#reply: emir

[heavengones]

“what do you want me to say ?” blues are vicious when they stare into the familiarity of a comfort . the only man in her life to make her understand how a person could be a home . “they say when you know , you know and i guess i just knew .”

[willabulstrode]

Willa had never expected to have such a front and centre position at Agatha's wedding. Even a few months back Willa could never even imagine attending without her father forcing Agatha's hand, never mind Agatha willingly asking her to be bridesmaid. In all their years of estrangement, it felt odd that Willa hadn't even properly met the man who was now her brother-in-law.

At the thanks for coming, Willa shrugged, casting a glance over her shoulder to ensure they were out of earshot of other guests. "Well I'm considering myself lucky to even be here, never mind being a bridesmaid." She jested with a smile. "Well then, how does it feel to be Mr and Mrs Selwyn?"

location: Blenheim Palace, Selwyn Wedding status: open to everyone

The ceremony had been great, everything going off without a hitch. Agathas hard work had clearly paid off, the attention to detail on even the smallest things was noticeable. "Thank you for coming. It is good seeing you." He was making his rounds right now, greeting the guests, as any good host should.

[rafecameronssl4t]

In-flight Attraction || Drew Starkey x flight attendant!reader

Summary: Drew being drawn to you at the airport and turns out your on his flight.

Warnings: none :)

Word count: 1,584

A/n: this might be a niche pairing but my older sister officially became an Emirates flight attendant yesterday and I’m so incredibly proud of her 🥹🥹

MASTERLIST

The fluorescent lights of the bustling airport reflected off the polished tiles as Drew made his way through the terminal. He adjusted the strap of his backpack on his shoulder, trying to blend in with the crowd. Despite his efforts to go unnoticed, a few passersby glanced at him, some lingering in recognition. Drew offered a polite nod to anyone who made eye contact but otherwise kept his head down.

It was early, and he wasn’t particularly in the mood for small talk. As he neared his gate, a group of flight attendants walked by in perfect unison, and their presence commanding attention. Crisp uniforms in shades of navy and white, polished shoes clicking against the floor, and perfectly styled hair—it was a sight that made people pause.

Among them, one person stood out. You. Drew’s attention locked on you almost immediately. There was something about the way you carried yourself—effortless confidence mixed with a warm, approachable energy. Your uniform fit perfectly, the tailored blazer accentuating your figure, and your hair was neatly styled, though a few soft strands framed your face, adding a touch of natural beauty to your polished appearance. You weren’t trying to stand out, yet you did.

The group walked in a tight formation, your fellow attendants chatting quietly among themselves, but you weren’t entirely focused on the conversation. Your eyes scanned the crowd, and for a fleeting moment, they met Drew’s. His breath hitched. You smiled. Not one of those polite, practiced smiles flight attendants often give passengers, but a real one—gentle and genuine, as if you’d caught the faintest glimpse of something amusing or intriguing about him.

It was brief, but it lingered in Drew’s mind like the faint melody of a song he couldn’t place. He managed a small smile in return, but you were already looking away, continuing your stride. Drew stood rooted for a moment, watching as you disappeared down the terminal, your ponytail swaying with every step. He didn’t understand why he felt so drawn to you, but there was no denying it. Shaking his head, he made his way to the boarding area.

~

The cabin hummed with activity as passengers settled into their seats. Drew glanced at his boarding pass—seat 6A, first class. He slid into the spacious window seat, grateful for the extra room and privacy. After securing his bag in the overhead compartment, he sat back and adjusted his baseball cap, hoping to catch a quick nap once they were airborne. He didn’t expect to see you again so soon.

As the flight attendants prepared for takeoff, you emerged from the galley. Drew’s heart skipped when he saw you again, your composure and grace even more striking up close. The uniform suited you perfectly, but it wasn’t just about how you looked—it was the way you moved, the way you smiled as you interacted with passengers. And then your eyes met his.

The same warmth from earlier flickered in your gaze, but this time it was paired with a faint look of recognition. You didn’t falter, maintaining your professional demeanour as you offered him a small nod, but Drew could swear there was a hint of amusement in your expression. “Good morning, Mr Starkey,” you greeted softly, your voice carrying just the right amount of charm without being overbearing.

He blinked, caught off guard by the fact that you’d recognised him. “Morning,” he replied, his voice raspier than intended. You didn’t linger, moving on to greet the other passengers with the same professionalism. Drew watched as you moved through the cabin, making sure everyone was settled. Soon, you returned to the front of the cabin, standing perfectly poised as you began the safety demonstration.

Drew knew he should be paying attention to the instructions—he always did—but this time, he couldn’t focus on anything but you. The way you moved your hands to point out the exits, and the faint smile you wore throughout the demonstration—it all captivated him. His gaze never wavered, even as you demonstrated how to secure the oxygen mask and fasten the seatbelt.

For a brief moment, your eyes flicked in his direction, as if you could feel the weight of his stare, and your lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. By the time you finished and stepped aside, Drew realised his pulse had quickened. You returned to your spot near the galley, and for a second, your eyes met again. It was fleeting, but the subtle connection lingered in the air, leaving Drew both intrigued and impatient for the hours ahead.

~

Midway through the flight, Drew couldn’t help but steal glances at you. Whether you were assisting a passenger or gliding down the aisle with a tray of drinks, you had a way of making everything look effortless. When you approached his row to offer refreshments, he felt his pulse quicken. “Would you like something to drink?” you asked, your tone light but polished. “Just water, please,” he replied, trying not to stare too long. You handed him a glass, your fingers brushing his briefly, and Drew swore he felt an electric jolt.

He caught the faintest scent of your perfume—subtle but intoxicating.“Thank you,” he said, his voice steady despite the thrum of his heartbeat. You smiled again, this time with a touch of curiosity, as if you could sense his intrigue but chose not to acknowledge it outright. “Let me know if you need anything else.” Drew watched as you walked away, his thoughts a tangle of admiration and curiosity. He had met countless people in his line of work, yet something about you was undeniably different.

~

Drew adjusted the strap of his backpack as he stepped out of the cab in front of his hotel in New York. The afternoon sun reflected off the sleek glass exterior of the towering building, its grandeur a sharp contrast to the quiet airport he’d left behind just hours earlier. The flight had been smooth, but Drew’s thoughts had been anything but.

You occupied his mind from the moment he’d seen you walking through the terminal. It was unusual for someone to leave such an impression on him after such a brief interaction, but there was something about you—your presence, your kindness, your smile—that had lingered And now, as he handed his bag off to the valet and walked through the lobby doors, a pang of disappointment settled in his chest.

The odds of seeing you again were slim to none. You were a flight attendant, constantly traveling, and he was heading into a whirlwind of work commitments. The moment was over, and he would have to accept it for what it was: fleeting but memorable. He checked in at the front desk, trying to shake off the feeling. After receiving his room key, he stepped back outside for a moment, drawn by the crisp winter air.

He stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets and glanced down the busy street, watching the steady rhythm of life in the city. A bus pulled up in front of the hotel, its brakes hissing as it came to a stop. Drew’s gaze drifted toward it absentmindedly, but what he saw next made his heart skip. It was you. You stepped off the bus, your suitcase rolling behind you as the other flight attendants followed close behind.

The navy-blue uniform he had spent the last few hours admiring looked just as immaculate, but now the late afternoon sunlight caught your hair, making it gleam. Drew froze, unsure if his eyes were playing tricks on him. You looked up as you stepped onto the sidewalk, your eyes scanning the hotel entrance—and then they landed on him. Your steps faltered for just a moment before a smile spread across your face, one that mirrored the same warmth from earlier but carried a hint of surprise.

For a moment, neither of you moved. Drew felt his pulse quicken, a mixture of disbelief and excitement coursing through him. He watched as you exchanged a few words with one of your colleagues before turning fully toward him, your curiosity evident in the way your eyes lingered on his. “You again,” you said teasingly as you approached, your suitcase gliding effortlessly behind you. He laughed, shaking his head in amazement. “Yeah, I guess fate has a sense of humour.”

You tilted your head slightly, your smile softening. “Staying here, too?” “Looks like it,” Drew said, his voice a touch lower, unable to hide his grin. “I wasn’t expecting to see you again.” “Neither was I,” you admitted, glancing at the hotel before looking back at him. “Small world.” The noise of the city buzzed around you both, but in that moment, it felt like the rest of the world had faded.

Drew cleared his throat, forcing himself to sound casual. “Well, I hope they’ve got good coffee inside. I could use some after that flight.” You chuckled. “If they don’t, I might know a place nearby.” For the first time that day, Drew felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this wasn’t the end of the story after all.

[holyblonded]

negotiations | always sunny in australia

pairings: arsenal wfc x teen!reader

summary: your contract is under negotiation, causing unrest on the team

notes: i feel like i am slacking in the chickie fics 💔

Leah Williamson couldn’t sleep. Her sheets were tangled like the mess in her head, the clock taunting her with every passing minute that nothing was changing.

How could she possibly sleep when her entire world was in shambles?

Some might call her dramatic. Leah would call them wrong.

Your one-year contract with Arsenal was coming to an end, and negotiations were happening behind closed doors— closed, locked, and apparently soundproofed doors that Leah had no access to. Every time your agent was asked about your future, she gave the same vague response,

“I’m doing what’s best for Chickie.”

Which was sweet. Noble. Responsible. And also not nearly enough information for someone who had basically appointed herself your co-parent, moral compass, part-time chauffeur, and emotional support footballer.

So yeah, Leah was stressed. But she wasn’t alone. Across London, your actual legal guardian was also losing it. Leah’s phone buzzed next to her pillow. 2:47 AM. She picked it up faster than she had in her life. “Finally,” she whispered.

“Are you alone?” Sam’s voice came through, dead serious.

“Yes. Are you?”

“I’m in the laundry room with the dog. No one suspects anything.”

Leah sat up. “Is your team ready?”

Sam let out a low chuckle. “Everything is set in place. Vic’s on standby. Kyra’s been bribed.”

Leah smirked, already proud. “Good. My team’s been briefed. Beth’s got the snacks, Lotte’s baking passive-aggressive pies. We’re ready.”

There was a pause. A dramatic silence only two women plotting to emotionally manipulate a child into signing a football contract could share.

“I’ll be dropping off the package at approximately 8 AM,” Sam said finally, solemn. “Make sure everything’s in position.”

“Roger that.” Leah saluted into the phone.

That’s when the bedroom door creaked open.

Leah whipped around and yelped, fumbling the phone and almost knocking over her bedside lamp.

Elle stood in the doorway, arms crossed, one perfectly sculpted brow raised in judgment. “What. Are. You. Doing.”

Leah blinked. “Uh. Nothing.”

“Nothing?” Elle’s voice was suspiciously calm. “Because that nothing sounded like you were coordinating a covert operation with a woman in a laundry room.”

“I don’t—there’s no covert—” Leah was stammering now, panic painted all over her face.

Elle raised a hand. “Leah Cathrine Williamson, if you are plotting behind Chickie’s back—”

“I’m not!” Leah shouted, then immediately winced and lowered her voice. “I’m not. I swear.”

Elle walked in, graceful and terrifying in her silk pajama set. “She’s a kid. And yes, she might joke and act chaotic and get away with everything because she’s adorable, but you have to respect her decisions.”

Leah opened her mouth.

“I’m not done.”

Leah closed her mouth.

“Her contract is her choice. You can’t bribe her or manipulate her or—”

“Sam already gave her a custom pair of cleats with ‘London’s Little Terror’ printed on the side,” Leah mumbled.

Elle stopped mid-rant. “You what?”

“I didn’t do it! Sam did! And Mario offered to do her Spanish homework for a month, and Kyra promised to make TikToks with her every day, and—”

“Leah.”

“What?!”

“She’s fifteen.”

“I know. That’s why we’re doing this!”

Elle opened her mouth to reply, but Leah was already up, throwing on a hoodie. “I’ve gotta go.”

“To where?!”

“To the Emirates. The cakes need frosting. I gotta be there when she walks in.”

“You are deranged.”

Leah, already halfway out the door, just grinned and shouted back, “We all are, babe. She’s ours.”

Elle stood there in the doorway, blinking at the chaos her girlfriend had become.

Somewhere in the darkness, the real MVP of Arsenal, Chickie, slept peacefully, unaware that the next morning was about to be full of suspicious pies, emotional bribery, and thirty very dramatic people pretending they weren’t all completely obsessed with her.

Vic, Kyra, and Beth stood pressed against the wall in the hallway like they were part of a low-budget spy movie. Arms crossed. Expressions intense. Suspiciously casual. Beth had even shoved a protein bar halfway in her mouth like she was definitely not trying to cover for something.

Renee walked by, clipboard in hand, eyes squinting at them as she slowed her steps.

“Alright. What are you three planning?”

Immediately, all three said, “Nothing,” in perfect harmony like it had been rehearsed. Beth even smiled with all her teeth… too many teeth.

Renee narrowed her eyes. Vic stared ahead like she’d never committed a crime in her life. Kyra fiddled with her sleeve like she wasn’t plotting emotional warfare. Beth blinked, possibly trying to look innocent but instead looking like someone hiding a raccoon in her bag.

Renee took one step forward, and they all visibly tensed. “I’m going to ask one more time—” she began, but a voice called from the end of the hallway.

“Coach! We need you in the physio room!”

Renee gave them one last squint and reluctantly turned on her heel. “This isn’t over.”

As soon as she disappeared, the three of them exhaled dramatically like they’d just evaded a SWAT team.

Then there you were. Just walking down the hall, blissfully unaware, humming a Laufey song under your breath.

They all exchanged a look.

“Now,” Beth said.

Vic reached out like a ninja and yanked you by the sleeve into the nearest door, Kyra shutting it behind you with suspicious speed and determination.

You stumbled into the physio room, blinking at the snacks scattered around, chips, cookies, juice boxes, a suspicious number of croissants.

“Um,” you said.

Beth locked the door.

Vic grabbed your shoulders gently but with great purpose. “We won’t let you out until you spill.”

Kyra pointed at you with a banana. “Where are you going next season?”

You blinked at them. “This is dramatic.”

“You’re dramatic,” Beth mumbled through a mouthful of gummy bears.

You giggled, plopping onto the padded physio table like you were being held hostage by puppies instead of professionals. “You guys are actually crazy.”

“Crazy in love with our baby Chickie!” Vic wailed, flopping down beside you and cradling your arm. “Just tell us. We can’t take the suspense.”

“I can’t tell you,” you said, still laughing.

“Okay, fine,” Kyra muttered. “Time for temptation.”

Vic leaned in, deadly serious. “I will do your homework. A full week. Even the maths.”

Beth gasped. “Not the maths.”

You tilted your head. “All of it? Even history?”

Vic flinched. “…Even history.”

You giggled but shook your head. “Can’t. Sorry.”

Kyra crossed her arms. “Then I’m calling Sam.”

You looked her dead in the eye and said, “Do it. She’ll probably join your little rebellion and bring snacks.”

Kyra blinked. “True.”

Beth, meanwhile, said nothing. She simply reached into her bag and pulled out a sparkly, glitter-covered sign that said in bold bubble letters: STAY.

With three glitter hearts and your name spelled out in rhinestones.

You burst out laughing, sliding off the table. “You guys are unwell.”

“We love you,” Beth said. “Let us have this.”

You opened the door, still giggling, and as you walked out, you threw them a grin over your shoulder.

“I guess you’ll find out soon enough… if your muffins are good enough.”

The door shut behind you, and all three girls stared at each other in stunned silence.

“She’s messing with us,” Vic whispered.

“I knew she was a menace,” Kyra said.

Beth sighed, hugging her sparkly sign. “I respect it.”

Leah had been patient. Painfully, torturously patient. She’d watched the others try. Watched Vic bribe, Kyra threaten, and Beth basically create an arts-and-crafts-based emotional hostage situation. But now… it was her turn. And she wasn’t going in with snacks or sparkles. She was going in with emotion.

“Hey Chick,” Leah said casually, hands in her jacket pockets, head poking into the rec room where you were minding your own business, watching a video of a squirrel on a skateboard.

You turned, suspicious. “Hi…”

“Fancy a walk?” she asked, voice light, but with a slightly manic glint in her eyes.

You narrowed yours. “A walk.”

“Just a casual one. Around the facility.” Her smile was too nice.

You sighed. “You’re gonna guilt-trip me, aren’t you?”

“Absolutely.”

You considered that, then stood up. “Alright. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

The tour began at the entrance of the training complex. Leah made sure to slow her pace as you passed the front wall, where a massive photo of your mid-goal-celebration was printed on the side of the building.

She stopped dramatically and gestured toward it like she was Vanna White.

“Wow,” she said, her voice dripping with reverence. “Would you look at that. Who’s that? Is that Chickie? Huh. Wild.”

You squinted up at the photo. “That’s from the Brighton match, you told me I celebrated like a gremlin.”

“A powerful gremlin,” she corrected, before continuing on.

She led you through the hallway lined with photos and memorabilia, kits, trophies, all the stuff that said “This is Arsenal and We’re Kinda a Big Deal.” And every few feet, she’d stop and point something out.

“Remember this?” she asked, tapping a picture of you and Leah laughing after your first match. “You were so nervous you nearly put your shin pads on backwards.”

You groaned. “Leah—”

“And this one,” she continued, pointing to a shot of you hugging Beth after a last-minute assist. “Everyone cried. Even me. And I’m so emotionally stable.”

You snorted. “Lies.”

They passed the physio room. She paused at the door.

“Just the other day I saw Vic, Kyra, and Beth dragging you in here like it was a hostage situation,” Leah said. “And what did I do? I let it happen. Because this is your home. A loving home. Where kidnapping is done respectfully.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You think this is subtle?”

“Nope,” she said brightly. “But is it working?”

You rolled your eyes, but your smile gave you away.

Then Leah upped the stakes. You two walked outside now, onto the training pitch, where everything was calm. The sun was just setting, casting a warm light over the grass. Leah pulled her hands out of her pockets and looked at you, suddenly soft.

“You know,” she began, voice quieter now. “When you showed up, I didn’t know what to expect. You were all wide eyes and nervous energy and this massive heart that you tried to hide under your hoodie.”

You looked down at your feet, kicking at the grass.

“But you got under my skin so fast. In a good way. You made me laugh again, made the team lighter. You talk too fast and steal everyone’s drinks and I caught you naming the training cones once.”

“Stanley and Patricia,” you muttered.

“Exactly,” Leah grinned. “And when you’re not around, it feels weird. Quiet. Too grown-up. Like something’s missing.”

You tried to hide your face in your sleeve. “This isn’t fair.”

Leah stepped closer, gently bumping your shoulder. “My mum asks about you every time we talk. You’ve got everyone wrapped around your finger. The crowd chants your name. You’ve got your face on three walls. You’re not just part of the team, Chickie. You are the team. You’re Arsenal.”

You looked up at her with a soft little frown. “Why are you saying all this?”

Leah smiled, so earnest it made your chest ache. “Because I love you, kid. And I’m scared. I don’t want to lose you. But I know I have to respect whatever you choose. Still, if there’s any part of you that wonders where you belong… just know, it’s here.”

You blinked hard, tears threatening. “So… manipulation. But make it heartfelt.”

Leah shrugged. “Pretty much.”

You sniffled, laughing through it. “You’re such a loser.”

“But am I a convincing loser?”

You threw your arms around her waist and buried your face in her hoodie. “I can’t say. I’m emotionally compromised.”

Leah smiled, hugging you back tightly. “Good. My job here is done.”

She walked you back in, a little skip in her step, muttering under her breath, “Sam owes me five bucks.”

It was a perfectly normal afternoon. Or at least it should have been.

You were hungry, minding your own business, just trying to make your way into the cafeteria for some pasta and possibly a suspiciously dry brownie. You pushed open the door, walked in and the entire room fell silent.

Not quiet. Silent. Like, “a pin could drop and echo” silent.

You froze in the doorway, tray in hand, eyes scanning the sea of teammates who suddenly couldn’t meet your gaze.

Steph stood up first. “I, uh, just remembered I left my… shampoo on the pitch.”

You blinked. “Your shampoo?”

“Yeah. Real slippery stuff. Can’t risk it.” She bolted.

Kyra followed, gripping Vic by the elbow like they were hostages escaping a war zone. “We have… stretching to do.”

“In the broom closet?” you asked flatly.

“Dynamic stretching.”

Beth pretended to get a phone call. “Oh look, it’s… the Prime Minister. Gotta go.”

You watched her sprint out with the phone screen clearly off.

One by one, they all trickled out, Caitlin muttering about an “urgent email,” Laia claiming she had “a soup emergency,” and Katie just yelling “NOPE” and walking away at full speed.

Within seconds, the packed cafeteria was empty. All except one person.

Lotte. Sweet, chaos-immune Lotte Wubben-Moy, who sat at the very center table with a suspiciously large pie sitting in front of her. She looked up at you with those innocent, hopeful eyes, and gestured to the seat across from her.

You sighed.

You made your way over slowly, already regretting every choice that led to this moment. You sat down, slid your tray aside, and looked at the pie.

It had “DON’T LEAVE” spelled out in carefully crimped crust letters. It was a lattice-crust plea for emotional commitment.

You stared at it. “You baked your feelings.”

Lotte smiled like this was normal behavior. “It’s blueberry. Your favorite.”

“I thought my favorite was peach.”

“I found that out after this one was already in the oven,” she replied, without missing a beat.

You kept staring at the pie, then at her, then back at the pie. You reached for the fork and the whipped cream. Lotte leaned in, eyes wide, waiting for the emotional moment and you just dug in.

With no hesitation, no comment. Just a bite. Then another. Like the words weren’t even there.

Lotte looked personally offended.

“You’re just… eating over the message?” she said, horrified.

“Yup,” you mumbled around a mouthful of flaky, guilt-ridden crust. “It’s good pie.”

“The message, Chickie,” she said, poking at the edge of the tin. “Are we ignoring the part where it says not to leave us in baked lettering?!”

You shrugged and took another bite. “Seems dramatic.”

Lotte gaped. “You are suddenly emotionally unavailable in the worst way.”

“Yup,” you said again, voice cheerful.

“Do you even care how much we’ll miss you?”

You paused, looked at her for a second, really looked, and then reached out and picked up the whole pie tin.

“Thanks for the snack,” you said with a wink, and walked away, pie in hand.

Behind you, Lotte dramatically collapsed onto the table like a tragic Shakespearean hero. “I BAKED MY SOUL INTO THAT CRUST!”

From down the hallway, you yelled back, “AND I’M TAKING IT TO MY ROOM!”

It started out as a simple mission. Well. As simple as anything gets when the team has collectively decided to break every ethical guideline in the “Contract Negotiation Interference Handbook” to figure out whether you were staying at Arsenal or leaving for another club.

Alessia had been quiet at first. Watching. Waiting. Letting the others attempt their wild schemes, Vic’s emotional monologues, Kyra’s threats, Beth’s glitter posters, Lotte’s pie-shaped manipulation. All good efforts. All massive failures.

So Alessia decided to take a different route. A calculated one. A bribery one.

You were sitting on one of the benches outside the training ground, minding your business, trying not to crack under the collective weight of a team who had turned into a desperate cult of affection.

Alessia approached with a calm, neutral expression. A shoebox in her hands.

You blinked. “What’s that?”

“Oh, nothing,” she said casually. “Just something I thought you’d like. No pressure. No questions. Just a gift.”

You looked suspicious. “This isn’t a trap?”

Alessia gave you a beatific smile. “I’m not Kyra.”

Fair point. You opened the box. And then you saw them. Bright. Yellow. Boots. Custom-made. Kangaroos embroidered on the sides. “CHICKIE #1 GUNNER” printed across the heel in bold white lettering. Your eyes widened like dinner plates.

You didn’t speak. Not immediately. You just stared at them. Then sniffled. Then blinked. Then let out a soft, high-pitched squeak as your bottom lip trembled.

“Oh—oh no,” Alessia panicked. “Are you crying?”

You nodded, aggressively. “Th-these are the most b-beautiful boots I’ve ever seen!”

Alessia winced. “Oh my god. I didn’t mean to make you cry. I thought this would make you—oh, Chickie—”

You were already hugging the box to your chest like it was a newborn child. “You know yellow’s my favorite color and kangaroos are my favorite animal and that slogan—you remembered my slogan—”

Alessia awkwardly sat down beside you, patting your back as you fully sobbed into the cardboard. “Okay, alright, breathe. It’s okay. They’re just boots. Special boots. Very cute boots. But boots.”

“I love them so much,” you wailed.

“I know, honey, I know.”

That’s when Leah stormed into view like a general on a battlefield. “Less! I told you to get the info out of her, not her tears!”

“She cried when she saw the boots!” Alessia defended, hands raised.

“They have kangaroos on them!” you sobbed, holding them up like Simba in The Lion King. “And my slogan, Leah!”

“Oh my god,” Leah muttered, rubbing her temples.

Alessia leaned into you again and whispered, “You sure you don’t wanna just hint at your decision? Maybe one boot tap for yes?”

You shook your head violently, tears still streaming. “This is such a sweet gesture. I—I—” You hiccupped. “I want to wear them forever.”

Leah sat down with a thud. “I hate it here.”

Alessia shrugged, gently pulling you into a side hug as you sniffled into her shoulder. “Honestly? I think I won.”

“You got her snot on your hoodie,” Leah said, unhelpfully.

You clutched the boots tighter. “I love you guys so much.”

“Still not telling us anything, though,” Leah said.

You shook your head with a tiny smile, eyes wet, nose stuffy, heart full. “Nope.”

Alessia sighed. “I gave her kangaroo boots and all I got was this emotional breakdown.”

Leah muttered, “Add that to the shirt.”

Kristie knew before you did. Of course she did. That’s the curse and blessing of being loved by someone like Kristie Mewis. She just knows.

She doesn’t ask, not right away. She doesn’t push or poke like the rest of the squad. She watches you stumble around with your hair a mess and your brain even messier. She brings you snacks. Ruffles your hair. Says things like “wherever you go, we’re gonna love you anyway” which is so annoying.

You try not to think about the decision when you’re with her. You talk about everything else. You help her decorate the nursery. You watch her wobble dramatically around the house, hand pressed to her lower back, dramatically asking, “Will you still love me when I’m just a human beach ball?”

You tell her she’ve always been a beach ball, but like… a really hot one.

You both giggle. She throws a pillow at you. But then one night, it gets quiet. Too quiet.

It’s late. The house is dark. Sam’s already passed out on the couch with a cookie halfway in her mouth.

You crawl into bed next to Kristie. You’re still wearing your oversized hoodie, the one with the red Arsenal crest faded from too many washes. You burrow yourself under the covers, half trying to disappear.

She doesn’t say anything. Just waits. And eventually, with your cheek pressed against her shoulder, you whisper, “I have so many options, Kris.”

“I know, baby.”

“Like, real ones. Barça. Lyon. City. A team in the NWSL even called.”

“I know.”

“They all say the same things, like it’s going to be the perfect step, or a new chapter, or a great financial move. But…” Your voice cracks a little. “It all just feels wrong.”

Kristie hums, rubbing your back slowly. “Because it’s not home.”

You nod, hoodie pulled up so she can’t see your teary face.

She keeps stroking your back, soft and patient.

“Sometimes I wonder,” you mumble, “if I’m just scared of change. Or if I’m making the easy choice. But then I see the girls at training, or hear Leah yelling at me from three rooms away, or I remember how Beth brings me strawberry milk when I’m sad, and I think… this isn’t the easy choice. It’s the right one.”

Kristie tilts her head and kisses the top of your hair.

You take a shaky breath. “I said yes.” A pause. “I’m staying.”

There’s no dramatic gasp. No over-the-top celebration. Kristie just holds you tighter and murmurs against your forehead, “Good. You’re home.”

You smile into her shirt.

“I mean,” she adds after a beat, “you still owe me like two months of foot rubs for the emotional toll of this whole saga, but yeah—home’s a good start.”

You groan. “Can’t believe you emotionally supported me just to invoice me.”

Kristie laughs. “Kid, this is the Mewis Package™. Love, emotional stability, and accountability. You signed up the second you crawled into my lap that day after your first press conference and cried about Sam feeding you spoiled Vegemite.”

You roll your eyes. “You still bring that up.”

“You said it tasted like regret and burnt rubber. I’ll never forget that.”

She leans down and kisses your forehead again. “We’re so proud of you, Chickie. No matter what. But I’m really glad you’re staying.”

You grin. “So… can I stay in your bed forever too?”

“Okay, no,” Kristie says, laughing. “One child at a time. The baby hasn’t even arrived yet and I already have one Chickie curled up like a feral hoodie goblin.”

You stick your tongue out and nuzzle closer. “Too late. I live here now.”

Kristie sighs. “I’m gonna have to get a bigger bed.”

And you both fall asleep like that, hoodie goblin and soccer mom, curled up safe, home, and finally, finally at peace.

The locker room was silent. Like the kind of silence that pressed in around your chest and made it hard to breathe. The kind of silence that came after goodbyes, after endings, after heartbreak.

No one said it out loud, but they all felt it. The tension was thicker than a milkshake on a summer day. It hung in the air like fog, heavy and impossible to see through. They were all waiting.

Lotte sat with her elbows on her knees, staring at the floor. Kyra had her head against the wall, arms crossed tight across her chest. Vic was half-hunched in a corner, pulling at the strings on her hoodie like they’d unravel her anxiety. Alessia scrolled aimlessly on her phone, not even looking at the screen. Even Beth wasn’t smiling.

Leah paced. She’d been pacing for ten minutes straight, muttering to herself under her breath like she was delivering a dramatic monologue in a Shakespearean tragedy. Lia had given up on getting her to sit down.

“Do you remember when she first arrived?” Alessia asked suddenly, voice soft.

A murmur of agreement went through the room.

“She walked in with the biggest hoodie I’ve ever seen,” Kyra added. “And said, ‘Is it always this cold in England, or is this a punishment?’”

They all laughed, even if it was a little watery.

“She used to get so nervous before games,” Lotte said, a smile tugging at her lips. “But then she’d go out there and nutmeg someone twice her size.”

“And that one time she tackled Leah during training and then offered her a gummy bear as an apology,” Vic said through a sniffle.

Leah paused her pacing just long enough to scowl. “She launched herself at me like a cannonball.”

“But you ate the gummy bear,” Kyra pointed out.

Everyone chuckled.

“She changed this team,” Beth murmured, voice cracking just slightly. “Made it warmer. Lighter. Louder. Better.”

A hush settled again.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do without her,” Alessia said. “It’s not just about football. It’s—” she swallowed, “—not seeing her every day. Not hearing her giggle when she sneaks biscuits into the physio room. Not having her throw herself across the locker room just to give you a hug after a bad game.”

“I miss her already,” Vic mumbled.

“She’s not even gone yet,” Leah said, almost defensively. But even her voice was trembling. “She’s just… deciding.”

The door creaked open.

Renee walked in with a grin so wide it was practically criminal. She had something tucked under her arm. A laptop. And a gleam in her eye.

“Right,” she said, “everyone pay attention.”

They all straightened, alert. Hope sparked, but no one wanted to say it out loud. Not yet. Not until they were sure.

Renee opened the laptop, turned it toward them, and pressed play.

The screen flickered. And there you were. Wearing your kit, hair pulled back, standing in the middle of the training pitch with a nervous, excited smile.

Your voice was soft but clear.

“Hi. Uh, surprise? I guess. I’ve been thinking a lot, and it hasn’t been easy. But the truth is…” You looked into the camera, eyes bright. “I’m not done here.”

The room exploded. Beth screamed. Kyra started yelling. Vic burst into tears so aggressively she dropped her water bottle. Lotte stood up and immediately sat back down like her knees gave out. Alessia looked like she was going to faint.

And Leah? Leah fell straight to the floor like a Victorian woman being struck by a scandal. Lia didn’t even try to catch her this time. She just sighed and rubbed her temples.

“Oh my GOD,” Leah gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “I thought I was going to have to start watching Barça matches.”

Beth was crying so hard she couldn’t speak, just waving her arms around like she was conducting an emotional orchestra.

And then the door opened again. And there you were. Smiling. Calm. Hoodie up, but your Arsenal crest proudly peeking out from underneath.

“Told you I was good at keeping secrets,” you said with a cheeky grin.

You didn’t even get the chance to take another step before they swarmed you. Like a pack of overexcited puppies, they tackled you in a group hug that nearly took you down. Arms wrapped around your waist, your shoulders, your legs. Someone kissed your cheek. You were pretty sure it was Beth. Vic buried her face into your side, sobbing. Alessia just held your hand like you were going to disappear again.

“Don’t do that again!” Lotte said between tears.

“You scared us!” Kyra added.

“You’re not allowed to go anywhere without written permission from the group chat,” Vic sniffled.

“Yeah,” Leah added, pulling back just long enough to point a very stern finger at you. “We’re implementing another buddy system.”

You laughed. Overwhelmed, flushed, happy beyond belief.

“I’m not going anywhere,” you said, hugging them tighter. “This is home.”

They all squeezed you even harder. And in that cramped, chaotic locker room, full of laughter and happy sobs and glittery signs and people who loved you. It really, truly was home.

[wlwsoccerfics]

Bad Back(StephCatleyXArsenalReader)

Summary: during a Game you get a Back injury that leaves you with a back brace for a few months and your wife takes Care of you.

You and Daphne switched every other Game. Both sharing the Spot of Number one Goalkeeper on the Team. You liked that alot Sharing the Spot with your best friend and fellow dutchie.

Currently you were on the way to the Game at the emirates. Your wife Steph was driving. You didn't Drive with the team on the Bus cause you planned on visiting Manchester with Steph and Beth to see your sister Viv. She was your twin. You weren't identical but still had that Special twin bond. Vic was watching Myle and Calvin for you Guys so you could take the two later with you Guys to Manchester.

"i am excited to see Viv!" You told your wife. Steph laughed softly. Of course she wasn't surprised to hear that.

"i would be concerned If you weren't excited Babe. For real. I don't know who is more excited to see Vivi, you or Beffy!" Your wife answered.

"okay valid! I don't know either." You admitted and chuckled softly.

"are you excited about the game today? I know how much you enjoy Games against Manchester United." Your wife replied.

"Very excited." You let her know. "You?" You asked.

"very much." Steph said softly.

When you reached the Stadium you walked to the changing room together, Hand in Hand. Running into Kim & Leah on the way there.

"aww it's our newly weds!" Leah stated teasingly. You have been married for 3 years and have been together for almost 5. But it was no Secret that you still often acted like freshly in Love Teens. So the Team liked to tease you two about it.

"Jealous much, Williamson?" You asked just as teasingly. Leah was one of your best friends.

"Like she is any better with Elle!" Kim replied. Chuckling softly.

"Point for you, Kimmy!" Steph said and smiled. All of sudden you felt someone jump onto your back, quickly holding her.

"Hoi beste vriendin." You heard Daphne say. You smiled and held her up on your back with one arm. ( hi bestie. )

"Hoi Daphne." You replied and smiled softly.

"Je gaat het vandaag geweldig doen! Dat weet ik zeker!" Daphne let you know, which made you smile even more. ( you gonna do amazing today! i just know it! )

"Bedankt." You replied. Your little group made it's way into the changing rooms.

You sat down and put on your Football cleats after greeting everyone.

"i am excited to Play against Tooney!" Alessia admitted.

"we gonna kick Manchester Uniteds Asses!" Katie stated.

"i am looking forward to this Match too!" You hear Codi say.

The Game was going great for you Guys. Arsenal was in the lead right now. 2-0 was the Score. You did some great saves. It was almost half time when Manchester United was awarded a Corner kick. You jump towards the ball. So did Leah and Millie Turner. The two didn't only knock eachother down but also made you lose your Balance when you went back down from the jump and fell hard against the Goalpost. Whimpering in pain.

"y/n!" Steph yelled out. Your wife kneeled in front of you. Millie and Leah back on their feet. Thankfully they weren't Hurt. You on the other hand.

"don't move, y/n! The medics are coming over." Katie said.

"my back, it feels weird." You admitted. Tears streaming down your face.

"i am right by your side, Babe!" Your wife answered. The medics made sure to be really careful. They put on a Neck brace just in case. Steph was allowed to Go to the hospital with you.

Your twin has watched the Scene on TV in Horror and was trying to call Steph now. Viv felt sick to her stomach.

"Steph, thank god! I was freaking out because i thought you wouldn't answer my call. And i saw what happened on tv. How is y/n?" Your sister wanted to know.

"she is getting a Check up right now. I am in the waiting room!" Your wife let your sister know. Your sister was currently on the way to London. In fact she was calling from the Car.

A little while later Steph was back by your side. Holding your Hand. You sat on your back with a back brace on.

"you have a fractured back bone. So the brace has to stay on. Apart from when you shower of course. There is no surgery needed but the healing process can take Up to 12 weeks." The doctor told you.

"when can i go home?" You wanted to know.

"in two days. We just want to Help you adjust to what's going on right now with your Body and then you are allowed to go home. Cause i know your Club is gonna make sure you gonna be okay!" The doctor answered. He happened to be a big Fan so you and Steph signed a picture for him.

Viv looked at you. She was quite glad to see that you didn't look as fragile anymore. Because on tv that looked alot different.

"i am glad you will be fine after the twelve weeks! Cause i was super freaked out." Your twin said and took your hand gently. Giving it a small squeeze.

"i am glad about that too. Especially cause i have Plans with my wife!" You answered.

"i don't need to know about my best friend and my sister in law having Sex!" Beth stated when she walked into your Hospital room.

"that's Not what i was talking about!" You told her and playfully rolled your eyes.

"my Love was actually talking about trying for a Baby!" Steph admitted. Viv and Beth both looked surprised but Happy.

"oh my god! I am excited when that happens!" Daphne happily said, when she walked into the room.

"you will be one of the First ones to know!" You told your best friend.

Two weeks later you really have gotten used to the back brace. As much as one can. Your wife did alot to help you and made things alot easier for you.

"thank you Babe. For everything, i mean it!" You replied after she handed you a Plate with cut Up strawberries and a cheese Sandwich.

" i married you and promised through the good and the Bad. What Kind of wife would i be If i didn't help you?" Steph asked and kissed your head softly. You smiled at her.

"i still appreciate you and i am very thankful. Promise i will always be there for you as well Babe! You are stuck with me!" You let her know. Smiling even more now. She smiled back at you.

"stuck with you? Best News ever!" Steph answered.

It was a hard and exhausting time but you fought your way back onto the pitch and Steph was always with you. Just like your sister and your entire Team. And your Bestie Daphne of course.

[nats--sw]

Gold chain (pt4) | Leah Williamson

You and Leah finally met up again, nerves and laughter mixing as you both tried to hide how excited you were. warnings: just fluff and slow burn pt1 pt5 my masterlist

Leah had been glued to her phone all morning and part of the afternoon. She’d gotten used to it over the past few days, anxiously waiting for a message or call from you. The last interaction had been the previous night, when Leah tried calling you a couple of times after hearing about your elimination at Berlin. She hadn't been successful; you had rejected all the calls. Even though you were a bit calmer by then,  you didn't want to feel or hear Leah's sympathy. Not yet.

At least you left her a goodnight message, saying you were trying to process the tough day you'd had. But that wasn’t enough for Leah. She needed more than a brief text; she wanted to hear your voice, to know you were really okay. The waiting and worrying were driving her crazy, and she kept checking her phone, hoping for a sign that you were ready to talk.

At least the photo shoot that morning had kept Leah busy for a couple of hours, providing a brief distraction from her constant worry. But she knew that once she got home, she'd be checking her phone again, hoping to hear from you.

She had just said goodbye to her staff and was about to get in her car when her phone started buzzing. Without even checking to see if it was you, she quickly got into the car and felt a wave of relief when she saw your name pop up in her notifications. 

Her relief turned to confusion when she opened the message and saw a picture of the front of Emirates Stadium.

"This is the famous home of London's biggest club?"

"I asked a guy and he said I was wrong, that I should go west."

"Isn't this Stamford Bridge?"

Leah bit her lip to keep from smiling. She was getting more and more used to your quirky sense of humor and sarcastic comments.

"You're into comedy now?" Leah quickly typed into her phone, not yet getting what was going on.

"You wish."

Before Leah could respond, another photo popped up, immediately followed by a message.

"Do you think if I ask for it they'll give it to me?" The picture showed a huge banner with Leah's face on it.

"I'm a big fan."

That's when it hit her. Were you really in London? Already? You were just playing in a tournament in Germany yesterday.

Leah looked out the window of her car, seeing the same sky that was starting to darken, just like in the photo you had sent.

"What the hell? You're here?"

Leah couldn't hold back her excitement. Without waiting for your reply, she dialed your number. Without waiting for your reply, she called you. As the phone rang, she started her car and plugged in her phone.

"Hello?" Leah could hear the smile in your voice.

"I can't believe it," Leah said, nervously running a hand through her hair.

"What? That I'm your fan?"

"I already knew that," Leah replied, pulling out of the parking lot. "Stay where you are, I'm like twenty minutes away."

"Make it fifteen."

Leah became a bundle of nerves as soon as she got out of her car. This was only the second time you’d be seeing each other in person, and the first time alone. She walked around for a while, until she finally spotted you taking pictures. Feeling awkward and unsure of how to approach, she was glad your back was turned. 

Leah opened her mouth to say your name, but nothing came out

This time was different from the first. You knew each other now, had chatted about all sorts of things, and shared some nice moments over video calls. You weren’t strangers anymore.

Meanwhile, you were completely unaware of Leah behind you, busy taking pictures. Satisfied with your shots, you stepped back and bumped into someone. You turned quickly, ready to apologize (or snap if it was some weirdo). But like Leah, you were left speechless.

Neither of you said anything at first, the tension thick in the air. Leah’s nervous smile matched yours, and you couldn’t help but let out a nervous laugh.

Leah thought your laughter was even more contagious in person than over the phone, and she immediately started laughing too.

"What are you doing standing there like a stalker?" you asked once you both calmed down a bit.

"Actually, by standing here I'm protecting you from any stalkers."

"Woah, how gentlemanly of you," you said with a grin.

"Yeah, I know," Leah replied, flashing a smile. She held your gaze, looking down at you since you were only slightly shorter than her.

"Don't look at me like that," you said, laughing nervously again and giving her a gentle nudge on the shoulder.

"I’m making you nervous?" Leah asked, genuinely curious. She had seen you go through other emotions before, but had never seen you nervous. The two of you had shared so many video calls, but this was different.

"Yes," you admitted, shoving your hands into your pockets. You glanced around and wrinkled your nose. "This is your place... it's a little intimidating, realizing how big you are here and what your image represents. I hadn't really taken it all in until now."

Leah tilted her head slightly, trying to understand. "What do you mean?"

"You," you said, looking back at her. "You're not just Leah to everyone here. You're a big deal. Talking to you has been... Well, like I’m just talking to Leah. But now that I'm here, seeing everything with your face in it, it's like, 'Whoa, this is who I've been staying up all week chatting with.'"

Leah felt a warmth in her chest at your words. She never thought of herself that way.

"I don't think it's anything to make a big deal about," Leah replied, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks.

"Of course not, Captain Williamson," you retorted, rolling your eyes. Leah's body trembled slightly at your playful jab.

"Well, you're a big deal to me too, you know. And right now, I’m just Leah." Leah continued.  "I've seen your face on giant billboards too, you know."

You were about to respond, but Leah turned to you with a raised eyebrow. 

"Where are you staying?"

"Ah," you chuckled, noticing the not-so-subtle change in topic. "I have a room booked at one of the downtown hotels."

"Are you with your team?"

"No, we're taking a few days off," you said, avoiding mention of yesterday's dressing room incident, which had caused the current situation. Nor did you want to bring up your recent appointment with your therapist a couple of hours ago.

"So I assume you messaged me because you got lost and don't know how to get back to your hotel?" Leah asked, heading back towards where she had parked her car.

"Actually, yes," you lied. You knew your way around London, but Leah didn't need to know that. "I just didn't feel like going straight back to the hotel, so I've been wandering around all afternoon."

"And you still don't want to go back?"

"I just don't want to be alone."

"Can I suggest something?"

You smiled at Leah's offer.

The drive to Leah's house was quiet, mostly because halfway there you had drifted off to sleep. It had been a long day, or rather, two long days: the morning flight, the session with your psychologist, the extensive walk around town, and everything that had transpired the day before. It was a lot to handle in such a short span of time.

Leah's car smelled like her, a comforting scent that started to ease your stress. She knew when to stay silent, creating a soothing vibe that made relaxation inevitable.

As you slept, however, Leah couldn't shake a bit of guilt. Maybe you just needed to rest, and here she was, possibly dragging you along to plans that might not even interest you.

When you woke up after she parked outside her house, Leah turned to you with a gentle concern in her eyes.

"Are you awake now?" she asked softly. "I can drop you back at your hotel if you'd rather."  she offered, still buckled into her seatbelt, confident that you'd want to leave.

"What?" you mumbled, sitting up straight and blinking to clear the sleep from your eyes. 

"You look exhausted, Y/n," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of worry. Her gaze was gentle, trying to read the emotions behind your tired face.

"I'm just exhausted, but I know I won't feel any better alone in that hotel, believe me," you said, trying to reassure her and convince her it wasn't a bad idea.

Leah's concern deepened as she took in your tired demeanor. After a few moments of contemplation, she took a deep breath as she unbuckled her seatbelt. 

"Well, let's go then," she said softly, her voice carrying a touch of warmth.

Leah's home wrapped around you with a scent even more intense than the scent of her car. The place had a cozy charm.

"I wasn't expecting a guest, so if you find anything strange, just ignore it, please," Leah chuckled nervously as she led the way inside.

"It's lovely," you grinned, following her inside. It was fascinating to explore the place you had only seen through a screen before.

"Thank you," Leah said, heading towards her kitchen. "Are you hungry?"

If someone had told you a few weeks ago that you'd be at Leah Williamson's house, sitting down to a hearty meal of potato smiley faces and chicken nuggets, you would have probably raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

"Is this your idea of gourmet food?" you chuckled, eyeing your plate—it looked straight out of a children's menu.

"Absolutely," Leah said with a grin, grabbing two glasses and a bottle of wine. "I did promise to treat you, after all." 

The cozy kitchen and Leah's relaxed demeanor made you feel at ease.

"Well, you basically dragged me along."

"Hey, don't put it like that," said Leah pouting. "I gave you the option of taking you back to your hotel."

"I'm just messing with you, Leah," you said with a laugh, gently taking the bottle of wine from her hands to pour the glasses. "But seriously, this dinner is going to be a memory I'll cherish."

"I feel like you're making fun of me," she said, narrowing her eyes playfully.

"No, I'm serious," you replied warmly. "It's actually kind of sweet. I've never had this before."

"I just had to toss the potatoes on a tray, you know?" she said, chuckling softly, brushing off any praise.

"Come on, just take the compliment, Leah."

Leah chuckled softly and settled into the chair across from you, taking a bite of a potato with a thoughtful expression."So... Can I ask why you're here?"

"You invited me," you replied casually, flashing a grin.

"I'm not talking about that..."

"Ah," you replied casually, popping a nugget into your mouth. "I just had a bit of a breakdown... they're making me take these days off now, which I'm actually enjoying a lot," you admitted, locking eyes with Leah. "I've been in therapy the whole year, having regular sessions, but it's been weeks since I last talked to my therapist. Well, until today.”

"And? How did your session go?"

“Well… I’m definitely drained, that’s for sure,” you admitted with a sigh, setting down your glass of wine. “We talked a lot about managing stress and pressure, trying to find new ways to cope.”

Leah nodded sympathetically, her gaze steady on you. "It sounds tough."

"Yeah, it is," you admitted, running a hand through your hair. "But I think I'm making progress. It's just taking time, but I'm starting to figure out how to handle all the pressure"

"I'm glad you're taking care of yourself, it's important. You can talk to me too, I also know what it's like to live surrounded by pressure constantly. Maybe it’s not the same but-”

“It is,” you said with a smile, gratefully at her gesture. "Thanks, Leah. It means a lot.”

After finishing, you both moved the talk to the couch, ready to open another bottle of wine.

"You know what?” you said, sinking into the cushions and stretching out your legs comfortably “I'd love to watch you play football sometime."

Leah chuckled, settling beside you and pouring wine into glasses. "Really? You think I'd impress you on the field?"

"You never know," you teased, nudging her playfully. "It would be fun to see another side of you."

"I thought you'd rather watch Chelsea," Leah said with a mischievous grin, her feet up on the couch, almost brushing against yours.

Both of you were clearly enjoying the evening, the warmth of the wine adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

"I can always watch you when you're playing against Chelsea," you replied with a playful smirk.

Leah fell silent for a moment, her gaze drifting away before she asked softly, "And who would you support?"

"Don't you remember I'm your biggest fan?" you replied with a smile, reaching out to gently touch her hand. "Of course, I'd support you. I mean it, I'd love to see you out there on the field, doing what you love”

Leah's cheeks flushed again, a mix of embarrassment and something warmer she couldn't quite name. She hoped you would attribute it to the wine rather than your words.

"My head is starting to hurt," Leah murmured, her words slightly rushed as she tried to distract herself. "Would you mind staying here? But if you want I can call a-"

"Of course not," you reassured her with a grin, trying to lighten the mood. You leaned back, already feeling a bit dizzy from the wine's effects. "Or am I not allowed to stay?" you teased with a playful smile.

You were beginning to enjoy how flustered Leah was getting, it was adorable that she didn't seem to realize her feelings might be mutual. Unless you were completely misreading all her signals, there was a palpable tension between you.

"I'll get the guest room ready for you then," Leah said softly,a slight stumble in her step as she headed towards the room.

The next morning, Leah woke to the sound of your phone ringing from the other room. Rubbing her eyes, still half-asleep, she tiptoed barefoot out of her own bedroom and quietly made her way across the hallway to the guest room. Pushing the door open gently, Leah's heart fluttered as she found you under the covers, peacefully asleep.

Leah glanced at the screen and recognized your coach's name flashing on your phone.

"Y/n," she whispered in a hushed tone, gently shaking your shoulder to wake you. "Your phone," she urged, giving you a firmer shake this time.

The ringing stopped just as your eyes blinked open, adjusting slowly to the morning light.

"Huh?" you said, a little disoriented by the strange room. You turned towards Leah, her face soft and concerned. It took you a few seconds to remember why you were there. "Leah- Good morning" you said quickly, a little embarrassed, straightening up in bed. 

"Your phone," Leah repeated, her voice soft as she tried to get your attention, but you were too distracted. Now fully awake, you couldn't help but notice Leah standing there in just sweatpants and a bra

Leah looked a little puzzled as your mouth hung open and your eyes slowly trailed down from her face to the rest of her body. It was then that she realized she hadn't bothered to put on a shirt before waking you up.

"Good morning," you repeated quickly, pulling your gaze away with a faint blush creeping up your cheeks.

"I wouldn't mind waking up like this more often," you thought to yourself, a slight grin tugging at your lips.

"I'm sorry," Leah apologized, unsure exactly what she was apologizing for. "Your phone was ringing, and you just wouldn't wake up."

"I'm a heavy sleeper," you mumbled, rubbing your face sleepily. The thought of staying in bed longer was tempting.

"Maybe it was important. You should check... while I get breakfast ready," Leah suggested before stepping out of the room.

When you entered the kitchen, you couldn't help but pout slightly upon seeing Leah now wearing a shirt. She stood at the stove, her back turned as she hummed a soft tune. 

You couldn't resist the urge to approach her quietly, your heart fluttering with a mix of anticipation and affection. You tiptoed closer and gently rested your chin on her shoulder.

"What are you cooking?" you whispered softly, surprised by how calmly Leah received your presence.

"An omelet," Leah replied, her attention fully on not burning the omelet. "Do you like them?"

"Yeah, it smells good," you replied.

You fell silent again as Leah flipped the omelet. 

"You smell good," she said casually, her attention still on the pan, showing no sign of embarrassment.

"I haven't showered yet," you blurted out, feeling yourself blush. It was nice to hear such words, even in that context.

"You ruined the moment," Leah teased, a smile playing on her lips as she shook her head and gently nudged you away. "Go sit down." 

Leah carefully slid the omelet onto your plate and set it down beside a steaming cup of coffee. She then placed the same in her plate and took a seat next to you.

"Is it alright that I made you coffee?" she asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"If you're trying to keep me awake, it's exactly what I need," you murmured, taking a sip from the cup. "Delicious," you said with a satisfied sigh, enjoying the warmth spreading down your throat.

Leah smiled warmly as she picked up her fork and began to eat.

"What time do you have to leave?" she asked casually, glancing at you with curiosity.

"Are you kicking me out already?" you countered with a playful grin spreading across your face. Leah rolled her eyes playfully.

"That was your coach calling, I guess he wants you back already," she clarified with a hint of worry.

"No, I think Lucas is having the time of his life with these days off," you commented, relishing the taste of the omelet. "Damn, this is good. I didn't know you could cook," you exclaimed, taking another enthusiastic bite.

"It's just eggs," Leah shrugged.

"Well, it's the best omelet I've ever had," you praised sincerely.

"You're such a smooth talker," Leah laughed, her laughter filling the room. Her joyful demeanor was starting to win you over more and more.

"It's my talent," you joked, finishing off the last bite of the omelet. "Anyway, Lucas just wanted to check in, make sure everything's cool and that I didn't do anything too risky that could affect me physically with the tournament coming up."

"Sounds reasonable," Leah nodded thoughtfully, cutting half of her omelet and adding it to your plate. She had a feeling you enjoyed it, maybe because omelets weren't something you ate often.

"I'm so happy," you said, savoring every bite. "Remind me to have this every day when I'm away."

“So, what are you up to today?" Leah asked, curious about your plans.

"Uh," you mumbled as you wiped your lips with a napkin. "I actually wanted to learn something new, since I'm now banned from going near a tennis racket,"  you added quietly.

"What do you want to learn?" asked Leah curiously, setting down her coffee cup.

"Teach me how to play football!" you exclaimed with an excited smile, leaning forward eagerly.

"What?" Leah asked, caught off guard and nearly choking on her coffee.

"Yeah! I want to learn. I'm pretty sure I can't even kick a ball properly—oh! oh! Teach me how to head it. I've always wanted to try," you continued enthusiastically.

Leah shook her head, her expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. "But you said your coach didn't want you doing risky things."

"Come on, Leah, it's football.” your eyes sparkling with determination “How dangerous could it be?"

"Ouch! Red! Yellow! Foul! Foul!" you groaned dramatically from the ground, clutching your ankle.

Leah folded her arms, a playful smirk tugging at her lips as she looked down at you. "I barely touched you," she said, kicking the ball back and forth with her foot.

She had effortlessly taken the ball from you, causing you to lose your balance and tumble to the ground.

Leah started out playing gently with you, almost as if she were playing with a child, letting you have your way. However, as she heard your teasing comments about how easy it was, her competitive spirit kicked in.

"Another goal," she declared triumphantly, kicking the ball into the small goal set up in her backyard. "What's the score now, like 10-2?" she asked with a playful smirk, hands on her hips, looking down at you still sprawled on the ground.

You groaned, realizing she wasn't holding back anymore. Her playful demeanor had shifted into full-on competition, and you were loving every minute of it.

"Call an ambulance," you groaned, your voice strained with pain, eyes tightly shut.

Leah's heart skipped a beat as worry flooded her. You seemed genuinely hurt, and she felt a pang of guilt for possibly causing it. She hurried over, her mind racing with concern, and knelt down beside you on the grass.

"Where does it hurt?" Leah asked, her hand gently touching yours. You opened your eyes and looked at her, seeing the worry in her expression.

"It's just... here," you said, then quickly pounced on her, effortlessly knocking her down. "Gotcha, Williamson," you teased with a grin, enjoying Leah's confused expression.

It took Leah a moment to process what had happened. Suddenly, she found herself lying on her back on the grass with you sitting on her abdomen, legs straddling her, in a playful and unexpected turn of events.

"Damn, Y/n, you scared me," Leah said, taking a deep breath to calm herself.

"You'll need a lot more to break me down," you replied proudly, unaware of Leah's hands sneaking closer to your body. Suddenly, tickles sent waves of laughter through you. "Leah! No! Stop!" you managed to protest between laughs, attempting to fend off her tickling hands but finding it hard to resist in your laughter-filled state.

"It's the least you deserve!" Leah exclaimed, her smile mischievous. "You nearly scared me to death!" She took advantage of your moment of weakness to flip you over, switching positions. Now, it was your back against the grass with Leah sitting on top of you. 

Before you could react, Leah swiftly grabbed your wrists and pinned them above your head, securing them to the ground. Her eyes sparkling with a hint of playful affection.

Both of you were breathing heavily,cheeks flushed from all the laughter and movement of the past few minutes. Leah let out a sigh, and you felt a surge of anticipation as her face moved closer to yours. Your heart raced with anticipation, thinking she might kiss you. But instead, you felt Leah's forehead gently rest against yours.

"Don't play with me like that," she whispered softly.

You froze as her breath tickled your lips, her nose brushing against yours, and her perfume surrounding you. The gentle brush of her nose against yours sent a shiver down your spine.

"Leah..." you murmured, feeling her grip on your wrists tighten at the sound of her name.

"Don't ever scare me like that again," she whispered, pulling back slightly from your forehead but not releasing her hold.

Your eyes locked, the air thick with unspoken feelings. 

"I'm sorry," you murmured, a shiver running through you as you felt Leah's gaze fixed on your lips.

"Do you mind if I..." she began softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

It was the moment you had been secretly yearning for. It was the confirmation of the deep feelings stirring within you every time Leah crossed your mind. All you wanted and needed was to feel her lips against yours.

"Leah," you said impatiently, nodding eagerly as your head moved up and down a few inches.

Leah took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on yours, filled with a mixture of hesitation and longing as she leaned in closer. 

You felt her lips brush against yours, the brief contact sending a thrill through you. But just as the kiss was about to deepen, the doorbell rang.

In the blink of an eye, Leah pulled away, releasing your hands and creating an abrupt distance between you. 

"Fuck," you muttered, frustration and desire mixing in your voice, as you were left alone in the backyard with your heart racing.

[ouiouibaguettt]

Fading Echoes

masterlist (1) - (2) - (3) - (4)

2,4k of words!!

I will do a part 2 i think, let me huys know!!

You always knew football was a business, but nothing prepares you for the moment you hear the words:

“We’re not renewing your contract.”

Just like that. No thank you for the crucial saves, no tears for the bruises on your ribs from diving headfirst into chaos week after week. No hesitation.

Just a clean, cold decision.

You stare at the glass of water on the table, not quite tasting the lump forming in your throat. Your agent looks furious, but you? You’re numb. Arsenal — your home for the past three years. The club that made you feel like you belonged. The place where you met her.

Lia.

You’d known this conversation was coming. The signs were there — fewer starts, more bench time, silent glances during training. But you told yourself it was just rotation. That Jonas still believed in you. That Lia's steady presence in your life could keep the storm at bay.

But now you’re out. Just like that.

Later that night, Lia is the one who finds you sitting alone in your apartment, your kit bag still by the door like you're waiting to go back.

She doesn’t speak right away. She doesn’t have to.

She just sits beside you, pulls your hand into hers, and breathes with you.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispers. “You didn’t deserve this.”

You nod slowly, not trusting your voice. “I guess I’m disposable now.”

She squeezes your fingers, her eyes sharp. “Never to me.”

Barcelona signs you by the end of the week. You walk through the doors of a new training ground, bright sun overhead and red-and-blue all around you, but you feel hollow.

The team is warm. Patri and Mapi welcome you instantly. But every corner reminds you that this isn’t London. This isn’t Arsenal. This isn’t Lia.

Time zones suck. So do La Liga fixtures and Champions League flights and the silence when Lia doesn’t text back for six hours because she’s on the pitch or in recovery.

You still talk. FaceTime every night when you can. Send voice notes. Pictures of your cats.

But it’s not the same.

It’s not her hand in yours at the Emirates tunnel. Not her sneaking a kiss behind closed doors after a clean sheet. Not her stealing your hoodie and acting like she didn’t.

It’s loving her in fragments. And missing her in full.

The text comes at 10:04 PM on a Thursday.

Lia: Guess who just booked a flight. Weekend. Yours. No football. No excuses.

You stare at it, rereading it three times, blinking like she might disappear if you look too hard. It’s been nearly two months since you left London. Two months since you last touched her in anything other than a dream.

You send back a reply so fast your fingers cramp:

You: You better not be joking. I will riot in Catalan.

She sends a picture of her boarding pass, and just like that, you’re standing in your kitchen with a stupid grin and tears threatening to spill into your coffee.

Saturday. 4:17 PM. You’re pacing at the airport pickup, sunglasses hiding the part of you that’s fraying with anticipation. And then, there she is — Lia, wearing that oversized navy hoodie she stole from your drawer last year, wheeling the world’s tiniest suitcase and smiling like you put the sun in the sky.

You don’t even speak.

You just run.

She drops the handle of the case, arms wide, and you crash into her chest like muscle memory — like gravity. Her hand finds your waist, your fingers bury into her hair, and for a full minute, Barcelona could fall into the sea and you wouldn’t care.

“I missed you,” she whispers, forehead against yours.

“You have no idea,” you breathe.

Later, at your apartment The windows are open. There’s soft jazz playing from the kitchen speaker. You made pasta — her favorite. She teases your Spanish accent; you tease her pronunciation of calçots. She laughs more here, you notice. Her guard down. Shoulders loose.

When she finishes her plate, she props her chin on her hand and just looks at you.

“You seem tired,” she says softly.

You shrug, biting your cheek. “Barcelona’s beautiful. But it’s not home.”

She nods, slowly. “Not yet.”

A beat passes.

Then, quietly: “I miss watching you walk off the pitch into my arms. Miss kissing you, holding you.”

You reach for her hand across the table, squeezing it.

“I miss all of it.”

She stands first, walks around the table, and tugs you gently to your feet. Her arms wrap around your waist like she never wants to let go.

“Then don’t,” you whisper, pressing your face into her neck.

And when she tilts your chin up and kisses you — soft and warm and slow — it tastes like all the things you’ve missed and all the things you still have.

It’s matchday at Estadi Johan Cruyff, and you’re lacing up your boots in the locker room, trying not to check your phone for the fifth time in ten minutes.

But Mapi sees it. She always sees it.

“Still waiting for her to text she made it to the stands?” she teases in rapid Spanish.

You roll your eyes but fail to hide your smile. “She landed yesterday. I’m just making sure she’s not… lost in the crowd.”

“Mmhm,” Patri grins. “Or lost in your eyes, maybe.”

“You guys are unbearable,” you mutter, cheeks heating.

Pina throws an arm over your shoulder. “No, cariño, we’re supportive. Now go out there and impress your novia.”

That word — novia — always makes your heart skip.

The warmups fly by, but your eyes scan the crowd every few minutes. Then you spot her: fourth row, in your Barça jacket, sunglasses perched on her head, waving when you finally meet her eyes.

Lia Wälti, sitting front and center like she belongs here — and maybe, you think, she does.

You pretend you’re cool. You’re a professional, after all.

But then Irene bumps your shoulder and says with a wicked grin, “Careful, cariño. If you keep smiling like that, they’ll think you’re in love.”

You don’t respond.

You don’t have to.

The game is tight. You make two key saves in the first half, and the third one — a full-stretch dive that sends the ball rattling off the crossbar — gets the whole stadium on their feet.

You don’t look toward the stands, but you feel her. Somehow, you always do.

The final whistle blows. 2–0. Clean sheet.

As the team walks back toward the tunnel, Mapi slings an arm around your shoulder and leans in.

“She’s still watching you like you hung the moon.”

You bite your smile.

“She’s wrong,” you say, glancing over. “She’s the moon.”

Lia meets you by the security gate, just past the crowd. She doesn’t care about the cameras or the fans trying to get selfies with you both.

She just wraps her arms around your waist and murmurs into your ear, “You were amazing.”

You bury your face in her shoulder, sweaty and grinning.

“I’m glad you came,” you say. “Makes everything feel… normal again.”

She pulls back, brushing damp hair from your forehead.

“I’ll come back,” she says. “As many times as it takes.”

The sun is setting in Barcelona, painting the sky in watercolor streaks of coral and lavender as you and Lia sit tucked away on your balcony in the quiet Gràcia district.

Dinner was simple — tapas from the market, a bottle of Catalan wine half-empty between you, and a lemon tart she picked out just because “it reminded me of you — sweet and sharp.”

She’s curled beside you now, her head resting on your shoulder, bare feet brushing yours. There’s music playing low from your phone — a mellow acoustic playlist she made for you when you first moved.

“I hate goodbyes,” she murmurs.

You nod, eyes fixed on the horizon. “They’re starting to feel permanent.”

“They’re not,” she insists, fingers tracing slow, thoughtful lines on your forearm. “We’re not done. Just… stretched.”

You swallow hard, then shift so you’re facing her fully.

“Sometimes I worry it’s unfair,” you admit. “That I’m here, and you’re there, and we’re trying to build something with time zones and FaceTimes and… and missing each other.”

She lifts your chin, soft but certain.

“It’s only unfair if we let it be,” she says. “I’d rather miss you than not love you.”

You can’t help it — you kiss her.

It starts tender, but deepens quickly — all the unsaid words, the quiet ache, the longing tucked into every syllable neither of you could say. Her fingers find the back of your neck, your hands press into her waist, and when you finally pull apart, you’re breathless.

She smiles, leaning her forehead against yours.

“Tell me you’ll win something big,” she teases, “so I have an excuse to fly back before the season ends.”

You laugh softly. “I’ll win everything if it means seeing you sooner.”

“Cocky.”

“Confident.”

She brushes her thumb over your bottom lip. “I love you.”

It’s not the first time she’s said it. But it hits different tonight.

“I love you too.”

And then silence — not awkward or empty, but full of everything you’ve both said and everything you don’t need to say. Because tonight, you’re not a thousand miles apart. You’re here. Together. For a little while longer.

It starts with missed calls. Then rescheduled ones. Then silences that grow longer than either of you meant them to.

You’re in the middle of Champions League prep — training double sessions, film review, press. Your phone buzzes during dinner and you flip it face down, telling yourself you’ll answer later.

Later never comes.

Across the Channel, Lia is juggling the WSL grind and captaincy. Arsenal is in the title race again, and she’s leading with a clenched jaw and tired eyes.

You both say “I’m proud of you” more than “I miss you” these days — because pride is easier than grief.

One night, you get home past midnight. You’re soaked from post-match rain and your body aches. You kick off your boots, check your phone, and find a voice message from Lia.

Lia: I don’t know if you’re asleep. I hope you are. I just… I feel like I’m losing you in inches. Like we’re still us, but underwater. I miss your laugh. The one that sounds like it’s trying not to wake the neighbors. I miss your coffee. I miss knowing what your day looked like without having to ask. (beat) Do you still feel like we’re okay? Because I need to know if I’m holding on alone.

You sit on the edge of your bed, phone clutched in your hand, chest aching.

You don’t respond right away. You can’t. You’re not even sure what to say.

Because you love her. But love doesn’t stop your heart from aching when you fall asleep alone. It doesn’t stop the cold when she’s not in the stands. It doesn’t make it easier when everything you want is a country away.

And maybe that’s what scares you most — that love might not be enough this time.

The next morning, you record something. You try to sound composed. You try not to cry when you speak.

You: Lia… I’m not letting go. Even when it feels like we’re fraying at the edges, I’m still here. I promise. But I miss you so much it physically hurts. And I’m scared too. I’m scared of the silence. Of saying the wrong thing. Of saying nothing at all. I don’t know how to fix this. But I want to try — if you still do too.

You hit send and bury your face in your hands.

You’re both tired.

But tired hearts can still hold on — even when it feels like they’re breaking.

It’s late in Barcelona when the FaceTime finally connects. You’re curled up on your couch, knees tucked to your chest, hoodie sleeves pulled over your hands.

Lia looks tired — more than tired. Her hair is tied back messily, her eyes red like she’s been crying, or trying not to.

You offer a soft, “Hi.”

There’s silence.

And then she says it.

“I don’t know if I can keep doing this.”

Your heart drops.

“Lia…”

She shakes her head. “No, I need to say this. Because I feel like I’ve been pretending we’re okay when we’re not. I wake up without you. I go to bed without you. I spend my days thinking about when I’ll see you next, and it’s never soon enough. And then we talk and… and it’s not the same.”

You blink fast, words stuck in your throat.

“I’m tired of watching you on a screen,” she continues, voice shaking. “I’m tired of missing you after every win, every loss, every bad day. I’m starting to forget what it feels like to feel you. To hold you. I’m starting to forget what we were.”

The sentence lands like a knife.

You whisper, “Are you saying you don’t want to try anymore?”

“I—” she pauses. “I don’t know anymore.”

It’s like the air’s been sucked from your lungs. “So you’d rather end it than keep trying?”

She wipes her face with the back of her hand. “I’m saying I don’t want to keep hurting.”

You bite your trembling lip, swallowing the sob building in your chest.

“I’m hurting too,” you say, voice breaking. “But I’ve never stopped choosing you. Even when it was hard. Even now.”

Lia looks away, jaw clenched. “Maybe I’m the weak one then.”

“No,” you whisper. “Maybe you’re just scared.”

Her eyes finally meet yours. And for a split second, they soften — because she knows you’re right. But the damage has already started to crack through the glass between you.

“I need time,” she says. “I just… I need to figure out what this is doing to me. To us.”

You nod slowly, tears slipping down your cheeks. “Take your time.”

But as the screen goes dark and you’re left with your own reflection, arms wrapped around your shaking frame, you can’t help but wonder if time will only take her further away.

[chelseacultt]

I Should Hate You

Katie McCabe x Reader

Summary: Katie is tasked with marking you.

Word Count: 1.1k

You knew that playing Arsenal at the Emirates would be a struggle. The roaring celebratory crowds anytime an Arsenal player started a run. The equally enthusiastic boos every time you and your teammates so much as touched the ball. Nothing out of the ordinary. What you weren’t expecting, though, was your current position. 

“Sorry, darlin’,” says Arsenal’s Irish superstar as she untangles her body from yours. She stands and reaches both of her hands out for you, a small smile on her face. You might’ve appreciated the gesture if she hadn’t been on the offensive end of all the fouls you’ve encountered during the last 60 minutes. But she has been, so you don’t. Instead, you brush her off and pull yourself up before returning to your original position. 

“That’s, like, the 10th time she’s fouled me. I swear she has a personal vendetta against me or something,” you gesture around aimlessly as you take your place next to your best friend. 

“What has she done now?” Lauren James asks with a quiet laugh as she kneels down to retie her boots. 

“Aside from embarrassing me repeatedly for the past hour, she just tripped me. On purpose, probably.” You reach a hand down and help LJ up once she finishes tying her laces.

LJ lets out a laugh at your reply. “Right, well, that’s called ‘marking.’ Perhaps you’ve heard of it?” LJ squeezes your shoulder with a smirk before the referee blows her whistle, signaling for play to start back up. You share a laugh before attempting to clear your mind and get back into the game. Your attempt starts fruitfully, and you forget all thoughts of your complications with the Irish woman. 

You begin running up the wing as your teammates initiate an attack. “Heads up!” Erin yells as she sends the ball soaring toward you from the 18-yard box. Before you can even think about your next move, a sharp pain shoots through your ankle and shoulder, and you find yourself on the ground once again. Your teammates shout, and the crowd erupts in deafening boos as the referee shows your assailant a yellow and then points to the spot. 

“Oh, bullshit! I hardly touched her!” exclaims a voice you’ve grown all too accustomed to hearing today. 

“Want to explain why I’m on the ground then?” Nathalie helps you up as you glare at Katie. “I’m okay,” you assure Nathalie quickly, brushing off her questioning of your fitness and turning back toward the Ireland captain. 

“I don’t know, but I think VAR’s about to find out,” Katie states with a smirk (that you wish you could smack off her face) as she raises her eyebrows and gestures behind you before crossing her arms. You turn to see the referee walking to the penalty check screen. An intense suspense fills the stadium as everyone awaits the referee’s final decision. 

“Has to go our way. She completely clipped you. Studs up and everything,” speaks your captain, Millie Bright. She joins the swarm of fellow Chelsea players that has now formed around you, the Arsenal players having disbursed. 

After a thorough review of the penalty decision, the referee swiftly returns to the pitch. With a firm expression, she announces her reversal of the call, awarding the decision in favor of Arsenal. 

“Come on! That is shit!” Guro shouts as the referee cancels the previously awarded penalty. The thunderous cheers of the Arsenal fans drown out her shouts. The dramatics of the Norwegian winger do nothing to ease your spirits like they usually would. The game ends shortly after, ending in a 3-1 Arsenal win. 

You deflate, refraining from diplomatically shaking hands with the Arsenal players after the game. You’re standing off to the side watching a bantering Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord when you sense a presence walking up behind you, followed by the feeling of two hands on your waist. “Think ya better fire your diving instructor,” the voice whispers in your ear before the accompanying hands pull you toward their chest. 

You pull away from the person completely and turn around to face the Irish woman who has recently been the absolute vain of your existence. “I know that you know that call was fucked,” you say sternly.

Katie mock gasps, raises her eyebrows, and drops her jaw. “You want us to what?” she jokes and feigns disbelief.

“Stop,” you reply with a roll of your eyes. She steps closer to you at this reply.

She laughs, “Ah, that’s not a word I hear too often. The eye roll is a different story.” You’re unsure if the innuendos were intentional. The way she’s not even trying to hide biting her lip answers this question for you, though. She smirks again at your lack of response, and you only kind of want to smack it off her face this time. You feel your face heat up as she keeps her eyes trained on yours. You nervously look away and busy yourself watching Niamh’s post-match interview, hoping that Katie will just walk away.

You keep your eyes on Niamh as you feel Katie step close to you again, despite something urging you to turn your head toward the other girl. Katie keeps her hands to herself as she leans close to whisper in your ear this time; her lips brush against your ear as she murmurs, “The more you try to ignore me, the more I want to be right here.” Your breath catches as her words linger in your ear. 

Katie pulls away after a tension-filled minute, her expression combining smug delight and amusement. She clearly enjoys the reaction she just pulled out of you. She steals a quick glance at your lips before looking back up at your eyes and holding out one of her hands. Your mind is still whirling from the earlier feeling of having her body so close to yours. You just stare at her outstretched hand. 

“See something you like?” she asks as she wiggles her fingers and turns her hand around and back. Your eyes jump back up to hers. “Yeah. Your yellow card earlier,” you choke out.

“Katie!” someone yells from behind you before Katie can reply. Probably one of her teammates. You can’t be bothered to check. Katie nods at the person before turning back to you. Her hand still outstretched, she reaches for one of yours and shakes it with no help from you.

“Until next time, love, yeah?” With an ever-present smirk, she finally removes her hand from yours and starts to walk away. “Unless ya don’t feel like waiting that long. Up to you,” she winks and joins her teammate (whose identity you’re still unsure of).

You’re pretty sure she just put the ball in your court.

a/n: first fic 👀 hopefully it's not terrible. I have mixed feelings about my first post being for an arsenal player but!!! advice is appreciated. thank you alright bye

[futfemfantasies]

Semi final surprises \\ Alexia Putellas x Williamson!reader

Tensions are high in the Arsenal dressing room as the do or die game is less than an hour from starting. I tie the last knot in my laces before walking out with the rest of the girls to start warm ups. After a brief warm up with the rest of the starters, I sit down in the cubby next to Leah’s and notice a few notifications from Alexia. Before each game, Alexia always sends multiple voice messages. I play the first one and hear the thick Spanish accent come through the headphones.

Hi my love, I know you have the headphones on. I will send you the voice messages.

You will do so well today. Play your heart out, score some goals and take it in.

I love you and I am so proud of you superstar. I’ll see you in the next few days when you visit.

I smile at Alexia’s English and send a reply. My phone goes back into my bag just as Leah bumps my leg to gesture that it’s time to go.

I quickly change into the game jersey and line up with the rest of the girls. I see the Lyon team on the other side of the hallway and I move behind Caitlin in line. I feel a small hand in mine and see a young girl about 6 or 7 years old smiling up at me. I talk to her for a little bit before we go out to the bustling crowd that is the Emirates.

As we all wait for the formalities to conclude, I notice my mascot shivering slightly. I ask her if she wants my jacket and she nods. I take it off and wrap it around her shoulders. A small thank you was said and hug in return made some fans cheer at the interaction.

A short huddle later and the second semi final of the champions league is underway. With Wolfsburg shockingly beating Barcelona a few days ago, the Spanish team will fail to get their three-peat this year. A whistle pulls you out of your thoughts and your teammates start to get into position.

Lyon wasted no time in attacking, taking most of the possession from the first whistle. The Arsenal attackers, Alessia, Caitlin and I drop back into defence while trying to regain the ball to take up field. The deadlock breaks just before halftime with Lyon scoring the first goal. As the French team celebrated, Kim pulled us all into a huddle to motivate us for the rest of the half.

As I walk back with Alessia, I look back and catch Leah’s eye. I give her a slight nod and returned one as to silently say stay calm and focused. No other chances came Arsenal’s way in the first half so I walk into the locker room with my head down, about to give up. After a pep talk from Jonas and a motivational boost from Kim, the team were ready to face Lyon for another half.

As both teams jogged out, Alexia weaved her way through the crowd to get to her seat. Of course her plane had to be delayed and then no taxis or Ubers were at the arrivals part of the airport. Luckily, you had shown Alexia how to watch your games so she didn’t miss anything on the way over to the stadium. As Alexia got on a flight straight after a day of interviews and photoshoots, she came without any luggage. Excusing herself as she moved past people, Alexia finally reached her seat.

In the 70th minute is when the dynamic shifted in half. I try to sneak past Vanessa Gillies but she slide tackles straight into my ankle. I fall to ground screaming and the medic rushes over. I get a bandage wrapped around my ankle as there’s a decent cut. I put everything back on and the game resumes. I see a Lyon player get organised for the free kick, in a pretty good spot and I give Steph a look and hold up 2 fingers for a tactic.

Steph kicks the ball and I watch as it comes towards me. I quickly look in front of me and see Leah so I jump on her slightly to get a better angle on the ball. The ball flicks into the bottom corner of the net.

Equaliser. 1-1.

I run to the corner flag and turn around to be pulled into a group hug. The roar from the crowd was deafening as we regrouped and focused on the remaining 20 minutes.

As time was counting down, I was getting exhausted but I knew I had to keep going. Leah makes a crucial slide tackle and quickly spots me near the box. She kicks the ball over the Lyon defenders and with pinpoint accuracy, it lands on my foot, making it a perfectly timed volley. The familiar swoosh of the net is all I can hear as I drop to my knees in disbelief. Leah was the first on the floor with me and other teammates soon followed.

“You did it y/n/n”

“Games not over yet Lee”

In a matter of minutes the final whistle blew and Lyon bodies fell to the floor in distraught. Legs are exhausted, minds numb. While around the pitch Arsenal teammates and staff were jumping, screaming and crying all at the same time. Leah and I found each other first, hugging for longer than usual. This was our moment. One we’ve been waiting for since we were at the academy. After shaking hands with Lyon, the team and staff went on a victory lap. Walking with Leah and Steph, waving into the crowd when someone caught my eye.

“No way”

There was the love of my life wearing a red and white scarf and of course a Barça baseball cap. I sprint over to Alexia with a wide smile on my face. Alexia opens her arms and I jump the barricade to get into her arms, the place I call home.

“You came. I thought you had photoshoots and media” I say as my voice is raspy due to yelling in the game.

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss this for the world mi amor”

It has been speculation for a while now that you and Alexia are dating, with both of you posting subtle hints on instagram stories and posts. This moment just confirms all the fans TikTok edits and endless stalking they have done. Without another thought or care in the world, I grab Alexia’s cheeks gently and kiss her gently.

“I love you” I murmured against Alexia’s lips.

Alexia smiled as she replied “Te quiero más”.

I got called over by Katie and Caitlin as the group stopped staring and continued their victory parade around the ground. Alexia nudged me to go and said she’d wait here when I finish.

As I walk around the ground, nothing can beat this feeling. I have my sister and best friend with me in the final and the love of my life is by my side cheering me on. How can it get better than this?

[scribblesofagoonerr]

stranger danger | buddy & monkey: double the trouble

summary: monkey unintentionally put's buddy's life in jeapordy when she asks a fan to hold her without any realisation of what she is doing wrong

word count: 7082 words

double the trouble masterlist

“We 'ere! We 'ere!” You cheered from the comfort of your car seat as you arrived at the Emirates stadium ahead of the match today against Aston Villa which also means you’ll get to see Jordan.

“We are, bubba,” Leah replies, parking her car in the underground car park at the stadium away from all the loud fans that are cheering for both teams, “Are you excited?” She wonders.

“Uh huh! An I gets to see Mama as well!” You exclaim, swinging your legs back and forth. 

You of course are very excited to be able to see her, although you don’t like it that she plays for a different team now so you’re unsure who to cheer for.

You don’t like being confused.

Leah turns around and nods in agreement with you, “That’s right, you do! I bet Mama will be so happy to see you!” She stated, unbuckling her seatbelt to get out of the car.

“Gets’ out, Mummy!” Your small voice demanded, wanting out of the restrictions of your car seat straps that you have been confined to for the entire car ride.

“Alright alright, little miss impatient,” Leah chuckled, opening the back door of her car and unstrapping you so you’re free to get out, “Big jump then bubba. Ready? 1… 2… 3!”

“Whoa!” You exclaimed with wide eyes as you made the jump out of it, “Dat was a big jump, Mummy!”

Leah smiled fondly as she took a gentle hold of your hand while you both made the walk over to the players entrance where you already saw fans queuing up and you smiled brightly and waved.

“Hi!” Your little voice chirped, waving your hand at them as Leah guided you inside, “Mummy the fans’ all wavin' back!” You told her, excitedly.

“I saw, bubba,” Leah smiled and knelt down as much as she could with her ouchie on her poorly knee to help you put your big red puffer jacket on to stop you getting cold when you’re outside, “Are you ready to cheer for the girls today?”

“Yeah!” You nod, you're vibrating with excitement and barely able to stand still to allow Leah to zip up your coat, “No coat, Mummy! Don’ wanna wear it! Don’ wan it!”

“No coat?” Leah arched her eyebrows, playfully as she successfully zipped it up,”You have to wear one Bubba otherwise you’ll be cold out there, and we don’t want that, do we?” She questioned, in a gentle tone of voice.

“But I can’ see me top now! No Arsenal badge!” You looked down and pouted that you wouldn’t be able to show your own Arsenal top that you were wearing with Leah’s name and number on the back because you can’t see the crest, “Don’ wan it on!”

“It has to stay on, little miss,” Leah said in a gentle yet firm tone of voice as she fixed the small red beanie over your head, “You still have the crest on your coat, don’t you?” She motioned to the crest on the jacket.

“No’ the same,” You whined pitifully, begrudgingly taking hold of Leah’s hand as you walked through the stadium, “Where’ dey?”  You asked, confused as you couldn’t see any of the other girls around.

“They’ll be coming soon, Bubba,” Leah promised you as you walked in the direction to walk out onto the pitch, “Everyones’ on the bus aren’t they? We came in the car, remember?” She reminded you, gently.

“Yeah, Monkey’ on bus!” The realisation hit you as your favourite person took a separate journey, able to play in the match this week since she wasn’t very well last week - she fell down on the pitch and that scared you a lot, “Roo be 'ere soon?”

“I imagine you’ll be able to see her in no time when she arrives with auntie Vivi,” Leah reassured you with a fond smile, happy that you’ve made a new friend.

“Me and Roo are besties, Mummy!” You declared, promptly.

“You are? Well I’m glad to hear that, just like me and auntie Beth are,” Leah smiled at your words as she looked over to the other side of the pitch and gasped, “Oh look who I can see over there, bubba.”

You follow her pointed finger in the direction to where you can see Jordan and your eyes lit up in excitement, “Mama!”

You don’t waste time to pull your hand out of Leahs’ grasp and run for Jordan, which took her completely off guard, “What the– Hey, kiddo!”

“Why ou’ look sad, Mama?” You tilted your head to look at her in confusion, “Don’ be sad. I’m ‘ere now!”

“I’m not sad now that you’re here, kiddo,” Jordan scooped you up into her arms and squeezed you gently, “I’m happy to see you!”

“Missed ou’, Mama!” You clung tightly to her and rested your head against her chest, “Monkey no ‘ere yet. Me an Mummy came in da car!”

“Did you? Wow!” Jordan questioned in response as she listened to you animatedly chat away to her, “Is little one feeling better now?” She turned to ask Leah, aware of Monkey having the flu last week despite your big sisters’ reluctant feelings towards Jordan right now.

Monkey’s upset with Jordan but you’re not too sure why though.

“I mean she seems to be her usual menace of herself again so I’m convinced she’s fine now,” Leah chuckled, shaking her head slightly, “Isn’t that right, bubba?”

“Uh huh!” You giggled faintly in agreement, “Mama, we listen’d to North London Forever! Mummy play’ it over an over in da car!

Jordan gasped playfully and brushed a fly away hair out of your face, “That’s your favourite song isn’t it?”

“And Mummy’s too! Cos’ were Gooners!” You insisted, reciting Leah’s words you’ve heard many times.

“Does that mean you’re not cheering for Mama today then?” Jordan questioned, curiously.

Firmly shaking your head in disagreement, “No, I ‘ove ‘ou Mama but I cheer for Arsenal! I Gooner!” You declared.

Leah grinned proudly, “That’s right bubba. Say it loud, say it proud.”

“Well who am I to argue with my little Gooner?” Jordan joked, readjusting you on her hip as she tickled you.

“Arsenal, Mama. Arsenal!” You cheered aloud.

“I think the bus will be arriving soon, so I’m gonna go and catch up with our menace to make sure she’s not up to no good,” Leah spoke up, observant to understand it must be difficult for Jordan today so it would be good for the two of you to have some time alone, “You’ll be alright with her? I’ll come back in a bit.”

“I’ve got her for now,” Jordan nodded in agreement, “Thank you.” She mouthed to Leah, relieved to be able to spend some one on one time with you before the match.

“Ou’ and Monkey be playin’ against each other!” You stated, promptly as you held Jordan’s hand and walked around the large pitch before the fans all started to arrive.

Jordan peered down at you and, a smile brightening her face, “That’s right, Buddy. Are you going to cheer for Mama’s team?”

“M’ a gooner, Mama!” You insisted, puffing out your chest and declaring your love for Arsenal.

“What?” Jordan gasped in shock horror once again, her eyes wide, “You mean you’re not even gonna for Mama?”

You were stumped in thought, standing there looking deep in thought before you came to your decision, “Only ‘ou, Mama. I be Gooner still!”

“Well I suppose that counts for something if you’re cheering for me, huh?” Jordan chuckled, happy enough with that decision in itself.

“Whos’ this then I see? Hi Buddy!” One of Jordans’ teammates, Rachel cooed as approached, waving as you shyly tried to hide behind Jordan’s legs, “Oh you’re not shy. Since when are you shy?” She joked, trying to tickle you.

You were familiar with Rachel more than the rest of the Aston Villa team since she also played on the England team with both Leah and Jordan at different times but that doesn’t mean you’re still not completely shy around her.

“No, ‘top it!” You whined, glaring at her while trying to push her hand away, “Mama, up!” You demanded, not wanting to be on the ground any longer.

Jordan smiled and obliged to your request, hoisting you up onto her hip as you became shy and she wanted to make you feel safe and secure.

Rachel laughed in amusement and held her hands up in mock surrender, “Are you gonna cheer for us today if we win?”

“No! I Gooner!” You declared, nuzzling your head against Jordan’s shoulder, “Arsenal! Arsenal!”

“What? No way!” Rachel huffed, playfully as she crossed her arms in a dramatic fashion, “Why not be a Villain instead?”

You were firm in your decision as you shook your head, “NO!”

“I already tried that, kiddo isn’t budging on this,” Jordan chuckled, rubbing your back comfortingly.

“Arsenal win! Score goals!” You continued to chant from the safety of Jordan’s arms.

Rachel pretended to clutch her hand over her heart which made you giggle, “I feel hurt, deeply hurt. Where’s Monks?’” She questioned, trying to spot out your big sister.

“On da’ bus with ‘Ra,” You told her, lifting your head up from Jordan’s shoulder with newfound confidence talking to her, “Monkey and ‘Ra are best friends!”

Rachel nodded along in understanding although she didn’t really have any idea who ‘Ra’ was, “Causing trouble I bet?” She joked.

“Oh, I have no doubt about that,” Jordan replied in agreement, knowing exactly what Monkey tended to be like at times.

“Mummy gon’ to find her. I stay with Mama ‘stead!” You declared proudly.

Rachel hummed in agreement, “Ah, I see. I see.”

“Roo will be here soon!” You said in realisation, excitement bubbling over at the thought of seeing your new best friend.

“Roo– Oh right, Rory… Beth’s little ‘un that they adopted,” Rachel realised.

“Yeah, these two are already good friends from what I’ve heard,” Jordan added.

“We’ besties!” You giggled, repeating the words you’ve heard before.

“You are? Wow, that’s exciting!” Rachel exclaimed, listening to you chat to her and being genuinely intrigued, “I bet the two of you get up to no good, huh?”

“Uh huh. Lots and lots!” You insisted, your eyes shining with mischief.

Rachel chuckled in amusement, “Oh I’m sure you both keep everyone on their toes then.”

“Buddy!” You heard your new best friend squeal loudly.

“Roo!” You shouted back, a bit more ecstatic to see her.

“Oh, you're not shy now, are you?” Rachel joked, leaning forward to ruffle your hair, “Would you look at that, little besties’ reunited!”

“Hiya, girls!” Beth joined her two England teammates while holding hands with Rory.

“Mama, ‘ook it’s Roo!” You perked up instantly seeing your new best friend walking on the pitch with Beth.

“Oh am I just forgotten about then huh little miss? I see how it is,” Beth joked with you, leaning forward to try and ruffle your hair which you skillfully dodged.

“Hi auntie Beff– Look, deres’ auntie Wally too!” You wiggled in Jordan’s arms as soon as you spotted another one of your favourite aunties chatting with Leah to break free to go and run in her direction, “Mama, down. Wan’ go see her!”

Jordan chuckled in amusement and placed you back down on the floor so you could be free to run to Lia, “Go and say hello then, kiddo.”

“I wanna come as well!” Rory shouted, eager to chase after you to go and say hello to the woman, “Wait for me!”

“Be careful, Buddy,” Jordan called after you wearily in case you were to trip up along the way before you made it to the safety of Leah and Lia.

“Don’ like this,” You pouted while sitting there with your arms crossed while sitting on Leah’s lap, “Why Arsenal no scoring? That’ no good!”

It only took 25 minutes before the first goal was scored, and it wasn’t Arsenal. You really didn’t like that one bit.

Leah chuckled amusedly, a gentle smile on her face despite the scoreline, “You’ll have to go and have a word with them, won’t you, bubba?” she teased, lightly.

“Shout at ‘dem to kick ball!” You declared with a firm gaze that looks pretty much identical to one that Leah had during certain matches, “Dey’ need Monkey on pitch. Monkey go score goals!” You shouted aloud, trying to get the attention of your favourite person who was sitting in front of you on the bench with Kyra.

“I’ll try my best,” Monkey retorted, flashing you a cheeky grin and giving you a thumbs up before she continued to chat away to the young Australian girl.

“See Mummy? Monkey’ can score de’ goals! She needs to go on!” You insisted, knowing that bringing Monkey onto the pitch would be helpful.

“Manager Buddy in the future,” Viv chipped in, overhearing the conversation as she was sat the other side of Laura with Rory on her lap who was animatedly watching the game.

“Bored, Mummy. Wan’ go and sit with Mama!” You whined and became fidgety, wanting to run over to the other bench and sit with Jordan.

“Bubba, sit still,” Leah murmured as she noted you starting to become restless, “I know you want to go and sit with Mama, but she’s going to be warming up soon and it’s not safe to run back and forth between the benches.” She explained.

“Wan’ sit with Mama though,” You pouted and didn’t like that answer at all, still trying to wriggle off Leah's lap as she tightened her grip around your waist, “Wan’ down, Mummy– Mama, I sit with ‘ou!” You shouted over to Jordan to get her attention as she is about to start warming up on the sidelines.

“You can’t kiddo, I’m about to go and warm up. You sit with Mummy for now and be good, okay?” Jordan explained gently before she started to run along the sidelines and warm up while the match played out.

“No, don’ like it! Don’ wanna sit with Mummy!” You whined in frustration, making another attempt to wiggle free and make a run in the direction of Jordan, “Wan’ go down!” You repeated.

“You can’t bubba,” Leah continued to keep a gentle hold of you on her lap as you still fought to escape, “I know you want to sit with Mama but right now it’s really not safe to run around everywhere like you want to do, okay? You’ve got to sit here with me, Auntie Vivi, Laura and Roo, please.”

“Nooo,” You weren’t having any of it and huffed, turning away with your arms crossed over your chest, “Don’ like ‘ou! Don’ wan’ stay here!”

“I know you do, bubba but you can’t,” Leah exhaled a sigh, clearly knowing that keeping you in one place would be a hard task at the minute.

Hearing the commotion, Monkey turned around and took note of your upset expression, unlike your usual cheeky smile, “Why the long face, Buddy?”

“Mummy bein’ mean an won’t let me sit with Mama!” You told her in a sulk.

“Well that’s not very nice is it,” Monkey retorted with a mock pout, “Why’re you bein’ so cruel, Le?” She joked with the blonde.

“Don’t you start Menace,” Leah gave your favourite person a certain look, “Go and start warming up,”

“Urgh, do I have to? I’d much rather sit here and bug you instead,” Monkey whined dramatically, stretching out in an exaggerated manner.

“Go now, menace,” Leah insisted, her patience thinning but still playful.

Monkey huffed, throwing her hands up in mock defeat, “Why are you always such a buzzkill sometimes?”

“Menace–”

“I’m goin’, I’m goin’, chill out,” Monkey grinned as she finally headed off, leaving you giggling despite your earlier frustration.

“Still no Arsenal goal,” You were in a sulk, sitting there frustrated at the lack of goals that were scored during the first half of the game – You could tell Arsenal had a lot of chances, but none of them went in.

They needed Monkey on the pitch, maybe you could speak to Jonas and he’d listen to you instead?

“There’s still plenty of time bubba,” Leah tried to reassure you, but even she felt a bit apprehensive about the way that the game seemed to be turning out so far.

“No, dey’ no good!” You murmured, crossing your arms and losing all your current faith in the team.

“They’re not scoring,” Rory’s little voice interjected, looking as deflated as you felt being sat bundled up on the bench and not being able to run free like you both very much wanted to do.

There was only a bit of extra time added on in the first half, but even that wasn’t enough to score.

“You’ve got to be patient, bubba,” Leah reminded you softly with an amused expression on her face.

“Don’ like it,” You grumbled unhappily and continued to sit there in a sulk, “Can I go an see Mama now?” You questioned, hoping that would lift your mood.

However, you're disappointed when Leah shook her head in disagreement, “Mama’s going onto the pitch to warm up,” She motioned over to the pitch where you could see Jordan alongside some of her own Aston Villa team mates, “And there’s Monkey as well, can you see her?”

You followed her pointed finger in the direction to see your favourite person jogging on the pitch beside Kyra, “Wan’ go join them.”

“You can’t do that because it’s not safe right now,” Leah reminded you, moving to lift you off her lap, “Right, can you be a good girl and sit here with Auntie Vivi and Roo? Mummy needs to go and do a quick interview with Auntie Al now,”

“Auntie Al?” You perked up at the mention of Leah’s best friend and your Auntie, Alex, who was making her way over with a microphone in her hand, and you didn’t hesitate to try and follow after Leah, “I come with ‘ou, Mummy! I wan’ say hi to Auntie Al!”

“Okay, you can come as long as you promise to not try and run onto the pitch,” Leah reluctantly agreed, hoisting you up onto her hip as she began to make her way over to her best friend, “Deal?”

“Ou’ got it dude,” You said confidently, sticking your thumb up in agreement.

Leah chuckled in amusement, “Good girl. Right, come on then.”

As soon as you spotted Alex, you couldn’t help but shout, “Auntie Al! Auntie Al!”

“Sh, bubba,” Leah hushed you gently, “Auntie Al’s just talking to the camera, see?” She said, pointing in the direction of the camera recording Alex.

“But I just wan’ say hi!” You insisted, tugging on Leah’s trousers impatiently.

Alex noticed you and smiled, making her way over to you both as she introduced Leah, “Because we are delighted– She can see me walking towards her right now, she’s giving me a big smile – to be joined by Arsenal and England captain, Leah Williamson!”

“Hello,” Leah greeted her best friend, wrapping her free arm around her in a warm hug as you clung onto her trouser leg.

Alex returned the hug with Leah, “Thank you for joining us on this one.”

“Hey, don’ forget ‘bout me, Auntie Al!” You tugged at Alex’s trouser leg, pouting when she was yet to acknowledge you yet.

“Oh, how could I forget about our special guest?” Alex smiled, her eyes twinkling in amusement as she knelt down to your height, “Hello, little miss. Are you joining us for the interview?”

“Ello! I be part of the interview as well!” You beamed proudly, nodding so hard that you almost lost your balance.

Alex chuckled, glancing up at Leah, “Oh, are you?”

“Yeah,” Leah responded with a faint smile, “Sorry, Al, but it was the only way to stop her from running onto the pitch right now to join them.”

“Ah, I see. Well that’s okay with me!” Alex winked, patting your head affectionately, “I’ll never complain about seeing my favourite little niece!”

“See, Mummy? Auntie Al’ don’t mind!” You turned to Leah triumphantly.

Leah chuckled in response, “I can see that bubba.”

It wasn’t anything but a professional interview like it should have been with you involved as you demanded to be up in Leah’s arms to have easier access to reach the microphone in her hands.

Leah and Alex were diving straight into what you considered boring grown-up talk, but you were more interested to tell Alex all about Monkey and how she was going to score.

Though, when Leah mentioned splitting her trousers during an important ceremony, you couldn’t help but giggle because you found it really funny.

You attempted to reach for the microphone in Leah’s hands, “Auntie Al, can I talk? I wan’ talk!”

“Sure, Buddy,” Alex agreed, holding her own microphone out for you to take, “What do you want to talk about?”

“Ou’ see my big sister Monkey over ‘dere?” You pointed dramatically to the pitch, where Monkey was warming up with the rest of the team, “She’s gon’ score!”

“Is that right, huh?” Alex asked, playing along.

“Uh huh! She told me she would! Monkey always scores!” You insisted, brimming with confidence.

Alex chuckled in agreement, “Well then it sounds like we’ve got a little football expert on our hands. I’ll be sure to watch her closely.”

“Monkey’s my big sister an my favourite person!” You added, proudly.

Alex smiled and ruffled your hair affectionately, “Well it certainly sounds like you have your hands full with them two!” She told Leah with a playful smirk.

They continued to talk about more grown-up things while you wriggled about in Leah’s arms.

“Need a big performance in this second half,” Alex stated.

“We do,” Leah replied in agreement.

“Monkey score!” You chipped in, determinedly.

Alex chuckled in amusement, “You heard it here from Buddy herself,” she joked, ruffling your hair, “Okay thank you both for joining me…” With that she continued to speak about the latest highlights of another game but you were more interested to try and wriggle into her arms and have a cuddle with her.

“Come here munchkin,” Alex didn’t hesitate to scoop you up into her arms as soon as the camera had stopped rolling but it wasn’t long before you had to go back and find your seat on the bench ahead of the second half of the match.

At least you had hope that Monkey would come onto the pitch.

You felt a surge of excitement when Monkey was subbed on during the 63rd minute of the game, your eyes lit up as your favourite person stepped back onto the pitch and you happily wiggled in your seat on Leah’s lap. 

You just knew she was going to score – It was only a matter of time before it happened!

“'Ook, Mummy! 'Ook!” You squealed, excitedly as you pointed in the direction of the sidelines where Monkey was standing waiting to be subbed on, “Monkey’s goin’ on!”

“I see that bubba,” Leah smiled, joining in the cheers in encouragement for her as she stepped onto the pitch when it was announced, “Go on, Menace!” She shouted.

“Go Monkey! Go Monkey!” You were vibrating with excitement, wiggling on Leah’s lap and cheering for your favourite person and big sister, “Go! Go!”

“Go Monkey!” Rory joined in on the cheering from where she sat perched on Viv’s lap still, still waiting in anticipation for Beth to make her return to the pitch in this game.

“Monkey’s gon' score!” You insisted, nodding her head as you watched her run about and get the ball under her control, “Go, Monkey. Go!”

Nine minutes later, your excitement doubled when you saw Jordan getting ready to come on. Even if she played for the other team, you couldn’t help but love watching her in action.

“Go, Mama!” You cheered loudly, trying to stand up on Leah’s lap and clap in excitement as Jordan turned round and winked at you before she raced into the pitch, “Yeah, Mama!”

“Someones’ getting into watching the match finally,” Laura joked, watching your mood perk up as you were now excited and bouncing about like usual.

“Kick ball, Monkey! Good job, Monkey!” You shouted loudly in the direction of your favourite person as you turned your attention to Leah, “See, Mummy? Monkey’s doin’ a good job!”

Leah chuckled and wrapped her arms around your legs so you didn’t slip and hurt yourself, “She is doing, isn’t she?” She retorted.

Then, in the 87th minute, the moment everyone had been waiting for: Beth made her long-awaited comeback, subbing in for Noelle. The whole stadium’s energy was electric and every single one of the fans were up on their feet, cheering and celebrating for the moment.

“Go, Mummy!” Rory screamed, pure joy plastered all over her face as she watched Beth run onto the pitch and start to make an instant impact in the game.

“Go, Auntie Beff!” You joined in cheering for the blonde.

And then, just like that, in the 89th minute, Monkey made her mark. Charging down the field, she smashed the ball into the back of the net.

“Let’s fuckin' go, come on!” You heard Monkey shout loud from the other side of the pitch.

You gasped dramatically, “Mummy, Monkey say bad word!” Although you didn’t care too much when she’d just scored a goal to equalise the score and Monkey was running around the pitch, acting completely crazy and out of control and being her usual menace self.

The action didn’t stop there, there was twelve minutes extra time added time and in the second minute, Katie scored a goal and then another 2 minutes later, Alessia sealed the deal with another goal, assisted by Beth.

It was an incredible end to the match, one that had you and the entire stadium buzzing.

After the match, while the team gathered for the post-match huddle, you were far more interested in running around with Rory than listening in on the boring grown-up talk.

“Kick ball, Roo!” You encouraged, pointing in the direction of the goal net, “Kick it!”

“Yeah!” Rory cheered as the two of you played, laughing and kicking the ball in the back of the net.

“Goal!” You squealed, running around, laughing and having a great time while the grown-ups talked about stuff you thought wasn’t worth listening to.

The fans all stuck around the stadium, waiting for the girls to all do their lap to thank the fans. As the girls all broke out of the huddle, Monkey snuck up behind you and lifted you into the air with a mischievous grin.

“Got ya!” The older girl said in a playful tone of voice.

“Ah– Monkey, put me down! Down!” You squirmed in her arms, giggling.

Your favourite person continued to grin amusingly, “What if I just…” She paused, tossing you over her shoulder, making you dangle upside down, “Dangle you like this?”

“Noooo!” You shrieked in mock terror, thrashing and playfully slapping at her back,  “Mummy, ��elp me!” You called out, still laughing but hoping Leah would rescue you.

“Monkey, be careful with her,” Leah warned from a distance, her voice firm but calm as she chatted with Beth.

“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry. She’s absolutely fine! See?” Monkey grumbled playfully, adjusting you quickly to spare herself another lecture, “Tattletale.”

“I’m serious, Menace!” Leah shot back, keeping a close eye on you.

“I know,” Monkey huffed and rolled her eyes in response, although her attention shifted as one fan called her out by her proper name, which she clearly didn’t like and her face scrunched up in annoyance, “Urgh, I really hate that name,” She grumbled under her breath, shaking her head as you continued to giggle in her arms.

“They're shouting ‘ou!” You pointed in the direction of another fan trying to get her attention.

“So they are,” Monkey hummed in agreement and followed your gaze, “Wanna come and say hello with me?”

“Uh huh,” You replied in agreement, burying her head in the comfort of your favourite person’s shoulder as she walked over to them with you still perched on her hip.

“Hi!” Monkey greeted them casually.

“Wow, I didn’t think you’d actually come over,” The fan gushed in excitement, “Uh, wow. You’re awesome! You saved the game today!”

“Ha, thanks,” Monkey awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck with her free hand, not liking the direct attention on her right this second, “It wasn't just all me though, it was a team effort, you know?”

“Monkey kicked the ball!” You chipped in proudly, feeling safe in her arms, “Goal scored!”

Your favourite person chuckled and shook her head, “I just do what I love – kick a ball, score a few goals,” She said, humbly.

The fans all stared at her in amazement, “You’re so cool,” One of them spoke aloud, “Would you mind taking a selfie?”

“Sure,” Monkey shrugged her shoulders, though she hesitated when asked to hold the phone and she realised she would need both of her hands free, “Uh, would someone mind holding Buddy for a second?”

“I’ll do it!” An eager fan at the front piped up, and without a second thought, Monkey passed you over to a stranger.

Of course you giggled at first, none the wiser, until you realised you were in unfamiliar arms and your mood shifted.

“Ello’,” You mumbled shyly, then your eyes widened in panic and fear, “Mummy! Mummy!” You called, scanning the crowd for Leah, your voice growing anxious.

The minute that Leah heard you shout for her, the blood ran cold as she saw you being held by a stranger and ignoring the pain in her bad knee, “Buddy!” Her voice was sharp with worry as she sprinted towards you.

“Le, wait, your knee–” Beth called out in concern before spotting Jordan, “Jord! Over there!”

Leah reached you in record time, snatching you back into her arms with no hesitation, not even acknowledging the fan who had held you.

“Mummy,” You mumbled, nuzzling yourself closer to her as you were relieved to be in her arms again.

“You’re okay, you’re okay, “ Leah murmured, the evident relief in her arms as she held you close to her, although it didn’t last long before her face was tight with anger as she grabbed Monkey by her bicep, pulling her away from the fans, “With me, now!” She demanded, her voice low and furious, “What the… What the hell were you thinking?”

“What’s wrong?” Monkey asked, genuinely confused.

“What’s wrong? Are you joking?” Leah’s voice rose in disbelief, “You cannot be serious right now, Monkey!”

“Uhm, look, I know it looks bad, but I was there,” Monkey protested, her tone defensive but uncertain, “I was there the whole time, and they just wanted a selfie. I couldn’t hold Buddy as well, and they seemed kind enough to help.”

“No! No, you do not under any circumstances hand Buddy to someone that you don’t know!” Leah snapped, clutching you tightly.

“But I was there–”

“That doesn’t matter!” Leah interrupted, “You can’t just pass her off like that!”

At that moment, Jordan arrived, having been alerted by Beth, “Hey, Monkey– Le, what’s going on? You look ready to explode.”

Leah held you close, her grip tight as if afraid to let go, “Monkey gave Buddy to a fan. A complete stranger at that!”

Jordan’s face fell in shock, “What? Monkey, why would you do that?”

“I didn’t think about it,” Monkey insisted, her shoulders slumping as she realised her mistake she had made, “It’s not… It’s not a big deal though, I was there.”

“It is a big deal,” Jordan said firmly, her expression serious, “You have to be more careful.”

Leah continued to hold you tightly, her heart still racing from the shock as she could feel your little body pressed against hers, nuzzling your head into her neck.

“I’ve got you, bubba. You’re okay now,” Leah whispered softly, kissing the top of your head, though the tension in her body refused to ease and she wasn’t ready to let go of you just yet with the thought of someone else holding you still so fresh in her mind.

Monkey huffed, frustration mixed with guilt, as Leah continued to hold you, unwilling to let you out of her sight, “I… I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean too– I’m sorry,” Her eyes narrowed as her irritation crept in, “Why is she even here?” She muttered, looking in the direction of Jordan as she felt the clear resentment for her still.

Leah’s temper flared hearing Monkey’s muttering and her eyes’ flashed with anger, “I don’t care how you feel about Jordan, this isn’t up for debate and you need to listen when it comes to Buddy’s safety.”

“Leah, it’s fine. We’ve got different things to worry about right now,” Jordan chimed in, understanding that Monkey was reluctant to be around her considering everything but that wasn’t the main priority right now, “Let me take Buddy so you can talk to Monkey? I won’t let her out of my arms– Our girls are what’s more important than Monkey’s reaction towards me.”

Monkey stood nearby, shifting uncomfortably as Leah’s fury simmered, but she remained silent for now, knowing she was in trouble.

Jordan approached slowly, taking in Leah’s rigid posture and the way her arms tightened protectively around you, “Le, it’s okay. She’s safe now,” She told her gently, reaching out and brushing her hand along your back before looking back at Leah, “Let me take her, okay? You need to talk to Monkey.” She repeated.

Leah’s jaw clenched at the thought of you letting go again so soon felt unbearable, but she knew that Jordan was right, “I just… I don’t want to let her out of my sight right now,” She admitted, her voice shaking with emotion.

“I know,” Jordan softened her tone, reassuring her with a calm confidence, “I’m not going to let her out of my sight, Le. I promise. You know she’s safe with me.”

Leah hesitated, her arms still wrapped around you while her protective instincts still screamed for her to hold you, but she also knew that Monkey needed to understand what she had done wrong and that meant having a serious talk with her.

“Okay,” Leah murmured, exhaling a deep breath and nodding as she gently handed you over to Jordan, though it took every ounce of willpower to do so.

Immediately, you nestled into Jordan’s arms and felt safe again, while Leah watched the two of you with cautious eyes.

“I’ve got her,” Jordan repeated, reassuring her again while holding you securely in her arms, “Go talk to Monkey. I won’t let her out of my sight.”

Leah gave a final nod before turning to Monkey, her expression hardening once more, “You and I need to talk. Now.”

“Fine,” Monkey crossed her arms, still looking annoyed but knowing she had no choice.

“Where’s Mummy an Monkey goin’?” You asked, confused.

“They're just going to have a little chat, little 'un,” Jordan explained, keeping a gentle hold of you in her arms as she walked in the opposite direction.

Leah’s voice was low but firm as she led your favourite person away from the others, the privacy away from the fans who still loitered in the stadium as her eyes glanced back one last time to make sure Jordan was still holding you.

Pacing in front of Monkey, Leah’s emotions were still raw from what had happened as she forced herself to take a deep breath, knowing that this was a critical moment and she wanted–  needed Monkey to understand.

“Monkey, listen to me,” Leah began, trying to keep her temper in check but she failed to hide her underlying anger, “What you did back there--it wasn’t just careless, it was borderline dangerous.”

Monkey shuffled her feet awkwardly, still not fully meeting Leah’s gaze, “I didn’t… I just thought about taking the photo--I was there the whole time!”

“No, I don’t care if you were there the whole time,” Leah was quick to fire back, keeping a firm tone of voice, “You do not hand Buddy over to someone that you don’t know!”

“I didn’t mean it, Le–” Monkey mumbled, still not quite understanding the seriousness of the situation.

“I know you didn’t mean it,” Leah cut in, trying to control her frustration, “But that’s the point I’m trying to make here, you didn’t think and when it comes to Buddy, you have to think. Always.”

Monkey folded her arms defensively, her jaw clenched, “It was just for a second. I was right there.”

Leah sighed, realising she needed to break it down in a way that Monkey would really grasp, “I don’t care if it was just for a second. You cannot hand her over to someone you don’t know, even for a moment,” She paused to take a breath, “You have no idea who that person is, what their intentions are. They could walk off with her, and by the time you have realised, she’s gone. Do you get that?”

Monkey huffed, the weight of Leah’s words starting to hit her, but she still looked frustrated, “I get it, but I don’t see why it’s such a big deal. I was right there, Le!”

Leah stopped pacing and turned fully towards her, “It’s a big deal because you don’t seem to understand how fast things can go wrong,” Her gone grew sharper, “You’re not just handing her to a stranger – You’re risking her safety. What if they took her? What if something worse happened?”

The seriousness in Leah’s voice made Monkey glance up, her brows knitting in frustration, but also in realisation, “I didn’t… I didn’t think of that.”

“I know,” Leah said more gently now, seeing that Monkey was starting to understand, “But you have to think, every time. Buddy’s a toddler, she’s my little girl and your little sister--it’s our job to protect her, and that means being cautious, especially in this job with strangers around us.”

“I get it now,” Monkey exhaled slowly, her arms dropping to the side, “I get that I messed up. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.”

“I need you to remember this going forward,” Leah told her, softening her voice but still remaining firm, “No more passing her to strangers, no matter how nice they might seem. If you can’t hold her, you wait until I can, or Jordan, or someone that I can trust. That’s it. No exceptions.”

Monkey finally met Leah’s gaze, her frustration melting into a more serious expression, “Okay. I am sorry, Le. I really didn’t mean to mess up.”

Leah placed a hand on Monkey’s shoulder, squeezing it gently, “I know you didn’t, but you need to take this seriously that Buddy’s safety comes first, always,” She paused to take a breath, watching Monkey process her words but there was still something that she needed to address, and she knew it wouldn’t be easy for Monkey to hear, “For now, until we can be sure nothing like this happens again, you’re not allowed to be left alone with Buddy in public situations like match days.”

Monkey’s face fell, “Wait, so now you don’t trust me at all?”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Monkey,” Leah sighed softly, keeping her voice calm, “It’s just that right now, we need to be extra cautious. You’ll get that trust back, but it’s going to take time, okay?”

Monkey swallowed hard, clearly disappointed but trying to accept it, “Okay. I get it.”

“We’ll work on it,” Leah reassured her, giving her another squeeze, “This won’t be forever, it’s just until we know you really understand how important this is.”

Monkey nodded slowly, still feeling the weight of the consequences but knowing Leah was right, “Yeah, I’ll… I’ll do better.” she murmured, apologetically.

“Good,” Leah nodded, sensing Monkey’s sincerity, though the seriousness of the situation remained, “That’s all I need--for you to understand and to be careful from now on.”

Monkey sighed deeply, her frustration giving way to acceptance, “I will, I promise. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

“Come on,” Leah draped an arm over Monkey’s shoulder, gently guiding her back towards where you and Jordan stood, chatting with Katie and Caitlin. As promised, Jordan was still holding you, though you were beginning to grow sleepy from the long day.

The moment you spotted Leah, your arms shot out eagerly, “Mummy!”

Jordan smiled softly, sensing your desire to be with Leah, “She missed you.” She said gently, handing you over to her.

Leah wasted no time, taking you into her arms with a sense of relief that melted the tightness in her chest. You immediately nuzzled into her neck, clutching her coat tightly, “Mummy’s got you, bubba,” she murmured softly, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

Monkey stood a few steps back, her arms crossed as she watched the tender moment between you and Leah, while she avoided looking directly at Jordan.

Jordan noticed Monkey’s distance but chose to leave it for now,, she knew it wasn’t the right time to address the issue, not after everything that had happened. Casting a quick glance at Leah, her expression softening as she returned her attention to you.

“Are you alright, bubba?” Leah questioned you softly, running a hand over your hair.

You nodded sleepily, still nestled close, your little hands gripping Leah as if you never wanted to let go, “Better now.” You whispered.

“Good,” Leah murmured, holding you tightly as if grounding herself in your presence as her eyes flickered to Monkey, who stood a little apart from the group, “Right, I think it’s time to get you two back home after today’s events, yeah?”

Monkey hesitated before speaking up softly, “Can I come with you in the car instead of the bus?”

Leah met her gaze and gave her a reassuring nod, “Of course you can.”

The walk to the car was quiet, each of you lost in your own thoughts. Leah kept her focus on you, keeping you safe and close, while Monkey trailed behind, still processing the day’s events, knowing that she needed to work on earning back Leah’s trust after what happened today.

For now, though, Leah had you back in her arms, and that was all that mattered.

© scribblesofagoonerr

[marimelwrites]

Out of every single day she had experienced, all of the ups, the best of the best, this day was easily the best of them all. Ava couldn't imagine a day that could have come close. They had not only achieved their goal, their dream, but now she wasn't hiding her feelings anymore for the sake of potentially sparing herself embarrassment or disappointment. Her feelings, that love she had been feeling for Emir, was given right back. There was absolutely nothing that could top that, though she wouldn't admit that just then.

The way Emir rested his arms on her shoulders was such a familiar sensation. It was something that she had experienced a million times before, and yet, it felt new all of a sudden. Everything felt different, even when it was so familiar at the same time. Ava's breath caught as he leaned forward, and she held that breath as his lips met hers. With eyes that fluttered closed, and hands that held him to ground her, she returned his kiss with an answering smile on her own lips.

It took a moment for her eyes to open, and she looked up into his face, her own flushed before whispering, "I'm almost worried I'll wake up and realize all of this was a dream... from beginning to end..." Her teeth caught her bottom lip as she nervously bit it before continuing, "Please tell me I'm not going to wake up in the morning only to realize that I've dreamt it all."

Although, from holding him, and the comforting, solid warmth that she felt from him then were all indicative of this being real, it seemed almost too good to be true. At the same time, Ava couldn't help but think about how they deserved this. They deserved to be happy. They'd earned their medals, they deserved them, and they absolutely should be able to have the love that had been proclaimed.

Ava felt like the absolute luckiest woman in the entire world in that moment.

Her confirmation soothes something in him that has been unsettled since before the fallout in a way that suggests it has been building for longer than he even realized. Not that there is any time to think about that now. However they got here, Emir is just glad that they are finally here. That he can hold her in his arms and admit his feelings without fear because she loves him too.

Ava leans into his embrace, and his smile softens, too bright to be dimmed by the brief possibility that the rift between them could have led to their separation. "I didn't either," he admits with a shake of his head. "I just knew... I didn't want to do this without you." That was always the plan: together until the end.

The look in her eyes, the sureness of her words--it takes everything in him not to swoop forward and pull her into another kiss right there. In the back of his mind, he knows that they should be joining the rest of their team to properly celebrate securing their gold medal, but right now, there is nowhere else he would rather be.

Resting his arms atop her shoulders, he tilts his head to meet her eyes and grins at the blush spreading across her cheeks. "It's good that we're on the same page, then," Emir says, nodding. "And in that case--" His smile hardly wavers as he leans forward and their lips meet. This time, there is no crowd. No excuse of wanting to sell the performance. He can feel the vulnerability in his chest, even against his smile, until they part.

[leah-lover]

Crossover. Leah Williamson x reader.

Based off this request. Thank you.

Exiting, that's how you would describe your life as a model. Yes there were the occasional hiccups but you mostly got to do very cool stuff and hang out with cool people. Your work took you everywhere but your home base was London. You started your career there and a large number of your followers come from there too.

The thing you loved the most about your job was the parties. They allow you to meet very interesting people, pick their brain and develop interesting g friendships.

Today was no different. Nike had a pretty high budget launch party for their new show line and you were invited. These parties were a little less formal than what you were used to going to, so you decided against a suit or a dress and settled for a black strapless and backless jumpsuit, a pair of black heels and some gold accessories. Your make up was elegant and your signature red lip was at its center.

Nike as always sent you a car to your house and you headed to the location of the event on time.

Upon arriving there you said hi to some people, talked to others, took some pictures at the event with some guests and drank champagne. The night was as regular as most of most launch parties were. Suddenly you were approached by one of the managers of the event.

“ Hey, so I wanted to introduce you to one of the faces of this launch. Miss Leah Williamson.” he says.

“ hi, nice to meet you, Miss williamson.” you say offering her your hand.

“ Hey, just Leah please.” she answers, shaking your hand

.” a fellow Brit I see. I haven't seen many of those tonight.”

“ glad i was among the few.” she answers. You two talked for a little while over a small table, each one of you nursing a drink. You both were making jokes trying to get one another to laugh or at least smile. There was definitely tension in the air and you both were flirtatious with one another.

“So Leah this has been one of the best nights I have had for a while. Thank you “ you say, squeezing her hand gently.

“Yeah it was fun for me too.” she responds with a disappointed tone. “Let me walk you to your car.”

While leaving the venue you hear a photographer say “ Miss Williamson would you like a picture?”. She looks over to you and you get into your usual pose instantly. While getting ready her hand slips perfectly on the small of your back applying the right amount of pressure.

While the photographer's flash was blinding you, you looked over to Leah and she did the same to you. You stood there getting your picture taken with a hot blonde after flirting with her all night. She made you feel safe with her hand on your back which you appreciated.She then walls you too you car.

“Tonight was fun.” You say leaning on the door.

“We should do this again sometime soon.” She replies with a small smile on her face.

“House about you come to one of our games. We will play in the Emirates soon. I think it would be a good experience.” She added.

“ Maybe.” You respond before getting in your car.

This night was gonna be unforgettable.

—----------------

Fact forward a few weeks you were back in England after being in Milan, Paris, and Japan for work. Well there first two were work , the last one was for fun since the F1 Japan grand prix was one of your favorites on the race calendar. You could say that that weekend was well spent. You hung out on the Ferrari paddock and did a lot of social media work. This work backfired on you because all people were talking about the whole weekend we're done moment that happened between you and a driver. Romers never bothered you, now it was different. Leah had followed you on Instagram after the event and you worried that she would believe them. As a result you decided to go to the arsenal game she talked about. Getting tickets was a Hassle because they were all sold out. But you managed to find a seat right next to the bench, very close to the field.

You showed up to the Stadium early. You hair was down, your makeup was simple, you wore jeans, a black button down and a Jersey over it, one that says Leah Williamson on the back, and you added a few gold accessories again.

Like Leah said the atmosphere was electric. You went to the VIP section first, got some food and a drink then you headed down to your seat. Leah didn't know you were coming; you wanted it to stay a surprise.

As soon as the players appeared on the pitch the whole strain erupted into cheers and chants. Those cheers only got louder when Arsenal scored 3 goals in 20 minutes which you were told was impressive.

After the half time break some players were running up and down the field. That's when she saw you. She held eye contact with you for a long time, a wide smile planted across her face. She had a look of pride, joy, and reassurance. You smiled back at her, clapped as she came on and sang and chanted loudly.

After the game was done the players were doing a lap around the pitch and when she saw you again. Another wide smile was painted on her face. She looked happy to be there and happy that you were there too.

She was then signing autographs, taking pictures and genuinely talking to people. She grew immensely in your eyes because of her thankful and humble demeanor. She then asked for you to follow her inside the stadium which you did.

“You clean up nice. I like your shirt “ she said with a cocky expression on her face.

“Well I saw a charming young lady at an event a few weeks ago and she hadn't left my mind ever since. I missed her and I thought I would come and see her. Turns out she is the best person in the world.” You respond.

“ Well I hope this girl gets to go have dinner with you because you two sound formidable.” She added

“ Maybe.” You respond

You wait for her to get ready and get out of the locker room. When she gets out, a few girls follow her and appear to be teasing her.

“ I swear if I hear from anyone you shit heads you won't like practice anymore.” She said to them. You simply wave to them as you two walk by then to Leah's car too which she opens the door.

“ Such a gentleman.” You exclaim.

“Well I have competition. That girl you were talking about is a catch.” She joked.

Leah was fun. She made you feel at ease and safe.

This was going to be a fun adventure.

[starsjulia]

angel chapter one // calm before the storm

leah williamson x child!reader

masterlist

a/n : my first chapter in this little series i’ve been working on, decided to make the first one a short and sweet one, though i fear that’s going to change

warnings : none!

Leah Williamson stood at the edge of the football pitch, her boots planted firmly in the grass as she watched her daughter run across the field, her little legs pumping with all the energy she could muster. Five-year-old Angel was a bundle of life and laughter, her golden curls bouncing with every step. Dressed in a miniature version of her mum’s Arsenal jersey, with “Angel” printed across the back, she was the perfect embodiment of joy, brightening the world around her. Leah had made sure to get her a headband that matched her own, knowing that Angel loved to imitate everything her mum did.

“Mummy, Muma, watch this!” Angel called, her voice high and bright, echoing across the field. She kicked a small ball toward the goalposts, her concentration etched on her face. It wasn’t much of a kick, but it was enough to make Leah’s heart swell with pride. Angel had recently discovered the thrill of scoring a goal, even if it was just a soft tap against the grass.

“I’m watching, love! That was amazing!” Leah cheered, clapping her hands and glancing over at her teammates, who had gathered on the sidelines after their training session. The Arsenal Women’s team had become accustomed to Angel’s presence at the pitch; she had become their little mascot, the team’s ray of sunshine.

“She’s gets better every time,” Vivianne Miedema said, leaning against the fence with a fond smile on her face. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the pitch. “You’ll have her in the academy soon, Leah.”

Leah grinned, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. “Hell yeah, she’s already talking about playing for Arsenal one day,” she replied, her voice tinged with a mother’s boundless hope. “She’s got her head set on the Emirates.”

“Just like her mum,” Katie teased, giving Leah’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. The bond between the players was strong, forged through years of teamwork and shared dreams. They often joked that Leah was the team’s backbone, holding them together on and off the pitch. But today, it felt as if Angel was the glue binding everyone with her radiant spirit.

The other Arsenal players treated Angel like their own little sister. Leah’s best friend, Lia, always kept a stash of Angel’s favorite candies in their bags, while Lisa patiently taught her new tricks with the football whenever she came to practice. Every time Leah looked over at her daughter, she felt a wave of warmth wash over her. Angel had even started calling some of the players by the nicknames they used for each other. “Auntie Wally” was a regular visitor at Leah and Angel’s house, often coming over for dinners that inevitably turned into long evenings of cartoons and laughter.

“Can I try again?” Angel asked, running back to Leah with a determined glint in her eyes. Leah nodded, her heart swelling as she watched Angel’s tiny feet stampede back toward the goal. She stood tall, arms crossed, as if she were preparing for battle. Leah had never seen anyone so fiercely competitive, even at such a young age.

“Go on, Angel! You’ve got this!” Leah shouted, the words echoing off the surrounding buildings.

Angel took a deep breath, her face scrunching in concentration, and then charged forward. With a swift kick, she sent the ball sailing toward the net, where it rolled gently against the post and stopped just shy of the goal line. A chorus of cheers erupted from Leah’s teammates, and Leah couldn’t help but join in, clapping her hands and laughing.

“You were so close! That was really good baby”

“I can do it, Mummy! I just need to practice more!” Angel declared, her blue eyes sparkling with determination.

Leah planted a kiss on her daughter’s cheek. “That’s the spirit! You keep practicing, and soon you’ll be scoring goals for Arsenal!”

As they made their way off the pitch, Leah looked around, noticing the faded lines painted on the grass, the worn-out goalposts that had seen countless games, and the crisp, cool air that carried the promise of another beautiful day. This was their sanctuary, a place where Leah had spent countless hours honing her skills and nurturing her passion. And now, it was also Angel’s playground.

“Can we get please ice cream?” Angel asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.

“Sure sweet! Anything for my little champion,” Leah replied, laughing as she turned to the counter. They ordered their ice creams and found a cozy table by the window, sunlight streaming in and illuminating Angel’s face.

As they sat together, indulging in their sweet treats, Leah couldn’t shake the feeling of contentment. It was moments like this that made all the hard work worth it. She watched Angel, who was animatedly describing her favorite parts of the day—the goal attempts, the cheering teammates, and her plans for the future.

“Mummy, when I grow up, can I play for Arsenal and wear your number?” Angel asked, her eyes gleaming with admiration.

“I know you will, love” Leah explained, her heart swelling with pride.

“I’ll be the best player ever! And I’ll help my friends, just like you do!” Angel declared, her little voice brimming with determination.

As Leah listened to her daughter, she felt a sense of hope that made her heart soar. She promised herself that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would be there for Angel, nurturing her dreams and instilling in her the strength to pursue them.

But as the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Leah couldn’t help but feel a flicker of unease. She wanted to protect Angel from any pain or hardship that life might throw their way. In that moment, she made a silent vow to be the strongest mother she could be, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

With ice cream smeared across their faces and laughter ringing in the air, Leah and Angel left the shop, hand in hand, ready to embrace whatever adventures awaited them. Even if they would be the toughest either would have to face.

[wlwsoccerfics]

Late Night & an Early Morning with Mami & Mama (LiaWältiXMarionaCaldenteyXChildReader)

Summary: you have a Bad dream and still have a good Morning.

You woke up at night, looking around. It was 3am. Noticing that your moms weren't in your bedroom with you anymore. So you started crying. They always read you a Story and you fell asleep with them there. It has always been like that. As Long as you could remember. Which wasn't long cause you just turned three years old a week ago.

"Mami?Mama?ayuda." You sobbed out. It only took them like 15 seconds to stand in front of your little bed which was painted like the Emirates Stadium & had Arsenal Written all over it. And your mommies Jersey Numbers. ( Mami?Mama?Help. )

"¿Qué pasa princesa?" Your Mami asked, picking you up and holding you close. You cuddled up to her right away. ( what's wrong princess? )

"mal sueño." You informed your mommies. Pouting thought the tears. ( Bad Dream. )

"Oh, no, dulce niña. Lo siento mucho oír eso." Your Mami replied. Kissing the top of your head. ( oh no sweet girl. sorry to hear that. )

"would you like to sleep in bed with me and Mami?" Your Mama asked. Gently stroking your hair.

"sí, por favor." Your answered. "Momo sleeps with us?" You wanted to know. Momo was your stuffed monkey. You didn't go anywhere without it. ( Yes please. )

"He sure can." Your Mama agreed. Smiling softly at you.

"thanks Mama! Thanks Mami!" You replied with a soft smile. Yawning softly.

The three of you went back to your mommies bed. You laid in top of your Mami while your Mama was running your back gently and your Mami gently stroking your hair. One of your hands had a tight grip on Momo.

"get some more rest my sweet Girl! In a few hours you gonna travel with us to Manchester." Your Mama let you know. So you closed your eyes. Smiling a bit. Because you would be able to see your auntie Grace. Your auntie Kyra had introduced you to her. Cause the two were quite close.

"Duerme bien, dulce niña." Your Mami whispered out. Which you didn't even hear anymore because you fell asleep again. Your Mama let out a sigh of relief. Traveling with a tried and grumpy toddler wasn't fun. So she was glad you got some more sleep. ( sleep well, sweet girl . )

"she is out like a light!" Your Mama whispered out and cuddled up to your Mami. The two falling asleep as well.

The morning was quite peaceful and you let your Mami get you dressed before the three of you drove to the Training grounds because that was where the Bus was leaving from. In the Car you listened to a Paw Patrol Audiobook.

"i Love Marshall!" You happily announced with a lisp. Which made both of your mommies laugh.

"Lo sabemos princesa." Your Mami said. "You Tell us at least once a day!" She added. ( we know princess. )

"and we brought you lots of different Marshall plushies!" Your Mama replied.

"i needed them all! A Marshall Football team!" You told them. You had around 10 different Marshall plushies and you insisted that they all had to sleep in your bed.

"of course you did, Liebling." Your Mama said. Smiling softly. ( Sweetheart. )

Twenty minutes later you have reached your destination. When your Mama got you out of the car, your auntie Kyra , auntie Beth and auntie Steph walked over.

"Look Steph, Look Beth it's our favorite little princess!" Your auntie Kyra announced and held her arms out for you and you walked up to her since your Mama had put you down onto the ground.

"aunties!" You happily said and jumped into Kyras Arms. "I Had a Bad dream so Mami and Mama let me sleep in their big bed!" You explained.

"sorry you had a Bad dream, Sweet Angel. But glad your mommies made you feel better!" Your Auntie Steph replied. You held onto Kyra and cuddled up to her. Looking at Steph.

"thank you auntie Steffy!" You answered.

When you sat on the Bus you had decided to sit with your auntie Leah & auntie Beth. Being very entertained by listening to them talk about different kind of dogs. It also made you want to get a Dog.

"i get a Dog?" You asked. Looking at them both.

"kiddo you have to ask your Mama and Mami!" Your auntie Leah told you.

"¿Me compras uno solo?" You asked. ( You can just buy me one? )

"in english please!" Your auntie Beffy answered. You sometimes don't realize that you reply in Spanish or (Swiss-)German.

"she said that you should just buy her a Dog or asked you to buy her one. That's the better explanation . Which isn't happening." Your Mami explained. She was sitting behind your aunties Leah and Beth with your Mama.

"Vale la pena intentarlo." You admitted. ( worth a try. )

"i need to start learning Spanish!" Your auntie Beth stated and chuckled softly.

"agreed!" Your mami answered with a soft smile.

"maybe when you are older we can get a Dog." Your Mama let you know.

"okay." You replied. Still pouting a little. But not saying anything about the dog for the rest of the Drive. No somehow you ended up asleep in your auntie Daphnes Arms. Snoring cutely.

So your morning was quite relaxing. If only all Mornings were as relaxing as this one.

[greynatomy]

regret

leah williamson x reader

actually finished writing something! wooo! the poll i put out was a close one, but this pair ultimately won. thanks to all who voted.

i’ve decided to split this into two parts, so this isn’t the end peoples!

part 2

———

“Alright. Remember, when we get there—”

“—pretend that we’re still happily married. I know.” You say annoyed, getting out of the car.

“Hey, don’t be like that!” Leah gets out of the car, catching up to you.

“Be like what? I’m not the one who got us in this situation.”

“Can we just be civil? This is the last time we’ll go through this.”

“Piss off will you! We wouldn’t have to act civil if you kept your mouth to yourself. And you had the audacity to file for divorce.”

Before Leah could reply, the front door opens to reveal Amanda, Leah’s Mom.

“Oh, I’ve missed you girls so much!”

Putting up a smile on your face, you engulfed the woman in a hug.

“Missed you too Amanda.”

“Come in! Come in!”

“Oi! David how’ve you been pops?”

“Oh, I’ve been wonderful! Glad to have you here!” He pulls you into a hug.

“There’s my favorite sister!” You hear behind you, Jacob just coming down the stairs from his room.

“Come here you! It’s been a while, huh?”

“It has! You gotta visit me more often.” You tense a bit, but not enough for him to notice in your embrace, putting up a smile on your face.

“I’ll try to visit more.”

What you don’t see behind you is Leah watching your interactions with her family.

You’ve known each other young. You’ve both been dating since you were fifteen, marrying at nineteen, divorced at twenty-one.

Her family’s have welcomed you with open arms since the beginning. You were her first serious relationship. The only one of her girlfriends that her family loved. You’ve had your whole life basically planned out, Leah would become a footballer, you a doctor, marriage, kids, the dream basically.

Leah didn’t know the exact reason why she did what she did, but it happened and she couldn’t take it back. She knew this teammate of hers has liked her for a while and never told her off.

She woke up to an unfamiliar bed, an arm around her that certainly wasn’t you. She regretted it the moment she woke up, didn’t know how to tell you, but you found out before she could. Ashamed of herself, Leah filed for divorce.

———

Leah didn’t know what she was thinking divorcing you. She didn’t have the right to be the one to file as she was the one who fucked up. It was impulsive and shameful. It was the best option she could think of at the time.

Now here she was, five years later, at the Emirates training grounds, about to run for the first time since her ACL injury. She missed you so much during this time. Every time she was injured in any way, you were always by her side nursing her back to health. You were her support system, making her fall more in love with you. This time, without you by her side, she realized how much she took you for granted, how she didn’t show you enough love, betraying you in the worst way possible.

She’d already signed the divorce papers, pressuring you to do the same all while making you go to her family’s for a dinner pretending that nothing has changed between the two of you. It was when she finally saw your signature on the papers was when she realized how she’s lost you for good.

———

Getting back home after a family walk, Amanda spots a stack of papers on the kitchen counter, a folded paper on top, along with two rings. Curious, she opens it up and quickly skims through them, shock fills her body after she finished reading.

“Leah!” She yells for her daughter.

“Yeah, mum?” Leah walks into the kitchen to see her mom holding something up.

“What the hell is this?”

Leah being clueless, grabs the sheet, reading it herself.

Leah,

I’ve finally signed everything you’ve been wanting me to sign. I don’t know why I’ve put it off for so long even if I’m not the one at fault. Guess it’s just hard to let go of the one you love the most.

Don’t contact me. Don’t look for me. You’re free.

Yn

Leah couldn’t even respond to her mother. All the emotions she bottled up came at her all at once, breaking down in front of her family. Six years of relationship, one year of marriage over.

[httpsdana]

do you write for musiala? if so, can you do something like enemies to lovers, they are forced to spend time together because of mutual friends, but they constantly fight, secretly like each other<3 ty

Cupid in Bali~Jamal Musiala

I might start putting pictures like these instead of the gifs cuz they're prettier. also first Jamal fic hope you enjoy <3 long fic ahead.

you can request from my prompt list

this is my master list

players/drivers I write for

All these characters are made up and not real!!!

The Characters: Jason & Leah, Ethan & Serena, Tyler & Emma, Carlos & Abigail, and Jamal & y/n

"I'm on my way. are you done?" Leah said through the phone to y/n.

"I am, I'll be waiting for you" y/n replied, walking her suitcase into the elevator. Her bag was on her back and she was in some comfortable clothes for the very long trip ahead of them.

They were gonna be a group of 10, 5 girls and 5 boys. Funny thing is how all of them were in couples, except for y/n and Jamal. Of course people will say that they go along very well, which was the most inaccurate thing to be said about those two. They were basically enemies.

y/n exited the elevator, and stood outside waiting for her friend that was gonna take her to the airport. It only took 2 minutes for Leah to arrive, but not alone. She had her boyfriend, Jason, in the passenger seat, and Jamal...in the backseat.

y/n rolled her eyes, opening the rear of the car and placing her suitcase and bag there, then opening the backdoor, sitting next to Jamal.

"hey guys" she said as soon as she sat in her seat. Both Leah and Jason greeted her back, while Jamal just rolled his eyes and huffed.

y/n ignored his presence, while the drive to the airport was silent.

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"Okay guys, so as you know we have a very long trip ahead of us. Our first stop will be in the United Arab Emirates. From there, we have to take another plane to Singapore. After landing in Singapore, we will stay in the same plane, and leave for Bali. About 7 hours between Germany and the Emirates, then 7 hours between the Emirates and Singapore, and about an hour and a half between Singapore and Bali" Tyler explained, while everyone listened.

It was going to be a very long trip. Everyone checked in and got in their seats. And lucky for y/n, her seat was on the window.

"you've got to be kidding me" y/n heard, so she looked up, seeing the guy she was planning on avoiding the whole trip so she can have a good time. Jamal.

"what is it now?" she rolled her eyes at him, only for him to sit down next to her.

"your seat is here?" she said, already knowing his answer. He huffed and nodded, crossing his arms over his chest. She let out a sigh, knowing it's gonna be a very long trip.

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The first part of the trip was a bit quiet. Jamal didn't speak much and y/n was just watching a couple of movies she had. When she finished her movies, they still had about 20 minutes to land in the Emirates.

She was getting bored, and started moving a bit in her seat. Jamal, who has been trying to sleep, all the trip looked at her annoyed.

"Can you stop moving " he complained. She let out a sigh, sliding down in her seat

"I'm bored" she mumbled.

"now that you have nothing to do you're complaining? I've been trying to sleep for 6 hours but I didn't say a word." he rolled his eyes, before closing them and trying to fall asleep again.

"we land in a while I don't think it's a good time to sleep" y/n pointed out, making him sigh

"better than hearing your voice till we land" he said rudely. y/n was taken back a bit by his response, but only looked away from him and to the window, where the sun was setting in a beautiful way.

She ignored him for the rest of the time until they landed. After they landed, everyone got their bags and met each other.

Some got food, and others got coffee, until it was time to get on the plane again. Another 6 to 7 hours to Singapore. This time y/n was sat next to one of her friends, Abigail, where they talked for a bit then went to sleep as it was almost midnight.

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When they landed in Bali, it was almost 4 am in the morning, meaning that they were going to sleep more before starting their vacation.

"I'm sorry y/n, but you're gonna have to share a room with Jamal" Tyler said, making y/n sigh. She knew that all the girls wanted to sleep with their boyfriends, but she thought that maybe one of them would sacrifice the sleep with her boyfriend so y/n wouldn't sleep in the same room with Jamal. I guess not.

She let out a sigh, nodding her head. She had no energy to argue with any of them, nor did she have the energy to stay standing. She just wanted some sleep.

Jamal noticed her tired figure, so he took their room key and helped her carry her bags.

"I'll take her to our room, good night everyone" Jamal said, before walking behind y/n with both of their bags.

Everyone looked at each other, confused by Jamal's nice behavior towards y/n, but they were secretly happy that the two might actually get over whatever problems were between them.

Meanwhile, Jamal and y/n had reached their room, and already got in. y/n was almost asleep while walking, unaware of whatever was happening.

"y/n? are you gonna change before sleeping?" Jamal asked her, while she was walking to one of the beds. She dropped on one of them already asleep.

Jamal let out a sigh, walking to her and taking off her shoes. She was wearing comfortable clothes, so he decided to let her be.

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The next day arrived pretty quick as everyone was tired the previous night. The girls went shopping in the day, while the boys hung out together for a while. At night, they all decided to visit a club and party at the beach. At the end of the day, they were in Bali and every night was a party.

"Ready you guys? we are about to have the best first night in Bali!" Serena cheered, making all the girls cheer with her.

They were getting ready in Leah's room, and after they finished, they walked out all dolled up while their boys were waiting for them.

Each of the girls held the hand of her boyfriend, and started walking out of the hotel, leaving Jamal and y/n alone.

He looked her up and down, making her think he was going to comment about how she looks like always.

"you look nice" he said, taking her by surprise. She expected him to speak something mean, but he did the opposite.

"oh thanks" she mumbled, looking down at her sandals that suddenly seemed more interesting.

"well...we have to get going" Jamal said, putting his hand out for her. She looked at his hand suspiciously, making him sigh.

"let's just have a nice trip and not ruin it for anyone" he said, making her sigh but nod too.

"you're right. we should just get over our problems for our friends" She took his hand and walked behind the others, who already reached the party without them.

As soon as they stepped onto the beach where the party was, Jamal was pulled by Carlos who took him to where the boys were, leaving y/n alone. She pushed through the sweaty bodies, until she reached the bar where her friends stood.

"y/n, you took so long, we were just looking for you" Emma said, turning everyone's attention at her. She coughed awkwardly before speaking.

"um me and Jamal just talked for a bit" she said, looking away quickly.

"you two talked? about what exactly" Abigail asked, while everyone else looked at y/n waiting for an answer.

"nothing important, just that we should have fun on the trip" she shrugged, making the girls smile

"finally you two made up, it was about time" Leah said.

They ordered their drinks and started their own party. As the girls were dancing, y/n stood at the bar with her drink, just looking around the dance floor, until her eyes landed on Jamal, except he wasn't alone but with a girl next to him. They were talking and laughing seeming close.

For some reason her heart sank as she watched him laughing with another girl. A mix of jealousy and hurt clouded her thoughts. Despite their constant bickering, seeing him with someone else stirred unexpected emotions within her, making her feel a strange mix of emotions she couldn't quite understand.

She looked away immediately, afraid he might see her watching them and making fun of her. She turned to speak with one of her girls, only to see them all on the dance floor with their boyfriends.

She let out a sigh and turned to the bartender, refilling her drink. She took a huge sip, feeling herself loosen up a bit. Suddenly the music slowed down, and some people left the dance floor as couples started dancing in a slow dance.

y/n always felt lonely as a person who never had someone. But when she's with her friends they always made her feel included. However, this trip was different. The girls wanted to spend time with their boyfriends, and y/n could never blame them. They didn't have to cancel their plans, so she doesn't feel left out.

For some reason, her eyes drifted to where Jamal and that girl were, to see if they were dancing together or not. Instead, she didn't see them. Her eyes started scanning the place in panic, not seeing any of them anywhere.

"y/n" a voice from behind her startled her. She turned around to see Jamal standing there, his charming smile present on his face. He barely smiled at her as they're always arguing.

A small smile found y/n's face without noticing, as she saw the handsome boy standing in front of her.

"Jamal" she said in a low voice, feeling a relief wash over her.

"Would you like to dance with me?" his voice soft and a hint of nervousness in his eyes.

Y/n, touched by his shyness, smiled warmly and replied, "I'd love to dance with you, Jamal."

Jamal then extended his hand to y/n, leading her to the center of the dance floor with a gentle smile. Placing one hand on her waist and holding her other hand in his, they began to move gracefully to the music.

Their bodies swayed in harmony, creating a magical moment between them.

Their dance was delicate, each step was like a silent conversation between their hearts.

Jamal's touch was both reassuring and tender, guiding y/n with a sense of care and understanding.

As they moved across the dance floor, their bodies swayed in perfect harmony, lost in the enchanting melody that filled the air. The warmth of their embrace and the closeness of their dance spoke volumes, expressing more than words ever could.

It was a moment frozen in time, a dance of forgiveness, understanding, and newfound connection.

Their eye contact was intense. None of them daring to break it. As the dance was coming to an end, Jamal decided to speak up.

"I'm sorry for everything I've done and said for the past like 2 years. It was never my intention to make you hate me" he said in a gentle voice, making her smile

"it's okay. I've said some things too and I'm sorry about that. I just eneve understood why you hated me" she chuckled, making him shake his head

"i never hated you y/n. It just bothered me so much back then how you were close to everyone and we never talked. so i figured bickering and arguing with you would be the only way I can talk you because I really like you y/n and just wanted to talk to you in any way. And looking back at it now it wasn't the best way to approach you" he said laughing slightly making y/n laugh too

"obviously it wasn't. I just hope we can move past that because I like you too Jamal" she said, making him smile

"of course y/n. I wouldn't have asked for a dance if I didn't want us to start over" he said

She smiled back at him, leaning her head on his chest as they still swayed to the music. He pressed a small kiss on the top of her head, tightening his grip around her.

Their friends watched them from afar, realizing that their plan of getting them to make up has worked better than they thought it will.