#Barcelona femini

[wileys-russo]

this kit was made for her btw

[flemingology]

business casual ─ alexia putellas x reader

in which: alexia dresses up the ballon d'or

warnings: nothing, slightly suggestive at the end

wc: 1.9K

a/n: wrote this in an hour or two. saw alexia's look and couldn't resist it lol. first piece for her! hope you enjoy :)

Ballon d'Or night. One of the most anticipated nights of the year. Especially for your girlfriend. Having won two of the awards herself, she was well acquainted with the prestige that came with the event.

Just like last year, though, the ceremony took place right in the middle of Alexia's international break. She'd cursed the people in charge for the ridiculous planning last year, but seemingly it hadn't gone any better this time around. Flying out from their national camp wasn't the most ideal situation, but Alexia thanked her lucky stars that the RFEF were quite loose around the whole ordeal – allowing her and her national teammates the time and space to fly over to Paris.

Despite her best efforts, Alexia knew she wasn't going to win it this year. She'd put her bets on Aitana or Caroline, who both had an incredibly year of football under their belt. The Spanish midfielder, who had still been struggling with niggles throughout the past season, wasn't tipped as one of the favorites for the award this year. Not that she minded, though. She'd won the award twice and was more than happy for her teammates to be showered in the praise that they deserved. All in all, Alexia always enjoyed her nights at the ceremony, winning an award or not.

Just like every year, though, the Spaniard wasn't planning on giving you any insight on what she was going to wear. Everybody knew that one of the big things about the Ballon d'Or – footballers and awards aside – was all about the stars rocking up the red carpet in quite the glamorous outfits. Alexia had tried to convince you a couple times to come with her to Paris, but you weren't the one for all the media attention. You much rather stayed on your couch back in Barcelona, watching the live stream like a hawk, attentively eyeing the arriving taxis to try and catch a glimpse of your girlfriend.

A quick glance at your watch told you the time was nearing 7, so you knew she had to be about done with the preparations of her look. You decided to send her a text.

To: Amor ❤️ "Go have a good time tonight, baby. Orgulloso de ti. I love you ❤️"

You knew how much Alexia adored it when you mixed your usual English with some Spanish, forever a sucker for you speaking her mother tongue. You'd gone out of your way to try and master the language, knowing how much it meant to her if you'd be able to communicate to the part of her family that didn't know the English language as well as she did. You hadn't anticipated a text back at all, but you were pleasantly surprised at the buzz of your phone a couple moments later.

From: Amor ❤️"Eres el mejor. Thinking about you. I'll call you later 😘"

A little over an hour had passed when Alexia finally emerged on the livestream. You were caught up with cooking dinner, your laptop stood on the counter behind you while you were prepping your vegetables. You turned around, planning to throw the diced tomatoes in a different bowl, but your actions got cut short when you caught a glimpse of your girlfriend on the screen.

"My God," you breathed out silently. Vegetables completely forgotten about, you quickly put your cutting board back down and turned your full attention towards your laptop. She was wearing a striped, charcoal-colored pair of trousers, combined with nothing but a suit vest that tied at her waist. The vest showed the perfect amount of cleavage and chest, leaving just enough to the imagination. She wasn't wearing loads of make-up, but it was visible, just as you knew she liked it. Her hair was perfectly slicked back into a bun, her ears adorning a pair of sparkling earrings that perfectly accentuated the simplicity of the look. She looked incredible. You weren't expecting anything less, but she never failed to take your breath away in moments like these.

You watched her pose for the cameras on the red carpet, accompanied by all her Barcelona teammates, but you couldn't tear your eyes away from her. Now it was your turn to scold the decision to hold the event during international break, mourning the opportunity for her to come home to you and you to admire her look in the flesh. Before long, the camera panned away from her and caught a bunch of new arrivals, which you took as your cue to try and continue your dinner preparations.

As much as you were distracted by her and her look, and she clouded your thoughts at any given moment, you managed to cook yourself a meal. The ceremony well underway by now, you plopped down on the couch and watched the rest. Barcelona were crowned as Team of the Year, Alexia receiving the award in name of her team. You decided to try your luck and send the Spaniard another text. You knew she didn't keep her phone on her during events like these, but maybe you'd get lucky and get a response from her within a couple hours when she was in her hotel room.

To: Amor ❤️ "Ale, you look amazing. You've outdone yourself. I'm so in love with you. Me dejas sin aliento cada vez."

As the night went on, the camera kept panning towards your girlfriend. As one of the biggest stars in the room, it was expected for her to have quite some time on air, but it was starting to have its toll on you. Your girlfriend looked incredible but here you were, at home, hours away from your lover. You wanted nothing more than to be there with her, to be able to see her after the ceremony and really show her how much you liked her outfit.

A dull ache started forming between your legs and you knew it was only going to get worse throughout the evening. Without the prospect of having your girlfriend around, you knew it was going to be a long night.

Before long, the ceremony ended and you decided to make your way upstairs. It was quite late already, the event stretching out into the late hours of the night, so you decided it would be best for you to try and get some rest before Alexia inevitably called you up deeper in the night.

You'd managed to get a couple hours of sleep before your body got abruptly woken by the shrill noice of Alexia's ringtone blaring through your bedroom. You had put your volume to the maximum, knowing you were quite the deep sleeper, and you were glad that it had worked. You palmed your nightstand with one eye open looking for your phone, nearly declining her call before you managed to get it with you on the mattress, accepting her call and putting her on speaker.

"Hola, amor," Alexia quipped, her voice still quite energetic despite the late hour she called at. You glanced at the clock on your night stand, reading 1:36am. "Hi, baby," you replied, a small smile creeping up your face upon hearing the voice of your girlfriend. "How are you?"

"Mhm, good. Thank you. How are you?" you heard rustling in the background, assuming she was getting into bed. "Good. A little tired, though", you didn't want to make Alexia feel bad but her response seemed like you did. "Lo siento, amor. Do you want me to let you sleep? I know it's late," you shook your head at that but quickly verbally disagreed, realizing she couldn't see you through the phone. "No, no. I've missed you and I'm glad I'm speaking to you."

"Did you watch?" a slight chuckle escaped your lips, Alexia's question almost felt like mockery. "Of course I did, Ale. You never let me know what you're going to wear beforehand, so I have to find out through the stream!"

You didn't have to see her face to know that she had a shit-eating grin on her face now. "Mhm, I guess you're right. What did you think?" you rolled your eyes as a slight smile tugged on the corner of your lips. "What did I think? I told you through text, no?" you decided you could tease her a little before giving her what she wanted.

You heard a faint groan on the other side of the call. "Si, you did."

"Kidding, bébé. You looked perfect, honestly. You know how much I love it when you wear a suit vest. It accentuates your chest perfectly," you finished, your mind already thinking back about how good your girlfriend looked in her outfit tonight. "I knew you'd like it. Nice surprise?" you thought about how the way she looked left a throbbing between your legs throughout the rest of the night. "Very nice surprise. Just a shame that I can't get to show you just how much I appreciated the way you looked tonight."

Alexia hummed, an amused lilt seeping through. "Anything specific on your mind?" you didn't know how to approach this, not knowing whether Alexia was feeling a change of mood at this time of the night. "Well, let's say that you had me thinking about all the things I would do to you if you'd let me take that suit off you," Alexia let out a deep breath. "Dios mio, amor. You know there's nothing I would've wanted more than to come home to you tonight and let you take it off me."

Alexia's words did nothing to soothe the aching between your legs, if anything it only spurred you on further. "Ale," you started, taking a deep breath trying to ground yourself. "You have to stop right now," you tried to sound deterministic. "Why?" she quipped back, clearly enjoying the way she was working you up. "Because I'm already worked up, and you're not here, so you can't do anything about it. If I want to be able to get some sleep later, you need to turn it down a little."

"Who says I can't help you?" Alexia's words were spoken softly, almost as if she was unsure about what she was proposing. You frowned before speaking up. "Hmm? What do you mean?" a couple moments passed before the Spaniard spoke again. "I don't know, maybe we could be on the phone while you,..." Alexia trailed off, but you remained silent, wanting her to voice what she wanted. "...while you take care of what I started."

Your cheeks turned a deeper shade of red at the proposition she just made. "You want to talk me through it... over the phone?" you tried, wanting to make sure that the both of you were on the same page. "Sí, si quieres?"

"Yeah," you breathed out nervously, feeling the thrill of the newness of the situation. You and Alexia hadn't done anything like this before. You'd shared a couple pictures and videos with each other while the midfielder was at camp, trying to bridge the couple weeks that she was away, but you had never thought about phone sex. It wasn't something that had been brought up yet and you hadn't deemed it as something either of you two needed, the both of you more than satisfied with your sex life at was, but you couldn't deny the pang of arousal that shot towards your core every time you thought about Alexia talking you through your orgasm over the phone.

"Yeah, I want this." "Perfecto, corazón. Now spread your legs and let me make you feel good."

[wonder-kid-pugh]

In the Eye of the Beholder - Alexia Putellas x reader

Hey guys! So I was recently inspired by my trip to Spain. I spent the day in Barcelona and I even went to Camp Nou so I was really excited and inspired to write for Alexia. But yeah I have an idea to turn this into a small series if you want. But this was kinda rushed so I'm sorry if it wasn't the best. Anyways hope you enjoy!

Alexia was exhausted.

Which is understandable. Ever since her return from injury it seemed like she didn't get a moment to herself. Everyone wanting to talk to her about her return from one of the most grueling injuries in women's football, especially at such a crucial point in her career. (Her absence from the Euros was still tough for her to talk about but unfortunately it came with the territory).

With all her media obligations and then her also captaining the team while also working tirelessly with the Barca medics and physios to make sure she doesn't do anything to possibly injury her knee or anything else.

It was just a bit much in that moment.

She was so overwhelmed in that moment that for a second she couldn't catch her breath. So she did the only thing she could think of. She left for a walk. To where it didn't matter she just needed to not feel trapped or weighted down right now.

She wanted to feel the air on her face and to just walk about the place she loved.

Alexia left so quickly that she didn't even think to bring Nala. Alexia wincedly lightly knowing that Nala would have loved to go for a walk right now. Deciding that she would have to apologize with a few extra treats, Alexia kept going knowing there was no point going back now.

Alexia didn't know how long she had been walking for before she realised where she was. She signed tiredly as she ran a hand through her hair as she could see the stadium a short distance in front of her.

Even when she tried not to, her mind always wondering back to work.

She turned to start heading back to her apartment but was stopped when she smacked right into someone.

She eyes widened as you let out a small shriek and dropped your things.

"Ah damn it!" You mumble under your breath as you bend down to collect your things.

Alexia shakes her head as she bends down to help you with your things which earns her a smile from you. Which if it wasn't for the fact that her brain was still trying to play catch up, would have stopped her in her place.

You swiftly and messily gather all your belongings up again, gratefully taking the notebook from Alexia when she held it out to you. "Thank you" you answer in surprising perfect Spanish for someone who was just speaking English just a moment ago.

The two of you straightened up as you make sure you have everything before giving Alexia your full attention. "I'm so sorry!" You apologized sincerely. "I wasn't really paying attention and I really didn't mean to walk into you". You rubbed your neck sheepishly as you realise your rambling to this poor stranger. "I'm looking for Camp Nou?" Your blush worsens, "I'm kinda lost"

Alexia couldn't help but chuckle. Finding your shy nature and darkening blush adorable. "Not completely" Alexia reassured as she nodded her head in the direction of the stadium. "You're close. It's just down that way".

You let out a sigh of relief as your shoulder relax the tiniest bit. One being for finally finding the stadium and two being thankful that the pretty stranger you crashed into wasn't angry with you.

"Thank god" you answered smiling at the stranger. "Honestly I didn't think it would be this hard to find a massive stadium".

Alexia laughs sharing a smile with you. Not quite ready for the conversation to end, Alexia once again nods her head towards the stadium. "Would you like me to walk with you? Just to make sure you get there?"

Your eyes light up with something Alexia couldn't quite recognise. But she liked how your eyes shone at the simple offer of kindness. It was only then she  realised how blue your eyes were. For a second she swore she could have been looking into the sparkling crystal clear water with how bright they were.

"Really? You wouldn't mind? I'm sure you have better places to be…"

Alexia cleared her throat silently wishing you hadn't catch her staring at your eyes. Alexia nodded her head with a smile, "No it's okay. Honestly I have nowhere to be. I was just wondering around to be honest".

"Well if you're sure…yeah that would be great. Thank you" you thanked her with a smile. And for Alexia that was enough for her.

Alexia gestured the way for you to begin walking. "So why are you looking for Camp Nou? Are you a fan?"

You bit your lip timidly as you looked around almost as if to check to see if anyone else was listening. "Not exactly…can I tell you a secret?"

Alexia quirked an eyebrow. She didn't know whether it was because she herself was quite secretive about her own personal life or whether it was the fact that they didn't even know each others names that she was surprised at that.

"Sure" Alexia chuckled at the simple idea of her sharing a secret with her. But she also couldn't help but feel giddy that she was willing to do so.

You bite the inside of your cheek before signing, seeing one of the many shops selling Barcelona merchandise. "I'm not a fan. Of football in general really. I just never took an interest in it" you answered honestly, your eyes not meeting Alexia's.

Alexia's eyebrows furrowed a bit. "Then why are you going to the stadium?"

You held up the book that Alexia had helped pick up for you. "Well I'm an artist. I got asked to do a mural for the team but I have no clue when it comes to football. So I thought I would take a tour of the stadium and hopefully get some inspiration for it as well as maybe learn something".

Alexia was in awe of the commitment. She imagined that most artists would just look them up and just start away. The fact that you wanted to take time to go learn more about the club. Her club in fact warmed her heart.

It showed how passionate you were as well. The fact that you didn't even know much about Football but you still wanted to make sure you did it justice.

"That's a good idea" Alexia smiled. "I can tell you love what you do".

You blush lightly as you duck your head in modesty. Wanting to get the attention off you, you turn it back to her. "What about you? Do you like football?"

Alexia pursues her lips at the question. It was obvious that you didn't know who she was. You didn't know she was Alexia Putellas. La Reina. Captain of Barcelona and Spain. She was just…a person.

Maybe it was better like that.

"Oh. I love Football" Alexia answered honestly while grinning sheepishly. "Maybe a little too much sometimes".

But you just chuckle, raising an eyebrow, "Barcelona?"

"Till I die" Alexia answered honestly. Which was the truth she couldn't ever imagine not playing for her club.

You hum as the two of you stop in front of the stadium entrance. "Have you ever taken the tour before?"

Alexia gives you a small smile. The last time she had probably taken the tour was years ago. Back when she barely understood the rules of the game. Back when her father was still trying to explain the game to her.

"A long time ago yes"

Your eyes flicker up to the massive stadium before grinning at the stranger in front of you.

Alexia couldn't stop the laugh escaping her. "What are you planning?"

Your eyes gleam playful with a hint of mischief in them. "What?" You play innocent faking hurt. "I don't know what you're talking about…"

Alexia rolled her eyes looking at her knowingly. "I know that look. My best friend always gets that look when she's up to something".

You just grin. "She sounds like fun".

Alexia rolled her eyes but she couldn't deny it as she nodded. "She is. Now what is it?"

You pursued your lips before sighing. You guess it couldn't hurt to ask. "It's just…" you start but continue when Alexia nods on encouragingly. "Just you seem to know a lot about Football and you support Barcelona and I know practically nothing so I was wondering…would you like to do the tour…with me?"

You couldn't even look Alexia in the eye. This poor random stranger which you first of all crashed into, and probably ruined her perfectly enjoyable walk, and who knows nothing about you and you just asked her to give up her day to explain Football of all things to you.

You face flows red and starts to darken but can't seem to stop yourself. "I mean! I would pay for you of course! That's if you want to. Which you probably don't. Which it perfectly fine! I'm sure you have way better things to do than just talk to me about football of all things…"

You so desperately wish you could cramp all the words back into your mouth. So much so you didn't realise how widely Alexia was smiling at you.

You only stopped when you felt soft hands grab yours.

"It's okay. I would love to" Alexia smiled reassuringly. She gave you a quick squeeze of the hand just to make sure. "And you don't need to pay for me it's okay. But I have one condition to being your Football Coach/Teacher".

You raise an eyebrow amused. You held your sketch book close to your chest with a smile. "Oh yeah and what's that?"

Alexia smirks and you swear you nearly dropped all your stuff again. It was by far the sexiest thing you've ever seen. "You have to promise to be a life long supporter of Barcelona and you can never ever become a Real Madrid fan".

"Who?"

Alexia smirked as she pointed at you, "Exactly". She offered her arm with a smile, "Shall we?"

The two headed inside, Alexia being conscious enough to steer you away from any direction of posters with her face on them. It was a lot easier when the two of you had gotten inside. However, when she had gone to pay, the staff had nearly blown her cover before she quickly shushed them. Thankfully you didn't notice the interaction as you had already paid and was off looking at some pictures.

Alexia had just came over and joined you when you turned to her with a bit of a sheepish smile, "I just realized that I didn't even introduce myself before asking you to spend the day with a total stranger".

Realising how bad that sounded you physically grimaced before offering a hand. "Well I'm Y/n just so you know".

Alexia instinctively shook your hand but paused briefly. "Ale" she said simply. Honestly she didn't know why she didn't tell you her name. Technically it wasn't a lie. Her friends and loved ones called her Ale. But she found herself hesitant to tell you her actual name.

It wasn't because she didn't feel comfortable with you. Cause in actual fact she had felt more comfortable with you in the 10 minutes you knew each other than with some of the people she's met for work.

But Alexia had a small feeling it was because of how normal she felt with you. As selfish as it was she didn't want to ruin it.

For one evening she didn't want the stress that came with her life. For one evening she didn't want to be the Barcelona Superstar. She didn't want to be Alexia Putellas.

So for the evening she was just Ale.

When you said you knew nothing about football, you really knew nothing about Football. Which Alexia only really realised when she had to explain basic rules of the game. L

But she really enjoyed it.

She enjoyed getting back to the basics of the game. Remembering how her father use to explain it to her.

She also loved how cute your face looked all scrunched up when you didn't understand something. Or how you lit up when you finally understood it.

But Alexia gave you an indepth insight into the club. Talking about key players they had throughout the years. The playing style they were known for. Different coaches and captains the team had and their impact on the club.

Alexia found that you found Johan Cruyff extremely interesting and his dedication to the club. "Huh I guess he bled pure blue and red then".

Alexia did her best to steer you away from anything talking about the women's team as much as it pained her not to show the teams successes. Which was surprisingly easy as you were so busy looking around while also doing quick sketches in your book and writing stuff down.

"I didn't know that one club could have so much history behind it" you said in awe as you started to leave the museum part.

Alexia just chuckles. Thankfully it was quiet enough that there were only a few people doing the tour as well so she hadn't been recognised. She was also thankful that she at least grabbed a cap before she abruptly left her apartment which she used to screen her face a bit from fans.

"Yeah I suppose" Alexia hums but freezes when she is faced with an Alexia jersey in front of her. Alexia bites her lip as she keeps her head down and moves towards the exit.

"Ale? Is everything okay?" You asked concerned carefully putting your hand tentatively on her shoulder in case the action wasn't wanted. But thankfully it had the desired effect when you see how Alexia untenses the tiniest bit.

Alexia nods a little stiffly but forces a smile. "Yeah. Yeah I'm okay just I really want to show you something".

You just nodded and if Alexia wasn't so focused on getting past the fans without noticing, she would have noticed how she took your hand unconsciously to try and move quickly and quietly past everyone.

And if she had looked back she would have noticed how your face had taken a red flue to it.

Alexia quickly moved through the stands and the away team dressing room which you were perfectly fine with not having much interest in them.

Then you felt the air knocked out of you.

"Wow…" you mumble as you and Alexia step out on to the pitchside. Alexia had to pursue her lips when she saw how you did a full 360 spin to take in the full stadium. But she ultimately failed as a smile slipped through along with a giggle.

You plopped right down on one of the sub bench seats right beside Alexia leaning back against the comfy seat.

"Could you imagine playing here? Having a sold out stadium with everyone's eyes on you? Thousands of people paying just to come watch their favourite player?" You ask hypothetically. But it just makes Alexia laugh as she smiled.

"Yeah…" Alexia smiled at you as you continued to look out at the field.

"What do you think it feels like?" You ask curiously not knowing that Alexia has already experienced playing on this very field. "To be out there on the field for a game?"

Alexia looks at you for a second thinking maybe you did actually know who she was. But shakes off the thought as she thinks for a second. "I think it's nerve racking" Alexia answers honestly.

Alexia now had your full attention. You look at her tilting your head slightly. "What do you mean?"

Alexia hums thinking back to when she played in Camp Nou. "Well I think it's nerve racking really. Having to worry about playing well. Not wanting to disappoint anyone. Your teammates, your fans, your club. Not wanting to mess up". "Having all those eyes on you from the moment you step on the field not wanting to mess up" Alexia answers honestly but then concedes. "But I do also think its amazing. Having a sold out stadium full of people who came to watch and support you. To see all these players who want to grow up and be like you".

You hum before smiling and nodding. "Yeah. I guess when you put it like that yeah it sounds stressful". You hum thoughtfully, "I kinda get it though. To a certain extent".

You sigh when you see Alexia motion for you to explain. "Well when I paint I guess. I mean don't get me wrong it's what I love to do. But when you're showing someone your work you're kinda putting a bit of themselves in front of you".

You let out a little smile but Alexia can see the hurt in your eyes. "And then you have to be ready for them to tear it apart in front of you".

Alexia bites her lip wondering if she would be overstepping. "Sounds like you're speaking from experience…"

You let out a little humorless laugh. "Well let's just say that my parents are too happy about my career choices". You had said it with a light tone but Alexia noticed how hard it was to talk about, not even able to look at her. "We would have much preferred if I got a more 'stable' job".

Knowing that this was obviously something that wasn't easy for you to talk about, Alexia knows she should tread lightly and maybe just move on.

But she couldn't leave it at that.

"I'm sorry about that" Alexia said gently before she gave her hand a small squeeze. "But as long as you're happy and you're doing what you love. Isn't that what matters?"

You didn't say anything and for a second Alexia feared that she had majorly overstepped. She was about to pull away her hand but was stopped when you held it firmly, "You're right". You flashed her a wide smile, "Thanks Ale".

Alexia felt herself shiver at the way her nickname fell from your lips. But she pushed through it and smiled back. Not trusting herself to answer back steadily.

After they left the field they went to the top of the stadium. Albeit with a few groans and moans from you asking how many more stairs there were. Alexia watched silently how you were amazed by the view. Imagining how cool it would be to see everything that was happening from the top stands.

Sadly for the both of you the tour was over soon after that despite both of you trying to stall. Alexia walked you back out to where you had first met. More like crashed into each other. Careful to avoid any of her jerseys or pictures in the stadium store and the posters on the stadium.

You rocked on your heels as you looked at Alexia. "To be honest I wasn't really looking forward to the tour" you gave her a bright smile. "But I actually had a lot of fun today. And I'd say I have you to thank for that".

Alexia grinned as she spotted the small blush tinting your face. "Well I'm glad I could teach you about the greatest football team in the world".

The two of you share a look before you fall into giggles. You bite your lip wanting to stay longer but you can see how late it's getting and you've already taken up Alexia's day enough.

"I better getting going" you sigh, looking at your watch. "I've taken up enough of your day".

Alexia smiled, "Actually I think I needed it. I had fun today".

You smiled brightly, "Well I'm glad I could help then". Neither of you know what to say.

Your just about to turn to start walking away when you stop yourself. As much as you didn't want to part with it, you rip out a page from your sketchbook and quickly scribble down something on the back of it and hold it out shyly to Alexia.

"I…I wouldn't normally do this but…" your face darkened red. "But I had a lot of fun today so uh here".

Alexia takes the paper and looks at it with a small smile when she realizes it's your number.

"For if you ever want to waste the day away with someone again" you shrug trying to act nonchalant about it but you both knew you were well past it. "Or not. It's completely up to you if you use it. Absolutely no obligations". You started walking backwards clutching your sketchbook to your chest biting your lip. "But I really hope you do".

You really tried not to look back but you couldn't help yourself. You waited until you were just about to turn the corner only to smile when you saw Alexia still watching you. You shot her a wink before disappearing out of her eyeline.

Alexia pursued her lips trying to stop herself from smiling like an idiot. But when she looked at the piece of paper with your messy scrawl on it, it was very hard.

She goes to fold the piece of paper to put in her pocket but stops when she sees something on the other side of the page. She flips it over and is surprised to see a small sketch of her.

It seems that the tour wasn't all you were focused on.

The sketch was of her standing on front of a Barca crest. When you had seen her looking at the frame you couldn't help yourself. The light shining down on the design was reflecting onto her giving her this glow. You captured her side profile extremely well. She swore if it wasn't for the fact she knew it was drawn in pencil, she would have thought it was a picture straight off a professional camera.

It was something she was definitely going to cherish.

She reached for her phone to save the number but groaned remembering that she forgot that she had left it at home to get away from all the stress of work. So she quickly made her way home not wanting to lose the number.

But as she's walking home she realizes how much lighter she feels. Before she had felt like this weight had been on her chest making it hard for her to breathe. But now it was gone. All that stress had seemingly disappeared.

You had done that.

Alexia smiled the whole way home. Thinking about what she would text you when you got home.

[pernillecfcw]

@lionesses On to Sydney / Gadigal ✈️

[helen-with-an-a]

 Operation Christmas Kiss

Barça Femeni x Reader ; Keira Walsh x Reader

Description: The team come up with a plan to get Keira and R to confess before Christmas

Word Count: 3k

“So, what’s everyone doing for Christmas?” Alexia asked, taking a sip from her drink.

You sat back, watching the others as they told you their Christmas plans. Naturally, your eyes lingered on Keira. Keira … the girl you had been in love with for well over half your life.

You couldn’t help but smile as she laughed at something Aitana had said, her eyes sparkling. You sighed despite yourself. Keira … the girl had been your first kiss all those years ago. ‘Practice … for when we’re older’ you had said. It had been the Christmas camp for the Young Lionesses, and everyone was swapping stories of their first kisses, first loves, first times. You were barely sixteen, but the peer pressure had been a lot. You had made up some bullshit about a girl at school. You had confessed the truth to Keira that night. She had just smiled at you and offered to kiss you. Simple and just like that. Nothing too fancy, nothing crazy, just a friendly gesture. You ignored the butterflies then and you had continued to ignore them. Every brush of her hand against your skin when you partner up, every lingering hug or gentle touch as you moved around your small flat in perfect harmony.

“What about you, chica?” Patri asked, nudging you back to the table.

“Oh um, nothing really.” You smiled, taking a bite from the snacks on the table.

“Nothing?” Mapí repeated.

“Yeah, I’m not doing anything. My parents are-”

You started to explain how you didn’t do anything special at Christmas. You never had. You parents had been forced to go to Church and do all the family stuff when they were growing up and they had hated every minute of it. When they finally branched out on their own, Christmas was just a normal day. Sure, you always had a few presents and a nicer meal, but it was never the spectacle that it was for everyone else. Your parents had agreed to fly over to Barcelona this Christmas, arguing that it was about time they had a hot holiday. The best flights they could get was Christmas Day, and that suited you just fine. They would land around midday, and you would spend a few days with them, relishing in the quiet as the rest of the world gorged themselves on overpriced, dry meat they had spent far too long slaving away over in the kitchen. And then your parents would be off again, arguing that they didn’t want to ruin your New Years’ plans and that they would much rather be lounging on a pool bed in Tenerife rather than you cramped flat anyways.

“Do you not want to spend Christmas with them?” Pina asked quietly, her voice a little nervous.

“No, it’s not like th-” You could see the looks people were sharing. The sad pitying looks that meant they thought you didn’t spend Christmas with your family for a very different reason.

“It’s okay, amiga. We understand,” Marta smiled kindly.

“It’s not-” you tried again. You loved your parents, and they loved you. You had no issue with them, and as far as you were aware, they had no issues with you. You knew some others around the table had had issues with their parents, especially when they were teens and trying to figure out their sexuality. But for you, it was never like that. You had never actually ‘come out’ to your parents. You had just brought a girl home when you first moved to Manchester and introduced them to your new girlfriend. No one had batted an eye.

“Vamos, chica, I need el baño and then we shall get another drink, sí?” Ona asked, standing up from her seat, extending her hand to you.

“Uhh, sure … ok…” You let yourself get dragged away by Ona, unable to catch Keira’s eye.

“Ok, we need to do something for la niña. She cannot spend Christmas alone.” Mapí started, her eyes narrowing as she came up with her plan.

“Maybe she doesn’t want to do anything for Christmas, kjære?”

“That is absoluta mierda, Princesa.” Mapí dismissed Ingrid with a wave of her hand. “Everyone wants to do something for Christmas.” Ingrid sighed, shaking her head. She knew her girlfriend, if Mapí had a plan, the plan would be happening regardless of what anyone else said.

It took maybe 10 minutes for a plan to be concocted. A plan that Keira was not too happy about. She had tried, she had tried so hard to get the team to see that there really was no issues, no larger problem at hand that led you to not really ‘doing’ Christmas. You always had been like that. She didn’t do traditional Christmas herself – her family opting for an Indian instead. A habit they had picked up from you. You were 13 when you met, 14 when she had begged her parents to let her spend the holidays with you, and 15 when you spent your first Christmas at the Walsh household.

Her parents had fussed and stressed over the catering for months, you had both watched them bring up Christmas when you visited every school holiday. It had been a throwaway comment really, a joke that you would be happy with an Indian for all you cared. You could see the look they gave you, a curious, intrigued look. ‘Christmas is about family, right? You don’t have to add the stress on top of it. If you want to do a roast, go ahead, but we just do whatever we fancy. Last year it was a roast because Kei was with us, but usually it’s something way more chilled. I think we had picky bits once’. The look on Mrs Walsh’s face was one that you would remember forever. The look of pure and utter relief that someone else had said it. That you had said it. From that Christmas on, there was no more burned potatoes or overcooked turkey. There was an Indian takeaway, dished up with more pride than any carving had ever received.

“Guys, honestly, she doesn’t wan-’

“No, Keira. She needs this.” Mapí wasn’t having any of it.

“She really doesn-” Keira tried again, looking to Lucy for help. Lucy grinned, smiling into her glass as she shrugged.

“Kei,” You shouted, oblivious to the conversation going on at the table. You staggered slightly, flopping heavily onto the ginger’s lap. “Come dance?” You asked, the blush on both of your cheeks having nothing to do with the alcohol.

“I don’t dance, y’know this.” Keira laughed slightly, her arm automatically cradling your waist.

“Please, Kei.” You pulled out your infamous puppy dog eyes, ones you knew she was irresistible to. “For me?” You pouted ever-so-slightly.

“Ugh, fine.” Keira rolled her eyes, unable to help the smile that spread across her lips as you squealed with joy. “The things I do for you,” She grumbled, allowing herself to be pulled across the floor.

“When are they going to realise, they’re head over heels for each other?” Alexia asked, watching you loop your arms around Keira’s neck as her fingers danced with the waistband of your jeans.

“Who?” Vicky asked, trying to follow Alexia’s line of sight.

“Keira and Y/N, estúpida” Pina supplied, pointed to where you and Keira were very much in your own little bubble. The group watched as Keira said something to you, and you dropped your head onto her neck, all sporting smiles as Keira’s fingers traced gentle lines on the sliver of bare skin on your back.

“At least you get a break,” Lucy commented, bringing her arm around Ona’s shoulder. “It was like this at City too, and at camp.”

“Oh god. Do you remember that time when Y/N did her hamstring, and she wasn’t on England camp? It was maybe a week and all I heard from her was ‘Kei this’ and ‘Kei that’.” Ellie chimed in, rolling her eyes at the memory.

You had torn your hamstring a week or so before you were supposed to go away on an England camp. The suddenness of it all had meant you were even more mopey than you would have been normally. Yes, you missed playing, and yes, you weren’t a fan on the rehab. But doing it without Keira to keep your spirits up was too much to handle. She had been by your side from the moment you had sat down on the grass, your face contorting in pain. She had been subbed off a few moments after you and followed you down the tunnel. Keira had driven you home and stayed the night, doting on you hand and foot, acting as you butler, driver and bodyguard until she had to leave for St George’s Park.

When Ellie had picked you up the next morning, you were a vision of sadness. Your hair was sloppily tied up, the blue circles under your eyes more noticeable than ever before. Ellie had taken note of the small 24 printed on both your hoodie and shorts for the whole week.

“God, Kei was no better. ‘I wonder what Y/N’s doing right now?’, ‘Has anyone heard from Y/N?’, ‘I better text her, make sure she’s doing okay’, ‘Oh, sorry I can’t hang out with you, I’m facetiming Y/N’. It was nauseating,” Lucy huffed, taking a swig of her drink.

“Ok, we get it, they’re in love and have been for ages, they just need to get a grip and kiss each other.” Kika laughed, watching her two new friends press themselves closer and closer.

“What do you think they’re talking about?” Aitana asked.

“Oh, Kei. I’m so in love with you it hurts.” Patri joked, her eyelids fluttering as you drapped herself over Cata.

“Oh, Y/N/N, me too. I’m just too in my head to do anything about it.” Cata joined in.

“I’m thinking we change our plan. Operation Get Y/N and Keira to Kiss at Christmas is a go.” Mapí turned to the table, bringing out her phone to take notes.

“We may need to shorten the name.” Caro chimed in, a small smile on her face.

“What are they planning?” You asked Keira, your face millimetres from hers.

“They want you to celebrate Christmas.” Keira smiled as you groaned, your head dropping onto her shoulder.

“I am celebrating Christmas, Mum and Dad are flying out on Christmas day.”

“I know that. You know that. They just don’t know that’s how you do Christmas.” Keira pressed a sneaky kiss to your temple. “They want you to spend Christmas with someone, you rescued me before that bit got figured out.”

“No,” you whined. “I love my Christmas plans. A chilled Christmas and then a very fun New Years’ with you.” You couldn’t help the blush that rose on your cheeks when you thought of your New Years’ plans.

“I know you do,” Keira laughed quietly, her cheeks sporting a similar blush. “And it’ll be our first New Years’ together.” You rolled your eyes.

“Stop phrasing it like that. We’ve spent a million New Years’ together.” You complained, shuffling closer, relishing in the feeling of her fingers against your skin.

“No, we haven’t. We have spent 13 together. But this we’ll be our first one as more than just friends.” Keira whispered into your ear.

It was a new development for you and Keira. One that had taken far too long to happen, but over a snowy hot chocolate at the Munich Christmas market when you had flown out to see Georgia, it had happened. It wasn’t really anything epic, nothing like a fairytale. Keira had told you how beautiful you looked, eyes reflecting the lights of the market. You had blushed and told her you thought she looked pretty too. She had pushed some hair off your face, and you were just inches from each other and then suddenly her lips were on yours and you hadn’t looked back since.

You had told your family but beyond that, you were relishing in the privacy of it all. The stolen kisses and quiet declarations were adding to the magic of it all. You knew you needed to tell the team soon, but you were having too much fun watching them moan and groan at each other. You were more than happy to keep it between you to, a perfect little secret to be shared at just the right time.

It was the last home game before the break when Mapí’s plan was finally able to come to light. She had everything planned to perfection. Aitana and Kika were still out on the field with Keira. Ellie and Lucy were signing things for fans and keeping a close eye on you. Alexia was the organiser, the go-between to make sure you would be walking down the tunnel at the same time. Cata was waiting by the locker room door, making sure that no one would stand in the way. Mapí, Patri and Pina were all in the locker room, placing mistletoe at strategic locations across the room. One above the doorway, one above each of your lockers, one by the entrance to the showers and the last one tucked safely next to Mapí’s things, a fail-safe she could wave above you if Plan A, B, C and D fell through.

It was the Man City game, the team knew they had ample time to prepare with how long you and Keira would stay out on the pitch catching up with old friends, but that didn’t help with the nerves. Mapí had even bribed one of the coaches to help. When Alexia gave the signal, a painstakingly crafted but natural movement of taking off her Captain’s armband, the coach would drift over to you, telling your group they needed to come inside for cool down and stretches. At the same time, Carla would beckon Keira over for some media and you would both meet at the top end of the tunnel, ready to walk past the rest of the team and straight into the locker room. Vicky had been chosen to point out the mistletoe if you hadn’t spotted it already. It had originally been Ingrid but that was met with a raised eyebrow and a shake of her head.

“Kjære, are you su-”

“Sí, Ingrid, I am more than sure. It will be un milagro de Navidad.” Mapí waved her girlfriend away, her eyes fixed excitedly on the door.

“- it’ll be nice. I’m glad that Lani and the other Aussies will be able to get back home quickly.” You chatted away to Keira, a City shirt adorning your top half as you pushed your way into the locker room. Pina not-so-subtly came to stand in front of you, stopping you in the doorway.

“You played really well, Chicas.” Pina smiled unnaturally at you.

“Uh, thanks?” You said slowly, although it came out more like a question.

“Sí, muy buen juego” Patri added, her eyes also a bit too wide. You looked towards Keira and back again, you eyes taking in the mistletoe dangling from the ceiling.

“Oh, mira eso. You are standing under muérdago. Ellie, what is muérdago en Inglés?” Vicky called, her voice superficially high.

“Mistletoe, Vicky. It is Mistletoe in English.”

“Ahh, sí. Y/N and Keira are standing under mistletoe.” Vicky’s acting was appalling. You glanced up anyway, smiling at the small spring resting above your heads. “Is the tradition the same in England as it is in España?” Vicky held her hands out in a comical shrug.

“You mean, whoever is caught under the mistletoe has to kiss, otherwise it is bad luck?” Ellie added, her acting equally awful.

“Ah, so it is the same.”

You looked over to Mapí, who was vibrating like a kid about to open their most anticipated present.

“Be … so, be … so, beso, beso, beso” Mapí began to chant, her voice carrying across the room.

You looked to Keira, smiling at her as the small blush bloomed across her cheeks. You shrugged, as if saying ‘I’m down if you are’. She nodded shyly, a smile matching yours. You shuffled a little closer, your hand coming to rest on her cheek.

You leaned in, the world around you fading into the background. Her breath hitched as your faces drew closer, her gaze briefly dropping to your lips before meeting your eyes again. The moment stretched, charged with anticipation, until finally, your lips met in a tender, lingering kiss.

The room exploded with applause, whoops, and whistles. Mapí was the loudest, clapping her hands and shouting, “Eso es! Así se hace!”

As you pulled back, Keira’s shy smile had turned into a full-blown grin, her eyes sparkling with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. “Well,” she said, laughing softly, “guess we’re lucky now.”

“Guess we are.” You stuck your tongue out at her as you moved away to the bathroom.

“So, how was your first kiss with the girl you’ve been in love with since you were 13?” Lucy asked, nudging Keira with her elbow.

“Oh, that wasn’t our first kiss,” Keira smiled up at her friend, her cheeks still lightly stained with pink.

Lucy blinked. “N-not your first kiss?” She spluttered.

“Oh no, I was her first kiss when we were like 16? I think. It was a youth camp, and everyone was saying about their first kiss and she said she hadn’t had one so I kissed her.”

“J-just like that? You kissed her? And you didn’t think to tell me?”

“Why would I, Luce? It’s not that deep.” Keira laughed, enjoying the look on Lucy’s face.

“Not … not that deep?” Lucy screeched. “Kei, you’ve been in love with her since you were 13, I have had to listen to you both whine and whine about it all and you’ve already kissed her? Keira, what the fuck?”

“Language, Lucia.” Keira teased, bending over to gather her stuff for the shower.

“H-have you kissed her since you were 16?” Lucy asked, trying to wrap her head around what was going on.

“Of course she has,” You chimed in, kissing Keira swiftly on the cheek. “It would be weird not to kiss your girlfriend.”

[skipper1331]

Secret // Alexia Putellas

| Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | extra |

Everybody knew that Alexia was a private person - she only shared the information she wanted to share as she was very selective in her choice of words and very careful about whom she told what.

And even though that facade dropped around her friends and family, she still kept you a secret - she preferred it that way - having you to herself and not having to deal with headlines like 'Alexia Putellas dating her Barcelona teammate.' and the drama that it could cause.

Whenever it was just the two of you she was the sweetest girl, treating you like a princess and being totally in love with you while when other people were around, she kept her distance, acted strictly professional and didn‘t show any signs of affection.

The only person who knew about you was her sister, Alba and she only found out by accident.

-

"mi amor, you‘re so beautiful" the midfielder admired, kissing along your jaw, "I can‘t get enough of you" she found her way down to your neck, completely lost in the feeling of you before a certain spot on your neck caught her attention where she gently created reddish marks.

Just because nobody knew about you, didn’t mean that it would stop Alexia from silently claiming you.

Her fingertips ran along your exposed skin as your shirt had riddled up, leaving the midfielder craving for more.

The Barcelona player continued to mumble sweet nothings, planting some last even sweeter kisses on your neck before she reached up to your lips, kissing them with every ounce of love. Alexia always kissed you like that, letting you know that you caused the butterflies in her stomach.

Tugging on your shirt, she signaled that she wanted it off. Happily obeying, you took it off, her hands now wandering around your bare upper body as she was back kissing you with so much passion and love.

"Ale- do you know what-" both of you froze at the same time, your girlfriend shielding your exposed body as her sister stood in the door frame, "oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!" she covered eyes, rushing out of the room and slamming the door shut.

"mierda!" Ale was off of you in an instant, throwing your shirt back to you.

"I‘m Alba!" the younger Putellas called threw the door, "we haven‘t meet yet. I‘m her sister!"

You chuckled - wrong move as Alexia glared at you, marching out of her bedroom.

"Do you ever knock?!" she said angrily, pulling her sister away, giving you the time you needed.

"I thought you were asleep! You didn‘t open the front door when I knocked" the sister defended herself in their mother tongue.

Alexia huffed, pinching the bridge of her nose, "so, who‘s she?" Alba asked.

Perfectly timed, you exited the bedroom, walking towards the sisters in the living room, "I’m Y/N" you smiled nicely, offering your hand.

"Alba" she introduced herself once again, returning your smile and shaking your hand.

"She‘s my girlfriend" the midfielder huffed, annoyed that her little sister caught you, "20€ if you don‘t tell anyone about it" the older one said.

She would pay money to keep you a secret? Don‘t get me wrong, you didn‘t want to be public as you loved the privacy both of you had as individuals and together but you did hope for that she would at least tell your friends and family. All you wanted was to hold her hand and not to worry about standing too close to her.

The sparkle in your eyes died down, feeling stings in your heart but nonetheless respecting Alexia‘s wishes.

"I don‘t need your money" Alba stated when she saw the way your face fell, "you could have just said please."

You felt more than rejected in that moment.

"You won‘t tell anybody about this" she ordered this time now, her jaw clenched and voice firm - captains order.

Alba walked towards the door, "I‘m going to the car, mamá is waiting. Hurry up" before she left, only Alexia and you left in her apartment.

"I‘m sorry amor, I forgot that we were having lunch together." the midfielder explained, not knowing nor realizing that her behavior had hurt you as she was just apologizing for the incident of Alba walking in.

"You can stay if you‘d like" she smiled, putting on her shoes.

After she had laced her last shoe, she pulled you in by your hips, kissing you good bye, getting a bit carried as the feeling of your lips locked was addicting.

-

You loved being Alexia‘s girlfriend but you didn‘t like being her secret.

To be honest, it didn‘t bother you at first but after 6 months, you started to think about at least telling your family (officially you hadn‘t even met Alba before) and friends but every time you proposed the idea of it, she got defensive and annoyed, so you didn‘t bring it up again.

After one year, you slowly started to think that maybe she was ashamed of being seen with you, just being with you or of you as her behavior got more and more secretive day by day - she didn‘t even act like your friend in training.

You didn‘t know where it was coming from because whenever you were behind closed doors, she was the most affectionate person who loved to cook for you or just sharing the same air made her heart and brain go love sick. She was indeed very much in love with you yet afraid to show this love outside of either of your apartments.

Sometimes you wished that she would take you out for dinner - it didn‘t have to be fancy at all, McDonalds would be simply enough - you just wanted to experience a date night.

And even though, she made home as romantic as possible, it wasn’t enough anymore. You craved for more.

Sometimes when you saw Ingrid and Mapi openly in love, you felt jealous. You wanted that too.

They were your friends and you were so happy for them as they matched each other perfectly but you couldn’t help but feel envy. You envied what they have, imagining how it would feel like with Alexia - hoping to have that with Alexia, one day.

-

"Do you want to go out tonight? Frido told me about this new restaurant!" you said smiling.

The midfielder looked up from her notebook, pausing the tv as she replayed Chelsea’s matches (the club Barcelona would face in the uwcl semi finals)

"Is it takeout?" she asked.

You shook your head - no. "We can go out" you tried again, flopping next to her on the couch.

"Amor!" she grumbled as all her notes fell to the ground, now not sorted anymore.

"Sorry"

"I‘m preparing for our upcoming matches, you should join me in fact, so you know how Chelsea will play. We can order takeout - you know I don‘t like going out with you" she sorted through her notes, grumbling and huffing at the non existing order. She hadn‘t realized that her words were harsh and in fact rude.

You got the message - she didn’t like going out(side) with you, she had made that very clear.

"I can get you some food from there tomorrow" she added, her voice gentle and the wrinkle between her brows gone as her notes were back in the correct order.

It didn‘t help though, you felt hurt. Was it that bad to be seen with you? You‘re a Barcelona player, her teammate - and friends get food together all the time, so why can‘t you get food together as friends? Nobody would suspect that the two of you were more than friends, right?

"Are you hungry? Do you want me to cook something for you, mi amor?"

Again, you shook your head, scrolling through your phone while you acted tough and unbothered by her comment as she didn‘t even notice how harsh her words had sounded before.

You sent a message in the group chat with Ingrid and Frido, asking if they wanted to try out the restaurant which the Swedish woman had discovered. Both of them agreed within seconds.

-

The two of you laid in bed, Alexia‘s arms wrapped around you as she whispered sweet nothings in your ear. It became a routine for Alexia to lull you to sleep while tracing patterns along your skin. She loved doing so and she loved watching you sleep - you looked at peace.

Something about tonight was different though. Normally, it wouldn’t take long for the captain to soothe you to sleep but after 30 minutes, you still were awake, mind seemingly not finding any rest.

"¿Qué pasa?" she whispered in the dark, gently pressing a kiss to the exposed skin on your shoulder.

"It‘s been over a year, Ale, when will you introduce me as your girlfriend? Or take me out on a date that isn’t in here?" your voice was almost inaudible. You knew it was a sensitive topic for Alexia, the girl always denying your requests on telling someone and shutting you out after the conversation and also avoiding you for the rest of the day. "Amor.. we‘ve talked about this" she said, pulling her hands off your body.

Coldness hit your body while the parts were her hands had rested burnt down.

You turned around, looking at her, the moonlight the only light source "all I’m asking is for some recognition." you admitted, almost pleading for her attention outside of either of your homes.

"But I see you. I see you in training and after training, why is it so important to you that people now? We won‘t have any privacy!" her voice raising slightly.

"Alexia… this has nothing to do with the media. I want to meet your family! Or go on a date and wear very nice clothes. Is that too much to ask for?"

"You‘re right. Lo siento, amor" her hands cupped your cheeks, resting her forehead against yours, "I‘ll try to be better"

-

Over the next few months, Alexia’s home started to become your least favourite place - you felt like you were trapped in a cage.

Nothing had changed.

She loved you behind closed doors while she couldn’t even look at you in training.

Each day that passed, more of your heart broke. Your motivation faded - football was your work and no longer a passion.

And Alexia could tell. Your passes were sloppy and your tackles were harsh.

As soon as you had arrived in her apartment, she began complaining about your attitude.

You were not having it.

You started yelling at each other, rude comments leaving both of your mouths,

"You promised me!" you shouted, all hidden anger and hurt discovering the surface, "you promised me and nothing has changed! I‘m your dirty little secret!" you spat.

"Alba knows about you, isn’t that enough?!"

"You offered her fucking money to keep her mouth shut!"

"What do you want?!"

"I can‘t do this anymore, Alexia. I don’t want to think about whether my girlfriend is ashamed of me or not."

"What are you talking about- amor?"

"I‘m worth more than that."

"Please- give me a chance"

"I did, Ale, more than once" you walked towards the front door, bending down to put on your shoes.

The captain followed, so overwhelmed by what was happening that her persona took some turns, "If you walk out that door, we‘re done!"

your hand was resting on the doorknob, ready to leave.

You looked at her, "Behind that door, we never existed anyway."

And with that being said, you left.

[wileys-russo]

mapi so confident that ball was offside she just jogged after it as it rolled into the goal please

[flemingology]

“just because i got you a gift, doesn’t mean I like you” with alexia 🎄

secret santa ─ alexia putellas x reader

part of my christmas series. full masterlist here!

in which: a silly christmas tradition defrosts you and alexia's relationship

warnings: emotionally unavailable alexia is a warning on it's own

wc: 5.1k

a/n: probably one of my favs from the series. hope you enjoy!

Making the move to Barça a couple months ago was a much harder decision to take than some people might think. Admittedly, there are a lot of upsides to playing alongside the best players in the world. The standards are high, the training sessions are good, you're in better shape than you've ever been in and you're steadily growing your trophy cabinet. On the other hand, nothing was harder than leaving your family behind in England.

You grew up in London, a steady youth leading the way towards being picked up by the Arsenal academy, where you went through all the youth groups and eventually got picked for the first team. Everything seemed to be going well, you were playing a good amount of minutes, fitting right in to Arsenal's defensive line. The first couple years you couldn't imagine yourself ever playing for a different team than the Gunners, but an injury-ridden year completely changed that. It started with a few niggles that kept you out of the occasional game, but a couple months into the season you suffered a lateral ligament injury to your right ankle, keeping you out for the best part of 3 months. You tried your best to get back into the squad, but you felt like Arsenal had moved past you.

At 27, still one of the best defenders in the game, you let your agent know that you needed a change. It hadn't been easy for you to come to the conclusion that it was better to leave, but you weren't ready to give up on your career yet. Not when you were supposed to be in your peak years now. Endless meetings, phone calls, late night text messages and a lot of turmoil later, the perfect deal struck. You were starting to feel a bit hopeless in your position, so Barça's offer came at the perfect time.

They expressed how they thought you'd be a perfect fit in their defensive line. Standing tall at 5'7, your aerial threat was one of the things they voiced could be helpful to the team. The contract in itself was perfect. They offered you three years, good pay and they would help you with accommodating to Spain – housing, visa, finances, the club would take care of all of that so you could focus on settling in through your football.

It seemed like a no-brainer, but obviously there were two sides to the story. You were determined to get your career back on the right track, but leaving your family behind in England wasn't an easy decision to make. It took a lot of tearful hugs and heartfelt promises to visit from your family, before you managed to cut the cord completely and sign the contract with the Spanish giants. Nonetheless, you always felt like your family supported all your decisions, and just like you they were certain that this was the right move for your career.

Now 3 months later, if anyone asked you, you would still say that this had been the perfect step. You accommodated to the weather fairly quickly, settled into an apartment that the club had found for you, and took up a couple extra language classes on offer to try and master the Spanish language a bit quicker – you had a basic understanding, and you could manage during games and training sessions, but still struggled here and there.

You'd felt at home within the team, too. It was definitely one of the things that had been on your mind prior to your first training session. You were nervous about whether you were going to be good enough, whether they would deem you worthy enough of wearing the blaugrana colors, but any doubts melted away like snow in the sun when you got invited to a team bonding night right as your first training session ended.

You went out for a meal and drinks in one of Barçelona's hidden gems, one that the girls seemed to love. It was clear that they had been here quite a few times, because the waiter knew some of their orders by heart. You bonded with Ingrid throughout the night, both of you sharing experiences of having to leave your family behind in a different country to play football here. You warmed up to her, she was nice to you and seemed to really like your company, but you stayed a bit distant from the rest of the girls. Everyone was deep in conversation with each other, most of the time conversing in Spanish. You were well aware that they didn't have to involve you in their conversations, you were a 27-year-old adult at last who could stand up for themself, but you found it hard to really integrate fully with the tight group that had seemed to form over the years. From a different point of view, it might've seemed that you were uninterested and not bothered trying to mingle with the rest of the team, but that wasn't the case at all. Although, that wasn't what people picked up. Especially not the captain.

You've not had more than a handful conversations with Alexia, ever since you signed for Barça. In the beginning, you tried putting it off to the fact you both weren't entirely comfortable in the other's language. But as time went on and you got settled more and more into the team, playing more minutes and getting closer to most of the girls, you couldn't just put it down to that anymore. You had tried a couple times in the early days of you transfer to string together a conversation with the Spanish midfielder, but you never got further than the odd "Hola" or "Good game, Ale". You tried to shrug it off, but you couldn't say that it didn't bother you. Alexia seemed open and chatty towards your teammates, but seemed to block off the second you neared within a 5-meter radius from her. And even though you had bonded quite well with her best friend and her girlfriend, they didn't seem to want to say anything about it.

A couple weeks had passed, and you found yourself in a meeting talking about the month ahead. December would be busy, UWCL games ramping up and the league and cup to keep up with. There was a lot of tactical talk going on and while you know you shouldn't, you zoned out a bit, tired from the already long day – and it was far from over. You had an appointment planned with the physios after the meeting, a quick routine check for your ankle, but they would need to take some tests here and there, pushing your relaxing on your couch tonight even further back on the agenda. You got pulled out of your thoughts when the tone in the meeting changed, going from very stern and tactical to a little bit lighter, and it wasn't until you noticed the powerpoint slide that you understood why.

SECRET SANTA

Your eyes widened in surprise and a small smile grew on your lips, a light hum of chatter making it's way through the meeting room as some girls rehashed up some memories from the year before. You hadn't expected secret santa to be a tradition within the Barça squad, but you found it fun. Otherwise so very composed and professional, it was nice to see a different side to the club and the staff.

"Okay, girls! As you can see from the powerpoint slide, we're doing secret santa again this year! Last season went well and we thought we should reintegrate it again. We're going to draw names now in the meeting, and then we'll arrange a date further down the line when we figure out what our schedule will look like." A couple staff members explained the ins and outs a bit further for anyone who had never participated in the lighthearted Christmas tradition, and then the name drawing started. Someone had written everyone's names on little pieces of paper and put them in a bowl, letting it go round the meeting room and having everyone take one. You were sat near the back, so there was only a couple pieces of paper left when it was your turn. You picked one and shielded away from Esmee and Keira who were on either side of you, reading the name that was written on the paper. Mapi Léon. A smile crept on your lips upon reading your defensive partner's name. You didn't give in to Keira’s prying and soon the meeting concluded, sending everyone on their way for the next part of their day.

Most of the girls were headed home now, but you made your way to the physio's office. They checked a couple things and made you do a couple tests, measuring and calculating whatever they deemed necessary to ensure that your ankle was perfectly fine. Lucky for you, it didn't take long as you thought it would. You were the only one that still needed treatment, so the physios were able to round off their checklist for you quite smoothly. You were sent on your way with a pat on the shoulder, telling you to keep it up the way you were doing – both on the pitch and with your ankle. You shrugged it off at the time but you couldn't deny the way it made you feel a little warm inside. You were still quite self-conscious about yourself and your football here in Barçelona, so it was more than welcome to get a compliment about it, especially from someone that isn't the coach.

December was rough. You thought you'd get a little reprieve from cold winters as you now were a bit more south compared to England, but you were fooled. It was cold, it was busy, the training sessions only getting harder as the games ramped up in both domestic competitions and the Champions League. The month felt like it was going on forever but eventually you reached the end. Your final training session of the week, Thursday, but more importantly secret santa day. After you wrapped up both the outside and indoor session, everyone went for a shower and then gathered in the cafeteria. You all had some post-workout food and then got together at one big table, conversation flowing easily as everyone prepared to receive and give their gifts. You were one of the first who had to give their present. You'd gotten Mapi a big batch of her favorite coffee blend, along with a couple different syrups for her to try. You knew she loved her coffee and you hoped she'd be happy with it, but a subtle nudge from Ingrid had set you up in the right way and you were quite certain that the Spaniard would be pleased with your present.

"Oooh, muy bien!" Mapi wore a bright smile as she opened your present, clearly happy with what you bought her. Ingrid and you shared a knowing look before her girlfriend pulled you into a tight hug, pressing a smacking kiss against your cheek in thanks. Your cheeks flushed a little when you realized the two of you were in the centre of attention, quickly sitting back down and letting the afternoon roll on. What you didn't notice, though, whilst you and your defensive partner were sharing an embrace, was the jealous look in Alexia's eye.

Admittedly, she had been cold to you, some would even say it was borderline rude the way she treated you ever since you came in. But she had a reason. And she knew damn well that didn't excuse her behavior, but she couldn't bring herself to either telling you what was on her mind or dropping her cold act. So she kept it going, knowing it made you uncomfortable, although that was the last thing she wanted to do. In reality, Alexia had started developing some feelings for you. None very deep, because how in the world would that be possible based on nothing more than a handful three-sentence conversations, but you had piqued her interest. Your hard-working nature, the way you held yourself, your professionalism – but who would she fool if she said she didn't find you attractive. It might've been the biggest one, even. Alexia felt attracted to you. But by the time she realized that, she'd kept the cold act up for so long that she didn't think there was a way back, so instead of confessing to you she only acted more distant and more cold. She knew she was in the wrong, but an opportunity had popped up to make it up to you and she wasn't going to let it slip.

Time flowed easily, and before you knew it your name was called. Your eyes shot around the room to see who would get up, but seeing her walk over to the pile of presents was the last thing you'd expected. Alexia's light expression that she was wearing earlier, had changed to the stone cold one that she wore whenever she was in close proximity with you. You noticed how neatly wrapped her present was. A beautiful beige wrapping paper, with gold accents here and there, topped off with a small black ribbon. She came to stand beside you, propping one of her arms on the back of your chair, leaning her body over to you and dropping the present on your lap. You were well aware of how close the Spaniard was to you right now, probably closer than she'd ever been. When she didn't say anything, you just went to unwrap the package that was heavy in your lap. You didn't recognize the packaging immediately, but when you realized what was underneath the wrapping paper you could feel a couple tears pricking your eyes.

An array of British snacks and comfort foods sat in your lap, from Cadbury chocolates to Walkers crisps, digestives and so much more. You hadn't expected such a thoughtful present from anyone, especially not Alexia. You quickly wiped away a stray tear that had escaped your eye, quickly standing up and turning your body towards Alexia. "Thank you," you said, not knowing what to do with your hands as you played with the rings on your fingers. You were more than thankful that most of the girls weren't paying attention to the interaction, most of them caught up with their own presents or inspecting what others had gotten. "Can I give you a hug?" You didn't want to overstep any boundaries, but you wanted to thank her appropriately for the present. You'd never voiced to her directly that you missed home, so it was clear that she'd just been paying attention. Maybe more than you thought she had been. Alexia didn't respond verbally but pulled you in a hug, awkwardly patting your back as she didn't know what to do with herself. In reality, she wanted to pull you tight, rub comforting patterns across your back and press a kiss against your crown but she knew that was a place she wouldn't return from. So instead, she did the next best thing; push you further away. "Just because I got you this, doesn't mean I like you."

Your body tensed up at her words and you suddenly noticed the burning sensation of her arms around you, quickly removing yourself from the embrace and sitting back down, nearly giving yourself a whiplash from the sheer force that you backed away from the midfielder with. You'd allowed yourself to get comfortable in the hug, sensing as if you two were crossing a bit of the boundaries that had been present ever since you met one another, but her comment put you right back where you started – maybe even further. The interaction didn't go lost on Mapi, who whispered something in Alexia's ear as she passed the defender to go back to her seat, Mapi clearly angry at her.

You sulked for the remainder of the evening, knowing you were being a pain in the ass but you couldn't bring it in you to care this time. When you said your goodbyes and made your way out of the facility later that evening, you felt a hand tugging you back before you could open the door of your car. Startled by the unexpected touch, you clutched your chest where your heart would be as your eyes met Ingrid's. "Ingrid, don't scare me like that, for god's sake," you said, playfully hitting the Norwegian's shoulder who only laughed at your reaction. The conversation soon took a turn, though, when she mentioned the earlier events. "Hey, about Alexia, I kno-", she started, although you didn't let her finish. "Ingrid, it's fine. She doesn't like me, I get it. I'll just steer clear from her. I don't need it to be told to my face, we can just avoid one another and everything will be fine."

Ingrid closed her eyes and shook her head, placing a hand on your arm that was animatedly waving along as you spoke. "No. God, no. You're so wrong." "I'm wrong? Ingrid, you heard what she said to me. I don't think I need more confirmation than what she verbally told me a couple hours ago." The Norwegian pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a deep sigh, before she spoke up again. "I know this is going to sound weird, but Alexia doesn't hate you. She doesn't dislike you, not at all. It's quite the opposite, if you ask me."

"The opposite?" you asked, a confused lilt in your voice as you urged Ingrid to speak further. "She'll give me hell for telling you this, but I can't just be a bystander to this anymore. She's hurting you." Ingrid took a deep breath and looked you in the eye. "Alexia likes you. And she doesn't know what to do about it. So she does what she does know, and that's pushing you away. I, uhm, agree that it isn't the way she should handle it and certainly not like she did just earlier, but she doesn't know any better." Your thoughts ran rampant in your head, thinking about all the conversations and interactions you had in the past months and gauging whether there was any point where Alexia acted like she liked you, even for a moment. "Ingrid, what the hell are you talking about?" You raised your voice, to which she put a hand on your shoulder, reminding you that you were outside the parking lot just outside the facility. "I know it sounds insane. I didn't believe it either when Mapi told me, but you know she wouldn't lie to her best friend about that. Now, I don't know how you feel about her, but I suggest you talk about it. Because she's been sulking about the situation at our house the last couple weeks and I can't bear it anymore. She has to do something about it, and quick."

"Ingrid, I-" "Y/N. Don't argue with me on this. I don't know how you feel about Alexia, but I know how it's been weighing on you that she's been treating you like this. If anything, it's just an opportunity to clear some of the tension. If you don't want to do it for her, do it for me and Maria." You nodded, begrudgingly, but you nodded nonetheless. You didn't say much more because you needed some time to process what the Norwegian told you, so you sent her away with another promise to text Alexia and then drove home. You took your time that evening to process everything. You thought back to the couple months, and the newfound information still felt like a fever dream. Alexia liked you. Liked liked you. You couldn't say it didn't flatter you. You also couldn't say that some of those feelings weren't mutual, but you'd need some time to explore those. And you'd need lots of time and conversations with Alexia before you could move past the way she treated you the past months. But you were ready to give it a try. So later that night, you sent the Spanish midfielder a text, secretly hoping that Ingrid had notified her that she'd told you, softening the blow a little bit already.

To: Alexia Hey, Alexia. I'm not sure how to approach this, but here goes nothing. I spoke to Ingrid today about us, and about you, I assume she told you this? I don't want to wave this away and say I think the way you treated me is excused now that I know the reason behind it. I know you know that too, and I'd love to talk about that if you are open to do so too. Nonetheless, I was still shocked when Ingrid told me the reasoning behind your behavior. I didn't expect it and it still feels a bit like a fever dream. I'm flattered, even? I'd love to explore it, Ale, but we'll have to talk about some things first.

You sent the message before you could overthink any of your word choices, and plopped down on the couch. You wanted to set your mind to the show that was playing on tv, but you couldn't focus – your thoughts seemingly unable to drift away from Alexia. You thought about what you wanted to say to her, how you wanted to word whatever you were feeling, but right before you could dive in the deep end of your feelings you heard a notification sound coming from your phone, slightly startling you. You picked it up with haste, eager to see what the blonde had replied.

From: Alexia Hola :) I'm sorry you had to find out through Ingrid, that's not fair on you. I know I should've told you and I know I've been childish about it, but I didn't know what to do with myself. I completely understand if my behavior has put a barrier between the two of us, because I've been nothing short of immature. I would love to talk to you about things, because I've been silent about it all for long enough. If you're down, I could call you? I hope you're enjoying your present.

A small smile tugged at the corners of your lips at the mention of her present, glancing over to the basket of snacks that was placed on your coffee table. You grabbed a packet of crisps and sat back on the couch, enjoying the salty snack while you typed a response to Alexia.

To: Alexia It's okay. I can understand where you're coming from, but I'm glad you're acknowledging that it was immature. I loved the present. What you said while I hugged you confused me even further, and I know I was killing the mood after that. I'm sorry for that. But thank you, it means so much to me. I'd love to call, but could you maybe come over instead? I'd prefer it if you were near, but don't worry if you can't. I know it's late and it's been a rough week.

From: Alexia I'll be right there.

You hadn't put your phone down as another message from Alexia chimed in, letting you know she was on her way to your place. You decided not to question how she knew your address, assuming she probably got it from Maria or Ingrid. You quickly freshened up a little, brushing your hair and putting on some fresh clothes, still in your training attire from earlier. You tidied a little, putting dishes in the dishwasher and rearranging your cushions as a knock on your door pulled you out of your thoughts. You opened the door to a sight you thought you'd never see. Alexia was sporting a small smile, a thin layer of sweat present on her face from the rush she was in coming here. In her hands was a small bouquet of red roses, and you wondered where she'd found the time to pick those up along the way. You felt warm inside and ushered the blonde to come inside, not wanting her to be in the cold hallway much longer.

"Hi," you said softly, still feeling a little apprehensive whenever she was around. Old manners died hard. "Hi. These are for you." Alexia stretched her arm out and gave you the bouquet of flowers, which you gratefully took and put in the empty vase on your kitchen counter. "Thank you so much. You know you didn't have to do that but, uhm, they're really nice. Thank you. I still needed some for this vase, clearly," you chuckled, your cheeks flushing slightly red at the loving gesture from the Spanish midfielder. You were still struggling to wrap your mind around the shift in behavior from Alexia, grown very used to her stone cold personality whenever you were around her. It was a very welcome change, but it was one that you'd have to get used to.

"Do you want a drink?" You asked Alexia, who was seemingly lost in thought while she looked around your apartment, taking in her surroundings. You decided to let her do that and fill up two glasses of water for you and her, slowly making your way over to the living room where she was looking through your vinyl collection. "You've settled in nicely, I really like how you decorated your apartment," Alexia said when she heard you shuffling around behind you. A bright smile crept on your face at the compliment. "Thanks. I've spent a lot of time trying to make it look cozy. Being that far away from my family and friends, it's just nice to have a place that feels like home." "I can imagine. I've never moved away from here and I've never had to struggle with something like you are right now, but I can imagine it's not easy at all. You're doing great." You looked away from Alexia's gaze as you felt your cheeks heating up again. "Do you want to sit?" You tried to steer the conversation away from the current topic, earning a nod from Alexia as she sat down on your couch, opposite to you.

You talked for hours on end, the conversation topics ranging from your family to hers, to your move to Barçelona and what sparked it, to how you've been feeling at the club, to eventually the – still slightly apprehensive – relationship between the two of you. Talking to Alexia felt easy, something you never thought you'd say. She was interested, listened with intent and really seemed like wanted to hear what you were saying. She asked questions, tried to understand your views on things and voiced back exactly how she felt. You hadn't expected her to be so open about her feelings after everything that happened the past couple of months, so it was a welcome change for the blonde to put her heart out like that. When you felt like she adequately expressed her feelings about you, you too talked about your own. You said that you really wanted to explore things between you, that you couldn't deny the blonde's charming energy and that you had found yourself gutted with how little the two of you had bonded over your first couple months in Barçelona – more than eager to make up for lost time.

When the night came to an end, you could feel a weight had been lifted from your shoulders, and Alexia felt the same. It had been nothing less than a burden for her to carry around, forever dancing around feelings that she didn't know how to express, pushing you further than she ever wanted to do. She was eternally grateful for the opportunity you were giving her by wanting to talk to her.

"Thank you, honestly. You didn't owe me anything and yet you gave me the chance to explain everything and talk about my feelings. I owe you one." You smiled brightly at Alexia and waved away her comments. "Don't worry about it. We've talked about it, we're okay. I understand where you were coming from. It's fine, Ale, I promise. I'm glad you came to terms with it."

The two of you started to make moves towards your front door, knowing you should end your conversations and call it a day, but with the prospect of a day off tomorrow and no training to wake up for, neither of you really felt the intent to wrap it up. Nonetheless, a couple moments later Alexia found herself in the hallway, leaning against your doorframe as you talked a little more, wrapping up your conversation.

You noticed Alexia looking down at her feet, playing with her fingers before she lifted her head and locked eyes with you again. "I might not be in the position to ask you this right now, but would you maybe want to go on a... date together?" You chuckled at Alexia's nervousness, a slightly red tint covering her cheeks as she spoke. You took one of her hands in yours and nodded fiercely, a smug grin covering your lips. "Yeah, I'd love to. Text me, okay? I'm free whenever." Alexia's smile grew wider with each word you spoke, the Spanish midfielder giddy about the prospect of taking you on a date. "I will. I promise. I should get going now, it's getting late." "You should. Be safe getting home. Have a good night, Ale."

You pressed a soft kiss to Alexia's cheek after wishing her a good night, causing the midfielder to blush deeper than she already had been. She stumbled over her words as she wished you another goodnight, clumsily walking backwards and gripping the handrail as she nearly fell head first on the first step of the stairs of your apartment block. You couldn't hold back the chuckle as you watched Alexia steady herself and rush down the stairs. "Be careful, capi!" you yelled after her, earning nothing more than a grumble and some Spanish curse words that you couldn't make out.

Sticking to her promise, Alexia was way more open with her feelings moving further. You went on a couple dates, you shared a few kisses and before you knew it you were dating. If someone told you that goddamn Secret Santa was what would bring you two closer, and eventually start a relationship, you would've never believed them.

[wonder-kid-pugh]

In the Eye of the Beholder Pt 2 - (Alexia Putellas x reader)

Hey guys! So many of you wanted to see a part 2 so here it is! Honestly I think it was kinda rushed so I don't think it's the best. But I hope you enjoy it!!!

Ever since that day at the stadium you and Alexia had been texting back and forth nearly everyday.

It had started to become one of the things Alexia looked forward to everyday.

She enjoyed your conversations. From all the silly thoughts you shared with her to all the serious conversations you had about life and experiences. You talked about anything and everything.

But Alexia couldn't help but feel slightly guilty.

She still hadn't told you who she was.

Well to a certain degree. Alexia had never lied to you. Not specifically at least. She still talked about how stressful her job was and all the antics her teammates got up to.

But she never said what her job was or the fact that she was actually Alexia Putellas a very public figure in the soccer world.

You knew the fundamental parts of her. You had talked about family, friends, work everything. But Alexia couldn't help but feel she wasn't being entirely honest with you.

Here you were sharing such intimate details of your life with her. Your likes and interests. Your love of art. Even the rift between you and your parents.

And she couldn't even tell you her full name.

It felt deceitful to Alexia. But she couldn't help it. She didn't want to ruin one of the best things in her life right now. You were her escape when life got to hard. You were her first call after a hard session or a long day of media. You made her the happiest she had ever been.

Unfortunately, everyone was starting to take notice.

"I see mystery girl has blessed you with her daily texts" Mapi teases as she drops down onto the chair beside her captain.

Alexia blushed as she bit the inside of her cheek. "I don't know what you're talking about..." She immediately hides her phone when she sees Mapi try to sneak a peak.

Mapi rolls her eyes. "C'mon Ale! We all know there's a girl at this stage!" She teasingly pokes at Alexia's reddened cheek. "We have all noticed that you've been glued to your phone more recently and actually smiling at it rather than your serious face".

Alexia shoots Mapi a look but Mapi just grins and points at her. "That's the face!"

Alexia rolls her eyes but can't help but chuckle at her best friend.

Mapi threw an arm over her captains shoulders. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing Ale". She squeezes her in a side hug, "We've all just noticed how much happier you've been recently. And it's nice". The blonde defender shoots her a soft smile. "Whoever it is we can all tell they're good for you Ale".

Alexia couldn't stop the smile spreading on her face. "Yeah she is". But she couldn't help but sigh as she looked down at her phone.

"What's wrong?" Mapi asked concerned. Alexia had been fine moments ago.

Alexia bit her lip before sighing rubbing her eyes. It couldn't hurt to talk to Mapi about it.

Right?

"There's this girl" Alexia admits to which Mapi squeals loudly but is quickly silenced by a swift slap to the arm by Alexia. "Shut up or I won't tell you" she mumbles looking around to see if anyone catch them but thankfully they were all too wrapped up in what they were doing themselves.

"Okay okay okay" Mapi says calming down allowing Alexia to continue.

Alexia sighs but smiles as she thinks of you. "She's... amazing" Alexia breathes out with a love sick smile. "She's just so happy and she's really funny. She always makes me laugh". Alexia's faces starts to darken. "And she's really really beautiful" she says dropping to a whisper.

Mapi couldn't help it. She was just about able to latch her hand over her mouth before she let out a loud squeal alerting the rest of the team. She muffles her yelps of glee while Alexia's blush gets even worse as she shoves the defender.

But Mapi couldn't help it. It had been a while since she had seen her best friend this happy.

Especially something that wasn't related back to work or football. The last time she must of saw her anywhere near this happy must of been when she was dating Jenni.

"Well she sounds very special" Mapi smiles as she nudges her shoulder against Alexia's.

Alexia smiles with a subtle nod. But Mapi can see the way her hands are locked together and how her smile drops the tiniest bit as she gets a faraway look. "Yeah. She is".

"So what's wrong?" Mapi asks softly.

Alexia plays with her hands for a second longer before deciding to bite the bullet. "She doesn't.. exactly...know who I am".

When she saw how Mapi raised an eyebrow at her she continued on. "Look she doesn't know I'm Alexia Putellas. Famous Footballer". "She has no clue about football so when I first met her I just told her my name is Ale and I really like football" Alexia explained as she ran a hand through her hair. "And since then we've been texting and calling back and forth and...I still haven't told her who I really am".

Mapi just nods feeling that Alexia right now just needs a sounding board to talk out her problems. As the person she would probably go to, is the very person she's talking about.

Alexia frowns, "I just feel like I'm not being honest with her". Alexia pursued her lips, "We have such great talks and she's been really honest with me and I feel I'm hiding such a huge thing from her". Alexia shakes her head, "I don't think I'm being fair to her".

Mapi hums. "But what's stopping you from telling her?"

Alexia bite her lip not knowing how to tell her. "It's...nice" she starts tentatively, "Not having any expectations of who I am or how I'm meant to act". "It was like for the first time in a long time someone saw me and not for my career" Alexia revealed before biting her lip. "And as selfish as it may seem. I don't want to lose that. I don't want to ruin one of the best things in my life right now".

Mapi nods fighting everything in her to crack a joke right now seeing how serious this was for Alexia. "Well if you're asking me" Mapi started smiling at her captain, "I would tell her".

Mapi gripped Alexia's shoulder, "If she hasn't given you a reason not too and if she's really as special and amazing as you say she is". Mapi smiled at her, "Then I see no reason for you not to tell her".

Alexia nods slowly. "Your right" she concedes agreeing with the blonde.

Mapi just snorts with a playful grin, "Of course I am".

Alexia rolls her eyes as she shoves Mapi off her. And for a split second Alexia can't help but think how well you and the blonde would get along. "I just don't want anything to change".

"And they won't" Mapi says calmly. "But if they do then it's her lost". "Besides" Mapi scoffs, "she doesn't even know anything about football".

Alexia scoffs but can't help but let a chuckle slip through.

"Seriously though!" Mapi exclaims as they walk out to the field for training. "What the hell do you talk about? Like is it even possible for you to have a conversation not involving Football?"

"We talk about lots of things!" Alexia defends while her best friend gives her a look of disbelief. "We talk about our days, family, places in Barcelona, work".

Mapi raises an eyebrow. "How do you talk about work without telling her?"

"Well she knows you as my coworkers rather than my teammates" Alexia says sheepishly while rubbing her neck.

Mapi let's out a gasp as she holds her chest in mock hurt. "I would like to think we're a little more than just coworkers Ale!"

Alexia rolls her eyes but quietens when everyone starts to fall in for the start of training.

"You should tell her Ale" Mapi lowers her voice so no one could heard. "If you really like this girl you should be honest with her. Give her a chance to know you. All of you". Mapi throws an arm around the brunette and messes up her hair. "Even the crazy football maniac you".

Alexia glares at her and fixes her hair before she switches her focus to training.

But when she goes home that day after training she decides to follow Mapi's advice. She quickly opened her phone and sends you a quick message before she could talk herself out of it.

Once she pressed send, Alexia tries to busy herself with things around her apartment but she always catches herself checking her phone constantly.

She is eventually pulled from it by a call from her mother. The call serves as a good distraction from waiting for your reply. So well in fact that the whole day catches up with her as she soon drifts off after finishing the call.

However, three days later Alexia still hasn't heard from you. It's the longest you had ever gone without texting each other since the two of you have met.

But your silence was beginning to worry the football player. Her mind couldn't help but create all these scenarios for your lack of contact. She tried to convince herself that you were simply busy and never got around to messaging her back.

But her mind couldn't help but wander. Wondering if you were in trouble. If something had happened to you.

Or worst, you had somehow found out the massive secret she had been keeping from you and you were mad at you.

Alexia didn't know what to think for the past few days. She thought about messaging you again. Hell even calling you so she could hear your soothing tone over the call reassuring her you were okay.

But if you were really mad at her, she didn't think you would want her bombarding you with messages. Or distracting her with calls if you busy.

Even though Mapi suspected that her captain didn't want to come off as desperate........

"I don't know what to do!" Alexia groaned to the defender as they messed about with a ball before training was set to begin. "It's been 3 days! And she still hasn't responded to me!"

Mapi wiggles her eyebrows at her. "What?" She starts, "you expect her to be waiting by the phone to message you back?"

Alexia sighs her shoulders slumping. "No" she answers as she runs a hand over her hair. "But I would have thought she would have messaged me back by now". Her eyes shone with worry. "What if she's ignoring me? What if she found out and she's mad at me?"

"Why would she be mad at you?" Mapi asks confused.

Alexia narrows her eyes at her. "Because she found out and she's mad I didn't tell her!" Alexia exclaimed quietly as he threw up her arms. "God! How do you have a girlfriend?"

"Hey!" Mapi says indignantly sending the ball at her feet at Alexia's legs which she narrowly dodges. "I'm a fucking catch!"

Alexia huffs but Mapi can see how truly worried she is that she possibly offended the girl that she liked. Mapi sighed and squeezed her shoulder. "Look Ale. I'm sure there is a perfectly good reason she hasn't messaged you back yet". Mapi shrugged her shoulder, "Maybe she's just been busy and forgot to message you back. Or maybe she's having trouble with her phone. Who knows". Mapi fixes her with a look, "But I'm sure it's nothing".

Alexia took a deep breath before nodding. "Yeah your probably right".

Mapi couldn't help but chuckle. Alexia furrowed her brow. "What?"

Mapi shrugged as she continued to giggle at her captain. "It's funny. Seeing you like this". Mapi has only what could be described as a shit eating grin, "Usually you're so calm and confident. It's funny seeing you stress over a girl". Mapi raised an eyebrow, "Honestly I don't even think you were like this with Jenni".

Alexia sighed as she dragged a hand down her face. "I just don't want to mess it up before I even get a chance with her".

Mapi opens her mouth to say something but her eyes catch something over Alexia's shoulder. She juts her chin at something behind her which causes Alexia to tilt her head at her but before she even has a chance to turn she's already being called.

Her eyes quickly meet Jonatan's but she freezes when she sees the person standing beside him.

"Alexia!" He greets with a wide smile unaware of the internal panic she's currently experiencing. "How are you today?"

Alexia nods absent mindedly. "Y-yeah good".

Jonatan looks at her weirdly but chooses to ignore it as he gestures to behind him. "Well I just wanted to introduce you to the artist who's going to be designing the murals for the stadium".

You try to pursue your lips to hide the smile as you watch Alexia break down in front of you.

"It's lovely to meet you Alexia" you say holding out a hand as you dragging out her name teasingly.

But it's seems that it doesn't have the desired effect as Alexia winces slightly but shakes your hand. "Y-yeah you too". Mapi and Jonatan share looks at Alexia but decide to move on.

"She's recently done a mural for the men's team and it was so incredible that we decided to ask her to do one for the women's team" Jonatan explains.

You hum for once taking the praise in stride as you lock eyes with Alexia. "Well it helped that I had a good history of the club".

Alexia swallows hard as she looks down hoping that her blush wasn't too noticeable.

Jonatan excuses himself as he moves away to talk to some other club officials. Mapi does the same having an inkling why her captain is suddenly acting unusual.

Alexia swallowed hard, "Uh what are you doing here?" Her eyes widened realising how bad that sounded. "Not that I'm not happy to see you! Cause I am! I'm really happy to see you. I'm just surprised!"

Alexia can't seem to stop the words tumbling from her mouth but you seem to take pity on her as you gently touch her elbow. 

"Ale" you say with a hint of amusement stopping her rambles. "I came here to meet the players I was going to be drawing". You shrugged, "Thought if I was  going to be doing a mural for you I would need to meet you to get an idea of what you would want for it".

Alexia nods understanding that you wanted the mural to be the best it could be. Once again going above and beyond for your art.

"Right" Alexia nods before she rubs the back of her neck. "Look I want to say I'm sorry..." She starts but doesn't make it very far.

"For what?" You ask before crossing your arms. "For not telling me you were actually a world famous Footballer and was a bit more than 'just a fan'?"

Alexia frowns and winces hearing your change in tone. She didn't want to meet your eyes seeing how angry you are with her. Her eyes closed as she internally scolds herself from keeping it from you. For ruining everything before she had even gotten a proper chance with you.

She was about to open her mouth an apologise profusely when she was interrupted by a giggle.

She tilts her head at you as she looks up to see you trying to muffle your laughter with your hand.

"I'm sorry" you let out with a giggle. "I couldn't even keep a straight face". You smiled brightly at her. "You looked like a kicked puppy I couldn't do it".

You pursued your lips when you saw how confused the footballer was. "Alexia" you said softly with a reassuring smile. "I've known who you are for a while now". You had to do everything in your power not to laugh as Alexia's eyes nearly bugged out of her head.

"You knew the whole time?" She asked quietly.

You shook your head. "Not at first" you admitted, "the day we met I had no idea who you were". You grinned at her, "Like I said I know nothing about Football".

"It wasn't until the day after when I was doing some research online about the players to start practicing sketching them that I came across you" you explained. "I must say you're very impressive Ms Putellas".

Alexia's face darkened with the compliment but quickly brushed it off. She had more important things to worry about.

Mainly what you thought about her.

"So the whole time we were talking...you knew?" She asked and you just nodded. "Are you mad?" Alexia asks quietly. "That I never told you?"

You couldn't help but coo at the footballer and almost as if you hand had a mind of its own your hand went up to cup Alexia's cheek forcing her gaze back on you. Your train of thought temporarily lost when her eyes looked into yours with a softness you had never experienced before.

"No I'm not mad Ale" you answered truthfully smiling lightly when you see how her eyes lit up the tiniest bit when she realised you weren't mad at her.

"You're a very impressive read Alexia. Just from what I could see when I was doing my research you're very accomplished" you compliment. "But I could see it the day we met. Before I knew who you were that day we met you looked like you had this heavy weight on your shoulders".

You shrugged, "Now I just thought you were having a bad day when we first met and thankfully as the day went on it seemed to get better". You smiled kindly at her, "But when I found out who you were I made a lot of sense".

You rolled your eyes, "Although it should have been obvious from the way you talked about Football and the feeling of playing on the pitch".

You smile when you hear Alexia laugh feeling quite accomplished yourself for that.

"Being as accomplished and well-known as you comes with a certain weight and expectation and a burden of responsibility. Especially as Captain". You squeezed her hand, "I didn't want you to feel like you had to live up to those expectations with me. So I understood that you wanted to tell me in your own time".

You shrug, "It doesn't matter to me that you're some world class famous Footballer". You got a michevious smirk on your face. "Your still the weirdo who agreed to go on a stadium tour with a complete stranger to me".

Alexia scoffed while you fell into giggles. Even though it was at her own expense, Alexia thought it was worth it to hear you laugh.

Alexia shrugs, "What can I say?" She smiles softly at you as her eyes scan your face. "She was a very pretty stranger".

You bite your lip unable to fight off the red fue overtaking her face.

Alexia felt her chest puff over slightly feeling immensely proud to have that effect of you.

You cleared your throat as you nodded towards the field. "Well you better go lead Captain". You wink at her. "I want to see you in action for myself. See if you're everything people say you are" you tease.

Alexia smirks at you feeling even more ready for training than before. She had someone to impress. "I'm not" she started with her own wink. "I'm better" she whispers as she moves in closer to you as her voice dropped slightly.

Your blush darkens even more as you can't help but find her surge of confidence even more attractive.

Your eyes briefly flicker down to her lips before moving back up to her gorgeous eyes. But you don't do anything other than bite your lip knowing that simple action has caught her attention as Alexia's eyes seem to darken.

Alexia seems to forgot where she is in the moment as it looks like she's seconds away from closing the gap between them before you gently push her towards the field. "You better go. Seems I'm not the only one vying for your attention".

Alexia looks over her shoulder to see you're right as most of the team are looking over and waiting for her. With many of the youngsters eagerly awaiting her presence.

"Yeah" Alexia agrees turning back to you. Alexia started walking backwards, "Besides!" She grins widely at you. "I have someone I need to impress!"

And impress she did.

You know you were there to watch the team but you couldn't help it. Your eyes always seemed to trail back to the captain.

Your eyes flickering between the field and your sketchbook. Doing quick sketches of different players. You were in awe watching them all together. How close they all were and how well they all worked together as one.

Alexia showed you why she was considered the best in the world. She was a strategic leader, encouraging motivator and a ruthless opponent. To you it seemed like she was almost dancing across the field as she got past players.

However, you didn't miss how every time she scored or did well, she would look up to where you were in the stands almost like a child who craved praise and attention. Not wanting to give her the satisfaction though, you pretended to busy yourself with your sketchbook.

You had been so caught up in drawing that you hadn't realised that practice had finished.

"So that's her huh?" Mapi asked as she caught Alexia staring at you once everyone had finished up.

Alexia simply hummed not taking her eyes off you as your sole focus was on your sketchbook.

"Is she the reason that Ale was showing off today?" Ingrid asked as she came up beside her girlfriend.

Alexia threw the blonde a look who I'm response just threw her hands up in surrender. "You said you wouldn't tell anyone!" Alexia exclaimed.

Aitana scoffed as she joined the group. "Please everyone can see you making heart eyes up to her throughout practice".

Everyone laughed as Alexia hid her face in her hands.

Patri chuckled as she nodded up towards the stands where you were. "Looks like you have some competition Captain".

Alexia's head shot up to where you were but relaxed when she saw it was only Pina talking animatedly to you in the stands.

Deciding she had enough teasing, Alexia made her way over to the two of you. She didn't even have time to say hello before Pina was bouncing over to her with a page in her hand.

"Alexia! Look at this!" She cheered as she thrust the page in front of her.

Alexia delicately took the page to see it was another one of your sketches. This time though it was of both her and Pina. Claudia was beaming as Alexia had an arm wrapped around her as she pressed a kiss to the crown of her head.

Another masterpiece.

"It's amazing" Alexia agreed as she laughed seeing how happy it made the younger girl.

"Can I keep it?" Pina asked as she turned back to you. Her eyes gleaming with hope as she clutched the page into her chest. It made you ecstatic seeing how happy the drawing had made the young player.

And as much as you didn't want to part with another drawing of the captain, you couldn't help it seeing how happy it made her.

"Of course" you smiled as your eyes flickered to Alexia. "As long as Alexia doesn't want it".

Claudia turned to Alexia who just nodded to her, "No it's alright you have it Pina".

Pina let out a small squeal of delight as she ran off to show the rest of the team the drawing leaving the two of you alone.

"That was nice of you" you quipped as you closed your sketchbook giving her your full attention.

Alexia just shrugged playfully. "I'll just have to get the artist to draw another one for me" she teased as she sent you a wink.

You just hummed as you went along with her. "Hmmm I don't know. I hear her work isn't cheap. It definitely wouldn't be for free".

Alexia met your challenging stare but she wasn't one to back down from a challenge. Emboldened she leaned forward with a grin. "How about it I took her out for dinner? As payment of course".

You had tried to bite you lip but even that couldn't stop the smile blooming on your face. "I think that might be arranged".

Alexia's smile took uo her whole face. She knew what winning a Champions League felt like.

But somehow this felt even better.

"How about now?" Alexia asks not wanting to waste any time.

You raised an eyebrow at her, ""Someone's eagar". You chuckled but Alexia just shrugged happily with a wide smile. "How about you go have a shower and I'll be waiting outside for you" you say as you raise to your feet.

Alexia nods as she starts backpedaling towards the dressing rooms. "Better get moving so. Don't want to keep the beautiful lady like yourself waiting".

She shoots you a quick wink and turns running towards the dressing room.

You can't help but laugh as you watch Alexia all but sprint out of sight. You were so busy watching her that you didn't notice the blonde defender coming up to you.

"She really likes you you know?"

You jumped lightly before turning to the blonde who grinned at you. Not looking apologetic in the slightest at scaring you. "Sorry" she say but you doubt she meant it not that you mind.

You just wave her off. "It's fine". You bite your lip as you look in the direction she disappeared. "And the feeling is definitely mutual".

Mapi nods wanting to choose her words carefully as to not ruin her captain's chances but also wanting to be protective. "She's been a lot happier recently. Everyone can see it and I guess we have you to thank for that". Mapi rolled her eyes lightly, "She was losing her mind when you didn't message her back".

You scrunched your face up at the blonde before her face drops in realisation as you blush shyly. "When was this?"

Mapi shrugged as if Alexia hadn't been freaking out about it earlier. "Three days ago why?"

You let out a little scoff but you scratch the back of your neck sheepishly. "That explains it. So I kinda dropped my phone in a pot of paint and absolutely destroyed it". You winced lightly, "And I haven't gotten a chance to replace it yet".

Mapi nods, happy to know that you were flat out ignoring her best friend, "You better get on that". Seeing Alexia running up to you seeing, Mapi takes her chance to tease her best friend. "After all Alexia couldn't bare not talking to you for so long".

You burst out laughing as Alexia runs up to you catching the tailend of the conversation. Alexia glares at the blonde defender and swiftly slips her hand into yours.

"That was quick" you quip trying to fix Alexia's glare.

It works as Alexia looks at you with a smile squeezing your hand. "Couldn't keep you waiting now could I?"

You hum, "Well seeing how well the first one went. You wanna give me another tour? I don't know Barcelona very well".

Alexia smiles widely already knowing exactly what places to bring you. "Absolutely let's go".

Mapi didn't even get a chance to say goodbye before Alexia was eagarly pulling (more like dragging you) to the exit.

"God you must really like me if you're this eagar to get me all to yourself" you joke but Alexia freezes for a split second as Alexia takes in your words.

"Sorry" she says quietly as they come to a stop realising how she was acting.

You smile lightly as you brush some wet hair behind her ear then move your thumb over her cheek. "Alexia" you let a breathy sigh. "You need to calm down okay?" You squeezed her hand as you looked into her eyes. "I really like you okay? You need to relax".

Alexia let out a deep sigh as she nodded. "I'm sorry. It's just I really like you too and I don't want to mess up".

You smile as how cute she is right now. "Well if you couldn't tell I'm pretty smitten with you so I don't know if it's possible for you to mess up". You tilt your head at her, "If anything I should be worried. I know absolutely nothing about Football".

Alexia laughs as she shakes her head, "I think I can get over it".

You bump her hip, "Don't lie".

Alexia laughs even harder, "Fine. Then I'll just have to teach you everything you need to know about Football".

"Think you can handle it?" You ask but Alexia just smiles back at you.

"For you? Definitely".

God I feel this ending is so bad.......

[pernillecfcw]

🎞️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎞️

[pitchsidestories]

el sueño de una niña (1) II Jenni Hermoso x Reader

part 2 I masterlist I word count: 2175

a/n: dear readers, the inspiration for this oneshot was Jenni Hermoso's speech at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, enjoy. 🖤💜

“Wait, I know that you’re a football player. Why did you come from my mamis bedroom?”

Jenni was on her way to sneak out of your appartement but when that small voice held her back. Curiously she turned the head around to look into the eyes of a little girl who the Spaniard estimated to be between five to six years old.

That must have been your daughter Mila Jenni thought to herself. It was the big confession after the great night the two of you had spent together.

Something in the reveal activated her flight mode, the forward’s plan was to leave and never look back. Her life was so chaotic she didn’t feel ready to be a part of a family.

Even though everything about yesterday touched her more than Jenni wanted to admit. Images of it flashed behind her eyes capturing passion, beauty and love. 

“Uhm.. you didn’t see me, okay?”, the raven-haired woman returned the question flustered.

“But you’re the Jenni Hermoso, right? The one who won the World cup with Spain.”, Mila looked at her big-eyed, her voice full of adoration.

“Yes, but don’t tell anyone.”, Jenni replied, pressing a finger to her lips to underline her words.

“Wow.”, the little girl whispered amazed.

“Sorry, I really need to leave now. I’ve a speech to write.”, the striker apologized.

This didn’t stop Mila to confide in the older woman. “I’d love to be a football player like you when I’m grown up.”

“You do?”, something of your daughter’s sincerity made Jenni stay despite her announcement earlier that she needed to go.

“Yes.”, the girl emphasized.

“Hm..”

“It’s a big dream of mine.”, Mila added smiling shily.

“You’ll have to work hard for it.”, the Spaniard told her seriously.

“I can do that.”, your daughter assured her.

“And people will try to keep you from it.. they will tear you down and hope you’ll be compliant.”, Jenni continued gravely, kneeing down so she could look into the girl’s eyes.

“Did they do that with you?”, Mila questioned empathetically, placing her small hand carefully to the dark-haired woman’s cheek.

“Yes. All my life. So, promise me one thing, okay?”, she confirmed.

“Okay?”

“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot be. Promise?”, Jenni pressed a kiss to your daughter’s fingers.

“I promise.”, Mila answered solemnly.

“If you excuse me now.”, the older woman gave her an apologetic look.

“Bye, Jenni. I hope I’ll see you back soon.”, the girl said in an optimistic tone that left no doubt that the football player would return to your appartement.

“We’ll see. Thank you though.”, Jenni answered gratefully.

“Thank you for what?”, your daughter frowned confused.

“You just gave me an idea for my speech.”, the football player’s face lit up with excitement as she spoke.

Jenni shuffled the pieces of papers once more while someone applied her make up for the Ballon D’Or ceremony.

The writing on her notes was almost illegible, she had scribbled down her thoughts way too quickly on her way to the venue. It didn’t matter. She knew now what she wanted to say on stage. Still, she refused to let go of her notes.

“Jenni, have you actually prepared a speech?”

Alexias face appeared behind her in the mirror, She was already in her suit, her hair pulled into a low bun.

Jenni was about to complain about the surprised tone of Alexias voice when Patri joined them: “No way! I thought you’d just start talking like you always do.“

Jenni raised one eyebrow at the reflection of her two Spanish teammates and grinned: “That was the initial plan but I had a better idea.“

“Did someone spark your inspiration?”, Marta asked innocently.

Once the make-up artist let go of her face, she turned towards them and nodded: “Yes. And I hope she’s watching.“

Her teammates exchanged unreadable glances without saying a word while Jenni walked past them, leading the way to the award ceremony.

For what felt like hours, they sat there and listened to men talk. Jennis gaze kept going back to the clock, willing the time to slow down or the speakers to talk faster so Mila had a chance to watch before her bedtime.

Finally, she was called up on stage to receive her award. There was applause but she knew a lot of the people weren’t satisfied with her nomination. She held onto her notes and it all faded into the background once she started speaking about the little girl that wanted to follow in her footsteps, the girl that deserved to have a safer environment to play football in.

Her teammates welcomed her back to her seat with standing ovations. Alexia nodded at her once with a set jaw while Aitana gave her an inquiring look: “You dedicated it to a young girl? Who’s that?”

“Someone I met this morning.“, Jenni replied truthfully as she sat down.

“She seems to have left quite an impression on you.“, Caroline remarked.

“She did. Sometimes I wonder why I put up with all this shit… but there are so many little girls out there that should have it better than we did back then.“

“I agree with that.“, Alexia chimed in.

Marta nodded in agreement: “Me too, obviously. We had to put up with a lot.“

“Let’s be honest, we still do.“, Aitana whispered.

Jenni answered with new-found determination: “Yes but until she gets older, we might have already changed some more things.“

“I bet we will.“, Salma said quietly, before they all went quiet again and focused on the next award recipient.

Much to the surprise of her national and former club teammates Jenni announced at the after party, the alcohol-free wine glass still resting in her hand untouched. “I think I’m going to leave.”

“Leave?”, Patri repeated puzzled.

“Yeah, this party is boring anyway.”, the striker shrugged. The other women secretly thought the same, they couldn’t celebrate like the men around them as they were having a national team game the next morning.

 Seeing Jenni step into your apartment while she still wore her glamorous dark suit jacket showing a large portion of her skin underneath felt almost unreal to you. It wasn’t that long ago when Mila and you watched the ballon d’or ceremony on tv and now she was back in flesh and blood. The football player was even more gorgeous here than on the screen.

Quickly Jenni revealed that the celebrations had bored her which was the moment you told her about your night.

“Mila stayed awake the whole time, she didn’t want to fall asleep until you were on the stage, Jenni.”

“She watched?”, the dark-haired woman asked happily.

“Yes, Mila loved everything about your speech.”, you nodded thrilled by the fact that your excitement was mirrored in the forward’s face.

“I’ve to thank her. She inspired me.”, she confessed.

“You inspired her as well.”, you admitted smiling.  

“Even if she’s the only one, I reached my goal.”, Jenni beamed.

“To be fair I think you inspired many more with your words.”, you remarked solemnly.

“I hope so.”, the dark-haired woman sighed.

“Trust me.”, you answered softly.

After a meaningful pause you added. “I almost thought you wouldn’t call or wanted to see me again back then you left without a word in the morning.”

“That would sound like me actually.”, the footballer cleared her throat nervously. She loved to play the game, haunting for the next great beauty to court and lay down in bed with before going on the haunt again, always being a restless player. All was fair in love and football.

“She’ll appreciate the thank you though, it’ll mean a lot to her.”, you said while you bit your lip.

“That’s why I’m here. I want to thank you both.”, Jenni looked at you sincerely.

“Shouldn’t you be at the grand afterparty sipping champagne and flirting with pretty women?”, you lifted an eyebrow curiously.

“Not many women there that aren’t my teammates. And I’m not allowed to drink, I’ve to be back with my national team tomorrow.”, the striker chuckled amused.

“I see.”

“And maybe I preferred to spend my time here.”, she acknowledged, one hand ran tensely through her long hair.

You considered her for a moment and nodded in the direction of Milas bedroom: “Sadly she’s already asleep…“

“That’s okay. I could stay if you let me.“

You knew you should have thought about it for longer but you couldn’t resist the thought of Jenni staying one more night: “Yes, you can. If you promise to say goodbye in the morning.“

“If I was planning to sneak out again, I wouldn’t have told you.“, Jenni half-joked.

You tilted your head: “Good point.“

“So?”

“You can stay the night.“, you finally confirmed.

Relief seemed to flash across Jennis face for a millisecond: “Thanks.“

“You’re welcome, Jenni.“

The next morning you were woken up by footsteps on the wooden floor. Your heart sank immediately, thinking it was Jenni breaking her promise so you refused to turn around. You didn’t want to watch her leave again. Instead you heard a tiny voice whisper in awe: “Jenni!”

“Woah, you’re already awake, little one. Good morning.“, Jenni yawned and stretched right next to you.

She was still here, still in your bed.

“I saw you! Last night!”, Mila said full of excitement.

“You did? And did you like my suit? It’s on that chair.“, Jenni smiled, pointing across the room.

You watched as Mila walked over and gently touched the fabric in awe.

“It’s beautiful.“

“Right? Next year I’ll take you and your mum with me.“, the football player said, winking at you as if to tell you that she knew you were awake.

While the smile fell from your face, Milas eyes lit up: “What? Really?”

“Yes, why not?”

You might have been desperate for her to stay another night but you weren’t delusional. Who knew where the two of you were in a year? Most likely not sharing a bed anymore.

“Don’t promise her too much.“, you warned the football player.

Jenni was unusually quiet before replied: “I… mean it.“

“You mean it?”

“I do. I want to keep seeing you and her.“, she said with determination.

Milas eyes had been darting back and forth between the two of you like she was watching a tennis match. “We want to keep seeing you too!”, she yelled happily.

Completely ignoring you, Jenni turned back to your daughter and pulled her onto the bed: “Would you like to see a football game in Italy tonight?”

Mila was bursting with joy: “Yes!”

“I mean isn’t that too spontaneous? Like what about the airplane tickets?“, you interjected.

“I can take care of it all. But only if that’s okay with you.“, Jenni offered while Mila put on her best puppy eyes: “Pleeease.“

Who were you to deny your daughter such a once in a lifetime opportunity?

With a hesitant nod, you finally agreed: “Okay.“

The day has flown by, Mila and you quickly packed your bag for one night, before following your lover to get on the plane. While the striker was on the team walk, your daughter and you did your own exploring the Italian surroundings. It was like a daydream from which you didn’t want to wake up.

In the evening, you could feel from the stands Jennis glances on you who was standing on the pitch with some of her friends. Next to you Mila couldn’t hide her excitement seeing her favourite players live. It genuinely warmed your heart to witness and share that special moment with your child.

“Pretty girl from next door? She’s so your type, Jenni.”, Laia Codina wiggled her eyebrows.

“That’s why she’s here.”, the forward winked at the defender.

With a smirk on her face Alexia bumped her elbow into her teammates side. “Who would’ve thought that Jennifer found herself a family.”

“Strange things happen, Ale.”, Jenni shrugged with her shoulders.

“Yes, it’s Halloween soon.”, Vicky threw in teasingly.

“Rude.”, the older striker commented smiling.

“Vicky.”, the Barcelona captain clicked her tongue reprovingly.

The test game ended in a draw, but that didn’t stop Jenni from giving you a passionate kiss.

“That wasn’t very subtle, Jenni.”, you laughed.

“I don’t care about subtle anymore.”, she clarified grinning.

“What about the others watching?”, you asked her, cheeks flushed.

“They just love to stare at pretty girls.”, Jenni stated firmly.

“Pretty girls, hm?”, you repeated. Admittedly under her intense gaze you felt more beautiful than ever before. She didn’t hide her desire towards you and wasn’t afraid to show it in the public.

“Yes.”, she confirmed.

“Kiss me again.”, you requested, your voice slightly hoarse from cheering. Before you even could finish your sentence, her lips were on yours, making both of your hearts flutter.

Everything started with a dream of a little girl which was your daughter, in which Jenni saw her younger self, Mila undoubtedly became her inspiration for the speech. The three of you would now dream together.

Keep dreaming.

gif source: https://www.tumblr.com/imverits/765621490900238336?source=share

[theuntoldstorythatneedsawriter]

Lucky Charm 🍀

Alexia Putellas x Reader

warning : fluffy 💗💭

summary :

Alexia needs her lucky charm before her match.

The locker room was buzzing with pre-match energy, and you could feel the nervous excitement in the air. Alexia was lacing up her boots, focused, but her eyes kept darting to where you were leaning against the wall. It was a big game tonight, and everyone could sense the pressure. The team was ready, but Alexia… well, she still needed her lucky charm.

You caught her gaze, and she gave you a small, almost shy smile, a complete contrast to her usual confident demeanor on the pitch. You smiled back, knowing exactly what she needed. It was your little ritual, something that had started as a joke, but soon became something she depended on.

You waited until she finished tying her boots before making your way over, weaving between the bustling players and staff. When you reached her, she immediately stood up, looking down at you with that familiar mix of determination and nervousness.

“Hey, you got this,” you said, softly but firmly, as you placed a hand on her cheek. Her face relaxed at your touch, but she didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to.

She needed to hear it.

“Babe, you know I can’t go out there unless you say it,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, like she was afraid the others might hear.

You rolled your eyes playfully, but your heart warmed at how much it meant to her. Leaning in closer, so that only she could hear, you said, “I love you, Alexia. Now go out there and show them why you’re the best.”

Alexia’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and a smile spread across her face, bright enough to light up the entire room. She gently cupped the back of your head, pulling you in for a quick, soft kiss. When she pulled back, there was a fire in her eyes, the kind that always meant she was ready to conquer anything.

“Now, we’re gonna win,” she said, her confidence fully restored.

“You better, or I’m taking it back,” you teased, earning a laugh from her.

The rest of the team was starting to gather, and you knew it was almost time for her to head out onto the pitch. As she joined her teammates, she turned back one more time, her eyes finding yours amidst the chaos.

“See you after the game, lucky charm,” she called out, giving you a wink.

You watched her walk out, feeling that familiar flutter in your chest. It was silly, maybe even superstitious, but if saying three little words could help her feel like she could take on the world, then you’d say it a million times over.

The final whistle blew, and the stadium erupted into cheers. Barça had won, and Alexia had been incredible, just like always. You rushed down to the field, weaving through the crowd until you finally spotted her, celebrating with her teammates.

She saw you coming and immediately broke away from the group, running straight towards you. She scooped you up into her arms, spinning you around, both of you laughing like kids. When she set you back down, she pressed her forehead against yours, still catching her breath.

“Told you it works,” she said, breathless but grinning from ear to ear.

“Guess I’m your lucky charm after all,” you replied, wrapping your arms around her neck.

“Always,” she said, before kissing you again, not caring who was watching.

You knew you’d be saying those three words before every match, as long as she needed to hear them.

[mapis-putellas]

𝑨 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕

Pairing: Alexia Putellas x reader

Words: 5.5k

Warnings: Mentions of throwing up. Panic attacks. I think that’s it.

Summary: Your time at Barça comes to an end.

Notes: I tried to add a little more detail to my writing, so I hope it turned out somewhat decent <3

[prompt list]

A lot of people have told her what it was like to truly be in love. To feel that spark, that infatuation and instant connection that has you feeling weak at the knees. But Alexia hadn't truly known what love was until she'd met you. Like, true, fulfilling, genuine love that was both so exciting and terrifying it felt like falling off a cliff with no idea how high it is or what was at the bottom.

You came into her life unexpectedly, a ray of sunshine; always shining bright and radiating both warmth and happiness wherever you went. You make everyone around you feel good without even trying, a trait most people in this world lacked due to no fault of their own. Wherever she turned, you were there, the smile on your face so genuine it was hard not to smile back.

She doesn’t quite know how to put into words just how much she loves you, but if she has to try, it was like being on the brink of something extraordinary every single waking moment. You make her feel adored and valued on the days where she can't even stand herself. You make her feel cherished, important, like the ground beneath her wouldn't cave in at any second.

It was like a rollercoaster ride all of the time. Some days were both thrilling and exciting, and some days it was both dizzying and terrifying. Sometimes it was so overwhelming she doesn’t quite know what to do with herself. What was was sure of though is she wouldn't want to do any of it by herself. You were her everything, and she was yours, and she wasn't going to let anyone or anything get in the way of that. Including the fact you were moving half way across the country to join Arsenal.

It had been on the first of the month that you'd told her. You had been quiet and withdrawn for the entirety of the day, only responding to her futile attempts at conversation with quiet hums and one word answers.

Alexia hadn't quite known what to do when you'd exited the car with a quiet request for some space. You barely even give her a chance to respond, grabbing your things from the trunk before disappearing into the apartment building. Alexia had waited what she'd thought was a good amount of time before making her way inside too, footsteps hesitant and a deep sense of unease filling her stomach. The apartment door was closed, just as she'd thought it would be, and she does everything possible to swallow back the inevitable tightness in her throat as she unlocks the door and makes her way inside.

As she sets down her things, she realises everything was so unnervingly quiet she could hear the sound of her own breath. It was loud, quick, so clearly full of anticipation she pauses for a second to get herself together. It wasn't like her to be so unsure of herself, not when she was around you. Not in the comfort of her own home where it had taken months for her to fully accept the fact that no matter what mood she was in or how bad her day had gone you'd always welcome her inside with open arms.

Even when you'd had a bad day you were always willing to be around her. Your smile, whilst a little sad, still so genuine it made her thank whoever was above for bringing you into her life. Not only were you always willing to put everybody above yourself, you did so without consideration of your own feelings.

Perhaps that was why the sense of impending dread was unlike nothing she'd ever felt before, because not once in this relationship had you ever pushed her away. Been so quiet and so unwilling to talk.

Accepting your need for space, she walks past the closed bedroom door and makes her way through to the kitchen. She stands in the middle of the room for a few unsure seconds before deciding to make a start on dinner. If you won’t talk to her, the least she could do was feed you. You always love her cooking no matter what she makes, and she hopes the comfort of a home cooked meal would help ease whatever upset you were feeling.

In the bedroom, you were laid on Alexia's side of the bed, your body curled up small and your head buried into her pillow. It was soaked with tears, the material uncomfortably sticking to the skin of your cheek.

You didn’t think the word pain quite gives the way you were feeling justice. Oh no. It quite literally felt like someone had ripped your heart out of your chest before trampling all over it and shoving it back in. You were leaving Barcelona. Leaving Alexia. The word pain couldn't even begin to describe just how absolutely devastated you felt.

The second you had found out they weren't signing you for another season, it was as though everything around you had turned fuzzy, almost like the feeling you get when your leg falls asleep. An emptiness had suddenly filled you and it was so profound it made your chest physically ache. You hadn't heard a single world Jona after the fact. It was as though your world had stopped and in a way, it had. Your life in Barca, with Alexia, was no longer, and you only had your self to blame.

You should have been better. Scored more. Not gotten so many yellow cards. Done something, anything, so they would like you better and want you to stay. And maybe had they told you before the transfer window had closed, you could have at least tried to change their minds. But they hadn't. They'd kept it to themselves until the last possible second and because of that, there was now absolutely nothing you could do to change it.

You were leaving, and you had no idea just how you were going to tell Alexia without tearing your heart completely in two. You could hear her, if you really focused. The sound of ceramic dishes hitting the table and the soft thuds of her feet as she walks. She was cooking dinner, just as she does most nights after you get home from training if you don't opt to order in.

Most nights, you'd been in the kitchen with her. Sometimes sat on the counter and sometimes stood behind her holding her body to your own. You'd steal small morsels of food of whatever she'd decided to make that day and you'd pout playfully when she'd scold you for doing so. You could only imagine just how clueless she feels in there by herself, not knowing what was wrong or how to help. It makes a part of you want to go sit with her, just for the company, but the thought of seeing that beautiful, oblivious face, so unaware of the news you held simply made you want to crawl into a hole and die.

You can’t face her. Not yet. Not ever if given the choice but that simply wasn't an option. Telling her was inevitable, and you just had to accept the fact she might hate you for it despite it being completely out of your control.

You have no idea just how long you end up laying here for before you hear the sound of two gentle knocks against your bedroom door. They were barely audible, and you take that as an almost cruel opportunity to pretend you hadn't heard them. The door opens anyway, the sound of it creaking a deathly loud noise in comparison to the quietness of the room.

"Amor?" Her voice was a quiet, tentative whisper sounding so unsure it has you screwing your eyes so tightly shut in a futile effort to prevent anymore tears from falling. "Amor," the same soft footsteps you'd heard earlier make their way closer to the bed. "I made you dinner."

Silence.

Alexia softly clears her throat. "It is Pasta. Your favourite." She trails off hopefully, and it takes everything in you to remain still. You can’t face her. Not yet. You weren't ready.

Alexia wrings her hands nervously as she takes another small step closer to the bed. "I..." she hesitates, scratching the inside of her wrist. "I do not know what happened. Will you please talk to me?"

More silence, and you'd never hated yourself more.

"I do not know what to do" Her voice audibly trembles making the tightness in your throat physically impossible to swallow back. You could feel your resolve wavering. Just because you couldn't tell her what was wrong right this second didn't mean you can't let her sooth you, right?

"Bebé?"

With a deep, shuddering breath, you use every ounce of strength within you to sit yourself up and face her. She was standing just a few feet away from the bed, toes scrunching and un-scrunching anxiously against the carpet. Her hands were clasped tightly around her shirt, wrinkling the material as she squeezes and twists.

But what breaks your heart the most was the wetness staining her cheeks. She was crying. Crying because of you. Because you were too much of a wimp to simply tell her what was wrong. The guilt you were already feeling amplifies by a thousand, and you were forced look away from her before you well and truly broke.

"Amor?" She whispers unsurely, and you sniffle softly as you wipe your sweaty hands on your pants before taking a deep breath. It was a futile effort at composing yourself, but you simply had nothing else left in you.

"Will you-"

"I don't want to talk about it. Not yet. I can't." you cut her off, and Alexia swallows heavily before nodding her head. The overwhelming sense of dread that had once faded makes an abrupt reappearance at your words, but she tries desperately not to let it show. If she pushed, you'd push back harder, and she'd never figure out what was going on.

"Okay." She accepts in a quiet whisper, unwilling to do anything that might upset you further.

You raise your eyebrows in disbelief. "Okay?"

She nods.

"Okay." You whisper with a quiet breath of relief.

"Will you come eat?" She asks hopefully after a few seconds of silence. "I made your favourite."

The thought of food alone made you feel so incredibly nauseous you were forced to swallow back a different kind of tightness in the back of your throat. It pains you to reject her again, but you just couldn't do it. Not without ending this already horrible day with your head stuck in the toilet.

You shake your head. "Ale, I'm not-”

"Just a few bites?" She pleads quietly, hesitantly. "For me?" She holds out her hand.

You look up at her. You take in her wet cheeks, the unsure body language and the trembling fingers. You'd put her through the wringer tonight without even trying, and it was clear to see she was desperate for some sort of normality. Despite everything in you screaming to say no, you find yourself standing up and taking her hand. You were barely on your feet for two seconds before she envelopes you completely in her arms, her chest flush against your own as your feet hang from the floor.

Your bottom lip wobbles as she buries her head against your neck, your head dropping to rest heavily against her shoulder. It takes you a few moments, but your arms do eventually find themselves wrapping securely around her shoulders. At the feeling of you returning the embrace, she drops an arm from around your waist and hooks it beneath your behind, bouncing you up slightly so your legs cold wrap around her waist.

"I am sorry." She whispers, the words taking a few moments to fully register in your grief ridden mind. The second they do, you lift your head off of her shoulder and reach your trembling hands up to coax her face away from your neck. You were glad to see she wasn't crying again, but you could tell by the shininess in her eyes that it was taking everything in her to hold the tears back.

"No," you shake your head, cupping her cheeks and wiping the pads of your thumbs to rid them of their wetness. Alexia blinks, and you catch the first tear that escapes before it could fall. "No," you repeat. "You don't have to be sorry. You've done absolutely nothing wrong. Nothing at all."

Alexia swallows.

"It's..." the tears you'd been trying to desperately to hold back break free, and you make no effort to wipe them away. "I'm not ready to talk yet, and I'm so, so sorry that means you're being kept in the dark. I just need...a few hours. Just a few hours to process and then we'll talk, okay? I promise."

Alexia looks even more terrified as her grip loosens just slightly. "Are you...are you bre-"

"No." You're aware of how panicked you sound, but you needed the message to get through to her before she could fully mistake her assumptions for the truth. "No. I'm not. Not now. Not ever. I could never...no."

Her grip tightens around you again, and you let out a relieved sounding sob as you fall limp against her. You feel one of her hands lift to rest against the back of your head, and for a second, you allow to yourself to break; for her to comfort you, because after hearing what you had to say, it could be the last time she ever does so.

Alexia doesn't think she's ever felt more useless in her entire life as she holds you close, her throat burning, threatening the onslaught of tears. Something serious was going on. There has to be. She's never seen you this upset before, not even when you'd done your acl just a few months after she'd done hers. You'd been upset then sure, but you'd never shed more than a single tear in the year it had taken to get back on the pitch, and that year had been hell for both of you.

Tightening her grip around you, she turns in place and makes her way through to the kitchen. The two plates of pasta were just as she'd left them, though she suspected they'd long gone cold now. Knowing you wouldn't be able to eat despite saying that you would try and not particularly caring about her own meal, she passes the kitchen table and makes her way over to one of the free spaces left on the countertop.

She purposely ignores the burning in her arms as she eases you down and settles herself between your legs, feeling the way your crossed feet settle against her backside as her arms secure themselves tightly around your back. You were still in her arms, thankfully no longer crying if the lack of tears against her neck was anything to go by. It allows Alexia to relax momentarily for she knows things would sure turn south once you reveal what was making you so upset.

You pull away a few moments later, sniffling softly as Alexia tenderly cups your cheeks to wipe away the wetness staining them. You lean into her touch, eyes fluttering shut when she leans in and presses a lingering kiss to your forehead.

"I love you." She murmurs against the warm skin, and you're forced to once again swallow back your emotions as you take her wrists and press a soft kiss to the inside of them both.

"I love you." The unsteadiness of your voice was obvious, and you're grateful when Alexia makes no attempt at pointing it out. She leans in and kisses you, tasting the saltiness of your tears, and your hands desperately cup her face, not allowing her to pull away. Alexia's hands grasp your sides as she deepens the kiss just slightly, feeling the soft exhale you breath out through your nose against her skin. When you pull away, your eyes were closed, and Alexia takes this as her chance to really take you in.

Your expression gives absolutely nothing away. Nothing at all. Her gaze was still on you when your eyes finally open, brown irises full of an emotion you couldn't quite decipher. You tilt your head to the side, a silent question to which she nods in response to. Seconds later, the look in her eyes changes. Now, they were light, hopeful, willing for you to open up and trust her and god did you so badly want to.

"I am going to make you a smoothie." She breaks the silence, her hands giving your thighs a soothing squeeze as she steps out of your hold and makes her way over to your refrigerator. You watch her retreating figure as you let out a soft sigh. You still didn’t think you could stomach anything, but the thought of a smoothie was admittedly more appetising than cold pasta. You felt a little bad that the meal she’d cooked you had gone to waste, but seeing as though Alexia doesn't mind, you try not to either.

Alexia's eyes skim the contents for a few moments before she pulls out a few different fruits she knew were your favourite. She sets them down onto the counter next to you before heading to the sink and thoroughly washing her hands, allowing the water to run a little hotter than appropriate in a futile effort at feeling something other than complete and utter dread.

It doesn't work, and as she dries her hands, she wonders just how much longer she would be able to last before she inevitably breaks and begs for you to tell her what was going on. When she'd torn her acl, the fear she'd felt about not being able to play the sport she loved more than anything else in this world pained her more than she could even begin to explain. But the fear of losing you was a tenfold to that. Because yes, football was her world, but you were her entire universe so feeling this dread, this uncertainty and uneasiness was so, so much worse.

Softly clearing her throat, she forces a smile into her face and makes her way back over to you. You were in the exact same position, though now you were staring at her with pity. It makes her bristle just slightly, but she forces herself not to react as she grabs the blender out of the cupboard and plugs it into the wall.

The process of making both smoothies was done in silence. Alexia doesn't say a word, and neither do you. Soon, Alexia was back between your legs, a small glass in her hand that held the contents of your smoothie. You don't let yourself hesitate as you gently take it from her, bringing it to your lips for cautious sip. When it doesn't seem as though your stomach would reject it, you allow yourself a proper mouthful, a hum of content falling from your lips as you swallow.

"Good?" Alexia murmurs as her hands retake their place on each of your thighs, squeezing the flesh softly before her palms begin tracing gentle circles against the soft skin. You nod your head, holding the glass up to her lips despite the fact she had her own smoothie just next to you. The blonde smiles as she allows you to feed her, swallowing with a hum of content similar to your own.

You take turns in sipping both the smoothies until they were gone, Alexia setting the glasses into the sink to be washed later before scooping you back up into her arms. You welcome the closeness by allowing her to carry you through to the living room without complaint, her larger frame beneath your own as she settles comfortably on the couch. She says nothing as she slips her hands beneath your shirt to rest on the small of your back, the tips of her pinkies tracing over the dimples at the bottom of your spine, but you can tell by the look in her eyes alone that there was so much she wants to say.

It had barely even been an hour since she'd brought you out of your room, and whilst you still weren't ready to talk, you knew leaving her in the dark for any longer would be unnecessarily cruel. Unsure on whether or not she'd even want you near her when you found the courage to reveal the news, you slip off of her lap and perch on the edge of the coffee table instead, making a futile effort at avoiding eye contact as you wipe your suddenly sweaty hands off on your shorts.

You hear Alexia shift forward slightly until her knees brush against your own, her hands reaching forward to rest on either of your thighs. Your own hands circle her wrists, feeling the steady, consistent pounding of her pulse beneath the tips of your fingers. She doesn't force you to talk. She simply sits and waits, her presence alone a major comfort in a moment so anxiety inducing you felt as though you were only seconds away from throwing up.

A single drop of grief wells up in the corner of your eye as you swallow heavily, the small droplet of salty water streaming down your cheek leaving a tickling sensation in its wake. The blonde opposite you remains silent, but her hands slip down to the skin behind your knees, tugging them a little firmer against her own. Knowing it was now or never, you force yourself to make eye contact.

"I'm leaving Barça." Your voice was emotionless.

Alexia blinks as her hands freeze mid stroke against your thighs. "Qué?”

You swallow. "They didn't resign me for another season. I'm moving to Arsenal." The words felt like vomit on your tongue.

Alexia could do no more than stare as she feels the room begin to tilt around her, every sound becoming no more than a muffled echo. Her heart feels as though it had gotten stuck, each beat a sharp jab against her chest. Her mouth parts, but no words seem to be able to escape. She simply sits. Frozen. Like her entire body had forgotten how to move.

Your hands tighten around her wrists as the world around you blurs with the onslaught of tears. "I'm sorry," you choke out. "They only told me today and I...I don't want to go. I don't want to leave you." Panic gnaws at the edges of your mind when Alexia remains silent. "Say something. Please." The desperation in your voice was evident.

Alexia shakes her head as if trying to shake off the reality that was suddenly crashing down around her, her hands lifting off of your thighs and visibly trembling. She clenches them into tight fists, a futile effort for control as her gaze darts unsteadily around the room.

"I..." she has no idea what to say.

“Alexia?” You plead.

Nothing.

You feel an overwhelming urge to flee beginning to fester in the back of your mind as your hands tightly clutch the material of your sweater. Alexia's knees were still pinned on either side of your own, halting your inevitable escape. You were trapped by her, both physically and emotionally, and the longer she remains silent, the more your panic begins to build.

Your leg begins to bounce on its own accord; your heart races and it feels as though you weren't getting enough air into your lungs. A spiral of panicked thoughts keep repeating themselves, becoming more and more insistent as the minutes pass. Alexia hates you. Alexia was going to leave you. Oh god. Nausea swirls in your gut. You can't breath. Are you dying? You're dying. You have to be dying. Why can't you breath? Panicked eyes search the room for an exit. The front door. The back door. Which was closer? You didn't know. But you had to get out. You had to go.

A gentle, unsteady hand cupping your cheek startles you, and your head whips round so quickly you almost give yourself whiplash. Alexia was staring at you, eyes wide in alarm. Her lips were moving. But you couldn't hear her voice. Couldn't make out what she was saying. Why couldn't you hear what she was saying?

You feel your body move, steady hands beneath your armpits. They support the entirety of your weight as you were lifted slightly into the air. Strong, familiar thighs were soon beneath your own, your heaving chest pressed flush against Alexia's. She wraps her arms so tightly around your midsection you have no choice but to mimic her breaths. They were steady, consistent. You choke out a pathetic sounding sob as your heart continues to pound, your body unintentionally fighting her own.

But her grasp was tight. So tight you could feel nothing but her. She begins to rock. Back and forth. Back and forth. The motion was steady. Repetitive. You feel your chest loosen. Just slightly. Enough for you to breath. To get some much needed air into your lungs. The white noise in your ears begins to fade. You could hear again. Alexia was talking. In Spanish. You couldn't really understand what she was saying. But her tone was soft. Soothing. Warm. The pounding in your heart slows, and you can breath again.

You no longer felt like you were dying. Everything was quiet. Calm.

Alexia's body stills as your desperate grasp around her shirt loosens, your head falling heavily against her shoulder. Her lips press against your neck, dotting gentle kisses over the soft expanse of warm skin. You shudder a little at the sensation as you hunch your shoulders up to your ears, hearing Alexia huff out a quiet sound of amusement as she halts her affectionate attack. You feel her hands rest on each of your hips, squeezing softly before easing you away from her. When your eyes meet her own, you could clearly tell she'd been crying.

And Alexia had been.

It had taken a little while to gather her thoughts -and to get over the curveball that had been thrown her way- but eventually, Alexia had come to the quite obvious realisation that just because you wouldn’t be in the same country anymore didn’t mean your relationship was over. Long distance sucks, but it was possible, and there were many cases where it had been quite successful. Take Ona’s girlfriend, Lucy, for example. Lucy had left Barça nearly four months ago, and both she and Ona were closer than ever. Yes, being apart would be difficult. She was fully aware of that fact. But doesn’t the saying go, distance makes the heart grow fonder?

"That was a bad one, huh?" She murmurs as she presses her forehead against her own, and you could do no more than nod. Panic attacks weren't uncommon for you, but rarely does it get to the point where Alexia has to intervene anymore thanks to years of therapy. You'd learnt to anticipate the usual warning signs allowing you to talk yourself out of one before it could even begin, but that evidently hadn't been the case today for obvious reasons.

"Was it because of me?" Her hands cup your cheeks, thumbs wiping away the wetness beneath your eyes. Her touch was so gentle you could barely feel it.

You shrug noncommittally as you harshly wipe off your cheeks. "Not really."

"Not really?" She raises an eyebrow, and you sigh lightly as you tuck a damp strand of hair behind your ear.

"I just..." you trail off. "I guess I just panicked. You wouldn't answer me and my mind just jumped to the worst case scenario." You admit, hating the fact you were once again so close to tears.

Alexia's eyebrows furrow in confusion as she loops her arms around your waist. "What do you mean?"

"I told you...I told you I was leaving, and you didn't say anything. My mind jumped to the conclusion that that was because you hated me and never wanted to see me again." Voicing your thoughts out loud made them sound stupid, and you worry now that maybe you'd majorly overreacted.

Alexia doesn't seem to have the same concern.

"Amor, you really think that little of me?" She sounds more hurt than she does mad, and the guilt hits you like a punch in the stomach. You immediately shake your head as you attempt to amend the situation.

"Of course not," you insist. "But I panicked. As I said, worst case scenario.”

Alexia releases her hold on you for a short second as she rubs her hands over her face.

You can't help but frown. "Ale, I'm so-"

Alexia cuts you off cupping your cheeks and kissing you fiercely. It quite literally takes your breath away, and you have absolutely no time to reciprocate before she was pulling away.

"I love you," your mouth parts to say it back, but Alexia shakes her head, resting her pointer finger against your lips. You gently kiss the digit, lips quirking up into a small smile when Alexia plainly pokes your nose.  "I love you, and whilst I am so incredibly sad you are going to be leaving, it is not forever. I will visit you, you will visit me.”

"But it won't be the same." Your voice was a broken whisper.

Alexia clears her throat softly as her eyes grow shiny with tears. "I know," she murmurs, taking both your hands in her own and squeezing softly. "But we will get through this, sí? You are strong, and I am strong. We will be strong together until we are no longer apart."

"Strong together." you mimic, and Alexia nods with a sad smile on her face. You attempt to mimic that too, but you find it difficult to do thanks to the way your bottom lip was trembling. The first tear falls before you could stop it, and Alexia blows out a shaky breath as she pulls you back into her arms.

Yeah, this was going to suck.

*

So yeah. Alexia loves you so terrifyingly much that she was willing to risk your relationship by being approximately nine hundred and twenty nine miles apart. You had faith you would be just fine, but a small part of you, way way deep down was sure it would end up crashing and burning right in front of your eyes. Long distance relationships were hard, and yes, you loved each other, but would that really be enough in the long run? Would love really be enough to survive who knows how many years apart with only the occasional visit until your contract at Arsenal ended?

You'd voiced your worries to Alexia who had been quick to assure you that whilst your fears were valid, they were wrong. That it was just your brain, again, jumping to the worst case scenario because you were anxious about leaving. She'd assured you that love was most definitely enough, so long as you communicated with one another which was something you were both thankfully pretty damned good at.

From that moment forward, you make the most of what time you have left together. You go on dates that last all day, visiting all the places in Barcelona you’d fallen in love with. You spend hours in bed, skin against skin as your favourite movie plays in the background. You even make the drive over to Alexia’s childhood home and spend the day with her family as one final farewell.

Your team was told about your transfer just two weeks before you leave, tearful hugs being shared with the ones you were most close to. Mapi had all but clung to you throughout the entirety of your last training session, Ingrid having to coax her into letting go when it was time to head back home.

You play your last game a few days later, playing the entire ninety minutes and scoring three goals with the assistance of Aitana. When the whistle had blown, your entire team had surrounded you, murmuring their praises and pulling you into hugs so tight you struggled to catch your breath. You tightly clutch the crest on your chest as your eyes skim around the arena, meeting the tearful yet smiling faces of the fans who were cheering so loudly for you it was the only sound you could hear.

This was it. Your time at Barça was over, and what a ride it had been.

**

Tags:

@codiemarin @goldenempyrean @girlgenius1111 @ceesimz @liloandstitchstan @xxnaiaxx @marysfics @alexias-putellas

[mead-iocre]

yall have heard of (and love!) leah's spoilt!reader

now let me introduce you to alexia's brat!reader:

alexia's controversially young gf

this girl carries a bag with hundreds of random keychains and trinkets and ribbons and strings dangling from it

people hear the click clacking of her bag before they even see her

is a biter (affectionately). will bite alexia's arms (!!!), fingers for absolutely no reason. alexia could be minding her business and then all of a sudden someone is chomping on her left bicep

brings her old sony digital camera everywhere with her. her bag rule is that if a bag can't fit her camera, she's not buying it.

she takes the best pictures of other people. helping them pose, making sure the flash is on(!!!!). would lie on the dirty pavement if it meant she could get the best angle for other people's photos.

the same way she's very particular about the way other people take her pictures. you can bet she's instructing alexia like a military general about how she wants her photos taken. "okay angle it upwards slightly so my legs look long, but make sure you can't see the bin next to me. and make sure you're taking multiple shots. like quickly"

curates her ig feed to her personal vibe. like if you're going to perceive her, at least you're going to see the best pictures of her

always comes to alexia's games with the coolest fits-- sheer lace tops, washed denim jorts, mini leather skirts etc. she's known to be one of the best dressed wags

just like alexia, she loves her arm tattoos. she has a few on her arm

annoying alexia is her favorite past time. she'd do that thing where if alexia drops something and goes to pick it up, best believe this girl is air humping her from behind for shits and giggles. "¿Qué putas?" "nada. nothin nothin'" and then you're running away from her

she's grabbing your jaw to scold you. trying to get you to see that she's serious but you can see the corner of her lips twitching.

"you are so fucking weird d'you know that?" "blah blah. gimme a kiss "

"that was not very demure of you alexia. not very mindful, not very cutesy" "I don't know what any of those words mean. Is this another one of your English slang shit?"

!!!!! new reader alert !!!!

alexia needs a gf that is the complete opposite of her personality aka she needs a brat!gf.

cannot wait to write about her <3333

-- kisses, butter

*This work is my original creation. Please don’t copy, share, or translate it without asking for my permission first. Thanks for respecting that!

[helen-with-an-a]

Heyy, i hope you're doing well! I wanted to ask if you would be down to write a fic based on the song "drown" by bring me the horizon. I absolutely love this song and it has a place in my heart because this band and also this song carried me through some dark times ( I cried so hard when i heard that song live for the first time 2 months ago xD) . Maybe it could be a barca x reader fic that also deals with $elf h@rm if that is a topic you're comfortable writing about, because reading books and fan fics about this topic has been helping me immensely with my own recovery. So if this is an idea that interests you I would love to read that fic, but if it's a topic you're just not comfortable with feel free to just ignore this ask. (But seriously listen to drown it's such a beautiful song)

Hiiiiii - I hope I did this request and song justice. Please know if you are struggling, you are loved. You are so, so loved and people want to help you. I know asking for help is really hard, but I promise it is worth it. You are worth it.

Drowning

Barça femeni x reader

Description: R feels like she is drowning and the team comes to help her

Word Count: 5.4k

TW: Undescribed Self Harm; Brief mentions of cutting; Bad mental health

Kelly Clarkson once sang that whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, that it turns you into a fighter, and helps you stand a little taller. Those words are meant to inspire resilience, to remind you that adversity is supposed to build character and fortify your spirit. But as much as you wanted to believe that, as much as you tried to let those lyrics resonate in your heart, the truth is, you weren’t sure if they were true. You wished with every fibre of your being that they were, but deep down, you felt the weight of life’s challenges pressing down on you. Instead of feeling stronger, you often felt worn down, as if the struggles you faced had chipped away at your resolve rather than bolstered it.

You wanted to feel like a fighter, to stand taller in the face of hardship, but more often than not, you found yourself struggling just to stay on your feet. It was as if each obstacle left a scar that made it harder to move forward, rather than easier. The hope that you’d emerge stronger sometimes felt like a distant dream, and you wondered if that strength Kelly sang about was something you’d ever truly feel.

Half the time, it felt like you were floating – weightless, as if you were drifting through life without a solid anchor. There was a strange sensation of being unmoored, detached from the world around you, almost as if you were existing in a bubble that separated you from everything real and tangible. In those moments, you felt neither grounded nor fully present, as if the weight of your worries and responsibilities had somehow lifted, but so had your sense of purpose and direction. You were there, but not really there – drifting in a kind of limbo where everything seemed just out of reach.

The other half of the time, it felt like you were drowning – barely able to keep your head above the water as the weight of everything threatened to pull you under. The world seemed to close in around you, the pressures and responsibilities of life crashing over you like relentless waves. Each day felt like a struggle just to stay afloat, as if you were constantly treading water in an ocean of overwhelming emotions, fears, and uncertainties.

Your mind was a whirlpool, dragging you down into dark, turbulent depths where it was hard to breathe, hard to think, and hard to see any way out. Every little thing seemed like an anchor, dragging you further beneath the surface, making it harder and harder to find the strength to push back up. The sensation of drowning was terrifying – your heart raced, your breath quickened, and panic took hold as you fought desperately to survive the relentless tide.

In these moments, it felt like you were being suffocated by the weight of your own thoughts and emotions, as if they were water filling your lungs, making it impossible to take a full breath. You tried to fight against it, to keep yourself above the water, but the effort was exhausting, leaving you drained and gasping for air. The more you struggled, the deeper you seemed to sink, and the idea of finding solid ground again felt increasingly out of reach.

There was one thing that brought you a small measure of comfort, a fleeting moment of relief that made you feel a little better. It was like a lifeline thrown to you in the middle of the chaos. Just for that brief instant, your feet were on solid ground again, and you felt a sense of stability that had been missing for so long. In that split second, you weren’t drowning in the suffocating depths of your anxieties, nor were you floating aimlessly through the fog of disconnection.

Instead, you felt anchored, grounded in a reality that was steady and secure. It was as if the storm inside you had paused, and the world had stopped spinning just long enough for you to catch your breath. In that moment, you were fully present, aware of yourself and your surroundings in a way that made everything else fade into the background. The weight that usually pressed so heavily on your chest lifted, and for that brief period, you were able to stand tall and feel the earth beneath you, firm and unwavering.

It didn’t last long – those moments of clarity and peace never did. They slipped away as quickly as they came, like sand through your fingers, leaving you once again adrift in the chaos of your thoughts. The sense of calm and stability that you craved was always fleeting, a temporary reprieve that left you yearning for more. But in the aftermath, when the world once again became overwhelming and your mind descended back into the chaos there was one thing that lingered: the small, neat red lines.

These lines were the only reminder of that brief lucidity, etched into your skin like a secret code that only you could understand. They were delicate but precise, almost methodical in their appearance, as if each one was a calculated attempt to bring some order to the chaos within.

The red lines were your way of marking time, of grounding yourself in a reality that often felt too slippery to hold onto. In those moments when clarity slipped away, when you were once again floating or drowning, they were there to remind you that, for just a moment, you had found your footing. The pain they brought was real, sharp, and immediate – something that could cut through the numbness and confusion, anchoring you back to the present.

It hadn’t always been like this. There was a time when life was simpler, when the world seemed brighter and full of possibilities. Your dad used to tell you stories of when you were just a baby, how you were the very picture of happiness –  all gummy smiles and infectious giggles that could light up a room. He would describe how your laughter was so pure, so full of joy, that it could make even the grumpiest person smile. In his eyes, you were a little bundle of sunshine, radiating warmth and love wherever you went.

You often wondered what happened to that little girl, the one who seemed to find joy so easily in everything around her. Where did she go? What changed between those carefree days and now, when the world feels so heavy and your heart so burdened? You tried to remember the last time you felt that kind of unrestrained happiness, but the memories were hazy, like trying to recall a dream that had long since faded.

You couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment when things started to shift, when the lightness began to slip away, replaced by something much darker. Maybe it was a gradual process, so slow and subtle that you didn’t notice it happening until one day you woke up and realised that the little girl who used to laugh so easily was gone. Or maybe it was something more abrupt, a single event that changed everything, though you couldn’t quite remember what it might have been.

There were times when you’d catch a glimpse of her, that little girl, in the mirror – perhaps in a fleeting smile or a brief moment of joy – but she was always just out of reach, like a shadow that vanished as soon as you tried to hold onto it. The happiness that once came so naturally now felt like a distant memory, something that belonged to a different time, a different version of yourself.

You couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss, a mourning for the person you used to be, for the life you used to live. What had happened to that carefree spirit, the one who saw the world as a place of wonder and possibility? Where did all those smiles and giggles go, replaced by the weight of anxiety and the burden of unspoken sadness?

You wished you could find your way back to her, to that little girl who knew how to be happy without even trying. But the path seemed unclear, the way forward uncertain, and all you were left with were the memories of who you used to be and the quiet hope that maybe, someday, you might rediscover that lost joy.

Ingrid had sensed that something was off the very first time she met you. It was as if she could see right through the façade you were trying so hard to maintain. You were just 17 at the time, still so young, yet there was something about the way you carried yourself that spoke of a weariness far beyond your years. Most teenagers were full of restless energy, eager to explore the world and discover who they were, but you – there was a heaviness in your eyes, a kind of fatigue that no child should ever have to bear.

When you stood before her, Ingrid could see that the weight of the world was already pressing down on your shoulders. It was in the way you held yourself, as if every movement took a conscious effort, every step a deliberate act to keep from being overwhelmed by the burden you carried. You tried to smile, to present yourself as just another teenager navigating the usual challenges of adolescence, but even your smile seemed strained, like it was something you had to force rather than something that came naturally.

Ingrid noticed how you seemed to shrink into yourself, as if trying to make yourself smaller, less noticeable, perhaps in the hope that the world might go easier on you if you took up less space. But it was impossible to ignore the sadness that lingered behind your eyes, a sadness that seemed to have settled there long before its time. It was as if you had lived through experiences that had aged you in ways that others your age couldn’t begin to understand.

There was an unspoken tension in the way you interacted with others, a hesitation that suggested you had learned to guard yourself carefully. Ingrid could tell that you were wary of letting anyone get too close, as if you were afraid that if someone saw too much, they might unravel the carefully constructed image you were trying so desperately to hold together. It was a kind of self-protection, a shield you had built to keep the world at arm’s length, but Ingrid could see through it.

She saw the exhaustion etched into your posture, the way your shoulders slumped ever so slightly, as if the weight you carried was too much to bear alone. And though you were still just a teenager, still supposed to be discovering the joys and freedoms of youth, there was an undeniable gravity about you, a maturity born out of hardship that no one your age should have had to endure.

She had gone straight to Mapí, her heart heavy with worry and a sense of urgency she couldn’t ignore. Mapí had always been her anchor, the one person she could turn to when everything else seemed to be spiralling out of control. There was a comfort in Mapí’s presence, a kind of steady reassurance that made the world feel a little less chaotic. And in that moment, when she felt like she was drowning in her own thoughts, there was no one else she could think of who could help her make sense of it all.

As she approached Mapí, she could see the girl was already watching her, those perceptive eyes filled with a quiet understanding. Mapí had always been like that – intuitive, almost as if she could sense when something was wrong without a single word being spoken. It was as if she could read the unspoken emotions, the things that others overlooked or dismissed, and she knew just how to respond without being told.

“I’m worried about her,” Ingrid said quietly to Mapí, her voice tinged with concern as she gestured with her head in your direction. There was a seriousness in her tone that caught Mapí’s attention immediately. Ingrid wasn’t one to express worry lightly; if she was concerned, it meant something was truly wrong.

“Who?” Mapí asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to follow Ingrid’s line of sight. She turned to see who Ingrid was referring to, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on you.

“Den lille,” Ingrid replied softly. It was a name that fit you perfectly, even though you were no longer a small child. To Ingrid, you would always be den lille, the one who needed looking after, the one she couldn’t help but worry about.

Mapí’s gaze lingered on you, taking in the way you sat off to the side, your shoulders hunched slightly as if you were trying to make yourself invisible. She saw the way your fingers absentmindedly traced the edges of your shorts, a nervous habit she had noticed before but never truly understood until now. There was something about your posture, the way you seemed so withdrawn, that tugged at her heart. You looked like you were carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, and it didn’t sit right with Mapí.

“She’s been different lately,” Ingrid continued, her voice barely above a whisper, as if saying the words out loud would somehow make them more real. “I’m scared, María.”

Mapí’s heart ached at Ingrid’s words. The concern in Ingrid’s voice was palpable, a stark contrast to the usual composed and confident demeanour she typically displayed. The way Ingrid had hesitated before speaking, the trembling edge to her voice, suggested that this was more than just a fleeting worry – it was a deep, gnawing fear that had taken root in her heart.

Mapí turned her full attention to you, her eyes softening. There was an undeniable shift in your demeanour that had been building over time, and it was clear now that Ingrid’s fears were not unfounded. The way you sat, so isolated and withdrawn, seemed like a cry for help that was too quiet to be heard. Mapí could feel the gravity of the situation pressing down on her, the realisation that something needed to be done before it was too late.

“Ale will know what to do,” Mapí said with false bravado, trying to mask the tremor in her voice behind a veneer of confidence. Her words were meant to reassure Ingrid, to offer a glimmer of hope amidst the growing uncertainty, but inside, she felt a pang of doubt.

Mapí had always relied on Alexia’s wisdom and experience, believing her to be someone who could handle even the most complex of situations with ease. She had a way of approaching problems with calm assurance and a strategic mindset that often brought clarity and solutions where there seemed to be none. Mapí hoped that, with Alexia’s involvement, they could find a way to help you navigate the turmoil you were experiencing.

She knew, however, that this situation was different. The weight of it felt heavier, more personal. Her usually steadfast confidence was being tested, and despite her efforts to maintain a brave front, she couldn’t completely suppress the anxiety that gnawed at her.

Ingrid glanced at Mapí, a mixture of hope and scepticism in her eyes. “You really think so?” she asked, her voice laced with both trust and apprehension.

“Absolutely,” Mapí replied, her tone firm despite the fluttering unease in her chest.

Alexia had noticed the changes in you too, though her observations were more subtle, filtered through a lens of quiet concern rather than overt worry. She had seen you through different stages of life, from the carefree moments of adolescence to the more introspective phases, but lately, something had shifted, and she couldn’t ignore the signs any longer.

It was in the way you interacted with others, or rather, how you had started to withdraw from those interactions. Alexia, who had always admired your vibrant energy and effortless charm, now saw you retreating into yourself. The once bright and engaging conversations seemed to dwindle, replaced by a more subdued presence that she struggled to reconcile with the person she once knew.

She noticed how you would often linger on the periphery of group activities, participating only half-heartedly, if at all. Your laughter, which used to come so easily, had become rare and forced, a stark contrast to the genuine joy that used to light up your face. Even your physical appearance had changed; where there was once a confident posture, there was now a noticeable slouch, a sign of the weight you seemed to be carrying.

Alexia also observed the small, telling habits that had shifted. The way you fidgeted with your clothes or avoided eye contact during conversations spoke volumes about your internal struggle. It was as if you were trying to make yourself as inconspicuous as possible, a stark departure from the once lively and assertive person she had known.

“Ale, we need to talk,” Mapí said firmly, cornering Alexia in the changing rooms after training one afternoon. Her voice was low and serious, carrying an undertone of urgency that instantly drew Alexia’s full attention. The usual post-training chatter and the clamor of lockers being shut were fading into the background as the gravity of Mapí’s tone cut through the noise.

“Is everything okay?” Alexia asked, her voice betraying a hint of concern as she met Mapí’s gaze. The look in Mapí’s eyes was one Alexia hadn’t seen very often – an earnestness and resolve that spoke of something deeper than just a casual chat. The air between them seemed to thicken with unspoken tension, the room suddenly feeling smaller, more confined as the weight of the conversation settled in.

“No, it’s not,” Ingrid replied, her tone steady but laden with emotion.

Three sets of eyes turned to look at you, the subject of their concern. You sat on a bench, somewhat apart from the group, absorbed in your own thoughts, unaware of the intensity of the discussion unfolding just a few feet away. The distance between you and the others was more than physical; it was as though a chasm had opened up, underscoring the emotional divide that had grown.

You looked so tired. It was a weariness that went beyond physical exhaustion, a heaviness that seemed to seep into your very bones. The vibrant energy that once defined you had dimmed, leaving behind a shadow of your former self.

Your eyes, which used to sparkle with curiosity and joy, were now clouded with a fatigue that spoke volumes about the battles you were fighting internally. They were deep and dark, the kind of tiredness that comes from sleepless nights and unspoken worries. The once bright and animated expression you wore had given way to a distant gaze that struggled to focus on the world around you. When you did look up, it was with a slow, measured effort, as if the simple act of meeting someone’s eyes required more energy than you had to spare. Your gaze seemed to drift in and out of focus, mirroring the exhaustion that you felt but could not escape.

Your training top seemed far too big on you now, the fabric hanging off you like a draped shroud. It was as if the clothes themselves reflected the way you had withdrawn from the world; they looked oversized and loose, emphasising the contrast between your current state and the vibrant person you used to be.

Every small movement you made seemed laboured, as though even the simplest actions required a tremendous amount of effort. Your shoulders slouched slightly, as if weighed down by an invisible burden that made every step feel heavier. The casual confidence that once characterised your movements had been replaced by a tentative, almost cautious mannerism, as though you were trying to conserve every ounce of energy you had.

Your breathing was steady but shallow, and every now and then, you let out a sigh that seemed to escape from somewhere deep inside you – a sigh that spoke of exhaustion and resignation. The small, subtle gestures you made, like tucking your hands into your sleeves or curling your legs up on the bench, were instinctive attempts to find some semblance of comfort or protection in a moment where you felt particularly vulnerable.

“Oh, cariño,” Alexia whispered, her heart breaking at the sight of you. The term of endearment slipped from her lips like a soft breath of sorrow, laden with a depth of feeling that words alone could not fully convey. It was a tender utterance meant to bridge the emotional chasm that seemed to separate you from everyone around you.

As Alexia watched you, her eyes were filled with a deep sadness that mirrored the gravity of the moment. The sight of you, sitting apart from the group, lost in your own thoughts, was more than Alexia could bear. Her heart ached as she took in the full extent of your weariness. It was clear that this was not just a fleeting moment of fatigue but a profound, ongoing struggle that had seeped into your very being. The vibrant spirit she once knew seemed overshadowed by a deep, unspoken sorrow that had taken hold.

You weren’t sure why you phoned Ona, out of all people. It wasn’t like you were particularly close with her; in fact, your interactions with her had always been somewhat limited and casual. You knew her mostly through mutual friends and shared activities, exchanging pleasantries and brief conversations but never delving deeply into each other's lives. Yes, you considered her a friend, but your one-on-one time had been minimal, mostly restricted to group settings or casual encounters. She wasn’t someone you confided in regularly, nor did you have a history of sharing personal struggles or intimate details.

Yet, in the midst of your crisis, when everything felt out of control and the world seemed to have narrowed to the confines of your bathroom floor, Ona’s name was the first to come to mind. You sat there, the cold tiles pressing against your legs, a razor gripped tightly in one hand, its cold edge a stark reminder of the darkness you were grappling with. Your thoughts were a swirling mix of desperation and confusion, and in that chaotic mental fog, Ona’s name emerged almost instinctively.

It was an odd choice, and you struggled to understand it yourself. Perhaps it was the nature of your relationship with her – though not deeply personal, it was still a connection that felt solid enough to offer some semblance of support. Sometimes, the familiarity of a person, even if not deeply entrenched, can provide a sense of comfort in moments of profound vulnerability. Ona had always been approachable and kind, traits that, despite the limited interaction, might have seemed reassuring in your current state.

There was also something to be said for the randomness of human emotion and instinct. In moments of deep distress, the mind often grasps at whatever feels familiar, even if it’s not the most logical choice. Ona, being someone who had always been friendly and supportive, perhaps embodied a sense of stability and kindness that was desperately needed in that moment.

“Hola?” Her voice came through the phone, laden with sleep, thick with the grogginess of having been abruptly roused from slumber. There was a softness to her tone, a slow, drowsy lilt that spoke of the deep relaxation she had been in just moments before. The initial, half-hearted curiosity in her voice quickly sharpened into something more alert as she processed the unusual hour and the unexpected call.

“I …” You began, but the words caught in your throat, tangled with the overwhelming emotions that had gripped you. Your voice trembled, barely more than a whisper, laden with a mixture of vulnerability and desperation. It was as if the sheer effort of making the call had drained you, leaving only a fragile thread of sound that barely carried your intent.

“Pequeña?” Ona’s voice was suddenly more awake, filled with concern. The fragility in your voice, so unlike the casual exchanges you had shared before, pierced through her initial drowsiness. The realisation that something was seriously wrong caused her to sit upright in bed, the sense of alarm and urgency pushing away the remnants of sleep.

“Help me,” you managed to utter, the words escaping in a pained whisper

You woke up in hospital. The room cold and sterile. The first thing you noticed was the biting chill that seemed to seep into your very bones, despite the layers of blankets draped over you. The air felt thin and clinical – you had never known such an impersonal space existed. The walls were a clinical shade of white, interrupted only by the occasional piece of medical equipment or the sparse, functional décor meant to provide minimal distraction. The lighting was bright and unyielding, casting a harsh glare that made the room feel even colder and more impersonal. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed softly, their steady hum creating a rhythm that seemed oddly out of place.

Your bed, positioned at the centre of the room, was surrounded by a fortress of medical paraphernalia. An IV drip hung beside you, its clear fluids slowly trickling down a tube that was taped to your arm. The beeping of a heart monitor provided a steady, monotonous cadence, a reminder of the life support systems that were now a part of your immediate environment. The rhythmic sound was oddly comforting and unnerving all at once, a constant reminder of your current state and the care being provided.

The air was filled with a faint, antiseptic scent – a mix of cleaning agents and medicinal odours that seemed to hang in the atmosphere like an unwelcome guest. It was a smell that clung to everything, from the freshly laundered hospital sheets to the disposable gowns and sterile gloves that the medical staff wore.

There was a warm weight in your right hand. It took you a moment to realise what it was. A hand. A hand connected to an arm, that led to a shoulder, that was attached to a whole person. The fingers resting gently in your grasp were familiar and comforting, their gentle pressure offering a steady reassurance. You turned your head slightly, and through the haze of your groggy state, you saw the face of the person whose hand you were holding.

“Hi,” Ona smiled softly, her expression a blend of warmth and reassurance.

“Hi,” you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. It was a weak echo of her greeting, laden with the exhaustion and vulnerability you felt. Your gaze drifted to the hand still resting in yours. She followed your stare, squeezing gently when she realised what you were looking at.

 “The others have got to get food,” Ona continued, her voice gentle but firm. “It’s just us, if you want to talk.”

“What’s there to talk about?” you countered, the words a defense mechanism. If you denied it, it would all go away.

“Do not play dumb, pequeña.” Ona’s voice carried a note of gentle reproach. Her tone was soft but resolute.

“I …” you began, but the words seemed to falter before they could take shape. The enormity of your emotions was difficult to articulate, and the effort to speak felt almost insurmountable. You struggled to find the right words, your thoughts jumbled and disjointed.

But how could she truly understand? What little you knew about her life seemed almost painfully perfect by comparison. From the outside, Ona’s existence appeared to be a seamless tapestry of success and happiness. Her football career was thriving, each game a testament to her skill and dedication. She was admired and celebrated by teammates and fans alike, her talent on the field a source of pride and achievement.

Her relationship was also the stuff of dreams. Ona had Lucy, someone who seemed to bring out the best in her, their interactions marked by genuine affection and mutual support. They were often seen together, sharing moments of joy and laughter that spoke of a deep and abiding connection. Their bond was one of those rare partnerships that seemed to transcend the everyday challenges, offering a glimpse into a love that was both passionate and enduring.

Her circle of friends appeared to be equally ideal. They were supportive and loyal, always there for one another through thick and thin. The camaraderie and warmth of their friendship were evident in the way they interacted, their shared moments of happiness and mutual encouragement. It was a friendship that seemed to offer a solid foundation, a network of support that was both comforting and reliable.

And then there was her family – an image of stability and happiness. They were often seen together, their interactions filled with laughter and love. The family dynamic seemed to be one of mutual respect and genuine affection, a supportive backdrop to Ona’s life that added to the picture of her seemingly perfect existence.

In contrast, your own life felt chaotic and fraught with difficulties. The weight of your struggles seemed all the more daunting when juxtaposed against Ona’s polished image. It was easy to feel that her understanding of your pain was limited, that the perfection you saw in her life might somehow preclude her from fully grasping the depth of your own challenges. You wondered if her empathy was genuine or if it was simply a reflection of her innate kindness, an attempt to reach across the chasm of your differences and offer comfort despite the apparent disparity between your lives.

“If you don’t want to talk yet, that’s fine. But let me show you something.” She pushed up her sleeve.

C O N T ; N U E

“You’re not alone in this, pequeña. No one is ever alone.” Ona’s voice was steady, a soft but firm anchor amidst the storm. She shifted slightly, her fingers gently tracing over a tattoo on her arm. “I got this just after I moved to England,” she began, her tone becoming more reflective. “I felt so alone. I didn’t speak the language very well, I had no friends, and we were in lockdown. Everything was different.” Her gaze softened as she looked at the tattoo, her fingers moving lightly over its surface, as if the act itself was a form of remembering and honouring a past struggle.

The room seemed to grow quieter, the beeping of the monitors and the distant murmur of the hospital blending into a background hum as Ona continued. “I almost did it, y’know. I was really, really close – had the bottle and everything.” Her voice wavered slightly, a rare crack in the veneer of her composed exterior. “I haven’t even told Lucy this.” She laughed humourlessly.

“Why didn’t you?” you asked, the question hanging in the air.

Ona took a deep breath, her eyes meeting yours as she smiled gently. “Alessia knocked on my door. She noticed I looked a little down and came to check on me. I don’t know if she saw the pills or not, but she stayed with me all day.” The warmth in her eyes deepened as she spoke. “She asked me to teach her some Spanish, she taught me how to make pasta from scratch. She didn’t let me leave her side for three days. Even then, as soon as she left Tooney appeared.”

“Wh-why are you telling me this?” Your voice quivered, the words struggling to get out over the lump in your throat.

Ona’s eyes softened with a blend of compassion and determination. “So that you know you’re not alone,” she began, her voice steady and full of quiet resolve. “I don’t know the ins and outs of what you’re going through, but just know that I’m here, we all are. We aren’t going anywhere.” She promised.

She paused, allowing her words to settle, as if to let the depth of her meaning fully resonate. You blinked, trying to hold back the flood of emotions that were threatening to overwhelm you. Tears began to well up in your eyes. The tears were a mixture of relief and sadness.

“You are loved, pequeña. So, so loved. And we will be here for you, no matter what, no matter how long it takes.”

[wileys-russo]

the secret knock II barça femení

part of the pollito universe the secret knock II barça femení

at the familiar knock you looked up, sending a nod to martina who pulled the door open to reveal a very nervous looking jana who hurried inside. "did anyone see you?" you questioned her with a raised eyebrow at the odd look on her face.

"jana." you raised both eyebrows now as the girl took a seat on the spare bed. "only ingrid! i just said we were having a game night." jana revealed as you groaned. "qué? thats what we said!" jana defended herself with a frown.

"no it was a movie night this time amiga." pina rolled her eyes as you shuffled the cards in your hand. "está bien. we all know the plan if someone comes knocking who isn't invited. everyone is here now, sí?" you looked around the room mentally taking a roll call.

ona, pina, vicky, salma, cata, jana and martina.

but you couldn't miss the look which flashed briefly across your best friends face as your eyes narrowed again. "vicky?" you called it out as her eyes flittered to yours and the moment they dropped downward you sighed.

"who did you tell?" you questioned, cata shoving her with a mumble as the younger girl smacked her back and salma stepped between them.

"kika heard me reminding cata of the password, but i said we were just watching a movie." vicky revealed as your eyes narrowed again. "you forgot?" you directed the question to the older goalkeeper who scoffed. "it changes every time! it gets confusing." cata grumbled with a roll of her eyes.

"sí idiota so we do not get caught! you know the rules, fine money. ahora!" you clicked your fingers, a frightful glare silencing the older girls protests as she shoved her hand into the pocket of her sweatpants and rummaging around as there was another knock at the door.

but considering it was a normal knock and not the password, everyone froze, a nod from you toward martina having her slowly make her way over to the door as the designated lookout for the evening, peering through the peephole.

"kika." she mouthed as you nodded for her to be let in, the new girl wincing as she loudly greeted you all and was promptly shushed, salma tugging her inside as martina peered out to make sure nobody else saw, quickly closing the door after.

"very formal for a uh, movie night?" kika looked around clearly confused as pina grinned. "not a movie night amiga, poker." pina wiggled her eyebrows as the portugese's face lit up at the news.

"do not look so happy, good luck winning with la serpiente over here." ona chuckled with a nod in your direction making you grin as kika took a seat and everyone shuffled around to make room.

"la serpiente and pollito? conflicting nicknames chica." kika teased as you laughed. "not a chicken when it comes to poker." you warned half heartedly, nodding for pina to start dealing out cards once you'd dished out everyones chips.

"mierda, again!" cata groaned, throwing her cards down with a sour look on her face and crossing her arms across her chest. "we warned you not to bet all you had left idiota." pina snickered, a squeal leaving her mouth as the goalkeeper tackled her off the bed with a thump.

"then there were two, pollito." kika smirked, cards held tightly against her sternum and out of sight. "mm, well vamos, newbies first." you gestured for her to reveal with a slight smile, only the two of you left now as everyone else had run out of chips and out of luck, the game going for close to two hours now.

however before the midfielder could even blink there was a series of short sharp knocks at the door causing all of you to fall deathly silent.

on the other side alexia, ingrid and irene stood waiting, cross armed and tapping their feet. the three had been to dinner with a few of the staff, but when they'd returned and the floor was suspiciously quiet, hackles went up.

knocks had sounded among all the doors, a few girls sleepily poking their heads out and irene apologizing quietly for waking them, alexia making her way down the other end of the hallway and humming as each door went unopened, making a list silently in her head.

ingrid suddenly remembering jana mentioning a game night had the trio arriving outside your door, alexias knuckles rapping against the door, sighing tiredly when nobody answered, knocking again and now hearing footsteps.

"hola." your head popped out with an innocent smile, body shoved into the small gap the door created as irene tried to peer over your head and take stock of who was in the room.

"qué te traes entre manos?" alexia asked, unwavered by your charming demeanour and narrowing her eyes. "movie night." you rolled your own eyes and moved aside a little to show the gaggle of girls shoved together on the bed who waved, the poker pieces hidden expertly beneath them.

"jana said game night?" ingrid piped up, raising an eyebrow as you closed the door a little more again, wedging your body into the door. "we played a game of uno, decided to watch a movie. bonding before the match!" you smiled charmingly, irene nodding and seemingly happy to accept that but alexia knew you too well.

"what movie?" alexia asked sharply. "princess diaries." "don't hear it playing?" "just finished." "no snacks?" "already ate them."

"healthy ones of course ale." you added on with a smile that didn't quite reach your eyes, alexia humming with narrowed eyes. "five minutes and everyone is back in their own rooms, i will check." your captain warned seriously, snickering sounding behind you as you gave her a salute and promptly slammed the door closed again.

"míralo!" alexia yelled with another bang against your door, irene tugging her away as ingrid headed off to her own room bidding the pair goodnight.

"que alexia? they are just being young." irene chuckled as the blondes eyes strayed back to your door. "i do not trust them. they are hiding something!" alexia huffed making her friend smile knowingly.

"you will be a great mami one day ale. but rule one? if you think they are hiding something, the more you push to try to find it out, the better they learn to hide it." irene warned, squeezing the girls shoulder and wishing her goodnight.

but still alexia couldn't rest knowing something was up.

"good game amiga, i am impressed." kika slung an arm over your shoulder, grinning and shoving her off as she ruffled your hair teasingly, of course having lost once the game resumed.

"goodnight la serpiente."

you'd all but waved everyone off, just about to step back into your own room when you caught a flicker of movement from the corner of your eye, slowly turning and eyes widening as they did.

alexia had cornered perhaps the weakest link in your chain, jana.

"jana. pequeña, la estrella, we have known each other for years. i feel like i have watched you grow up! you would not lie to me, no?" alexia asked with a soft smile, arm tightly slung over the shorter girls shoulder who faltered, just catching your eye behind alexia where you were waving madly and shaking your head.

"eh...no ale." jana shook her head but alexia noticed the obvious nerves and tension both in her face and body language, and she struck.

"so. did you really watch a movie tonight? since you would not lie to me." alexia asked with a knowing smile, and as you watched jana's face fall, you knew she was a goner.

normally bruna would be there as a buffer, to distract or delay or at very least stomp on her foot with a look, but she was in england and jana was about two shovels away from burying herself.

but as you went to turn and barricade yourself into your room, you rammed right into about the last person you wanted to see right now.

"boo!" mapi grinned, trapping you in a tight hug as you wriggled to get free. "que? no hug? oh tonto how you wound me!" the girl sighed dramatically, iron clad grip not lessening as you practically begged she let you go.

"pollito!"

you stilled at that, alexia stiff and facing you with a murderous look from the end of the hall, jana mouthing an apology with a wince and legging it back to her own room as your captain strode toward you.

you gave in with a groan, knowing now there wasn't a chance mapi would let you go, for the sake of her own nosiness and curiosity as to what you'd done now.

"so. you like to gamble?" you were instantly suspicious at the calm smile on the midfielders face as she arrived in front of you, opting not to answer. "maría dame eso." alexia pointed to the hair tie on the girls wrist who raised an eyebrow but slipped it off and handed it over none the less.

"since you like to gamble. which hand it is in?" alexia held up the hair tie before it and both her hands dissapeared behind her back. "but what does-"

"no no, you do not always know the stakes when you gamble. especially in poker! so, guess, and you will find out." her eyes warned you off complaining or speaking up again so slumping in defeat you pointed to her right hand, mapi having now let you go but still stood right behind you.

you perked up as she revealed the hair tie in her palm, but seeing the light of hope in your eyes only made alexia grin.

"muy bueno! you will give me the poker set and your playstation for the next....two weeks." alexia announced as your mouth formed a small o.

"but, but ale that isn't-"

"fair? oh but what is fair in gambling?" alexia smirked and you sighed, throwing your head back with a groan and knowing there wasn't much you could do now to get away with it.

"now go to bed, i am sure when you and your amigas are running laps before warm up tomorrow you will need all your energy to explain to them why they are, la serpiente!"