#mcwfc x reader

[helen-with-an-a]

grace clinton, "can i give you a hug", locker room/medical room

Hi my lovelies. Anon, I promise I wrote this fairly quickly but I have a lot of things queued up already but I don’t want you to think I ignored it. Thank you for the request, I hope you enjoy it.

Ouchie

Grace Clinton x Reader

Description: you’re a grumpy gal who really really just needs a hug

You were the quiet kind of girl. Not very loud. Not very noisy. You almost never spoke, and when you did, your voice was rough and deep, like it had been dragged across gravel before reaching anyone else’s ears. You weren’t mean, or rude, you just had your expectations, and you didn’t see the point in softening them for the sake of comfort. People learned quickly. People knew to be quieter with you, to lower their voices a notch when you walked into the room. The team knew you weren’t a massive fan of the squeals and shouting, the high-pitched bursts of energy that echoed down corridors and bounced off locker room walls. You tolerated them, barely, but everyone could feel the shift when you arrived.

You were often sought out if someone wanted a second to sit, to breathe, to have some calmness. A quiet presence beside them. A steady weight. You didn’t offer advice unless asked. You didn’t fill the silence. You just existed in it, and somehow that was enough. To the outside world, you probably looked intimidating. Littered in tattoos, black ink curling down your arms and disappearing beneath sleeves, an almost-permanent frown settled on your features. You were the stereotypical goalkeeper: broad shoulders, sharp eyes, a stance that looked ready even when you were relaxed. Coming in at well over six foot, you towered over everyone, your biceps bulging as you lifted more and more weights, adding plates without ceremony, without comment.

The club knew different though. Quiet? Yes. Prickly to look at? Absolutely. As soft as a teddy bear on the inside? Also, yes. You remembered birthdays. You kept spare hair ties in your bag. You were the first to notice when someone was off, the last to leave when someone needed company. You just didn’t make a show of it.

It was no wonder Grace had fallen head over heels for you.

Grace, loud and over the top in everything she did, had dived head first into her feelings the same way she dived into tackles - without hesitation, without fear. She loved the way you quietened everything around her, how the static in her head seemed to fade when she sat next to you. Her world had been blown apart when she made her international debut, even more so after moving back to United before switching to City. Every move, every headline, every expectation had piled on top of her until it felt like she was constantly buzzing, constantly vibrating.

You had been City’s backup keeper for a while, living in the shadows until Roebuck’s injury changed everything. The club you had called home practically since birth had let you play here and there, mostly against lower-league teams, appearances that felt like footnotes rather than chapters. It wasn’t until that breakout season that you began to make waves. You didn’t celebrate loudly. You didn’t soak it in. You just did your job, over and over again, until people had no choice but to notice.

You had won the Golden Glove for the past two seasons, solidifying yourself as the number one for a reason. You demanded nothing but excellence from your backline, barking orders with a force that was so unlike you off the pitch, but so natural all at the same time. On the field, you were commanding, relentless, unyielding. Off it, you were steady hands and quiet smiles reserved for the right moments.

Grace had known you for a while. With the way your birthdays fell, you had been in and out of the England setup together, familiar faces without ever quite crossing the threshold into friendship. You’d shared Derby days too, rivalry fuelling the banter between you whenever you crossed paths. It wasn’t until the senior England camps became more consistent for both of you that something shifted. Proximity bred comfort. Comfort bred trust. Friendship slipped into place so easily it was almost unnoticed.

Best friends. Something more than best friends.

You hadn’t officially crossed that line just yet. You were in that flirting, lingering hugs, stares-across-the-room phase. The phases were cuddles on the couch were definitely more than platonic but neither of you would make the first move. Grace would drive you to training, music too loud, windows down. You would make her mug of tea exactly how she liked it, without asking. She would brush your waist as she passed. You would lean into her touch, just enough to make it intentional.

It was a rough one. The rain was bad, even for Manchester. The kind that didn’t fall so much as it attacked, thick sheets of water slamming into the pitch and bouncing straight back up again. The ground was sodden and the game definitely should have been postponed, but no one ever wanted to be the one to call it. Players were slipping and sliding all over the place, boots failing to find any real grip, tackles turning into uncontrolled skids. You were covered in mud and soaked to the skin, your jersey clinging to you, gloves heavy with water.

No one could hear you, and you definitely couldn’t hear them either. The rain drowned everything out. Shouts, whistles, even the crowd blurred into one constant roar. You were relying on every instinct you had, muscle memory doing most of the work now, and trusting that your team would do the same. Eyes sharp. Body loose. Always ready.

It was a corner. The worst kind of moment in conditions like this. You were a master at defending set pieces, something Grace had watched you train over and over again until you didn’t get it wrong. Positioning. Timing. Hands strong, feet planted. You’d rehearsed this exact scenario a hundred times.

The ball came in fast, skidding through the air, heavier than it should have been. You took two steps forward, already committing.

It was a nasty collision. One that the crowd fell silent for, the sound of it somehow cutting through even the rain. The centre-back was massive, all momentum and muscle. Her shoulder clipped you as you went in to palm the ball away, just enough to knock you off balance. The force of it swiped your legs out from under you, your ankle twisting awkwardly as you collapsed into the mud.

You felt the pop. You heard the crack, even above the rain. Then the pain hit, sharp and blinding, icy and hot all at once, radiating up your leg as you lay there, staring at the grey sky, knowing immediately that something was very, very wrong.

Grace thought she was going to be sick. She was on the bench, having been subbed off not too long ago, still wrapped in her jacket, legs bouncing restlessly as she tried to stay warm. She saw the way you landed, the unnatural angle, the way your body folded in on itself instead of rolling with the impact. She could see your face twist in pain, the colour draining from it in a way that made her chest tighten. And if she listened hard enough, even through the rain and the roar of the crowd, she could hear the solitary grunt you let out as you slammed into the ground, a sound that made her stomach drop - not quite a sob, not a shout either, but something utterly heartbreaking to hear

The rest was a blur. You had fought with the medics almost every step of the way. You were insisting you were fine, begging them not to bring on the ugly orange stretcher, trying to sit up even as your body betrayed you. You bit your lip so hard you tasted blood, jaw clenched tight as they manoeuvred your ankle, hands gripping at wet grass for something to ground you. Every small movement sent sparks of pain shooting up your leg, but you swallowed it down, stubborn as ever, refusing to let anyone see just how badly it hurt.

“Hey,” Grace whispered as she slipped through the door, careful to close it quietly behind her. You didn’t respond, not with words anyway. You blinked a few times, slow and deliberate, like you were trying really hard not to show any kind of emotion, like if you stayed still enough it might all just pass. “Have they done scans yet? X-rays?” she asked, eyes flicking around the room, searching the walls for films, for answers, for anything that looked even vaguely reassuring.

You shook your head. The movement alone made your jaw tighten. You had seen the fall on the replay, though the doctors had tried to keep you from seeing it, had stood half in front of the screen like that might somehow shield you from your own body. You saw the angle your leg had ended up at, the way it had twisted in a way it never should have. You felt it now too, the burning ache that felt like live electricity crackling through your skin if you so much as breathed too deeply, pain pulsing in time with your heartbeat.

“Ok,” Grace nodded, more to herself than to you, clearly wracking her brains to say something that wasn’t incredibly stupid, something that didn’t involve worst-case scenarios or long recovery timelines. “Well…” She was closer now, hovering at the side of the bed, so close she could touch you if she was brave enough. You could feel her presence, warm and familiar, a sharp contrast to the sterile cold of the room.

You looked at her, your eyes scanning over her body without really meaning to. Her hair was plastered to her forehead, curls still damp, her cheeks flushed red despite the fact she had shed her sodden clothes and changed into a big warm hoodie you were fairly sure was yours. It hung off her frame, sleeves too long, collar stretched slightly. Somehow that made your chest ache even more.

“Well, I can’t magically fix your ankle or anything, but…” she shuffled a little closer, rocking on her heels. “I can offer you a Grace Clinton Special…” She smiled sheepishly, that soft, crooked smile she always gave when she wasn’t sure if she was overstepping. “Can I give you a hug?” she asked, lifting her hands out towards you, hesitant, like she was waiting for you to pull away.

You blinked again, took a slow, careful breath and whispered faintly, “If you hug me, I’ll cry.”

“That’s ok.”

“I don’t want to cry though.”

“Why?”

You shrugged, the smallest movement you could manage. “Denial?” You hazarded a guess at your own feelings, voice barely above a whisper.

“Well,” Grace said again, this time not waiting for permission, her hand coming to rest gently on your forearm, thumb brushing over your skin. “I’m not going to give you a choice on this one.”

She smelled like honey and oranges. 

It hit you immediately, the familiar scent wrapping around you before her arms even did. She leaned in slowly, carefully, like she was afraid of hurting you, like you were something fragile instead of someone who could deadlift half the gym. Her arms slid around your shoulders, one hand resting between your shoulder blades, the other curling lightly at your side, avoiding your leg completely. She held you like she’d done it a thousand times before, like it was instinct, like her body knew exactly how yours fit against it.

You stayed stiff for about three seconds. Long enough to pretend you were fine. Long enough to keep the wall up. And then your breath hitched, sharp and involuntary, your chest rising too quickly, too shallow. Grace felt it instantly. She always did.

“There it is,” she murmured softly, not teasing, not smug, just gentle. Her hand began to move in slow circles on your back, grounding, steady. “It’s alright. You don’t have to be brave with me.”

That was what did it. Not the pain, not the fear, not even the replay burned into your brain. Just that sentence. Your hands came up before you could stop them, gripping lightly at the back of her hoodie, fingers curling into the soft fabric like it was the only solid thing in the room. Your breath broke properly this time, a quiet, shaky sound you didn’t even recognise as your own.

You hated crying. Hated how it made you feel small, how it stole the control from your body. But it wasn’t loud. It wasn’t dramatic. It was just… quiet. Silent tears sliding down your cheeks, blurring the edges of everything. Grace didn’t pull away. If anything, she held you tighter, forehead resting lightly against the side of your head.

“I saw it,” she whispered after a moment. “The fall. From the bench.”

You swallowed. Your throat felt thick, tight. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she said. “I knew straight away. The way you landed. I don’t usually get that feeling. But I did then.”

You let out a weak breath, something between a laugh and a sob. “Good instincts.”

“Shut up,” she murmured fondly, pressing a soft kiss into your hair. “You’re not allowed to joke right now.”

There was a pause. A comfortable one, despite everything. The kind that only existed between the two of you. Outside, you could hear faint footsteps, distant voices, machines humming. In here, it was just her and the steady rhythm of her breathing.

“I’m scared,” you admitted finally. The words felt heavy, unfamiliar on your tongue. You weren’t someone who said things like that out loud.

Grace didn’t pretend otherwise. Her hand stilled for a second before resuming its slow movement. “I know.”

“What if it’s bad?”

“It might be.”

“What if I’m out for months?”

“You might be.”

You pulled back just enough to look at her, brows furrowing. “You’re supposed to lie to me.”

She gave you a small, sad smile. “I know. But you’d know if I was.”

You sighed, leaning your forehead against hers, careful not to move your leg. “I don’t know who I am if I can’t play.”

Grace’s expression softened completely at that. “You’re still you,” she said gently. “Just… you with a really annoying boot and a lot more physio.”

You huffed quietly. “That sounds worse, actually.”

“Yeah, it does,” she admitted. “But you’re not doing it alone.”

You closed your eyes again, letting her words settle. “You know what the worst part is?” you murmured.

“What?”

“I didn’t even save it. Alex cleared it instead.”

Grace laughed softly, the sound vibrating against your chest. “Of course that’s your biggest concern.”

“Well, yeah. If I’m going to destroy my ankle, I’d like to at least look heroic doing it.”

She pulled back properly this time, hands coming up to cradle your face, thumbs brushing away the tear tracks you hadn’t even realised were there. “You always look heroic. Even when you’re being an idiot.”

You met her eyes, really looked at her, at the worry sitting just beneath the surface, the way she was holding herself together for you. “You’re shaking,” you said quietly.

She blinked. “Am I?”

“Yeah.”

Grace exhaled slowly. “Guess I was in denial too.”

You managed a small smile at that, your hand sliding over hers, squeezing gently. “Looks good on you.”

She rolled her eyes, but her grip tightened. “Get your scans done first. Then you can compliment me.”

[a-pute11as]

the set up - leila ouahabi

word count - 4.4k | summary - after too many failed tinder dates you're officially ready to give up on dating, though jenni has a plan to set you up with a friend.

MDNI 18+

-

you don’t know why you let jenni talk you into this date. you had only recently broken up with your long term girlfriend, well a year ago, but tinder wasn’t really working for you. she insisted you needed to start meeting real people, explore your horizons and ‘get your pussy wet’. 

yes, that’s what she literally said. 

she had joked about setting you up with a friend when you first broke up with your girlfriend, and that’s all you thought it was. a joke. but your recent facetime made it seem less of a joke. 

you were complaining, as usual, about your most recent date that left you gobsmacked.

she had turned up nearly an hour late, in sweaty workout clothes, clearly making no effort at all in comparison to your neatly done hair, brand new outfit and face full of makeup. she only talked about herself for the majority of the date until she found out you were a footballer, then she spent more time telling you about her dream of becoming a wag and how good she’s look in the stands. 

as soon as you got home, you immediately blocked her number. there was no way you were seeing her again.

“jenni i can’t keep going on these stupid dates, they either only want sex or they're just terrible people.” you sighed, watching jenni’s face cringe at your complaints. 

“oye, surely the sex part isn’t bad though?” she asked, her eyebrow raising slightly, clearly hopeful.

“no it’s shit, it’s like no one knows what they’re doing,” you threw your head back dramatically, “i’m going to take a break from dating.”

“you’ve been on like 5 dates.” 

“6, actually.” you corrected.

“so now is it time to try my idea?” she questioned, a playful smile appearing on her face. 

you tilted your head slightly, “your idea?”

“let me set you up with one of my friends.” she suggested, for the second time.

you contemplated it for a moment, sure jenni had some attractive friends and at this point, what was the worst that could happen, “which one?”

“leila.” it was as if she didn’t even need to think about it, the name practically flew out her mouth.

“leila ouahabi? that plays for city?” you asked, she nodded. “wouldn’t that be a bit weird? we’ve played against each other for a few years and now all of a sudden you want us to go on a date?”

“would you believe me if i told you she’s asked about you every time we’ve seen each other since you deleted the pictures of your ex from your instagram?” her eyebrow quirked as she spoke, something mischievous in her eye. 

“are you playing with me?” you questioned, narrowing your eyes at her.

“nena come onnn, i am your wing woman, i would never lie to you. she texts me every time you play against each other asking for your number.” jenni assured you, her usual smug look across her face.

jenni was right, ever since the two of you met at another player's wedding a few years ago, she had been a great wing woman. she was the reason you and your ex had gotten together, even if that ended the opposite of great.

leila was attractive, you couldn’t deny that. tattoo’s littered her arms, highlighting her perfectly sun-kissed skin. she was tall, taller than you, whilst it was only by a few inches, her limbs were long, beautifully long. you’d only seen her with her hair down a handful of times, but the few times you did, you could’ve sworn your jaw physically dropped. 

and it definitely helped that she was good at football. she played quick passes, her feet moving with precision, they were always well executed, holding down the backline with a fire you couldn’t help but applaud. 

and maybe jenni had a point, because within the last year you noticed the lingering touches when you were in the penalty box, the smile on her face when she found you at the end of a game or the way her arms wrapped around you for a second longer than others. 

“i know you want to, she’s very pretty, no?” jenni pushed.

“yeah she is,” you muttered, a slight blush coming to your cheeks, “okay but you can set up this date, i’ve started to run out of places to take people.”

she cheered, literally cheered, “you are not going to regret this!”

jenni sent you the details an hour after the call ended. no phone number for leila, just a bar in manchester, and a date and time you had already agreed on. 

you immediately texted lauren, needing somewhere to stay for the night and probably the emotional support as you tried to piece together a seventh first date outfit. she was hesitant to say yes, knowing exactly what you were like when you were stressed, but you somehow persuaded her with the idea of letting her show you her lego collection, something you had been putting off for a while.

you pulled up to her house a good few hours early, yet you burst through the door with a kind of urgency you hadn’t felt before one of your previous dates. 

you were nervous, stupidly nervous. 

you rushed around lauren’s spare bedroom, she had tucked herself at the top of the bed, her knees brought up to her chest. “oh god, what have i gotten myself into.” she muttered, watching chaos unfold around her.

you came to a halt in the middle of the room, staring down at your opened suitcase, far too many options laid out in front of you, “hempo, i think i’m just going to have to cancel.”

she nodded slowly, “i don’t know if i should agree or not because i’m scared of the consequences either way.”

you let out a sigh, your arms dropping to your side in defeat, “why am i so nervous when i’ve literally met this girl multiple times.” 

“she’s really sweet,” she paused for a moment before speaking again, “but remember she was my teammate and friend first, so don't steal her from me.” 

you couldn’t help but laugh, “lauren, it’s a first date, we aren’t getting married, who even knows if i’m going at this point.” 

and right on cue there was a knock on the door, well more of an aggressive pound. you looked at lauren, eyes narrowed at her, “who’s here?”

you watched a guilty smile cross lauren’s face, “yeah about that…”

“one of you let me in before i break the door down.” you heard a thick scouse accent call out.

you raised your eyebrows, waiting for lauren's response.

“well i don’t want my door broken down so i’m going to open that now.” she smiled sheepishly at you, moving past you slowly before running down the stairs and swinging the door open, “she’s upstairs.” you heard her say.

alex was quick to move up the stairs, standing face to face with you as she surveyed the mess around you.

“aleeeee,” you groaned, knowing she was about to play her favourite role of ‘protective older sister’, “how did you find out?” 

“hempo let it slip the morning after you texted her,” she shrugged, “but you’re also going on a date with a girl who hasn’t stopped smiling since you said yes.” she added, and your heart automatically fluttered. 

“she’s already said she isn’t going.” hempo echoed, practically hiding behind alex.

“nope, not happening, you’re not breaking my spanish girl's heart.” alex shook her head, finally moving inside the bedroom, instantly pulling out a few pieces of clothing as she laid them out together on the bed. “you do your makeup, i’ll do your hair, then we’ll sort out your outfit, then lauren can just watch.”

you breathed a sigh of relief, maybe attempting to cancel the date was a bit dramatic.

“soo can i show you my lego now or is it a bad time?” lauren asked, a small nervous smile as she stood in the entrance of the spare bed. 

both yours and alex’s eyes narrowed in her direction, sending a silent message, “okay cool, yeah sure, not the time.” she nodded, moving to sit on the small space of empty bed.

at that point you moved like clockwork, alex putting on a playlist that relaxed you a little more as you got ready with the help of your england teammates. 

“you know i didn’t think anything of it when she started asking questions about how you were,” alex hummed, “i thought she was trying to eye up the competition, turns out she just wanted to take you on a date.”

you could feel your body heating up over her words, "apparently she had been asking jenni to set us up for months.”

“mhm i’m not surprised, i think she commented heart eyes on a picture of us once, but it definitely wasn’t for me.” she added, so casually, yet it made your heart beat even quicker. 

eventually you were ready, putting on the outfit alex chose for you, a satisfied smile on your place. everything had fallen into place, your nerves started to settle, ever so slightly, and you were actually getting excited. 

“i know it’s been difficult putting yourself out there, but i think this will be really good for you.” alex smiled, her hand resting on your shoulder as you looked yourself over in the mirror. 

you nodded, “thank you for helping.” 

“always, and if she hurts you i swear i will bench her.” 

“uh alex we barely have enough fit players as is, i don’t think we need another on the bench.” lauren chimed in. 

you both shot lauren a look, one that was becoming far too familiar. 

“look all i’m saying is she’s my teammate first, and she likes making legos with me, and if you break her heart and she has to go back to spain then i’ll never forgive you.” lauren defended, yet it was more of a ramble, shrugging as if her words weren’t wrapped in an innocent threat. 

you couldn’t help but laugh whilst alex groaned at her teammate, “it’ll be fine, if i had to pick anyone for you to go on a date with then it would be leila. she has a kind heart, and i think that's exactly what you need right now.”

“and she’s really fucking hot.” you muttered, not intending it for the ears around you, but the laugh it earnt from alex and lauren told you they definitely heard.

half an hour later you were being dropped off at the entrance of a busy bar, your palms sweaty as you pushed the door open. you were 15 minutes early, but sitting in the bar waiting seemed like a better option over alex giving you another ‘if she hurts you’ speech or lauren’s never ending lego haul. 

you were prepared to sit there alone, maybe have a drink whilst you waited, but as you surveyed the busy area, looking for somewhere to sit, your eyes locked with hers. 

her hair was down, straight and swept to the side. a slightly cropped black top clung to her torso, showing just a slither of her mid-drift that could’ve made your mouth water if you weren’t so nervous. a black leather blazer and matching trousers topped off the outfit, fitting her body like it was made for her and solely her. 

you couldn’t help but notice the way her eyes flickered over your body, trailing up and down you slowly as if she was remembering every inch of you. 

when her eyes met yours okay you simultaneously smiled, she rose to her feet as you made your way over, your feet moving far quicker than you thought you were. 

just as you thought you needed to overthink how you were going to say hello, her arms were opened as she pulled you into a hug. your arms looped around the back of her neck as hers rested around your waist, tight enough that all your nerves left you completely but still comfortable.

the two of you stood like that for a while. a comfortable silence filling the bubble you shared was a stark contrast to the bustling bar that surrounded you. 

she pulled back from the hug only slightly, her hands lingering on your waist.

“you look…” she paused, a smile crossing her lips, “even better than i imagined.”

your cheeks burned instantly. it felt strange standing so close to someone you’d tackled to the ground six weeks ago without wearing a rival football kit.

“thanks,” you managed, your voice a little quieter than usual. “you don’t look so bad yourself. a bit overdressed for someone who only knows me wearing football boots.”

leila laughed, and it didn’t sound forced, “i figured you were worth the effort.”

the compliment caught you off guard, not in a bad way, but in a way that made you rethink all those half-arsed tinder attempts that you thought were worth your time.

she took a seat, “i got here early. didn’t want to miss you.”

you sat across from her, the edge of your knee brushing hers. you actually started to relax. the conversation moved easily. you talked about the start of the season, traded subtle jabs about your teams’ standings, and laughed about a tackle she’d landed on you last year.

but then the noise was starting to hit you. the music got louder, more people filled the small bar, and it started getting overwhelming. you could barely hear her unless she leaned in close, and while that wasn’t the worst thing in the world, it felt like shouting over the buzz of other people killed the softness you were sharing.

you caught her eye mid-conversation, right when she had leaned in to repeat something.

“wanna get out of here?” you said, loud enough so she could actually hear it.

leila didn’t hesitate, “yes pleasee. i have no clue why jenni picked here, i suggested a really nice restaurant but she insisted on coming here.”

she took your hand without asking, threading her fingers through yours like it was the most natural thing in the world, pulling you out of the bar and out into the cold manchester air. the fresh air bit at your skin the second you stepped outside, but her hand in yours made it feel warmer.

you expected a walk, maybe to hop in a taxi, but leila steered you toward a nearby car parked along the street, it was sleek, black, just a little flashy but it matched her perfectly.

the drive was short, but the air between you stretched with something charged. you kept catching her glancing sideways at you, not sneaky enough to hide it, but confident enough that she didn’t care when you caught her.

“stop staring,” you teased, trying to ignore the flutter in your chest.

she shrugged, eyes still on the road, “can’t help it. you look good.”

you turned your face to the window to hide your smile. “you’re only saying that because you’ve seen me covered in mud and grass stains.”

“i like that too,” she said, so casually you almost missed it.

your heart skipped a beat, “you’ve got strange taste, ouahabi.”

she just smiled, “maybe, but at least it’s consistent.”

by the time she pulled up outside the small restaurant, you had relaxed almost completely.

“an italian place?” you asked, slightly amused, “you picked this?”

“i, uh,” she started, “made a backup reservation.”

you raised an eyebrow, “you did?”

she turned off the engine, turning fully to face you, “yeah, i figured letting jenni choose could’ve gone either way.”

“that’s pretty romantic.”

you could still see her smile, even in the low light of her car, “jenni said you like italian food.”

you tilted your head at her, “she told you that?” you questioned.

“i also did my research, you post about pizza way too much on instagram.”

your eyebrows shot up, “you stalked my instagram?”

leila leaned back in her seat, her smile only widening, “that’s typical pre-date behaviour, don’t tell me you didn’t go through my instagram.” her eyebrow raised at the accusation. 

“well yeah but normally i don’t admit that on a first date.” you rolled your eyes, yet the smile creeping onto your face couldn’t hide how much you were enjoying yourself.

as she led you to the table, you felt your heart flutter in your chest, none of your other dates went like this at all. you both slipped into a corner booth, there was a soft glow across the restaurant, one that covered her in a light that lit up her tanned skin and you couldn’t help but smile at how effortlessly good she looked. 

the waiter appeared, taking your orders, leaving behind a basket of warm bread and a bottle of red wine. you poured a glass for yourself, then for her, your fingers brushing when you passed it across. neither of you pulled away.

there was a pause, the kind that wasn’t awkward. you watched her across the table, the way her fingers tapped against her glass, the faint smile tugging at her mouth.

“so,” she said eventually, voice dropping just a little, “how much of what jenni said was true?”

you blinked, “oh god, what did she say?”

“that a girl turning up in sweaty gym clothes nearly put you off going on another date.”

you shook your head, a small laugh leaving your lips, “she really said that?”

“mhm, seems she did a good job convincing you to come on this date.”

“it helps that i already knew you could handle me,” you watched as leila’s eyes widened before you could finish your sentence, “-on the pitch i mean.” you added quickly, your cheeks instantly heating up as all leila did was grin at your comment. 

the food arrived before either of you could push it further, but the conversation never lost that spark. you teased her about her accent when she attempted to list things off the menu in an italian accent, she laughed at how dramatically you gestured when you talked about certain things, and somewhere between the second glass of wine and the tiramisu you opted to share, you started to wonder why you didn’t take jenni’s advice earlier.

leila must’ve seen the thought cross your face, “you know, i was half expecting you to cancel, especially after jenni gave me a whole ‘giving up on dating’ speech.”

you looked up from your dessert, smiling, “i almost did.”

she nodded slowly, her eyes soft, “i’m glad you didn’t.”

you took another bite, meeting her gaze, “yeah,” you said, “me too.”

you walked out of the restaurant laughing, hands brushing each other as you stopped just by her car.

“how are you getting back?” she asked, her hand brushing through her hair.

“alex told me to text her when i was ready, but i forgot to text her so i’m just going to get a taxi.” you smiled, pulling your phone out your bag.

“let me drop you off.” she said, hand coming up to cover your phone as you attempted to open your uber app.

you looked up at her, eyebrows raised slightly, not once in the multiple stupid dates you’d been had someone offered to drive you home. not that you would’ve accepted it because you honestly wanted to get rid of them as soon as possible, but still.

“are you sure? i don’t want to be an inconvenience.”

“shut up, i’ve enjoyed our date and dropping you off just means i get more time with you so why not.” she shrugged, as if her casual offer didn’t mean something entirely different to you.

the drive back was quiet, not in a bad way, but in a comfortable way that made you feel like you were glowing. the lights passed in a blur through the car windows, leila’s playlist played low in the background, leila humming along under her breath.

you stole a glance at her profile. her jawline was sharp in the streetlight, the kind of sharp that wasn’t trying to be anything hard or specific, it was just her. her hand stayed resting on the gear stick, fingers drumming softly. her other hand, the one that had held yours earlier, was now curled around the steering wheel with ease. 

confident, in control, only slightly cocky in a way you couldn’t help but find it endearing.

you stopped just outside of lauren's house, watching as she turned the engine off but left the music playing, soft spanish music filling the silence between you.

neither of you moved to leave.

she looked over at you, her expression open, another thing you were used to.

“are you okay?” she asked, voice low, “you’ve gone quiet.”

you let out a breath, your eyes flickering to her, then down at your hands that rested in your lap, “yeah, just thinking i guess.”

“about?”

you hesitated, then you turned to face her fully, tucking one leg up on the seat.

“about how this feels. like i’ve been on so many shit dates this past year, and i don’t know, tonight feels different. not in a dramatic way, you just make it all so much easier.”

leila’s eyes softened, “that’s not a bad thing.”

“i know,” you said quickly, “it’s not. it’s just i think i forgot what easy felt like. with someone new, i mean.”

she nodded, the way she understood you was clear in her eyes, “yeah, i get that.”

you fiddled with the cuff of your sleeve, “i thought maybe i was broken or something. after the last relationship, i didn’t think i’d be able to connect like that again. and then i tried tinder, blind dates, all that and nothing felt right.”

leila tilted her head, “and this feels right?”

you smiled, it was small, but definitely there, “this feels like a breath of fresh air.”

“i’ve wanted to do this for a while,” she said after a beat, voice even softer now. “like, actually spend time with you. i’m surprised you didn’t catch me smiling at you across the pitch.”

you raised an eyebrow, “you were actually smiling at me?”

leila gave you a look, “don’t play dumb.”

you laughed, the sound easing some of the tension in your chest, “i genuinely thought i was imagining it, like some kind of post-breakup delusion or something.”

“nope,” she said, shaking her head, “you weren’t imagining it. i liked you even before jenni mentioned you were single. but i figured timing matters.” she shrugged.

you let her words sit for a second. then, with a little more boldness, you asked, “what made you go for it now?”

leila met your gaze, “because i got tired of waiting, and because you deserve someone who actually wants to be here. not someone who shows up late in gym clothes and asks if you’re gonna make them a wag.”

you let out a loud laugh, your head falling back against the seat, “god, that was a disaster.”

“jenni told me the whole story,” she smirked. 

you smiled again, but it faded into something more thoughtful, “i didn’t think i’d be nervous tonight,” you admitted, “but i was. still kind of am.”

leila nodded, “yeah. me too.”

you blinked, “you? nervous? you’ve got to be joking.”

“of course,” she nodded, as if it were obvious. “i’ve had my eyes on you for ages, now all of a sudden i actually had you to myself for the evening. plus you’ve literally shoulder-checked me off the ball last season and called me a ‘lazy shit’ in spanish, so i thought this might be a little awkward.”

your hand came up to cover your mouth, eyes wide in shock, “you remembered that?”

“oh, i loved it.” she grinned.

the air between you thickened again. something quieter. closer. intimate.

she glanced down at your hand, then reached for it again. her thumb brushed over your knuckles, slow.

“i don’t want to rush this,” she said quietly, “i know it’s been a rough time. i just want to be someone who makes it a bit easier.”

you didn’t realise how much you needed to hear that until it was actually said.

“i don’t want to rush either, but i’d really like to see you again.”

leila smiled, this time with a kind of quiet triumph, “good. because i was already planning our second date.”

you raised an eyebrow, “you’re that confident, huh?”

she laughed slightly, squeezing your hand softly, “a little, but i figured i would’ve won you over by now.”

you didn’t move right away. the quiet between you felt heavier now.

leila’s hand was still over yours, her thumb tracing lazy circles against your skin, small, deliberate, but just enough to make your heart thud hard against your ribs.

“i should probably go in.” you said, though you didn’t sound convinced.

“probably.” she echoed, but neither of you moved.

the air felt warm inside the car, like the world had slowed down around you. the soft spanish song that had been playing drifted into another song.

you held her gaze for a moment too long. there was a pull, the kind that made your stomach twist and your chest ache.

 your eyes flicked down to her lips before you could stop yourself.

leila noticed, of course she did, and her smirk turned into the smallest, slowest smile.

“careful,” she murmured, voice low enough to make your pulse jump, “i might start thinking you like me.”

you laughed under your breath, eyes still locked on hers, “maybe i do.”

“maybe?” she repeated, her voice a little rougher now.

you felt the heat rise in your cheeks, a grin tugging at your lips, “you’ll have to find out on that second date.”

leila hummed, clearly satisfied, her eyes dragging over your face one last time before she finally nodded toward the door.

“go on then, before i change my mind and make you find out now.”

your breath caught in your throat, but you didn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing you flustered. you opened the door, stepping out into the cool night air.

“goodnight, leila.”

she looked up at you, a lazy smile playing at her lips, “buenas noches, mi problema favorita.”

you bit back a grin, closing the door before she could see the way it hit you right in the chest.

from the top of the steps, you glanced back. she was still there, one hand resting casually on the wheel, head tilted slightly, eyes tracking you with that effortless, knowing look.

you gave her a small, lingering smile, feeling that warm pull again.

maybe you should’ve listened to jenni sooner.

a/n - a little unsure about how this reads as i started it months ago and just spent hours editing it and upping the word count, so sorry if it feels a little disjointed. <3 but i hope you enjoy!

[p0orbaby]

Prompt Lists | Blurbs | WIPs | SPOTLIGHT EVENT | 2024 Tumblr Top 10

Works with smut indicated with *

Alexia Putellas

Leah Williamson

Alessia Russo

-

Aitana Bonmati

Moral Support

Skeletons

In Vino Veritas

Genius | two

After Darkness, Light

-

Jill Roord

Tease

-

AWFC

Baby of the Group

Birds and the Bees

The Day The Music Died

Squirrel? Squirrel!

Crushology 101: How to Seal the Deal with Your Crush

-

BARÇA

No Earth Just Sky

-

Katie McCabe

Seeing Red

Family Fun Day

Tapping In

One Step at a Time

By Your Side

The Intricacies of You

-

Maya Le Tissier

Passing Notes

More Than a Strain

Dinner For Two

Easy Like Sunday Morning

-

Niamh Charles

Player of the Match

Sleepy

-

Mary Earps

Watch Your Step

Home Sweet Home

-

Lia Wälti

Small Mercies

Celebration

-

Who I currently write for

Russo

Williamson

Putellas

Bonmati

Le Tissier

If there’s someone not on the list but want me to write for, please don’t hesitate to request still.

[outsideratheart]

Cliche (Leila Ouahabi x Leon!reader)

A/N: Based off this request. I hope you guys like it and that I didn't drag it on too long.

The Leon sister's have a reputation in the women's football world but you never lied and always made your motives crystal clear. You had the rest of your lives to settle down and you planned on doing just that when you retired or got older but in the meantime you needed to find a way to relief the stress and pressure that comes with being one of the best footballer in the world and you favourite way to do so is by burying yourself in someone else.

You are fully aware that it was a cliche to sleep with your sister's best friend but when it came to Leila Ouahabi it's as if all logic goes out the window. It was never a part of your plan to mix business with pleasure especially when that business is also your sister's business but one night you and the girls were out celebrating, Mapi found herself distracted and you spent the night with Leila.

At first it only happened on nights out with the team but now you found yourself laid in bed on a random Tuesday morning, the brunette sleeping peacefully in your arms. The no sleeping over rule lasted a month not that you would complain. It was your idea but these moments with Leila had become one of your favourites.

"I broke the rule again" Leila's voice is raspy.

She squints slightly as the sun shines in her eyes but her face relaxes when you move your hand, which up until this point was playing with the loose strands of hair, and shield her from the sun.

"You seem to be doing it a lot recently. In fact I can't remember the last time you followed that rule"

Out of habit Leila begins playing with your necklace but her hand soon begins to travel lower, she gives you a knowing look as she plays with the waistband of your underwear. Whilst she herself hated to be teased, she had no issue being the teaser. No you wasn't opposed to morning sex but you had training in a couple of hours and you couldn't turn up less than 100% so you do the thing you body didn't want you to do, you grab Leila's hand and move it back to lay on your chest.

"We don't have time for that Leila"

You might have well be talking german because instead of backing down Leila hovers over you before straddling your hips.

"Are you sure about that?" The smirk on her face making it obvious that she knows the answer regardless of what might come out of your mouth next.

When her lips crash into yours you make no attempt at stopping or pushing her away. Instead you do the opposite, you deepen the kiss and in one swift movement you change the dynamics so it is now you who is on top of her.

The moment is short lived when you hear your apartment door open and your sister shout out.

"Y/N I know I'm early but I brought coffee"

This couldn't be happening. You knew she would find out eventually and you had a plan for that, one that included you in far more clothes. You were beginning to panic, a feeling that wasn't quite reciprocated when you looked down at Leila who is on the verge of laughing.

"Don't" you place your hand over her mouth.

"Y/N" Mapi sings. You can tell by the loudness of her voice that she is heading for your bedroom.

You have to think fast. You quickly strip yourself of the little clothing you have on and grab a towel which is in the laundry basket.

"Hide. Now" it wasn't question or suggestion, it was an order.

Leila tries to argue but the look you give her let's her know that nothing will make you change your mind.

She hides down the side of the bed furtherest away from the door and just in time as Mapi knocks before coming in anyways.

"I was in the shower. It's interesting to see what you class as an emergency" you tell your sister who clearly has no idea what you're talking about "the key? I gave it to you for emergencies only. Abuse the power again and I will take it off you, you know how I am about my space"

"Fine. Hurry up and get ready, your coffee's getting cold"

Once the door is closed Leila stands up wearing nothing but your bed sheet.

"I won't do that again" she says as she watched you get dressed in your training gear.

"Fine" you whisper shout "you go out there and tell your best friend that you have been fucking her sister behind her back. You wanted to keep this a secret just as much as me so don't stand there and act innocent"

Leila is taken aback at the way you described what had been going on between the two of you.

"I have spare training gear in the wardrobe. Make yourself some breakfast, you know where everything is, I will see you at training"

You kiss her quickly and you are slightly disappointed when you doesn't respond.

"Leila" her head snaps in your direction hoping to hear something a little more reassuring.

"Be careful when you pick something to wear, nothing with my number on it"

You say nothing more and within a matter of minutes Leila hears you and Mapi leave your apartment.

"No feelings Leila, it's what you agreed" She mutters to herself as she lays back on your bed.

There was a tension between the two of you at training but it seems obvious to only you and Leila or so you thought. The training was split into position drills so you wasn't working directing with her but it didn't stop your captain from noticing the lingering looks to the group of defenders. It is when you, Mapi and Alexia go to practice freekicks does she bring it up.

"Is everything ok?" Alexia whispers as you both watch Mapi practice her shot.

"Yeah, why wouldn't it be?" there's no way she knew and you weren't about to give her any clues.

"No reason" Alexia replies and you think it is the end of the conversation only it isn't "Nothing's going on in your love life or should I say sex life?"

Alexia knew, you wasn't sure how she knew but she did.

"Her sex life" Mapi wraps her arm around you shoulder "There's always something happening"

"It must be a Leon twin thing because I recall your body count been just as high as mine" you push her off you as you go to place your ball outside the box.

"Is that anyway to talk to your older sister" Mapi shouts.

"7 minutes Maria, you are 7 minutes older than me"

You rejoin the team during a drinks breaks. Leila looks at you for a second before turning her back, the action itself hurt but you couldn't bring yourself to ask why.

"You like her" Alexia continues her questioning "I can tell. What's her name?"

"Leila!" Patri shouts.

The sound of her name coming straight after Alexia's question causes you to choke on your drink and the connection isn't lost on your captain.

"You're sleeping with Leila! Are you crazy? That's your sister's best friend"

You knew Alexia would be disappointed in you. She had made her feelings towards your night time activities very clear but this was too much even for you.

Before Alexia can say anything else you pull her off the pitch and into the tunnel.

"Nobody knows" you see her eyes dart in your sister's direction "no, Mapi doesn't know and I want it to stay that way"

"How long?"

"Almost a year" you couldn't believe it had been that long and neither could Alexia.

You make a point not to get involved with anyone for long periods of time because it's gets complicated. The longest you had ever slept with someone is when you started seeing a player from the german league but even then you slept with other people in between.

"And have you been sleeping with anyone else during this time?" Alexia asks. She knew that you had trouble connecting with your feelings and if you did feel something more then you more need a little bit of encouragement to figure it out.

"Have you every thought about it being something more than sex?"

This is why you didn't want people knowing. The more people that knew the more pressure you would feel to put a label on whatever is going in between you and Leila.

"No. When we started sleeping together we both agreed that it would be a no strings attached type of thing, no feelings were to be involved"

"Y/N have you —“

"Alexia. It is sex and that's it. There is no relationship between me and Leila outside of the bedroom"

It was a difficult thing for you to say because whilst it was true at first you knew that things had changed over the past couple of months. You didn't want to break your end of the deal so you kept your feelings to yourself so that you could still spend your nights with Leila.

"Sorry to interrupt"

You hadn't heard her voice since you left your apartment this morning.

"Coach told me to come and get you. It's time for the scrimmage and you two are captains"

At first Leila couldn't look you in the eyes but when she did you saw something that make your heart break. Tears brimmed her eyes and you knew it was because of the conversation you had been having with Alexia only you wasn't sure how much she had heard.

"Alexia knows"

"Can we tell Mapi now?"

It wasn't a question you expected. As far as you were aware Leila want this to be a secret just as much as you did.

"No, we can't"

Alexia has excused herself at this point so that the two of you can talk in private.

"Right because this is just sex. We have no relationship outside of the bedroom"

She attempts to walk away but you grab her hand with a pleading look in your eyes. You know you said those words but they sounded so heartless coming out of her mouth.

"I need space. I think it's best if I go to my apartment tonight"

"Ok. I will come by after my media appearance"

"No Y/N" She pulls her hand away "I think I need to spent the night alone night"

Something wasn't right. Was she breaking up with you? No, she couldn't do that because you were never dating. Still as you watch her walk away you cannot help but feel like you are losing something you never had.

Your nights apart lasted less than a week and soon enough you and Leila was back into your old ways but something was different. She would spend the night but wouldn't stay in the mornings and she kept bringing up telling Mapi, something that you wasn't ready for.

Leila had reached her breaking point after almost been caught by Mapi again. You made her hide and once again she felt little a dirty little secret. She had a choice to make; keep the secret and keep you but lose her best friend or she could tell Mapi and inevitably lose you.

The following week Mapi came storming into the locker room one morning with Leila trailing behind her. At first you wasn't sure what had happened but then you saw Leila's face and you knew. Leila went against your wishes and had told Mapi about the two of you.

"I can't believe you!"

"Not here, not now" you reply calmly hoping your sister would mimic your energy.

"Why? What you've done affects this entire team and I won’t allow it"

The way she said what you've done as if you were in this alone. Leila who you hoped would have your back stands cowardly in her locker.

“You can’t stop me and it hasn't affected the team, you had no idea about us. I'm guessing the only reason why you do is because she told you" you don't say her name nor do you look in her direction.

"What's going on?" Alexia asks as she enters the locker room upon hearing the both of you raising your voices.

"Tell her Y/N"

You know what you are about to say is going to hurt but why should you care for your sister's feelings when it is clear she doesn't care for yours.

Alexia glances back and forth between the two of you then she looks at Leila and she knows what had happened.

"She doesn't have to tell me. I already know"

"Know what?" Jenni asks. She can tell by the reaction of the team that she isn't the only one that feels left in the dark about whatever it is that's going on.

“That my dear sister has been sleeping with my best friend” Mapi points from you to Leila, just for clarification.

“And what is wrong with that?” You may not have told your sister or the rest of the team for that matter but you didn’t do anything wrong and you wasn’t ashamed of the time you shared with Leila.

“You can’t just sleep with whoever you want” Mapi scold you “I have seen you when we travel for the champions league. You sleep with our opponents. You can’t—“

“I can’t what? Come home and sleep with the Spanish league. No I can’t because they have already have their taste of one Leon. You used to be just like me”

“She is my friend and our team mate”

You couldn’t help but laugh. Surely Mapi heard the hypocrisy in what she was saying. You looked towards Ana, your eyes filled with apology for what you are about to say.

“Hmm where shall I start” you walk towards your sister.

“Y/N don’t” Alexia tries to drag you back out fails.

“No, no. She started this” you turn your attention from your captain to your sister “friend and team mate, where shall I start. Alba is a good friend of mine and you slept with her. V is one of my best friend and you slept with her. Then we have Ana who is one of my closest friends on this team, you broke her heart, messed up the team dynamics and you are making her watch you be with someone else which brings me to my last person, Ingrid, who I have no problem with in fact I like her and think she’s good you. What I’m saying is you sit there on you fucking high horse speaking down to me like I’ve committed some kind of crime” you angrily wipe the few tears that have fallen down your cheeks.

“And you” you turn to Leila “you told her when you knew how I felt. Did you ever stop to think why I wanted this to say between us? Why things have been so different with you? I changed every single one of my beliefs for you and for what? You proved why I don't do relationships. I don’t know what you gained from this but it certainly isn’t me. You once asked for space, congratulations you have it. Whatever we had is over, I’m done, we’re done”

Leila was in shock. Was this your way of admitting you wanted a relationship with her.

“Was that so hard?” Mapi says smugly.

“Shut up Maria. Me and Leila may be done but we’re done too. You’re suppose to be my sister and I didn’t deserve to be spoken to like that. I want nothing to do with either of you”

You didn’t turn up to training the next day and missed recovery the day after that. It seemed like the whole team was worried about you but the calmness that radiated off your coach and captain let them know that you were ok and the two of them knew where you were.

“I have heard you speaking about Y/N and her whereabouts. I have decided to rest her for Saturdays game and after I told her she asked for a few days off which I think she’s deserved given that she has played the most minutes this season. It will be business as usual after international break.” Jona and the coaching staff leave the meeting room unaware of the interrogation they are passing on to the team’s captain.

As soon as the staff are out the room everyone begins asking questions about you.

“Enough!” Alexia slams her hands down on the table. She had enough of the questions and the other players pointing the finger at Leila and Mapi for your absence. She agreed with the rest of the girls but as the captain she had to remain neutral.

“Go home, enjoy international break and I’ll see you back here in 10 days time” they knew better than to argue with their captain so they do as their told “not you two”

Names aren’t required. It is obvious which two Alexia is referring to.

“I wanted to wait a couple of days for things to calm down but when Y/N called me telling me she needed to getaway for a few days I knew the chances of this resolving naturally wouldn’t happen”

Both Mapi and Leila sit down. The situation had escalation quickly and they knew that they had messed up. Leila regretted telling your sister and Mapi let her her emotions get the better of her.

“I’m going to talk now and you two are going to listen”

When Alexia got no arguments from the pair she continued.

“Y/N was right when she spoke about your history Mapi. Amongst the names Y/N gave the other day was my sister’s. I know she is part of our group but Alba is still my little sister, she is someone you slept with and then dropped when you got bored. Y/N is the reason why I didn’t come to your house the night I came home to Alba crying in your sister’s arms. Even when she knew you were in the wrong, Y/N had your back”

The was news to Mapi. She thought Alexia understood her sister was a big girl who could make her own decisions and as she has the thought she realises, once again, just how hypocritical she was.

“But she didn’t tell me about this. We tell each other everything” This is the reason for Mapi’s reaction. It might not have come across this way but she was hurt that you didn’t tell her about this.

“There is reason why she didn’t tell you but it isn’t for me to say. Y/N has to come to that realisation herself” Alexia is vague in her response, leaving the two defenders rather confused.

“She was ashamed” Leila says the only answer that makes sense.

It wasn’t a easy decision to tell Mapi about the two of you sleeping together but she thought that once it was out there then the two of you could have a chance at something more.

“That isn’t true and it’s not fair for you to put this on her. She told me you had been sleeping together for a year and in that time you never told Mapi about it yet it’s Y/N who is getting the blame for this when you played just as big of a part”

“A year?” Mapi asks making to obvious that Leila left that detail out when she told her about to two of you.

“A full year and in that time Y/N didn’t sleep with anyone else, it was only you Leila”

“You’re lying. Y/N doesn’t do that type of commitment” Mapi knew how you thought because she had the same rule for years.

“She told me herself. I know it may not seem like it but she cared for you Leila and she showed you in her own way”

“Back to backs” Leila whispers.

“What did you say?” Mapi asks.

“You know her rules” your sister nods “one of them was no back to back stays but I have done that a few times”

It's like puzzle pieces were connecting in her head. You had let her get closer to you than anyone else but Leila was blinded by being a secret and she didn’t notice it.

“I might have overreacted” Mapi admits “It’s jus she’s my sister and I don’t want her making the same mistakes I did. She was right when she spoke about Ana, I guess I didn’t want her to face the same fate I did”

“I think you both owe her an apology” Alexia tells the pair “and before you ask, I won’t tell you where she is. She might have taken this break to be away from the two of you but Jona was right she needed some time away from Barcelona to rest. You’ll see her at camp on Sunday.”

You spent a few days in Madrid and it was just what you needed. It was peaceful and your friends had no idea about what happened in Barcelona. When V found out you were in the capital she said you were with her, no arguments. You spent the day training at a nearby pitch and the nights with V, Lola and Carmen. You may have ran away from your problems but you needed this time to be Y/N the person not the football player, sister of Mapi Leon and the person who had been sleeping with her team mate.

With every day that passes you know that you are one day closer to having to face your Barcelona team mates and truth is you wasn’t ready. When you arrived at Los Rojas you stay close to the Lola but you knew that you couldn’t avoid your friends for long.

It was only Alexia that knew where you had been so when she arrives at the facility she goes straight to Lola.

“Where’s Y/N?” Alexia asks the goalkeeper.

“Hi Alexia. I’m ok, thanks for asking” Lola moves on from her captain as she greets the rest of the Barcelona girls.

“You look like shit” she says when she sees Leila “almost as bad as Y/N”

“Y/N?” Leila asks but then it makes sense, you had gone to Madrid.

“She told me not to say anything” Lola continues “but between us me, V and Carmen have a bet on what happened. My bet is that one of the women she slept with is giving her grief so she ran away. It was bound to happen at some point, right?”

“Watch it Lola. That’s my sisters you’re talking about” Mapi comes to your defence.

“Oh please Maria, don’t start being nice now. We all know how you see me”

All heads turn in the direction of your voice. Lola had been telling the truth, you didn’t look good at all. The dark circles in your eyes was barely visible but they were there. You hug Alexia, Jenni, Irene and the rest of your team mates but purposely miss out Leila and Mapi.

Leila couldn’t help but stare. You had your shorts rolled up in typical Leon fashion and the training vest you were wearing hugged your body perfectly. When she met your eyes, she recognised the look but when you noticed it you changed your expression. It may have only lasted a second but it gave Leila hope that you forgiving her was still possible.

“Can we talk?” Leila asks you.

“Maybe later? I’m about to work—“

“C’mon Y/N you can’t keep me waiting. You know I’m not very patient” Marta Cardona shouts from across the lobby.

There way something in the way she said it that caused your sister to shake her head in disappointment. It was no secret you and Marta have history that includes sleeping together multiple times.

“Are they sleeping together again?” Alexia asks. She didn’t want to believe that you would fall back into old ways but it didn’t look good.

“I told you” Mapi mumbles "She never cared for Leila, it was just a game"

“I don’t know. V thinks that she is”

“V?” Alexia asks.

“Yeah that’s her bet. Carmen things that Y/N got her heartbroken but that’s ridiculous. We all know Y/N doesn’t let herself get close enough to anyone for that to happen”

Alexia, Leila and Mapi all share a look. They never though of that possibility.

“Like I said, that’s ridiculous and even if it is true Y/N requested to room with Marta so give them a couple of nights and Y/N will soon forget about this woman who may or may not exist”

Leila scoffs and walks away. Had you really moved on from whatever the two of you shared and were you really sleeping with Marta so soon after you were sleeping with her. She had so many questions but right now she didn’t want to see you, a mixture of anger towards your behaviour and fear of what would be said.

It comes as no surprise to the defender to find you and Atletico Madrid forward sat together at the team meal. She watches in envy as the two of you interact with such ease, the interaction makes Leila feel sick.

“We don’t know if they are sleeping together” Alexia whispers in the defender’s ear.

“Look at them Ale. We’ve seen Y/N like this before, you can’t defend her this time” in that moment Leila felt defeated and the hope that she felt a few hours prior has died.

Meanwhile across the room you hear Marta talking but it just noise. You mind isn’t focused on her, it is consumed with thoughts about what will happen in the next few days. Yes, Mapi has hurt you but it failed in comparison to Leila betraying you. You were willing to break your rules for her, heck you were willing to throw out the entire book but that didn’t matter now.

“She is staring” Marta nudges you.

Sure enough when you turn around you see Leila looking your way. She says something to Mapi who shakes her head and refuses to look your way. You didn’t know what to do, part of you missed Leila and despite your best efforts to forget about her, it just wasn’t possible. It was frustrating that even when you were mad at her you still wanted to know if she was ok.

Then you remember Leila wanted to talk to you when she arrived at Los Rojas. Maybe now was the right time to find out where things stand between the two of you. Your hands grew sweaty with each step you took towards her and the nervous feeling in your gut wasn’t like anything you have experienced before.

“Do you still want to talk?” The confidence that normally lines your tone is nowhere to be heard.

“I’m surprised you pulled yourself away from your girlfriend, oh wait she isn’t your girlfriend she is just the person you are fucking” Mapi retorts from her seat, still not looking you in the eye.

“Do you think I’m sleeping with her?”

“Of cour—“

“I couldn’t care less about what you think Maria, I was talking to Leila”

Now all eyes were on the defender, waiting for her to respond.

The fact that Leila had to think about it gave you your answer. It hurt that she thought this low of you.

“You look cosy together” Leila says. It didn’t answer your question but it did tell you which way she was swaying.

“She’s a friend, who yes I have slept with but that was a long time ago. Leila please can we talk?” You ask her again. There was so much you wanted to say but you didn’t want a crowd of people watching.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. We should focus on the games we have coming up”

The drop in your demeanour wasn’t something that you can hide. This why you left Barcelona, Leila couldn’t hurt you in Madrid but that didn’t last long.

“I did nothing wrong” It was almost a plea.

The next morning your absence at breakfast is noticed by everyone. There is no seat saved for you at any table so it was clear none of the players you were close with expected you to show up.

“Marta, where’s Y/N?” Jenni shouts across the food hall.

“That depends. Are you on their side or her side?” Marta points to Mapi and Leila.

“There’s no sides” Alexia corrects her.

“Yes there is, how don't you see it? For some reason you guys have barely talked to Y/N since you got here. As for her whereabouts, I have no idea. She swapped with Misa so ask Lola where she is”

Lola shrinks in her seat. She knew exactly where you were and given that last night you told her everything that happen she was a little reluctant to tell her friends.

“Lola. Where’s my sister?” Mapi asks the goalkeeper.

“In the gym” Lola says "She wants to talk to you"

The table watches how Lola refuses to meet any of their eyes. Avoiding eye contact was one of her tells when she lied.

“Lola” Alexia tone is low “Y/N isn’t in the gym is she?”

“No but after the way Mapi treated her do you really think I would tell her where she is. That’s right Y/N told me everything last night. Carmen will be ecstatic when I tell her that she was right”

“Where is she Lola?” Leila asks.

“She’s in the room. She kept having nightmares and according to V she was having them when she stayed with her. Here” Lola hands Leila your room key “I’m not happy with what happened but you need to talk to her”

The room was dark as Leila entered. She expected to find you in the bed closest to the door, it was something you did because you thought it protected your room mate, but she finds you buried under the covers in what she assumed is Lola's bed. Had you slept there last night?

You hear the door open but hope that if you ignored whoever entered that they would leave you alone. At first you thought it worked but you feel the bed sink behind you and next you feel a pair of arms snake around your waist. At first you tense up at the touch but then you recognise the scent and your body relaxes.

"Leila. This isn't a good idea" you aren't sure what is happening but you don't move.

"You need to sleep Y/N. This doesn't have to mean anything"

It did mean something though, to both you and Leila. You hadn't slept together without having sex before hand. It was intimate and not something you have experienced before but the sleepless night left you with little to no energy, definitely not enough to argue. You hated how much you body betrays you as you lay in bed with the woman who you were mad at. It wasn't that you suffered from insomnia but you slept much better when Leila was there.

"What were the nightmares about?" Leila asks.

"You. At first is was replays of what happened in the locker room but recently it's you leaving me standing in my apartment, nothing gets said but I end up alone" you don't know if it's your lack of sleep or the calmness that comes when Leila holds you but you allow yourself to be truthful and vulnerable.

"You're not alone"

"But I don't have you"

Nothing more is said, truth is Leila doesn't know what to say so instead she holds you close and listens as your breath evens out letting her know that you had fallen asleep. She regretted telling Mapi about the two of you as soon as she did it and she hated how quickly things escalated. The defender sets an alarm so that you will both be ready in time for training before falling asleep herself.

When she wakes almost an hour later she finds that the pair of you had shifted in your sleep and she was now cuddled into your side. She looks up to find you wide awake. Your eyes were red and if Leila didn't know any better she would have said you've been crying.

"Are you ok?" Leila asks.

Your face drops and she realises it was a stupid question but for a brief moment she forgot about the events of the last couple of days.

"No Leila, i'm not ok"

She wasn't sure if you telling the truth hurt more than it would if you had lied.

"Is everything ok with you and my sister?" you ask. It was something that been playing in your mind. They looked ok on the outside but you thought Mapi would be a little bit mad at Leila for sleeping with you.

"Yes, we're ok"

"That's good"

A silence grows between you and whilst in the past is was comfortable, it now suffocates you. It was a reminder of just how much had changed.

"I suppose we better get ready for training" you nudge Leila a little bit so that you can get out of bed.

For the first time since arrived at Los Rojas Leila saw the damage she had caused. With you having just woke up you wasn't wearing the facade that everything was ok. She watched as you get ready, you didn't mind though, it wasn't like she hadn't seen it before.

Unbeknownst to Leila, her gaze had turned into a stare by the time you're dressed and in the elevator you feel Leila staring at you again.

"Stop staring Leila" you say without taking your eyes off the descending elevator floor numbers.

"I'm sorry Y/N"

"It's too late for apologies Leila. The damage has been done, all that we can do now is move on"

It sounded so simple as you said it and you hoped you sounded more convincing than you feel.

"Move on, right"

It was like a sucker punch to the gut. Leila had hoped that the two of you could work things out but it sounded like things were over and she had no one to blame but herself.

"Don't blame yourself Leila. We both knew the risks when we started sleeping together" you pat her shoulder before exiting the lift.

It seems like the entire team was waiting for you in the lobby before they went to the training fields. The glares that were sent your way didn't feel good but none burnt quite like your sisters. You looks towards her in in time to see her shaking your head and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what she was thinking.

"Don't eve--"

"Nice to see it didn't take you two long to return to old ways" Mapi beats you to it.

"Mapi" Alexia warns her.

"I don't appreciate you leaving me waiting for you in the gym" the blonde ignores her captain and continues her attack.

"What are you talking about? I don't want to be near you, never mind speak to you in private"

"But Lola said you wanted to see me"

"She lied. I didn't sleep last night so my guess is she told you that so that she could tell Leila to come to my room without you been a bitch about it"

"So you did sleep together" Mapi was been relentless and the team couldn't help but watch.

"You need to move on or you and I will be done. Do you understand?" your voice was low in order to keep your conversation private.

Mapi's stoic expression drops for a second but she soon recovers.

The room was in shock as they watched the interaction between the two of you. Over the years you and Mapi had fought but it never got this bad and they had never seen you this angry.

"You don't turn your back on family" Mapi shouts.

"You did it first"

Some of the coaches saw the argument in the lobby so they choose to keep you and Mapi separated for the training session but in doing so they paired you up with Leila. It was awkward at first but the two of you worked well on the pitch and it was nice to see that not everything has changed.

They're was one part of training where you couldn't avoid your sister and that was during the scrimmage at the end of the session. The aggressive style you both chose to play with meant that things got physical quickly between the two of you. Irene warned you and Alexia did the same to Mapi but it was a waste of time, you were out for blood and was treating the game like it was a world cup final. Even though you were battling on the pitch you did so in a save way, that is until you are clear on goal and you feel studs collide with your ankle. Despite the pain mounting in your foot you are up and in your sister's face within a matter of seconds.

"Really Mapi!" you shove her backwards "Was breaking my heart not enough for you? Do you want to end my career too?"

"I didn't break your heart Y/N. Don't stand there and act like the thing between you and Leila was anything more than sex. You're just angry that I called you out on it" Mapi steps forward only for Alexia hold her arm out making the defender stop in her tracks.

"You don't get it do you? You want to know why I didn't tell you?" you turn to face Leila "Do you want to know why I didn't tell her?"

"Because you were ashamed"

"Because I fell in love with you, not that it matters anymore" it took you a few days and one to many drinks with V to come to this realisation and it scared the life out of you. Of all the people, it was Leila who showed you what love was.

You could feel your emotions getting the better of you so when a stray tear falls down your cheek you are quick to wipe it away before leaving the pitch. This is why you didn't do relationships or feelings, it never ended well and you always ended up hurt.

A member of the coaching staff calls for training to continue whilst another follows you into the gym. By the time the rest of the team enter the gym you are working with the coach but in a separate area.

"Ladies listen up. I want you to pair up and work through the exercises on the board"

"What about Y/N?" Leila asks. In the camps previous the two of you had partnered up so it felt wrong you not being with the team even though she doubts you would want to work with her.

"Y/N is almost done and then she will be taking over Alexia's media this afternoon"

"That's not—“ Alexia is cut off.

"It was her suggestion"

That didn't exactly reassure Alexia. You hated media almost as much as she did so that fact that you'd rather spend your afternoon within journalists instead of the team spoke volumes.

The girls complete their workout and your revelation is not brought up once although a few looks are exchanged between Leila and Mapi. You being in love with Leila changed things and although she knows she had no right, Mapi feels her protective instinct for the first time since she found out.

A couple of hours later Lola is laid on her bed when she hears a knock at the door. She is quick to her feet hoping to find you on the other side of the door but that's not the case.

"Capitana, by all means come in" Lola jokes as Alexia is already through the door and inspecting your room "Y/N isn't here and before you ask I don't know where she is, haven't seen her since the workout"

Lola can tell that Alexia doesn't believe her but she was telling the truth. Within seconds someone else knocks at the door, this time it's Jenni, Irene and Aitana. The look of disappointment on their faces let's Lola know know that they too came to see you.

Mapi stands on the other side of your room. She can hear voices inside, one she doesn't hear is yours but that doesn't stop her from knocking.

"Well, well, well if it isn't my least favourite Leon" Lola says as she answers the door for the third time.

"I know I messed up, you don't have to remind me" Mapi says as she enters. She didn't know that you had such strong feelings for Leila, she just thought you were playing games and sister or not, she didn't want her best friend to get hurt.

"She isn't here" Jenni tells your sister.

"I know" this gets the attention of those around her.

"You know where she is?" Alexia asks.

"No but she isn't going to come back here" Mapi says as if it is obvious.

"Why not?"

"Because you’re all here"

What Mapi said made sense. Whenever something happened you craved peace and quiet, the type that only comes when you are alone but it didn't stop them from worrying especially when they noticed you left you phone in the room this morning. They had no option other than to wait for you to get back from wherever you had gone.

It was hard to find a place that nobody knew about when you attended national camp but last year you found an empty office that looked over the training field. It was peaceful and gave you time to think.

You honestly thought when you first slept with Leila that it would last a month, two at most and then the two of you would move on with your lives. Now almost a year later you have just confessed that you had fallen in love with her in front of the entire team.

When the door opens you don't move, you keep your back towards the person who has walked in. As far as you were aware only one person knew about this room and it was because you showed her it when you wanted a few moments alone where you wouldn't get interrupted.

"Everyone's looking for you" Leila takes a seat beside you but doesn't invade your personal space.

"Then they'll be looking for you too" you couldn't bring yourself to look at her. You feel stupid for feeling the way you do and you wished you could take back what you said. Not because you didn't mean it but because it stripped you of the walls you spent years building up.

Rightly or wrongly you move closer to Leila and rest your head on her shoulder.

"Who knew that night you seduced me would lead to this?" Leila was careful with the words she chose. It was a serious topic and the last thing she wanted to do was scare you away.

"Now we both knew it was you who seduced me. I was dancing innocently when you joined me on the dance floor, starting grinding on me, grabbed my hands placing one just near the hem of you skirt and the other one on your stomach so I could pull you close" that moment seemed so minor at the time but you remembered it as if it was yesterday.

"I surprised you remember, you were very drunk" Leila chuckles slightly and you know she is playing the moment back in her head.

"You were drunk Leila. I was stone cold sober"

"So you knew what you were doing?" Leila asked you. It always played on her mind, she thought you were drunk and wondered if you would have done the same thing if you were sober, now she finally has her answer.

"By the way you seemed to enjoy yourself that night I am offended that you would even have to ask" It was a cocky reply but you tone didn't match what you were saying and Leila picked up on it straight away.

"Y/N"

"Yes Leila I knew what I doing. I knew you were forbidden fruit but I slept with you anyways. I knew my sister would hate me but I didn't care. That night, and the many nights after, I made a decision one that I stand by because it brought some of the happiest times of my life even if those moments were mostly in the bedroom" you stand up and begin pacing the room, the weight of the situation was like anvil on your chest and you wasn't sure how much more you could take before breaking completely.

"But look where that got us Leila" you were admitting defeat.

"It got us us" Leila stood so she was at your level although due to the height difference she was a little bit smaller.

She cups your face giving you no other option than to look her in the eyes. It had been a few days since you had really looked at her and she was breathtaking. You succumb to her touch and she smirks slightly when she sees the affect she has on you, even now.

"You said you fell in love with me, did you mean it?" her hands drop to her side.

You take a moment to think about it. It felt right when you said it but in your eyes you were incapable of loving someone the way they deserved and in turn you didn't deserve their love but Leila made you question the possibility.

Was you in love with her? You aren't sure. What you are sure of is that you are the happiest when you are with her, that she is the first person you think of in a morning and the last person at night. When she is having a good day, you are too and when she is having a bad day, you will do everything in your power to make it better. You felt whole when your bodies are intertwined but did that mean you were in love with her?

Why did something so well known have to be so confusing?

"Y/N" Leila says bringing you out of your own head and back to the present moment.

"Leila I don't know what love is but when i'm with you it feels like what I imagine love to be"

It was the closest thing Leila was going to get to the 3 magic words and she knew it.

"I'm scared too Y/N" you didn't have to tell Leila, she understood how your mind works "Loving someone is scary and that's ok"

"But everyone—“

Public perception was something you always said you never cared about but now that they have opinions about something and someone you cared about, well it changed the way you thought.

"They will have their opinions and we can't stop them but at this point our team is full of couples so they don't really have a leg to stand on"

Leila had a point but their relationships didn't matter to you.

"But what—“

Your insecurities were beginning to get the better of you and the cracks in your confident persona were beginning to show.

"What if I were to say I have fallen in love with you?"

"Have you?" the concept of someone loving you seems absurd to you.

"I have. I love you Y/N and I know I messed up by telling your sister about us but I--"

Leila is cut off when you crash your lips into hers. You don't know what comes over you in that moment but you need her. She returns the kiss and it soon becomes deeper. You had kissed Leila countless times, this time was different. It's as if you let you heart take the reigns and it wasn't wasting any time in showing Leila just how much she means to you.

"What does this mean?" you ask after regaining your breathe.

"It means we both know what we want and we won't let anyone get in the way of that"

[pajorfc]

Thinking of writing for Englands u-23s, but would anybody be interested?

Like Emily Orman, Maya Le Tissier, Grace Clinton, all the kids? I’ve already wrote a bit for some of the Germans and other WSL players but like I wasn’t sure about the younger players.

If you have anybody you want to see let me know? Or prompts or drabbles, for anyone really? I’m trying to get a feel of who everybody wants to see the most.

[helen-with-an-a]

Hi, my lovelies. Here’s another part of the Kiss Me semi-series. Each fic is about 1-1.5k and are about a different type of kiss. I hope you enjoy

Shoulder

Grace Clinton x Reader

Description: there’s nothing quite like waking up next to Grace

Kiss Me Masterlist

It was warm. Warm and quiet as the morning sunshine trickled in. Well … it was like early afternoon now, but the idea remained.

You were that blissful type of tired, the one that settled over you and told you, you had a perfect day yesterday.

You stretched, muscles shaking as your joints popped. Behind you, you heard another tired groan and felt the bed shift.

Gentle hands found your waist, a string of light kisses being left up your bare shoulder and onto the crook of your neck.

You hummed, a soft smile settling over your features.

“G’mornin’, baby.” Grace’s voice was scratchy and low, still smothered with sleep as she inhaled against your skin.

“Hi, Gracie.” Your fingers found hers, intertwining gently as she pulled you back against her body.

“Sleep good?” she asked, although she sounded very much like she was about to drift off again.

“Always with you in my bed.” You could feel the warmth of her cheeks against you.

“Flatterer.” You rolled your eyes.

“What about you?”

“Mmhmmm,” Grace replied after a moment, her brain working too slowly to follow the conversation with any real effort. “Like a baby, ‘cos I had my baby in my arms.”

You chuckled at her awful joke.

“Y’know, since you’re, like, my baby.”

“I know, Gracie.”

She tightened her hold on you as if to prove her point, arms wrapped firmly around your middle, one of her legs sliding between yours to keep you from rolling away. It was unnecessary (you weren’t going anywhere) but you let her cling anyway, letting your head fall back until it nudged her chin.

The room smelled faintly of laundry detergent and whatever candle you’d burned the night before. Somewhere outside, a car passed slowly, tires hissing over the road, but otherwise the world felt paused. Just you, Grace, and the gentle heat of sunlight creeping across tangled sheets.

Grace’s fingers began tracing idle shapes against your stomach, soft, absent-minded movements that drifted in lazy circles. She always did that when she was half-awake, like she needed to keep touching you to make sure you were still there.

“You’re comfy,” she mumbled, pressing another kiss to your shoulder, this one lingering.

“So are you,” you murmured back. “Heavy, though.”

She huffed out a sleepy laugh “Rude.”

“You love me anyway.”

“Obviously.”

You turned your head just enough to glance at her over your shoulder. Her hair was a mess, sticking up in every direction, her eyes barely open. There was a faint line across her cheek from the pillow, and her lips were slightly parted as she fought another yawn.

God, she was cute like this.

“You’re staring,” she accused, squinting at you.

“Can you blame me?”

“Yes. It’s creepy.”

You grinned. “You’re literally drooling on my shoulder.”

“I am not.”

You tilted your shoulder just slightly. She blinked at the tiny damp patch, then groaned and buried her face against your back in embarrassment.

“Oh my god.”

You laughed, the sound soft and quiet in the still room. “It’s fine, sweets. I’ll survive.”

Her arms squeezed around you again, this time with a hint of playful aggression. “You’re never bringing this up again.”

“Oh, I absolutely am.”

She nipped lightly at your shoulder in retaliation, and you squeaked, twisting in her hold. The movement sent the duvet slipping down, cool air brushing over your legs, but Grace quickly tugged it back up around you both, tucking it beneath your hips like she was sealing you in.

“No escaping,” she muttered.

“I wasn’t trying to escape.”

“Mm. Sure.”

You relaxed back into her again, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing against your spine. Her chest rose and fell slowly, and every exhale ghosted warm against your skin. It was the kind of quiet that made you aware of every little thing; the faint ticking of the clock on the wall, the distant hum of someone mowing a lawn somewhere down the street, the soft rustle of sheets whenever one of you shifted.

“What time is it?” Grace asked eventually.

You squinted at the sliver of brightness peeking through the curtains. “Late enough that we should probably be up.”

She groaned dramatically. “Don’t say that.”

“You asked.”

“I was hoping you’d lie. A good girlfriend would lie.”

You smiled to yourself. “I am a good girlfriend.” You huffed indignantly. “It’s definitely after twelve though.”

“Ugh. We’re wasting the day.”

“We had a pretty full day yesterday,” you reminded her. “I think we’re allowed to be lazy.”

Grace hummed, considering that. “Yesterday was good.”

“Yeah,” you agreed softly. “It was.”

You thought about it for a moment, the way she’d dragged you out for breakfast even though you’d wanted to stay in, how you’d ended up wandering through shops and laughing at things you didn’t need, how she’d insisted on cooking dinner despite burning the first batch of garlic bread.

“You nearly set off the smoke alarm,” you teased.

“That was one time,” she protested.

“It was three times.”

“It was… experimental cooking.”

You snorted. “Grace, you put the oven on grill.”

“Details schmetails”

You rolled onto your back then, turning in her arms so you could face her properly. She made a small, unhappy noise at the loss of her pillow, your shoulder, but shifted so she could tuck her head beneath your chin instead. One of her hands slid up to rest over your heart, fingers splayed across your chest.

Her eyes were still heavy with sleep, but they softened when they met yours.

“Hi,” she said again, quieter this time.

“Hi.”

For a moment, you just looked at each other. Sunlight painted a soft glow across her face, catching in the golden strands of her hair and making her lashes cast faint shadows over her cheeks. There was something peaceful about her like this, stripped of all her usual energy and noise.

You brushed a loose strand of hair away from her forehead. “You’re staring now.”

She smiled lazily. “Can you blame me?”

You huffed out a quiet laugh, recognising your own words thrown back at you. “Cheeky.”

Grace leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to your lips. It was slow and unhurried, more of a soft press than anything else, the kind of kiss that belonged to mornings (or early afternoons) like this.

When she pulled back, she didn’t go far, her nose still nudging against yours. “We should get up,” she said, even as her arms tightened around you again.

“Mm. Probably.”

Neither of you moved.

After a few seconds, she sighed dramatically. “This is your fault. You’re too comfy.”

“I’m not the one holding you hostage.”

She considered that. “Okay, fair.”

Her fingers began tracing shapes against your chest now, following the curve of your collarbone, drifting down and back up again in a pattern that made you shiver slightly.

“Cold?” she asked.

“Your hands are freezing.”

She grinned, eyes lighting up with mischief, and deliberately pressed her icy fingertips against your side. You yelped, jerking away from her, which only made her laugh harder.

“Grace!”

“What? I’m warming them up.”

“On me?”

“You’re warm,” she said simply, like that explained everything.

You shook your head, but you couldn’t stop smiling. “You’re a menace.”

“And you love me.”

You hesitated just long enough to be annoying. “Debatable.”

She gasped, scandalised, and swatted lightly at your arm. “Rude. Take it back.”

“Make me.”

Grace narrowed her eyes, then pounced … or as much as one could pounce while still tangled in sheets. She pinned you with surprising effectiveness, straddling your hips and leaning down so her hair fell around your face like a curtain.

“Take it back,” she repeated, trying, and failing, to look intimidating with sleep still clinging to her expression.

You bit back a grin. “Okay, okay. I love you.”

She studied your face for a moment, as if checking for sincerity, then her features softened again. “Good.”

Her hands slid up to cup your cheeks, thumbs brushing lightly beneath your eyes. There was a fondness there that made your chest ache in the best way.

“I love you too,” she added quietly.

Eventually, Grace sighed and flopped down beside you again, her head landing on your shoulder. “We really do have to get up,” she muttered into your shirt.

“Yeah.”

“Food,” she added after a moment, like that was the real motivator.

That, more than anything, got you moving. You swung your legs over the side of the bed, stretching again as your feet hit the cool floor. Grace made a pitiful whining sound as you slipped out from under her, immediately reaching for you like a child denied their favorite toy.

“Come back,” she complained.

“I’m literally just standing up.”

“It’s cold without you.”

You glanced back at her, hair fanned out across the pillow, duvet pulled up to her chin, and you felt your resolve weaken. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Only for you.”

You leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. “I’ll make coffee.”

Her eyes brightened instantly. “You’re my favorite person.”

“I thought I was just debatable.”

“That was before coffee was involved.”

You laughed, heading toward the door, but you paused when she called your name.

You looked back. “Yeah?”

She smiled at you, soft and a little sleepy still. “Yesterday was perfect.”

Your chest warmed at that. “Yeah. It was.”

“And today’s gonna be good too,” she added, pulling the duvet closer around herself. “Even if we did start it at, like, one in the afternoon.”

You shook your head, smiling. “Go shower, Gracie.”

“In a minute,” she said, already curling back into the pillow.

[helen-with-an-a]

Hi my lovelies. This is the 4th of the semi-series that I’m doing. Each is a little thing with a different player about a different type of kiss, inspired by a post I saw on here a little bit ago.

Forgetting How to Breathe

Georgia Stanway x reader

Description: you celebrate the Euros in the best way possible.

Kiss Me Masterlist

It had been a rollercoaster of a summer — from the end of the season, to World 7s, to the Nation’s League and finally ending with the Euros — you were thoroughly exhausted. The good kind of tired though. The tired that sat heavy in your bones and buzzed pleasantly in your chest, reminding you that every ache and bruise had been worth it. The tired that told you you’d shown up when it mattered. That you’d done well.

“Odds on, Gee finally bucks up the courage to do something about … that.” Kei shouted over the music, nodding in the direction of you and Georgia. 

The pair of your were in your own little world - like usual. Gee was looking at you like you had hung to moon just for her and you were looking back, equally as enchanted. 

“Never gonna happen.” Leah snorted, taking a sip of cocktail. 

You and Georgia were the textbook definition of will-they-won’t-they. Best friends since the youth age groups, inseparable from the moment you’d been thrown together as teenagers. Somewhere along the way — probably earlier than either of you wanted to admit — the line between “just friends” had blurred. Your City days had only made it worse. Longer hours, a shared flat, late-night conversations stretched out on the sofa until the sun came up. And then heading off to Germany together only made you grow closer. 

Nothing had officially happened. No labels, no confessions, no crossed lines that couldn’t be laughed off the next morning. But you were both hopelessly, painfully in love with each other, and it was driving your friends to absolute frustration.

“Out of the two of them, I’m placing my bets on Y/N doing something. G’s too in her head about it all.” Lucy nodded, watching as you wrapped your arms around Georgia’s waist. 

Georgia was warm and soft beneath your skin as you settled your cheek against her collarbone. You had tucked yourself away in a quieter corner of the hall. She smelled like pine - familiar and welcoming as her fingers played with the hem of your shirt. 

“You know, I’m holding you to that bet.” You giggled. 

“Please don’t.” She looked down at you rolling her eyes fondly. 

“I just know you’re going to look so good bald.” 

She snorted. “If you hold me to mine, I’m holding you to yours.” One eyebrow lifted, teasing and challenging all at once.

You swallowed. Your nerves skittered as her gaze lingered on you, unreadable but intense.

It had been late at night when you should’ve been asleep. Instead, you’d been tangled up together on Georgia’s bed, her head resting on your chest as the room glowed softly from a lamp left on too long. You’d talked about everything and nothing — football, life, stupid hypotheticals. Somehow, the conversation had turned to her bet. Her promise that if you won, you could be the one to take the first pass with the clippers over her hair.

You weren’t sure if it had been sleep deprivation or some out-of-body lapse in judgement, but the words had spilled out before you could stop them.

“If we win,” you’d murmured, staring at the ceiling, “I’ll let you give me a tattoo.”

Georgia had gone very still.

It would be your first one — a fact everyone teased you relentlessly about. Georgia, heavily tatted and proudly so. You, completely ink-less, despite years of threats and drunken promises.

“I’m thinking ‘I love Georgia’ right on your forehead,” she’d teased, lifting her hand just enough to gently mark the imaginary stencil placement with her finger.

“Mmmm, how about… no,” you’d replied, sticking your tongue out.

She’d opened her mouth to shoot back another comment, but before she could, a shout of your name snapped you back to the present.

Tooney was marching toward you with purpose. “Quit hogging her, Stanway,” she huffed, grabbing your hand and dragging you away without ceremony.

You laughed, stumbling after her, throwing Georgia an apologetic glance over your shoulder. Georgia just shook her head, smiling to herself.

It was a while before you saw her again.

The music had been turned down slightly, conversations growing clearer as the night wore on. People sprawled across chairs and tables now, shoes kicked off, hair mussed. You’d lost track of how long you’d been laughing with Ella and Lessi when Georgia appeared in front of you.

“How much have you had to drink?” she asked, her expression serious.

“Not much,” you replied honestly. “A beer and some champagne, that’s about it.” You glanced down at the collection of glasses on the table. “Why?”

“’Cos I want to do something.”

Your heart skipped at her tone.

She took your hand without waiting for a response, pulling you back toward that same quiet corner. This time, she turned to face you fully, hands resting firmly on your shoulders like she needed to ground herself.

“I want to do something,” she said carefully, “and I want you to remember it in the morning.”

“Huh?” You searched her face, suddenly hyper-aware of every inch of space between you.

“I’ve only had two shots and some champagne. I’m not drunk in any way.” She continued as if you hadn’t spoken.

“Ooookayyy,” you replied slowly, nerves quietly coming to life under your skin.

“And I’m telling you that because I need you to know this is me,” she continued, voice steady but eyes betraying her. “Not the alcohol. This is entirely me, right now. Georgia Marie Stanway.”

“Gee,” you laughed weakly, “you’re freaking me out.”

She exhaled, jaw tightening briefly before she met your eyes again. “Can I kiss you?”

The world stopped. The noise, the lights, the chatter. All of it faded into nothing. It was just her. Just this.

“Yes,” you whispered.

Her lips brushed against yours, gentle and tentative, as if she was giving you space to pull away. Warm. Soft. Perfect. Your breath caught painfully in your chest. This was everything you’d ever wanted. Ever since that first camp, when a much younger you had fallen headfirst in love with the loud, fearless girl from Barrow. You couldn’t breathe.

She pulled back just enough to search your face. “Say something,” she begged quietly.

“Do that again.”

Her smile broke wide and bright, pure joy written across her face as she leaned in again. This time, the kiss was surer. You gripped her waist, fingers curling into her shirt, anchoring yourself to her as she slid one hand into the hair at the nape of your neck. Everything felt right. Like this was how it was always supposed to be.

“Fuck,” you breathed, lips hovering millimetres from hers, heart racing as her forehead rested against yours.

“Should’ve done that a long time ago.” 

[helen-with-an-a]

Hi, my lovelies. This is the next part of my Kiss Me series. I think it’s very cute. I wrote it back in January but it’s set over the Christmas break, just before the start of the 2nd half of the season. I hope you enjoy it.

Long Goodbye

Viv Miedema x Reader

Description: Viv needs to go back to Manchester

Kiss Me masterlist

“I hate this.” Your voice was muffled against Viv’s shirt. You were currently holding her hostage on the sofa, body fully draped over hers as you clung to her. Although she was a very willing hostage, her hand carding through your hair, scratching lightly at your scalp. 

“I know, lieverd.” Her voice was soft and gentle. 

“Why did you have to chose Manchester?” You complained. It was a common theme in your whining. Yes, you had been so upset when she had told you about her transfer. Not at her, you could never be too upset with her. 

It was just that Manchester was so far away. 232 km. 144 miles. 3 hours 6 minutes by train. 3 hrs 43 minutes by car - assuming traffic was ok. You had the routes memorised and the days tracked until you would be slamming the car door and driving to her. 

Viv chuckled throatily, her chest rumbling beneath you. “You know why.” You could practically hear her eyes roll. 

“But … it’s so far away,” you whined again. 

“What? You’d want me to go to West Ham? Spurs? Palace? London City? Chelsea?” 

“No,” you conceded after a long pause, voice grumpy.

“Exactly.” Viv sounded smug and you could picture her face - pursed lips and a raised eyebrow. 

Silence settled over you like a welcomed blanket. You and Viv often spent you days in silence; neither one of you feeling the need to speak too much. You had known each other for years. Both 18 and freshly signed to Bayern Munich. You had learned how communicate through body language rather than words. Neither of you could speak German very well and she was useless at English and you couldn’t speak a lick of Dutch. But that had formed your foundation - growing to know each other through slight smiles and gentle touches. 

You had signed for Arsenal the season before her. Long distance had been an adjustment but you managed. And you knew you would be able to do it now she was at Manchester too. You just hated leaving.

You weren’t too sure how long you lay like that, your head on her chest, counting the minutes in heartbeats. 

“I should …” Viv started, her voice thick. “I need to …” 

“I know.” 

Neither one of you moved.

After a minute, you felt Viv’s hand brush over your cheekbone, her telltale sign she really did need to go now. 

“You could come back, yaknow? I’m sure Reneé would love to resign you. I know the team would too and the fans would go crazy.” You were blinking back tears now as you sat up, straddling her hips. 

“I think Andrée would think differently,” she laughed wetly. 

“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.” You felt a tear roll down your cheek. 

“Don’t cry, lieverd.” Viv bit her lip, clearly holding her own tears back too. “We play Bournemouth and London City soon. And you guys in February. So I’ll be staying with you all of those nights, and-”

You cut her off with a kiss.

It was soft at first, almost hesitant, like you were both afraid of breaking. Your hands came up to cradle her face, thumbs brushing just beneath her eyes where tears threatened. Viv’s hands slid from your waist to your back, holding you against her. She sighed into the kiss, a sound full of everything neither of you were saying.

When you pulled back, your foreheads stayed pressed together. You could feel her breath, steady but heavy, warming your lips.

“Promise me,” you murmured.

Viv didn’t ask what you meant. She never did when it mattered. “Anything. Always.”

You swallowed. “I think our title race is over. You guys are like too far ahead for us and unless you really fuck it we aren’t catching you so … you win the league. Take the title from Chelshit. Win it for me, yeah?”

Viv’s smile softened immediately, like she could hear the wobble underneath your bravado. “Hey,” she murmured, nudging your nose with hers. “We’re not doing sad and depressing, remember? This is us. We do annoying-long-distance-with-too-many-train-tickets.”

You huffed out a laugh despite yourself. “I hate train tickets.”

“I know. You keep them all in that one drawer like they’re evidence in a crime.”

“They are evidence,” you said seriously. “Of suffering.”

She laughed properly then, the sound warm and familiar, easing something tight in your chest. Her hands slid back to your waist, thumbs rubbing slow, absent-minded circles like she’d done a thousand times before.

“You’re going to come up,” she said easily. “You’ll complain about the rain, the cold, the lack of good coffee-”

“Hey.”

“-and then you’ll steal all my hoodies,” she continued, unbothered. “Again.”

“They look better on me.”

Viv hummed thoughtfully. “Debatable. But I allow it.”

You leaned back in just slightly, so your chests were touching again. “And you’ll come down,” you added. “You’ll complain about traffic, about how you’ve forgotten how loud London can be, and then you’ll pretend you don’t love it when we walk along the Thames.”

She smiled, fond and unmistakable. “I do love that.”

“See?”

She pressed a quick kiss to your lips, lighter this time, playful. “We’ll make it work. We always do.”

You nodded, finally letting yourself believe it. Your cheek dropped back against her collarbone, a comfortable weight. “You better FaceTime me every night.”

“Every night,” she agreed without hesitation. “Even if it’s just you watching me brush my teeth.”

“I’ll rate your technique.”

“I’m already flawless.”

You rolled your eyes, smiling. “You’re unbearable.”

“And yet,” she said, leaning in to kiss you again, lingering just a bit longer, “you’re obsessed with me.”

Guilty.

Eventually - far too eventually - she readjusted herself, pulling both of your into a sitting position, fingers trailing reluctantly from down your spine.

At the door, she paused, turning back with that familiar look she got when she was about to say something important but didn’t want to make it heavy.

“Hey,” she said softly. “When it feels hard, remember this. Remember us like this.”

You stepped into her personal space again, wrapping your arms around her, squeezing tight. “I will. Always.”

She kissed your temple. “Good. Because I’m keeping you. Distance or not.”

“Same,” you said immediately. “You’re stuck with me.”

“Best news I’ve had all day.”

The door finally closed behind her, but the flat didn’t feel empty. Just quieter.

Your phone buzzed seconds later.

Forgot to say I love you.

You smiled to yourself, heart full and warm.

You don’t need to say it. I already know. Drive safe. And win the league.

Obviously. For you. 💛