*** Another 4000+ words chapter to wrap up some stuff. How many more slice of chapters you want ? Or do you prefer we jump back to football stuff? Comment below On the options till Friday. Majority will win the decision.
More slice of life ( 4-5 chapters or more , then football season start)
Back to Football ( One last SL chapter before Manchester arc, I have that written already about the Fappening stuff.)
I am fine with either options, so I'll let you guys choose. I'll check before starting to write next one.
Also, I'm having some issues with my eyes, probably due to too much time spent on laptop and phone, so I'll take some rest and upload next on Friday probably. No point putting so much stress on myself , perks of being a free writer.
Lastly, although I don't like bringing political stuff into stories, Just wanted to say that the atrocities going on in Palestine have no justification, it traumatized me just watching people being thrown into the sky like rag dolls after explosions. I'm not even talking about the innnocent children being butchered, I didn't sleep well after watching the clips. I try to help as much possible with my limited finances, hoping it makes a little difference.
We have really failed as humans if we don't see anything wrong with it, or even support such despicable actions. What a horrible world we are living in right now. ***
Adriano and Kate woke slowly that morning, wrapped in the golden hush of early sunlight streaming through gauzy curtains. The warmth painted their hotel room in soft pastels, casting long shadows that danced across the wooden floor. The Florida Keys were quiet this early—only the distant cry of seagulls and the rhythmic lull of the waves greeted them as they stirred beneath the linen sheets.
Kate was the first to stretch, her hand reaching across the bed to find Adriano already awake, lying on his side, propped on one elbow, watching her with that quiet smile that always made her heart skip.
"Good morning," she said, her voice husky with sleep.
"Morning," he replied, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. "I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful. Like you were dreaming of something beautiful."
Kate smiled as she tucked herself closer into his warmth. "I was dreaming of cotton candy, actually. And you in Mickey Mouse ears."
Adriano groaned, laughing softly. "Don't tell me you're serious about going to Disneyland today."
She tilted her head up, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Absolutely. I want one last adventure before the world pulls you back into the chaos of training camps and press conferences. Besides, you promised me a memory. This is what I want."
He hesitated, running a thumb over the back of her hand. "You know crowds aren't really my thing. And theme parks are... loud."
"I know," she said gently, "but this place means a lot to me. My parents used to take me there when I was little. It was the one place where everything felt magical and safe. I want to share that with you. Just once."
Adriano gazed at her for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. For you, I'll brave the screaming kids and the overpriced popcorn."
Kate beamed, her smile brighter than the morning sun. "You won't regret it."
After a breakfast of fresh fruits, buttery croissants, and steaming coffee served on their private terrace—where they lingered longer than usual just to savor each other's company—they finally prepared for the day ahead.
Knowing that their time together was limited, they dressed with a quiet purpose, each movement imbued with an unspoken tenderness. Kate wore a wide-brimmed straw hat she had impulsively purchased a few days prior from a boutique on Duval Street, along with crisp white sneakers and a breezy floral sundress that swayed just above her knees with every step. She smoothed out the hem of her dress, added a little pink to her lips, and then turned to examine herself in the mirror.
Adriano stood nearby, buttoning up a soft, navy polo shirt and slipping into beige chinos. He glanced over and paused as he took her in.
"You look stunning," he said quietly.
She glanced at him through the mirror, smiling. "Flattery so early in the morning? You must be nervous about the roller coasters."
He walked up behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders and meeting her gaze in the mirror. "No. Just in awe. How do you always manage to make something so simple look so elegant?"
Kate turned to face him fully. "And you, Mr. Celebrity Footballer, somehow manage to look like a man ready to melt into the crowd—even though everything about you screams 'star athlete.'"
He smirked. "Hey, I'm trying here. No flashy watches, no designer sunglasses... just a man humbling himself before the Magic Kingdom."
She reached up to adjust the collar of his shirt, brushing her fingers along his neck with deliberate softness. "You'll survive. And maybe—just maybe—you'll enjoy yourself."
Their eyes locked in a moment of quiet intimacy, one of those delicate pauses where nothing needed to be said. It was a kind of communication only people who had lived and grown through the same storms could share. The weight of his upcoming move to Manchester lingered in the background like a shadow, but for now, they chose to stand in the sunlight.
Kate linked her fingers with his. "Let's go make some magic, before the real world calls us back."
And with that, they stepped out into the warm Florida morning, their silhouettes long against the cobbled pathway, walking side by side toward a day they would both remember for a lifetime.
The drive to Disneyland stretched out beneath a canopy of sun-drenched skies and radio static that alternated between nostalgic classics and spontaneous duets. With windows rolled down and wind threading through Kate's hair, the world outside blurred into lazy palms and open roads. Inside the car, it was all laughter and warmth.
Kate tapped the dashboard rhythmically, singing along—off-key, joyfully—to an old pop song from her childhood. "This used to play in the car every time my mom drove us to the park," she said, her eyes glimmering with memory. "I'd be in the back seat, clutching my Minnie Mouse plush like it was sacred."
Adriano grinned, shifting gears smoothly. "You sound like you were a very serious child."
"Oh, I was," she said with mock solemnity. "Very serious about fairytales and churros."
He chuckled, sneaking a glance at her. "I never did the whole theme park thing. My parents couldn't afford it. So this—" he gestured vaguely toward the approaching skyline where the spires of the Magic Kingdom peeked above the horizon, "—this is kind of surreal."
Kate reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. "Then let's make sure it's everything you never had, and everything I want to remember."
By the time they reached the park entrance, the energy was electric. Despite the early hour, the gates were already swarming with excitement—kids bouncing on their toes, parents juggling maps and sunscreen, couples leaning close with eyes full of wonder.
Adriano stiffened slightly at the sight of the crowd, his instincts coiling with discomfort—but then Kate turned to him, her smile so full of light it eclipsed everything else.
"We're in!" she said, tugging at his hand with infectious glee.
And just like that, his resistance melted. He let himself be pulled into the spell of it—into her world.
Their plan for the day was intentionally simple: no agendas, no rush. Just time, laughter, and quiet pockets of closeness in a place built for dreams.
They walked side by side, occasionally pausing to glance at the map not because they needed it, but because it gave them an excuse to linger. Their fingers interlaced easily, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Sometimes they stopped at shaded benches to people-watch or share a stolen moment away from the flow of the crowd, letting the day stretch without constraint.
Their first ride was one Kate had cherished since childhood—a slow-moving boat tour through a storybook river. It was quiet inside the attraction, the cool air scented with water and nostalgia. Miniature castles, bridges, and tiny animated characters danced and twirled through the scenery, narrating old fairy tales in soft, whimsical tones.
Seated close in the gondola, Kate let her head fall onto Adriano's shoulder. He rested his cheek against her hair.
"Remember when these rides were the peak of adventure?" he murmured with a smirk.
"I do," she whispered. "But somehow, it still feels like magic. Maybe not because of the ride… but because of who I'm sharing it with."
He turned his head slightly, kissed her temple, and held her hand tighter.
Afterward, they strolled through the different lands—one moment eating soft-serve ice cream under the shade of a painted awning, the next tumbling into fits of laughter as they emerged from a spinning teacup ride, breathless and dizzy.
They braved the classic roller coaster next—its iconic dips and loops drawing a reluctant sigh from Adriano.
"Still time to back out," Kate teased as they were strapped into their seats.
"Not a chance," he said, eyes fixed ahead but a small smile betraying his nerves.
As the ride rocketed forward, Kate reached for his hand, and he gripped it like a man on the edge of the world. When it ended, they staggered out, flushed and exhilarated.
"You screamed," she said, wide-eyed and teasing.
"I did not," he countered, laughing.
"Oh, you did. I think I saw your soul leave your body."
He looked at her, that crooked grin playing at his lips. "I think I might've enjoyed the thrill more than the ride itself—especially if I got to share it with you."
Kate nudged his arm playfully. "Flattery again? Dangerous game, Mr. Footballer."
Later, a parade swept through the streets in a dazzling spectacle of color and sound. Music surged, dancers twirled, and beloved characters waved from elaborate floats. Amid the commotion, Adriano and Kate stood off to the side, half-hidden by a tree, taking silly selfies and stealing quiet glances that spoke louder than any words.
They collected little souvenirs throughout the day—matching keychains shaped like the castle, a pair of enamel pins Kate insisted they "earn" by completing the roller coaster, and a commemorative photo snapped mid-laugh in front of the castle. Adriano had even surprised her with the plush character she'd admired in the gift shop earlier, slipping it into her bag when she wasn't looking.
After several hours of exploration and heartwarming fun, the couple sought refuge from the sun in one of Disneyland's charming cafés. They settled at a small table near a window that offered a view of a quiet garden, the gentle murmur of conversation and clinking cutlery forming a soothing backdrop.
As they browsed the menu, their conversation turned to more pragmatic topics—discussions that emphasized the reality that would confront them after they left the park. Adriano's thoughts were consumed by his impending move to Manchester, the numerous duties of press conferences, training sessions, and the difficult process of adjusting to a new team. Kate also had a packed schedule, with commitments and shooting projects that would keep her in the US.
They started planning the upcoming weeks over a spread of fine sandwiches, salads, and freshly squeezed lemonade. They set reminders for video calls, training sessions, and shooting schedules and synchronized their personal calendars on their phones, taking note of time zones. The process had a sense of efficiency that was both bittersweet and pragmatic—a need to plan their every visit to ensure they didn't grow apart.
"I never thought our schedules would be so… intertwined yet so apart," Adriano remarked, stirring his drink thoughtfully.
Kate nodded, her expression both resolute and tender. "We'll make it work, Adri. We always do. I know we'll find those little pockets of time—even if it's just a quick call, a text, or a shared screenshot of our day."
Her words, simple yet filled with promise, made Adriano smile. "You're right. And every time we meet, it'll be like we're pressing reset—a fresh start."
They talked about everything from the logistics of future visits to the possibility of their families meeting. Adriano mentioned his desire to show Kate his new home when he moved to Manchester, while Kate playfully promised to introduce him to some of her closest friends in the US. Their conversation was interwoven with laughter, practical planning, and moments of heartfelt silence—a tapestry of shared hope and determination.
Returning to their hotel after lunch, feeling both full and content, Kate suggested that she take a short nap before they returned to Florida to gather her things for the Manchester trip. Adriano, ever the supportive partner, insisted that she can rest while he handled some pressing tasks—booking tickets, making phone calls, and, as he later explained, catching up with his parents.
***
Adriano stepped onto the balcony, the evening breeze tousling his hair as the golden light of the setting sun cast a gentle glow over the ocean below. The muffled sounds of the theme park still lingered in his ears—Kate's laughter, the distant echo of parades—but now, with the quiet hum of dusk settling in, he felt the need to ground himself in something familiar.
He pulled out his phone and dialed his father.
The line barely rang once before Julio picked up, his voice thick with warmth and tinged with amusement. "If this is my son calling to ruin my peaceful morning with tales of late-night adventures, I'm all ears."
I laughed, leaning against the balcony rail. "Guilty as charged. I figured I'd interrupt whatever cocktail-fueled wisdom you're soaking in today."
"I'm sipping a margarita, thank you very much," Julio replied with a mock-offended huff. "And your mother's not here to stop me, so I'm celebrating my temporary freedom."
I feigned surprise. "Wait—Mom's not home, or is she sleeping? So you're telling me no one's around to replace your drink with sparkling water and guilt?"
Julio chuckled, the sound rich and familiar. "Exactly. A man's got to enjoy his rare victories."
Before he could add some more teasing, I cleared my throat dramatically and blurted, "Oh Hi, Mom! You woke up already?"
Julio jolted. "What—?" He twisted around in his seat, almost falling with his drink. "Rosa?"
There was a beat of silence before realization dawned. "You little—" he started, but his laughter overtook him. "You almost made me spill my drink!"
I grinned, clearly proud of myself. "Come on dad, you fell for that old trick?"
"You get that from your mother's side," Julio muttered good-naturedly. "Now tell me the real reason you're calling. Unless you are just here to troll your old man."
"Well…" I paused, suddenly a little more serious. "Remember how I said I met someone here in the States? That friend I told you about?"
Julio groaned dramatically. "Don't tell me it's another one. That's three this year! Are you trying to form a starting lineup of exes?"
I rubbed the back of my neck, laughing sheepishly. "It's not like that, Dad. Her name's Kate. And she's... different."
"Different, huh?" Julio leaned forward in his chair, intrigued. "You said that about that Hailee girl. And the actress Blanca who you claimed was so perfect. What makes this one different? Is she a ninja or something?"
My smile softened. "No, but she's smart. Sharp, actually. She calls me out on my crap in the most elegant way. She's funny. Gentle. But not afraid to speak her mind. Being with her—it just feels... real."
There was a pause on the line, and then a rustle of movement behind Julio. Adriano opened his mouth to warn his father, but he chose to be silent and enjoy the drama.
"Adriano, honey," came Rosa's voice, sweet and deceptively calm. "What's this I hear about another girlfriend? and why are you drinking before breakfast Julio? Do I really need to bring my spatula?"
Julio groaned in the background. "I told you not to sneak up on me like that!"
"You were drinking before breakfast again, weren't you?" she scolded, half-laughing. "And now you're picking on our son's love life?"
I added from the side, " Dad was even trying to bribe me to keep silent, Mom."
"Traitor," Julio mumbled under his breath as Rosa gently commandeered the phone.
I couldn't help but smile. "Hi, Mom. I was just telling Dad about Kate."
"Well," Rosa said, her voice softening with curiosity and motherly concern, "tell me properly. What's she like? What makes her worth a call home and a tipsy father's teasing?"
Adriano took a deep breath, the words coming easily now. "She's amazing, Mom. Kate makes me feel seen, you know? Not the footballer version of me—just me. We laugh, we talk about everything. She keeps me grounded. And I want you guys to meet her when you come to Manchester."
Rosa then pressed on about the news, " So, what is the new media chaos going on about you two? I heard a lot of bad things. Are you sure everythings all right son?"
I reassured her with a smile, " It's all good mom. Media will tell you anything for more views, even warp the truth. We are not paying attention to those. She is a nice and kind firl, you'll know when you meet her."
There was a pause, and then Rosa sighed gently. "She sounds wonderful, Adri. I just hope you're not rushing into this again. You already have so much going on. You've got a lot ahead of you in Manchester. A new house, a new schedule..."
"I know," Adriano replied quietly. "I'm not rushing. We're figuring it out together. But I'd really love for you and Dad to come visit. I want you to see the house—and meet Kate. I think you'll really like her."
Julio's voice chimed in faintly from the background. "Yeah, yeah—just tell me if she can cook. Or drink tequila without passing out."
Rosa scoffed. "That is not how we judge character in this family."
Adriano laughed, his chest swelling with affection. "Don't worry, Dad—she can handle you. That's how I knew she was the one."
Julio raised his glass in the background. "Then she's got my blessing!"
After a few more exchanges of teasing, love, and the kind of gentle ribbing that only came from decades of shared memories, the call wound down. Rosa made him promise to call more often, Julio reminded him to "keep his feet on the ground and his heart where it belongs," and with that, they said their goodbyes.
Adriano hung up, the ocean breeze wrapping around him once more. The glow of the theme park lights in the distance mirrored the warmth that now rested in his chest. Despite the looming changes, the miles soon to stretch between him and everything familiar, he felt anchored—by his family, by Kate, and by the life he was slowly building.
***
When Adriano stepped back into the room, the gentle hum of the air conditioner greeted him. Kate was still resting in bed, curled up beneath the covers, one arm tucked under her head. Her headphones were in, and a soft instrumental melody drifted faintly from them. She looked peaceful, her expression relaxed, the corners of her mouth curled in a faint smile—like she was dreaming of something warm and familiar.
Adriano couldn't help but smile. He walked over quietly, crouched beside her, and brushed a stray lock of hair away from her cheek. She stirred slightly but didn't wake.
"Rest up, dear," he whispered, his voice low and affectionate. "I've got things under control here."
Kate murmured something unintelligible, the smile on her lips deepening as she shifted slightly beneath the sheets. Adriano lingered for a moment, watching her with a softness in his eyes, then stood and turned toward the window.
The afternoon light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled patterns across the floor. Outside, the distant laughter of children mingled with the calls of birds and the gentle rustle of palm trees. It was a rare kind of peace—fragile, precious, and fleeting.
He knew there was still much to do. Flights needed booking. Their return to Florida had to be finalized. There were updates to send to his family, logistics to juggle, and uncertainties that loomed just past the horizon.
But standing there in the quiet, he felt grounded. Rooted not in certainty, but in something even stronger—love.
Everything they'd experienced so far, every challenge ahead—it was all worth it. Because amidst the whirlwind of change, the one thing that remained constant was this: her.
Kate stirred beneath the sheets, slowly blinking herself awake as the sunlight spilled further across the bed. Her hand reached up instinctively to remove one earbud, then lazily rubbed her eyes.
Adriano turned from the window, smiling as he watched her rise like a sleepy cat stretching out of a dream.
"Morning, sunshine," he said softly, walking over and perching on the edge of the bed. "How's the dream world treating you?"
Kate yawned, then gave him a mock-glare, her voice husky from sleep. "Depends. Were you in it?"
Adriano leaned closer, brushing his knuckles gently against her cheek. "Always. I even brought snacks this time."
Kate chuckled, resting her forehead against his shoulder. "Mmm. That's why I keep you around—dream snacks and charming personality."
He laughed, wrapping an arm around her. "Is that what this relationship has come to? You're using me for imaginary snacks?"
"And comfortable cuddles," she added, pulling him down beside her. "You're a very efficient boyfriend."
They lay there for a few minutes, tangled together beneath the blanket as the room glowed with soft morning light. The world outside seemed to pause, just for them.
Eventually, Kate peeked up at him, voice softer. "Did you talk to your parents?"
Adriano nodded. "Yeah. Dad's already halfway through a margarita and mom's plotting to visit us in Manchester."
She smiled, the expression a little surprised but mostly touched. "Really? That soon?"
"Well… once she grills you with a dozen questions over the phone first," he teased. "And probably makes me send her three different photos of the house before she believes I've cleaned anything."
Kate laughed, nuzzling closer. "Good. I want to meet them properly. I mean—if that's okay."
Adriano kissed her forehead. "It's more than okay. I want them to know the woman who's willing to do so much for us being together… in the best way."
There was a pause, full of the kind of silence that didn't need to be filled.
Then, Adriano pulled back slightly and reached for his phone on the nightstand. "Alright, sleepyhead. Let's talk plans. I've got flights pulled up here—either we head back to your parent's house tomorrow, or we stretch this trip a bit longer. Maybe hop up the coast? Or go somewhere with fewer costumed mice?"
Kate propped herself up on her elbows, still wrapped in the blanket like a sleepy burrito. "As tempting as it is to make this vacation endless, don't you have… oh I don't know… a whole football career waiting for you?"
He smirked. "Minor detail. I'm pretty sure I can negotiate a few extra days in the name of true love."
"Oh wow. So dramatic," she teased, brushing her fingers through his hair. "You'll be reciting Shakespeare next."
"'Shall I compare thee to a theme park day? Thou art more magical and more sunscreen-free,'" Adriano said in an exaggerated, theatrical tone.
Kate dissolved into laughter, covering her face with the blanket. "Okay, okay, I take it back. No Shakespeare. Ever."
They finally settled into a rhythm—Kate flipping through potential stops on her phone while Adriano coordinated flights and accommodations. They leaned into each other, occasionally offering little updates, pausing between clicks and scrolls to exchange kisses, silly grins, or idle strokes of fingers along arms and hands.
It wasn't just planning—it was daydreaming aloud. Piecing together little futures one idea at a time.
Eventually, Kate nestled against him again, voice thoughtful. "I know we'll be apart sometimes. And things might get crazy once the season starts. But moments like this… they feel like a promise."
Adriano looked at her, eyes soft. "They are. We may not always have time—but we'll always make it."
She smiled, her eyes meeting his. "Even if I fall asleep halfway through every plan?"
"Especially then," he whispered, pulling her closer.
The rest of the night melted into soft music, playful whispers, and the kind of quiet companionship that only two hearts in sync could know. The world could wait. For now, they had each other.