Chapter Text
Athena was welcomed by the warm, golden glow of the sunlight as she padded through the living room and into the kitchen.
The morning sun greeting her in the same way it did every morning.
Shining through those big, patio doors. The same ones that saw onto their backyard where remnants of yesterday still lay evident. The goal posts still in the middle of the grass with the soccer ball abandoned inside the net. And it wasn’t until Athena unlocked the door to let in the fresh morning air did she spot Emmeline’s cleats. Lined up perfectly, just outside on the patio. Ready and waiting.
It had been a few months since Emmeline came home with the soccer brochure inside her backpack. And it had been something the six year old has talked non stop about since. The little girl always wanting to practise, and even going as far as dragging Bobby outside, sometimes before he’d had his morning coffee.
He loved it though. As did Athena.
They enjoyed all of it. Even the early starts on Saturdays when they could be laying in. The two of them standing off to the side, cheering on their little girl as she ran up and down the pitch. Sometimes with Buck tagging along, always bringing some kind of snack for half time.
It was a new phase of Emmeline’s life. And one that the little girl had discovered on her own.
Which only made it that little bit more special.
“Hey. You’re up.”
Turning her head, Athena felt herself jump a little at the sound of Bobby’s voice. Eyes landing on her man who was already watching her, leaning against the kitchen counter with a smile on his face and a hot cup of coffee inside his hand.
“I was going to bring you up a coffee.” Bobby continued, nodding toward Athena’s mug. The same mug Emmeline had gotten her for Mother’s Day a few years ago. The photo of the two of them now slightly faded from its runnings through the dishwasher. “I was just waiting until seven.”
Looking down at her watch, Athena couldn’t help but chuckle. “Hm. I’m eleven minutes early.”
“I’m not complaining.” Bobby smiled, already shifting to open up his arms for Athena. “I get eleven extra minutes with you.”
Once she’d reached him, Athena placed a kiss upon Bobby’s chest. “Aren’t you lucky.”
“The luckiest.” He confirmed, kissing the top of Athena’s head. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Em woke me up once.” Athena stifled a yawn, though it was quickly replaced with a smile. “She asked if it was time to get ready.”
Bobby chuckled. “And what time was that?”
“It had just gone three.”
Another laugh escaped him as he rubbed his hand up and down Athena’s back. “She’s still so excited. That makes me happy.”
“Soccer.” Athena breathed out as if the word offended her slightly. “Who’d have thought?”
“Not us, that’s for sure.”
She shook her head. “I was ready to be a dance mom.”
“But you ended up being a soccer mom.” He kissed her hair once more. “And you love it.”
“I do.” Athena agreed, the smile taking over her face once more. “More than I ever thought I would.”
Bobby squeezed her gently. “I’m proud of her.”
“Me, too.” Athena smiled, finally moving until she could lay eyes on her husband. Their noses almost brushing due to their closeness. “I love you.”
“And I love you.” He promised with a smile, all before leaning down to capture Athena’s lips with his own. It was soft and sweet and perfect. Just as it was every time they kissed. “So much.”
With another series of those brief kisses, Athena reluctantly pulled back. “Come on- - game day awaits.”
“Wait-“ Bobby chuckled, increasing his grip before Athena could get too far. “We still have six minutes.”
“Oh?” Athena arched an eyebrow playfully. “And what exactly do you think is going to happen within those six minutes?”
The look within his eyes was enough for Athena to laugh.
“Nah uh.” She clicked her tongue, shaking her head.
“Oh, why not?” Bobby whined and it only made Athena laugh even more. “We’ve done it before.”
Without entertaining her husband, Athena rolled her eyes before finally breaking free from his grasp. Tugging on Bobby’s shirt and getting him to move. All before playfully tapping his butt, while Bobby’s laughter echoed down the corridors.
- - -
Emmeline’s feet dangled from the stool as she slowly swung them back and forth.
The smell of coconut and pear infiltrated the air around them as the detangling spray was combed through her hair. Separating each curl, with some more water added when needed. Just to stop Athena from accidentally pulling too hard, hurting Emmeline by accident.
The request for today’s match had been bunches and Athena was more than happy to oblige. Always happy to make sure Emmeline felt confident with how she had her hair, wanting to instil in Emmeline from a young age at just how important looking after her hair is. No matter the occasion.
“Okay-“ A gentle clap from Bobby echoed around the kitchen, grasping Emmeline’s attention. “I have orange and apple slices ready to go for half time and-“ He held up a finger, all before allowing hands to rest on the cooling bag. “Lemon and blueberry muffins.”
An excited gasp left Emmeline. “Did you make them this morning?”
“Last night.” Bobby confirmed with a smile. “Mama helped me.”
Athena let out a small chuckle from being Emmeline. “And by helped, your daddy means he done all the work while I taste tested the batter.”
“I needed a professional opinion.” Bobby defended himself, holding up his hands.
With a small giggle, Emmeline shook her head. “You’re silly, daddy.”
“That I am.” He looked proud of himself. “Now- - let’s talk cereal. What is that little tummy of yours craving this morning?”
“Hm.” Emmeline looked deep in thought for a moment, her little finger coming up to tap against her chin. “Raisin Bran.”
“Oo- - we’re switching it up today, mama.”
Athena let out an amused huff as she tied the first bun. Fluffing the curls a moment later. “Ain’t nothing wrong with that, baby. Isn’t that right?”
“Jee told me that’s what she has before dance.” Emmeline shrugged, her feet starting to swing once more. “She said it gives her more sparkle.”
Bobby barked out a laugh. “More sparkle?”
“Yeah.” Emmeline also giggled. “That’s what Uncle Chimney says.”
Athena rolled her eyes amusingly. “Of course he does.”
“Well- - if our baby wants some more sparkle before game day, that’s what our baby gets.” Bobby concluded, clapping his hands. “Raisin Bran coming right up.”
“With my smoothie?”
“Absolutely.” Bobby winked with a smile, all before turning toward the pantry. Spending the next few minutes preparing Emmeline’s bowl of cereal and fruit smoothie. The same one Bobby always made for Emmeline on the days she had soccer, wanting his little girl to get all the right nutrients and energy she’d need for running around the soccer pitch.
By the time Athena had finished off Emmeline’s hair, Bobby had set up Emmeline’s place at the table.
“All done, baby.” Athena kissed her temple. “Make sure you eat up- -we’ve got twenty minutes before we’ve got to leave, okay?”
Hopping down off the stool, Emmeline nodded. “Okay, mama.”
Bobby grabbed Athena by the waist before she could walk off. Pulling her close. “Do you want a coffee to go?”
“In my thermos?”
“That’s what I was thinking.”
Athena smiled. “I’m not gonna say no.”
“Alright.” Bobby nodded, placing a quick kiss to Athena’s lips. “Go finish getting ready- - I’ll make sure everything is done.”
She glanced to the still unpacked bag on the side. “You sure?”
“I’m sure.” Bobby confirmed with a smile, letting his hand travel down to Athena’s ass. Cupping it lovingly. “I’ll have everything under control and ready to go in twenty minutes.”
After a brief pause, Athena pursed her lips playfully. “Are you trying to impress me, Captain?”
“Always.” He smirked, earning himself a laugh from his wife in return. “Now go-“ Another kiss was placed upon Athena’s lips. “We have nineteen minutes and counting.”
- - -
Sixteen minutes later Athena was walking down the stairs, ready to go.
She’d opted for some black yoga pants with her favourite sneakers, matched with the purple jersey Bobby had bought for them both in support for Emmeline’s team. The same one both of the parents always wore on game days.
It was ridiculously cute and so incredibly suburban it still made both Athena and Bobby cringe when they thought about it too much.
Athena was just finishing tying the jersey at the waist when Emmeline rounded the corner. Her sock covered feet sliding against the hardwood floors.
“Oh! I was just coming to call for you!”
Athena laughed gently as she moved off of the last step. “Well, now you don’t have to.”
“Daddy said we have three minutes before we leave.”
Nodding, Athena double checked her watch. “That we do, baby. Are you ready?”
“I can’t find my slides.” Emmeline looked a little sheepish. “I think they’re still in daddy’s truck.”
Pursing her lips a little, Athena couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll carry you to the truck. Just make sure you bring them out when we get back home, okay?”
Emmeline smiled at that. “Okay, mama.”
“Alright-“ Athena settled, booping Emmeline’s nose before turning around. Opening up the coat closet and grabbing a jacket for herself as well as Bobby and Emmeline. “You grab my purse and then we’ll go wait for daddy. Yeah?”
Nodding, Emmeline reached up to grab Athena’s bag from the console table. Sliding it over her little shoulder, waiting patiently for Athena to pick her up. And after a minute, once Athena was sure she had everything, the front door was opened and Emmeline was scooped up. The two of them making their way out onto the drive.
“Did we beat daddy?” Emmeline asked once she was sat in her chair, smiling at Athena as she was buckled in.
“I think we might of.” Athena nodded, checking her watch. “And with thirty seconds to spare!”
The two high-fived while Emmeline giggled. “Girls are the best.”
“Amen to that, girlfriend.” Athena kissed the top of Emmeline’s head before stepping back and closing the door. Turning back toward the house just in time to see Bobby walking through the front door. All the bags in hand, including Emmeline’s cleats the six year old left inside. The small pink bag hanging from Bobby’s finger tip, indicating that he’d seen it last minute.
“Got everything?” Athena asked amusingly.
“Just about.” Bobby laughed, handing off one of the bags to his wife a moment later. “Em in the car?”
“Ready, waiting and very happy that we beat you.” Athena confirmed, moving to lock the front door. “So just be prepared for all the gloating.”
A laugh escaped him as he shook his head. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“Smart man.” Athena reached for him before Bobby could open up the door. Fingers curling into the matching purple jersey and tugging him close. Reaching up to place a firm yet gentle kiss upon his lips. Taking her husband by surprise.
“Not that I’m complaining-“ Bobby breathed when Athena pulled away. “But what was that for?”
Shrugging, Athena wiped at Bobby’s lips. Removing her lip gloss from his skin. “You’re super dad.” She smiled at him, all before eyes trailed down over his physique. Taking note of just how scrumptious he looked. “And a hot one at that.”
With a deep chuckle escaping him, Bobby kissed Athena once more. “Mm. Permission to expand on that a little later?”
“Permission granted.” Athena smiled, all before glancing back to Emmeline. Taking note of how impatient her girl looked through the window. “But first? We watch our girl win her soccer match.”
"Copy that."