Falling for you | Sam Kerr

Chapter 3: Kerrdez or Kerrpow?

Song for this chapter is "I like me better" by Lauv
⚽️🎶🤍

IVY
Sam followed her up to the hotel room, and it struck Ivy just how strange her request must have seemed. Nevertheless, it was too late to back out, and plus Ivy desperately wanted the striker there with her.

Sam settled into the couch, legs tucked as she messaged the several worried teammates that had blown up their phones.

Ivy meanwhile, started to grab bowls and some ingredients.

"What are you making?" questioned Kerr, looking up from her cushioned position.

"I was thinking some brownies, but I must have forgotten to buy cocoa." It was strange how natural this all felt: in fact, her worries had almost completely faded. Almost.

"I can run down and grab some for you."
Ivy began to protest, but Sam had already gotten up and grabbed her fresh sneakers.

"It's really not a problem" she tried, but Sam rebuked her. "No, if you want brownies, I'm getting you cocoa for brownies. I'll be back soon."

She knew Sam was probably just trying to be nice due to the horrors of the day but somehow this felt like so much more.

SAM
Who knew cocoa had so many variations? She hadn't been planning any grocery trips from her sheer exhaustion, but seeing Ivy's face light up with joy had been enough to convince her immediately.

Now she stood, debating between a $3, $13, $20 or premium $40 box. "Fuck it" she grumbled, grabbing all 4. Surely, one would work.

As she turned around, Sam was assuaged by a couple young fans clamouring for an autograph, so she  smiled and shook hands and signed (even the paper reading "KERR IN JAIL? TROUBLE FOR KEY STRIKER" that made her truly want to commit a crime).

Finally, she exited the group and began to rush home, ignoring swarms of paparazzi: Sam didn't want Ivy alone for too long. Not after today anyway.

IVY
Sam returned within minutes, and the first thing Ivy noticed was the massive bag she was lugging- "lots of shopping to do Samantha?"

"You could say that..."
Out she dumped candy, and 4 boxes of cocoa, one of which Ivy had never even dreamed of buying. "Oh my gosh! Sam this is enough for at least 70 batches!"

"Yeah I um.. let's just say I'm not the best at choosing one option."

"But I can't accept these! That box is over $40."

"How about" started Sam, "You accept the cocoa, and in return, teach me how to make brownies? Really at this point I'm underpaying you."

"But.."
"Nope, no negotiations. We both deserve some great brownies."

She didn't say it, but Ivy could feel the words linger in the air- we both deserve some great brownies after this day; and Ivy agreed wholeheartedly.

IVY
Samantha May Kerr was truly incredible at most things. Baking was not one of them.

They both stood, covered in flour and smeared with brownie batter as Sam stared at the crater of m&m's dumped into the middle of the pan. Ivy couldn't hold back her laughter, and after a couple seconds, Sam joined in, her laugh a hearty, beautiful melody.

"Are you aiming to take the middle piece with all the m&m's Sammy?"
"Hey, you said to add them in!" she rebuked, clutching her chest and acting hurt.

Instinctively, Ivy brushed some flour off Sam's shirt before realising that everything had seemingly frozen. The m&m's lay forgotten, and the spatula sat lonely on the countertop, as Sam came closer.

She closed the distance between them, hand rising to Ivy's cheek. "May I?" she breathed out, and Ivy did what she had long dreamed of, and closed the distance between them.

SAM
Kissing Ivy Valdez was better than any brownie in the world.

The way her lips had parted, the way she had melted into her and weaved her fingers into Sam's ponytail, the way she now stood; eyes glossy and lips still slightly parted and red. Sam committed every last detail to memory, and hoped many more would join the section of her heart now completely and unrestrainedly dedicated to Ivy.

"I like you." The words were quiet, but they may as well have been screamed in the moment. She hadn't taken this jump for years, fear of rejection always overwhelming anything else, and yet now was not the time for cowardice.

"So do I." whispered Ivy.

IVY
They awoke to sun peeking through the window, Sam grumbling and attempting to cling to Ivy as she withdrew to check her blaring phone alarm.

"Sam? We have our flight today, we have to get up."

In preparation for Olympic qualifiers, Tony had set up numerous friendlies with France over the next couple of weeks: however, they would actually have to get to France in order to play a match.

Some variation of "it'll be fine" was mumbled from under a pillow, but Sam eventually got up.

"Good morning!" chirped Ivy, receiving a slight glare in return. "You're clearly not a morning person."

"You clearly are" groaned Kerr. "You know, at least Helen doesn't wake me up."

"Maybe, but Helen doesn't make you brownies..."

Her eyes seemed to open a smidge more, and Ivy smiled, pleased. "I'm gonna shower; feel free to have a slice till then."

Ivy didn't usually have breakfast: she would have to craft some excuse up for Sam or else her ED would make the day hell.

"Nah. I'd prefer to save on water today" responded Kerr, pulling open the bathroom door and winking cheekily at her.

"I would love to, but you have to go quickly eat breakfast- we didn't exactly leave much time to pack." responded Ivy, chuckling slightly at Sam's bravado. "I can be quick" she whined, but she trailed off to the kitchen anyway as Ivy began to get ready.

SAM
The flight to France had arguably been the longest one in history. The couple had been separated, Ivy sitting next to Fowler and Sam next to Macca, neither wanting to swap for fear of the team figuring out their new relationship. They had attempted to text, but Macca had called her out for "grinning like the Cheshire Cat" at her phone, and so that was promptly shut down too.

Finally, Fowler got up and Sam (under the pretence of "talking strategy") rushed to Valdez, greeting her with a relieved grin.

"Missed me that much Sammy?" she jokingly whispered, and Sam responded immediately with " I always miss you Dezzy."

MACKENZIE
Yep. They were definitely dating.

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3rd chapter done with 1115 words! Hope you are enjoying the story so far!

As always, requests and feedback are welcome 🤍