Sleepy girl
Viv’s arms wrapped around you immediately, pulling you in close against her chest. She smelled like the pitch-grass and sweat, mixed with something warm and familiar. She didn’t say anything at first, just let you press your face into her collarbone as she rubbed slow circles against your back.
Beth, standing just beside the two of you, watched with soft eyes. She reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear before running her knuckles gently down your cheek. “Tired, baby?”
You nodded slightly, not lifting your head, and Viv hummed. “Ja, I think it’s bedtime, liefje.” Her voice was soft, laced with quiet affection. “We get you home, yes? Mommy will tuck you in.”
You nodded again, your fingers tightening in the fabric of Viv’s training top.
Beth took your hand in hers, squeezing gently before lifting it to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles. “C’mon then, let’s get you sorted, love.”
A quiet murmur of ‘mama’ left your lips as you tilted your head to look up at Viv, and Beth shot her a knowing look.
Viv exhaled softly, adjusting her grip on you. “Okay, jump, baby.”
You didn’t hesitate, lifting your feet as Viv hoisted you up, settling you securely in her arms. Your legs locked around her waist, and she shifted, making sure you were comfortable before holding out her free hand to Beth.
Beth took it, swinging it softly between them as Viv carried you towards the locker room.
Inside, the rest of the team was finishing up-some still pulling off their boots, others already changed and getting ready to leave. Alessia caught sight of you immediately, her brows furrowing as she took in your drooping eyes and the way your hands clung to Viv’s shirt.
“Aww, is the baby sleepy?” she cooed, stepping closer and running a hand gently over your hair.
You made a soft noise in response, burrowing further into Viv’s shoulder.
Viv chuckled quietly, rubbing your back. “She was up early today. She’s done.”
Beth pulled open Viv’s locker, grabbing out a hoodie. “Yeah, reckon she’s been running on fumes since lunchtime.”
Alessia nodded, leaning in to press a quick kiss to your temple before stepping back. “Go on then, get her home. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
Beth smiled, giving her a quick side hug before turning her attention back to you. “Alright, baby, let’s get you changed, yeah?”
You whined softly, tightening your grip on Viv.
Beth just hummed, knowing exactly what that meant. “Mama’s gonna hold you while I change you, okay? You don’t even have to move.”
Viv pressed a kiss to the side of your head. “I got you, baby.”
Slowly, Beth worked your training top off, helping you into the hoodie she’d grabbed. She knelt down, untying your boots before slipping them off and replacing them with the fluffy socks you always wore at home. She decided that your shorts would be fine for now until they got you home and bathed.
“There we go, love, all comfy,” Beth murmured, standing up and stroking her thumb across your cheek.
Viv adjusted you in her arms, resting her forehead against yours. “Ready to go home, liefje?”
You nodded sleepily, curling into her.
Beth grabbed both her and Viv’s bags before reaching out to take Viv’s free hand again. “Let’s go, baby.”
They carried you out to the car, Viv settling you into the backseat and climbing in beside you while Beth took the driver’s seat.
“Almost home, baby,” Beth said softly as she started the car, glancing at you in the rearview mirror.
Viv rested a hand on your thigh, rubbing slow, gentle circles. “Just a little longer, liefje.”
You barely lasted five minutes before your eyes drifted shut, body going completely limp against Viv’s side.
Beth smiled to herself as she drove, reaching over to squeeze Viv’s hand. “Looks like we’ll be carrying her straight to bed.”
Viv chuckled, pressing a kiss to your hair. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”