Your Writing Is Literally So So GOOD. Its So Real Like You Can ACTUALLY Feel The Emotions Of Every Character
Your writing is literally so so GOOD. Its so real like you can ACTUALLY feel the emotions of every character and the attention to detail is just wow. Looking forward to more! <3
omg 🥹 you guys are the sweetest and thank you so much for the support!!
i know that last part that came out took foreverrrr but writer’s block is so real :( I’m already working on the next one!
messages like these keep me going some days so every single one is so appreciated 🤍
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More Posts from F1daydreamers
𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 [𝐓𝐀𝟔𝟔] 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟓
![[]](https://64.media.tumblr.com/f4c212aec97b1e5ca72564de1c7996ed/3b072919948ce336-64/s500x750/03a68802860879eba24887c565faf2b1c321738f.gif)
gif credits: @trenty
Pairing: Trent Alexander-Arnold x Fem!Reader
Summary: Arne, in hopes to focus on his team’s mental health as much as their physical, recruits a younger but just as educated psychologist to work one-to-one with the more reserved players. Trent is one of them.
A/N: guyssss!!!! ur support means the world, the sun, the moon, the solar system to me like everything!!! some of the comments u leave got me feeling like Y/N fr, big mwahs for u all! I made this part a little longer as an apology for making you wait for so long!
Warnings: more fluff, Trent slowly starting to open up methinks, angst, pressure, high-stress environment, very slow burn
Word Count: 3.1k words (11 mins reading avg)
…
You were seated at your desk, carefully closing the backs of the picture frame. You smiled as you secured the last clip, the image now safely enclosed behind the glass. It was a small comfort, one you could look at during the demanding days.
Before you had the chance to prop it up on your new cabinet, Lee entered with a folder in hand. You left your frame face-down as you stood up, and rounded your desk to greet him.
"Saw your email. Everything okay?"
Lee gave you a quick, apologetic smile as he handed you the folder. "Yeah. Won't be able to make the Man United game this weekend."
He handed you a folder emblazoned with the Man United logo, stuffed with the players' reports.
You raised an eyebrow, more concerned than curious. "That's unlike you. What's come up?"
He leaned against the edge of your desk, folding his arms. "Got to attend a family thing, non-negotiable. But that's not the only reason I'm here."
His tone shifted, more serious now. "I need you to step in and travel with the squad as the on-hand psychologist."
Your heart skipped a beat. "Me? But... I mean, I usually handle things from here. Are you sure?"
Lee nodded, his expression firm. "I wouldn't ask if I wasn't. You've been great with some of the boys so far, and they trust you. This game is going to be intense, and they'll need your support. Plus, it's good for them to have some consistency, especially with me out."
It all made sense, but the reality of it hit hard. You’d only been here for two months, barely building trust through a handful of sessions a week. Now, being thrown into the deep end at Old Trafford for an away game just felt like career suicide.
You bit your lip, the weight of the responsibility starting to settle in. The thought of traveling with the team, being there in the thick of it, was both exciting and daunting.
"I don't know, Lee. What if-" Your voice wavered, playing with the corners of the folder in your hand.
"You'll be fine," he interrupted, his tone reassuring. "You're more than capable. And look, I'll only be a phone call away if you need anything."
You hesitated for a moment, the nerves swirling in your stomach. But deep down, you knew this was a chance you couldn't pass up. Lee believed in you and it was inevitable at one point.
"Okay," you finally said, taking a deep breath. "Sure."
Lee's face broke into a wide grin. "Good. I'll let the gaffer know and I'll make sure everything's arranged for you."
You nodded, watching as he left. The thrill of the weekend was tempered by the gnawing anxiety that you weren't ready, that you were diving headfirst into something you couldn't fully control. Sure, some of the boys had warmed up to you but others were still keeping you at arm's length.
You scoffed to yourself, more like just the one. You were walking a fine line with him and the last thing you wanted was to make things worse. In the heat of the moment, a sentence, an expression, a word could tick someone off.
You couldn't continue your train of thoughts, the folder staring up at you, waiting to be opened. With a steadying breath, you took a seat at your desk again and finally opened it, beginning to read through the reports.
...
The squad and staff gathered at the training ground, the usual pre-match energy heightened by the knowledge that today’s destination was Old Trafford.
You stood off to the side, watching the players mill around as they waited for the coaches to arrive, the hum of conversation and laughter blending with the distant noise of fans outside the gates.
You were trying to keep your own nerves in check, running through mental notes on the players, when Curtis sauntered over, a relaxed smile on his face.
“Bit of a madhouse out there." He said, nodding toward the entrance where the sound of chanting fans was growing louder.
“Just a bit,” you replied with a smile, honestly grateful for the distraction.
He chuckled, giving you a once-over. “You look a little tense. First time heading into enemy territory got you rattled?”
You gave him a mock glare, though the truth behind his teasing made you sigh. “Maybe a little. It’s just.. a lot. Big game, and I’m still getting used to being around everyone, let alone on a match day.”
Curtis leaned against the wall beside you, his expression softening. “I get it. But you’ve been solid with us. We’re glad you’re here, even if some of us” - he raised an eyebrow - “aren’t great at showing it.”
You smirked, knowing exactly who he was referring to.
“Trent?”
He grinned. “Nah, Wataru." You nudged his shoulder with your hand, and Curtis pushed himself off of the wall. His attention was directed back to the team as Arne brought everyone together.
"You're gonna smash it, see you in Manny." He flashed you a smile before jogging back over.
You adjusted your backpack currently slung over your shoulder, glancing up but accidentally catching Trent's eye across the large entryway.
He was standing a little apart from the others, his posture relaxed but with an air of deliberate composure. His hands were casually tucked into his pockets, and his usual stoic expression was softened by a hint of curiosity.
His gaze lingered on you longer than usual, more intent and thoughtful.
You offered him a shy smile, unsure of what to expect in return. Almost immediately, his eyes darted away, his expression tightening as he turned his attention back to the team.
A tinge of disappointment settled in your chest, but you didn’t have time to linger on it as the coach pulled into the parking space out front.
“You’ve got this. You’ve got this,” you whispered to yourself, as if it were a mantra, following the backroom staff out of the training ground.
…
The first half had been tightly contested, with neither team managing to score, leaving the game deadlocked at 0-0.
The only real highlight was Trent’s free kick from just outside the box - a powerful shot that flew high, curling away from the goal before soaring over the bar. The away fans held their breath in anticipation, only to exhale in disappointment as the ball missed its mark.
From the sidelines, you watched as Trent’s frustration grew more evident, his usual composure giving way to visible agitation.
Each missed opportunity seemed to fuel his irritation, and it was clear his emotions were beginning to take over.
You sighed as the referee jogged over after a hard tackle. The yellow card was raised high, and Trent’s reaction was a sharp scoff as he walked away, shooting a disdainful side-eye at the player he had just fouled.
The rival fans seized the moment, erupting in cheers and taunts that grew louder and more fervent.
Old Trafford lit up as the referees became hyper-aware of Trent, ready to penalise any further outbursts. Arne’s nervousness was palpable, and the backroom staff were on their feet, counting down to the halfway mark.
Trent was no longer just reacting to the game; he was actively seeking confrontations with the Man United players. His tackles were sharper, his verbal exchanges more heated.
The tension was building to a breaking point, but the halftime whistle blew just in time, bringing a collective sigh of relief from every member of Liverpool’s staff, whether at the training ground or in the stadium.
As you left your seat to head down the tunnel, Trent’s shoulder brushed against yours, his head lowered and skin glistening with sweat.
You noticed Arne watching him closely, his face a mask of concentration and concern, fully aware of how vital Trent was to the team’s strategy - and how disastrous a second yellow card could be.
...
As the halftime break drew to a near close, the tension in the dressing room was palpable. The players sat on the benches, catching their breath and nursing the aches of the first half.
Arne stood at the front, his arms crossed as he delivered his instructions, his tone firm but calm. You could see the focus in their eyes, the determination to turn the game around in the second half.
Just as he'd finished his tactical breakdown, he turned to you, walking over.
"I want you to say a few words," he said, his voice low.
"About?" You asked quietly, unaware of the boys' wandering eyes glancing between the two of you.
"Keeping their heads in the game. Any insights that might help them stay focused and.. you know, ease off the aggression."
You swallowed, nodding. "Yeah, okay."
The players' attention turned to you as you moved to the centre of the room, a mix of curiosity and expectation in their gazes. It was almost comical - this was the first time many of them were hearing you speak in a professional setting.
You cleared your throat, giving a quick glance to the clock hung on the wall.
You took a deep breath and began. “I know we don’t have much time, so I’ll be brief. We need to ease off on the aggressiveness." Trent, who had been staring at the floor, lifted his head slightly, his eyes now locked on you.
"We’re here to play our best football, to get the result we want and then move on. Allowing anger is only gonna distract you and hurt our performance. When you feel it bubbling up, just walk away and refocus yourself." You made an effort to connect with each player as you spoke, though deep down, you hoped your words would resonate with one in particular.
"Focus on what you can control - your passing, your tackles, your game.” A smirk tugged at Trent's lips before his head dipped again.
You scanned the room, noticing nods of understanding. “If you see a teammate getting heated, help them out."
Another breath, "push them away from the fight, back off, and concentrate on our tactics, not on the referee’s decisions or the United players. Don’t sulk on what went wrong. Learn from it and move on, yeah?"
Arne gave you a nod of appreciation as you wrapped up your little speech. "Alright, let’s make this second half count," you finished, your voice carrying a tinge of determination.
Virgil clapped twice, rallying the team as they stood and prepared to exit the dressing room. “Let’s go!” As they began filing out, you moved to the side to let them pass.
Trent was among the last to leave.
"Write me up next time," he muttered as he walked by, leaning in just enough for you to hear.
Your eyes involuntarily dropped to his lips before darting back up to meet his gaze. Your heart skipped a beat, but you quickly composed yourself and responded.
"It was meant for everyone." You lied through your teeth.
He hummed in response, a subtle hint of amusement in his voice. "Sure," he said, not even glancing back as he walked out, leaving you with the undeniable sense that he knew exactly who your speech had been aimed at.
...
In the second half, Trent seemed lighter on his feet, more focused on the tactical aspects of the game and less caught up in the aggression that had marked his earlier play.
Liverpool had eventually secured a hard-fought 0-1 victory, with Salah scoring the winner from a beautifully timed assist by Trent. The away crowds erupted as the ball hit the back of the net, and the energy from that moment carried through until the final whistle.
As you watched him on the pitch, his frustration giving way to calm determination, you couldn’t help but wonder if your halftime words had played a part in that change.
Even a small part, that was more than enough to make you feel like you were on the right track.
The journey back to the training ground was a short one, the adrenaline from the win still buzzing among the team.
But by the time you arrived, the place had already started to empty out, with most of the team and staff having headed home to celebrate or rest.
The win had been sweet, but the quietness that greeted you at the training ground felt like a peaceful end to a very intense day.
You hadn’t intended to stay at the training ground as late as you did after returning, but with Kaia staying over at a friend’s house and the stack of unwritten reports waiting for your attention, you found yourself at your desk again.
The evening had unfolded into an unexpected work spell as you prepared for the upcoming sessions and tackled the never-ending paperwork.
The soft glow from your new office lamp created a cozy pool of light, the only sounds in the quiet room being the occasional rustle of papers and the gentle hum of the air conditioning.
Starting to nurse a headache, you rubbed your eyes carefully as to not smudge your makeup.
The words of practising what you preached echoed in your mind, working for hours on end without a break was hardly the advice you’d give to anybody.
So, you eventually pushed away from your desk and decided to step outside your office for a walk.
The halls were quiet and mostly vacant as you strolled, letting your mind drift and find a moment of peace.
You made your way to the large glass windows that stretched across both the first and second floors, providing a panoramic view of the training grounds below.
The evening sky was transitioning into deep blues, with the last hints of daylight fading.
Yet your gaze was drawn to a solitary figure on the pitch, illuminated by the few remaining lights.
It was him.
Even from this distance, his form was unmistakable as he set up a line of balls and readied himself for another round of free kicks. Instantly, you were reminded of earlier - his powerful shot that had soared over the bar.
Seeing him out there, still working hard, your shoulders slumped in realisation.
The scene was almost surreal, marked by the quiet dedication of a player refusing to call it a day.
You stood there in complete silence, taking in the sight as if it were a scene from a film - each deliberate movement and focused effort holding your rapt attention.
It was a side of him you hadn’t seen before. Alone and immersed in his own world, completely absorbed in his craft without a care for the outside distractions.
Deciding to join him, you headed out of the building and towards the pitch. The evening air was crisp, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of nearby trees.
You crossed your arms over your chest, maintaining a respectful distance as you approached. You hoped your presence would neither startle him nor prompt him to leave.
"Mind if I watch?" You asked, keeping your tone light and casual.
Trent glanced at you, his gaze lingering for a moment before he turned back to the pitch. There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes, but no trace of annoyance.
"Suit yourself, psychologist," he replied, his voice steady. You nodded - guess that was good enough for you.
You watched as he rolled the first ball to his feet, his focus razor-sharp as he stopped it and took a few steps back.
The ball sailed through the air, curving beautifully into the top corner of the net. You couldn’t help but be impressed.
"That was perfect," you said, genuinely admiring his skill.
Trent shrugged, wiping sweat from his brow. "Just another shot."
"Give yourself more credit than that. It’s not easy," you countered. "I admire the dedication."
He glanced back at you. “Guess you’d know.”
“Sorry?” You asked, slightly confused.
Another shot.
“The picture in your office. You played once,” he remarked, a hint of a challenge in his tone.
You found yourself wondering when he had been in your office to notice the picture, then it clicked. He'd helped you assemble the cabinet where you later placed it.
He must've spotted it in one of the boxes.
You watched as he set up another ball, and somehow, in a way that only Trent could manage, that shot was even better than the last.
You scoffed lightly, dismissing the comparison. “Nowhere near your level, obviously. But you’re right, I guess I can imagine the passion. The pressure.”
You hoped your words were reaching him, echoing the sentiments he'd talked about in so many of his interviews.
He breathed out slowly. "So why psychology?" He asked, bending over to position the next ball.
"Because mental strength is just as important as physical ability," you explained. "I've seen talented players crumble under pressure, and others rise above it. The difference often comes down to how well they manage their minds."
Trent didn’t respond immediately. He set up another shot, this time, it hit the post with a loud thud.
Frustrated, he sighed.
You picked up the ball as it bounced near you, letting it roll between your hands before walking over to him. Once there, you dropped it to the ground, letting it settle by the side of your foot.
When he looked at you, his gaze was softer than you’d ever seen it.
You felt a flutter in your chest, the kind that made your stomach dip slightly. Your fingers curled into your palms, a subconscious effort to ground yourself as the moment stretched on.
“I know I’m just a stranger,” you began gently, your tone careful and steady.
“But I’m not here to push you and you don’t have to share anything with me. I just want you to know that if you ever feel like talking, we can - no titles, just two people who might understand each other.”
You added with a slight smile. “You’ll never know unless you give it a shot.”
For a moment, he seemed to consider something. You would’ve traded anything in to know what was going through his mind at that moment.
But he shook his head, glancing out over the pitch. “I’m good for now.”
“Okay,” you replied, giving the ball a gentle nudge, just enough to pass it to him. With a nod, you stepped back and turned towards the building, heading inside.
Before entering, you turned around, surprised to find him already watching you. “Thanks for hearing me out, yeah?”
You offered him a final smile before disappearing inside.
Trent’s gaze lingered on your retreating figure for a moment longer before he returned to his practice, a slight shift in his expression as he continued his routine.
...
Part 6
Masterlist
Comment below if you want to be part of the taglist! Once you are part of it, you'll be reminded for every part of the series until its completion!
Taglist: @trentwife @bluebreadenthusiast @julovesurmom @blubsberries @remmysthings @heyjudeb @keepitabuckxx @vivi-grace @hoddystark @hiireadstuff @trentione @missusstark @iamasimpingh0e @xxxstormyninixxx @lolawwww22 @myloveisforbellingham @purpleniight @bffrwme @mss-nthng @miniemonie2001 @severebelearthquake @fireofsoul5 @greasywall @livelovepasta @bigdikzaddy
𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 [𝐓𝐀𝟔𝟔] 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏
![[]](https://64.media.tumblr.com/2c709624e8109dc9ece1801db17cc374/87134e97198970d9-af/s500x750/f1cb34e2f334b804bcef0792dc445ce114d35242.gif)
gif credits: @trenty
Pairing: Trent Alexander-Arnold x Fem!Reader
Summary: Arne, in hopes to focus on his team’s mental health as much as their physical, recruits a younger but just as educated psychologist to work one-to-one with the more reserved players. Trent is one of them.
A/N: This is me writing in hopes to distract myself from that abysmal final! Just to preface that Lee Richardson is the performance psychology consultant at LFC :) Also, I feel like Trent’s quite shy so I don’t think he’d be as rude as he is in this fanfic but for this to be a kinda enemies to lovers, I upped his rude boi energy by like 100% lol
There's no age gap btw! In the UK, it's doable to become a licensed sports psychologist in 6-10 years. If it took Reader 7/8, that would place her around 25 or 26 years of age. So, both Trent and Reader are of similar ages!
Warnings: psychology but nothing too in-depth, Trent’s rude in this :D, angst, very tense energy
Word Count: 1.9k words (6 mins reading time avg)
…
You checked your watch once, twice, then three times within a mere five minutes.
The sterile office, with its minimalist decor and muted lighting, seemed to magnify your impatience. Your eyes wandered to the vacant chair opposite you, and you sighed deeply.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was now fifteen minutes late for his first appointment.
“Not the best start,” you muttered under your breath.
Jotting a quick note on a pink Post-it to purchase a digital clock for your desk, you flipped the pen and clicked it shut, placing it down with a resigned finality. The email that landed in your inbox felt almost comically timed. It was from Lee, wishing you luck on your first official day.
You’d been in and out of the training center for the past week, organising your office, which had previously served as a spare room, often only used for the odd meetings.
Boxy and unfamiliar, it was a space you intended to transform into something warmer and more inviting with time. But any attempt to distract yourself proved futile; even the mental image of your office becoming a cozy haven couldn’t quell the unrest you felt inside.
Trent’s absence was more than a minor inconvenience; it felt like a deliberate message. After what Lee had disclosed about his rather aloof attitude, you couldn’t say you were entirely surprised.
Locking your office behind you, you ventured into the heart of the training facility. As you passed by groups of players and staff, your shoulders tensed imperceptibly. You adjusted your pace, trying to find a balance between caution and confidence.
Every corner turned, every nod exchanged with passing colleagues, felt like a small test of acceptance. Your mind raced with thoughts of proving yourself here. While a flicker of self-doubt danced across your features, you masked it beneath a veneer of professional composure.
You eventually found Trent tucked away in the far corner of a sparsely populated gym. A few exchanged ‘good mornings’ and ‘hellos’ momentarily eased your stress, but your tension returned as your gaze settled again on the man who had been purposefully late.
With a deep breath, you started heading towards him, weaving your way through the labyrinth of gym equipment.
You skirted around the treadmills, their rhythmic thudding echoing your own anxious heartbeat. Passing by the clanking weights, you dodged a few stray dumbbells left on the floor. The aroma of rubber mats and iron filled the air.
Finally, you rounded the weightlifting machines and found Trent on a mat, engrossed in his exercises. His headphones were still firmly in place, and his expression remained inscrutably focused, as though he was blocking out the world around him.
When you finally reached him, you hesitated, wanting to wait until he finished his set so as not to disturb his workout.
However, Trent spotted your reflection in the mirror in front of him as he came up. He stopped mid-crunch, the beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. He looked down, knowing exactly what this would be in regard of. He’d seen you around the training grounds enough to be familiar.
His elbows rested on his knees as his arms folded inward. He exhaled deeply, trying to regulate his breathing.
He wiped the tip of his nose with the pad of his thumb, then pulled his headphones off and let them rest around his neck.
“What?” He looked at you with mild irritation, craning his neck to see you standing just a few steps behind him.
Your lips pressed together in a courteous and tight-lipped smile.
“Hi, Trent. I’m Y/N, the new psychologist. We had an appointment scheduled for twenty minutes ago.”
Turning back to face the mirror, he stretched his arms out in front of him before reaching for a hand towel to wipe the sweat from his brow and neck.
Then he shrugged, his indifference palpable.
“Yeah, I know.” Your eyebrows furrowed at his response as you studied his expression in the mirror. His face shifted subtly, but the changes were too fleeting to decipher.
“Then why didn’t you show up?” you asked, your tone calm but firm.
"I don't see the point," he responded flatly.
In one fluid motion, he planted one palm firmly on the ground before twisting his torso and hoisting himself up with a push, turning to face you as he rose gracefully to his feet.
Your eyes locked inevitably, the proximity of his body left you no choice but to gaze up at his face, your chin tilting ever so slightly upward.
Beads of sweat glistened from his forehead, and his mouth was slightly parted as he scrutinised you from head to toe. A scoff escaped him before he turned away, sliding off some weight plates and placing them methodically beside his mat.
"I don’t need some shrink telling me how to play football," he asserted dismissively, the hints of his accent colouring his defiant tone.
You took a moment to consider your response, your gaze tracing the broad shape of his shoulders. Despite the urge to react defensively, you couldn’t shake the awareness that someone might be listening in from behind you.
You cautiously approached him, aware of the tension hanging in the air, his eyes flicking to your reflection in the mirror.
"I'm not here to tell you how to play football," you began calmly, letting the weight of your words settle between you. "I'm here to help you navigate everything off the pitch that might impact your performance on it."
"Well, thanks, but no thanks," Trent said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've managed fine so far."
“Have you?” you questioned, quickly scanning the room for any prying ears, relieved to find everyone engrossed in their own routines.
Trent rose up, clutching a 15-pound weight plate between his hands.
"Because from where I stand, the club thinks you could use some support. And honestly, there's no shame in that." That was a saying your professors had instilled in you from day one.
Trent's jaw tightened, and for a moment, you thought he might ignore you. Instead, he pivoted to face you once more, his presence suddenly palpable.
"Look, I get that you're just doing your job, yeah? But don't expect me to pour my heart out to some stranger. Especially on someone else's schedule." He emphasised.
You blinked, but maintained eye contact, refusing to back down. "Fair enough. But I'm not going anywhere, Trent. Whether you like it or not, I'll keep trying to reach you."
He studied you for a moment, then shook his head slightly, leaning in just a bit closer.
"Good luck with that, psychologist."
…
"I think that's our time wrapped up, thank you so much, Conor." You hoisted yourself up with the armrests of your chair and gave a warm smile to the man opposite you.
"Yeah, no worries. I'll see you around." Conor said as he turned, rounding the chair he was just sitting on, giving you a final nod and smile before leaving and closing the door behind him.
You waited until it clicked shut before you sinked into your chair again. Your work was deeply important to you, one of few things in life you were immensely passionate about, but man, it took its toll on longer days.
You rubbed your temples in a poor attempt to alleviate the dull ache that had formed from hours of conversation. As you tried to gather your thoughts, the interruption in the form of a new email snapped you back to reality.
It was from Lee, asking you to come and see him when you were free.
Your head rolled back for a brief moment of respite. Trent had been on your mind ever since your confrontation earlier, lingering in the back of your thoughts throughout the day, despite the overall improvement as the hours ticked by.
Resigning yourself to more work, you pushed yourself up with a temporary surge of motivation. Straightening your blouse and combing your hair with your fingers, you headed towards Lee's office across the hall.
The door stood ajar, a silver name plaque bearing his name neatly affixed. Lee's office exuded an air of scholarly authority, with shelves lined with books, framed certificates adorning the walls, and strategically placed pieces of Liverpool memorabilia.
He glanced up from his desk as you knocked on the doorframe.
"You asked to see me?" you inquired, your head tilting slightly as he closed the folder he was reading, sliding it into the filing cabinet behind him.
"Yes, come in," Lee replied, gesturing toward the chair positioned across from him.
You smoothed down your skirt as you settled into the chair, intertwining your hands on your lap.
His demeanor exuded encouragement, warmth evident in the gentle lines of his smile. As he gathered his thoughts, your eyes fell upon a framed picture on his desk. Lee stood on the far left, flanked by several players including Trent and Curtis, their bright smiles frozen in time.
Your own smile deepened at the sight, noting how much younger they all appeared in the photograph. But as today's events replayed in your mind, your gaze momentarily lowered before returning to meet Lee's.
"A few years ago, that one," he pointed briskly at the photo, though he didn't give you time to respond before changing the topic - a relief, in your opinion.
"So," Lee clasped his hands together, "first official day? How'd it go?"
Pushing back thoughts of Trent deliberately, today had gone rather well.
"Good, honestly. Wataru and Conor were a little shy at first, but I think I was able to break through by the end of our sessions. Curtis was quite bubbly and a joy to talk to. We had some positive discussions too." You truthfully answered, giving a polite smile to round off your answer.
He nodded, impressed. Without a word, he turned to squint at his computer screen, his glasses perched atop his head. "And Trent?"
You cleared your throat, your tongue swiping over your bottom lip nervously. After a moment's hesitation, you shook your head once before answering.
"Trent didn't show up." You admitted with a wry smile. "I found him in the gym and brought it up but I wouldn't say that was a positive discussion."
Lee chuckled softly, his voice carrying a gentleness that belied his words. "Trent’s a tough nut. He’s got a lot on his shoulders and doesn't easily trust new people. But that's why you're here."
You nodded resolutely. "Absolutely. I don't intend on letting up."
"If you want me to step in-" He began but you shook your head again, halting him in the middle of his sentence.
"I respectfully don't think that's going to help. He's not exactly trusting of me right now, and I'm worried about the impression you stepping in might leave. I'm fortunate he's at least talking to me and sharing his feelings." You said with a measured tone, your words careful and tinged with a hint of apprehension.
"Well, you're the pro," you smiled at his joke, exhaling a sigh.
"I'm relying on your guidance, Lee. I can only hope he'll start working with me."
Lee nodded thoughtfully. "Trent respects effort and authenticity. He's introverted, sure, but once he's comfortable, he's a lovely lad."
"I'm sure," you blinked, fiddling nervously with your fingers.
Once he's comfortable.
That shouldn't take too long, you lied to yourself.
...
Part 2
Masterlist
Comment below if you want to be part of the taglist! Once you are part of it, you'll be reminded for every part of the series until its completion!
𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 [𝐓𝐀𝟔𝟔] 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐
![[]](https://64.media.tumblr.com/f6f832ee0cca65629037bc2f670daff2/9868a4bb2f4a0409-f4/s500x750/1601c634c43ef3f3f2da81ab758b4117af5e2ee2.gif)
gif credits: @trenty
Pairing: Trent Alexander-Arnold x Fem!Reader
Summary: Arne, in hopes to focus on his team’s mental health as much as their physical, recruits a younger but just as educated psychologist to work one-to-one with the more reserved players. Trent is one of them.
A/N: Here's Part 1 if you haven't read it already!
Warnings: mentions of divorced parents, sister lives w/ Reader, awkwardness, cliff-hanger but not that big of a deal tbh so soz anyways
Word Count: 1.9k words (7 mins reading avg)
…
"Kaia! You're going to be late!" You yelled from the kitchen, your voice echoing through the hallway.
You hurriedly placed sandwiches into a fresh sandwich bag and then slipped it into her college bag.
"Okay, okay. Can you chill?" Kaia's voice, slightly muffled, floated down from the end of the corridor. You rolled your eyes, placing her water bottle next to her bag with a practiced sigh.
"No, I can't. You can't be late again, they've already sent two letters home about your attendance." Your tone was firm but laced with a hint of concern.
"For being 10 minutes late? Bit extra," she retorted as she finally appeared, her hair still slightly tousled from sleep.
"No, for always missing your first class even though I always wake you up on time," you countered, a frown creasing your forehead.
"So?" Your sister shrugged, nonchalant as ever.
"So, if you get kicked out, you have to live with Mom or Dad. You know the deal." Your voice softened a bit, hoping the reminder would make her see reason.
"Fine, fine. I'm going." She sighed heavily, zipping up her jacket with a dramatic flair and slinging her bag over her shoulder.
You stopped her at the door, walking over to the far counter. She turned back to you with a very loud, exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes.
"Water bottle." You tossed it to her, which she caught mid-air, before she turned to leave.
"And make sure you go to-" Slam. You winced at the sound of the door shutting so harshly, the finality of it echoing through the flat. Your shoulders slumped.
"Class," you finished lamely, the word hanging in the air.
"Why am I a mom before I'm a mom?" You mumbled to yourself, rubbing your forehead in frustration.
You slid your phone off the counter, texting your dad a quick update that your sister just left. You'd let it slip about her attendance letters the last time you spoke, and now it was a regular point of concern.
A quick 'good' and thumbs up emoji followed seconds later.
Your eyes flickered over to the clock hung on the wall, noting there was a measly half-hour left until you were due at work.
Luckily, the office was barely a ten-minute walk from your flat. You packed your bag at a steady pace, making sure you had everything you needed. As you descended the stairs to the ground level of your complex, you waved to a few of your neighbors, all of them scurrying off with their children to avoid being late for school.
Some things never change.
...
You juggled a stack of papers that Lee had handed you right at the front entrance.
You eventually approached your office but with your keys clutched awkwardly in your other hand, and your bag precariously draped on your shoulder but now threatening to slip off, you fumbled to fit the correct one into the lock.
The papers teetered on the brink of tumbling from your grasp, prompting a flash of irritation to cross your face.
Just as you were about to lose your grip on them entirely, Curtis appeared at your side. "Need a hand with that?" he asked, his accented voice made him sound friendly and slightly amused.
You looked up, relief washing over you. "Yes, please."
He took the stack of papers from you, his easy smile making the moment feel less chaotic. With your hands free, you managed to unlock the door with ease.
"Thanks, Curtis. You're a lifesaver."
"No problem at all," he replied, plopping the papers onto your desk with a subtle thud.
"So, who'd you piss off?" he asked, pointing his chin at the stack of papers.
You chuckled, dropping your bag by your desk and draping your cardigan over your chair. "I haven't a clue, probably God."
He laughed, turning his shoulder to the door. "Are you coming down to the canteen for breakfast?"
You paused, considering the invitation. "What's on the menu?" You pushed your hair behind your shoulders, powering on your computer.
Curtis grinned. "Just about everything. You name it, they’ve got it."
You smiled, the tension from moments ago melting away. "Sounds tempting. I'll be down in a bit."
Curtis nodded and exited swiftly, leaving you with a sense of belonging. You'd been most worried about fitting in, about getting along with the players beyond mere professional courtesy. If you were going to be working with them for the next few years, building friendships was essential to you.
And maybe skipping breakfast wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
You made your way down the stairs for the second time today, smiling to a few familiar faces as you walked to the canteen.
There was a black board right out front, with the times for breakfast and lunch clearly displayed on it.
Your phone buzzed just before you entered. It was a message with a photo attachment from your sister.
You quickly opened the notification, letting the picture download. A ghost of a smile touched your lips as you rolled your eyes; it was a picture of her iPad showing a class presentation, with her classmates surrounding her.
You typed a brisk response before locking your phone and shoving it back into your pocket.
Inside, there weren’t as many people as you’d expected. An equal mix of staff and players, some recognisable and some not.
Those you did recognise were engrossed in their conversations, laughing, smiling, some serious - a mixture of emotions painted on everyone’s faces.
It was refreshing to see something other than an email inbox for the first part of your day.
But there was one person’s emotions you couldn’t quite understand.
His back was facing you, but after staring at it during most of your confrontation a few days ago, it was clear as day as to who was standing at the front of the canteen.
You wrestled with your thoughts, weighing the pros and cons of approaching him. Mostly cons, if not all, but you couldn’t build true relationships with the players if you shied away all the time.
Crossing the floor, you grabbed a plate from the stack at the beginning of the serving line. You couldn’t help but steal a few glances at his body language; you were a psychologist, after all.
His tense shoulders and slightly furrowed brow told you he wasn’t in the mood for conversation, but you pressed on.
Maybe it was just his resting face?
“Morning, Trent,” you greeted him with a smile, trying to keep your tone friendly.
He glanced at you briefly, unsurprised by your presence, likely having noticed you long before you approached.
“Psychologist,” he muttered, not making eye contact as he focused on the food in front of him.
“I must say, I admire your professionalism,” you quipped, attempting to lighten the mood, though the ensuing awkward silence made you regret your attempt.
“Any plans today?” You ventured.
“Training,” came his curt reply.
“Routine must be comforting,” You remarked, trying to maintain a conversational tone.
“Why are you talking to me?” he abruptly stopped in his tracks, his tone sharp.
You were fortunate to notice his halt in movement, otherwise you could’ve bumped into him if you hadn’t.
But judging by his build, you doubted even a nudge would’ve stirred him. His cold stare bore into yours, and you fought to maintain composure.
"Because I think you're a great conversationalist," you said with a smile. He paused briefly, rolled his eyes, then slid his plate off the tray rail and walked away.
A faint chuckle escaped you as you watched Trent walk away, his expression guarded. Sighing inwardly, you turned back to the serving line, reaching for a piece of toast with a mix of amusement and resignation.
One of the canteen ladies, her silver hair neatly pinned back and wearing a crisp white apron over her uniform, approached you with a knowing smirk.
Her eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief as she leaned closer. “Wow, haven’t heard a conversation that awkward since my first double date in ’97.”
You couldn’t help but laugh, grateful for her light-hearted approach. “Yeah, it was pretty rough, wasn’t it?”
You let a brief moment of silence pass before you continued.
“I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m Y/N,” you said, extending your hand.
Carol, as she introduced herself, took your hand with a firm shake. Her affable demeanour was a stark contrast to Trent’s disinterested reception, one you welcomed.
“Ah, the young psychologist. Lee’s mentioned you a wee bit. I’m Carol. Been working here since the beginning of time, or so it feels.”
“You look as young as me,” you complimented with a smile, noticing the genuine kindness in her eyes.
“Oh, stop it,” Carol chuckled softly, waving off your compliment. “How are you finding it here?”
You shrugged in response, glancing around the canteen before meeting her gaze again. “You really want to ask me that after what you’ve just overheard?”
Carol nudged your shoulder playfully. “I’ve heard worse back in my day. What’s happened between yous two?”
“Nothing,” you reassured her quickly. “He’s still getting used to me being around.”
“Well, if he’s anything like the Trent I know, he’ll come around at one point, just keep pissing him off,” Carol joked cordially, her voice carrying a touch of wisdom.
You nodded with a bright smile, tilting your head. “Yes, ma’am.”
…
As you sat in your small office, you locked your phone after messaging your sister to warm up dinner for herself, knowing you’d be home late.
Your mind wandered again - to your family, to your work, to him.
The glow of your laptop screen illuminated the dimly lit room. You had been poring over articles for what felt like hours, hoping to uncover more about him than he had revealed to you personally.
You had always found the internet to be your greatest ally when working with clients, especially world-famous athletes.
You wanted to delve deeper into understanding the anomaly that was Trent Alexander-Arnold, to move beyond your brief and often contentious interactions.
With a few clicks, you eventually navigated to interviews featuring him.
The first video showed him discussing mental health in football, a topic he approached with surprising openness. His words were measured yet sincere, revealing a vulnerability that contrasted sharply with what you had witnessed so far.
“I guess I’m not as trusting as some of the other guys on the team,” Trent admitted on screen, his gaze sincere as he spoke directly to the interviewer’s camera. “I’ve never been comfortable sharing my personal issues, outside of my family. There’s always a fear of judgment.”
You watched intently, feeling a pang of empathy as Trent’s words resonated with you. It was as if he was sitting right in front of you, confiding in you directly.
In another interview, Trent discussed the pressures of fame and the struggle to balance his private life with the demands of professional football.
His shoulders relaxed slightly as he spoke, revealing glimpses of a man grappling with expectations far beyond his years.
As you paused the video to let his words sink in, Trent’s earlier rebuke echoed in your mind.
“Don’t expect me to pour my heart out to some stranger. Especially on someone else’s schedule.”
Then suddenly, a light bulb went off in your mind as you rattled through all the different strategies you were taught at university.
You realised that perhaps your approach with Trent had been too clinical, too focused on schedules and protocols.
Without hesitation, you opened your email and addressed a message to both Arne and Lee.
Your fingers tapped out a request, concise yet loaded with implications that only you understood fully.
For now.
…
Part 3
Masterlist
Comment below if you want to be part of the taglist! Once you are part of it, you'll be reminded for every part of the series until its completion!
Taglist: @trentwife @bluebreadenthusiast @julovesurmom @blubsberries @remmysthings @heyjudeb @keepitabuckxx
just want to say ur trent series is the best thing i’m reading rn i love love love it sm 💘💘
and my heart just exploded 🥹
you guys are so so cute, and you make my heart melt with your compliments 🤍
tysm @letmeapologise !!