𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐- 𝚍𝚎𝚌𝚕𝚊𝚗 𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚎

ʟᴏꜱɪɴɢ
/ˈʟᴜːᴢꞮŊ/
ʟᴇᴀʀɴ ᴛᴏ ᴘʀᴏɴᴏᴜɴᴄᴇ
ᴀᴅᴊᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ
ꜱᴜꜰꜰᴇʀɪɴɢ, ʀᴇꜱᴜʟᴛɪɴɢ ɪɴ, ᴏʀ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴇꜰᴇᴀᴛ ɪɴ ᴀ ɢᴀᴍᴇ ᴏʀ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇꜱᴛ.

A loss was never something either of you enjoyed for obvious reasons. But seeing Dec so broken was the thing that got you the most. His frequent insistence that he was letting you down and that he wasn't good enough tore you heart everytime he said it. Unfortunately, tonight was a night that was going to be full of it.

England had lost on penalties. Italy had played disgustingly and if you could have ago at the referee you would be going off on one as we speak. The players all made their way to the stands whilst applauding the crowd for their support and love they'd shown. You could see that he was broken and the sight itself brought tears to your eyes. You quickly wiped them away because you knew if he saw you crying, he'd think he'd let you down. His medal was gripped in his hand , you knew he didn't like wearing them after a loss like that, it was almost patronising. Like in primary school when students would get a 'Well done for participation' sticker. Maguire reuniting with his daughter brought another tear to your eye as you saw her look so oblivious to what had been going on. Declan and yourself shared a little girl yourself called Lottie, she wasn't really aware either. However, the look on her daddy's face was enough to tell her something was wrong. "Mummy, why does daddy look so sad?" she asked so innocently. "Well baby, daddy and the boys lost the game so daddy's a bit emotional" you tried to explain, leaving out your rage towards the italians and the extent of the importance of the game. "But winning isn't important! Daddy tells me it's about the taking part that counts" she giggled. Her innocence and naive manner was the only thing cheering you up right now. "UNCLE MASE" she shouted excitedly, breaking your train of thought. She basically ran to him as he approached, picking her up and talking to her. You knew it hurt him but he was an amazing uncle to your little girl and it was showing. He carried her towards you and you pulled him in for a side hug, trying not to squash your child. "You were amazing Mase , I'm so proud". Mason and yourself had built up a sibling like relationship over the years, it wasn't surprising seeing as your husband and himself were inseparable. "Thank you Y/N, do you want me to take Lottie whilst you speak to Dec? It's probably best that he calms down before seeing this little one" he asked with a knowing look on both of your faces. "If you don't mind, he looks broken" you replied suddenly feeling the sadness come back. "Nah don't be silly, course I don't mind. Wanna come with Uncle Mase and see Grealish?" he asked your little girl with a tickle. "Yeahhhh! Bye mummy" she giggled. You watched them walk off , not before hearing your cheeky mare say, "Is that the one with the funny hair?". You couldn't help but laugh as you saw Mason being to chuckle along with her. However , your broken husband making his way towards you stopped you from laughing. Now, just feeling so much pain and anguish. Neither of you said a word, you just held him. His sobs were heart wrenching. You were internally thanking your family for having such tall genes ,because if you weren't 5'8, there was no way you would be able to hold him right now. His crying was so strong his body was shaking and you had to use all your strength to stop his collapsing. You stayed like that for awhile, knowing it's what he needed.

Once his crying had subsided, he lifted his head to meet your eyes. "Hello my love" you spoke softly. "I'm so sorry. I'm so so so sorry" he repeated, his tears still falling. "Don't be silly. You've made me the proudest wife in the world. I couldn't be more proud of you Declan and I mean that from the bottom of my heart". "But Lottie had to just watch her dad lose and fail to change history. I'm a bloody joke of a father" he argued back. That wasn't true whatsoever. Declan was such a good dad to your little girl, doing everything and more for her. The fact he doubted his abilities as a parent was tearing you in two. You shook your head and gently cupped his face with your hands. "Babe don't be so ridiculous. You are the best father she could ever have. She's so proud of you. In her defence, she doesn't have a clue what's going on, the girls only 4. However, she knows that her daddy is an amazing football player who plays for his country and for that you're her hero. Only reason she's not here is because her Uncle Mase took her to see Jack, or as she calls him, 'one with the funny hair'. But we won't repeat that to anyone." he chuckled at the thought of his daughter and her non existent filter. "I love you" he sighed. You smiled at him, "And I love you". He lent in for a kiss and gave you a proper hug. "Your shoulders wet" he complained. "I wonder why?" you joked. He laughed and took your hand , on the hunt to find your daughter. He was aware that everyone was going into the players lounge afterwards so he guessed she'd be in there, and he was right.

"DADDDDYYY" she screamed, basically jumping from her uncles arms and sprinting towards him. He bent down and picked her up. "I'm so proud of you Daddy!" she giggled. "Thank you baby, I've missed you so much" he covered her in kisses, causing the girl to burst out into a fit of giggles. Declan hadn't seen the pair of you for a couple weeks as he had to quarantine, so being reunited felt like a reward to him. "Daddy, remember what you tell me. It's about the taking part that counts, not the winning" she explained with a sort of 'duh' tone to her voice. You both began to laugh and your daughter joined in with you. Unbeknownst to you, Mason had taken some photos of the encounter and texted them to you. Declan and Lottie went to speak to the other teammates when you got your phone from your pocket. A huge smile formed on your face and you couldn't help but feel grateful for your amazing family.