at it, but that's not really how I read books anymore.
I ordered a bunch of stickers for my coworkers and some of them came already. They look nice!
Right after Christmas, my family is going on a vacation to Israel, Egypt and Petra, which I can't really think about right now because I'm too tired and it'll stress me out, but after that trip I need to stop adorning l spending so much money. It's easy enough to stop, so I just have to.
I'm not gonna give up seaweed snacks though. I love those things.
Bonus picture of pretty lights
🧡💞
Sleepy!!!
I'd be honored to listen to that playlist, but if it's another task to add to what it seem your long list of things to do (with the trip and everything), do not sacrifice your free time for it!!!
Football....has me in misery. Me and my sister both. She's fallen in love with a polish player and now all of our interactions consist on screaming at each other how we need a jersey of our crushes and cursing the time we decided that watching this world cup was a good idea xD
I do understand what you mean about your gol being doable but not. Do think that no matter hoe many books you end up reaching at the end of 2023, it's still a lot of books more you've reached if you hadn't done your personal challenge, and a lot of stories you've gotten to visit
(and if you read something really good, do come in and pass me the rec, I need to keep my status as "that one crazy classmate that reads a ton" in class xD)
My parents did the same trip that you are about to make I think! And they both had a really good time. It was ages ago tho, long before me and my sister B were even born, and, as they like to say "when they had money and time to travel and no kids to take care of". I hope you don't get too stressed about it if you can help it, and if you can't, that you can synthesize that stress maybe talking with some family member?? Also I hope you have a really nice trip and that you enjoy everythin you see!
Are seaweed snacks good? I'm deffo not a picky eater, but I've never tried them and somehow I'm... wary of them for some reason.
As someone whose house is not gonna be decorated this Xmas because of Reasons(tm) your lights make me so happy!! I love how colorful they are!!
Thank you for passing by!!
1 note
·
View note
Text
All About the Best Football Gear
Football is the most popular sport in the world. You will find football gear for adults, kids, and even pets.
Football gear is a must-have for any die-hard football fan. It includes all sorts of apparel like jerseys, hats, jackets, and more. There are also plenty of accessories like team flags and banners to show off your team spirit!
The best football gear is made up of a number of different components. They include the helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, mouth guards, and football pants.
Football players wear these protective gears to keep themselves safe during the game. The helmets protect the head from any injury caused by a collision with another player or object. The shoulder pads protect their shoulders and collarbones from injury in case they fall on the ground or get tackled by an opponent. The elbow pads protect their elbows from getting injured when they are tackled or fall on the ground. The mouth guards protect their teeth and gums from getting damaged when they get hit in the face by an opponent’s hand or foot while they are playing on defense. And finally, football pants provide extra protection to players’ thighs and hips
In the world of football, there are many different types of gear that can be used to improve the performance of the players.
In this section, we will go over some of the best gear that is available for football players. We will also discuss how these products have been designed to make sure they are durable and long lasting.
Football Gear
Football players wear many different types of gear in order to help them play their best game. Some wear pads on their knees, shoulders and elbows to protect themselves from injuries while others wear a helmet on their heads or a mouth guard in their mouths. Some even wear gloves and cleats on their feet! All these pieces of gear are important because they can help a player perform better.
Football is a sport that is played in many countries and watched by millions of people. The game is popular for both the players and the fans. One of the most important parts of football gear is the football cleats.
The cleats are made from rubber or plastic and are designed to give traction on different surfaces. They are also used to protect players feet from injuries when they get stepped on by other players or hit by the ball. Football cleats come in different styles, colors, sizes, and brands.
Football cleats can be worn with any type of shoe; they just need to be securely fastened to avoid them coming off during playtime. The most common type of football cleat has a low cut design with a rubber sole that wraps around the entire foot (from
This article is about the best football gear. It will give you a list of the top 5 most popular football gear in order.
#1 Football Cleats:
Football players wear cleats to help them grip the field, run faster and jump higher. There are many types of cleats, but soccer cleats are the most popular and they come in different styles.
#2 Football Helmet:
A football helmet is worn by players at all levels of play to protect their head from injury when playing contact sports like football. It can also be used for other sports such as rugby or lacrosse. The helmet should fit snuggly on your head and cover your forehead, cheeks, and jawline so that it’s not too loose or too tight on your head
This يلا شوت section will discuss the best football gear and what to look for when purchasing it.
Football players need a lot of equipment in order to play the game, which can be expensive. In this section, we will discuss some of the essential items that every football player should have and what to look for when purchasing them.
0 notes
Note
Henry Cavill and Reader bringing their baby home for the first time, introducing the baby to Kal and maybe the reader have mini England jersey made so baby matches dad, also maybe a gift from the baby to Kal💕🙏🏻
I’m a person who loves football and kids, every-time I’d get a new niece or nephew I’d always do a welcome home/ welcome to the family gift and if they had a brother/ sister/ pet a gift from the baby to make the new meeting go smooth😍
So, here it is, my first prompt based ficlet for my milestone celebration 🥳
First of all, thank you so much for this lovely prompt @thereisa8ella and for taking part 💜 I had so much fun writing this and I really, really hope you like it! This is for you 🎁 Enjoy!
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Big Brother Kal
Pairing: Henry Cavill x reader
Summary: You and Hen introduce your baby girl to the bear 🐕
Words: ~ 800
Warnings: Besides RPF - none, contains 100% pure fluff
UNBETA'ED! English is not my mother tongue, so expect bad grammar, wrong spelling, chaotic punctuation and clumsy language. All mistakes are mine…
Find my other fics on my Masterlist!
Credits: Pics for the header from pinterest and instagram
*******
You were really nervous when you and Henry drove up to the house, feeling a little silly, because you were pretty sure Kal was going to love the baby, but you just couldn't help it. It was so important to both of you that your dog got along with your newborn right from the start without jealousy or feeling neglected.
"You're alright, darling?" Henry parked the car in front of the entrance and gave you a loving look before taking your hand to press a tender kiss on your fingers.
"Sure, I'm fine. Just feeling a little jittery."
"He's going to adore our little pumpkin, y/n."
"I hope so." You let out a soft sigh. "I'd never expected the moment of bringing our little girl home for the first time to be the hardest part of giving birth," you giggled, trying to push away the feeling of nervousness.
"Are you kidding me?" Henry laughed out loud, his deep voice rumbling through the car. "The hardest part was staying alive while you tried to crush various parts of my body when your contractions turned you into some kind of female Hulk."
"Hey," you grinned, nudging him playfully, "you told me to squeeze your hand or arm or thighs if I thought it would be helpful. Besides that, I think the hardest part was pressing something the size of a melon through a hole hardly the size of a peach."
"See, you did that perfectly with so much strength and grace, you were so strong and tough, the rest is going to be a walk in the park."
You gave your husband a thankful smile, he always knew how to cheer you up and make you feel confident, knowing you better than anybody else.
"You're right, baby, let's do it." You got out of the car and Henry took the baby seat with your little princess who was sleeping peacefully. She was snuggled up in the soft, purple blanket with little White Wolf medaillons printed all over it, the Witcher crew members had given to you as a gift for the birth of your first child.
Henry tugged at the collar of the tiny England football jersey you had dressed your daughter in. "Football…tsk tsk tsk," he whispered to his baby girl, loud enough for you to hear it. "Your mommy is trying to make you a fan, sweet pea, but daddy's gonna show you the real sport soon. Can't wait to dress you in a proper rugby jersey. It will suit you perfectly."
"Too late, Hen. She loves football already," you said laughing.
"Yeah, because you bewitched her with that shirt."
"You're just mad because you didn't come up with the idea first."
Kal interrupted your little banter with a loud bark from behind the closed front door. You took a deep breath and Henry nodded at the door.
"He's waiting for us."
"Yeah. Just a moment." You searched through your bag, pulling out a bone shaped dog toy, handing it over to your husband.
"What's that?" Henry gave you a curious glance.
"That's our little one's present for Kal. A rubber bone you can fill with treats. Give it to him before you introduce him to her, okay?"
"You're trying to bribe him," he grinned.
"Yeah," you admitted, "let's hope it works."
Henry unlocked the door and Kal rushed outside, wagging his tale in excitement, circling the three of you with friendly little woofs. He ran into your arms when you kneeled down to greet the bear. "Hey piglet," you said stroking his thick fur, "how are you doing? I missed you." Kal barked softly in agreement before turning to Henry and the baby.
"Hey mate, look at that," he showed him the baby seat with the toy that was covered by the blanket. Kal started to sniff, licking his snout, running his nose over the seat. "Smells good, right? It's a present from your little sister." Henry lifted the blanket and Kal looked at the baby curiously, forgetting the pleasantly odorous bone for a moment. "You have to take good care of her from now on." Kal stepped closer slowly, touching the baby's soft cheek with his wet nose tenderly, inhaling the scent of the newborn, wagging his tail. He looked at Henry, who stroked his head with a proud smile. "Good boy," he whispered and Kal licked his hand before grabbing the toy with his teeth and running away to figure out how to get to the treats that smelled so heavenly.
You beamed at Henry, beyond happy that this first encounter between your beloved dog and your precious daughter went so well, a tear of relief and joy rolling down your cheek. The next thing you felt was Henry's lips on yours and that was the moment you'd forever remember as the start of your life as the inseparable Cavill family - three ordinary humans and one extraordinary dog.
*******
Tag list
@lunedelorient @inlovewithhisblueeyes @willkatfanfromasia @hell1129-blog @mis-lil-red @agniavateira @kebabgirl67 @omgkatinka @legendarywizarddetective @summersong69 @taebfada @xxxkatxo @artandotherdelights @notabronte @littlefreya @luclittlepond @eldarwen333 @meowpurrbooks @marantha @liliumdream @enchantedbytomandhenry @greensleeves888 @witcherfan @margauxmargaux07 @radaofrivia @m07belzen @a-little-counter-esperanto @starstruckkittyangel @mary-ann84 @sillyrabbit81 @emelinelovesjc @wheretheriversrunintothesea @kingliam2019 @pandaxnienke @littleone65 @coloraturadiva
#henry cavill#cavillry#henry cavill fandom#follower milestone#follower celebration#henry cavill fanfic#henry cavill fanfiction#henry cavill rpf#henry cavill x you#henry cavill fluff
496 notes
·
View notes
Note
A little something where the reader and Kasper were together in highschool, but broke up, only to meet a few years later and rekindle their love 😭
Awww, yes! I haven't written any fluff in so longgg. And I love Kasper with my whole heart. Please, more Kasper stuff! I need him in my life.
+
Sports was never your thing. You had seen the odd hockey game, took part in Superbowl festivities if not for the hoards of fried food, and caught a fraction of the Olympics every four years. By no means were you a fanatic and certainly didn't fit in with your sports fan friends, all of which had dragged you to a European football game. You agreed to go with only a flutter of hesitation. It's not that you wouldn't have fun drinking overpriced beer with your pals; it was that you had no emotional ties to either team and couldn't genuinely join in the cheer of a win or the disappointment of loss. To you, it was all just a game, and the points weren't real.
Admittedly, it was impressive watching the players finesse the ball with nothing but their feet and heads, and you cheered on with the rest of the crowd. During the hubbub of a recent goal, the guy your friends had introduced you to shook his fists and bellowed curses. His name was John, and he had been the most zealous with the fanfare and criticisms.
"Ah, we'll get 'em next time," you supplied. "It's only fifteen minutes in."
"Not with the way these guys are playing. Look, I could run circles around that forward, and our goalie is acting like a total pansy."
You flinched from the comment. John ground his teeth together and waited for the next drop-in. As you sipped your beer and sat down, the empty seats on your right filled up. Soon, you were boxed in with showgoers who all bore the colour green in some fashion. The away team's colour. This did not sit well with John, and you became invisible.
John continued to yell and boo the other team, rousing blowback from the surrounding enemy. It was okay, you told yourself. Maybe it wasn't a match. He was far too loud and not in a fun way. His comments continued deteriorating into ignorance. You kept your eyes on the field and the players, blocking out the negativity standing next to you. Your only solace was that John's screaming blended in with the other hollers and hoots from the stadium chairs. Friends to the left were fully ensconced in the intensity of the plays that they didn't notice or chose to ignore John's slurs.
The crowd tightened like a knot while the ball careened toward the home team's goalie, then snapped like a rubber band. The keeper dove a fraction too soon, and the ball sailed between outstretched arms and hit the net. It happened in a blink, and so too did the fight that broke out next to you. Your full drink flew, splashing down your shirt as you were knocked back into the stranger next to you. At first, it felt like falling. You scrunched your face in anticipation of a hit, but only two arms caught you and whirled you away from the violence.
When you looked back, you saw a white and green jersey, and beyond that, John restrained and screaming at another man in the row before.
"Are you okay?"
You looked up at the person who had shielded you from flying elbows but not from flying drinks and saw a face that aligned with the vaguest of memories. He was tall, and somehow his scent took you aback. You had breathed it before.
"Kasper?"
"Holy shit, it's you!"
"You remember me?"
"Of course I do! Oh my God. Jesus, what's going on? Are you with him?" Kasper asked.
You backed away like the rest of the units around your seat. Security recognized the scuffle, though John was well on his way out after a half-ass apology to your mutual friends. Once John's spot was vacated, they came to you with apologies. Kasper remained next to you. They dabbed at your wet shirt, but it was no use. Your front was soaked.
Kasper pulled off his jersey and tried handing it to you.
"Here. Take this. Go to the washroom, and change into it. Don't worry, it's clean. I just bought it. Plus, I have others."
"Really?"
"Yes! Go, get cleaned up and come back to watch my team whoop your team's ass!"
"Actually, I don't really have a team. This is my first game. I really don't have any stock in either of the players. I just like that they're having fun."
Kasper laughed and thrust the jersey into your arms.
"Now you have a team. Go on!"
Strangely enough, you listened to Kasper, a boy you once dated for a total of two weeks in high school. He had been an exchange student while his family temporarily relocated for work. They worked in movies, and dating Kasper had been a thrill for the whispers and enjoyable because he was a nice guy. Circumstance had forced your adolescent fling apart, but you did not part on bad terms.
After many years, the landmark of dating Kasper shrunk on your timeline until it was nothing but a blip. You thought of Kasper from time to time, though the thought of ever seeing him again seldom crossed your mind when you had done so many other things. It made the coincidence seem like fate. And when you returned to your seat wearing his jersey, the glimmer in his eyes affirmed what you hoped to be true. He was overjoyed to see you, too.
Kasper's team won the match, and as fans packed up to leave the stadium, Kasper turned to you with a mischievous smile.
"Are you in town for long?"
"A couple of days," you said.
"Come out for a drink with me."
"When" You chuckled.
"Now. We're going to a pub right now."
You looked back at your friends who had secretly deemed your chance encounter with a past beau as the best thing to happen to the entire group. They encouraged you and agreed to meet with you later on or, if things went well for any of you, in the morning.
Kasper led you out of the venue and stuck close enough your arms brushed. The conversation flew. Memories upon memories hashed, evolving into stories, questions and laughter. Soon, Kasper was touching your hand until you hooked his pinky. One small finger gave way to two, three and more. You looked down at your clasped hands, and both of you giggled and turned warm.
"I'm so glad I ran into you. You're gonna love this place," said Kasper.
"I will?"
"Yes! Don't worry. We're almost there."
Thrust under poor lighting, you met a gaggle of Kasper's friends and stood by listening to the Swedish conversations with a sheepish grin. Not long after, Kasper hid you away in the corner of a booth at an Irish pub with a similar crowd to the place you had just left. The low ceilings and sturdy décor loaned the atmosphere a cozy intimacy, and the highbacked tables shielded flirtatious looks.
"Can you believe we dated when we were kids? What did we know about anything back then?"
"I can believe it. You were pretty. You're still pretty. And fun. Wait... You're not seeing anyone, are you?"
"Do you think I'd be holding your hand if I were?"
Kasper blushed. "Yeah, I guess not."
"I'm glad we ran into each other, too. Can you believe my friends tried setting me up with that asshole at the game? They texted me and said he's usually chill. He must have had too many beers and lost his filter, so they say."
"Who cares about that guy."
You stared at Kasper's welcoming lips, turned up lazily and lopsided. There was enough glow on his face to light your private little corner. Kasper turned down another beer and continued staring at you like he was expecting you to say something.
"I'm just going to come out and say it... I really wanna kiss you right now. Can I do that?"
"Thought you'd never ask."
The words slipped from your mouth, and soft, plushy kisses took your breath and replaced it with the taste of beer and tongue. You settled close to Kasper, circling his torso and splaying your hands on his back. He clutched your shoulders and stroked your collarbones and the sides of your neck. When he scooped your jaw upward to ease his angle, you both pulled away slowly and watched your eyes open.
"What else are you doing tonight?" Kasper asked.
"You tell me."
"Should I behave? I don't want to put pressure on you."
"No way. I have the night to myself, and I'd love to see where it goes."
"Well, aren't I lucky?"
10 notes
·
View notes
Text
Never Gonna Be Alone -Chapter 26
Title: Preparations
Warning: it’s filler. I figured we needed some cute daddy Tyler. lol
Tagging: @c-a-v-a-l-r-y, @innerpaperexpertcloud, @alievans007, @miss-smutty, @tragiclyhip
“When you met mumma, you guys were working together, right?”
Addie poses the question as she sits atop the kitchen island; legs swinging back and forth as they dangle over the edge, the heels of silver and gold glitter infused jelly sandals lightly thumping against the wood. She insisted on bringing one of her favourite pairs of shoes from home; arguing that she didn’t care that they were ‘out of season’ and that she would wear what she wants, when she wants, and no one could tell her otherwise. In the end they’d gone perfectly with the new ‘Christmas’ dress she’d picked out Bloomingdales; a vibrant yellow concoction with capped sleeves embellished with strips of lace, a sash around the waist that ties in an enormous bow at the back, and an elaborate tulle skirt several layers thick that shimmers in the light. Forgoing all the burgundy, emerald green, and red dresses that had lined the regular priced racks in favour of an outfit from the leftover and highly discounted summer section. It was a hill Esme hadn't been willing to die on; preferring that Addie showcase both her independence in choosing her own outfit, and being proud of her personal style and preferences. And it suits her; as bright and adorable as her personality with just enough ‘no fucks given’ sprinkled on for good measure.
While tiny and seemingly fragile, she can be extremely assertive and adverse to any form of compromise; tenacious to a fault and digging her heels in and sticking to her guns when she feels she’s one hundred right about her stance. Even if there’s mountains of proof to show that she is, in fact, completely wrong. Someone so stubborn and feisty lingering inside that cute, wee package; able to hold her own while out playing with her older siblings and not afraid to get a bloody nose or a fat lip or a black eye. And not deterred in the slightest when she DOES get injured; right back to what she was doing only hours after getting stitches or a cast removed. Not shying away from climbing trees or splashing in mud puddles or helping muck out the goats stalls while wearing clunky rubber boots paired with a Disney princess dress. Very much like her older sister had been at that age; enjoying being physical and active and playing sports and rough housing one minute, then showcasing her more ‘girly side’ the next. Loving trips to the salon with mummy for manis and pedis; enjoying picking her own shade of polish and then getting to sip orange juice from a champagne glass while getting a facial and her hair trimmed. Collecting dolls along with various rocks and shells and beach glass. Superhero figures taking up residence on her bedroom shelves right alongside stuffies of her favourite animals -koalas, sloths, and kangaroos currently at the top of the list- and snow globes from different parts of the world. Her closet filled with not only frilly dresses and sparkly leggings and colourful sweaters emblazoned with unicorns and french bulldogs and flamingos, but old hand me downs from her brothers; ripped and faded jeans and tattered t-shirts and board shorts.
“Right,” Tyler confirms, as he tends to running a brush through her waist length hair; damp from misting it down with a spray bottle in order to easier part it into sections.
It’s a far cry from his old life; his beaten and busted up hands with their multitude of scars and calluses once used to being soaked in blood and caked with dirt. Large and weathered with misshapen knuckles, they’d long ago gotten accustomed to hard, manual labour and the brutality that he’d had to inflict on others; fists that pummelled bodies and faces and fingers that pulled triggers and wrapped around throats and choked the life out of combatants. And while they still get caked in mud from working around the house and they’re still entrusted to load magazines and are capable of taking a gun apart in thirteen seconds flat, they’ve morphed into other uses. Beginning with diapering babies and tending to the impossibly tiny snaps on jumpers, buttons on little sweaters, and zippers on sleepers. Moving on to tying kid sized shoe laces and cleaning and patching up skinned knees and elbows. Advancing to far more difficult hair styling techniques than the simple ponytails he’d began affixing on Millie when she was a toddler; various styles of braids adorned with ribbons, and snapping barrettes and clamping clips into place.
Being a girl dad is unlike anything he’d ever experienced before. The six short years -despite the little time he’d actually been home- he’d spent with Austin had prepared him for raising boys. His son, when healthy, had been extremely active and fearless and full of curiosity and energy; getting as messy and as dirty as possible and loving every second of it. Obsessed with superheroes and sports and always clad in clothing that displayed his favourites; football jerseys and baseball caps and sweats emblazoned with Superman or Batman logos. He had been terrified twelve years ago when the news had come in that Millie was in fact going to be a girl; not only envisioning frilly dresses and a closet full of pink and those ridiculous headbands parents insist on putting on their infants, but thinking back to his own treatment of women. The days when he’d used them for nothing more than sex; random strangers picked up in bars or that he’d meet on the street in whatever city a job sent him to. A failed marriage; putting more of a priority on the military than he did on treating his wife properly. And all he could think about was how having a daughter was somehow a punishment for the bad shit he’d done. A little girl that he’d have to protect from guys like him.
It was hard to get used to; big fingers having to master putting in tiny earrings and tending to impossibly small zippers and buttons , getting comfortable with the amount of pink and purple in their rooms and closets. Eventually graduating into attending tea parties and playing with Barbies and helping make crafts; getting used to paint on his palms and between his fingers and glitter stuck under his nails and in his hair and beard. Determined to be a hands-on father even if its activities are way outside of his comfort zone; gymnastic meets and dance recitals as opposed to lacrosse matches and football games. Being a girl dad isn’t for the weak; having to worry about your little girls’ hearts being broken and if the guys they pick will treat them right and if they themselves will make smart and responsible choices as teenagers. And the hormones; the up and down emotions and the drastic switch from bitchy to overly sensitive. Having a wife go through it once a month is enough. never mind the thought of three other girls. The worry of how he’ll handle not only the emergence of puberty, but if all four female ‘clocks’ decide to sync up. He doesn’t know if he’ll be able to handle THAT; all the women in his life going through the cramps and the moodiness and the demands to be coddled and babied one minute and left the fuck alone the next.
“Does that mean mummy beat up and killed bad guys too?”
“No. She never did any of that stuff. That was my job, not hers.”
“What did she do?”
“She tracked down the bad guys. And where they were doing mean things to good people. Then she told me...or guys like me...where they were so we could go and take care of things.”
“So you could go and kill them?”
“You don’t always have to kill people. Sometimes it’s enough to just rough them up a bit.”
“And other times they fight back and try to hurt you and you have to hurt them first?”
“Pretty much.”
“Have you killed a lot of people?”
“Not that many," he lies. It's actually a staggering amount; the death toll -from his hand alone- in Dhaka putting the count well over three hundred.
“How many is ‘not that many'?’”
“I don’t know, Peanut. I’ve never kept track.”
“But you’ve helped more people than you’ve hurt. That’s what mummy said when I asked if it was true. If Tyler was lying when he told me you kill people for a living.”
“That’s a while ago. That you asked mummy that.”
“I was three. That’s a whole two years ago. But sometimes I think about it. Especially when you go away. I think about you having to kill people.”
“And what do you think WHEN you think about that? About what I sometimes have to do?”
“I dunno know,” Addie shrugs, and then lifts the spray bottle clutched in both hands and holds it towards her face; giggling when she pulls the trigger and catches some of the mist in her mouth.
“Does it bother you? When you think about it? That I’ve killed people? That sometimes I still have to?”
“Why would it bother me?”
“Kind of a hard thing to hear, don’t you think? That daddy has to do stuff like that?”
“It’s your job. It’s what you do. You have to hurt people to save other people. And sometimes, if they try and hurt you first, you have to kill them. Because if you didn’t, they might kill you and then you never come home and we never get to see you again. It’s not THAT hard to hear. I’d rather you kill someone and come home than never see you again.”
“You know,” he plucks the spray bottle from her hands and dampens a section of hair. “You’re pretty smart for only five.”
“Smart like mummy.”
He leans in to press a kiss to her cheek. “Cute like her too.”
“Are you going to get in trouble? For killing people?”
“Who would I get in trouble with?”
“God. Isn’t that one of the things we’re not supposed to do? Kill people?”
“How do you know about that? We don’t talk about that stuff at home.”
“I hear things. At school. Some of the older kids talking. Are you? Going to get in trouble? For killing people?”
“Probably,” he admits. “I’m sure I’ll face some kind of judgement for it. When my time comes.”
“But wouldn’t it be okay ‘cause you only kill bad people? That were hurting good people? Wouldn’t that be allowed? And if you had to kill someone so you could come home to us, wouldn’t that be okay too?”
“I don’t know,” he snags a yellow cloth ribbon off the island and begins braiding a section of hair around it. “I’ve never thought that far ahead about things.”
“It would suck if you got in trouble for helping people. That wouldn’t be fair at all. If you got sent to hell for doing stuff like that. I mean, you were doing something GOOD. You weren’t doing something bad. You HAD to kill evil people to help good people. And to make sure you come home to mummy and us kids. I can’t see you getting in trouble for something like THAT.”
“Doesn’t make much sense to me either. But not a lot does anymore.”
“I’ll be really mad if you get in trouble and sent somewhere different than me. I don’t want us to be in two separate places. I want us to be together. All of us. You and mummy and all us kids. I don’t want us to all be separated. Well, maybe Millie could be. Because she’s mean to me. All the time.”
“Millie is going through some stuff. She’s going to be a teenager soon. A lot of drama leading up to THAT.”
“She says I’m annoying. That she used to really like me when I was a baby and couldn’t do anything. But now I can do lots of stuff and I can talk and she says that pisses her off. That I’m a bratty little sister.”
“You are NOT bratty.”
“Right? That’s what I said. She’s bratty if anything. Am I annoying, daddy? Don’t lie. You can tell me the truth.”
“You are not annoying. If anyone is annoying, it’s Millie.”
“I said THAT too! But she’s mean. She even threatened to cut my hair off. Shave it. Because I couldn’t find my brush and I borrowed hers and she didn’t like that. So you know what I did? While you were gone?”
“What did you do?”
“I took the tops off two Oreo cookies and I ate the middle and then I put in mayonnaise and I put the tops back on and gave them to Millie. I told her I was being a good little sister and bringing her a snack. And she put a whole one in her mouth! She almost puked!”
He can’t help but chuckle. “You actually did that?”
“Yup. It was awesome. I laughed so hard, I almost peed! But then she started chasing me around the house threatening to kill me. Mummy was screaming at her to lighten up, that it was just a joke. And then she told mummy to shut up and Tyler got mad. REALLY mad. He tackled Millie and grabbed her by the hair and pushed her face into the carpet. Then he put her in a figure four leg lock and made her cry.”
“Millie told your mom to shut up?”
“Oooops…” Addie tilts her head back to look at him, a sheepish smile curving her lips. “....I wasn’t supposed to tell you that part.”
“Who told you not to tell me? Millie?”
The five year old shakes her head.
“TJ?”
Another shake, followed by a tiny “No.”
“Addie…”
“It was mummy! She said not to tell you because you’d get pissed off and you didn’t need to. Because she took care of it right when it happened. Well, Tyler did. He was really, really, REALLY mad. She learned her lesson. I’m sure of it. He made her cry. Lots.”
“Did that happen a lot? Millie getting mouthy with your mom?”
“Not really.”
He stares pointedly down at her.
“A few times,” she reluctantly admits. “She said some things that were really mean. To mummy. And she said the F word once, too. Mixed with the B word.”
“She said that ? To your mom?”
Addie chews nervously on her bottom lip. “Yeah, she called her an f-ing B word.”
“What did mummy do?”
“She didn’t get a chance to do anything. Desi freaked out. And he’s really big and he can be really scary when he wants. Like you. Desi told her that she should never, ever talk to her mum like that. And that you’d be really mad if you found out. And that she’d rather deal with him than you. Which is true. Desi might be bigger than you, but you’re definitely tougher. I mean, he doesn’t kill people for a living. You do.”
“Things were pretty bad, huh? While I was gone.”
“A little. Millie went off the reservation. Big time. She’s lucky she’s even breathing. ‘Cause Tyler was ready to kill her. And I don’t blame him. You’re mad, aren’t you. Are you mad, daddy?”
“A bit.”
“You know how I can tell? That you’re mad? Your neck moves. Right here,” she reaches up to press to fingertips against the side of his throat. “Where the bad guy shot you a long time ago.”
“How did you know about that?”
“Mummy told me. I asked her how you got that scar. She said that a long time ago, her and Ovi were in trouble and you had to get them out of a really bad place. And then you made sure they were safe and sound, but a bad guy shot you. In the neck. And that’s why you have the scar there.”
“Did that scare you? Hearing that?”
“A little, I guess. I mean, you could have died, right?”
“I could have, yeah.”
“And then you and mummy never would have gotten married. And had kids. Millie would be the only one to exist. None of us would. So yeah, that part scared me a bit; that the bad guy could have killed and none of us ever would have been born. Did you kill him?”
“Eventually.”
“Mummy said she stayed with you. After it happened. And that she went back to Australia with you and that’s how she ended up there. It’s where you guys got married. And had Millie and me and Kota and Brookie. That we were the ones born there. So we’re REAL Australians, like you. Everyone else is American.”
“Everyone else WAS American. You’re all Australian now.”
“How does that work?”
“A lot of papers you have to fill out. To become a citizen. But you all are. Mummy and I made sure of it.”
“Is mummy an Australian too?”
“By marriage, yeah.”
“It’s a good thing she married you. You’re a lucky guy, daddy. That someone like mummy fell in love with you.”
“I am,” he confirms. “Very lucky. She’s a pretty good mummy, huh?”
“She’s the best mummy EVER. If we could pick our mummies, I’d pick her. Because she’s nice and she gives good cuddles and kisses and she tells the best silly jokes. And she’s super smart and really cute too. And little! Like me!”
“That’s where you get from. Being so cute and wee. You’re just like your mumma.”
Her eyes sparkle as she smiles broadly up at him; the corners and the bridge of her nose crinkle. “And that’s a good thing, yeah?”
“A very good thing,” Dropping a kiss on her forehead, he brushes the tip of his nose against hers; smiling at the way she throws her head back and giggles.
He’s seen her mother do that exact movement and expression a number of times; excitement while on the rides at Disney World with the kids, when she’s had one too many glasses of wine and even his terrible ‘dad jokes’ are suddenly hilarious, when they’ve been on one of their ‘mommy and daddy’ vacations and she’s gotten up the guts to try something new and exciting; emboldened by his encouragement and forever feeling safe and secure as long as he’s by her side. So much of Esme in the tiny little girl in front of him; tenacious and ferociously intelligent and loving deeply and fearlessly. Knowing the darkness and the horrors that exist in the world but not allowing herself to be tarnished by it; always finding ways to smile and laugh and find the beauty in every day.
“What do you think mummy would have done if she didn’t do the job she did?” Addie inquires, when she finally drops her head back down and he’s able to return to tending her hair.
“I don’t know. Teach? Be a nurse? Maybe a doctor?”
“How would you have met her? If she didn’t do her old job?”
“Maybe I would have met her on the beach. In Australia. Maybe she would have come there on a vacation.”
“Maybe. Or maybe you would have gone to where she used to live. In Chicago.”
“She used to live in Colorado. That’s where she was born and where she grew up. Chicago is a totally different place.”
“She used to live by the mountains. When I was in her tummy, you guys lived on a hobby farm. And you had goats and chickens. Mummy says we still own that house.”
“Yup, we do. We rent it out.”
“Can we go there one day? I’d like to see it. I’d like to see where you guys were living when I was in mummy’s belly. Is that where I was made?”
“We’re pretty sure that’s where it happened. Not many other places it could have been.”
“Maybe we can go and visit. And I can see where I was made. That would be fun. I want to see the mountains.”
“Maybe one day.” He finishes up the first braided pigtail, securing it with an impossibly small elastic before turning his attention to the other section of hair.
“If you met mummy a different way, would you have still liked her? Would you have still fallen in love with her?”
“Yup. Why wouldn’t have I? She still would have been mummy. She still would have been the same person. Still would have been the most beautiful girl ever.”
“Do you think she still would have fallen in love with you?”
“I sure as hell hope so. Would sure suck if she didn’t. Your mumma is pretty special, Peanut. She’s the love of my life. Took me until I was thirty five to meet her.”
“You were married before, though. To Austin's mom. You didn’t love her?”
“I did. But not in the way I love your mum. Your mum? That’s who I want to spend the rest of my life with. Grow really, really, REALLY old with. It’s a whole other kind of love. And you know what? It’s not easy to explain. You just know what you feel.”
“Imagine if things were opposite? If you went to Colorado and met mummy instead of her meeting you in Australia and working with you? And then you would have stayed there; where the snow and the mountains are instead of the beach and the ocean. How come you moved? Why didn’t you guys stay? Where the mountains are?”
“Things changed. We weren’t happy there anymore. We needed to get away. Go back to the place where we were the happiest.”
“In Australia?”
“Yup.”
“That’s where I’m happiest too. I love it there. I love how warm it is; the sun and the sand and the water. I like the sound it makes; listening to it when I’m trying to fall asleep. And I like how the beach feels; between my toes and when I let it run through my fingers. And I love my room and my toys and my school and my friends and all the goats and our pigs and our chickens. And Charlie. I love him the most. I love making him peanut butter sandwiches. I’d miss him the most. If we had to leave. We won’t have to leave will we, daddy?”
“I don’t see why we would have to.”
“I don’t ever want to leave Australia. It’s perfect there. It’s where I was born. And where you were born too. We have that in common. We were BOTH born there.”
“Yeah…” he grins, and presses a kiss to the back of her head. “...we were.”
“I mean, we have other stuff in common too. Because you’re my dad and that means you helped make me so that means half of me is half of you. The other half is from mummy. And we both love surfing. And animals. And Vegemite. I LOVE Vegemite. It’s sooooo good.”
“Speaking of Vegemite, was it you that left the Vegemite and Nutella sandwich for Santa?”
Addie giggles. “Maybe…”
“Why would you ever put the two of those together?”
“Tyler made it for his school lunch once and he let me try a bit and it was really good! So I thought Santa might like to try it. Part American, part Australian.”
“You know, that’s pretty genius. And it worked. I tried a bit and it wasn’t bad.”
“Right?! You wouldn’t think it would work, but it does. Somehow. Kind of like you and mummy.”
“What’s THAT supposed to mean?”
“You and mummy are so different. You’re really tall and big and she’s really short and small. Like, you know how mummy is a morning person? She’s always really cheerful and smiley? And you’re not? You’re moody and miserable. A total grump face! And you don’t like to talk until you’ve had your first coffee. With three shots of espresso in it.”
“You notice all that stuff?”
“I notice everything. Mummy says I’m very observant. And that I have really good instincts. Like you. She says ‘cause my tummy tells me if something is right or wrong. And yours does too. You know how else you and mummy are different?”
“How?”
“Mummy talks to everyone! She’s very talky talky. A chatterbox.”
“Geez,” Tyler grins, and tugs playfully at the completed pigtail. “I wonder who ELSE is a chatterbox?”
“She’s a social butterfly. She makes friends everywhere she goes. People like her. Because she’s so bubbly and cute and she makes peoples hearts feel warm because she’s so nice to them. You’re more serious. You don’t talk a lot. At least not to people you don’t know. People are scared of you sometimes. Because how big you are and because you got all the drawings on you and the scars and stuff. They think you’re mean. ‘Cause of all that.”
“And what do you think?”
“I think you’re just daddy. I KNOW you’re not mean. I KNOW you’re a nice guy. I KNOW you give awesome hugs; your arms are big but they feel nice and they wrap all the way around me! If people really paid attention, they’d see that you’re nice. You have soft eyes. They’re blue and they’re pretty and they’re kind. Especially when you smile and they go all crinkly. If people really gave you a chance, they’d see you’re not scary at all. You’re only like that if you HAVE to be. If bad people are near mummy or us kids.”
“Are you ever scared of me?” It’s a recurring thought; if his children ever pick up on the worry and the tension and the fear that comes with his issues. It’s a feat some days; forcing himself out of bed and putting one foot in front of the other. Wanting nothing more than to stay under the covers and surrender to the exhaustion that comes with doing battle with his own mind every day. But his family is his number one priority, whether it’s a good day or a horrible one. And he’ll ‘fake it until he makes it’ as long as his children and his wife know that they’re loved; provided and cared for and made to feel safe and protected.
“Why would I be? Why would I be scared of my daddy?”
“Well, you know what I do for a living. You know what I’ve had to do to people. Does that scare you?”
“Nope. Because that’s just your job. It’s not who you are. When you come home, you’re just daddy. You take us bike riding and hiking and swimming and surfing. And you help us find rocks and shells and you let me sit on your shoulders when we walk on the beach or go into town. And we take naps. On the hammock. I love our naps on the hammock.”
He smiles. “So do I.”
“Sometimes I get a little worried. When you get upset. Or you and mummy argue. I don’t like when you guys argue. I always worry that you’ll hate each other. That you’ll get a divorce. And then you won’t live with us. It makes me sad when I think about that.”
“You don’t need to be sad, Peanut. That’s never going to happen. I’m never going to go and live somewhere else. I’m going to stay right where I am; with you guys and your mumma. And just because we argue? That doesn’t mean we’re going to hate each other. I could NEVER hate your mum. And I’m pretty sure she’d say the same thing about me. We love each other. Very much. Divorce is NOT something you need to think about. But do I ever scare you? Have I ever?”
“I don’t have a reason to be scared of you. Because you love me. You’d never hurt me. I never worry about that. Not even when you yell and your voice gets REALLY loud. I know you’d never do anything mean to me. Just to bad people. And I’m not a person. I’m a GOOD person.”
“You definitely are. You’re a VERY good person. An amazing little person.”
She smiles. “Like mummy.”
“Just like her. More than even I ever realized.”
******
“Addie…” TJ singsongs as he saunters into the kitchen, both hands tucked behind his back. “...what are you doing?”
“Tyler!” She cheerfully greets, and excitedly waves to him with both hands. Her entire face lighting up at the sight of her second favourite male in the house
She’s become extremely close to her oldest brother during her five years on earth; idolizing him and turning to him for help and comfort when daddy is either caught up with one of the other kids, tending to work related matters, or out of the house -and sometimes even the country- all together. And TJ dotes on her in return. Spoiling her and babying her ever since she was an infant and he was always more than willing to help change her diapers and give her feedings. In awe of how tiny she was and how she’d look up at him with so much adoration. He’s the quintessential older brother; patient and loving and ready to kick anyone’s ass that dares messes with her.
“Look at my dress! It’s the one I picked out when I went shopping for mommy. That I kept a secret. Isn’t it awesome?”
“Awesome just like you. It’s really pretty, Ads. Your favourite colour too!”
“Yup! Mummy bought it for me. She said it’s perfect for me. For my personality. It reminds me of Belle’s dress. From Beauty and the Beast.”
“Looks a little like it, I guess. But you know what? It’s even prettier. And you’re more beautiful than Belle. WAY more beautiful.”
“Really?” she gasps, and a noticeable blush creeps into her cheeks, spreading all the way to the tips of her ears. “You really think so?”
“I REALLY think so. Belle has nothing on you. You’re the prettiest princess EVER. Way prettier than ANY of them.”
“Oh goodness!” She clamps both hands over her mouth in embarrassment, then giggles into them. “Like mumma? Just as pretty as her? Mumma is the prettiest EVER.”
“Just a smaller version of her.” TJ leans in close and presses the tip of his nose against hers. “Guess what I have? What you forgot in my room?”
“Adeline!” she cries, when he reveals the item he’d been keeping behind his back. And she snags the doll from him and showers its head and face with kisses as she clutches it tightly to her chest. “Adeline! I’m sorry I forgot you! I didn’t mean to!”
“I kept her safe for you,” TJ says. “So Declan wouldn’t grab her. You know how he likes to get a hold of dolls and torture them. I didn’t want him getting her. She’s way too pretty and I know how much you love her.”
“He’s mean to my dolls! He’s always taking their heads off and putting their arms where their legs should be and crazy shit like that.”
“Hey,” Tyler frowns, and tugs on the half braided pigtail. “What did I say?”
“No bad language. Especially on Christmas Day. I can’t help it though; sometimes it just slips out. If you didn’t swear so much around us kids…”
“That’s it. Throw me under the bus.”
“You swear A LOT, daddy. Especially in the car. When other people don’t drive fast enough or use their blinkers. If mummy knew exactly how much you DO swear around us, she’d be mad. REALLY mad.”
“Your mum has a worse mouth than I do.”
“As if!” Addie scoffs, and he can’t help but smile; easily hearing Esme’s voice and picturing the expression on her face; the corner up her mouth and her nose scrunched up in disgust, eyes slightly narrowed. “Thank you, Tyler!” She curls an arm around her brother’s neck, squeezing as tight as she can. “You’re the best! Thank you for keeping her safe from the Ginger. You’re the best brother EVER! I only trust you with her. And daddy. That’s it. You guys are big and strong and will keep her safe no matter what.”
“What the hell are you wearing?” He addresses his son as the latter moves to the fridge, pausing in the braiding of Addie’s hair to survey TJ’s wardrobe a pair of ill fitting and impossibly baggy jeans, an enormous untucked dress shirt with its sleeves rolled to his elbows, and a loose pink, purple, and grey striped tie.
“Your pants. And one of your shirts.” TJ reaches into the fridge and grabs a carton of chocolate milk and a jug of white. Closing the door with his hip and carrying them to the counter by the sink; pouring a mix of both into a plastic tumblr retrieved from the dish rack and then snagging two straws from the cupboard. “Mum told me to. She said none of my clothes were good enough for Christmas dinner. All my jeans have holes in them and all t-shirts have to do with surfing. We’ve never had to dress up for Christmas dinner before. Why do we have to start now?”
“Your mum’s trying to make things perfect. To avoid drama. With your grandmother.”
“Too late. Grandma brings drama with her. And drops it on everyone else.” He drags a bar stool across the floor and places it in front of his little sister. “Here Ads,” he holds the cup in front of her. “A yellow straw just for you. So you don’t have to share my germs. Let me hold it; so you don’t spill anything on your dress.”
Giving a delighted squeal and a smile of appreciation, she takes a pull from the straw. “I think you look handsome, Tyler. You’re growing up. You’re going to be as big as daddy soon.”
“It’s going to be a while before I’m THAT big. But I’m going to work on it. As soon as I’m allowed, I’m going to lift heavy too and put on ALL kinds of muscle.”
“Then you can go after bad people too. And beat them up and kill them when you have to.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Tyler suggests. “Something tells me mummy might have an issue with that.”
“Why doesn’t mum just tell grandma to get lost?” TJ inquires. “It’s not like they like each other. They never have. They’ve always fought. I remember how they’d get into it at Christmas. When we were still living in Colorado. Grandma would get drunk and she’d pick fights with mum and mum would fight back and cry and then you’d go off on grandma. Is that going to happen this year? ‘Cause it’s been nice and quiet at Christmas. Do we HAVE to listen to grandma's shit?”
“What did I just tell your sister? About the language?”
“She’s five, but she’s right. It IS hard to stop and it does just come out. But do we, dad? Do we really have to put up with her?”
“It’s one night. I think you can manage. If I can grin and bear it, so can you. Suck it up.”
“If she starts in on mum about ANYTHING, I’m going to lose it. That’s my mum. No one talks to my mum like that. I almost taught Jacobi a lesson. For calling mum cute and wanting to ask her out. I’ll teach grandma a lesson too. I’m not afraid of her.”
“If anyone is going to teach her a lesson, it’s going to be me. You stay out of it. Your mum wouldn’t want you getting into it with her. You’re TEN.”
“Doesn’t matter how old I am. That’s MY mum. And no one is going to treat her bad. We’re supposed to protect her, remember? You and I.”
“You’re supposed to be a kid and stay that way as long as you can. I’M supposed to protect your mom. And I think I’ve been pretty damn good at it for the last twelve and a half years. And if your grandma starts? I’ll stop it. You don’t have to worry about that.”
“Why does she hate you so much anyway? Is it still the same crap? How she’s pissed because you stole mum away from her family and moved her all the way to Australia? ‘Cause you got her pregnant before you married her?”
Addie scowls. “Who cares? Lots of people have babies and they aren’t married. And so what if mummy didn’t go back home and she stayed with daddy? She’s an adult. She can do what she wants. And she wanted to be with daddy. None of grandma’s business. I’mma tell her that too. If she starts saying mean things about daddy or mummy. I’mma tell her what for.”
“You’re not going to do a thing,” Tyler informs her. “You’re going to leave all the telling off to me, got it?”
“I don’t like her,” Addie says. “She’s not a nice person. She has a mean smile. And her eyes are empty. They don’t sparkle or anything like that. Are you sure that’s mummy’s mummy? Because when mummy smiles, her eyes sparkle. She LOOKS happy. Grandma? She just looks mean.”
“No one likes her,” TJ grumbles. “Best thing we ever did was get away from her. But IS that why, dad? Is that really why she doesn’t like you? Because she still thinks you stole mum and took her all the way to Australia?”
“It’s a few things.”
“I bet it’s the job too. I bet she really has a problem with THAT.”
“Again…” Addie huffs dramatically. “...who cares? So what if daddy kills people? They’re BAD. They deserve it. He helps good people and sometimes when he’s helping them, he has to kill the bad guys. I don’t see a problem with that. If they try and hurt him or kill him, he HAS to kill them first. So he can come home. To us. And mummy. It only makes sense.”
“If Ads can get it, ANYONE can,” TJ says. “She’s only five. What’s grandma? A hundred? If a five year old can get it…”
“Daddy makes the world a better place because he gets rid of the bad people,” Addie continues, as she takes another sip of the drink her brother offers her. “If we had less bad people, everything would be great. There’d be less wars and less people getting hurt and everyone would love one another and be happy. Daddy’s doing a good thing. By sticking up for people. Like you do. At school. You beat up the bullies when you have to. Remember the older kid that tripped me and shoved my face in the mud? Remember him? He’s in grade eight AND you kicked the crap out of me. Because he picked on me.”
“You’re my sister. It’s my job to protect you.”
“And remember that other guy? On the playground by mummy’s store? The one that pulled my hair and told me I was adopted because I’m small and I don’t look like any of you guys. You freaked out on him and made him apologize and scared him away. He’ll cross the street now if he sees you coming.”
“You can’t let bad people get away with doing bad things,” TJ reasons. “If you don’t stop them, they’ll just keep doing bad stuff.”
“Exactly! So it’s a good thing that daddy goes after the bad guys. Grandma needs to learn. And she needs to learn TODAY. You should tell her, Tyler. You should tell her off. You’re not scared of anyone.”
“Not being scared of anyone or anything is not always a good thing,” Tyler informs her. “If you’re not scared, you don’t take a situation or people seriously. That’s when you get hurt. And you know what? No matter how big of a bad ass you think you are? There’s always a bigger one out there somewhere. Believe me. I’ve learned THAT lesson the hard way.”
“The guy who shot you just got a lucky one in,” TJ reasons. “You were already hurt. You weren’t one hundred percent. Some guy had already shot you, hadn’t he? A sniper?”
“What’s a sniper?” Addie inquires. “Is it like Swipper on Dora? Something like him?”
“We don’t need to talk about that,” Tyler says. “You don’t need to know that stuff. Not until you’re older. WAY older.”
“A sniper’s a guy that hides somewhere and shoots you,” TJ replies. “Somewhere where no one sees him. It’s why they’re so dangerous. You don’t even know where they are. They just shoot you. And they kill you before you even know what happened.”
“But daddy didn’t get killed. If a sniper shot daddy, shouldn’t he be dead?”
Combing his hand through her bangs, Tyler tips his daughter’s head back. “What did I just say? About you not needing to know about this stuff?”
“I’m curious now. Tyler said they hide and shoot people and kill them. How come you didn’t die? If a sniper shot you?”
“I guess he didn’t manage to get a good shot in.”
“It was the other guy that almost killed him,” TJ says, and takes a sip of the concoction in his hand. “The one that got him in the neck. That’s when he almost died. Mum saved him.”
“How? How did mummy save daddy? Daddy…” she swivels around in her stool to face him. “...how did mummy save you? Did she shoot the bad guy back?”
“Mum stuck her fingers in his neck,” TJ says. “To stop the bleeding. Or he would have bled to death.”
Addie’s eyes widen. “She DID?”
“When you’re older, MAYBE I’ll tell you more more about it. But for now…” Tyler places his hands on her shoulders and gently turns her back around. “...you don’t need to know this stuff. And you…” he stares pointedly at his son. “...don’t talk about this around her. She doesn’t need to know about this. She’s a baby still.”
“I’m not a baby!” Addie objects. “I’m five! I can almost ride my bike without training wheels. Babies can’t do that.”
“Just don’t, alright?” He addresses TJ. “Don’t talk about this stuff around her. Because she’s going to repeat all of this and she’s going to repeat it to your mum and that won’t end well. For you OR me.”
“It happened though. I mean, it’s part of how you guys met and got together and ended up getting married and stuff. It’s your history. I don’t see why…”
“I said ENOUGH. No more. Not around her. Got it?” He’s on edge; the mere mention of Dhaka and the incidents on the bridge playing straight into the anxiety and the panic he’d felt the night before; when he’d woken up from the nightmare and been on the verge of losing control and had turned to the fentanyl for relief. And it scares him; how easy it had been to not only access the powerful med, but actually take it. He’d encountered no resistance or hesitation; remorse and guilt not setting in until the following morning when he’d woken up and it had been the first thing on his mind. It’s alarming how quick things can return; an addict’s mind and behaviour.
Nodding, TJ holds his hands up in surrender.
“You’re both going to be nice tonight,” he says, and finishes Addie’s final braid. “To grandma. Because your mum is already stressed out enough and we don’t need to make it worse for her. So if the best you can do is smile and nod, just do that. I’m not asking you to kiss her ass. I’m just asking you to be civil. Can you handle that?”
TJ nods.
“You?” He tugs on one of Addie’s pigtails. “Can you do that? Be civil?”
“Do I have to be near her? Or sit on her lap? ‘Cause I draw the line there.”
“You don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Just don’t be a little asshole, alright?”
“Me? I’m Mary Freaking Sunshine, remember? That’s what Grandpa Koen calls me.”
“Well then live up to it and be nice to your grandmother. Smile until your face hurts, got it?”
“What do I get out of it?”
He smirks.
“Mummy says to always negotiate. Never settle for the first offer. Can I sleep in the big bed tonight? For being nice to grandma?”
“No.” Wrapping an arm around her waist, he lifts her off the stool; pressing a kiss to her cheek before setting her on the ground.
She turns to face him. Head cocked to the side and one hand clutching her doll, the other planted firmly on her hip. “Can I have ice cream for my bedtime snack?”
"Maybe."
“Maybe isn’t good enough.”
“You ARE just like your mom, aren’t you.”
“I’ll be nice if I can have ice cream for my bedtime snack and you snuggle with me and draw on my back for half an hour. And that’s after FOUR stories.”
“You're bossy, you know that? Two stories.”
“Three. That’s as low as I’ll go.”
“I will give you two stories, ice cream for your snack, and forty five minutes of snuggling and drawing on your back. Instead of half an hour. We got a deal?”
Her eyes narrow as she considers it; nibbling on her bottom lip and swishing her hips back and forth. “You’re good at this.”
“This isn’t my first rodeo, Peanut. I’ve dealt with tougher than you. What do you say?” He offers a hand. “Deal?”
“Deal!” she agrees, his hand easily swallowing hers as they shake on it.
Grinning, he runs a hand over the top of her head and then drops a kiss on her hair. “You really DO have a lot of your mum in you.”
“Great things come in small packages,” Addie reasons, standing on her tiptoes as he leans down and pecks her lips. “Thank you, daddy!” she chirps. “My hair looks beautiful. You always do it perfect.”
“Pretty hard not to when my subject is so cute. Good thing I married your mum, huh? So I could have a kid as cute as you?”
“You really are a lucky man!” she declares and then cheerfully skips out of the room.
“I hope grandma is on her best behaviour,” TJ says, as he finishes the drink in his hand and then slides off the stool and returns it to its place at the island. “Because if she DOES start on mum, it’s going to be a wild night. I really hope she watches her step.”
“My too, kiddo,” Tyler sighs, and reaches out to tousle his son’s hair. “Me too.”
22 notes
·
View notes
Text
About me
My name is Sebastian V. Hanson and I am 29 years old. I am passionate about all types of ball games, but am most passionate about football. It's an exciting sport that is full of excitement. Football is now the most popular game in the world. It is played by millions of people every day, and billions of people watch world championships. Professional players, football stars are now idols to all nations.
It's a sport that helps improve speed, agility , and reaction time. Football players are very hardy people, as they play in the cool air that is available from early spring through late autumn. Football is a game played in teams and helps build cohesion and team spirit.
Most importantly, I love the thrill and excitement of football! I am a football player. We play soccer on the field from spring to autumn. And in winter I play soccer in the indoor gym of the complex.
I have been playing football since the age of a young child and it's a way for me to unwind in my free time and meet my friends. I'm very familiar with the equipment of football. I write articles about it you can find at https://allpartyfootball.com/. We are here to help you save time and find the best equipment for football.
The sport of football requires preciseness. This is the reason why picking an appropriate uniform for players is so responsible. It's not straightforward to find products that are comfortable, high-end practical, affordable football equipment. It is possible to find the most effective items at online stores that specialize in.
Football equipment includes shirts - with sleeves or without shorts of different lengths, cleats that are leather or alternative, pads, as well as sealing pants, special shorts that are comfortable, and uniform gloves. A hat is necessary in cold conditions. Football is very strict. Only the colors of jerseys differ and vary from one football club to the next. In any event their specifications are identical. First and foremost it is high-quality material. Additionally, everyone needs practical as well as comfortable football equipment. They can be purchased through Europa from any area of the country. You can buy complete sets or individual items, like T-shirts. They can come with sleeves that are the right length. It should not be too big to limit athletes' movements. Polyester T-shirts are simple to dry, absorb moisture , and don't shrink. Shorts. Shorts that match your T-shirt color should be worn. The shorts should be a specific color beneath. Shorts. Silica, plastic, rubber or light shorts. Gaiters. They should be well-fitted, not slippy, and should support elastic gaiters. Cleats. They should be well cushioned, adequately sized, and not flex or squeeze. It is better if the material is genuine leather of good quality.
2 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
pabrikmesin64
Untitled
ladyelizabethf
Princess of GOD
collin4hgfan-blog
Naamloos
erika4twenty
Erika4twenty
kerajinanlogamtembaga
Tanpa judul