#liverpoolimagines

[jsprnt]

your husband loves taking care of you, especially when you're 35 weeks pregnant.

virgil van dijk x pregnant!reader

original request: love your work, could you write a pregnant!reader and Virgil? X

A/N: thank you! this one was so fun to write <3

W/C: 1.640

you shift into another position, again. The soft couch and cushions doing wonders for your back, but still, you couldn’t sleep in your favorite position. Just flat on your stomach, your swollen baby bump not even allowing you to sleep well at night, or take a nap in the quiet hours before dinner time. you felt like you were about to pop, but you still had five weeks to go before your estimated due date.

you had the gender reveal party, which consisted of your and virgil’s closest family members and friends. you both were having a babygirl, the nursery was already cutely designed with a pretty crib and dresser. the baby shower your friends surprised you with was thrown already a couple weeks ago, and not to forget the sweet babymoon virgil and you had gone on. the pretty islands in greece had been a beautiful sights to share with your husband.

the sound of a car parking in the driveway has you halting for a moment. your eyes drift over to the clock on your living room wall. it was past five in the evening already, which meant your husband had returned from training.

you slowly, but carefully get up from your position on the couch, sitting up instead. compression socks alleviating some of the swelling of your legs and feet, your eyes dart to the gray coffee table, full of- everything you could need when being half-immobile. tissues, multiple empty cups, a plate of lazily cut up pickles, a half eaten box of cookies-

“there’s my beautiful wife!” you suddenly hear, swollen, drowsy eyes looking towards your surprisingly very enthusiastic husband. his hands seemingly full of familiar takeout bags as he closes the front door to your home.

virgil’s high energy, even after his intensive training, manages to put a small smile on your face. you hear him take his coat off and wash his hands. so, you stand up, walking- no waddling towards him in the kitchen.

“hi, missed you..” you mumble, feeling him wrap his arm around your back, softly rubbing up and down your sides. you sigh in delight, leaning against his tall and muscular frame, resting your head on his chest. soft sweater grazing your sensitive skin.

“me too, baby.” he mutters, kissing your forehead tenderly.

“I got your favorite takeout. you’re hungry, right?” he asks, thumb rubbing your hips.

your eyes light up, and you nod eagerly. your pregnancy cravings were all over the place. from wanting your usual takeout, to a weird obsession with pickles and chocolate, and the most difficult of all: an icy, crispy red bull. since it wasn’t pregnancy-safe, you definitely didn’t risk it, but your mouth just watered at the thought of taking a sip of the carbonated, sweet energy drink.

“then let’s eat some food. I’m starving...” he says, guiding you to the kitchen island. he’d switched out the bar stools, shortly after your second trimester had started, exchanging them for chairs with a backrest, just for your comfort and convenience.

you watch him grab the takeout, unpacking the dishes.

“you got me the vegetarian one right?” you ask, raising your brows. virgil turns, nodding as he transfers stir fry noodles into a dish and slides it in front of you.

ever since you got pregnant, you detested the smell of meat. virgil being the sweet man he is, did research with his own nutritionist to see how you could still get all the vitamins and nutrients you needed without having to eat meat.

“here baby, eat up.” he mutters, giving you a fork, before walking towards the fridge. he grabs two cans of sparkling iced tea, coming back to sit next to you as you both dig into your meal.

“how was training?” you mumble, chewing down your food, maybe a little too fast.

“good, we were in the gym the entire day- slow down baby, the food isn’t going anywhere..” he chuckles, reaching into the takeout bag and retrieving the napkins. wiping sauce off the corner of your mouth with one.

you both continue eating the delicious food, Virgil’s hand soothingly running down your back every now and then.

“I’m going to take a quick shower.” he says, cleaning off the dishes and putting them in the dishwasher.

“can I join? can’t get my hair wet though..”

“sure baby, let’s go.” he quickly says, helping you off the chair and into the bathroom.

“my legs have been killing me..” you mutter, watching virgil take your compression socks off. you were glad you didn’t need them on your hands, though your fingers had gotten pretty swollen. prompting virgil to gift you a chain you could hang your wedding ring on, to wear as a necklace instead.

you allow him to guide you into the shower, his hand settling on the small of your back in support. virgil chuckles deeply as he watches your makeup melt off with the touch of the streaming warm water. he made sure to put on your shower cap beforehand.

“you wore makeup? where did you go today?” he asks, allowing you to reach up and take off his hair tie, dark curls falling to the side of his face.

“went for brunch with the girls. it was so good..” you answer, allowing virgil to run the soapy washcloth down your body, making sure to clean you up nicely. paying extra attention to scrub your legs, since you couldn’t reach down, you needed his help more often than not.

grabbing a fresh towel, he wraps you in it. allowing you to walk out of the bathroom and sit on your bed. waiting for him wash himself.

that’s what you loved about him, he always put you first. whether it was you eating first, getting dressed, falling asleep, or anything at this point in your pregnancy.

you quickly grab your undergarments and loungewear, going back to sit on your bed. towel wrapped snuggly against your body, as you take off your shower cap and wipe the extra moisture on the towel.

you look up to see virgil walk out of the bathroom, towel hanging on his hips. you lean back, admiring him, a small smirk forming on your lips.

“what?” he asks, smirk clearly on his face too as he walks up to you.

“oh, nothing, just admiring what’s mine..”

“really? let me admire what’s mine too then..”

he cups your face as you look up, his wet hair falling in front of his face as a single drop of water drips down onto your cheek. a low chuckle leaving his lips as he swipes it away with his thumb.

he helps you get dressed before the two of you get too distracted, not forgetting to rub bio-oil and lotion on your bump and body. the both of you snuggling up together on the couch. your head laying on his broad chest, tatted arm wrapped around your back.

You pause for a moment, feeling your daughter kick against your uterus. you feel virgil’s hand running against your clothed bump, you place your own hand next to his. feeling her kick was still the most out of body experience to the both you. you could’ve sworn you felt the outlines of her little feet as she kicked like didn’t want you to rest tonight.

“active today, isn’t she?” your husband asks, kissing your temple.

“just like her daddy..” you raise your bows, grinning. the consequences of having an athlete as your partner.

“she’ll definitely be as beautiful as her mommy..” he responds, causing your grin to grow into a bright smile.

“what do you want to watch, hm?” he asks, looking down at you, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

“love is blind, the new episode is out.”

he chuckles, his chest vibrating against your cheek as you watch him turn the tv on with the remote.

in the beginning of your relationship he wasn’t too keen on watching shows or movies like that, but the second there was some drama unfolding, he immediately got hooked and it became a thing you both did to wind down after busy days.

“wait- can you grab snacks?” you ask, looking up from his chest. you knew he couldn’t say no to you, because he looked like he had melted at the sight of your face already.

“your cravings are really going off the rails, aren’t they?” he asks, placing a kiss on your lips before slowly getting up.

“don’t see the problem!” you exclaim, looking over to see him open the kitchen cabinets and grab a bag of crisps and salty popcorn, transferring it into bowls before walking back over to you.

“here you go, for my hungry monster..” he teases, prompting you to roll your eyes playfully.

you both start watching the hour long episode, empty bowls on your lap by the end of it. though, you both don’t move from your spot on the couch, virgil’s hand soothing on your slightly aching, lower back.

“you okay?” he asks, your own hand resting on his bicep.

“back hurts a bit, baby’s getting heavy..” you mutter.

“I’m know, sorry love. do you need anything?” he asks, kissing your temple and rubbing your back more thoroughly. he had a tendency to ask what you wanted or needed, just to make sure he didn’t miss anything.

“just- can I ask you something?” you begin, holding back a grin. he’d done enough to make you feel comfortable already.

“yeah?”

“would you mind if I broke your fingers during delivery?” you chuckle, having a laugh. knowing he would probably let you squeeze the absolute life out of his hands.

“of course, during delivery you can squeeze and cuss me out all you want..” he smiles, brushing his thumb against your baby bump.

you did cuss him out, but breaking his fingers, almost…

[jsprnt]

a date at the local spring fair seems to bloom your situationship into a relationship

trent alexander-arnold x reader

A/N: based on this request! Also been dyinggg to go to my local fair, so I immediately came up with this idea!! 🫶🫶 (does this photo of trent not make you weak in the knees?? 😭)

W/C: 1.804

your eyes dart to your phone screen again, reading the last text message your date sent you. he said he’d be there in a minute, so you shove your phone back into your jacket.

the fair isn’t very busy today, most likely due to it being a weekday. the weather had started picking up these past few days. gloomy, rainy winter days replaced with sunny, warm spring days.

you’d missed seeing the blue sky and the pretty, colorful flowers in the park. you had noticed most people were much happier and of course, just like the little lambs being born, symbolizing a new life- your own life seemed to also flicker to another chapter.

you and trent have known each other for a couple of months now. first meeting through a mutual friend at a small, intimate party on a rainy november night. you hadn’t thought much of it at first. of course- he was handsome, and that wasn’t something you could look away from.

you knew who he was, as a football player for one of the world’s best clubs- you’d assumed he would be too busy interacting with other people to notice you.

obviously, you also were too busy speaking to the people you did know. until- one of your mutual friends had introduced him to you.

unbeknownst to you, he’d been eyeing you across the room since he’d caught sight of the pretty smile you’d flash your friend when they said something funny. at first glance, he had almost choked on his unnecessarily expensive tequila, it burning horribly in the back of his throat.

he barely recovered from the shock before one of his best mates had dragged him across the venue, insisting he’d talk to you. only, because he thought ‘you two would be a great couple’.

you were caught off guard at first, but the looks your friends were sending you- had given you enough courage to speak to him without being flustered.

you two only hung out more after that night, accepting frequent invites to his games, and random visits to each other’s place, which only increased when trent got injured.

you look up at the shout of your name, turning around to see trent walk up to you. he’s dressed nicely as usual, comfy enough for all the rides and games you’d planned to play.

“hi!” you beam, greeted by his pearly white smile. his lips turned up when he makes eye contact with you.

“hey, you alright?” he asks, his scouser accent familiar as he gives you a warm hug. you bury your face in the crook of his neck for a moment, smelling his signature cologne.

“I’m fine, how ‘bout you and your knee?” you question, knowing that he didn’t have to wear a brace anymore.

“better, I can walk properly- at least..” he replies, the both of you starting to walk past the various games and food trucks.

it doesn’t take long before you’re both immersed into the money-grabbing games available. from popping balloons with darts to a donut-eating contest. which you won, that left you with powdered sugar all over the corners of your mouth. prompting trent to gently wipe the sugary product off with his thumb and a raised heartbeat he had difficulty controlling.

“let’s try that roller coaster over there..” you suggest, pointing up to the least intimidating one.

“you don’t want to go in the one that goes upside down?” he asks, pressing the bunny plushie you had won into his chest. you hold back a chuckle at the sight, shaking your head.

“nope, don’t trust going upside down on a rollercoaster that’s practically been pulled out of a suitcase..” you state, lining up with him so you can get on the attraction.

he chuckles at your explanation, glancing at your impatient expression. thankfully, it’s your turn after a few minutes. you both strap in safely, making sure the bars are as tight as possible against your chest and stomach.

“aren’t you scared?” he asks, looking at your giddy expression. you shake your head almost immediately, making sure your pockets are zipped so your phone won’t fall out.

soon, the cart you’re in slowly starts rolling up. your breath hitches in excitement, wind starting to blow into your faces. you glance at trent, who’s sporting a less excited expression, so you shout in excitement when the cart drops and goes up multiple times. hoping your happiness will be infectious and cheer him up.

it works! the couple of looks you sneak, tell you he was pretty satisfied, cheering and shouting along with you.

you take a deep breath when the cart stops. the both of you slightly dizzy when you step out.

“you liked that one?” you ask, fixing your jacket as you both start walking away, walking past other attractions.

“i did! i was nervous for a moment, won’t lie..” he replies, scouser accent thick and laced with excitement.

“good, I’m glad you liked it- oh look!” you suddenly exclaim. pointing to the haunted house, fake skeletons, and more ‘scary’ props used to decorate the entrance.

“you want to go inside?” trent asks, raising a brow at you. he wasn’t aware that you were such an adrenaline junkie, or were you?

“yes, let’s go!” you urge, paying the entrance fee, and stepping inside. the bunny plushie now pressed into your side as you both start walking into the dark maze.

“i can’t see anything..” you murmur, eyes slowly adjusting to the darkness. your arm grazes trent’s, which in turn makes your breath hitch. your temperature rises, despite the coldness of the room you’re in.

“me neither..” you hear trent mutter, he glances at you in the dark. your arms touching each other every now and then. the numerous fake spiderwebs and bone-chilling moving skulls making you freeze up often.

entering another room, you’re immediately greeted by a zombie. the special effects props and makeup, too good not to jump and scream.

“shit!” you exclaim, back pressing against trent’s chest when you take a step back.

“what the fuck!” you hear the scouser shout against your ear. it hurts for a moment, but you’re too focused on the zombie trying to get close to you to care about it.

you feel strong hands grab at your jacket. instinctively you know it’s trent, so you keep scuffling forward. trying your best to ignore the groaning and gurgling sounds coming from the too-talented actor.

walking through the empty hall, you look at him, his grip on your jacket loosening.

“you’re such a coward..” you accuse, laughing when remembering how he shouted in fear.

“you’re the one who yelled first..” he retorts, and you can make out a smirk on his face.

“here, take my hand.” he offers, holding his hand out. which you can only see because of the green lights strung along the dusty hallway.

your heart skips a beat or two, stopping you in your tracks. you feel your face heat up, and you’re glad he can’t fully make out your dumbfounded expression in the dark. you quickly shove away that lovesick feeling, trying to compose yourself.

“that’s a really weird way to propose, but okay..” you tease, your fingers intertwining with trent’s. knowing you’d probably made him more dazzled than he made you flustered.

“wait, no- i meant-" he stutters, mind going totally foggy as he forgets how to form a proper sentence in his state. you hold back a smile, knowing his brain was probably running kilometers an hour.

“wait, did you say you’d marry me?” he suddenly questions, face contouring into confusion and a dumbstruck expression.

“uh, no?” you feign your upmost innocence, thumb grazing his knuckles. a sweet, comforting touch, but it only makes the short circuit in his brain worse.

you smirk to yourself, carefully dragging him along. mindful of his injury as your hearts beat in unison, like electric sparks flying off the pads of your fingers.

the hold on each other’s hands only gets tighter, until the last jumpscare. this time, your entire front is pressed against his back, it scaring you a bit too much. you thought the cackling clown was the end of the attraction.

you catch your breath when you finally step outside, trent’s hand on your back. soothing rubs helping you calm down faster.

“why- why would they think using a knife prop was a good idea?” you pant, questioning if the ten-pound entrance fee was worth it.

trent squeezes into your hand, reassuring you with his touch. “you’re good, it’s all fake- remember?” he rationalizes your thoughts, slowly pulling you away to the food trucks.

he sits you down on a small wooden bench and table, eyes roaming on your face to check up on you.

“are you alright?” he asks, face inching closer to yours. his breath hitting your lips.

“I’m fine, really..” you reassure, squeezing into the plushy for comfort.

“let’s have something to eat, then we’ll get on the ferris wheel. is that okay?” he asks, voice patient and sweet. the kindness in his expression and words cheers you up a bit. so, you smile, nodding in agreement.

“i’ve heard that they have really nice tacos. want to try?” he suggests, glancing up at the food truck in question.

“sure, let’s try them.” you answer, he nods walking away to order and collect your food. he comes back fairly quickly, placing the delicious and warm tacos on the table. not to forget, the extra cups of guacamole, lime and sour cream.

“eat up before they get cold..” he says, the both of you digging into your food and drink of choice. a comfortable silence ensues, with soft hums and small comments made in delight.

“i love fair food..” you hum, taking the last few sips of your drink. trent nods in agreement, leaning over to wipe some of the sour cream off your lip.

you pause your movements at the action, eyes darting to his brown ones. his touch is delicate and careful, and he folds the napkin after pulling away.

“there, all clean..” he mutters, cleaning the table off and coming back from the recycling bin.

“do you want to go on the ferris wheel now? it’s getting dark, and the view will be nice..” he asks, unconsciously holding his hand out for you to hold.

you nod excitedly, clutching onto his warm hand as you both make your way to the ferris wheel. your bodies touching as you lean them against each other, waiting in line for the last attraction of the night.

it’s imminent that a sweet first kiss will be shared, right? a flicker to the next chapter of your life. the city lights witnessing a love blooming like a patch of yellow daffodils in spring.

[jsprnt]

gifting your boyfriend flowers because he deserves some

dominik szoboszlai x reader

A/N: based on this request! loved writing this 🫶

W/C: 1.543

your eyes dart from flower to flower. your senses are almost overwhelmed with all types of floral scents as you stand in your local florist shop. pondering over which flowers your boyfriend would love.

you fidget with the small booklet in your hand, flipping through the pages. the symbolism of all different types of flowers written in it.

you read the names and meanings, mentally remembering the options you think will fit together nicely. although, red roses are beautiful and romantic, you wanted to go with something more special. you wanted to put a little more effort in to convey your feelings perfectly.

you adjust your bag, it slung over your shoulders. you had just left work a couple minutes ago, immediately driving to the florist down the block.

you wanted to gift your boyfriend flowers. mostly, because he'd always given you flowers. whether it was a special occasion or not. he would do anything to see a smile forming on your beautiful face. it made him feel warm and fuzzy, his heart almost leaping out of his chest as you showed him how happy you were.

he'd just come back from international break. you were super bummed out about the fact that you couldn't go. so, you kept being a supportive partner and watched every one of his games. you were so proud. he scored in both matches, and you felt like he needed to be shown some love and appreciation for his hard work.

you had read the text messages he sent you earlier. he told you he had landed safely and arrived home already. which made you very eager to get home and back into his muscular arms.

after a good ten minutes of pondering and asking questions to the sweet lady who owns the shop. you finally land on a bouquet of tulips, wax flowers, and carnations. all symbolizing deep love, luck and fascination.

you watch the florist combine the flowers into a gorgeous bouquet. you thank her after paying, walking out of the shop satisfied.

your mind begins wondering to how your boyfriend is going to react to being the one receiving the flowers this time. you step into your car, placing the bouquet on the passenger's seat and begin driving.

you arrive home fairly fast and park your car quickly. you dig your hands into your pocket, grabbing your keys, and enter your home.

it's quiet when you step inside. there is no actual sign dominik is home, except the fact that his black puffer jacket was hung up on the coat hanger.

you can almost predict he's sitting on the couch, playing a game on the PlayStation. he loved playing cod, the game was very violent in nature, but it was his favorite way to cope with his stress and worries. especially, when you cuddled up next to him or on his lap.

when he was away for days, he craved pressing sweet kisses on your face. he adored wrapping an arm around you, loving the way your skin felt on his.

you take your jacket off, hanging it up, and place your bag on the kitchen island. you look around carefully, looking for dominik.

you hold the pretty bouquet behind your back, confused when you don't spot him in the living room. you decide to take your chances and walk upstairs.

you frown as you can't hear a single indication he's home, so you wander into your shared bedroom. you peek your head inside, stepping through the doorway.

you jump back suddenly when a pink bouquet of tulips is shoved into your surprised face. you gasp in disbelief, eyes widening.

you look up from the gorgeous flowers, making eye contact with your sweet boyfriend. a smile plastered on his face, his hair a damp, wavy mess.

"hi, szerelmem.." (my love)

he says, voice thick with emotion and love. he leans down, brushing his thumb against your cheekbone and pressing a soft, tender kiss to your lips.

you reach up to clutch his white t-shirt, pulling him closer to yourself. his beard scratches against your skin, but that's the least of your worries. the feeling of kissing your boyfriend after so many days apart is the only thing on your mind.

his hand with the bouquet inches behind your back. the soft rustling of both bouquets when they touch peeks his interest. he hums against your lips for a moment, pulling away.

"what do you have behind your back?"

he asks, moving his head to take a look.

you tighten your grip on the flowers, smiling at the fact that you'd both thought of gifting each other flowers.

you slowly reveal the custom-made bouquet to him. a huge smile forming on his handsome face.

"What are these for, szívem?" (my heart)

you didn't know his smile could get any wider, but he proves you wrong when you watch him cheese and melt over how cute you are.

"I thought it would be romantic.."

you answer, grinning from ear to ear. both bouquets held up next to each other.

he chuckles, pulling you close again and planting a sweet kiss on the tip of your nose. your eyes flutter at the gesture, and you scrunch your nose after.

"you're cute, so cute.."

he mumbles, watching you reach up. you run a hand through his damp hair, messy waves sitting on top of his head. indicating he just got out of the shower.

your favorite look on him, by far.

"Let's put them in vases?"

you suggest, making him nod. the both of you walking towards the kitchen to prep the flowers for the vases.

you both settle on the couch after a while, both bouquets sitting in their separate vase, on the coffee table for now.

dominik grabs you by your waist, guiding you to sit on his lap. you do, without hesitation, wrapping your arms around him.

"don't you want to tell me which flowers you got me, édesem?" (honey)

you nod eagerly, ready to describe the meaning of each flower. wanting to tell him how much effort you put into assembling the flowers.

"Okay, so the pink tulips- you already know that one. it means- deep love and affection.."

you begin rambling, unbeknownst to you. he doesn't stop you, though. his hands run up and down your thighs, listening intently to your voice, a sound he couldn't get enough of.

you don't notice the look he's giving you, too occupied with your story, but he's absolutely hypnotized by your beauty.

how your eyes move and dart away, how your lips curl up into a smile, how you raise your brows and use your hands when explaining something you’re passionate about.

"..and obviously, you always get me flowers- so I thought you deserved them too.."

you finish your story, taking a deep breath since you talked absurdly long and fast.

"I missed you.."

he suddenly whispers, the movement of his hands on your thighs stopping. instead he moves his hands to your back, pulling you flush against his body.

you hum in surprise, pressing your face against his chest. his musky body wash and aftershave is a very manly, but comforting scent to you.

"me too, I'm happy you’re back, baby.."

he hums, the rumble of his chest making you smile.

"you liked the flowers, right?"

he asks, already knowing your answer, but he loved hearing you verbally tell him how you felt.

"of course, I do.. but you stole my idea with the tulips.."

you joke, chuckling at his confused expression.

"I'm sorry. how can I be forgiven, lelkem?” (my soul)

he asks, smirk playing on his lips. his eyes are narrow when he looks at you. you raise your head, making eye contact with him from an intimate angle.

"cuddle?"

your request is simple, no beating around the bush. you had missed his touch, the feeling of safety he gave you, and especially his voice.

"alright, drágám.." (my precious..)

he says, lifting you up from your position on his lap. he holds you tightly as he walks you to your bedroom.

he playfully throws you onto the bed, walking away for a moment to collect the now full vases. placing each other’s gift on the respective nightstand.

you watch him intently, patting his side of the bed to call him over. he grins at you, lying down beside you, his hand sliding underneath your shirt.

"how was work?"

he asks as you play with his dark brown hair. his eyes roam on your face as if to remember every single inch of it.

“tiring, I’m hungry though..”

he rubs your back, placing a soft kiss on your lips.

“how about we do a little date night?” he suggests, hand tracing the middle of your back.

“for what?”

“I haven’t seen you in so long. i want to take my szép édesem out..” (pretty sweetheart)

“Where to?”

you ask, your stomach growling at the thought of going out for delicious food.

“you’ll see, can you get ready in- an hour?”

you nod excitedly, pressing multiple kisses on his face before scrambling out of bed and into your closet. you hear a loud laugh behind you, your boyfriend watching your figure disappear as you get excited over your clothing options.

[jsprnt]

your boyfriend is left confused when you refuse to let him kiss you

darwin núñez x reader

A/N: based on this request! <3 hope this was close to your expectations, enjoy reading!

W/C: 1.530

"don't- don't you dare kiss me."

you mutter, holding your hand out in front of you in defense. leaning back as your boyfriend leans in to give you a sweet kiss.

he was confused when you initially didn’t greet him at the front door when he arrived. Instead he found you lying down on the couch in the living room, awfully quiet with a pink blanket draped over your body.

he bee-lined to you after taking his coat and shoes off. the weather in england was as cold as ever, something your boyfriend slowly became used to after almost two years.

you watched him wash his hands in the kitchen sink. he had walked over to you when done, a frown forming on his face at your unusual appearance.

Though, the frown on your face and the way you refused to let him kiss you, made him think he had fucked up.

darwin freezes at the thought, mind racing as he thinks through anything he did or could've done wrong before he left home for training earlier that morning.

he'd given you a goodbye kiss, so it couldn't be that. he'd also done his chore of taking the trash out, and even continued texting you throughout the day, up until you stopped responding around noon.

he couldn’t lie, he missed you from the moment he stepped out of your shared house, until the moment he arrived back home.

so, what could've been the reason he was denied the luxury of giving you a kiss?

you sit up from the couch, blanket falling off your upper body and onto your lap. you’re too focused on his facial expression to notice his hands inching closer to you.

"w- why not? I waited all day for you, amor.."

he asks, brows furrowing in question, an idea popping up in his head. a way to get you out of your petty mood.

"because-" you mumble, wanting to answer his question, but before you get to finish your sentence, a shriek leaves your lips.

feeling your boyfriend's freshly-washed, cold hands up your warm sweater, touching your bare skin. his hands on either side of your waist.

a soft chuckle leaves his lips, his eyes crinkling as he watches your reaction. your brows raising in surprise as you begin kicking away at him to push his cold hands off of your burning skin.

"ésta bien-" (alright-) he begins giving into your protests, laughing at your facial expression.

though, he suddenly pauses for a moment. noticing how hot your skin feels against his palm. normally, your temperature would begin to feel regular by now.

your kicking and shoving stops as you watch him remove his hands from underneath your sweater. hands reaching for your forehead and neck instead. taking his time to feel your temperature, again.

"¿estás enferma, mami?" (are you sick, mami?)

he asks, continuing to feel for your temperature as you squirm underneath his cold hands.

"I wanted to tell you." you murmur, giving him a slight glare for cutting you off right when you were going to explain yourself.

"perdón, cariño.." (sorry, darling..)

he replies, his expression softening at your sudden, sickly face. he felt horrible about the fact that he didn't notice his love wasn't feeling well.

"don't come any closer.." you quickly say, leaning back with all the energy you have left in your body, covering your face with the blanket on your lap.

"¿qué estás haciendo?" (What are you doing?)

darwin asks confused, pulling the blanket off your head. you look up at him with a sheepish look, leaning back again.

"you'll get sick, baby. you just got better from injury and your team needs you." you explain, weary of the distance between you and him.

you feel him snake his hand to your sweaty nape, pulling you closer. his cold hands slowly started to feel more soothing against your burning skin, rather than shocking.

he sits down next to you, pulling you closer and making you lay your head down on his lap. moving quickly to place the blanket neatly over your body.

"no seas tonta. I would rather get sick with you, instead of you suffering alone..” (Don't be silly)

you sigh, really stubborn about not wanting him to get sick. you try to get up from your position, but to no avail. the stern look he's giving you, accompanied by the snug hold he has on you, makes it impossible for you to book it to your shared bedroom.

"don't move, cariño. do you need anything?"

he asks, voice laced with concern and love. his thumb rubbing against your cheek as he watches your face intently for any signs of discomfort.

you bite your lip in consideration. you were sick, and needed to eat something before you took your meds.

"food?" you mumble, looking up at him. admiring how good he looked, even in an angle like this one.

even though you weren't the best at cooking, darwin was a disaster at cooking. you both would usually manage to put a good meal together, but right now, no way is that possible. him being in the kitchen was probably a bigger danger to you than a fever.

"food? are you not in pain? don’t you want any medicine?” he asks, cocking a brow.

"my body aches a little, along with my throat, but medicine comes after food, obviously.." you mumble, managing to give him a cheeky half-smile.

you hear a small chuckle leave his lips. he leans down, placing a tender kiss on your hairline.

"esperar.." (hold on)

he mumbles, pulling his phone from his pocket and scrolling through the 'soup' category on the food delivery app. his other hand continuing to stroke your cheek.

"how about some soup?"

"the one from last time? sure.."

you answer, feeling him glance down to look at your sudden shifting. you’re lying down on your side now, darwin's hand coming to rest on the small of your back. his finger still tapping on his phone, his cologne comforting to your senses.

"it will be here in 45-minutes. do you want to lay down in bed until then, amor?" he asks, turning his phone off after successfully ordering your food.

his hands start scratching your back, promoting a small sigh to leave your dry lips as you nod.

you sit up from his lap, stretching your arm out as you shiver. you feel your boyfriend’s arms snake around your back and thighs, lifting you up in a swift motion before you could protest. sneakily kissing the corner of your mouth when you're distracted as he carries you to bed.

"darwin, you're going to get sick!”

you exclaim, moving away when he moves the covers back and places you in your bed.

"no te preocupes- solo un beso.." (don't worry- just a kiss..)

you roll your eyes and recline back to your side of the bed. watching him place the blanket over you, gasping when he walks away and comes back with another thick blanket.

“no, that’s too much!” you exclaim, already feeling like you’re freezing and boiling at the same time. your sweat-drenched sweater wasn’t helping you either.

“It’s better. you have to sweat more, amor..” he says, practically suffocating you as you feel the thick fabric surround your body. you look up at him with a defeated look and try to hold back a tired yawn, eyes watering.

“¿que? are you crying, mami?” he says, moving closer to you to cup your cheek, prompting you to look at him with half-closed eyes.

“no, I’m just tired..” you mutter, leaning into his touch, cool hand soothing your hot skin.

“close you eyes and take a nap. I’ll wake you up..” he says, planting two kisses on your temple before beginning to step away.

“wait, stay here..” you croak out, reaching for his hand again. wanting his presence next to you. especially when you’re feeling uneasy and in need of comfort.

he freezes in his steps, your soft, vulnerable tone pulling at his heartstrings and melting his thoughts into nothing. he turns you immediately, eyes wide in concern.

he gets in the bed next to you, realizing you wanted a cuddle, even though you were so adamant on not getting him sick. he places his hand on the double-stacked blankets, moving his hand up and down your covered stomach.

“why were you leaving?” you ask, eyes closed in exhaustion, voice cracking.

“I wanted to grab a wet washcloth for you..”

he explains, continuing to comfort you. his touch feels like melatonin, and you feel like you’re about to take the longest nap of your life.

you hum in reply, closing your eyes while clutching onto his hand, feeling cold shivers and sweat trickle down your spine. just wanting to feel better already.

“está bien. sleep now, mi amor..” he whispers, trying to hold you as close as possible without making you feel like you’re suffocating.

your deep breaths turn shallow as your eyes flutter shut, knowing that when you wake up, you’ll have a sweet, caring boyfriend and a warm bowl of savory soup awaiting you.

[jsprnt]

Witnessing your fiancé win his first final as a captain is a beautiful experience.

virgil van dijk x reader

A/N: trying something new! let me know what you think. this is some four am fluffy brainrot btw

W/C: 1.340

you wipe your clammy hands on the fabric of your blue jeans. it’s warm, you think, even though it’s barely ten degrees outside. your anxious, warm breaths turning into clouds when coming in contact with the cold air. the only thing missing is rain, the clouds looming over wembley stadium tonight would probably take care of that soon.

your eyes drift to the huge scoreboard a ‘waiting for extra time’ and a frustrating 0-0 meeting your eyes. virgil had managed to score a beautiful header a little past the second half of the match, though it was sadly disallowed after a var check.

you feel your hand being squeezed, it snapping you back to reality as you look to your left. cody’s girlfriend noa giving you a sweet smile. you had gotten close since both your partners were already very close, especially after cody transferred to liverpool a little over a year ago.

“calm down, I’m pregnant and not as anxious as you. have some faith in the boys.” she teases, trying lighten up your obviously nervous mood. you mirror the smile on her face, giving her a little nod in acknowledgment.

you had faith in the team, of course you did. you’d rooted and cheered at every match you’d been to, ever since you and virgil started dating four years ago. he’d proposed only last summer on vacation in beautiful mauritius.

you know how capable and trustworthy your fiancé is. leading liverpool as captain impeccably this season, and it looked like he and the team were back into their best form.

if liverpool won tonight, it would become his first trophy win as captain. extra special since klopp had announced his departure in the summer. giving the one of a kind manager a trophy his last season was very deserved.

you watch as the first fifteen minutes of extra time begin. you hold your breath a multitude of times, gasping and shouting along with the rest of the supporters when the chelsea players got a little too close to the net.

it seems like absolute torture when the second part of extra time starts. it had to happen within these fifteen minutes, otherwise you’d have to go to penalties. which in your opinion and many others was a stupid gamble, no matter how hard you’d practice shooting or stopping the ball. the saying ‘practice makes perfect’ didn’t apply to penalties, you always thought.

your eyes land on your sweaty, tired looking fiancé. his tall, big frame very easy to distinguish, even all the way across the stadium. his perfectly done hair was probably a little messy by now, small flyaways escaping from the low bun you’d styled carefully that morning before he left the house.

you watch as liverpool gets a corner, your eyes flickering to the scoreboard. knowing they had about three minutes to finally score the winning goal. maybe, this was their last chance. you and noa squeeze each others hand tighter, her other hand on her bump as you both watch kostas walk to kick the corner.

you hold your breath, kostas shoots and GOAL!

your fiancé scores a header, the liverpool supporters all roar in celebration. you and noa squealing and hugging each other from happiness. you heart swells due to how extremely proud you are of your fiancé. having difficultly holding back tears in your eyes.

the next few moments pass like a blur and before you know it, you see virgil holding up the trophy, surrounded by the entire team. you hug all of the wives and girlfriends next to you, some of them even teasing you by congratulating you for being engaged to virgil. you laugh, but you know they’re pretty much right. he was an absolute gem, both as an athlete, leader and your loving partner.

all of you are full with joy and relief, singing to ynwa proudly as you feel like you’re about to burst from happiness.

one would ask why you’d be so hyped and excited about winning the carabao cup, as if it was the champions league final. though, to you it didn’t matter what your fiancé won or achieved. you would get exited and emotional about it every single time, without fail.

you’re stoked as security confirms you can go down to the pitch to celebrate. you make sure noa is with cody safely before looking around for virgil. your eyes dart around as you almost spin a circle. you finally spot him looking at the spot you were sitting at, realizing he was doing what you were doing.

looking for one another.

“baby!” you call out, trying to get his attention. he turns immediately at the recognition of your voice. the sound of it never failed to bring a smile to his face, melting his heart like a ice cube thrown in boiling water.

you finally manage to make eye contact with him, running up to him as if you hadn’t seen him in years. you jump into his arms, his hands automatically moving to your thighs, unfazed by your sudden weight pressing against his body. his own motm award rested against your thigh, as he held both you and the award.

“there’s my beautiful love..” he says, his hair is indeed messy, baby hairs stuck to his sweaty forehead.

“I’m so proud of you..” you answer, panting a bit from your little run, looking into his brown eyes, your eyes traveling to the beauty mark underneath his eye, you oh-so-loved.

you cup his chiseled jaw, running the pad of your thumb along his short stubble. leaning in to kiss him breathlessly, lips pressing onto his plump ones, tasting the sweet energy drink he had probably just chugged. you wrap your thighs a little tighter around him, deepening the kiss. your own little prize for him to show how proud you are, for now…

you both were never the pda type, especially in front cameras that broadcasted worldwide at this point. so he only swipes his tongue along your bottom lip once, before pulling away. allowing you to stand on your own two feet again as he lowers you carefully.

“come take pictures with me, baby..”

he drags you towards the club’s photographers, making sure you both have pictures to look back on. holding both trophy’s as he allows you to hold the cup its self. eventually, rain sprinkling on both your faces.

after a couple more hours of celebrating you both arrive back home in cheshire, a prefect place you’d imagine to spend the next few years with your fiancé. you’d fallen in love with it, just like you heard your other wag friends say.

you lay on your bed, absolutely exhausted, maybe even more than virgil who had ran around the pitch for 120 minutes. you weren’t aware of the time, but from celebrating to the ride home, you could estimate it was past midnight already.

your eyes almost flutter shut, before you watch virgil walk out of the bathroom. freshly showered and dressed in his new pajamas you’d just got him.

“getting sleepy?” he asks, laying down on his side of the bed, pulling you in closer. his tatted arm wrapping around your back.

you hum, scooting closer to his chest and turning to lay on your stomach. placing your hands on his chest as you look down at him. the back of his head pressed against the white and gray pillows on your shared bed. his long curls splayed over them, not in a ponytail or bun, hair products he’d just applied smelling delicious.

this was your man, so fucking good looking you fought the urge to bite your knuckles. his gaze softened as his eyebrows relaxed, his bigger hand running up and down your back.

he lead his team amazingly, with a long list of injuries at the club you were worried. but the fact that they made it happen was insane, with the deciding goal from your fiancé and amazing leadership you couldn’t help but swoon over him, nonstop. eyes roaming around his handsome face.

“you okay love?” he asks in a deeper voice, chest vibrating against your hands. his hand now rubbing your nape. practically soothing you to sleep with his touch.

“I’m just admiring you…” you say, voice quieter than you expected. exhaustion taking over your body by the second.

“I can do that all night, baby. go to sleep now, hm…” he mutters, his hand pushing your head down onto his chest as you listen to his heartbeat. it lulls you asleep instantly.

he can only sigh in delight, a stressful but beautiful night ending with you sleeping comfortably in his strong arms. knowing you’d be supporting and loving him whatever happens, it just showed the love you had for each other.

his one and only love…

[jsprnt]

you’re pretty upset when you spot your husband not wearing his ring in a recent video

andrew robertson x reader

A/N: a tricky one, but I think I made it work ;) thank you for requesting!

W/C: 1.427

a wedding ring

to some, it’s a tangible object that is meant to symbolize the unification of two people. to others, a ring wasn't that much of importance, even paper rings would suffice to signify the love two individuals have for each other.

you were part of the first group. you had never even dreamed of taking the rock off your finger. the only exception being when you needed to get your hands dirty when cooking up some delicious food.

of course, the glimmering diamond on your ring finger was absolutely breathtaking. carefully chosen by your husband. suited exactly to your personal style and taste.

it was something you also tried to do for him. you didn't want to gift him a boring, silver wedding band, bland and basic. so, you'd visited multiple different jewelers until you found the right one.

then, imagine how pissed off you are when you're scrolling on your phone, only to see a video of your husband not wearing his ring during a recent press conference concerning his upcoming match.

you glance down at your own wedding ring, getting more and more irritated by the second.

your husband wasn't even home from training yet, which allowed your anger to boil up ever more, because you couldn’t ask him about it immediately.

you finally turn your phone off, grumbling to yourself, and get up to do some last minute work around the house. it was your turn to make dinner tonight. safe to say those vegetables were chopped too finely due to the fury you couldn’t contain.

andrew usually came home right on time for dinner. so, you decide to eat dinner early, just to interact less with him.

you were being petty, but you felt like him not wearing his wedding ring shouldn't go unpunished.

the front door opens half an hour later, your husband calling out to you from the entrance.

you ignore him, too focused on washing the dishes you used, to answer him, knowing it would become a childish argument.

"sweetheart? are you home?" he calls out, the confusion in his voice audible. you can hear him zip his jacket off, and the jingling of his keys, which he hangs up on the little sculpture you bought to spruce up the entrance.

again, you refuse to answer. drying the washed dishes with the gray kitchen towel and placing them back in the cupboard.

"bonnie?"

you try to ignore the sweet scottish nickname he loved using, too focused on cleaning up.

you can hear some footsteps come closer, his shoes paddling against the gray floorboards.

you decide to turn around when you can feel how close he is. watching his arm reach over to bring you into a tight embrace. though, you move right on time to avoid his touch. escaping from underneath his arms.

he gasps, brows furrowing at your sudden behavior. you were fine this morning, happy as ever, only a little sad about him leaving so early for training.

so, why would you be avoiding his hugs, let alone his touch?

"love, what's wrong?" he asks, trying to analyze your facial expression.

"nothing.." you mumble, avoiding eye contact. your arms folded defensively.

"do you want a hug?" he asks, wondering if you need comfort. he inches closer, but you decide that to be petty - so you shake your head.

"that involves physical contact, and that's gross, so no." you deadpan, words harsh and stubborn.

‘gross?’ he thinks, frowning at your choice of words.

"eat dinner, table's set.." you add, voice quiet.

you immediately turn away, sulking when you catch glimpse of your ring again.

you can hear him call out to you, but you keep on walking up the stairs and step into your bedroom. maybe the comfort of the soft pillows and firm mattress will help instead.

"love, can you please tell me what's wrong?" he pleads, hand stopping you from closing the door.

you gnaw on your bottom lip, sighing while looking at him.

"just give me a moment.." you state, his eyes warm up, realizing you probably wanted a minute to yourself to sort your thoughts out.

"okay, I'll have dinner then..I’m going to come back later..." his voice is soft, just like how he speaks to you when you're crying over something or are feeling particularly down on dark, cloudy days.

guilt immediately creeps up on you. maybe you were being too petty and rude?

no, you always wear your ring- why wouldn't he?

you close the door in his face, shuffling to your bed and pulling the covers over your body.

all different types of thoughts go through your head. were you too dramatic, or were you rightfully upset? was this approach even a good one?

it doesn't take too much time, as you hear a knock on your bedroom door. you shift and turn, sitting up in bed.

"come in.." you mumble, fidgeting with your fingers.

andy steps inside slowly, his eyebrows raising at the sight of your defeated-looking figure.

"bonnie.." he begins, getting into the bed next to you.

"we're literally married. if you're angry at me, just tell me.." he says, hand reaching to carefully touch your hand. eyes on your face to detect any irritation or sadness on your face.

you look up at him when he grips your hand, his bigger hands entangled with yours. your eyes flicker around, finally making eye contact with him.

he can practically read all of the emotions you hold in your eyes after all these years together.

"won't you tell me, sweetheart? are you angry?"

he encourages, thumb running over your knuckles.

"yes, I’m angry- is that what you want to know?"

"about what?"

you sigh, a little embarrassed now.

"you love me, right?"

you notice the confusion and surprise on your husband's face, he starts nodding the moment the question leaves your mouth.

"of course, I love you.. with every part of my being.." he whispers, leaning in closer.

"then why did I see a video of you not wearing your ring?" you confront, facial expression hardening. 

"what are you talking about?"

you grab your phone off the nightstand, showing him the evidence that had you spiraling for the past hour or two.

"bonnie.." he begins, a chuckle leaving his lips.

you almost lash out at him when he laughs. was your sadness funny to him?

"come 'ere.." he urges, patting his lap. you eye him for a moment, but don’t fight back when he pulls you onto his lap.

"listen to me, ye?"

you nod, waiting to hear his explanation.

"remember when we talked about our wedding rings last month?"

you nod, tilting your head in confusion.

"and don't you remember me telling you I had to get mine cleaned?" he asks, thumb making soft and soothing circles on your knee.

you freeze, heat from embarrassment creeping up on your face. you groan, covering your face with your hands, moving your head away.

"hey, look at me, ye?" he says, trying to pry your hands away from your face.

"there's my love's precious face.." he coos, grinning softly at your cute behavior.

he raises his hand, showing off the wedding band that is clearly on his finger.

"you know, I wear it all the time except for training and during matches. if I was allowed to wear it I would..” he reminds you, leaning in to kiss your forehead tenderly.

"I wear mine constantly, just like you do. it's as important to me, as it is to you. you got that?" he asks, running his hand down your back.

you hum, feeling silly and stupid for fretting over something so easily explained away.

"I'm sorry, kind of stupid of me to assume.." you trail off, looking into his brown eyes.

"it's alright, I understand the confusion, but please just ask me about something that’s bothering you, before you start to ignore me?"

you nod, pressing your cheek against his chest.

"I will, I'll ask you before assuming.."

he chuckles, pressing a kiss on your head. the sound makes his chest rumble, in turn, you feel the vibrations on your cheek.

your husband would do anything to please his partner. so, don't you be surprised the next time he comes home with a tattoo on his ring finger.

yes, the needle pressing against the bone of his knuckle hurt like a bitch. but, if it meant he could ease your mind and wear a symbol of his love for you 24/7. he would do it without hesitation.

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT. 15 | Virgil Van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

A/N: contains some smut! MDNI, or please skip the part after the marked red border.

C/W: smut, making out etc.

WC: 3.682

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

I try to calm down the thumping in my head, my head aching from panic as I stare at the gossip piece. I close my eyes, shutting off my phone and throwing my phone onto my bed. I stand up, pacing back and forth in front of the bed.

I was a fool for thinking our relationship wouldn't be caught this early. All of my effort, allthough looking back I probably worried more than I tried to hide our relationship- was in vain. I couldn't have obviously told Virgil I wanted to not even hold hands with him on the streets or not go on that one nice date. His own efforts to keep me out of the media and even the private dinner basically going up in flames.

I sigh out of frustration, gnawing on my lower lip as I try to think of what to do. It was a gossip site- not some relevant news site yet- they didn't have pictures yet- and no names yet. I grab my phone again, putting all of my social media on private already, preparing for the storm- or fucking tornado that could ruin either the upcoming days- if I was lucky in a couple weeks- of my life.

Thinking privatizing wasn't enough, I delete them all off of my phone. I couldn't be prepared enough. Especially not since what happened last time.

Who could've even leaked the fact that we were on a date? Could've been the employees, but from experience of seeing so many "known" people I'd doubt they'd honestly care. It could've been Theo- maybe he'd noticed me anyways- through my idiotic ways of trying to conceal my identity. I rack my brain- thinking of who it could be before giving up and throwing myself onto the King bed.

I lay there, my hands on my head as I try to reason with myself. I had a couple days or weeks to prepare, this could definitely break onto mainstream news when we'd both be back in Liverpool. I wince at the actual thought of having to face the club. I had to look them all in the face after it looked like I came there to get with one of their players?

Although, I knew most of the supporters wouldn't care or be negative about it. But the thought of my face being plastered everywhere again? What would they say about a girl who dated a billionaire heir and a footballer? Back to back. Was it my fault my destiny was designed this way? Would they say I was ‘lucky’ or that I orchestrated both of these relationships?

I had to face this eventually, but I didn’t want to do it now. There were definitely bigger problems in the world than some dating news- but why did have such an effect on me?

I decide to respond back to Priya's message shortly before closing my tabs. If I just ignored it for now- it wouldn't be there- it wouldn't even exist. If I just pretend to not see or know anything it wouldn’t happen and pass, like a breeze instead of impending doom.

A text message brings me out of my thoughts. A message from Virgil, letting me know he's leaving his own hotel. I smile to myself, remembering there was something to look out for. I couldn't wait to see him.

"Fuck- please-“ She mewls, their bodies pressed close against each other. Her nails clawing and digging into his back, the euphoric feeling of their high taking over both their senses.

Virgil had arrived at her hotel a while ago. It stared with a kiss from her, to a make out session turned intimacy.

Could you blame her? Seeing your partner doing what he's good at, winning for his team and country all while looking so fucking good.

Irresistible, was the right word to describe him.

He groans lowly at her pleas, his hand gripping onto the flesh of her hips, guiding her to his pace. His heart hammers in his chest, the feeling overwhelming, but still not getting enough of the feeling of her around him.

"So good for me baby." He murmurs, sweat glistening on his collar, dripping down his broad, muscular chest. She clenches around him at the praise, a moan leaving her swollen lips as her back arches.

"So needy for me, couldn't handle yourself when I played today, love?" He teases, gently pushing her back onto the bed as he chuckles deeply. She whines in protest, eyes closing, trying to move her hips faster, his veiny hand coming to rest on her stomach again.

"Eyes here baby." He says, his pace fastening with the move of her hips. His hand trails down her entrance, a digit circling her puffy bud.

Another moan leaves her lips, as she cries out in pleasure. Her eyebrows scrunching as sweat forms on her forehead. He's deep, deep enough for his member to be visible, the bulge on her stomach showing as he moves in and out of her in well paced thrusts.

"This what you wanted baby? Hm tell me, should I stop?" She clenches around him again, her nails clawing harder as she tries to blurt out coherent words.

"Fuck- don't stop- faster. Need more- please." She pants, feeling him twitch.

He does as she says, fastening his pace as he moans lowly at the feeling.

"Let go baby." He mumbles, his hand caressing the scar on her side tenderly.

She whines loudly, letting go as she reaches her climax. He groans, making sure she alright before letting go himself. Both of their exclaims of pleasure filling up the atmosphere. Loud panting filling the room, as their chests move up and down in sync.

He leans forward, his hand coming up to hold her tired head up. He places small kisses on the side of her face, mumbling sweet praises to her.

"Did so good baby. You're alright, breathe in for me baby." He murmurs, stroking her cheek tenderly.

He pulls out slowly, a soft sound leaving her lips at the loss of feeling. He presses a kiss on her lips, checking the clock as it read way past midnight.

He gets up, not before another whine leaving her lips, her hand grabbing his hand quickly.

"I'm here babygirl. I've got to clean you up hm?" He reassures her. Getting a warm towel to clean her up gently. Discarding the condom while at it.

"Want to take a shower love?" He asks, rubbing her naked shoulder. She nods, eyelids fluttering, his hands wrapping around her as he brings her into the walk-in shower. Keeping her steady and close as the hot water falls down their intertwined bodies. Soap foaming on their skin, forgetting all worries they had, especially a worried y/n.

"Is my mascara all over my face?" She asks, tired smile tugging on her lips as she looks at Virgil.

"It is, want me to clean it off?" He chuckles, reaching over to retrieve the facial cleanser from the shower niche.

I watch Virgil grab a change of clothes from the bag he had packed. The one he'd dropped on the floor when our kiss started getting a little too heated.

My eyes roam on his body, the white damp towel low on his hips as he walks over to the dresser. I bite on my fingernail nail as I fight back a squeal. Watching him open the drawer.

He grabs a pair of my pajamas I had organized into the dresser. He walks up to me again, seeing me snuggled in the robe he had wrapped me in earlier.

"It's cold." I say.

The temperature in Athens in October wasn’t as bad as Liverpool. Slightly warmer in the day, in contrast, the nights were definitely colder than the days. I had asked Virgil to turn on the heat earlier, hoping it would make the cold much more bearable.

"Here, let's get you in some clothes." He says, as I watch him hold up my gray ribbed pajamas.

“Where is your lotion?” He asks, running his hands on top of my robe, down my back, trying to warm me up.

“On the bathroom counter. It’s the pink tub.” I answer, watching him walk into the bathroom to retrieve it.

He walks back, unscrewing the lid and looking at me for a moment. I extend my leg out of my robe, moving my robe slightly. He grabs an amount of the hydrating cream, applying it in soft soothing circles on my knees and legs.

He unties my robe, applying the lotion on my arms elbows and chest. Softly massaging my back and shoulders.

“It’s like I’m the one who played a 90 minute match.” I chuckle, humming at the feeling of his hands on my back.

“You definitely handled way more.” He whispers, laughing as I give him a look.

“Right, now let’s get you dressed already.”

I allow him to dress me, making the minimal effort of raising my arms and legs.

“Let me put lotion on you?” I ask, grabbing the pink tub. He nods as I lather his skin up. Running my hands down his tattoos as I admire them.

I move so I can massage the cream into his back.

A gasp leaving my lips at the scratches on his back. “Did I do that?” I ask, feeling bad as I look at my nails. I had gotten them done back home, taking advantage of not having to treat any of the players, since I was on leave.

Short nails were a given with this job and I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I had long nails. That also being why I don’t remember scratching any of my bed partners- or at least this crazily.

“What? The scratches from your nails?” He asks unfazed, turning his head to the side.

“Yeah? Did it not hurt?” I ask, inspecting them closely.

“Was to busy with how pretty you looked under me to notice, love.” He whispers lowly and I slap his arm, feeling a little flustered.

I drop the tub of scented lotion, getting up to get a healing cream from the bathroom. Lathering the cream up the scratches with clean hands. Placing a kiss on his spine when done.

I snuggle against him after we both get dressed and finish our night routines. His arms wrapped around my body as I bury my head against his chest, basking into the warmth of our bodies and the silence of the room. The vanilla and coconut scented lotion creating an addicting scent on our skin.

"I'm so proud. You played really good today." I mumble, pulling away a little, tracing the tattoos on his arm gently with my finger.

"Oh yeah? I figured, maybe I should score the winning goal more often." He teases, placing a kiss on my hairline.

"Maybe you should?" I reply, nudging him, my eyes droopy as I fight the sleep that's creeping up to me.

“We’ll talk about it later, or you’ll start something you’ll have to finish hm? Sleep now, love. You look tired.”

"You better be eating properly there." My mom says, pulling me into the biggest hug she'd ever given me. Squeezing me to the point I couldn't breathe for a moment. She pulls away reluctantly, my dad also pulling me into an embrace. "You also should call more- we work but the phone is always next to us my daughter." He says, his hand on my shoulder.

I look at the both of them, a sudden feeling of sadness washing over me. I had already said my goodbyes to my friends, leaving me here in front of the airport, saying goodbye to my parents.

My grip on my suitcase tightens, as I try to hold back tears. There were many things I resented my parents for, but the look of sadness in their eyes made me want to break down and forget about all of that.

Maybe this was my karma for hiding things from them, the guilt gnawing at me piece my piece.

"Want me to come with you?" My dad asks, his hand already reaching for the handle of my suitcase.

"It's okay dad, it's not heavy. You don't have to. It’s raining, you guys should get back in the car." I usher, giving them a reassuring smile as I try to hide the shakiness in my voice.

“Call us when you land!” My dad says.

I kiss both of them one more time before turning around, dragging my suitcase behind me as I enter the airport. If I had stayed longer, they would manage to see the absolute buckets of tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

She checks in quickly and efficiently, knowing Virgil was in the private VIP lounge as she makes her way towards it. They had both spent the last few days with their own respective families, deciding they'd meet up at the airport.

She shoots him a quick message, the door to the lounge opening a few seconds later.

Her emotions were still on high after the farewell with her parents. She just, for some reason wanted to cry harder the longer they stood outside.

She could blame it on absolutely everything. From keeping secrets from her parents, to leaving them or mother natures lovely monthly cycle.

Virgil raises a brow at her instantly, the somber look on her face and the glossiness of her eyes noticeable to practically everyone from a distance.

She walks up to him, into the room. Immediately hugging him tightly, taking in his comforting and familiar scent.

"You okay?" He mumbles, running his hand up and down her back. Feeling her shake slightly, wet patches forming on his sweater from tears.

"It's alright, cry it out baby. You're okay." He mumbles, holding her tightly, giving her the pressure she needed, realizing something had to have triggered her emotions, too much for her to bottle up as he pats her back. Hoping he’d tell her eventually, when comfortable.

The Liverpool bench next to me cheers as Ryan scores the fourth goal against Toulouse. The chants in the stadium deafening as they all sing in celebration. The players were doing insanely well, especially after the Merseyside derby last week which they had also won. Creating a great new start after international break had ended.

I was on the pitch today, just like last week as Dr. Woods had decided to focus on Robbo's serious shoulder injury. We'd all been very shocked and concerned when we were notified. Deciding for Dr. Woods to focus on him for a while, since it was an injury requiring much attention and time.

Focused on the game, I sink further into my jacket, the weather had been progressively getting worse, the temperature dropping a couple degrees just in the past hour alone.

A sudden voice calls out to me from the bench behind me. I sit up, turning my head towards the voice. Already prepared for the "Could you hand me a bottle?" or the recently more common "Can I have a hot pack?" followed by the most creative methods to signal how cold the weather was. My favorite so far was the 'rubbing hands together'.

They would look like mischievous flies, making me chuckle as they looked at me confused.

Instead of some mischievous fly action, I'm completely blindsided by what it is, that I'm told.

"Take my scarf, it's cold and you don't have one." Szobo says, a charming smile on his face as he hovers the scarf around my neck.

I absentmindedly nod, as he ties the black scarf around my neck. I glance at Virgil, for a millisecond, his eyes drilling holes into Szobo's side profile. I look at the rest of the bench, some of them sneaking glances at me, I give them some confused looks back. Returning my gaze to Dom.

I thank him for the scarf, adjusting it a little and turning back around to watch the rest of the match. Still confused, but appreciative for the warm scarf. Trying to focus on the match again.

The match ends with a beautiful goal from Mo. Making the final score an amazing 5-1 for Liverpool. All of us standing up finally, clapping for everyone's efforts and hard work as I immediately make my way into the tunnel. The cheers and shouts in the stadium dwelling down slightly.

I greet the players with a high five, watching all of them pile into the dressing room before me and Dr. Davis go through the usual routine. My eyes catch Virgil looking slightly- irritated. His answers for Dr. Davis unusually short. I decide to not bother him with any of my own questions. I would ask about it later.

Thankfully, we finish quickly, no one having anything bothering them. I walk out of the dressing room. Allowing the guys to get changed, I walk into the medical room.

I unzip my jacket a bit, Dom's scarf still cozily on my neck and grab my bag before making it towards the door. Gasping a little as the door opens right as I reach over to grab the handle.

Virgil appearing and walking towards me as I take a step back.

"Hey?" I say, raising my brows in confusion. Was he injured? Something wrong? Did he want to leave together? Did he want to talk about why he looked irritated?

He grabs my arm, stopping me from moving. His hand moves to the small of my back, he leans forward, pressing his lips against mine breathlessly.

The bag in my hand dropping on the floor as I raise my hand to grip onto his shirt, pulling him impossibly closer. The warmth of his breath mixing with mine as his tongue runs down my bottom lip. My breath hitches, the surprise but delight of the situation catching up to me.

I pull away, looking up at him wide-eyed, my hands flattening on his chest.

"What was that for?"

"This." He says, his hands traveling up to my neck, fidgeting with the scarf and taking it off of my neck.

My expression turns smug, a smirk making it's way to my lips. I narrow my eyes, snatching the scarf out of his hands and cradling it close to me.

"What? You're jealous now? Over a scarf? It's your teammate's, captain.”

He rolls his eyes, avoiding eye contact as I laugh.

"Aw it's alright. Next time I'll just freeze to death. When I get offered a warm scarf by one of your teammates, I'll say 'Nope, my boyfriend is very jealous. I'll freeze instead.' That's good right?" I say, teasing him.

He doesn't make eye contact with me, as I watch become more flustered by the second. I drop the scarf, right on top of my bag.

"Hey, look at me. Come on admit it. You're jealous!" I say, grabbing the collar his shirt and making him lean forward. Deciding to finish what he started.

I move my hand towards his jaw as I press my own lips onto his, his lips parting as our tongues graze against each other. His hand moves to my zipper, zipping my jacket down. A sinful groan leaving his mouth as his hand slips up my shirt. His slightly cold hands making contact with my warm skin. I press my body closer to his, his touch and hold like a drug as I feel his hand caressing my skin.

The room is silent apart from our own presence, the cheering in the stadium had already died down. A soft whimper leaving my lips as his hands inch up my body, our lips still moving against each other.

The sudden noise of the door creaking make us jump away from each other in shock and fright.

"Doc could you give me some-" the man trails off.

Our eyes move to the door reluctantly, seeing a wide-eyed Curtis staring at us, his backpack snug on his shoulders.

An embarrassed gasp leaves my lips, I look at Virgil for a second. The both of us communicating with our eyes as we walk towards him.

"I knew it! Trent you owe me fifty pounds lad-" He shouts, very loudly.

They had a damn bet on us?

I grab the straps of his backpack, pulling him into the room. I shove my hand onto his mouth as Virgil grabs onto him by his shoulders. The door slamming behind us as we half tackle the Scouser.

He mumbles against my palm, as I try to make him shut up.

"Don't worry my hands are clean." I reassure, as I make out some of the words.

He mumbles some more, and I eye him sternly, frowning.

"Shhh! He will give you ten times that amount if you keep quiet about this." I whisper, pointing at Virgil.

Virgil looks back at me, confused expression on his face as I mouth a 'what?'

"Promise you won't start yelling?" I ask Curtis, hesitating to remove my hand when he nods.

I move my hand, his mouth immediately opening to assault us with a billion questions.

"When? How long? First time-" he whispers. I hang my head low from embarrassment, glancing at Virgil who looked like he was enjoying this for some reason. I nudge him with my elbow, making him answer the questions shortly.

I warn Virgil with my eyes when he gives too much information to Curtis. This guy could either keep it all to himself or explode like a ticking gossip bomb.

"And you won't tell anyone- right?" I ask, giving him a sickly sweet smile.

"He'll give you your money-"

"I never agreed to that." Virgil protests, looking at me.

"You'll be alright."

I mumble, focusing on Curtis.

"Promise?"

"Promise. Now can I get some of those bandages?"

This is going to be a difficult one.

[jsprnt]

Masterlist

she/her • 18 • middle eastern • infj • in need of summer rn

stalk me on wattpad and tiktok! @jsprnt

Requests open for liverpool fc players (no smut), but will be answered in june!

Virgil van Dijk

series:

Healing Hearts

(completed)

Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

blurbs:

carabao cup

Witnessing your fiancé win his first final as a captain is a beautiful experience.

pregnancy

your husband loves taking care of you, especially when you're 35 weeks pregnant.

Darwin Núñez

blurbs:

kisses

your boyfriend is left confused when you refuse to let him kiss you

Trent Alexander-Arnold

blurbs:

spring fair

a date at the local spring fair seems to bloom your situationship into a relationship

Dominik Szoboszlai

blurbs:

flowers

Gifting your boyfriend flowers because he deserves some

Andrew Robertson

blurbs:

wedding ring

you’re pretty upset when you spot your husband not wearing his ring in a recent video

Americano | Jude Bellingham

What happens if two individuals who absolutely despise each other are forced to interact after unforeseen events occur?

Introduction

Part 1: cup thief

Part 2: onscreen chemistry

Part 3: morals

Part 4: dessert

Part 5: napoli nights

Part 6: london baby

Part 7: cupido

Part 8: teased

Part 9: unexpected guest

Loading…

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT.10 | Virgil van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

WC: 3.694

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

"There is no way he's that stupid." She exclaims, pulling her knees up to her chest. Her eyes focused onto the TV in front of her while she pops some fruit into her mouth.

Virgil stares at her, hearing her comment. His face twisting in confusion. Their bodies close to each other, on the sofa. The city view sparkling behind her.

"Why? He's trying to save himself." He says, trying to argue.

"Because everyone knows if you split up you'll get murdered by the psycho killer!" She tuts, shaking her head.

He clicks his tongue, eyes back on the horror movie he had chosen.

So much for inviting him, and he chose a horror movie? She thinks, trying hold back a yelp as thecharacter on the screen gets caught.

"I swear- gross, why's he stabbing her fifty times. ENOUGH." She says, her hands coming op to cover her sight.

The screen switches back to another character, running in the woods, the sound of panting and crunchy leaves flooding their eardrums.

"Run, don't look back!" She shouts, sitting up and getting way to invested.

His eyes drift from the screen, landing on her frame. He realizes, even though he chose the movie, it doesn't seem to be that interesting as her commentary and facial expressions are.

"Oh he's safe?" She questions, leaning forward.

The screen suddenly flashes, and the killer immediately kills the character on the screen.

"Oh shit-" she shouts almost knocking over the marble table. Her body instinctively curling up, and burying her head in between the sofa cushion and Virgil’s broad chest.

He freezes, though a sudden smug feeling creeps up his chest. His plan had definitely worked out, even though she'd bluffed about not being scared earlier. His hand comes up to her back, comfortingly running his hands over it while reassuring her with soft whispers.

Her heartbeat picks up, whether it was because of the bloody scene on the TV or the actual situation she'd put herself in wasn't exactly clear to her. Even going as far as mindlessly grabbing onto his bicep and gripping it for dear life.

A grown woman, scared of some fake blood. You've done it again, y/n. She thinks, embarrassment creeping up her face. 

She pulls back a little, head down in shame. Not wanting to make eye contact.

He raises a brow, his hand traveling to her chin, gently raising her head to look up at him.

Her reluctant eyes meet his brown ones.

"You okay? I'll turn it off if you want me to." He says, a twinge of concern in his voice.

"No- It's fine, just got umh- startled." She mumbles, head whipping away from his hold, back to the TV.

A deep chuckle leaves his lips, her not-really-unbothered state leaving him to stare at her.

She shuffles awkwardly, not allowing herself to remove her eyes from the screen this time. Waiting for something else to happen to make a comment about, hoping he'll forget whatever it was that she unconsciously did.

"He's not killing her?" He asks, trying to return the mood into what it was before, glancing at her side profile.

"He likes her?!" She gasps, standing up from the sofa in shock.

"He killed everyone to be with her? Well, her friends literally betrayed her anyways." He says, eyes on her.

"Wait- that's kind of-" she mumbles, catching herself.

"You said what?" He asks, hearing her mumble.

"That's insane but it's kind of- romantic." She sits, back on the sofa, eyes following the characters on the screen. A sudden make out session breaking out.

"Oh-" she mutters, normally kissing scenes had her kicking her feet in giddiness. But now, with Virgil sitting next to her she froze. Her face turning hot.

"Romantic yeah?" He says, face turning towards her, noticing her demeanor change.

She whips her head around, their eyes locking.

She clears her throat, trying to ease the tension.

"Why? Are you looking for tips or something?" She teases, her expression changing.

"Don't kill me Mister!" She mocks, hands coming up in surrender.

"Hm you wish." He mumbles, face closer to hers now. She chuckles, noticing the movie credits roll in her peripheral vision.

She watches him, her eyes traveling down to his black shirt clad chest, where she'd just placed her head onto.

He smirks, noticing her wandering eyes. Taking in her looks, black satin pajama pants and a T-shirt on her figure.

She winces suddenly, her hands coming down her abdomen in reflex.

Oh my god, did I get my period?

She thinks, a panicked feeling taking over.

He stares at her in concern, his hand now on her arm.

"What's wrong y/n?" He asks, studying her face, looking for any more signs of distress.

"I'm fine, I'll be back. Hold on." She blurts, rushing into the bathroom.

She shuts the door abruptly, leaving him on the couch in confusion and growing worry.

She shuts the door and immediately checks.

Thanking her past self for remembering to pack products. She walks out shortly after, forgetting to put the unused products and painkillers away. Leaving them on the bathroom counter.

Not that she cared, they were both too grown to be embarrassed by it.

He watches her frame come back into his vision. Deciding to not ask about whatever just happened.

She stands in front of him, stretching her arms above her head. Her shirt lifting up unbeknownst to her, revealing a horizontal scar on her side.

"Do you want to watch another mov-"

"What is that?" He questions, his eyes focused on her exposed side.

"What are you-" she follows his gaze, seeing her wrinkled top, moving her hands down straighten it.

"The scar?" She asks, settling onto the sofa again. She leans her head on the cushions.

"It's just from surgery when I was baby." She answers nonchalantly, picking up the remote to click through the wide catalog of movies.

"Was it serious?" He asks carefully, not wanting to pry but being way too curious to let it go.

"I developed a cyst in my left kidney when I was in the womb and it caused it to malfunction." She replies, thoughts occupied by the dilemma of choosing a romance or an action movie.

"They decided to remove the kidney because, they didn't have enough research to prove it wouldn’t cause problems down the road."

He stares at her while the words fall off of her lips, starting to feel pity for the girl.

"So- are you sick?" He asks hesitantly, confused by her casual tone.

She finally turns her head to look him in his eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Why? Are you worried about me?" She asks, her eyes practically smiling due to the grin on her face.

His expression turns serious, grabbing her arm and gently pulling her closer to him.

"y/n I'm being dead serious right now." He tells her, their proximity making her hold her breath for a moment.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." She says, her hand coming to pat his hand that's on his knee.

"I haven't felt a side effect at all. I'm healthy, as far as I'm concerned."

A relieved sigh leaves his lips, his eyes moving down to look at their hands on top of each other.

He doesn't utter a single word.

"Should we- watch this movie?" She suggests.

He looks up at her, realizing he'd been staring without word.

"Yeah, let me just go the the bathroom. You can choose the movie."

I watch y/n nod, and stand up. Feeling her eyes on me as walk into the bathroom.

I get up to the sink, washing my hands and fixing my appearance a little.

I look around for a towel, my wet hands hovering in front of me, but my eyes don't catch a towel, instead my eyes fixate on a opened period product and a pack of painkillers.

That's why she'd been carrying around snacks? Her cravings? Not to mention her mood had been changing, I mean she'd cried just a while ago over room service.

I decide to dry my hands off with paper towels instead, opening the door and walking back.

"You know, I wanted to get a tattoo on my scar."

She says, removing her attention from the TV.

Not that her full attention was on the movie, no. She regularly tried to sneak a glance at him. Folding up her legs, and leaning her side against the cushion.

"Yeah? Why didn't you?" He asks, hypnotized by the sheer beauty of her eyes.

"Well, I don't know. I guess I was scared of the pain? And I'm just really ticklish, so I would've probably punched the tattoo artist out of reflex."

He chuckles at her, watching her eyes sparkle at sound of his laugh.

"But you have a whole sleeve! It definitely hurt didn't it?" She points to his arm, adorned with black ink work. An intricate piece of his story, displayed on his arm. So detailed the beginning and end couldn't be seen at first glance.

He extends his tanned arm, showing it off to her.

"Not really, didn't hurt at all."

"You're lying!" She exclaims, biting back a laugh.

"I've seen you flinch when getting your blood drawn." She accuses, her face close to his.

"You must've seen wrong then." He replies denying.

"Can I?" She asks, pointing to his tattoo's.

He nods, watching her move closer to him.

She pulls his arm closer to her lap, resting it on her upper thigh. Starting to delicately trace the black lines with her index finger while analyzing them.

"They're pretty." She mumbles.

His breath catches in his throat at the feeling, brown eyes fluttering shut for a moment. His spine tingling due to the feeling.

"You okay?" She whispers, looking up.

"Hm?" he mumbles, trying to find the answer to her question. The pad of his thumb gently brushing against her leg.

"It feels good, when you touch me." He replies, his voice deeper and raspy.

She feels his touch, the heat in between them heightening when she hears his low voice.

Her eyes flicker from his arm to his face.

He smiles at her, soft exhale leaving his lips, a darkened look in his eyes.

"Is this romantic enough?"

He whispers, his eyes low and on her face.

The warmth of his words, sends a shiver down her spine. The heat creeping up her body and face.

"Try harder.”

His hand travels from her thigh to the small of her back, pulling her closer with his inked arm.  She raises her hands, instinctively brushing her fingers against his jaw, caressing her thumb against the stubble.

The fanning of his breath against her mouth sending her heart racing, and no doubt was his.

"Kiss me."

She whispers, a sultry tone in her longing words.

Her hand grips the back of his T-shirt, fingers digging into the fabric. The other traveling down to his muscular chest, resting against it.

Her lips part, her eyes fluttering shut.

He leans in, his plump lips meeting her soft ones.

Her breath hitches in the back of her throat, as his tongue brushes against her bottom lip. His hand travels to her waist, gripping it tenderly.

"I love you."

She grips onto his shirt tighter, a deep grunt leaving his lips as they deepen the kiss. Leaving no room for breathing.

His hand travels underneath her thigh, swiftly lifting her up and placing her on his lap. She groans softly against him as she straddles him. His hands squeezing the plumpness of her thigh.

"I love you too."

He pulls away, time stopping for a moment as they look at each other. Tired gasps leaving their bruised lips.

"Was that romantic enough?"

He whispers.

Her hands travel to his nape, a soft chuckle leaving her lips.

"Hm you can try again next time."

She teases, laughing a little harder at his expression. Her head falling in between the crook of his neck, causing his own chest to vibrate with her laughter.

"You're such a flirt." He says sarcastically, though he can't help but smile at the sound of her laughter.

Virgil runs his hand on her side softly, tracing his thumb over the white scar. The ridden up shirt allowing their skin to make contact.

She sighs at the feeling, her growing lower-back pain also getting alleviated. She sinks her head to his chest, face flush against it.

They sit in each other arms for a while, soft whispers spoken in between them.

“If that wasn’t romantic enough, can you be my girlfriend so I can try harder next time?”

“Thought you would never ask.” She says, laughing into his chest.

He glances at the time, clicking his tongue with realization with how much time had already passed.

"Are you sleepy?"

He asks, leaning down to leave a tender kiss on her forehead.

She doesn't respond, only nodding her head. Her fingers lightly smoothing over his skin.

"y/n? I have to leave."

He says abruptly, and she whines in protest.

"You have to?"

She knows he has to leave, because who wouldn't find it weird if the physiotherapist and team captain emerged from her room together the next morning?

He runs a comforting hand down her back, and she lifts her head. He wraps his arm around her back, getting off of the couch with her entangled in his arms.

Virgil brings her up to her bed, places her down gently. Remembering she was on her period, so he had to be extra careful.

"You'll go and wash up now yeah?"

"I will, don't worry."

She yawns, her hand comes up to run a hand over her face. 

He smiles down at her, leaning forward to leave a kiss on her cheek. Telling her he'll see her tomorrow, followed by the sound of the door closing.

We kissed, and- said "I love you" to each other.

Those are the only thoughts occupying my brain at this moment. We'd done all of that-

I throw myself back onto the bed, kicking my feet in excitement. Now- we’re a thing?

Shit. I didn't think I'd be jumping into a relationship- or at least, this fast.

I can't help but let my thoughts flow and wander, making me bite my lip.

I should- just get ready for bed. Right, so I'm not tired like when arriving to Linz. Either way, this will be a long night of just thinking.

My heart beats quicker at the thought of seeing

y/n's pretty face. Though, I'm left confused when I don't see her in the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

She came up very early yesterday. I glance around again, deciding to call her phone instead.

The ringing goes into voicemail and I twist my face into worry. I take a sharp breath, opting to swiftly go up to her room.

I get to her door, knock multiple times. Trying to not be too loud in case I'd attract attention.

"y/n? Open your door." I insist, grabbing my phone out of my pocket, but I freeze in my place when I hear a thud and a soft mumble of my name. I furrow my eyebrows, calling out to her again. I groan, getting increasingly concerned, knocking harder.

The door suddenly opens, a sliver allowing me to see y/n standing in front of it.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

I say, pushing the door open carefully, only for her to stumble towards me. I gasp, cradling her body in my arms towards the bed, shutting the door with the kick of my foot.

I watch her face scrunch up, a wince leaving her lips.

"I'm just cramping." She says, pain in her voice.

I look around the room for a moment, placing a hand on her cheek. Her suitcase looked ready and packed next to the door. She must've been ready to leave.

"Have you had any painkillers?" I ask her.

She shakes her head, her body curling up.

"There's some paracetamol in the bathroom."

I quickly walk in the bathroom, spotting the pack of paracetamol I’d also seen last night and grabbing it. Retrieving a bottle of water from the mini-fridge.

"Here, I'm going to need you to sit up for me. Can you do that for me?" I say, watching her nod as I support her back.

I realize her hands are shaking, and opt to place to painkiller in her mouth myself and hold up the water bottle for her to take a sip.

"Hold out for me yeah? You'll feel better in a bit.

I say, caressing her back repeatedly. My heart cracking at sight of her in pain.

"It hurts." She says, her voice cracking as tears collect in the sides of her eyes. I run my thumb along her cheeks, feeling useless but hoping my touch will offer some sort of comfort.

A half an hour must've past before she started to feel less pain. She sits up carefully, my hand supporting her back.

"I feel much better- we should leave."

I stop her from getting up.

"It's okay we have more time. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, sorry for worrying you." She mumbles, looking up to me with soft eyes.

"It's alright, as long as you're fine."

I plant a kiss on her cheeks, softly caressing the small of her back.

Our plane lands back in Liverpool. I look to my side glancing at a sleeping Virgil. He'd been worrying and asking about how I felt during the entirety of the flight. I had finally forced him to take a nap himself, knowing he probably didn't sleep much last night.

He went lengths to make sure I was alright. I had whispered multiple times I was okay. Though, it didn't stop him from being very attentive.

I urged him to not make our relationship obvious, that would be last thing I would want to happen.

Especially, since I didn't want it to become known to paparazzi and the public. They would obviously tear me apart, just by their opinions and headlines alone.

We immediately collect our luggage after landing. I drag my suitcase behind me as the staff and players walk back into their respective cars. I look around to see Virgil, spotting him right behind me.

"Are you going straight to your apartment?" He asks, looking at me with a smile.

"I am. You aren't going home?” I ask, raising my eyebrow at him.

"I will."

He leans down slightly, looking around before wrapping his arm around my back.

"You'll be fine alone?" He says, voice soft, still managing to have a deep-tone.

"You've got to chill. I'm not made of glass." I state, a smile tugging at my lips.

Virgil watches y/n's name pop up on his screen as he takes a left turn. He clicks 'accept' and returns his attention on to the road again.

"y/n?" He calls out to her, waiting for her to respond.

Though, he doesn't hear anything but the sound of haggard breathing.

Virgil glances at the screen, raising the volume of the audio.

"y/n? What is it?" Another beat of silence, then a soft whimper.

"Someone broke in. Everything is a mess." She whispers, a terrifying panic in her voice.

He whips his head down at the screen, his heart squeezing in horror, immediately making a turn, trying to get to her house instead of his.

"Where? Are you home?" He asks, nothing on his mind except trying to get to her faster.

"Yes- I think they’re still in the house. I'm hiding- in the closet." She whispers, and another surge of panic flows through his veins.

"Okay lock the door and stay there. Don't hang up. Hang on for me baby."

He doesn't process the words leaving his lips, frustration gnawing at him at every red light he crosses.

"y/n did you call the police?" He questions, biting the inside of his cheek.

"I did." She whispers, another whimper leaving her lips.

"I'm near, don't worry baby. Don't panic." He replies.

She replies a couple minutes later that the police had arrived, prompting her to hang up after she insisted to him that she would be safe.

Virgil finally gets to her apartment in ten minutes, instead of his normal twenty minutes. Parking quickly and asking her for the padlock code.

He gets up quickly, seeing her apartment door wide and open. He pants, fear and worry closing up his throat. The place is a mess, and he spots a disheveled looking y/n on the couch, a female officer trying to calm her down while others walk around to investigate.

He calls out to her, walking towards her.

"y/n." He breaths out, seeing her jump up from her seat. He engulfs her in a tight hug, his arms wrapping around her. He tries to calm himself down, knowing his panic wouldn't help her.

"You okay?" He asks, pulling back to watch her face. He cups her cheeks, looking for any signs of injury.

She nods, and he breathes out in relief, cuddling her face closer to him and planting a kiss on her lips.

His eyes shift to the officers behind her, realizing they probably recognized him by the look in their eyes. Though, that's not important to him as he starts to question them. Fear and worry turning into anger and protectiveness.

"Did you catch the motherfucker?" He asks, a sternness in his voice. Not bothering for any formalities.

He watches an officer clear their throat, walking up closer to give him a hand.

"I'm detective Baron. We haven't caught the suspect as we entered when they had left. Though, from the answers we got from your uh- girlfriend, we think it might have been targeted." She says, eyeing the couple.

Virgil looks down at y/n, his hands coming to hold onto her shoulders firmly.

"You're staying at my place until they figure out who it was, no arguing."

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts | Virgil van Dijk (completed)

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

A/N: I try to make this fanfic as inclusive as possible. By trying to not mention skin color, bodily features and hair type. A mention of reader being part Turkish is included, no specific percentages.

Part 1: fresh start, right?

Part 2: meeting you

Part 3: missed calls

Part 4: bad day

Part 5: solace

Part 6: wine and dine me

Part 7: confused

Part 8: a mountain and the waves

Part 9: sleepy cravings

Part 10: romantic enough

Part 11: safety net

Part 12: back home

Part 13: cuddles and confessions

Part 14: match days

Part 15: caught red-handed

Part 16: revealed

Part 17: lovebirds

Part 18: laugh through the pain

Part 19: good karma

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT. 19 | Virgil van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

A/N: AHHH babes, we're done with the story!! Thank you all so much for taking the time to read something I put a lot of time and energy into. Hopefully this story met your expectations when you first started reading! It's going to be weird to be done with this story, but don't worry! My (VVD, other Liverpool players as well) requests are definitely open. Please don't hesitate and send me a request if you want. Again thank you so much for reading. Love you all and stay healthy! <3

W/C: 2.878

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

"It is weird, especially since we worked together for three almost four years on the same team." I say, my arms crossed in front of me as I talk to Ten Hag.

He'd pulled me aside after the match, hugging me warmly after noticing me walk back from the team's changing room.

Liverpool had just drawn against Manchester United, a underwhelming game after all of us had grown confidence about winning easily. That was the thing about football, it could go any way- no matter how much you train and prepare.

"We could work together again, if you accept my offer." He says, placing his hand on my shoulder.

I laugh, raising my brows at the sudden comment.

"You know my salary has gotten much higher than when I was at Ajax!" I joke, smile on my face as he laughs.

I could only decline his offer with a joke. In the past when I got a job offer by a rival team than of the one I worked for I didn't really care about the rivalry. It was just work to me. Yes, of course I grew close to players and staff, but it wasn't a factor which I let affect my career choices.

But Liverpool FC was different, nothing close to the bonds I formed in my former work environments. It was a community, a family even. The relationships I had with the players and staff were incomparable to what I had experienced in the past. Adding to this, I didn't really like the vibe the team gave, especially certain players.

So joining a rival team- Manchester United was definitely a 'no' for me.

"If it's you and your expertise- I could easily make sure you'd join our physio team and be paid handsomely."

"Very flattering, but I think-especially now, I'm very happy with my choice."

"Stubborn as always, makes me remember when you insisted the injury time of players could be shortened if we went by your methods."

"I was right every single time though!"

"That's why I'm not going to push this any further. I'm sure you have a good reason."

I feel a sudden presence behind me, turning my head to meet Virgil who had just walked out of the press corner. His expression looking a bit irritated.

"There's our Dutch captain!" Ten Hag exclaims, the men giving each other a handshake and hug.

"Needed to hear what you're convincing my girlfriend to do." He jokes, pearly teeth showing as he smiles.

"Right, my wife told me about you two, you two fit together very well." He compliments, pointing to us.

"Oh how's Bianca? I miss gossiping with her." I say, asking about his wife.

"She's alright, adjusting to life in Manchester still. You know those two didn't stop talking from the second they saw each other until they left each others side." He says to Virgil. 

"Being a baby physio was boring at times!" I shrug, defending myself. Feeling Virgil's arms wrap around my shoulder as he chuckles.

The conversation ends a couple minutes later, Virgil and me getting in my car.

"What did he talk to you about?" He asks as I start the car.

"Old times, tried to convince me to join his team." I laugh, grinning at the thought.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, but I denied. I don't like some of their players- give me weird vibes." I say, glancing at his confused expression.

"You know who I'm talking about, the punchable looking one, he looks like a super villain." I add, focusing on the road.

"The one with the abuse allegations- Antony, like why haven't they thrown the fucker out yet?" I say, voicing my dislike as my grip on the steering wheel gets tighter.

"Isn't a very easy process, but it's definitely overdue." He says, his hand on my thigh as if to calm me down.

"Exactly.."

I reread my sleepily written e-mail to my lawyer for the hundredth time it feels like. Adding a comma here and there as I feel like my screen is fogging and blurring up. I had finally requested a restraining order against the man who broke into my home, the police finally starting to finalize the charges against him at my request.

He'd thankfully confessed about being ordered by Theo to break in. For now, I could only get a restraining order against the intruder, as getting one for Theo wasn't actually possible due to us living in different countries. I was satisfied as long as he could be charged in any way possible. Then I could finally be at peace.

I finally press the 'send' button, sighing as I lean my head back against the bus seat. Alerting Virgil of my annoyance. We'd been returning from the match against Burnley, the last before some time off until the new year.

He grabs my phone out of my hand, shaking his head at my protest. His hand coming to rest on my jaw, and I look at him, trying to make out his expression in the dim lights of the bus.

"Sleep, you've been up since six this morning. It's like nine thirty." He whispered, taking note of the fact that half of the players had already passed out. Journeys on the bus made everyone sleepy, whether it was being tired after an intense match, or the fact that the bus rocked just enough to make you fall asleep.

I feel him guide my head onto his shoulder, his arms wrapping around me as a content sigh leaves his lips. I don't protest, letting my body relax as my eyes grow heavy. Fatigue washing over me as I slip into a peaceful sleep. The last I remember being the feeling of soft kisses on the top of my head.

I’m nudged awake maybe an hour or two later, feeling confused and disoriented as I open my eyes. I'm not in the team bus anymore, but in Virgil's car. My eyes darting around to see that we were parked the driveway of his home.

"What? Where- how did I get here?" I ask, my eyes moving from Virgil's form to the windows. Rubbing my eyes tiredly, not even caring about smudging all my mascara anymore. Probably because it was already smudged.

"I carried you out of the bus into my car, your bag is in the backseat." He says nonchalantly, shrugging as he pulls the keys out of the ignition.

"Seriously? You couldn't wake me up? Instead, you put on a show?" I ask, closing my eyes as I cringe, imaging the situation.

"You sleep like the dead my love." He says, leaning forward to plant a kiss on my forehead before stepping out of the car. I sigh, unbuckling myself before I watch him open my door. Then he goes to collect our bags from the backseat.

"Come on, let's go inside." He ushers, making me step out of the car. I follow him, punching in his code before we both step into the home. I immediately make a beeline to the sofa, throwing myself onto it. A sigh leaving my mouth as I shift to get comfortable, grabbing the cushions to rest my head on them.

"Hey, get up if you sleep again you'll stay awake all night. Your sleep schedule is going get messed up." Virgil says, coming to shake me awake, making me groan in protest.

"I'm just resting my eyes.." I mumble, knowing damn well I'd already be fully asleep if he didn't shake me.

"That's what you say every time, then you fall asleep." He accuses, making me sit up straight.

"Did you pack your suitcase already?" He adds, sitting next to me.

"Of course- but say, do you have any space left in your suitcase?" I ask, my eyes snapping open.

"I do, why? Is yours full- did you exceed the weight limit? We have like 32 kilograms of allowance, are you serious?" He asks, looking at me shocked.

"You see, heels are pretty heavy and you definitely won't bring 32 kilograms right?" I begin, grinning sheepishly at him before he grabs me, shaking me playfully.

"Alright, you can give me some of your stuff."

"Is this good? You don't want it to be too tight on your head." Virgil asks, his hands adjusting the buckle of my pink helmet as I hold his gloves in my hand and support both of the snowboards with my arm.

I raise my hand, fidgeting with the buckle myself, before look at him with a smile.

"Feels alright, here." I say, handing him the gloves. Watching him put them on, my eyes flickering over the white piste. Since we'd wrapped up the last game of 2023, and finished top of the table. The both of us decided to go on a little ski resort trip in eastern France.

"Ready?" He asks, looking at me as he grabs his board.

I nod, starting to follow him.

"Will you help me get up when I fall?"

He looks at me, my reflection starting back at me through his goggles.

"I thought you were a pro?" He asks, showing me his heart-throbbing smile.

"I have experience but not a pro. Last time I skied or snowboarded- I was like twenty-two." I defended myself, jogging slightly to catch up with him.

He hums, starting to look ahead as we walk up to the ski lift.

"Hey, staying close to me will also minimize your change of getting injured." I add.

"Why? Are you the injury prevention whisperer?"

"No, but I can heal them.."

"I can still feel my legs burn. I forgot how much it hurts.." I complain, jumping into the hotel room bed after showering and pulling the blanket on my body. At least dinner was insanely delicious.

"I'm actually freezing." I say, the iron supplements I was prescribed didn't work at all. Definitely because, when I took them in the morning, I'd throw them up an hour later. I had to revisit the doctor for a lower dosage when we got back.

"Getting in bed already?" Virgil asks, turning on the heating before walking up to me.

I yawn as if on cue, lying on my stomach as I feel the bed dip, making me shift towards him. Bringing my hand up to the side of his face. I caress his cheekbone, my cheek squished against the fluffy pillow.

"You had fun right?" He asks, pulling me closer.

"I did, well after the third time I fell on my ass.." I joke, soft chuckle leaving my lips as I trace the top of his lips with my thumb.

"You'll like it more tomorrow, since you got used to the feeling again." He replies, the collar of shirt moving as he shifts, revealing his collarbone.

I don't respond, my thumb hovering over his lip as my eyes flicker to his, the silence of the night surrounding us.

My heart thumps in my chest, eyes roaming on his features as my palm rests on his jaw.

"You know babe-" he begins, making me return my attention back to eyes. Raising my eyebrows slightly as if to urge him to continue.

"-everything you said could be understood as an innuendo."

My face forms to that of disbelief, recalling my words before groaning in annoyance.

"Why- would you ruin the moment like this?" I exclaim, honestly trying hard to contain a laugh, starting to get up, trying to remove my hand off his jaw, but he grabs my wrist again.

He pulls me closer my chest hitting his, placing my hand back on his jaw, peppering soft kisses on my palm as he murmurs soft apologies.

"I had to say it." He chuckles, his hand still holding onto my wrist. His chest vibrating against mine.

A sudden blasting of my ringtone makes me jump slightly, a gasp leaving my lips as my eyes widen.

"Scared the crap out of me.."

I try to get up, remembering I left it on the sofa, but I'm pulled back again. My wrist still in his hold, though not being painful.

"Stay, get it later.." He whispers lowly, voice deeper as he stares it my eyes. I lower my hand, tracing his jawline, hearing him take in a rushed breath. I ghost my fingers on his skin, trailing my hand down to his collarbone before tracing it.

His grip suddenly returns to my wrist, guiding my hand onto his chest, right on top of his heart. The quick heartbeat thumping underneath my palm.

"You're making it hard to resist- you know that?"

"Open the link I sent you? Right now!" Jul shouts through my phone speaker, making me frown in curiosity as I click the link. It taking me to a news article.

"Dutch Billionaire family caught in fraud and embezzlement scheme."

"What the fuck!" I exclaim, my eyes roaming around the article to understand what had happened. Freezing as I see a picture of Theo handcuffed as multiple police officers escort him.

I feel a sudden rush of adrenaline flow through me. I sit up straight from the sofa, unfolding my legs. Blinking at the screen in front of me.

This is was all I needed.

"Would laughing at this be inappropriate?" I ask Jul, switching to FaceTime again as a laugh threatens to fall from my lip.

"Laugh all you want girl, this is the karma you wished for."

"If I was back home in The Netherlands I'd be lighting fireworks with the teenagers of my neighborhood." I laugh, taking a sip of my drink.

It was New Year's Eve, Virgil and me going out to celebrate with the other teammates. Monet and her boyfriend also flying over to celebrate with us. We weren't drinking at all. Or at least Virgil and the rest of the players. Me deciding to not drink for moral support. Drinking did not bring the fun, however company did and it was great. Besides, the ice-cold virgin mojito with Red Bull I was drinking was enough to keep me up all night.

I feel Virgil's hold on my waist tighten, his lips on my shoulder as we both sway to the music in the club.

"This is better though.."

I remove his hands from my waist, turning and facing him as I wrap my arms around his neck instead.

"You know, new years isn't usually a happy time for me. I used to get so sad when the clock ticked twelve, like it made me emotional. I regretted every single thing I did that year. But this time it feels different.." I confess, running my fingers up and down his nape as he kisses my cheek.

"In a good way?" He asks, his thumb holding up my chin.

"Yeah, I feel good. I think I'm finally feeling positive of the year I had. It was definitely rough at times, and you've been amazing support, but I think the changes I've made lead me to the best outcome of my life."

"That is?"

"Moving here, to Liverpool. Joining the club, meeting you.."

"Yeah, I'm a part of that 'best outcome'?"

"Of course you are. I've never said it directly, but you've been the best companion I've made this year. So really, thank you for everything..." I continue, the sweet words falling off my tongue in a delicate manner.

I watch a smug expression form on his face, but his brown eyes are sweet, like dark molasses.

"Could say the exact same thing about you my love. You've been the best doctor, lover and support. Everything I could have ever dreamed of. You're amazing in every single way, I can't even begin to count all the times you've motivated to keep me going." He tells me, his other hand on the small of my back as he leans in to kiss me.

"So sweet." I mumble in between kisses, pulling him closer by his collar. The sudden shout of everybody starting to count from ten making me pull away as I admire the lights flashing. I grab onto Virgil's bigger hand, squeezing it as we all start counting down.

"Five!"

"Four!"

"Three!"

"Two!"

"One!"

I hold my breath for a moment, feeling Virgil's hand on my jaw as he pulls me in. Our lips crashing together, the cheering of "happy new year!" loud and clear as our eyes flutter shut. The taste addicting as I reach up to hold onto his bicep. We get lost in the moment, not even pulling away to breathe as we lose ourselves in the sensation.

"Happy New Year, my love."

No, this would be my fresh start.

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT. 18 | Virgil van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

A/N: I’m back! Still a little sick but we push through. Life’s been hectic lately with uni applications and exams. Even so we’re almost reaching the end of the story. 😭 please don’t forget to leave a note <3

WC: 3.405

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

"I'm sorry mom, it hasn't been that long even. So I wanted to keep it private, but you know how it unfolded."

I hear her sigh, accompanied by the sound of the TV in the background.

"y/n, we are your parents. Couldn't you have said a single thing?"

"I wanted to but the way you've been adamant on me getting back with that piece of shit. I didn't think you'd even be happy with it." I try to reason, nervously chewing on my bottom lip.

"No, we would be happy."

"What do you mean? You've been talking my ear off about him when you call, even in my dreams! You show up and scold me about it, in my dreams mom."

"Look I said all of that, and I realize maybe I shouldn't have. Just thought that would be the best for everyone!"

"Everyone mom? Really? You don't even know some of the things that happened in between us!"

I hear her sigh again, hearing footsteps, assuming she's walking around the house.

"I'm just disappointed to hear that my daughter is dating someone from my friends, and not my own daughter."

"If I told you last time I was home. You and dad would be fine with it?"

"Yes.”

"You're being serious?" I ask, confused by her change of opinion.

"Obviously, your dad has been bragging about you since he heard it."

I raise my brow in curiosity, sitting up from the sofa.

"What do you mean?"

"He's been getting calls left and right. His friends asking about you and your- boyfriend."

"Oh- what is he saying?"

"He cuts them off when they ask about your boyfriend. Ignores the questions and changes the topic to how good of a physiotherapist you are."

“Mom, you don’t have to pretend-”

"Of course not! He hasn't stopped talking about you."

This gives me a great feeling of relief, like huge weight was lifted off my chest.

"So, what I'm getting is. You both aren't mad about me dating someone else? Just mad I didn't tell you?"

I hear her hum, and a smile forms on my face.

"You won't bring up my ex or anything?"

"That's in the past now."

"Promise? You won’t mix him with any of our business anymore?”

"You have my word on this. I promise."

"Grandma! Are you in the back!" Virgil shouts as we enter the familiar restaurant, shoving the spare key into his pocket. The place silent apart from the ticking clock on the wall.

"She must be, let's go and look." I say, dragging Virgil further inside the place.

"Grandma?" I call out, opening the door to the kitchen.

"You're here just in time. Take one!" She exclaims, walking towards us with a platter of sugar cookies.

"These smell amazing. Just a second, let us wash our hands." I reply, walking over to the sink, smelling the sweetness of the cookies.

"Come on now hurry." She urges, finally handing one to Virgil and me.

We thank her, popping the buttery goodness into our mouths.

"I need the recipe, please.” I mumble, covering my full mouth with my hand.

I hear chuckle as she goes to put the platter down, turning towards me.

"I will teach you of course." She smiles, taking her apron off.

"When is the delivery coming? Eleven again?" Virgil chimes in, taking off his jacket.

"Yes, let's have some coffee together until then."

I go to take off my own jacket, hanging it up on the coat rack before returning.

"I'll make the coffee!" I announce, fixing my sweater.

I walk up to the coffee machine, grabbing the bag of roasted coffee beans from the cabinet and filling up the machine with it.

"Grandma what do you want to drink?"

"A cappuccino for me."

I hum, grabbing a mug from the cabinet and filling the milk compartment with fresh milk. Clicking the right button, I watch the foamy milk mix with the black coffee.

I suddenly feel strong arms wrap around me from behind, looking back to see Virgil. His chin resting on my shoulder.

"What do you want to drink?" I ask, returning to grab another mug.

"Cappuccino for me as well." He says, and I go to push the button. Hearing the machine start grinding the beans as I adjust the strength of the coffee aroma.

I turn in his hold, looking at him as I lean against the counter. His hand coming up to my cheek.

"What?" I ask, seeing his eyes roam over my face. His thumb rubbing on my cheekbone.

"Just taking in your face before I have to leave you for a while."

"Oh come on. You'll be fine, you act like we won’t see each other for a month." I tease, laughing at him.

The coffee machine beeping brings my attention back to preparing the coffee, making me turn away.

"Here, I'll make mine now." I say, looking around to see grandma not in the kitchen anymore.

"Where did she go?" I ask, pressing the latte macchiato button.

"I'll go look." He says, leaving the kitchen.

I hear a grunt a couple of minutes later, watching Virgil walk into the kitchen with a huge bag of flour in his arms.

"Delivery is here already?"

"Yeah, came a little early this time."

"Well should I help you?" I say, stepping towards the door as I watch him leave.

"No, it's fine just have coffee with grandma until I'm done."

"Are you sure?" I press on, following him.

He turns around, hands on my back as he leans in to peck my forehead. Lips touching my skin with upmost tenderness.

"I'm sure, go ahead." He murmurs.

I nod, watching him walk away as I return to kitchen. Placing all three cups of coffee on the tray, grabbing a generous plate of cookies as I walk into the dinner area.

"I've prepared the coffee!" I beam, placing the tray in front of grandma. I watch her smile, pearly dentures showing as she thanks me.

I hear her chuckle, before she looks around.

"Where did Virgil go?”

"Oh he's still bringing in the flour, he'll be here in a minute." 

I take a sip of the warm coffee, it's warming me up since the weather was getting colder and colder in Liverpool.

"How have you two been? No trouble in paradise?”

"We've been amazing. Just both focused on working hard."

"That's good, but you should enjoy your youth. That's what my late husband and I did as well."

"Well will of course. It's just that Virgil is leaving for his international duty in a couple days."

"Right I've heard about that on TV. Are you going with him?" She asks, taking a sip of her cappuccino.

"Not this time, you know we have some injuries. Need to focus on my job and support him from here this time.” I smile.

"Right establishing a career is very important for a young woman like you."

"That's right- oh there he is." I smile, seeing Virgil finally walk in, sitting down as I put his mug in front of him.

"Thank you. What are you two gossiping about? Me?" He asks, smug smile on his lips as he takes a sip of his coffee, his left hand coming to rest on mine.

"You wish." grandma jokes, and I laugh watching Virgil's face twist in confusion.

"Right, you wish." I tease, laughing again.

"Nice first half guys!" She exclaims, high-fiving the tired players as they pile into the changing room at half time.

It was the last match before international break, this one being against Brentford. The first half being full of controversial decisions made by the referee and multiple checks for VAR. Liverpool still had the upper hand, with one goal a little before half time scored by Mo.

As Darwin walks past, she makes sure to pat his back, a smile in motivation thrown his way. The Uruguayan had already scored two amazing goals, though unfortunately both were annulled after VAR checks. He did have an assist underneath his belt, which hopefully cheered his mood up a bit.

She makes eye contact with Virgil as he throws her on of his cheeky winks, a smile forming on her lips as she follows the guys inside the changing room. Making sure to check on Diogo first since he'd gotten knocked down pretty badly.

They already had some injuries on the squad, with international break coming up they needed to be extra cautious. After full confirmation of no injuries, she leaves the changing room a couple minutes before halftime ends.

She goes to grab a cup of coffee, before heading back into the medical room. Watching the second half of the game with much anticipation. The next few 45 minutes going by fast as Liverpool wins with a 3-0. Confirming her belief that this season could definitely be Liverpool's if all matches went this well.

y/n immediately zips her jacket up, grabbing the empty disposable cup as she throws into the recycling bin. Making her way towards the pitch as she hears the full time whistle.

Stepping onto the grass, she turns giving her coworkers a high five in celebration. Then making her way towards the bench to congratulate and compliment the players.

She watches the players hug each other, Klopp walking away to celebrate the win as a smile forms on her face. Happy the last game ended on a positive note.

She observes the celebration for a second, ready to walk back inside, but a phone is abruptly shoved in her face as she moves to the side.

It shocks her into freezing up, eyes widening in before registering the string of questions coming out of the man's mouth, back-to-back.

"Are you really dating Van Dijk?"

"On your second gold digging mission aren't ya?"

"Women like you are the problem!"

The last sentence he says brings her back to reality. Wondering where the hell security even was, or why no else had noticed this maniac yelling at her and recording her yet.

She looks back at the man again, as he keeps repeating 'fucking gold digger'.

The words hit a nerve, making her blood boil. A feeling of defensiveness brews in her, folding her arms as she looks at the man skeptically.

"Why do you give a fuck?" She questions, fear of threat thrown away as she’s getting pissed off.

"What?" The man replies, flustered as he raises his brows.

"Why do you care? I mean, don't think there's anything to dig here." She repeats, motioning to him, ducking when he suddenly tries to grab her.

She presses her lips together, having difficulty biting back a laugh at the comical anger on the man's face. Stepping back as she finally sees security grabbing the feral man, watching him get escorted off the pitch with struggle.

A hand coming up to her shoulder, makes her head turn in curiosity. “You okay?" She hears Dr. Woods say, his hand comforting as she nods.

"I'm fine, just your usual pitch invader." She shakes it off.

Because a normal one goes up to staff instead of the field full of world-famous players.

"Then let's go inside." He suggests, and she agrees in an instant. The both of them walking inside through the tunnel.

She goes to grab her belongings immediately, saying goodbye to the players who would be leaving for international duty. Warmly hugging some of them, eyes catching her boyfriend still doing interviews as she makes her way into the garage.

She throws her stuff into the backseat haphazardly as she steps into her car, grabbing onto the wheel as she rests her forehead onto it, sighing. The initial shock, anger and humor she found in the situation wearing off.

Sitting up straight she tries to remove it from her memories, tapping her fingers onto the steering wheel as she waits for her boyfriend. Spotting him walk through the doors minutes later.

"You look tired. Not happy we won?" He teases, shutting the door. Leaning in to press a kiss against her forehead.

"Of course I'm happy." She mumbles, putting her seatbelt on. Glancing at him for a moment, noticing the curious look in his eyes, but choosing to ignore it.

She shifts a little, waving at the staff outside for a second, then starting the car. Driving out of the parking garage.

"You okay?" He asks, noticing her silence and the fact that she hadn't turned on a song like usual.

"I'm fine, something silly just happened. That's all." She breathes out, focusing on driving.

He doesn't believe she's totally fine, deciding to ask about it later and not when she's driving.

"You packed everything right?" She asks, watching her lover sit on the floor next to his suitcases.

"Yeah, I'm just trying to figure out how to style these jeans." He replies, holding them up.

She hums, walking away for a minute, grabbing some items out of his closet before throwing them onto the bed.

"These would work. What do you think?" She asks, grabbing the jeans and placing them next to different sweaters.

He gets up, going to stand next to her as he ponders over the options.

"These are all nice." He adds, hand on his chin.

"I think this sweater and T-shirt combo is the best. Especially for the weather." She says, looking at him. "-and with those new LV sneakers you just got!"

He smiles at her, wrapping his arms around her back, pulling her in closely.

"That's perfect." He mumbles, leaving kisses on the side of her head.

"Being all lovey dovey suddenly?"

"Going to miss you."

She doesn't reply, pressing her face into his chest, soft sigh leaving her lips. He only pulls her closer, hand resting on the small of her back.

"We have to finish packing soon. It's getting late." She mutters pulling away and glancing at the clock.

"Just let me hold you for a moment." He whispers, pulling her back in. Wrapping his strong arms around her tightly.

The couple is wrapped in between the gray sheets of the bed, the autumn sun casting minimal sunlight into the room. Bodies entangled, still basking in the silence of the morning. Before a universally hated alarm sound blasts through the room, making the couple groan in annoyance.

"Babe, turn it off." She complains, snuggling further into the sheets. Clutching the thick blanket closer as she hides her head underneath her pillow.

Not getting a response by the athlete, she nudges him with her knee, enough to not hurt, and harsh enough to wake him up. The annoying alarm still all but stopped.

"What?" He questions, voice raspy as he opens his eyes.

"Alarm." She mutters, face squished into the mattress. Feeling him shift, as the sound finally gets cut off.

"Come here." He mumbles, grabbing her naked shoulder and pulling her into his bare chest. A soft smile on his face as he strokes patterns on her back.

"What time is it?" She asks, wrapping her own arms around him lazily.

"Little past eight." He replies, leaving kisses on her shoulder.

"Let's just sleep more, I'm tired."

He chuckles deeply, smug smile on his face.

"Bet you are."

He receives a light punch to his hard stomach, fake groan leaving his lips as he watches her amused through his squinted eyes.

"Quiet please." She mumbles, laying her head back on his chest.

"Alright I'm sorry." He hums, running his hand down her back again, resting it on the small of her back.

"Let me ask you something first." He whispers, watching her raise her head.

"I've heard what happened yesterday. Why didn't you tell me everything?"

"What do you mean?"

"About the guys who harassed you on the pitch. Security reached out to me yesterday."

"It's nothing."

"No, how you feel is important to me. Did he hurt you?" He asks, holding her chin up.

"He tried to insult me, then he went on this rant about all women being gold diggers or whatever."

She notices his jaw clench, his hold on her chin leaving as he strokes her cheek.

"I'm sorry for not being there."

"It fine, we're even since I insulted him back. There's probably a funny video of it floating around the internet, he was recording until security took him." She chuckles, imagining how dumb the video would look.

"He was recording that?" He asks, removing a fallen eyelash from her cheek.

"Yeah, with his phone."

"I'll make sure it gets deleted." He promises, leaning in to kiss her. Pressing his plump lips against hers.

"No, more speaking. Just let me sleep now hm?" She urges, pulling the blanket up. Wanting to stop talking about the incident.

"Anything you want my love."

She brings in the groceries, two heavy bags on each hand as tries to unlock the front door of her boyfriend home. He'd insisted she'd stay at his place while he was gone, since his place was safer and had better security.

Washing her hands and taking of her coat, she takes the TV remote. Shuffling her playlist, landing on ‘Sidewalks’ by The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar. Going back into the kitchen to organize the groceries.

The vibrations of her phone stops her from moving, smile forming on her lips as she hears Siri announce the caller ID. Going the dry her hands quickly before picking up.

"Can you see me?" She asks, leaning in after resting her phone against the empty fruit basket.

"I can. How's my girl doing?" He asks, laying comfortably in his hotel room bed.

"Went grocery shopping." She replies, grabbing the remote to lower the volume of the music.

"Think I called at the perfect moment." He teases, voice deep as he looks at her through the screen.

"Yeah, if you think putting groceries away is sexy." She laughs, leaning her body against the counter.

"If it's you thats difficult to deny."

"Enough trying to virtually get in my pants. Where are you? Gibraltar?" She asks, putting a bottle of juice into the fridge. Starting to organize the vegetables and fruits into containers.

"No, Portugal. Stadium in Gibraltar is getting fixed."

"Really? Are you done training? Back in your hotel room?" She asks, popping a washed grape into her mouth.

"Yeah, captains have their own hotel room remember?" He replies, sensual undertone peeking through his already amorous tone.

"Oh really? Didn’t know that-" she begins, confusion on her face as she hears the doorbell ring.

“Who’s that?” She asks, suddenly on high alert. No one had visited since Virgil had left, unless it was a package she was aware of.

The break-in had only affected her in one way, and that was being home alone. It wasn’t to the point of paranoia, security cameras definitely helping a lot. But a little sound here and there definitely had her on high alert at times.

Noticing the sternness in her expression he calls out to her, taking her attention away from the door.

“It’s fine, just something I ordered. Go check it out.” He reassures, calming her down.

She grabs the phone, holding it in her hand as she opens the front door. A delivery man standing there with a bouquet- or more like box of roses.

“y/n l/n?” He says, extending the bouquet.

“That’s me, thank you.” She replies, grabbing the flowers, shutting the door when he leaves.

She walks to the sofa propping the phone up as she looks at him while taking the card from in between the flowers.

“I miss you so much. Enjoy these flowers. I’ll be back soon, baby.”

- V

Looking up at her phone, seeing her boyfriend smile makes her smile as well. Heart tingling from kindness of the gesture.

“This is so sweet..” she exclaims, looking back at the arrangement of roses, baby’s breaths mixed in between.

She hears him chuckle from over the phone.

“I’m glad you like it love. I missed you.” He replies, watching her expression intensely.

Grabbing the phone off the the coffee table she lays down on the sofa, looking at him.

“Then you better win tomorrow’s match. I want to see you as fast as possible.”

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT. 17 | Virgil van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

A/N: last post of 2023 🥺 happy new year babes! Wishing for 2024 to be your year! Thank you so much for all the love this year <3

WC: 3.136

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

"Do you want to go in the same car or?"

I shout from my room, getting ready for the day as Virgil is eating breakfast.

I myself didn't feel particularly hungry, more so because it was the first time we'd go into the training center as a 'known' couple. So, I figured I should at least look good, deciding to take my time on my make up.

"Yeah, we'll come home from the match together then." He answers, as hear I the dishwasher being pulled open. Then hearing his footsteps coming closer.

"What are you doing?" He asks, coming closer to me as I set my face with powder.

"Making sure my art stays in place." I joke, turning back to face him as he sits on the edge of my bed.

"I'm almost done I promise."

I finally grab my lip products, lining my lips meticulously and applying my gloss. Chucking both products into my bag as I stand up.

"Let's go."

I pull on my sneakers, checking myself out in the mirror for a split-second before we finally get into the elevator.

"Who's going to drive? You or me?"

I ask, watching the numbers on the elevator screen go down.

"I'll drive of course." He smiles, showing off his keys.

He holds my hand as we leave my apartment building, as we walk up to his car. Opening the door for me.

He walks around, as I put my seat belt on, getting in himself. Meanwhile, I grab my phone to check my notifications, now minimal since I deleted my social media apps.

"Here." I hear Virgil say, handing his phone to me.

I look at him confused, then looking at the phone screen. A playlist, titled 'red scrubs.'

"What's this?"

I ask, scrolling through, realizing it was full of all my favorite songs. Looking back up at him as he drives with one hand.

"A playlist I've made for you."

A smile forms on my face immediately, my mood getting brighter than earlier.

"You're so cute." I mumble, unable to stop cheesing at his cheesiness. It was very small and childish gesture, but the love it expressed was huge.

I watch him smirk, my hand coming up to squeeze his bicep playfully.

"How'd you even-"

"I wrote the song titles on my phone when you got excited about them."

I smile even harder, looking away for a moment to regain my composure. Then leaning slightly to kiss his cheek in appreciation.

"Let's see if you did a good job then hm?" I say, putting the playlist on shuffle.

"Why am I suddenly getting so nervous? Maybe separate cars was a better idea." I say, wiping my clammy hands on my thighs. My nerves getting the best of me.

I watch Virgil glance at me, his eyebrow raised as he drives up to the training center. Greeting the security nicely, as we drive into the parking lot.

Parking all the way in the back, this was either good or bad. We were about to do the walk of shame and pride at the same time.

He finally turns to me, his bigger hand grabbing mine. His thumb caressing my knuckles softly.

"You're going to be okay."

He assures, leaning to kiss the top of my head.

"It's like we're showing off or something-"

"So? I want to show you off. What is anyone going to do about that?" He asks, gazing into my eyes.

Right, what is anyone going to do?

"We'll go in just like usual okay? Want to hold my hand or no?" He asks, his eyes softening.

I nod only, trying to compose myself fully.

I grab onto Virgil's hand tightly, only squeezing it harder when we step into the building, his thumb still caressing the back of my hand in reassurance.

"Clara!" I exclaim, seeing her look up with a smile as we walk up to her.

She'd long known about us, we couldn't actually hide it from her as she and I hung out often.

"Finally showing your girl off huh?" She asks Virgil, as I give her a side hug.

She glances at me, probably seeing the nerves on my face.

"You'll be fine, I think the guys will love you two together. Be prepared though, you know how they are." She says, squeezing my shoulder.

We walk further into the building, stopping right in front of the stairs and I already hear a low whistle.

"Look! My new favorite lovebirds!" A very cheery Trent says, Dom walking along with him, towards us.

I dread every second it takes for them to walk up to us, frozen smile plastered on my face.

"Don't start." Virgil waves them off, greeting them both with a handshake. Then going in to hug me.

"Are we allowed to hug her now or?" Dom teases, glancing at Virgil before he hugs me.

"How did you guys learn about it?" I mutter, rolling my eyes humorously.

"My Instagram! We aren't going to be the only ones you know." Trent chimes in.

"Well thank you for the mental preparation. I'll leave to my office now. See you guys later?" I say, letting of Virgil's hand.

He looks at me, eyes definitely asking for a kiss. I groan internally, Trent and Dom looking at us like we're a pair of pandas in a zoo.

I plant a quick kiss on his cheekbone, stubble grazing my skin slightly as I make a run for it before I could hear the guys say anything.

Sadly, I do hear a very loud "You know Virg, you've got some pink lip stuff on your cheek."

I walk into the canteen during lunchtime, Clara glued to my hip. Only because I forced her to, for emotional support as I watch eyes linger on me as we both fill up our plates.

"Doctor! Clara here!" I hear, snapping my head to a table, a very enthusiastic Ibou, his hands motioning for us to come over. His laugh undeniably infectious as a smile creeps up to my own face.

"Good afternoon guys." I say, realizing they probably intentionally left a seat next and across from Virgil. I sit next to him as Clara sits across from me.

Virgil automatically looks at me, grabbing my plate out of my hands and putting it down. His arms coming behind me, around my back as he smiles at me.

"Hey." He says, shamelessly placing a kiss on my cheek. Followed by immediate commotion from the table.

Some "aww's" mixed with some "my eyes!" making me laugh.

"Come on guys calm down." Clara says, trying to level out the comments.

"It's not like we didn't know already." I hear Ryan say and I immediately look up at him.

"What do you mean?" I ask, glancing at Virgil for a moment. His hand coming to hold mine underneath the table, resting both our hands on his thigh.

"We've been suspecting you two for like... two weeks or something." Harvey says and I raise a brow at him.

"Someone elaborate, please." I urge, the suspense was killing me.

"We kind of knew something was going on when we heard you went to the Netherlands and Greece game." Cody explains, looking at me.

Really, It was that easy? I had been stressing and fretting for no reason? They kind of knew already? That early?

"Yeah, but we kind of knew since your first day." Trent explains.

"My first day?"

"Yeah, captain had been talking about you in the changing room, like every day from then on."

This slowly started to become my favorite conversation ever. A grin forms on my face, gently squeezing Virgil's hand.

"Really?" I ask Virgil, a caught off guard expression on his face. That was why the guys looked so- giggly and smiley that first week?

"He's going to start blushing now!" I hear, immediately laughing as he did look insanely flustered.

"Right, he said you were 'the most beautiful woman that he’d ever worked with' and 'your smile was-" Virgil puts his hand over Curtis' mouth, stopping him from speaking.

"That's enough. Isn't it?" He mumbles, embarrassed smile on his face.

I tap his thigh, motioning him to stop suffocating Curtis as I lean into his side. His arm reluctantly wrapping around my back again.

"I want to hear more." I beam, looking at Curtis as I finally dug into my food.

"We had bets and everything." Curtis says, smug grin on his face.

"About?"

"Like who said 'I love first' or when you guys got together." Trent explains.

"Ohh, must've been very entertaining for you guys." I say, covering my full mouth with my hand.

Yeah, but it gave me heart palpitations.

"Are you two going to reveal it then? I need to know if I won." Cody chimes in, as he takes a gulp of his water.

I glance at Virgil, smiling at him. The team definitely knew how to entertain themselves with gossip.

"That's for us to know and for you to wonder." He says, pulling me closer into his side.

"You know we've seen scratches on his back and hickies on his neck-"

"Okay- I don't want to hear more actually.”

"I do not like when we draw." I mutter, to no one in particular as I watch the match unfold right in front of my eyes.

So far it was 1-1 against Bournemouth, and at least we had no injuries. I adjust my position in my seat. I sat in the last seat of the first row, looking directly at the position of the ball on the pitch.

I glance at the players behind me, all packed in their black, green embroidered club puffer jackets like me. Virgil sitting in the seat right behind mine.

The rain had been pouring down ever since the start of the match, making me hope that the damn waterproof mascara did its job and stayed on properly. At least my puffer was warm enough.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, looking back to see Virgil. "You okay?" He asks, rubbing his hands on my jacket.

"Yeah, it's just the rain that's annoying and it's cold." I complain, adjusting my zipper.

He extends his hand, giving me his hot pack.

"Here it'll help a little."

"Thank you." I smile, trying to warm up my hands as his hands stay on my shoulders. It was probably the maximum PDA I would allow in front of cameras.

The match finally ends with a 2-1 win for Liverpool, after an absolute banger of a goal from Darwin. Making us the last eight competing for the Carabao Cup.

I immediately run inside, almost slipping due to my wet shoe soles. Trying to avoid any more rain. Then waiting for everyone to pile inside again, a very happy shouting Virgil rushing in.

"You're going to fall." I comment, watching the last few players walk in.

"I fell already." He says, coming closer to me.

"You did? Are you injured?" I say, looking over him concerned. His hands coming to hold my cheek, making me look at him.

"No, I fell for you."

I blank stare at him for a moment, wondering if he really just said the most cheesy, cliché line ever.

"I think I need a moment." I utter, avoiding him as I walk to stand next to Klopp.

"It was a joke, come on." He complains, coming to stand next to me again. Klopp glancing at us with a smile.

"Yeah, a really bad one. Like who says that?"

"Babe? Can you... pick us up?”

She giggles, phone pressed to her ear clumsily. Dim pub lights casting a minimal glow on her face, her earrings glistening as she moves her head.

"Are you drunk love?" He asks, standing up from her living room sofa, and grabbing his car keys.

"A little, got carried away."

She mumbles, laughing at her drunk friend's dance moves.

"Okay send me your location. Can you do that for me?" He asks, walking out of her apartment.

"I think... I can- hold on." she slurs, tapping some familiar buttons. Managing to send her location to him.

"Alright I'll be there in a few. Want to hang up or stay on the phone?" He asks, starting the engine of his car.

"Stay." She answers, drunkenly keeping an eye on Sofia and Clara.

"Okay, want to tell me something that happened?" He says, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Uhm... this girl was wearing like 15 centimeter heels, like how?" She mumbles, leaning forward onto the table tiredly.

"Hm really? How about yours? Do your ankles not hurt?" He asks, humming.

"I'm just sitting down now." She answers.

"Are your friends there? They're okay right?”

"Yeah... they're very happy." She replies, looking at them laugh and chat clumsily.

"That's good, I'm almost there. Don't come outside yeah?"

She hums, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment.

After a few short minutes the tall athlete arrives, peering around to find three girls sit next to each other. Though, his girlfriend seems totally exhausted while her friend are as cheery as ever.

"y/n." He says, running his hands on her back.

She looks up, recognizing him and standing up. Her body immediately leaning against his, molding against it.

"You're okay." He mumbles, barely audible due to music.

"Girls, let's go." He says, watching both Sofia and Clara grab their own bags. His hand going to grab his girlfriend's bag.

"Sofia, can you walk? Or should I call Noah down?" He asks, having dropped off Clara safely already.

"I'm good." She mumbles having sobered up a bit, reaching over to open the car door.

Virgil looks at his girlfriend in the passenger seat, half awake as her head is angled downwards.

He finally gets out of the car, picking up his girlfriend and walking alongside Sofia, up to their level.

He watches Noah open the door, bringing Clara in as he throws a thumbs up to Virgil.

"Thanks lad!" He says, closing the door as Virgil throws out a ‘no problem’.

Virgil finally opens the front door, bringing y/n onto the couch as he goes to wash his hands and grabs a cup of water.

"Here drink some water." He coaxes, bringing the cup to her lipstick smudged lips.

She complies, eyes open by a sliver as she gulps the entire cup down. He leans down, chucking the heels off her feet.

"Okay now let's get you cleaned up." He mumbles, picking her up again.

"I'm going to set you down on the counter. Alright?"

"Mhm."

"Okay this is your cleanser right?"

He says, showing her a white bottle.

He was right.

"No, I can do it myself." She mumbles, getting off the counter.

"Okay, I'll brush my teeth."

He does, stabilizing her when she stared clumsily moving again. Drunkenly applying all sorts of toners and serums.

"You look like glazed donut."

"That's... the point."

"I know. Let's go to bed."

He guides her by the shoulders, placing her on the edge of her bed as he grabs her pajamas.

"No, I can- do it myself." She exclaims, grabbing the change of clothes as she starts tugging on the zipper on her back.

"Let me- help you."

His hands go up to her zipper, zipping it down successfully as she pulls the dress down further.

He grabs the dress, placing it in the laundry basket and returning to her.

She grabs onto the pajama shirt, pulling it over her head easily, his minimal help needed. She grabs the pajama pants, looking up at him.

"See? I can do it all alone. Even when I’m drunk. I'm a genius-"

She tries to say, accidentally tripping, face-first into the bed when trying to step into the pants fully.

He tries to stifle his laughter, knowing she wouldn't appreciate it. Especially in her drunken state.

"Woah- let me help you."

After a struggle and battle with the pajamas they both finally lay down into the bed cozily. His hand cradling her closer.

"My ankles hurt." She complains, soft groan leaving her mouth.

"Want me to massage them?"

"Yes, please."

He shifts in the bed. Rolling the ends of her pants up as he starts to rub and massage her swollen looking ankles.

"Did you dance a lot?" He asks, a soft hum leaving her lips.

"I wish you didn't wear those high heels then."

"They looked good."

"I know, but still."

He looks closer at the back of her ankles, realizing the back of her heels were probably too rough and made her bleed.

"The back of your ankles are bleeding."

"Really?"

"Hold on."

He walks back and forth to the bathroom, grabbing the necessary disinfectant and band-aids.

She winces as the ointment makes contact with the small wound. He quickly places a band-aid on both ankles and patting her leg.

"I'm sorry love. It's over." He says, voice deep and thick with sleep.

"Let's sleep now."

I watch as Curtis and Virgil pretend to be Santa in front of the camera crew. It was the first week of November but I guess the PR team decided to film Christmas videos already.

I was having some food with Clara at the other table as they had walked in with the cameras on. I try to muffle my laughter as they kept pulling out ridiculous presents from their bags.

I finally see them nearing the end of filming, Trent, Robbo, Curtis and Virgil gathered around and flipping through the calendar full of images from different players.

"Doctor come see this, you'll love it."

I hear Robbo say, looking at me as I pop a strawberry into my mouth. I raise my brows, chewing the fruit as I stand up to see what he's talking about.

"What is it?" I ask putting my hands in my pocket, looking him with questioning look.

"Here see for yourself." He says handing me the calendar. I glance at the guys for a moment, opening the calendar to see every month having a new photo of Virgil.

"Oh-" I say, raising my brows as every photo becomes even more questionable.

"You can have it from Santa!" Curtis says, pushing the calendar further into my arms.

"Oh it's-"

"Aw you don't like it?" Trent chimes in, glancing at Virgil.

"Doesn't really fit with the interior of my apartment you know." I tease playing along, though unable to contain my laughter as Robbo bursts out in laughter.

"You're serious?" Virgil say, looking betrayed.

"You know you seem to love it more than me Andy. Besides, I've got the real deal already."

I joke, handing it to him. Winking at the camera for jokes. There's no way it would be used anyway.

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT. 16 | Virgil van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

A/N: sending you all the love you might need on this day <3 enjoy!

WC: 4.217

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

"Right that's perfect." I state, giving Ryan a high five. "You've improved a lot." I tease, patting his shoulder. He smiles, giving me one of his pearly smiles as he stands up.

Recovery day would always be one of my favorite days at this job. No stressing, just rejuvenation.

We did have to keep in mind that we have another match tomorrow, this time for the Carabao Cup against Bournemouth.

We decided to mostly focus on recovery as that was the most important thing right now. Especially, to prevent any problems down the road.

"Of course, you still act like I'm a teenager!" He retorts, looking down at me. Damn, was he getting taller or was I going crazy?

"Can you blame me-"

The sudden feeling of something hitting my leg makes me stop talking, looking down to see a ball roll away from my feet.

I look up to find the perpetrator, a smug Curtis looking at me.

"Excuse me! We're actually busy here!" I shout, giving him a half serious look, folding my arms up to my chest.

"Sorry Doc, two touch got too intense. Right, Harv?" He says, looking over to a equally smug looking Harvey.

"Curt, do you ever leave y/n alone?" I hear, snapping my head to see Virgil walk over. His tatted arm overwhelmingly distracting. An immediate rush of adrenaline flowing through my body.

"I'm sure you would want me to." Curtis replies and I send a cold glare, raising my eyebrows in warning. One more word and I'd rob him of those 500 pounds.

I hear muffled chuckles somewhere in the gym, but don't dare to move another inch.

"Aren't you supposed to be with Dr. Davis right now?" I change the topic, tapping the watch on my wrist.

He huffs, and I kick the ball back to Harvey.

"Come on, go on." I usher Curtis, waving my hand.

I turn to Ryan again, dismissing him with a smile and grab my folder off of the floor. Checking for the next player I had to observe.

I look up, making eye contact with Virgil. The look in his eyes speaking millions of words.

"Your turn." I fake sigh, trying to hide the smile on my face, tapping my shoe on the mat multiple times.

Thankfully, we had to begin at the exercising equipment in the far corner in the room, being able to ignore some glances from the other players. They didn't even try to hide their chuckles and whispers this time as they glanced at us.

I had obviously heard about the bet about us- or whatever Curtis had told me. Our days of hiding our relationship were numbered, and I was scrambling to stretch them.

I decide to act clueless, pretending to be busy with the folder in my hands. Looking up now and then at Virgil. Hoping I was putting on some Angelina Jolie or Lupita Nyong'o acting.

I'd do anything at this point.

"You look good in red." Virgil whispers through a tired grunt and I look up again, raising my brows.

"Really? Right now?" I whisper, looking down at his exercising form.

Droplets of sweat forming on his forehead and gliding down his neck, making contact with the reddish-purple bruises peeking out of his collar.

Yes, my office was a highly dangerous place at this point. Especially, in the morning before training even began.

The entire and I mean the entire gym goes quiet, apart from the foreign song blasting through the speakers. I glance around, almost everyone staring at us.

Virgil follows my eyes, realizing the deafening silence as well.

Damn, I really needed an Oscar at this point.

"Do you guys want exercising tips from your skipper or is winning the Carabao Cup and being in top form more important?" I ask, cocking a brow up to the guys, but I can't help but chuckle at their puzzled faces.

The loud chatter returns again, I laugh again watching them go back to their own exercises.

"You know I didn't do anything." Virgil whispers, voice deep as he looks at me, his hands up in surrender for a moment. He stands up, fixing his shirt. He leans closer to me, whispering.

"Play along with me."

His hand suddenly goes up to his arm, a very convincing pained grunt leaving his lips.

My eyes go wide, confused but looking up at him concerned.

"What's wrong?" I ask my voice a little louder, my hand going up to his arm, hoping he was actually faking it.

"You alright captain?" I hear, Joe coming up to us. His eyebrow raised, other players looking at us as well.

"Think I strained my arm." He replies, closing and opening his fist repeatedly. His eyes looking into mine, a hint of urgency in them.

"I'll check it out in my office." I quickly say, looking back and forth in between the two men.

I let go of Virgil's arm, motioning him to start moving. Taking him to my office, not daring to look behind me.

"Are you being serious?" I ask Virgil as he sits on the treatment table. My hand going up to his arm, the skin of his jacked bicep soft against my fingers.

He chuckles lowly, grabbing my other arm to pull me closer.

"No, just wanted to do this." He mumbles, his hand coming up my chin, his fingers running down my jawline.

He leans in without another word, his lips are on mine tenderly. I gasp into the kiss, but melt into it. Fluttering my eyes shut, letting go of my worries, allowing him to pull me closer. A feeling of desire burning through me, flickering like a raging flame and consuming my senses.

I move my hand up to his chest, fisting his shirt with a firm grip. I pull away, opening my eyes, small annoyed smile on my lips.

"You made me worry for that?" I say, hitting his chest, no malice in my touch.

"You look too good in red." He replies, hands on my waist.

"-and see how no one is looking at us now?"

"Like this made us look less suspicious?" I reply, letting go of his shirt.

"Works for me."

I open my mouth to respond, but my grumbling stomach beats me to it.

"Think it's lunchtime." He teases, and I close my eyes in embarrassment.

"You think?"

"It's weird because I've never really cared about the opinions of strangers. Growing up I wasn't a insecure or very sensitive child. I was pretty independent." I explain, lifting my leg up to the sofa comfortably. Looking at my therapist, her black hair falling in front of her face as she leans forward to look at me.

"Would you say it only happened after adulthood?" She asks, eyes sweet and kind behind her glasses.

I look away, thinking of my answer.

"I think? I made friends easily when I was younger, but when I left my teenage years it started getting more- difficult? Then I started really thinking of the opinions of others."

"Were there any changing factors in your life? Did you move? Change classes? Or another boyfriend maybe? Could you say they're intertwined with your change of heart?"

I bite my lip, humming at her words.

"I did get an internship back then as you know- and met my ex awhile later."

"Right your ex- Theo. You've told me so much about him already- but did he also have a say in how you acted around certain people or in some scenarios?"

"I guess? We went to these dinner parties and other fancy places. We'd meet these business partners of his mother and other wealthy people. I had to essentially play the role of a perfect girlfriend."

"Would you say it made you act more 'aware' of yourself and your actual real personality?"

"I just remember feeling so exhausted and empty after getting home or to our hotel room. Like my soul was sucked out of me or something. It was even worse when he'd started yelling at me for certain things I did, or he'd say that some stupid businessman wasn't liking my attitude or some dumb stuff. I very much argued with him the first couple of times, then I just started taking it like some constructive criticism. It wasn't like that at all though. When our relationship was plastered on the news everywhere- I remember feeling even worse, and to read the opinions of strangers. Those opinions that were already drilled into my mind by own partner- it just got worse."

I explain, fidgeting with the fabric of my trousers. My nails scratching them harshly, feeling my palms get clammy.

"Right- and with your current relationship now- do you see this happen as well?" She says, her voice softening.

"Not at all, I feel the total opposite. Like I can do or say whatever I want with him- and I can. I don't feel like I have to perform or have a fake personality."

"But you'd said you feel the same as in not wanting it to be revealed to the public. He's a footballer if I recall correctly?"

"He is- I just feel like it'll be the same reaction from the public- mean and judgmental."

She hums, fixing her glasses, repositioning them higher on her nose bridge.

"Let's say you have to make a really important decision. Who do you consult? The people closest to you or complete strangers."

"The people closest to me obviously."

"Then you'd have to put it that way, you don't care about the opinions of strangers in personal critical moments- then you shouldn't be allowing their criticism get to you in that critical moment. For example, your relationship being revealed." She finishes, looking at me with a smile on her face.

I stare at her, letting her words sink in. Them clicking like puzzle consisting of a thousand pieces.

I lean back, letting go of my pen, cradling my cramping hand close to me. Ink smudged all over my palm, the corners of the used pages curled up and wrinkled as my eyes dart over the page again.

I had to admit, taking out your frustration and anxiety on paper was insanely relieving and calming. My therapist had recommended it in our last session, and so far I was liking it.

I had four sessions with her so far, and the wisdom the woman had given me was so obvious, but never actually happened to cross my own mind. I was so happy we formed a connection instantly. Especially, since I barely had the mental capacity to look for another therapist.

My glowing laptop screen allows me to see the paper better, as the sun had set awhile ago. The recent emails from my lawyer staring right back at me.

My lawyer had emailed me concerning the break-in. It already felt like a while ago, making me look back at the traumatic incident again. He had given me updates about the case. The police did have camera footage from a nearby shop, which they heavily used to try to identify the guy. Jail time wouldn't be considered, if the intruder was a first offender they'd probably let him go with a fine.

This wasn't the biggest problem, as the only thing I actually wanted was for Theo to get what he'd deserved. The intruder would probably give some bullshit excuse and get off- making me practically lose my mind out of anger. I wanted to put it behind me already, but the fact that Theo would also be let off infuriated me.

My journal now- was scribbled full of my worries. I had written about six full pages, fighting the urge to just scratch out entire pages out of frustration.

I turn off my laptop, rubbing my eye tiredly. I connect my charger to my laptop, and grab my phone. Blowing out the half used vanilla scented candle on my vanity.

I check the time, reading a unnoticed notification. My parcel- or parcels would arrive, brightening up my mood a little.

One thing I had learnt in life was; shopping won't solve the problem, but it definitely will distract you from it- at least for a moment. I'd open the package for the split of second serotonin and that was enough.

The sound of the intercom ringing had me standing up immediately. I run to my door, half tripping on one of my shoes, which I had lazily left there, before checking the cameras and letting the delivery man in and switching on the lights.

The sight of my appearance in the mirror makes me cringe. Not that the delivery man hadn't seen me like this before. I had been insanely busy with work lately and with the ongoing case and the dating rumors. It was honestly taking a toll on me already. I knew it was partially my fault, I could just let go of the case and stop worrying about dating rumors. At the end of the day they weren't things I actually had control over, but it got more frustrating knowing that I didn't have any control in both situations.

I had checked social media- sneakily, redownloading the apps, using my quickly made fake account as I scrolled through the gossip pages.

Most of the reactions were trying to figure out who the "A list footballer" in question was. My heart had skipped a beat when I read Virgil's name, but I had panicked and shut my phone immediately- you couldn't stress me out on the phone I was paying for.

I was still trying to half keep up with my strategy of ignoring the problem, but I slowly started to feel like the problem itself. I promised myself things, just to not even follow up to those promises.

I open my door as I hear a knock, checking the peephole for a second and grabbing the door handle.

"Hi." I greet, grabbing the two big parcels from the poor, all too familiar man.

Shit, maybe I did have a problem...

"You've been buying too many things young lady." He replies, adjusting the cap on his head.

I chuckle embarrassed, setting down the packages next to me on the floor.

"I'm sorry sir, will try to minimize my shopping. Would you like anything? A drink?" I say, smiling at him. I felt bad for the man, even though he was just doing his job.

"No, I'm alright. Have a good evening." He says smiling and turning away, as he presses on the elevator button.

I watch him leave, the elevator door opening with a sound. To my surprise, I see Virgil walking out of it. His face partially covered by his scarf and a black beanie on his head as he walks up to me. Greeting the delivery man kindly.

"Is that the delivery man? He was here last Monday as well wasn't he?" He asks, pointing behind him as he stands in front of me.

I step back, kicking the parcels out of the way and opening the door wider to let him in.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, ignoring him flaming my shopping addiction, now a little self- conscious of my appearance, trying to cover my face with my hoodie. He'd shown up without word many times, only not when I- or the house looked like a dumpster fire.

"Missed my girl." He says, voice deep as he clicks his tongue, stepping into my house and grabbing my wrist to close the door behind me.

"You saw me at work, literally like four hours ago."

"And?" He asks, pressing a kiss to my cheek. His hands going up to remove his scarf and jacket, hanging them on the rack.

"You could've called- I look like this." I say, pointing at my appearance.

"And the house is a mess." I add, sighing.

"And?" He says again, his hands coming up to my shoulders. His brown eyes staring back into mine.

I sigh, shaking my head at him, a soft smile forming on my lips.

"Have you eaten dinner yet?"

I shake my head, his eyes darting to the parcels on the floor.

"How about you show me what you bought this time and I'll order dinner?" He suggests, running his thumb softly on my cheekbone.

"Can I pick?"

"Of course."

"Okay- ready?" She shouts, walking into the living room. A black mini-dress on her body, ending right in the middle of her thighs. The square neckline giving it the right amount of sexy, the back still unzipped clumsily.

She walks up to Virgil, who's sitting on her sofa. Man-spreading comfortably as he looks her up and down, his tatted arm folded on his other one, up to his chest.

"Can you zip the back?" She asks, turning her back to him as he stands up with a low hum. His fingers ghosting her skin as he plays with the zipper.

"Turn for me love." He mutters, close to her ear.

She turns facing him, adjusting the dress and smoothing down the fabric. It accentuating her body perfectly.

"How is it?" She asks, following his eyes roaming her body.

A low hum leaves his lips, his hand coming to wrap around her waist, other hand traveling down to her behind, pulling her closer.

"Where are you going in this?" He murmurs, longing eyes on hers.

"I'm getting drinks with Clara and Sofia tomorrow. Why? Is it- bad?" She asks, voice in a whisper. A hand fidgeting with the fabric, feeling unsure.

"No, you look too good." He whispers lowly, squeezing her waist delicately.

"Really?" She smiles, face lightning up immediately as her eyes roam over his face.

"Now I'll have to worry about my girl being taken from me." He worries, his hand coming up to his chin, as if to ponder.

She rolls her eyes playfully, tapping his arm repeatedly.

"Like you take off your shirt in front of camera's before asking me. You get thirsted over by the entire internet, let me have this." She tuts, fluttering her eyelashes in an animated way.

"Oh I will. Only after this."

He says, raising his brows, lifting her up and throwing her onto the sofa carefully. His fingers digging into the fabric of her dress as he tickles her.

"Okay! Stop, you know I'm ticklish." She exclaims, tears forming in her eyes from laughter. Struggling to hold his hand back. He listens, pulling back and hovering over her body.

"I also got matching heels." She breathes out, escaping out of his hold, and grabbing the shoe box off the table. She grabs the heels out of the box, turning towards him. The diamond buckles and details glistening in the overhead light.

He walks up to her, grabbing the heels and bending down. She leans forward, placing her hands on his broad shoulders, pushing her weight on him to balance herself.

He unbuckles the heels, slipping them onto her feet and buckling them up again.

"Thank you." She says, letting go of him and watching him stand back up.

"Do a little twirl for me love." He suggests, watching her intently as she does. A low whistle leaving his lips. His hands traveling down to the small of her back.

"Can you skip the drinks with the girls and just come over to mines instead." He says, eyes flashing with lust and desire.

She laughs, shaking her head as her hand comes to pat his arm.

"Nope, I can come over after though?" She teases, already trying to wiggle out of his hold as a joke.

He opens his mouth to reply, but the sound of the intercom makes them remember the food delivery.

"I'll change!" She shouts, already running back to her room. He watches her leave surprised, his tongue running over his cheek annoyed before he gets the door.

"Good food always makes me sleepy." She mumbles, her head in his lap. Thankful for their stomachs being full and satisfied.

He runs his fingers down her face, his thumb smoothing down her eyebrows, moving down to other facial features, humming in agreement.

"What is it? What are you thinking of?" She asks, noticing how quiet he is, looking up him.

"Just thinking." He mumbles, looking distracted.

"About?"

"Us."

She huffs, poking his firm abdomen.

"Tell me." She say impatiently.

He clicks his tongue, finally making eye contact with her.

"I just came from speaking to my agent. Talked about us with the publicist."

"What did they say?" She asks, sitting up, facing him.

He shifts, his hand coming up to squeeze her shoulder. Looking at her with a serious expression.

She furrows her brows, looking confused.

"You're worrying me. Tell me, come on." She urges fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, trying to read his face.

"They told me that there was an article released this morning- about us, with pictures." He explains, trying to soothe her with soft caresses on her cheek.

Her eyes go wide, her grip on his shirt tightening as she gasps. Her heart starting to thump excessively faster in her chest.

"They- know?" She stutters, blinking repeatedly, feeling panic surge up her body.

"I'm sorry baby." He whispers, looking at her, his hand traveling to her nape to soothe her further.

"What did it say?" She asks, millions of thoughts running through her mind.

"It was about our date back home, in Amsterdam. Pictures of us getting into the car." He explains, voice softer than usual.

"Did they identify me too?" She asks, hoping it wasn't the case.

To her horror he nods, trying to calm her down with soft shushes.

"Normally, they wouldn't be able to identify you this fast, but the article mentions the blind item and- that piece of shit. So, they put two and two together, and probably bought the rights to some pictures secretly taken by someone who approached them."

She breathes out shakily, letting go of his shirt and looking away. Her eyes noticeably full of worry and panic.

"What are you worried about love?" He coaxes, continuing to run his thumb on her cheek.

"What people would think and say." She mutters, tears accumulating in her eyes.

"Why does that matter to you?" He asks, voice as calm as possible to not disturb the fact that she's taking in the privacy violating news.

"Last time, it was bad- like really really really-"

"Hey, it's alright. You've got me this time. I'll make sure with my agent and publicist that it won't be bad. Besides, you know our supporters won't care right? The criticism will come from strangers at the end of the day. Why should we string importance to what they say?" He says, trying to calm her down with his words.

"I just keep thinking about those comments from the past, they still hurt." She says, voice cracking unpleasantly.

"I understand that love. Let's just stay off of our phones, yeah? We'll figure it out together, I promise."

"I'm not some gold digging bitch or whore-" she whispers, tears twinkling in the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill and holding her feelings back. Like a dam trying to keep its ragging waters back, a crack forming at its base. Threatening the very purpose of it.

"You're not those things. It's alright sweetheart, I'll take care of it yeah?" He promises, practically boiling on the inside. The fact that anyone could call his sweet girlfriend those words, making him both mad and his heart ache for her.

She sighs, remembering her conversation with her therapist again. Why care about the opinions of people whom you don't value, right?

"Well what about work? They'll look at me weirdly. Oh my god- how am I going to look at them in their faces." She groans, placing her head into the crook of his neck, now straddling him.

"Why are you embarrassed of me?" He says, trying find some humor to cheer her up, even if it's just a bit. 

"No, of course not! It just looks like I got the job to fuck one of their players-" she exclaims, frustration gnawing at her.

"Alright, alright I get it. Let's take it step by step hm?" He suggests, making her look at him again.

"HR and Klopp already know. It's not like the players are fully unaware of something going on between us, you're aware of the little bet the younger guys have on us, right?"

She nods, biting on her lip as she still cringes at the thought of it being officially known by the club.

"That means they're fine with it. I promise." He assures, running his hand up and down her back.

"If HR and Klopp are fine with it, other staff will be okay with it too. No worrying needed love."

She sighs, placing her head onto his chest. Pondering over every single thing he'd just said.

Thinking of having to face her worst nightmare tomorrow. Something she'd dreaded since they started dating. She could only ignore and dismiss her problems until a certain amount of time, then she'd obviously have to face them, eventually.

“Did I at least look good in those pictures?”

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT. 14 | Virgil van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

A/N: I’m back and survived my exams!! (for now). Enjoy reading loves!

WC: 3.672

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

I drag the eyeliner towards the outer corner of my eye, trying to hold my hand steady as my playlist echoes throughout the bathroom. Finishing my eyeliner, I lean back and observe my eye make up, humming in satisfaction as I grab my lip products. I absolutely loved getting ready, the excitement of listening to my favorite songs while practically creating art on my face, paired with a nice drink never failed to put me in a good mood.

Virgil had told me to get ready for a date. Only giving me the hint of it being a "nice" place.

So, I grabbed the prettiest outfit I had managed to pack. A white satin dress, the long sleeves decorated with small embellishments. I was going to choose a mini-dress, but decided to go for something more safe and still classy, considering the weather. The cherry red kitten heels Virgil had gotten me back in Liverpool dressing up the outfit just right, along with a nice bag I had thankfully packed with me.

My tranquil state is interrupted by Virgil's deep, but comforting voice calling from the door of the bathroom. I whip my head around, replying with a 'Yeah, come in!' and return back to putting my jewelry on.

He pushes the door open, walking up to me as I struggle to put on my gold necklace.

"Need help?" He asks, his hands coming up to my hands.

I hum, his hands grazing mine as I hand him the necklace. He latches the clasp quickly and I turn to face him. Checking out his outfit.

His black trousers, just the right amount of baggy, not too much and not those ugly tight trousers some men willingly decide to wear. His top what I assume, a cashmere sweater. The Audemars Piguet watch completing the look perfectly. I had seen that brand of watches on my ex- all the damn time, but seeing Virgil wearing it made the watch look about ten times better.

"You look nice." I tell him, watching the corners of him lips curl up in a smirk. He leans forward, planting a kiss above my ear, knowing I didn't want to mess up my make up immediately.

"You too." He whispers, close to my ear making my own lips curl up in a smile. I turn away, grabbing my bag.

"Can we go now? I'm dying out of curiosity."

"Car will be here in five minutes. Let's go."

I hold onto Virgil's hand as we step into the elevator. Slightly tense, because I hadn't stopped thinking of running into my ex- in the elevator, the lobby, even the grocery store down the street, even though I knew that man would never enter a grocery store. Delivery was his only solution to life.

I watch the digital number of the elevator change. I knew the elevator would go slow until level fifty, then practically flash through the rest of the levels.

Though, my heart practically stops beating as the elevator announces a stop at level fifty. My body tenses immediately, my grip on Virgil's hand tightening unbeknownst to me. The elevator doors open, the sudden imaginary feeling of my heart jumping out of chest making me tense up even more. I watch the doors open, squinting out of fear and anxiety, only for an older man to step in, literally looking nothing like my ex- or anyone I knew whatsoever.

I notice Virgil's facial expression, his eyebrows low and scrunched together as he literally almost witnessed me wanting to jump out of this elevator. 'Something wrong?' he mouths, nudging me. I glance at him, trying to change my facial expression and shaking my head and mouthing a 'No, I'm okay'. Hoping it would make me look less... crazy.

He doesn't look entirely convinced, but I dismiss his stare, squeezing his hand reassuringly as I watch the elevator finally arrive at the final level.

We arrive at the restaurant after a short car ride. Virgil leading me into the restaurant quickly as the weather had been increasingly getting colder, the strong wind blowing past us, making us look somewhat disheveled.

I observe the interior immediately, the dark wood complimented nicely with neutral colors. A man greets us instantly, his eyes wide and the biggest smile on his face as he looks at us. Making me want to crack a smile back, people who worked in customer service were amazing. Being able to greet and help every single customer warmly wasn't easy, especially on bad days.

I also had a costumer service job when I was about sixteen. I had to, my dad forcing me to work for the experience and my mom wanting me to socialize more outside of school. Safe to say I lasted six months before I was out that job. Was it my fault people were so mean to me? I was a cashier, just trying to my job after all.

We follow the waiter, walking past other tables and being lead into a- private dinning room?

I eye Virgil as the waiter asks for our coats, unbuttoning it and handing it to him. He said 'nice', but not private dinning nice?!

I glance at the wall, a two Michelin star plaque on the wall, making me want to drop my jaw.

The waiter tells us about the- nicely detailed menu curtly, leaving shortly after, as I stare at Virgil with raised brows.

"What? I said 'nice'. This is nice." He answers, he tries to sound innocent, but the cocky expression and undertone doesn't really help his case whatsoever.

I open my mouth to protest, but he's first.

"You've said that you don't want people finding out about us just yet- so I thought- where can we go so you feel comfortable and safe." He answers, his hand coming to rest on top of my slightly cold one.

"Oh-"

So, I just got a little mad at- him wanting me to be comfortable? I sounded insanely ungrateful- tragically ungrateful.

"Just stop thinking of anything. Only think of me, us."

"Yeah, I love all types of cuisine. Italian is definitely in the top five, but have you tried Indian food?" I ask, watching him take a sip of his drink and shake his head.

"One of my best friends is Indian, and she used to make the best food back university. Though, once- during exam week. It was like two in the morning and what do university students do? Study until late and get hungry." I continue, seeing his eyes focused on me intently as a smile makes it way to his lips.

"Basically- we were so sleep deprived that we left the stove on, the food was insanely good obviously- but when I returned to the kitchen, the stove was on fire." I watch his eyes widen slightly a concerned look in his eyes.

"But- I had taken a fire safety course like a month before that- because my dad insisted- so I put out the fire, but it literally saved our lives." I say dramatically, bragging to him about my past heroic act.

"Did you get hurt?" He asks.

I hum a little before answering. 

"Like a little? I burnt my arm, like here." I say, pulling up my sleeve, showing him the fading scar in the inside of my arm. "You can't see it unless I point it out though."

He reaches over, running his thumb on the scar for a moment and looking back at me.

"Did you only get in trouble in university or?" He asks, a smile on his face.

"No, I obviously did my best! I wouldn't be here if I didn't, no?" I retort playfully, collecting the last bites of my caramel soufflé the waiter had recommended mend after I had stared at the menu for a concerning amount of time.

"You're right, doctor." He answers, a chuckle leaving his lips.

I excuse myself to the bathroom a while later, grabbing my bag and stepping out of the private room quickly. The private room was facing the rest of the restaurant. I had to take a left turn to get to the bathroom, which meant I did have to walk past- almost everyone in the restaurant. Smiling curtly at another waitress, I turn, trying to hold my gaze on to the floor- just in case.

Though, not before catching a way too familiar mop of dark blonde hair.

My eyes widen immediately, taking a double take before launching myself into the ladies' restroom. Thankful for the fancy restaurant having single restrooms, only for one individual at a time. I close the door quickly, my chest heaving as I realize my worst nightmare of these past few days had come true. Theo and me, were in the same restaurant. Seems like all of my worrying had eventually manifested into reality and I didn't know how to handle it.

I close my eyes, trying to calm myself down, but my clammy hands and racing thoughts don't help. It's like a heavy blanket thrown over my head- suffocating. I walk over to the sink, hoping the cold water can ground me mentally.

Splashing the water on my hands and carefully around my neck, helping to some extent. Trying to come up with some kind of 'game plan' of how I would get back to Virgil without my crazy ex recognizing me.

Okay- so, he's sitting facing my way- he had a date? From the back and side profile it was obviously a woman, her dark hair in intricate coils. I couldn't lie, she was drop dead gorgeous, but the fact that she was sitting across that heinous man made me feel bad for her.

I wash my hands again, touching up my make up quickly-because even in distress I wanted to look good in case they would find me dead over here from panic. I take a deep breath, swinging open the restroom door, the sight of that exact same girl startling me. She gives me a smile, one that I struggle to reciprocate before I hurry and get back into the private room, pretending to be way too interested with the paintings on the wall to my right.

"Ready to go?" I ask immediately as I enter the room. Virgil already standing up with my brown coat in his hand. Assuming he'd paid the bill already.

"I am, come here." He gestures, holding out the coat for me to put on.

"Thank you." I say, slipping the coat on and buttoning some of the middle buttons. Grabbing my scarf that's on my chair and wrapping it around my neck, intentionally covering the bottom half of my face.

"Come on it's not that cold." I hear Virgil say, but I shake my head.

"It is, come on let's go!" I grab his hand, ushering him and wanting walking out of the restaurant, into the car. We bid the staff farewell quickly, thanking them for their service. I keep my gaze away from the inside of the restaurant as we step outside, into the freezing cold weather.

"Turn the volume up!" Liz yells through the already loud music. The loud bass of 'Cocky AF' by Megan Thee Stallion blasting through the car speakers. All of us singing along, we were getting way to hyped for a football game, but that didn't matter as long as we had fun.

It was getting dark outside, the streets busy and many people dressed in Dutch and French kits. All of us were also dressed in our own kits, and of course mine was Virgil's.

It was match day, The Netherlands against France for the EURO qualifiers, and we were excited. I couldn't wait to be in the Johan Cruijf stadium. After all, it was one of the places I had built up my experiences and knowledge at, making me the professional I was today.

We finally arrive in the VIP parking garage, all of us stepping out the car. I grab the VIP lanyards out of my bag, handing all the girls one, and making our way into the lounge.

I do recognize some people, half awkwardly greeting them and answering their question as to what I was doing there. 'Invited by a friend' was my go to at this point. We decide to grab our snacks and make our way to our seats. The stadium fully packed from people all over the country - not to mention those that traveled all the way here to watch this game. I grab my phone, taking a picture and sending it to Virgil.

He responds with a picture of his own, it's him in his fully orange kit. I angle my phone and hide it as I fight the urge to swoon right then and there and respond with a 'good luck' and turn off my phone. Knowing it was close to game time. I pull my coat closer to my body, as the temperature had dropped slightly. Though, I so desperately wanted to take it off as my shirt couldn’t be seen, making me feel a little sad.

"Give me your phone." I hear Monet say.

"For what?" I ask her, furrowing my brows.

"For pictures of course. Do you want to be the WAG without cool pictures?" She asks and I roll my eyes before handing her my phone. I wouldn’t post them, at least not now. Maybe later when I got used to this and everything that comes with it.

After taking about a thousand pictures of each other and together, we hear announcements through the stadium speakers.

The players and staff make their way onto the pitch. My eyes only focus on Virgil, our eyes connecting as he finally finds me, a smile on his face as I wave for a moment.

I can hear my friends making fun of me and swoon. Which prompts me to shove them. We acted like middle schoolers sometimes.

"This reminds me of the past." I hear Jul say and I look at her.

"When? When I dated that piece of shit or when you dated that one guy that couldn't secure the first team position or any position, but bragged about being a football player?" I ask her, laughing at our ridiculous past partners.

"At least we're free of them." She says, patting my back sweetly and I hug her, being thankful for my friends. If only she knew.

The entire stadium erupts in both angry and happy shouting matches as Hartman scores the first goal for The Netherlands at the 84th minute. We are all hopeful for the next minutes, still bitter when thinking of the cancelled goal, but sadly it doesn't go so well and the match ends 2-1 for France. I felt awful for Virgil, the defeated look on his face making me feel for him.

You would think our team had a curse against the French team, always playing against them in crucial games, and sadly they just seem to hit the back of that net more often than our team. The only thing that could cheer me up, was knowing at least Ibou was doing well, couldn't be mad at that of course.

"I hate France!" I hear Jul say defeated. I turn towards her, giving her a skeptical look.

"Aren't you there like every month? You literally are part French. Will you stop going there now?" I say, laughing at her.

"Of course not." She mumbles and I laugh harder, deciding to stand up and go back into the lounge.

I urge the girls to head home already. I would drive back with Virgil anyways and didn't want them to wait.

After sitting and mingling with other individuals there I hear my phone ring, pulling it out of my pocket and checking it, realizing Virgil must be done with his interviews.

"Yeah?" I answer, saying goodbye to the people there and stepping out of the lounge. Making my way into the parking lot. I walk down the stairs, the parking lot still full with cars as I notice Virgil.

I make a short leap towards him, pulling him into a hopefully, comforting hug.

"You okay?" I ask him, feeling his arm wrap around my back.

To be fully honest, I didn't know how to comfort him. I wouldn't want make him feel anymore dissatisfied than he probably already was. The French football team is unarguably one of the best in the world, and even getting to play a 2-1 against them was already a great achievement.

I pat his shoulder, pulling away and holding my hand out.

"Let me drive yeah? I haven't had any alcoholic drinks. You should rest."

I grab the two big cups of warm honey tea, walking over to a freshly showered Virgil and handing a cup to him.

"Here- it'll warm you up." I say, placing my cup onto the coffee table and joining him on the sofa.

"Thanks." He mumbles, placing his own cup on the coffee table after taking a sip.

I observe him carefully, adjusting the blanket resting on our laps.

"You guys got yelled at by Koeman?"

He nods, leaning down and placing his head on my lap, his face pressed against my thigh. He looked insanely disappointed. I guess doing this work makes you pretend you're alright for the cameras and your teammates. Having to be upset in your own home instead.

“Any injuries? Feeling any pain?” I ask, feeling him shake his head.

I hum, running my fingers on his nape. The smell of fresh soap and laundry detergent filling my senses.

"You all tried your best and that's honestly all that matters. You’ll be able go to Germany next year. See, you guys train and practice all the time. Besides if that one goal was counted instead of being canceled after being checked by VAR it would've ended a tie." I whisper, hearing his breathing become slower.

"When are you guys leaving for Greece?"

"Tomorrow night." He mumbles, his voice thick with exhaustion and deeper than ever.

"I'll leave for Greece on the 15th, promise you'll visit my hotel after the match?" I ask, though the only thing I hear are soft snores.

The stadium erupts in protest after The Netherlands gets awarded a penalty. The sold out stadium of almost 25.000 people collectively creating a loud noise, as I watch it all unfold. The Dutch team shortly discusses who would take the penalty. I watch them with much anticipation and anxiety. No goals so far during this entire game, leaving the fate of this match possibly be decided by this penalty. Especially since we already were in extra time.

This goal could be a deciding factor for a second place in the table as well, making this more exiting as I watch Virgil hold the ball in his arms.

The Dutch supporters side erupts in cheers as we all watch Virgil place the ball down. He takes a deep breath, and it's like my ears work faster than my eyes as I hear loud cheers from my side. The ball hits the right side of the net as Vlachodimos dives to the left of the net.

Virgil does his signature celebration as the players run after him. I jump up along with the supporters next to me, cheering with these complete strangers like we were my lifelong friends.

We try to calm down a bit, watching the last couple minutes of the game. Another quick VAR check turning into a red card for Poyet, the coach of Greece as we watch in astonishment. The last few minutes were very intense and nerve wracking. Thankfully, it ends with a 1-0 for us as we all cheer. Though, I couldn't lie and I say that I didn't feel bad for cheering a little to hard when Virgil scored, Tsimikas was his opponent after all.

I watch the Dutch team walk along the away supporters side, clapping and cheering from happiness and appreciation. Virgil making eye contact with me, winking quickly. He was making it really difficult for me to not jump over the barrier and give him the biggest kiss ever. The look he gave me- along with the captain band on his arm enough to make me go feral.

I blow him a kiss, signaling him of my leave as I quickly make my way out of the stadium. One thing I had learnt was that the exit would get insanely busy if you didn't leave early.

I walk up to the car Virgil had arranged for me for this short trip. Greeting the driver, putting seat belt on and making small talk with him until he dropped me off at my hotel. I tip him, wishing him a good night before getting out of the car and walking up to my hotel room.

I lay down on my bed after freshening up, grabbing my phone out of my bag as I search for the live after match interview Virgil always did as captain, and click on the video.

The sight of my boyfriend looking so good nearly making me melt as I watch the interview.

Honestly, only focusing on his eyes, before my trance is interrupted by a text message from Priya.

"Hey, girl. Is this blind item about you?"

I furrow my brows, clicking onto the notification and opening the link she'd sent me.

'The athlete and the Doctor.'

'A certain A list Premiere League football player was seen with a pretty girl on his arm a couple nights ago. Sources say the girl with a title of "Dr" who has history of dating a certain billionaire heir, was the player's choice of date, the night before an important match for the athlete. He seems to want to keep it under wraps, since sources say they dined in a private room of a two Michelin star restaurant.'

'(NOT REVEALED 17:38 16-10-23)'

There's no fucking way-

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT. 13 | Virgil van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

WC: 3.050

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

I walk into the kitchen, my eyes shooting up to the clock on the wall. I felt like absolute shit, my outside clothes still uncomfortably clinging onto my body from the previous night, not to forget the full face of make up I was wearing- well whatever was left that wasn't smudged on my pillowcases.

I groan as I notice it is almost noon. From the text messages I was sent early this morning by Virgil, I knew that it was several hours before he'd be done with training and until he would be in Amsterdam. I couldn't wait to finally visit him in his apartment he owned there.

I squint due to the light emitting from the widows, at least it was fall now and the sun wouldn't be this bright for long. The dark clouds already alluding to a rainy and cold day.

I realize the house is empty, with no sound or sign of my parents still being at home. It was a Tuesday, so they must've already left for work.

Thankfully, the dining table was still full of food. My stomach grumbling at the thought of having some delicious food as I grab the leftovers I had to heat up, knowing I would devour my mom's cooking in a minute.

I close my eyes and furrow my brows at the slight commotion in the front of the train. I loved and missed the Dutch transportation system, or at least it was better than other countries I had visited, but damn teenagers loved to be loud when coming back from school.

I grab the water bottle that was resting on my lap. Chugging it down, hoping it would relieve some of the pain in my head. The entire speech of "I'm never drinking again." running through my mind.

Why did we as humans love making promises to ourselves, then fall into the same cycle again? It would always baffle me over and over again.

I sigh to myself as I hear my station being announced through the train speakers, getting up and grabbing my mom's transportation card and checking out as the train stops. My medium-sized suitcase rolling behind me.

At first, I felt embarrassed of needing that many things for a couple of days at Virgil's place, but then I remembered that I was just a girl and if I needed something, I needed it.

I had thought of driving, but with this headache I didn't have the energy to, besides it wouldn't have been a hundred percent safe either.

I step out of the train, discarding the water bottle, and grabbing my phone to text Virgil for the exact address of his home. I stare at my screen for a moment as he types and-

I blink multiple times, wondering if I was hallucinating or genuinely seeing that address on my screen.

Did every man have to live in the same apartment complex? Was it really the only option the both of them had in the expensive ass city of Amsterdam? Both of them were practically swimming in money, but this was the place they both lived in?

I resist the urge to get back on the train again, walking in the same route I knew all too well. Hoping luck would be on my side today, or at least for a moment. The dark trees were slowly turning brown, the occasional leave crunching beneath my shoes.

The familiar building I called home once not even a couple years ago coming into my vision. No doubt there were some good memories attached to it, though this time being here they definitely left a bittersweet taste in my mouth.

I approach the front desk, thankfully the receptionist wasn't the same lady as in the past. That would have been quite the interaction if I would literally ask her for directions to another apartment. "Gold-digging-whore" it would not be a new insult thrown behind my back.

I look around me cautiously, the interior of the lobby was still the same. The marble and wood accents still very timeless looking, accentuating the contemporary design, taking me back to the time this entire place was way too intimidating and grand when I came here for the first time.

Sometimes I do wander how life would've been without my young naivety, but damn it was the reason I had gotten myself away from all that was negative in my life. Allowing me to form a much better and healthy work environment and new relationship. And I was grateful, immeasurably grateful.

I ask the receptionist for Virgil's place and how I would even get there, her eyebrows raising for a moment before she grabs the telephone to, what I assume, call up to him. The call is very short, and she walks away for a moment. She comes back with a key card in her hand, the biggest customer service smile on her face, as she hands me the key card.

"Is it your first name here miss?" She asks, handing the keycard to me.

"It is." I answer half lying, grabbing the card out of her hand, it looked way different than a year ago for some reason.

"Number fifty-three is the penthouse as you know, which requires you to use the elevator on the left." She points, the sickly sweet smile lingering on her lips.

Penthouse?

I felt my headache get worse, then a shooting pain through my temples.

Virgil was the penthouse owner Theo had always complained about? The one who barely lived there but still owned the most expensive place in the entire building? Theo had always complained he wanted to purchase the penthouse, but Virgil being the stubborn owner he was talking about? I don’t know if my ego should be boosted or if I should feel horrified.

I snap out of it quickly, hoping I didn't look crazy, redirecting my attention to the receptionist.

"Oh right, thank you." I say quickly, stepping away and walking towards the elevator, dragging my suitcase behind me.

The world is insanely small, practically mushed together at this point, and the fact that I could have a run in with Theo here was probably making it much worse.

I did everything to get away from him, even until recently deciding to never pick up anonymous calls again, to installing an expensive security system, but still, the universe managed to find a way for us to be in the same building, just like all those years ago was absolutely mind boggling.

I press the elevator button, hoping those numbers above wouldn't flash Theo's apartment level, fifty. 

Sighing in relief as the elevator arrives empty as I quickly get on it, pressing the close button repeatedly.

I scan the key card, pressing the fifty-third button. The fancy button lighting up, as I fold my arms and lean against the elevator wall. Practically sweating at the thought of ever running into Theo. I would say this was a mistake, coming back home was a disastrous mistake. Of course, I would run into him somehow and now I'm back at the place we used to live together, the universe hated me and the urge to hate it back was never this grand before.

I feel my headache get worse at the thoughts running through my mind, this would definitely take at least five years off of my lifespan.

The elevator announcing the fifty-third level takes y/n out of her thoughts. The elevator doors swiftly opening to reveal a smiling Virgil, dressed in dark jeans and a very soft looking gray sweater.

She gasps at the sight of him, her negative thoughts melting away by a mere glimpse of his face.

She practically leaps forward, latching onto him, his warm hands coming up to steady her frame. Her suitcase nearly toppling over by how fast she'd let it go. Heat radiation off of his body, washing a warm feeling over her cold one, even when she was wearing a thick jacket.

"Hello, to you too." He mumbles, his hand coming to cradle the back of her head. His fingers playing with the fabric of the white scarf around her neck. He plants a tender kiss on her forehead as she hides her face into his chest, the dull ache in her forehead getting slightly worse. Her fingers digging into the soft fabric of his sweater.

"Missed you so much." she mutters, her muffled words barely being heard. She pulls away, taking his features in for a moment before wrapping her arms around his neck and bringing him into a longing kiss.

His lips are warm, his minty breath entangling with hers as their lips are pressed together. It felt like ages since they'd last seen each other, reality being only a couple of days. A breathless, deep groan leaving his throat as she presses her body further into him. Her fingers clawing at his arm, coming to squeeze his bicep with a tender touch.

Just like the days physically apart, the kiss feels like ages, only pulling away as y/n decides to. His lips automatically following hers to savor her taste longer. Though, he freezes at the sight of her scrunched brows and a hand on her temple, his eyes softening in concern. The breathlessness of their kiss shooting pain through her head.

"You still hangover from yesterday?" He asks, his hand coming to remove hers, instead softly massaging her temples himself.

"Yeah.." she groans, leaning into his touch with her eyes shut.

"I'm sorry." She goes, thinking that she should've greeted him with more enthusiasm and love, and no depressive, sad, stupid headache.

"It's alright, no need apologize to me." He soothes, his other hand coming to the small of her back, running his hands down her back gently.

"Let's take this jacket off and get comfy, yeah? You must've been freezing outside." He beams, kissing her temple repeatedly, wanting to transfer some of the love he felt into her pretty head.

"Here's some soup. It'll help before taking any medication." He whispers softly, removing the blanket off of his girlfriends face. The rain was clattering heavily on the windows outside, the dark clouds totally engulfing the surrounding view. She opens her eyes, blinking repeatedly before sitting up fully.

"Didn't have time to have groceries delivered, so I ordered some of the best and highest quality soup for my girl." He mutters, picking up a spoonful.

"You know I can feed myself right. I still have working arms and hands." She chuckles, trying to snatch the spoon out of his hands. He ignores her protest, urging her to take the mouthful of soup on the spoon.

"Wow- this is really nice- is this restaurant owned by another one of your beloved grandma's?" She teases, still aware of her pounding head but choosing to ignore the ache.

"Come on- no one cooks like grandma- except my own mother, obviously." He says, moving his spoon to grab another spoonful.

"Just give me the spoon already." She requests, the sass in her voice undeniable. He cocks an eyebrow, handing her the spoon without further ado.

"Okay- just wanted to take care of you miss independent." He teases back, watching her mix the soup.

"I'm fine- not incapable of drinking soup on my own. Just a headache I'll be fine after I take some medication." She retorts, humming to herself as the warm soup soothes her throat and warms her body temperature.

"Want some?"

He shakes his head, his hand adjusting some of the blanket.

"Besides, we haven't seen each other in days. I don't want this day to be ruined by you worrying about a silly headache." She says, sipping on the last bits of the soup.

"Babe-"

She cuts him off, grabbing the bottle of ibuprofen off of the table and shaking it.

"I'll take this and you'll tell me about you- things you wanted to tell me the past days or things that happened during training. Nothing about me- Deal?"

"So you had an open training today? Were there a lot of people there?" She asks, her cheeks squished against his chest as she lays against him. His arm coming to cradle her back.

"Yeah, those kids were so cute and happy to see us, it was so sweet." Her replies, looking down at her, taking in the cozy atmosphere.

He had turned on the heater a little higher, the warm blanket now wrapped around the both of them as they both relished the feeling of the soft sofa against them. The clattering of raindrops creating a calming sound that almost put them both to sleep. The sun had set already, a conformation of the seasons changing already. The soft and low melody of a song by Brent Faiyaz coming out of the TV speakers.

"So what? You showed those kids how to tackle your teammates?" She laughs, the vibrations of it connecting with the thump of his heartbeat.

"Got show them how to do it best obviously." He retorts, a chuckle escaping his plump lips.

"Are you ready for the match against France. Though opponents, no?" She asks, sitting up and lifting her head to check his facial expression.

"We've trained a lot, it all comes down to performance now." He answers, sinking his eyes into the beauty of her face, a small smile on her lips as she nods.

"Any injuries? Are you feeling alright?" She asks, her eyebrows knotting, small wrinkles forming in between them. Being on leave never made her stop worrying about the teams injuries, always texting and calling the other physio's for updates and improvements of injured players.

"I'm alright, a hundred percent. I promise." He reassures, bringing her into his chest again, kissing the top of her ear. "Stop thinking about work or anything related to it. You're on leave, you've got to enjoy it baby." He mumbles, his deep voice vibrating against her ears.

"Tell me about you. How are your parents and friends hm?"

"They're fine, working and everything keeps them busy. My friends are just happy to see me. As you know, we had girls night yesterday." She chuckles, the flashback of her drunk friends popping into her mind.

"What did you girls do? Gossip?" He wonders, a smile tugging at his lips.

"How'd you know?" She gasps, her eyes widening.

"I've been around my mom and her friends. When that conversation opens, those doors never close up." He laughs. "What did you guys talk about? Me?" He says, cocky expression on his face.

She pulls away again, guilty expression on her face. "I told them about you, yeah.."

"That's good. Why so solemn? Do they hate me?" He asks.

"No! They're okay with us- they’re just teasing me. They think it's funny I- uhm moved to Liverpool to forget you know who. Then I met you." She explains, fidgeting with her newly done nails.

"That's fate love." He replies, running his thumb on her jawline. "They like me at least- what about your parents?"

Fate was either a bitch or it was the best thing that ever could happen to you.

Her eyes widen at the mention of her parents. They didn't know she had a new boyfriend, let alone who he was. She didn't know if her parents would be happy or lose their mind if she told them she was with someone else other than her 'useful' ex. She couldn't fully blame them if they got mad, she told them a bit of how their relationship went. Nothing about him making someone break into her apartment and the rest of the things he had done. Not how he treated her- which was definitely not how she should've been treated.

"Uh.." she trails off, the heat of embarrassment climbing up to her face. Virgil raises his brows, his thumb coming to a halt, letting his hand rest on her jaw, cupping her face.

"They don't know about us." She mumbles, avoiding eye contact and looking away.

"What?"

"They don't know about us." She repeats, a little louder. The temperature drops for a moment, his hand moving her head towards him again.

"y/n? Look at me." He says, his deep voice stern, though there is a soft edge to it.

She sighs, squeezing her eyes shut for a moment, then reluctantly making eye contact.

"You don't have to tell them. I understand, but you don't look- something is up. Am I right?"

She nods, taking her bottom lip in between her teeth, chewing nervously.

"They barely know about the things that happened in between me and- my ex. Not even what happened in my apartment." She breathes out.

"They still think we have a chance of getting back together. Since our parents are in the same industry- they thought, you know that they would merge their companies- umh later on." She explains, goosebumps covering her body. Nervously checking Virgil's face for a change of expression.

A sigh leaves his lips, pulling her into another hug. His arms wrapping around her shoulders.

"I'm sorry you can't be honest with your parents."

"No, don't apologize. It's my fault for not telling them everything."

"You know that they shouldn't have pushed you so far you're hiding important thing from them, right?"

She doesn't reply, basking into his body heat, her nose rubbing against the fabric of his sweater.

He sighs at her unwillingness to speak, deciding to change the topic.

"Let talk about something else- you're coming to the match on Friday, right?" He asks, hoping it would change her mood.

"Of course." She replies, fidgeting with the fabric of his sweater. "It's a very important one, you said I could invite my friends right?"

"Yeah of course, you ready to cheer me on with my shirt on, love?"

"I don't know- thought of wearing Frenkie's or Memphis' but since they're injured I guess your shirt is alright too." She teases, a smile tugging at her lips. The jealousy was evident on his face, and it was undeniably hot. His hands letting go of her, turning away from her.

"Alright- I'm just joking. I'll wear a number four- stop looking at me like that. It was a joke!"