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(A/N: Don't forget to give those power stones to Skyrim everyone!)
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And as Francesco opened the car door for Leah, watching her settle in with the small corgi in her lap.
Francesco closed the passenger door gently after Leah settled in with the little corgi in her lap, one hand instinctively steadying the puppy as it shifted and adjusted to the new space.
For a brief second, he just stood there outside the car, watching through the window.
Leah's head was tilted down, her voice soft as she spoke quietly to the puppy that she named Cheddar as her fingers brushing gently over its back in slow, reassuring strokes.
The dog's ears twitched, its small body relaxing against her as if it already trusted her completely.
Francesco felt a small, quiet warmth settle in his chest at the sight.
Then he shook himself lightly, walked around to the driver's side, and got in.
The engine started with that familiar low purr.
He adjusted the mirrors, rested his hands on the steering wheel for a moment, and glanced over at Leah again.
"Ready?" he asked.
Leah looked up, smiling, her eyes bright.
"Ready."
Cheddar let out a small, soft yip as if agreeing.
Francesco chuckled under his breath and pulled the car out of the parking spot, easing them back onto the road.
The drive back to their mansion in Richmond was calm, the late morning sun stretching into early afternoon now.
The streets were a little busier than before, but still relaxed.
At a red light, Francesco glanced sideways.
Leah had one hand under Cheddar's small body, supporting him, while the other gently stroked behind his ears.
"You've already spoiled him," Francesco said lightly.
Leah didn't even look up. "He deserves it."
Francesco smiled. "Of course he does."
A moment later, Cheddar tried to climb slightly higher onto Leah's arm, his small paws pressing against her shoulder.
Leah laughed softly. "Hey, careful. You're still tiny."
Francesco watched them, the corners of his mouth lifting again.
The rest of the drive passed in a comfortable rhythm with soft conversation, occasional glances at the puppy, the quiet hum of the engine beneath them.
When they finally turned into the long driveway of the mansion, the place looked exactly as they had left it that morning.
Calm.
Still.
Home.
Francesco parked the car carefully, turning off the engine and letting the quiet settle around them.
For a second, neither of them moved.
Then Leah looked at him again, that same bright expression returning.
"We have a dog," she said, as if she still couldn't quite believe it.
Francesco let out a small laugh. "We have a dog."
Cheddar yipped again, tail wagging as if confirming the statement.
They both got out of the car.
Leah stepped out first, holding Cheddar close to her chest, cradling him gently as she turned toward the house.
Francesco came around to the back, opening the trunk and lifting out the bags of supplies from food, toys, a small bed, bowls, a collar, a leash.
There was more than he had expected.
He shook his head lightly, amused, and grabbed as much as he could carry in one go.
By the time he closed the trunk and turned back toward the house, Leah had already reached the front door.
She pushed it open carefully and stepped inside, Cheddar still in her arms.
Francesco followed behind her, nudging the door closed with his foot as he walked in, the bags rustling softly in his hands.
The house greeted them with that same quiet calm as before, but now, somehow, it already felt different.
Livelier.
As if something had shifted.
Leah didn't stop in the hallway.
She walked straight into the living room, her voice soft and cheerful as she spoke to Cheddar.
"Okay, this is your new home," she murmured.
Francesco set the bags down near the entrance to the room, watching her with a small smile.
Leah moved slowly, giving the puppy a kind of tour, turning slightly so Cheddar could look around.
"This is the living room," she continued gently. "This is where we relax. And you can play here too."
Cheddar looked around with wide, curious eyes, his nose twitching as he took in all the new scents.
Francesco leaned lightly against the wall, arms folding loosely as he watched them.
Leah turned then, heading toward the kitchen.
"And this is the kitchen," she said softly. "This is where your food is going to be."
Francesco pushed himself off the wall and followed her, stepping into the kitchen again.
Leah set Cheddar down gently on the floor for the first time.
The puppy hesitated for half a second, then took a few small, tentative steps forward.
Its tiny paws tapped softly against the floor as it explored, sniffing curiously at the edges of the room.
Leah crouched down nearby, one hand resting on the floor.
"It's okay," she whispered.
Cheddar looked back at her, then took another step, then another, gaining a little confidence.
Francesco watched the scene, something soft settling in his expression.
Then Leah looked up at him.
"Francesco," she said.
He raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
"Can you prepare a spot for him?" she asked. "Like… somewhere he can sleep. And play. And eat with his water and everything."
Francesco blinked.
For a split second, he just stared at her.
There was a pause.
A very brief, almost comical pause.
Then his expression shifted into one of exaggerated disbelief.
"I'm sorry," he said slowly, placing a hand on his chest. "Did you just order me to set up a dog corner?"
Leah tilted her head, trying and failing as she tried not to smile. "Maybe."
Francesco let out a quiet huff of a laugh, shaking his head as he glanced down at the bags of supplies.
"Who would have thought," he muttered, half to himself, "a world-class superstar, Champions League winner, setting up a bed and food station for a corgi."
Leah bit her lip to stop herself from laughing out loud.
"You love me," she said sweetly.
Francesco looked back at her, meeting her eyes.
There was no hesitation.
"Yeah," he said simply.
Then he sighed in a deliberately dramatic way, rolling his shoulders slightly as he bent down to pick up the bags.
"Alright," he added, a faint grin still on his face. "Where do you want it?"
Leah pointed toward a cozy corner of the living room, near enough to the kitchen to be practical but still part of the main space.
"Over there," she said. "So he's near us."
Francesco nodded once and carried the supplies over.
He set everything down and started sorting through it.
The small bed came out first that soft, padded, just the right size for a puppy.
He placed it carefully against the wall, adjusting it slightly so it sat just right.
Next came the bowls with one for food, one for water.
He placed them neatly beside the bed.
Then the toys from a couple of chew toys, a small ball, a rope.
He set them just in front of the bed, creating a small, dedicated space.
All the while, he could feel Leah's eyes on him.
Watching.
Amused.
Affectionate.
Cheddar trotted slowly over at one point, drawn by the new setup.
He sniffed the bed first, circling it once before tentatively stepping onto it.
Francesco paused, watching.
Cheddar turned around once, then settled down into the center of the bed, looking surprisingly content already.
Francesco felt a small smile tug at his lips.
"Well," he said quietly, "I think he approves."
Leah stood up and walked over, crouching down beside the puppy again.
"Do you like it?" she asked softly, reaching out to gently stroke Cheddar's head.
The puppy gave a small, satisfied sound.
Francesco straightened up, brushing his hands together lightly as if he had just completed a major task.
"There you go," he said, glancing between Leah and Cheddar. "Five-star accommodation."
Leah looked up at him with a bright smile.
"Thank you," she said softly.
He shrugged lightly, but there was warmth in his eyes.
"Anything for you," he replied.
For a moment, the three of them just stayed there.
Leah crouched beside their new puppy.
Francesco standing just behind her.
The afternoon light filtering softly through the windows, filling the room with a gentle glow.
The house didn't feel as quiet anymore.
Not empty.
Now it had small footsteps.
Soft yips.
A new presence.
Francesco glanced around the room, taking it in.
Then he looked back down at Leah and Cheddar.
And he smiled.
For a moment, Francesco didn't move.
He just stood there behind Leah, looking at the two of them as Leah crouched on the floor, Cheddar curled comfortably into his new bed, that soft golden light still spilling through the windows and resting gently across them both.
It was quiet.
Peaceful.
The kind of quiet he hadn't felt in months, not since before the season had swallowed him whole.
And something about the image in front of him… the simplicity of it… the warmth… the sense of home…
It made him want to keep it.
Not just in memory.
But in something they could come back to.
He tilted his head slightly, eyes softening.
"You know what?" he said after a second.
Leah glanced up at him. "What?"
Francesco slipped his hands into the pockets of his joggers, a small smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.
"We should take a picture."
Leah blinked. "A picture?"
"Yeah," he said, nodding toward Cheddar. "First day. First moment at home. First family photo."
For a split second, she just looked at him.
Then her expression melted into something soft and bright all at once.
"That's actually really sweet," she said quietly.
Francesco shrugged a little, trying to play it off. "I have my moments."
Leah laughed softly and stood up, brushing her hands on her thighs.
"Okay," she said. "Where do you want to take it?"
Francesco glanced around the room, taking in the angles, the light, the way the sun fell across the couch and the corner where Cheddar's little setup was.
"Over here," he said, walking toward the couch. "The light's good."
Leah nodded and carefully scooped Cheddar up from his bed again, holding him gently against her chest as she walked over.
Cheddar wriggled slightly at first, then settled again, his small head peeking over Leah's arm.
Francesco grabbed his phone from the table and checked the camera quickly, adjusting the brightness a little, angling it.
He set it up on a small stand on the table across from the couch, then walked back to Leah.
"Okay," he said. "Come here."
Leah sat down on the couch, shifting slightly so she was angled toward the camera but still relaxed, Cheddar resting comfortably in her arms.
Francesco sat beside her, close enough that their shoulders touched naturally.
For a moment, he looked at her.
Then at Cheddar.
Then back at the camera.
"Ready?" he asked.
Leah nodded, smiling softly.
"Ready."
Cheddar gave a small yip again, as if he knew he was part of something important.
Francesco laughed quietly. "Perfect timing."
He reached forward and set the timer.
Then he leaned back in, sliding his arm gently behind Leah's shoulders.
She leaned into him naturally, her head tilting slightly toward his.
Cheddar shifted in her arms, then settled, his little face visible between them.
Three.
Two.
One.
The camera clicked.
Francesco leaned forward again, grabbing the phone and glancing at the photo.
He paused.
Then his expression softened.
It was… perfect.
Natural.
Warm.
No forced smiles.
Just them.
He turned the phone slightly so Leah could see.
She leaned in, her shoulder brushing his as she looked at the screen.
"Oh my God," she breathed softly. "I love it."
Francesco nodded once. "Yeah."
They stayed like that for a moment, just looking at the picture.
Then Leah looked up at him again.
"We have to post it," she said.
Francesco smiled. "That was the plan."
He opened his Instagram, selected the photo, adjusted the crop slightly.
His thumb hovered over the caption for a second.
Then he typed slowly:
"A new addition to the family ❤️"
He glanced at Leah.
"Good?" he asked.
She smiled warmly. "Perfect."
He nodded once and pressed post.
For a second, nothing happened.
Just the quiet of the room again.
Then…
Buzz.
The first notification.
Then another.
And another.
And another.
Francesco let out a small huff of a laugh as the notifications began to stack up quickly.
"That didn't take long," he said.
Leah leaned closer, peeking at the screen.
Within seconds, the likes started climbing.
Thousands.
Tens of thousands.
Comments pouring in.
From fans.
From friends.
From teammates.
From people all over the world who had followed their journey through the season and now were seeing this small, personal glimpse into their life.
Leah laughed softly as she read some of them.
"'Captain finally has someone to boss him around at home too,'" she read aloud, grinning.
Francesco snorted. "That's definitely from one of the boys."
She scrolled again.
"'Cheddar already the most decorated dog in Europe,'" she continued.
Francesco shook his head, smiling.
"'Take good care of him, skipper'… 'Welcome to the family, Cheddar'… 'Best signing of the season'…"
Leah's smile softened as she kept reading.
"They love him already," she said quietly.
Francesco looked down at the phone again, watching the numbers climb.
The support.
The warmth.
Even after everything they had achieved on the pitch, moments like this that feel simple, still mattered to people.
He felt a small sense of gratitude settle in his chest.
Then.
His phone buzzed again.
Different vibration.
A call.
He glanced at the screen.
The name displayed there made him raise an eyebrow slightly.
"Who is it?" Leah asked.
He tilted the phone so she could see.
Jorge Mendes
Leah let out a small "oh."
"Answer it," she said.
Francesco nodded and stood up, stepping slightly away from the couch before answering.
"Hello?"
"Finally!" came the familiar voice on the other end, energetic, slightly breathless, unmistakable. "I can call you now!"
Francesco smiled faintly, walking slowly toward the window as he listened.
"Busy?" he asked lightly.
"Busy? Francesco, I have been drowning!" Jorge replied dramatically. "Congratulations, by the way. Another Champions League. You defend the treble. Incredible. Truly incredible."
Francesco let out a quiet breath, leaning one shoulder against the wall.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
Behind him, Leah sat on the couch with Cheddar still in her arms, watching him quietly, giving him space for the call.
Jorge continued, his tone shifting slightly more business-like now, though still full of excitement.
"I tell you, the moment the final ended, my phone did not stop ringing," he said. "Sponsors, brands, partners as everyone wants you. Everyone."
Francesco smiled faintly. "I figured."
"You should see the offers," Jorge went on. "Some of them are… very, very good. We need to sit down soon and go through everything properly. We must choose what brings you the most benefit. Not just money but also long-term value, brand alignment, global reach."
Francesco nodded slightly, even though Jorge couldn't see him.
"Of course."
"And some of your current partners," Jorge continued, "they want to renew immediately."
Francesco's attention sharpened slightly.
"Oh?"
"Yes," Jorge said. "First, Nike. They want to extend. Eight-year deal. One hundred and fifty million pounds."
Francesco let out a low whistle under his breath.
"That's… serious."
"Very serious," Jorge agreed. "They see you as the face of the next generation."
Francesco absorbed that for a second.
Jorge continued.
"Then BMW. Three-year extension. Thirty million pounds. And…" he paused for effect, "a free car of your choice."
Francesco chuckled softly at that. "Of course they'd include that."
"I know you like their cars," Jorge said.
Francesco's eyes flicked briefly toward the driveway outside where his BMW X5 sat.
"Yeah," he admitted. "I do."
"And also," Jorge continued, "Coca-Cola. Three-year extension. Twenty-five million pounds."
Francesco exhaled slowly.
Those were not small numbers.
Not even close.
It was the result of everything.
Every match.
Every goal.
Every trophy.
Every headline.
Every moment of consistency at the highest level.
Jorge kept talking.
"And this is just the beginning," he said. "There are more offers coming. But these three, they want to lock you in quickly."
Francesco shifted his weight slightly, glancing back over his shoulder.
Leah was still on the couch, now holding Cheddar up gently as she showed him his new toy.
The puppy's tail wagged enthusiastically.
He smiled faintly at the sight before turning his attention back to the call.
"Alright," he said calmly. "Let's set up a meeting in the next few days after the parade tomorrow. We'll go through everything properly."
"Perfect," Jorge said immediately. "I will prepare all the details. Contracts, clauses, projections. We will make the best decision for you."
Francesco nodded once.
"Good."
There was a brief pause.
Then Jorge's tone softened slightly again.
"And again," he added, "congratulations. What you are doing, it is special."
Francesco's expression softened.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
They ended the call a moment later.
Francesco lowered the phone slowly, standing there for a second in the quiet.
The numbers Jorge had just mentioned echoed faintly in his mind.
Hundreds of millions.
Contracts.
Global deals.
Brand partnerships.
Everything that came with being at the very top of the game.
Then he looked back toward the living room again.
Leah was laughing softly as Cheddar tried to chew gently on the edge of his toy.
The small corgi stumbled slightly on the soft rug, then righted himself again, determined.
Leah clapped softly for him like he had just scored a goal in a final.
Francesco's chest tightened just slightly.
Not with pressure.
But with something else.
Perspective.
He walked back into the room slowly.
Leah looked up as he approached.
"All good?" she asked.
Francesco nodded, slipping his phone into his pocket.
"All good," he said.
She tilted her head slightly. "Business?"
"Yeah," he replied. "Agent stuff. Sponsors. Contracts. A lot of offers."
Leah's eyebrows lifted a little, but she didn't look surprised.
"Well," she said softly, smiling at him, "you deserve it."
Francesco shrugged lightly, stepping closer and crouching down beside her and Cheddar again.
"Maybe," he said.
Cheddar immediately turned toward him, tail wagging, and tried to climb clumsily into his lap.
Francesco laughed softly and helped him up, holding the small dog carefully.
Cheddar settled against him almost instantly, as if he had already decided this was another safe place.
Francesco adjusted his hold slightly, one hand supporting the puppy's small body, the other gently rubbing along his back in slow, easy strokes. The corgi let out a tiny content sound that half sigh and half yip as it slowly relaxed completely.
Leah watched them both, her expression soft and fond.
"Look at that," she murmured. "He already loves you."
Francesco glanced down at the puppy, then back at her, one eyebrow lifting slightly.
"Or," he said, "he just recognizes greatness."
Leah snorted, shaking her head. "Of course. That must be it."
Francesco's lips curled into a faint grin, but there was something gentle in the way he kept petting Cheddar, his touch careful, almost protective.
The room was quiet again.
Soft.
Easy.
The kind of calm that only came after the storm of a long season finally passed.
Outside, somewhere in the distance, the faint hum of traffic moved along the road. Inside, it was just the three of them, sunlight drifting slowly across the floor.
Francesco leaned back slightly against the couch, still holding Cheddar.
Then, after a moment, he glanced sideways at Leah.
"Hey," he said.
Leah turned her head toward him. "Yeah?"
He hesitated for half a second—not because he was unsure, but because he was thinking about how to ask it.
"Tomorrow," he said, "the parade."
Leah's eyes lit up immediately. "Yeah?"
Francesco nodded once. "Are you… going to join me?"
There was a small pause.
Not awkward.
Just enough for her to process the question fully.
Then her lips curved slowly into a knowing smile.
"Of course I'm joining you," she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Francesco's expression softened slightly, but before he could respond, she added, her tone shifting just a little.
"I have to show up," she continued, lifting her chin a bit playfully, "and establish my status as your girlfriend even more."
Francesco blinked once, surprised for half a second.
Then he caught the tone.
There was a faint edge of jealousy there.
Not heavy.
Not toxic.
Just… human.
Real.
"And," Leah added, narrowing her eyes slightly in a teasing, almost mock-serious way, "you're more famous than ever now. I know there are plenty of vixens out there who would love to get close to you."
Francesco stared at her for a moment.
Then he burst out laughing.
A genuine laugh that warm, amused, affectionate.
He shifted slightly closer to her on the couch, still holding Cheddar securely with one arm.
"Hey," he said, shaking his head with a grin, "that's not my fault."
Leah raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
"Yeah," he continued, a playful glint in his eyes. "I was just born with this handsome face… and all this talent."
Leah's expression changed immediately.
She grimaced in exaggerated disbelief, leaning back slightly as if she had just heard the most ridiculous thing imaginable.
"Oh my God," she said. "Listen to yourself."
Francesco laughed again, clearly enjoying himself now.
"I'm just stating facts," he said, shrugging one shoulder.
Leah narrowed her eyes at him, though there was a smile fighting its way onto her lips.
"You're unbelievable."
"And yet," Francesco replied smoothly, "you love me."
Leah held his gaze for a second.
Then she exhaled softly, shaking her head, but her smile broke through anyway.
"Yeah," she admitted quietly. "I do."
The moment softened again.
The teasing gave way to something deeper, more grounded.
Francesco's expression gentled.
"Then you don't have to worry about anything," he said, his voice quieter now, more sincere. "You're the one who's coming with me tomorrow. Not anyone else."
Leah's eyes softened at that, the hint of jealousy melting away completely.
"Good," she said softly.
Cheddar shifted in Francesco's arms again, wiggling slightly as if he wanted attention again.
Leah laughed gently and reached out to scratch behind his ears.
"Looks like someone wants to be part of the conversation," she said.
Francesco glanced down. "He's already preparing for his first parade appearance."
Leah gasped lightly. "Oh my God, can you imagine? Cheddar at the parade?"
Francesco chuckled. "He'd steal the show."
"Absolutely," Leah said with a grin. "Forget you. They'd be chanting his name."
Francesco nodded thoughtfully. "That's fair. I accept my fate."
They both laughed softly.
After a moment, Francesco shifted slightly and reached for the remote on the table.
"Come on," he said. "Let's see what they're saying about tomorrow."
He turned on the television.
The screen flickered to life, and after a few quick clicks, it landed on Sky Sports.
The familiar studio lights, the desk, the presenters as it all filled the room with that recognizable broadcast energy.
On the screen, one of the hosts was speaking with an animated tone, a large graphic behind him showing highlights from Arsenal's season from goals, celebrations, trophy lifts.
Francesco and Leah both shifted slightly to face the TV more comfortably.
Cheddar remained curled in Francesco's arms, occasionally glancing up at the moving images on the screen with curious eyes.
"And now," the host was saying, "Arsenal Football Club have officially confirmed the details of tomorrow's victory parade."
A graphic appeared on the screen showing a map of the route, fans lining the streets, red and white banners waving.
"The parade will take place at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning," the host continued, "with the team traveling through central London before concluding near the Emirates, where fans will have the chance to celebrate this historic season with their heroes."
Leah leaned slightly forward, eyes bright.
"They released it already," she said softly.
Francesco nodded, watching the screen.
The host continued.
"The club is inviting all supporters to attend and be part of what promises to be an unforgettable day. After securing the Premier League title, the domestic cup, and now successfully defending their Champions League crown, this Arsenal side has etched its name into football history."
Clips played on the screen of the Champions League final with Francesco scoring, Per and him lifting the trophy, the team celebrating together.
Leah glanced sideways at him, her expression filled with pride.
"You did that," she said quietly.
Francesco didn't look away from the screen.
"We did that," he corrected gently.
She smiled.
On the television, another pundit began speaking about Francesco's season from his goals, his leadership, his influence.
Leah reached over and rested her hand lightly on his arm.
He glanced at her briefly, their eyes meeting for a second.
No words were needed.
Just understanding.
The broadcast continued, discussing the expected crowds, the atmosphere, the celebrations planned across the city.
Francesco leaned back slightly into the couch, Cheddar still resting comfortably against him.
Leah shifted closer to him again, her shoulder brushing his naturally as they watched.
Outside, the afternoon light slowly began to shift, the golden tones softening as the day moved forward.
Inside, the house felt full.
Not just of noise.
But of life.
Of love.
Of something steady and real beneath all the noise of fame and football.
Tomorrow would be loud.
Bright.
Crowded.
Thousands of fans.
Cameras.
Celebrations.
But right now.
Right now, it was just the three of them on the couch while watching TV. And building a life together, one small moment at a time.
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Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 18 (2016)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal First Team
Championship History : 2014/2015 Premier League, 2014/2015 FA Cup, 2015/2016 Community Shield, 2016/2017 Premier League, 2015/2016 Champions League, Euro 2016, Premier League Champion 2016/2017, and 2016/2017 Champions League.
Season 16/17 stats:
Arsenal:
Match: 55
Goal: 87
Assist: 5
MOTM: 14
POTM: 1
England:
Match: 1
Goal: 1
Assist: 0
MOTM: 0
Season 15/16 stats:
Arsenal:
Match Played: 60
Goal: 82
Assist: 10
MOTM: 9
POTM: 1
England:
Match Played: 2
Goal: 4
Assist: 0
Euro 2016
Match Played: 6
Goal: 13
Assist: 4
MOTM: 6
Season 14/15 stats:
Match Played: 35
Goal: 45
Assist: 12
MOTM: 9