In which the rookie Ben Gal falls for Cincinnati's number one quarterback.
Now that football season is upon us I thought it would be fun to write a little Joe Burrow story.
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After her breakup with Cole, Alessandra felt like she was standing on unfamiliar ground. The betrayal had shaken her confidence and left her questioning herself in ways she hadn't before. But with Joe and Harlow by her side, she began to focus on what truly mattered: her own happiness and growth.
Alessandra spent more time doing things she loved but had put on hold. She revisited her passion for dance, attending workshops and classes that reignited her creativity. She also poured herself into cheerleading routines, finding solace in the rhythm and energy of performance. On off days, she'd catch up with Harlow, who'd become her biggest cheerleader, pushing her to embrace the independence she'd fought hard to reclaim.
As her close friend, Joe was there whenever she needed him, but he remained respectful of her space and healing process. Their friendship had taken on a deeper layer, filled with understanding and compassion.
Joe had his own games to focus on, but he often invited her out for post-game dinners with friends or low-key nights watching movies. These small gestures became a source of comfort for Alessandra, reminding her that true friendship didn't require anything more than mutual respect and care.
During one of their dinners, Joe noticed the light coming back to Alessandra's eyes. She laughed a little easier, shared stories about her classes, and spoke with excitement about future plans.
"You seem......happy," Joe said one night, smiling at her across the table.
She shrugged, a soft smile on her lips. "I think I'm getting there. For the first time in a while, I feel like I'm doing things for me."
Joe's grin widened. "It suits you, Alé. It really does."
As she continued to heal, Alessandra found herself developing a new circle of friends in the Cincinnati community. She met other dancers, joined a local fitness group, and even picked up a few new hobbies she'd always wanted to try, like painting and cooking. Her days were filled with fresh possibilities, and she began to appreciate her independence in a way she hadn't before.
While she and Joe remained close, she kept her romantic feelings at bay, valuing the friendship that had become so important to her well-being. Joe was a steady presence, always there when she needed him, but he never pushed for anything more. His patience and understanding made her appreciate him even more, and she realized how much they'd both grown.
One weekend, Alessandra volunteered to teach a cheerleading workshop for young girls, eager to pass on the confidence and skill she'd developed over the years. Watching the girls find joy in movement reminded her of why she'd started dancing in the first place. As she helped them master new routines and encouraged them to keep going even when they stumbled, she saw her own journey reflected in their smiles and determination.
She returned home that day feeling whole, finally accepting that her worth wasn't tied to anyone else. She could stand on her own and build a life she was proud of.
Joe noticed the shift in Alessandra's confidence, her renewed happiness lighting up her presence. One evening, they sat together on his balcony, taking in the Cincinnati skyline, a comfortable silence between them.
"You're a different person from the girl I first met," Joe remarked, admiration in his eyes.
She nodded, feeling the truth of his words. "I am. And it feels good to finally know who I am, outside of anyone else."
He nodded, his hand resting over hers in a small gesture of support. "I'm proud of you, Alé."
They stayed there, looking over the city, knowing that whatever came next, they'd both found something irreplaceable in each other, a friendship rooted in respect, support, and genuine care.
As Alessandra continued to build her new life, she focused on making Cincinnati her home on her own terms. She felt strong and ready for whatever the future held, knowing she had a steadfast friend in Joe and a newfound sense of self-worth that no one could take from her.
