footylover

[footylover]

Part 2. It’s a beautiful thing to meet someone who makes you forget your troubles

(Leah Williamson x Reader)

Leah and you have been going out A LOT. Coffee dates, football matches, walks on the park, you name it. Yet, amidst all the laughter, shared stories, and playful teasing, there was a topic neither of you broached directly – the steadily growing emotions that seemed to deepen with each passing day.

Leah: "Would you like to meet again tomorrow?"

Her text came as you were packing for your trip. You paused, a pang of regret piercing through your heart. You wanted nothing more than to see her again, but duty called. How could you forget telling her about your trip.

Y/N: "Leah, I wish I could. But I have to leave for Australia tomorrow. I’m covering the Women's World Cup."

Her response came after a pause.

Leah: "That's fantastic, Y/N! I know you'll do great. And don't worry about us meeting, I'll be in Australia too, supporting the team."

Her words warmed your heart, her support seeping into you through the screen.

Y/N: "That's great to hear, Leah. I would love to meet up in Australia when I'm off duty."

Leah: "Sounds like a plan. I'll see you Down Under, Y/N."

the first few days in Australia were a blur of jet lag and adjusting to your new schedule. You missed Leah's presence, her energy, and even her witty football banter.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day, you decided to reach out to her. Your heart pounded in your chest as you typed the message.

Y/N: "Just finished for the day. Could use some cheering up."

You hit send and waited anxiously. A few moments later, your phone buzzed with a response.

Leah: "Missing the English weather already, are we?"

Her light-hearted response brought a smile to your face.

Y/N: "Not so much the weather as the company."

You could almost hear her laughter through the screen when she responded.

Leah: "Guess I'll have to do something about that. Let's meet tomorrow? I’m flying this afternoon."

The prospect of seeing Leah again brightened your mood instantly.

Y/N: "Sounds perfect. Looking forward to it, Leah."

With the promise of a reunion with Leah, you found yourself eagerly anticipating the next day. Australia was no longer just about work; it also held the promise of shared laughter and moments with Leah.

—

The next day, your heart pounded with anticipation as you made your way to the location Leah had texted you - a local beach famed for its stunning sunsets. As you arrived, you found her waiting, two ice creams in her hand.

"There you are!" Leah exclaimed, a smile lighting up her face. After a big hug she handed you one of the ice creams. "Thought this might cool you down in the Aussie heat."

The ice cream was a welcome relief, and the casual banter set a comfortable tone for the evening. You both strolled along the beach, shoes in hand, and talked about everything under the sun - from football to your favorite childhood memories.

Leah laughed heartily at a particularly funny story you shared. "You know, Y/N," she said, her eyes twinkling in the fading sunlight, "you have a knack for storytelling."

You chuckled, "Well, it's part of my job. I've got to keep the audience engaged."

"And you're doing an excellent job at that," Leah responded, nudging you playfully. The casual flirtation caused a pleasant flutter in your stomach.

During a bout of laughter, you accidentally smeared a bit of your ice cream on Leah's nose. You giggled, reaching out to wipe it off with your finger.

"There, all clean," you said, showing her the ice cream on your finger before licking it off.

In response, Leah scooped a bit of her own ice cream and playfully smeared it on your lips. "Payback," she declared, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Feigning shock, you asked, "Well, aren't you going to clean it up?"

Without missing a beat, Leah leaned in, her eyes flicking down to your lips. "Well, since you insist..." she murmured, before pressing her lips against yours.

The surprise kiss was sweet, with a hint of ice cream, and left you both breathless. As Leah pulled away, she was grinning from ear to ear. "That's one way to clean up."

You chuckled, your heart still racing from the unexpected kiss. "Indeed, it is."

After the unexpected yet delightful kiss, the atmosphere between you and Leah took on a newfound playfulness. You both continued to stroll along the beach, hand in hand, teasing each other and exchanging flirtatious remarks.

Leah chuckled, leaning closer to you. "I must say, you have a talent for turning ice cream into a romantic gesture."

"And you have a talent for making me blush," you quipped, feeling your cheeks warm at her compliment.

The two of you found a cozy spot to sit on the sand, leaning back against a large rock as you continued to chat and laugh. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and the connection between you both deepened with every shared moment.

As the night sky filled with stars, Leah pointed out constellations, telling you stories about each one. You listened intently, captivated by her passion for the stars and her ability to make everything feel magical.

"Have you always been this charming?" you asked, a hint of admiration in your voice.

Leah flashed you a grin. "Well, it's just that being around you brings out the best in me."

You chuckled, feeling a mixture of flattery and happiness. "Likewise," you said, reaching out to take her hand in yours.

The two of you sat there in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's presence and the serenity of the beach. The occasional soft laughter and gentle teasing only added to the magic of the night.

As the evening drew to a close, Leah stood up and held out her hand. "Shall we head back?"

You gladly accepted her hand, standing up as well. "Lead the way."

The walk back was filled with stolen glances and lingering touches. It felt like the world had slowed down, allowing the two of you to savor the moment.

As you reached the end of the beach, Leah turned to face you. "I had a wonderful time tonight," she said, her voice soft.

"Me too," you replied, unable to hide the smile on your face.

Leah leaned in, her lips hovering close to yours. "I hope this isn't the last time we do something like this," she whispered.

"It won't be," you said, your heart pounding with anticipation. "I promise."

With that, Leah sealed the night with a tender, lingering kiss. The beach seemed to hold its breath as the two of you embraced, the world around you fading into the background.

As you both pulled away, Leah looked at you with a mixture of happiness and hope in her eyes. "I'll hold you to that promise," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

"You can count on it," you replied, a newfound certainty in your heart.

Leah smiled, her hand gently squeezing yours. "And speaking of promises, you owe me an England match. How about we meet tomorrow for the game?"

You grinned, "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

—

Australia was a whirlwind of adrenaline and football frenzy. The Women's World Cup was an intense assignment, but one that you cherished.

The day of the England match arrived. As agreed, you met Leah in the VIP box. The energy in the stadium was electrifying, but your focus was on the woman beside you. Her insights into the game, combined with her witty remarks, made the experience more enjoyable.

Minutes before the game ended, your phone buzzed with a message. It was from your producer, instructing you to come down to the field to interview some players.

Leah noticed your distracted look. "Everything alright, Y/N?"

You sighed, showing her the message. "Duty calls. I need to go down and do some interviews."

She nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Go, do your thing. I'll be right here when you're done."

With a smile of gratitude, you made your way to the field. England's triumphant match against Haiti saw you interviewing the woman of the match, Georgia Stanway. Amidst the post-match chaos, Georgia's vibrant energy and humor made the encounter surprisingly enjoyable. Her name was mentioned often in Leah's conversations, and knowing she was a close friend of Leah gave you a strange sense of satisfaction.

After finishing the interview and as you exchanged words with Georgia, she threw you a curveball. "So, how's Leah?" she asked, an impish grin spreading across her face.

Your heart skipped a beat. "She's good. We've hung out a bit," you admitted, feeling a flush creep up your neck.

Georgia's eyebrows wiggled suggestively. "Just 'hung out', huh? Sure, sure."

Georgia spoke highly of Leah, her words filled with admiration and respect for her friend. It gave you a sense of warmth, knowing that Leah was held in such high regard by her peers.

After wrapping up the interview with Georgia, you quickly made your way back to the VIP box. Leah was waiting for you, her eyes lighting up as she caught sight of you.

Returning to the box, you found Leah waiting, a soft smile playing on her lips as she caught sight of you. "You're quite the natural at this, Y/N," she complimented as you slid into the seat next to her.

"Thanks, Leah," you responded, your heart fluttering at her words.

However, as the match ended, the VIP box started to feel crowded, with a lot of people starting to network the noise level increasing. Leah seemed to notice your discomfort and leaned in close, her voice barely audible over the din, "How about we move to the private room in the back of the box? It'll be quieter, more intimate."

Her suggestion sent a thrill through you. The thought of being alone with Leah, especially after the shared kiss from yesterday, made your heart pound in anticipation.

"That sounds perfect," you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

The private room was dimly lit, giving off a warm, cozy vibe. Leah turned to face you, a soft look in her eyes. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the silence filled with anticipation and unspoken desires.

"Y/N," Leah started, her voice low and steady. "I can't help but keep thinking about...about the kiss. And how much I want to do it again."

The confession hung in the air between you, the intensity of her gaze making your heart flutter. "Leah," you whispered, unable to hide the eagerness in your own voice.

Leah stepped closer, her gaze flicking to your lips. Her hand gently brushed away a loose strand of hair from your face, her touch sending a shiver down your spine. She leaned in slowly, her breath fanning over your face, her eyes never leaving yours.

And then, she kissed you. Her lips met yours in a soft, lingering kiss. It was slow and exploratory, a stark contrast to the hurried, passionate kiss from the day before. It felt like Leah was taking her time, savouring every moment, every sensation. You responded eagerly, your hands tangling in her hair as you deepened the kiss. It was a whirlwind of emotions - the warmth of Leah's body against yours, the soft hum of pleasure that escaped from Leah when you pulled her closer.

The world around you seemed to fade into insignificance, the cheering from the match barely a murmur in the background. All you could focus on was Leah, the way her body molded perfectly against yours, the way her lips moved with yours in a tantalizing rhythm.

When you finally pulled away, breathless and flushed, you found Leah watching you with an intensity that sent a thrill through your body.

"That was..." Leah's voice trailed off, her fingers gently tracing your bottom lip.

"Indescribable," you finished, your voice barely above a whisper.

Leah sat back, crossing her arms and studying you with a playful glint in her eyes. "So, Y/N," she began, "is this your usual strategy for wooing footballers?"

You chuckled, shaking your head. "No, usually I stick to a firm handshake and professional questions. You're the exception."

Leah feigned surprise. "Oh, so I'm special?"

You nodded, meeting her teasing gaze with a smile. "Yes, Leah. You're very special."

She grinned, obviously pleased with your answer. "Well, it's nice to know I have that effect on people."

"Only the lucky ones," you retorted, the flirtatious banter continuing to flow.

As the evening wore on, the two of you found more common interests to laugh and chat about, each topic further highlighting the chemistry between you. Leah's teasing questions about your love for football turned into a debate on which team had the best mascot. Your shared love for music sparked an animated discussion about your favorite bands and songs.

As you eventually said goodnight, the echoes of your shared laughter still hung in the air. You both knew you had stumbled upon something special and the anticipation of seeing where it would lead was a thrilling prospect.

Authors note: Hope you enjoyed! :) I already got an idea in mind for part 3.

[footylover]

It’s a beautiful thing to meet someone who makes you forget your troubles.

(Leah Williamson x Reader)

As Leah Williamson was making her debut on the new EA Sports FC 24 cover, you were preparing to interview her with some fan questions in hand.

Before taking your seat you take advantage to approach Leah off camera to say hi. Leah smiles back at you.

“I’m Y/N, nice to meet you. Don’t worry, these questions are supposed to be fun” You informed her to calm her nerves.

“Good to know, I’m honestly not having the best day” She responds.

Before you could ask any further, the director was asking for both of you to take your seat. "Alright, let's get started," you said with a gentle smile, noticing the hint of sadness in Leah's eyes. It was not a good day for her, she'd said, but you intended to make the interview as light and enjoyable as possible.

The questions started simple, revolving around her favorite FIFA games, memories growing up, and some of the memorable moments in her career. She perked up talking about her love for the game and her experiences. Still, you could tell something was bothering her.

Halfway through the interview, you decided to throw in a lighter question to change the mood. "Pineapple on pizza - yes or no?"

Leah laughed, her eyes lighting up for the first time that day. "Absolutely no!" she replied, sparking a playful debate between the two of you. For a few moments, her worries seemed to have been forgotten. You found her laugh infectious, and it was a relief to see her relax.

But as the interview was drawing to a close, you saw her mood dip once again. You'd had a good time with her, and it was clear that she was carrying something heavy. As a fellow human being, you couldn't help but feel for her.

"Leah, if you don't mind me asking," you began carefully, "is there something bothering you? You mentioned you weren't having the best day..."

She hesitated, glancing off-camera as if debating whether to answer. After a long pause, she sighed, "It's not public yet. But I got my results for my injury I got last game. I’m not making it to the World Cup."

Your heart clenched at her words, understanding the pain she was going through. "I'm really sorry to hear that, Leah. It's tough, and it's okay to not be okay. Just remember, it's the tough times that make the good ones so much sweeter. You will come back stronger than ever."

Leah nodded, her gaze softening as she met your eyes. "Thank you, Y/N. I needed to hear that today."

After the cameras stopped rolling, you chatted with Leah a bit more, offering words of comfort and strength. You felt a connection that went beyond just interviewer and interviewee. But you thought you would never find out as you just said your good byes and parted ways.

After the interview, you didn't expect to see Leah again, let alone form a deeper connection with her. However, fate seemed to have other plans. During one of Arsenal's matches, you were in the VIP box, courtesy of your job, taking in the game, when you spotted Leah in the neighboring box. She was currently injured, forced to watch her team from the sidelines.

Leah must have noticed you at the same moment because her eyes met yours and held. For a moment, it felt like time stood still, the noise of the crowd fading into nothing. Then, she disappeared from view.

A few minutes later, you felt a tap on your shoulder. Turning around, you were surprised to find Leah standing behind you, a timid smile on her face. "Mind if I join you?" she asked.

For the rest of the game, you both talked, laughed, and cheered for Arsenal together. It felt like a date - the intimacy, the connection, the sparks. However, neither of you acknowledged it.

As you were saying goodbyes again and leaving the box, Leah said, "Wait!! I noticed you wearing a Beth Mead jersey. Are you a fan?"

You nodded enthusiastically, "I'm a huge fan."

With a sly grin, Leah invited you to meet Beth. During the encounter, Leah was unusually quiet, and you noticed a flicker of something in her eyes. It looked a lot like jealousy, but you shrugged it off. You were star-struck, but Beth's laid-back demeanor and welcoming smile soon put you at ease.

"So, Y/N," Beth began, crossing her arms and leaning back against the wall, "How do you know our Leah here?"

You glanced at Leah, who was looking slightly uncomfortable but made no move to intervene. "We met during an interview."

Beth's eyebrows raised, and a playful smirk appeared on her face. "Oh, just an interview, huh? And now you're hanging out in the VIP box, meeting her teammates. Sounds like you're pretty close."

You laughed, feeling your cheeks heat up. "Guess I’m pretty lucky. Leah’s been really kind."

For a moment, you thought you saw Leah blush, but she quickly looked away.

As the conversation moved to the match and general football banter, Leah excused herself to speak to a coach, leaving you alone with Beth.

Once she was out of earshot, Beth turned to you, her expression more serious. "She's a good person, Leah. Just been through a lot lately. I hope she's found a good friend in you, Y/N."

You nodded, assuring Beth that Leah had indeed found a friend in you. However, her words resonated with you, hinting at something more beneath the surface.

When Leah returned, Beth excused herself to have a word with her. You couldn't hear what they were talking about, but you saw Leah's eyes widen, her cheeks flushing, and Beth teasingly poking her in the ribs. Leah swatted Beth's hand away, looking around to make sure you hadn't seen.

You turned away quickly, not wanting them to know you'd noticed. But you couldn't help the small grin that spread across your face. The day had been full of surprises, and the evening promised to bring even more.

With a day like this, it felt like anything was possible. Could there be more than friendship developing between you and Leah? Only time would tell. But for now, you were content with the uncertainty, the anticipation, and the thrill of the unknown.

The bustling noise of the after-match crowd faded as Leah walked you to your car in silence. Your laughter and playful teasing from earlier had been replaced by a charged silence. The air between you two was thick with unspoken words, questions, and emotions.

Leah, always the more courageous one, broke the silence. "Did you mean what you said earlier in the VIP box, about wanting to know the 'Leah off the field'?" Her voice was soft, almost vulnerable, her eyes fixed on the ground.

You paused, glancing at her. "Every word, Leah," you responded sincerely. "You fascinate me, not as Leah the footballer, but Leah the person. You're incredibly strong and kind."

Leah looked up, her gaze meeting yours. For a moment, everything else ceased to exist. It was just the two of you under the dim glow of the streetlights.

A soft sigh escaped Leah's lips as she leaned against the car, her eyes never leaving yours. "I'm not used to this, Y/N," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I guess people usually want the footballer, the celebrity, the...public figure."

You moved closer, your voice steady. "But that's not what I want, Leah. I want to know you, the woman behind all the fame and the accolades, the woman who still gets nervous before interviews."

Something shifted in Leah's expression then, a sense of understanding, perhaps, or relief. She didn't say anything for a moment, her gaze intensifying.

"And you, Y/N," she finally murmured, "What about you? What do you hide behind that professional facade?"

You laughed softly, taken aback by her directness. "That, Leah, is a story for another day."

She smiled, her eyes softening. "I'd like to hear it someday."

After exchanging numbers this time, you drove away. You could still feel Leah's gaze on you, her unspoken words hanging in the air like a promise. There was an undeniable pull between the two of you, something more profound than a fleeting attraction. But what it meant and where it could lead? That was a question for another day.

Authors note: Thank you for reading this far! Part 2?