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Writing Inktober entries were moved to another book so read that too :)
The only new chapters of this book are part 2s or the off chance I write for a fictional character
New stories are posted in book 2 on m...
Warnings: mentions of when Justin broke his leg in college
Summary: A reporter takes a question too far, so Justin takes evasive action.
W.C. 1031
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It all started when they met in college, the University of Oregon. Y/n, a sports journalism major, and Justin, a science major on the football team. A match made in heaven, one would say. Their classes did not overlap a lot, but Y/n was assigned to cover the football team. It was only natural for the two to spark something.
They began hanging out outside of the games and practices during the summer of their junior year and became official at the end of the football season. The two decided to keep it between themselves because the last thing they needed was people making comments about the quarterback and a journalist being together.
Fast forward a few years, Justin is doing well with the LA Chargers and Y/n has established themself with CBS. Y/n was the lead journalist when it came to the LA Chargers, and they were always reporting on Sundays. Their relationship remained strong, and no one other than their respective families and closest friends knew of the two.
Even though they were on the down low, everyone could see that Justin had a soft spot for Y/n in conferences. No matter the outcome of the game, Justin would smile and give very detailed responses. Heck, he would even banter back and forth with them!
One game in particular, Y/n could not attend. Y/n was visiting family, so they asked one of their newer reporters to fill their space. The game was pretty good for the LA Chargers and Justin with him throwing three touchdowns and running one in himself. Despite being at their parents' house, Y/n turned on the post-game conference just as Justin came on the stage. All of the journalists were congratulating Justin and asking game-related questions until it got to one reporter.
"Perla with CBS," she started, Y/n immediately recognized the voice as their coworker who filled in for them. "I don't know if you've noticed, but my colleague, Y/n, is not here today."
"No, I noticed," Justin chuckled. "They're at every game and every press conference, so it's nice to see them taking a break."
"Many people, myself included, have noticed that you two seem to have a stronger bond than just reporter and player," Perla scoffed. Immediately, Y/n could sense where the question was going, and so could Justin. "Is there anything happening behind the scenes between you two?"
"That has nothing to do with the game, and frankly, it's none of your business," Justin answered monotonously.
"I mean, it's obvious to everyone that Y/n doesn't have the proper experience to have this job, so it's clear that they're doing some 'behind the scenes' favors," Perla continued, completely disregarding Justin's first answer and obvious distaste for the question.
"First off, don't ever talk down on someone like Y/n who is higher up than you," Justin started off, glaring at Perla through the crowd. "Second, if we were in a relationship, how would I have any say in their job? I have no personal connection to CBS, and I just don't have that power. Lastly, if you're going to keep talking shit, you can leave, and we'll make sure that CBS knows how you aren't actually working within your role. I don't think your boss would appreciate that his sports reporter is poking her nose around in topics that don't deal with sports, right?"
"Are you threatening me?" Perla gasped, surrounding reporters were eating it up. Justin was known for being quiet and reserved, so seeing him lash back was a one in a million shot.
"It's not a threat, it's a promise," Justin replied. "Slander against Y/n will not be tolerated, especially when I know that they specifically chose you for this gig because they believed in you."
After the conference, Justin called Y/n on his way home.
"Thank you for standing up for me, J," Y/n greeted almost immediately after answering the phone. "People need to learn to stay in their own lane."
"I'll always defend you," Justin laughed. "We do need to talk to your boss about that, though. That was unacceptable."
"I really thought Perla was just misunderstood," Y/n replied sadly. "Turns out she's just out for drama."
"If people are going to keep asking about it," Justin started, "how would you feel about us announcing us? We could be private but not secret, and I'll make sure to add that we've been together since junior year."
"If I get to help choose the pictures and the caption, I think it would be best," Y/n admitted. "Plus, you kind of already outed us during the conference when you said 'we' will make sure that CBS knows."
"For fucks sake," Justin chuckled in disbelief. "I tried so hard to keep it hidden."
"Well, now we don't need to," Y/n comforted. "Remember, private but not secret from now on."
The next game day came faster than either were prepared for. Both shared two pictures to their Instagrams with the caption, "Five years and counting." One of them was taken during the off-season, and the other was of the two sitting on the couch with Justin's broken leg and Y/n dressed up as a nurse from junior year. The posts gained a lot of traction, but it was now in the open. Neither wanted to change that.
After the game and another win for the LA Chargers, there was, of course, another conference. This time, Y/n was back in their place.
"Y/n with CBS," they smiled as Justin looked their way. "First off, congratulations on announcing your relationship. You two look very happy together."
"Thanks," Justin laughed at the brief teasing."We've been through a lot together. Couldn't see myself without them, honestly."
"That's cute, but I would rather talk about that last play though," Y/n quickly got on topic. "A 69-yard throw to Keenan Allen for the game-winning touchdown. With this win, you helped secure your place at the top of your division and a place in the playoff. Tell me, does your arm hurt with these long throws?"
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