This request -> Laia Codina request
Laia Codina x Platonic!Reader
Stick with me
Wordcount: 609
Laia Codina MasterList
MasterList
Warnings: just short?
The 2024 January morning was bitingly cold, the kind that made the tips of your ears burn as soon as you stepped out of your car. You pulled your coat tighter, exhaled, and looked up at the training facility that now—somehow—felt like both the unknown and your future.
You’d signed for Arsenal just days ago, and now it was finally time for your first training session. Your heart beat faster than it should’ve, a mix of excitement and nerves tangling in your chest. You’d already met most of the squad during your signing day tour… most, but not all.
As you pushed open the door to the changing room, you were greeted by a chorus of laughter and chatter in varying accents. Heads turned, a few faces lighting up in recognition. Katie McCabe gave you a cheeky wave, and Leah Williamson tossed you a smile from the mirror. You smiled back, offering a soft “Morning.”
You navigated your way through, duffel bag in hand, trying not to look too lost.
“Hey—Y/N, right?”
You turned to see a brunette/blonde ish figure approaching you with a warm smile. Laia Codina.
“Yeah, that’s me,” you said, relieved someone recognised you.
“Laia,” she introduced herself anyway, her Spanish accent melodic. “I don’t think we met last time.”
“No, I don’t think so,” you replied. “Nice to meet you.”
“Come on, I’ll show you your spot.”
She led you over to a cubicle tucked between Alessia Russo’s—who was currently mid-conversation with Beth Mead—and Beth herself, who gave you a wink and a “Welcome to the madhouse.”
You chuckled nervously. “Thanks.”
“You’ll survive,” Laia grinned, setting her kit bag down nearby. “Stick with me.”
You smiled, genuinely. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
-
You were already grateful for Laia by the time you stepped onto the pitch. The cold was still biting, but the adrenaline coursing through your system dulled it somewhat. The drills began quickly, and you were paired up with Laia for most of them.
It was almost startling how easy it felt. Her energy was relaxed but focused, her instructions clear, her banter effortless.
“Don’t let me down, roomie,” she teased, nudging you with her shoulder before a short-passing drill.
“We don’t even share a room,” you laughed.
“Yet,” she said with mock-seriousness. “Preseason tour? I call dibs.”
You burst out laughing, nearly missing the pass she sent your way.
“Focus, eh!” she grinned.
As the session went on, you couldn’t help but feel the tension in your shoulders start to melt. The little things—her high-fives, her jokes about the freezing weather, even her exaggerated groan when you accidentally nutmegged her in a tight-space drill—made the session feel more like a kickabout with a friend than a first day at a new club.
-
Back in the changing rooms. The laughter gets lost as Laia strikes up a conversation.
“So,” Laia said as she tugged off her boots, “not bad for a first day, huh?”
“Not bad at all,” you agreed, grinning. “You made it easy.”
“That’s what teammates are for.”
You looked around the room—at Beth, now bickering playfully with Alessia, at the buzz of energy after a good session—and finally felt something settle in your chest.
Belonging.
“Thanks, Laia. Seriously.”
She shrugged like it was nothing. “Just don’t forget me when you’re winning us the league.”
You grinned. “Only if you promise not to yell at me every time I forget to track back.”
Laia smirked. “Deal. But no promises on matchdays.”
And with that, you both laughed—two new teammates, already feeling a lot like friends.