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.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
The final notes of Madison Beer's tour had rung out, the applause still echoing in Alessandra's ears. Her time on the road had been nothing short of magical, but the strain of distance from Joe had made it difficult to fully embrace the experience. Every night she performed, she imagined what it would be like to share it with him, to have him there cheering her on like she had cheered for him during his own games.
Backstage after the final show, Alessandra sat with Harlow, both of them exhausted but glowing from the energy of the crowd. The tour had ended, and it was now time for the next chapter. Alessandra was ready to go home, to reset, and most importantly, to make things right with Joe.
She had a few calls to make before she left, and the first one was to Madison.
"Hey, Mads," Alessandra said, walking through the backstage area, trying to find a quiet corner. "I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for this incredible opportunity, you really gave me a chance to live my dream, and I'll never forget it."
Madison's voice came through the phone, warm and kind. "Of course, Alessandra,. You've got an amazing future ahead of you, and this is just the beginning. I'm proud of everything you've done on this tour. You're gonna go far."
Alessandra smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. "I hope so, I've learned so much, and I'll carry it with me. But I think it's time for me to head back home. I've got some important things to figure out."
The flight back to Cincinnati felt like an eternity, but as Alessandra touched down, a wave of relief washed over her. The city she loved, the place she had built her life, felt like the right place to be again.
She had one goal in mind: Joe.
But it wasn't about just reuniting with him; it was about prioritizing their relationship. She had spent so much time on the road, chasing her dreams, and now it was time to turn her attention to him, to them. She couldn't keep running from what was real. Joe had always been there, and it was time to show him just how serious she was.
It was game day at Paycor Stadium, and the Bengals were about to take the field for one of their most important games of the season. Alessandra had been keeping her plan a secret, and now, standing in the stands, she felt a flutter of nerves. She had spoken to Harlow earlier, and Harlow had assured her she was making the right choice.
Alessandra had arranged everything perfectly. Joe would be surprised by her presence, and she would tell him the truth: that she was done with the tour, that she was home for him, and that she wanted to focus on their future together.
As the players warmed up, Alessandra made her way to the sideline, and she saw Joe across the field. He was fully immersed in his pre-game routine, but when his eyes landed on her, everything seemed to stop.
He blinked twice, then quickly made his way toward her, his face a mix of confusion and excitement. "Ale?" he asked breathlessly.
"I'm here," she said, her voice soft but sure. She could see the hope in his eyes, and it made her heart ache. "I'm done with the tour, Joe. I came back for you."
Joe's mouth opened in surprise, and for a moment, he didn't speak. His arms slowly enveloped her, pulling her into a tight hug. "You're really here?"
Alessandra nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. "I want to be with you. I want us to make this work. You've always supported me, and now it's my turn to support you. I can't keep running after a dream if it means losing you."
Joe pulled back slightly, his hands still resting on her shoulder. "You don't have to choose between your dreams and me. I just want you. But this.....this is everything I've been hoping for."
Alessandra smiled, feeling a warmth she hadn't realized she'd been missing. "Then let's take it one step at a time. Together."
Later, as the game played out, Alessandra and Harlow sat together in the stands, enjoying the game. The energy in the stadium was palpable, but the only thing that mattered to Alessandra was being with Joe, her focus was solely focused on him down on the field.
They didn't need grand gestures or declarations of love, just the quiet understanding that this was where they were supposed to be.
After the game, as Joe walked her to her car, he turned to her, his voice serious but filled with love. "I can't believe you're back."
Alessandra grinned. "I know. I'm full of surprises."
"Are you sure about this?" Joe asked, his brow furrowed. "About us?"
"I'm sure," she replied. "I'm done running Joe. And I'm ready to start this next chapter.....with you."
Joe leaned down, kissing her forehead gently. "I'm ready too."
As she drove away, Alessandra couldn't help but smile. It was a new beginning for her career, her relationship with Joe, and her own journey. There would be challenges ahead, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like everything was exactly where it was supposed to be.
