Chapter Text
It’s been 2 years since the unbeatable goalkeeper retired. Hope and her teammates stayed radio silent for a long time. It didn’t really matter to her or hurt, but coming from a certain defender it did. For a whole year, Kelley didn’t text, call, or attempt to contact her. Things had been good between them, sure very unlabeled but good. They’ve always had a thing between them, mostly unaddressed to them and the world. They were in a bliss during Rio in their own little bubble, then Hope left.
Some idiot decided to stick a microphone in Hope’s face and before she knew it Jill was giving her two options, retire with honor or get her contract dishonorably terminated. Hope leaving, shattered Kelley more than she would let on, her personality during camps became dim and she would rather stray to the side alone than socialize. It killed Kelley because she knew that she was getting into, so has no right to be upset. It took her 2 whole months of staring at her phone and rereading old texts to muster up the courage and text. She had so many questions like did I mean nothing? Where are you? What’s next? There were so many thoughts running through her head, so many strings. The old connection was there, they couldn’t help it. After the first text they quickly became fast friends again, facetiming, texting, and daily calls.
Kelley just got home from her last Nwsl regular season game. She was frustrated that Sky Blue didn’t make it into playoffs. Her team had worked so hard only to fall short. Kelley sighed in frustration and dropped her stuff on the floor and jumped on the couch. She got out her phone and called Hope. The keeper picked up after 3 rings.
“Hey Kelley, I saw the game squirrel you played your heart out.” Hope never failed to make Kelley’s heart flutter even from 2,000 miles away.
“I could’ve done better. I let my team down.” Kelley sighed defeatedly. She got off the couch and went to grab some chocolate milk. Kelley leaned against the counter with a bottle of chocolate milk in one hand and the phone in the other. Sam bursted through the door with her stuff in tow and threw a quick nod towards Kelley. Kelley mouthed Hope to Sam and the girl smirked at her and winked earning an eye roll.
“You didn’t let me down. Stop being so hard on yourself. You’re always your own biggest hater. I think you did great at keeping the game going and making great passes and creating opportunity. ” Hope was currently decked out in her Sky Blue gear in her living room.
“I have a surprise for you.” Kelley said grinning, she had planned to surprise Hope by flying in tomorrow.
“What is it?” Kelley couldn’t see Hope but she could picture her face lighting up.
“You’re just gonna have to see, it’s on it’s way to you.” Kelley replied goofily.
“I’ll tell you when I receive it.” Hope replied nonchalantly but she actually pretty excited.
“It’s a fragile package so be careful.” Kelley replied laughing at her own jokes. Kelley heard a loud shatter in the background through the phone.
“Kells, umm I got to go I’ll call you back.” Hope said panically Kelley opened her mouth to ask what happened but the older girl had already hung up.
Kelley send Hope a quick text reminding her to text her when she finished whatever it was she was doing. She plugged in her phone and went to take a shower.
A big question that was thrown around in her head a lot was what if Hope didn’t want to see her? It had taken her a while to open the girl back up she didn’t want to ruin things now. Kelley shook the thought from her head and stepped out of the shower wrapping herself up in a fluffy towel.
She packed really light for the next day quickly throwing her stuff in a small bag and tidying her room. Sam popped in at one point and flopped onto her bed.
“I just made that Samm.” Kelley complained groaning.
Sam ignored the comment and pointed towards her bags, “Where you off to?”
Kelley thought for a minute before replying nervously, “I’m visiting Hope in seattle.”
Sam’s eyes widened, “Kells are you sure that’s a good idea.” Sam knows everything, she was the one that put Kelley’s broken pieces back together after Hope left. She was the one to hold Kelley in the middle of the night when she sobbed and couldn’t hang on. She was the one who sacrificed dates with her girlfriend because Kelley wasn’t ok.
“She didn’t hurt me, that wasn’t her decision.” Kelley replied.
Sam raised her eyebrow, “Her not talking to you for a whole year wasn’t her decision?”
“It was Sam, it was also my decision. Just like me visiting her is my decision, please just support me on this.” Sam simply nodded and pulled Kelley in for a hug, “If she hurts my best friend again I’m gonna need her address.” She said in her Australian charm.
“You wanna get some thai take out and watch American Ninja Warriors?” Sam asked getting her phone out. It was a tradition that every Saturday after games was dubbed as Roommate/Best Friend bonding time.
Kelley nodded, “I want extra spice on my curry or I’m not tipping.” Everytime Kelley orders Red Curry they always forget to add her extra spice. This results in her dumping too much Sriracha sauce and keeping a straight face when Sam told her “I told you so.”
Kelley grabbed her phone seeing a text from Hope come in.
Hope Yolo: Sorry, something just fell from my shelf and knocked down a few things.
Kelley: You ok?
Hope: I’m ok:) I’m gonna go to the movies with some friends so I’ll text you tomorrow?
Kelley: Have fun Hopey.
Hope: Don’t call me that squirrel.
Kelley: You love it.
Hope: I do. Goodnight Kells.
Kelley smiled to herself, this time tomorrow hopefully she was going to be with Hope.
They two roomates ended up falling asleep on the couch after choking on Red Curry and rooting on their favorite ninja warriors. Kelley woke up face first on the ground with Sam on the couch, she groaned and looked at the clock doing a double take when she realized she only had 20 minutes to get to the airport. Kelley jolted up almost hitting the table and bolted to her room to grab her stuff, she thanked her past self for being smart and packing ahead of time. Kelley went back downstairs to make Sam drive her to the airport.
Sam was already up trying to make herself a cup of coffee. Kelley plopped her stuff by the door and tossed her keys at Sam who caught them after it almost hit her.
“Dude, you need to drive me to the airport I’m so late.” Kelley asked frantically walking into the garage and throwing her stuff in the trunk.
Sam sighed defeatedly at her best friend’s antics and dropped her coffee mug in the sink before following after her.
Kelley was thankful the drive from their apartment to the airport was a short one or she’d never make it.
“Dude, how long are you staying?” Sam asked, focusing on the road.
Kelley was hardcore stressing out because she was making sure she had everything in tow.
“Umm...dude I don’t know, I’ll be back probably next week.” Kelley was digging through her bag trying to find her passport.
“Bingo” she muttered pulling it out.
“Does she know you’re coming?” Sam asked.
“Uhh, no.” Kelley sighed defeatedly realizing this could potentially be a horrible idea.
Sam shook her head, she knew Kelley was impulsive but she’d never thought she’d be this impulsive.
“I really hope you know what you’re doing.” Sam could be goofier than Kelley but she was also the mature one. She’s always keeping Kelley in line when she needed some sense but when it came to Hope Solo, Sam knew she couldn’t be convinced. There was something special about Hope, sure to Sam she sounded like a real asshole, but maybe she’s a bit biased.
They pulled into the drop off zone and Kelley hopped out of the car and grabbed her stuff. She stuck her head through the passenger’s window.
“Try not to miss me too much.” She said smugly, Sam stuck her tongue out at her.
“Call me if you need anything.” Sam said smiling.
Kelley nodded and walked off into the airport. It only took her about 15 minutes to get through security and she made it to the boarding area with 2 minutes to spare. The boarding process had already started but she was in boarding group C since she bought her tickets late.
She spent the next hour trying to tune out the crying of babies on the plane with shitty love songs that only reminded her of Hope. Kelley gave up on the music meditation and started to use the in-flight wifi to message Hope.
Kelley:Heyo Solo
Hope: Hey, just got back from the supermarket what’s up?
Kelley: Not much just laying around my house, you should expect your package delivered later today:)
Hope: I’m excited! Dare I ask what it is?
Kelley: Nope.
Hope: I miss you. More than you know.
Kelley:I think I can imagine.
Kelley spent the rest of the flight messaging Hope, she eventually had to disconnect from the wifi because they started landing. The air in Seattle was a lot more humid than she ever imagined, but the great view and the people made up for it. Kelley’s favorite thing was people, being surrounded by people. Most people could probably tell from her outgoing personality but her favorite part is the movement. People move and talk and are always moving, she loved being surrounded by change and movement. That’s why big cities call to her, she loved that feeling of being surrounded by people who didn’t know her name or story. The endless possibility that surrounded her.
It took her awhile to stumble her way out of the airport and into a taxi. Her nerves were on full-blown, she was starting to doubt herself. Her relationship with Hope is yet again uncharted, the feelings are definitely still there. So why was she here? Why was she in the middle of a city she didn’t know trying to seek a person that might have a slight chance of not wanting her there. When it came to Hope, Kelley has never made good choices. She was tired of not knowing where they stood. Maybe that’s why she’s here. They’ve never settled down enough to have time to dictate what they were.
The taxi dropped her off at a townhouse block, the building was beautiful. It overlooked the mountains and a city square. Kelley smiled to herself, this whole place felt so Hope, everything reminded her of the girl. She swung her bag over her shoulders and walked up to her door, Kelley took a breathe and knock on the door. She heard footsteps and seconds later came face to face with Hope.
“Delivery for Hope Solo?” She said very unsure of herself, offering Hope a small smile. Hope looked surprised, she stepped outside and wrapped Kelley in a tight hug. It felt like a eternity before they pulled away from each other. Kelley stared straight into her eyes, her stupid dreamy blue eyes that made her feel safe and at home. It felt like her instincts just took over as she closed the gap and captured Hope’s lips in a searing kiss long overdue.
The kiss was over as soon as it started. Kelley pulled back and started apologizing frantically, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for that to happen.” Hope smirked at her but her smile quickly faded.
“Kelley, I’m glad that happened, we need to address what we are but I have to tell you something. You have to promise not to freak out.” Hope looked scared, and small the only time Kelley ever saw her like this was after the rough crowds at Rio.
Kelley raised her eyebrow and nodded, “Do you wanna go inside and talk?” she asked.
Hope thought for a second, “I don’t think that’s a good idea, let’s talk right here.”
Kelley started internally freaking out, “Hope..what’s going on.”
Hope took a breath, “I don’t know how to tell you this.” She rocked uncomfortably on her heels and fidgets with her shirt. Kelley grabbed her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze urging her on.
“I have a kid, a daughter, she’s 5 and her name is Haley.” She said, Kelley’s eyes widened. Out of all the things that could’ve come out of Hope’s mouth this was definitely not expected. Hope stared at her for a few seconds, the girl was obviously tongue-tied so she decided to continue.
“It was a important decision I made a bit after 2015, I’m sorry that I kept this from you. I just didn’t want well….this reaction you’re having right now.” Kelley looked up at her and blew out a breath.
“You sure know how to surprise a girl.” She said finally giving Hope a much needed smile.
“This doesn’t affect us sorting things out. It’s up to you if you want to meet her. I want to make sure you’re not going to run or if things go wrong between us that you’re not going to hurt her.” Hope said acknowledging the biggest question that was in the air.
Kelley nodded, “I’m not going to give up on us just because you have a kid. I wanna get to know her...if you’ll let me.” Hope was very surprised on how well Kelley was currently taking this.
“Here’s your chance to run.” Hope halfly jokes at her. Kelley shook her head and closed the gap between them again, this time Kelley didn’t pull back. After that whole revelation, they dropped her stuff off in Hope’s bedroom and settled down on the couch.
“She’s taking a nap right now. Is it ok if I introduce you as a friend?” Hope asked not sure where they stood.
“Of course, we’ll talk later though right?” Kelley asked. Hope nodded and got up to go clean up the toys currently thrown all over the living room floor.
Haley woke up about 20 minutes later, Kelley was stunned when the small girl emerged from her bedroom running and full of energy. She had brown eyes and dark hair, her face shape oddly similar to Hope’s. Wait, was she biologically Hope’s?
“Hey baby, you want some chocolate milk?” Hope asked lifting Haley into the air and spinning her around. The girl’s laughter echoing through the house. Kelley just sat on the couch and looked at the duo, she was surprised with how good Hope was with her.
Hope got Haley settled down on the couch in front of Kelley with a cup of chocolate milk.
“Hal, this is Kelley a friend of mommy’s.” The girl looked up at her and smiled, her chocolate milk mustache evident on her lips. Kelley shot her a goofy grin, “My favorite drink is chocolate milk.” she said the Haley.
“Me too!” The girl said, Hope’s phone started ringing she went off into her room to answer it.
Kelley was very amused at how easy and outgoing Haley was. The girl immediately started chatting about everything with her like she had known Kelley her whole life. When Hope came out of her room Kelley was helping Haley clean up some toys that she had gotten out.
“Everything ok?” Kelley asked looking up at Hope who was peering at them from the side of the room.
“Yea. Rapinoe said that she could watch Haley tonight.” Hope said. Haley squealed, “I love aunty Meg.” she informed Kelley.
“Hey what about me?” Kelley asked tickling Haley, Hope laughed her heart filling at how easily Kelley bonded with her daughter.
“You are almost there.” Haley got out through her laughter. The three of them spent the following hours playing board games with Haley. Kelley was surprisingly relaxed about this whole situation, she warmed up well to Haley which warmed Hope’s heart. Rapinoe came and picked Haley up around 5 and Kelley and Hope decided to make mac and cheese for dinner.
Kelley was quietly drying the dishes that Hope was washing. They worked in a perfect sync, catching secret glances both ways.
Hope was the one to break the silence, “I was scared you know.” Kelley met her eyes in response, “Scared of what?” she asked.
“I was scared I was going to screw things up with you whenever we were together. I just thought that if we never talked about what we were it would hurt less. I know now I ended up hurting you more.” 2 years ago this was not something that Kelley could ever imagine Hope confessing to her. She could see how much more willing the former keeper was willing to open up.
“You did hurt me. But I also didn’t fight for us.” Kelley acknowledged that they were probably both to blame for hurting each other.
“Is she biologically yours?” Kelley asked curiously, it was a question that has been on her mind since she first saw Haley.
“No, she’s biologically Marcus’, he’s my brother. Marcus ended up in rehab and I got full custody of Haley since he was a single father. She knows she’s not biologically mine but it doesn’t really bother her.” They finished the dishes and sat down together on the couch.
“She has your eyes. They’re beautiful” Kelley said, seeing the slight blush she earned from Hope.
“How do we start again?” Kelley asked. Kelley has asked herself this question for weeks now, she knew that they couldn’t go back to the way they were but she never really got past that.
“How about I take you on a date.” Kelley started grinning up at Hope. “You wanna go to the movies? I can ask Megan to watch her for a few more hours.” Hope got out her phone and started texting Rapinoe.
Kelley caught Hope by surprise by wrapping her into a hug. “I’ve missed you so much.” They sat together in a simple embrace for some time while Hope pulled up the time schedule for the theater.
They decided on watching the Justice League movie after some good amount of bickering. Hope had originally wanted to watch IT but Kelley told her that Gal Gadot was in Justice League and that it was against the law to not watch it. She ended up winning with a killer pout of her face.
At the theater Hope intertwined their fingers together and Kelley swore she was going to have a heart attack or faint by the end of the night. She was completely wrapped up in Hope and she had never felt more at home.
The movie ended at 9 and on the way back home Hope drove by Rapinoe’s house to pick up a very sleepy Haley.
“She’s out like a light.” Megan whispered as Hope picked her daughter up to carry her to the car.
“Thanks for watching her dude. I really appreciate it.” Hope whispered, she opened the back door of her suv and strapped her kid into the booster seat, Haley stirred but didn’t wake up.
“She really sleepy,” Hope said getting back into the car as quiet as possible. Kelley nodded and smiled looking back at Haley.
“I want to get to know her,” Kelley said looking over at Hope.
“You will don’t worry, you wanna go to the mall with us tomorrow?” Hope asked, she needed some new clothes for herself.
“Duh. Of course, I wanna go.” Kelley replied jokily punching Hope on the arm.
“Thanks for taking me to the movies.” She said again, they had a great time. At the end of the movie both of them hadn’t even noticed that they were snuggled tightly together.
“Do you think you like me enough for a second date, Ms. O’hara?” Hope asked a teasing smile resting on her lips.
“I think I do, Ms. Solo,” Kelley replied planting a kiss on Hope’s cheek.
Kelley would never admit it but falling asleep in Hope’s arms after 2 years, she almost cried.
Hope felt like home. Home included Haley. Kelley never wanted to leave.