#mcwfc one shot

[outsideratheart]

Cliche (Leila Ouahabi x Leon!reader)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We don't have time for that Leila"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Leila!" Patri shouts.

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

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

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

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

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

"How long?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Y/N have you —“

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

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

"Sorry to interrupt"

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

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

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

"Alexia knows"

"Can we tell Mapi now?"

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

"No, we can't"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I can't believe you!"

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

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

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

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

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

"Tell her Y/N"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“She is my friend and our team mate”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Was that so hard?” Mapi says smugly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When Alexia got no arguments from the pair she continued.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Back to backs” Leila whispers.

“What did you say?” Mapi asks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Can we talk?” Leila asks you.

“Maybe later? I’m about to work—“

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

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

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

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

“I don’t know. V thinks that she is”

“V?” Alexia asks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“She is staring” Marta nudges you.

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

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

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

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

“Do you think I’m sleeping with her?”

“Of cour—“

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“There’s no sides” Alexia corrects her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Where is she Lola?” Leila asks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What were the nightmares about?" Leila asks.

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

"You're not alone"

"But I don't have you"

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

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

"Are you ok?" Leila asks.

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

"No Leila, i'm not ok"

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

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

"Yes, we're ok"

"That's good"

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

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

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

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

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

"I'm sorry Y/N"

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

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

"Move on, right"

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

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

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

"Don't eve--"

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

"Mapi" Alexia warns her.

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

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

"But Lola said you wanted to see me"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You did it first"

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

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

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

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

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

"Because you were ashamed"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"That's not—“ Alexia is cut off.

"It was her suggestion"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You know where she is?" Alexia asks.

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

"Why not?"

"Because you’re all here"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Y/N"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"But everyone—“

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

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

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

"But what—“

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[pitchsidestories]

ball of the undead II Manchester City Women x Reader

masterlist I word count: 1344

a/n: dear readers, happy halloween, have fun ! 🧡🖤

“Any plans for Halloween?“

The question took you by surprise. You hadn’t even thought about that yet.

Usually, you didn’t care much for Halloween. The only good thing about that night were the parties. With your birthday being the following day, there was never a shortage of opportunities to celebrate. The only question that occurred every year was just which party you and your friends would go to.

But this year was different. You had just moved to Manchester in the summer and left your clique behind. It was the first time that you would celebrate without them, in a new city and without your silly little traditions.

The thought left you suddenly feeling very lonely but there was no time to dwell on it. Mary was patiently blinking at you, waiting for an answer to her question.

You forced yourself to smile at the young Australian: “No, not really… Maybe I’ll stay at home and watch some trashy horror movies.“

Alanna frowned at you as she emerged from her post-training shower with dripping wet hair: “But isn’t your birthday the next day?”

You shrugged nonchalantly: “Yeah but that’s only the next day.“

You could feel their eyes on you as you changed out of your football clothes, but no one said anything. You breathed a little easier when someone finally changed the topic. You really didn’t want to seem like the new girl who’d sit around alone on her birthday.

You mumbled “Bye “as you slipped out of the dressing room a few minutes later.

Unbeknownst to you, Mary turned to her teammates once the door fell shut behind you: “Girls, do you think what I’m thinking?”

“We can’t let her celebrate Halloween like that.“, Alanna answered decidedly.

“No, we’ve to celebrate together.“, Leila agreed.

Mary nodded enthusiastically: “We should organize a Halloween party for her.“

“I’m in.“, Alanna said.

“I’ll help too.“, Alex chimed in, a determined look on her face.

“I can bring some spooky sets.“, Lauren suggested, meaning her much loved building blocks.

Chloe rolled her eyes: “Hempo, that’s cute and all but it’s a party.“

“Do we have a motto?“, Jill asked the group.

Alannas eyebrows knotted together: “Let me think.“

“She likes Bridgerton, right?”, Mary suddenly remembered.

“She does.“

Alex smirked: “So Ball of the Undead then?“

“I like that.“, Mary clapped her hands happily.

Alanna nodded: “I think she’d too.“

“Okay, let’s get to work, chicas. Halloween is right around the corner.“, Leila laughed.

“I’ll build her a flower bouquet.“, Lauren decided which once again caused Chloe to roll her eyes at her: “Spooky.“

The girls kept planning the Halloween slash birthday party which was only interrupted by joyful laughter or eyerolls.

On the evening of Halloween, the things you bought for dinner and the threated empty, lonely appartement weighed heavy on you. But the expected quietness when you opened the front door was disrupted by your teammates cheering. “Surprise!”

“Wait, what?!”, you started at them surprised.

“Happy Halloween.”, Alanna exclaimed with a wide grin on her lips.  

“Wow.”, you muttered under your breath letting your eyes wander around the living room, open kitchen area of your home which they decorated heavily. There was a chandelier placed on the dinner table, covered in cobwebs and lit wax candles. At the kitchen counter you could see a huge lego flower bouquet most likely built by Lauren herself.

“She’s not happy.”, Mary sighed disappointed.

“No, I love it. How did you decorate everything so fast?”, you disagreed heavily. It warmed your heart to see how much loving detail your teammates had put in the decoration.

“Teamwork.”, Alanna explained proudly.

“Amazing. Thank you, girls.”, you smiled at them grateful to call these women your teammates.

“You’re welcome.”, Leila hummed while hugging you and pressing a kiss to your cheek.

“I appreciate it a lot.”, you said hoping they knew how much this meant to you. A pad on your shoulder made you turn around to face Chloe who was holding an elegant dress in her hand which could have been straight of the Bridgerton set if it wasn’t covered with a bit of fake blood to make it spooky.

“Here’s your costume. Get ready to party.”, she advised smiling.

Quickly you put on the dress while Alex began to explain the motto of the party. “The theme is..”

“Spooky Bridgerton, chica.”, Leila who was wearing a classy suit ended the sentence for her chuckling.

“That’s my favourite show.”, you beamed.

“We know. What’s your favourite spooky movie?”, Alanna asked.

“It’s night of the living dead I think.”, you replied smirking.

“Is it very scary?”, the Spanish defender questioned biting her lip nervously.

“Very.”, you confirmed chuckling.

“Hempito, I need you here.”, she decided.

“Yeah?”, Lauren blinked confusedly at the dark-haired woman.

“I need you to protect me from the frightening things happening in the movie.”, Leila stated in an uncharacteristically serious tone.

“Okay, I’ll protect you.”, the blonde winger giggled.

“And what about me?”, Laia pouted playfully.

“Then I’ll protect you both.”, Lauren declared who was rather amused by the tall Spanish defenders being scared by spooky movies.

“You’ll love it.”, you tried to assure them.

“We’ll see.”, Alanna said.

As the movie flickered on, you raised your glass that someone had put in front of you: “Cheers, witches!”

The others followed suit with exception of Jill.

“Who are you calling witches?”, she asked, scrunching her nose as she entered the room.

Vivianne appeared next to her, carrying her dog in her arms: “Sorry, we’re late. Myles costume took longer than I expected.“

She held up Myle who was wearing a small set of bat wings and didn’t look too thrilled about it.

Your jaw dropped in awe at seeing the puppy: “Oh my god!”

“At least she looks adorable.“, Vivianne smiled and set Myle down on the floor.

“I think you all look amazing.“, you complimented your teammates. They were all dressed as different kinds of undead beings in fancy dresses and you loved everything about it.

Alanna ruffled through your hair: “We only had her for a few weeks but I want to keep y/n forever.“

“Keep me? I’m not a dog!”, you frowned up at her.

“Don’t reply, Lani!”, Mary warned her teammate.

“I won’t.“, the older Australian agreed.

Shaking your head about the two, you quickly changed the topic: “More snacks, girls?”

“Yes.“, Lauren answered for them.

“Coming right up.“, you smiled and disappeared in the kitchen to grab some food.

Lauren smiled brightly at the sweets offered to her: “Thanks.“

“You’re welcome.“

You just settled back onto the couch to watch the movie when all of a sudden, Alanna yelled: “Girls, turn the TV off. It’s almost midnight!”

Everyone scrambled to their feet at the same time. You had no idea what happened but all around you was pure chaos. The Halloween decorations mixed with Birthday decorations and you suddenly held a glas of champagne in your hand.

“Time to raise the glasses!”, Alex announced at the stroke of midnight.

Your teammates all lifted their champagne flutes and toasted to you.

“I’ll get the cake.“, Vivianne promised.

You bit your lip, your heart felt soft and tender as the dutch player returned with a Halloween-themed birthday cake.

“You even got me a cake?”, you asked in disbelief.

Leila laughed: “Of course we got you a cake.“

“That’s so sweet of you.“

There were not enough words in the world to express how loved you felt and how grateful you were for your teammates.

Alanna grinned, clearly satisfied with the surprise: “You’re welcome.“

“Happy birthday, y/n.“, Mary whispered as she pulled you into a hug, just at the right moment so you could hide your wet eyes on her shoulder.

You managed a wobbly smile: “Thank you, girls.“

“Blow out the candles and make a wish!”, Alanna instructed you.

You gladly did what you were told, blowing out all the candles in one breath. But there was only one wish you could think of: Turning your old birthday tradition into a new one with your teammates.

[outsideratheart]

Everything I wanted (Leila Ouahabi x Leon!reader)

A/N: Sequel to Cliche . Warning, it’s another long one. I hope you like it!

The two of you knew what you wanted and you wasn’t going to let anyone stand in the way of that but you knew as soon as you left that room things would get a little bit more complicated. Your team mates would have questions and then there was Mapi. You had the relationship you had waited years for but had it cost you your other relationship you’ve had since birth.

By now you knew most of your friends would be in your room, waiting for you to return but did they expect you to return with Leila. From the other side of the door the two of you could hear them planning your search & rescue.

“What about Mapi?” Leila asks just as you get the room key from your pocket.

“You’ll be fine. It’s me she has a problem with so I’ll deal with her” you explained.

“But that was before I was your girlfriend”

Your eyes widen at the title. It wasn’t that you hated it, you just hadn’t spoken about the two of you having an official relationship.

“Girlfriend?” the uncertainty in your voice was unsettling to say the least.

“Is that not what we are? I thought I made it clear what I wanted”

“I want you Leila”

“But you don’t want to be my girlfriend”

“I do” you lean forward and kiss her gently. There was no need for passion, the act itself was intimate enough.

The way you felt as you swiped the key card is foreign but when you open the door you see the reason why. Everybody’s eyes were on you and although you never talked about how you would tell the team about the development in your relationship you make the change crystal clear when you take Leila’s hand in yours.

“Where have you been?” Lola asks.

“My secret hiding place” you joked but nobody laughed. Maybe you should have told somebody you were still in the building.

When you meet Mapi’s eyes the tension in the room rises and it made everybody feel a little bit awkward. In their eyes your argument had reached its head but you both had so much you wanted to say to each other.

The situation between you and her brought out every emotion in Mapi and it was overwhelming. To you, it doesn’t come as a surprise when she walks past you and towards the door.

“Mapi” she turns to face you “’l’ll come speak to you soon ok?”

“I’ll be in my room”

Your friends stay in your room for a little bit when Lola decides to watch a movie. Just like you had in your apartment, Leila settles into your side. You were waiting for the teasing but it never came because your friends knew that although you watched the film with a smile, the way you felt on the inside would be the opposite and there were right. You wished you never said anything to Mapi because now you had to follow up on your word and you had no idea what you were going to say to her.

When Leila feels you shift to get up she takes her focus off the film. She knows where you’re going and she cannot help but feel bad for the part she played in the arguments you have had with your sister.

“Do you want me to come with you?” she stands up with you.

“No, I need to do this alone” you place a kiss to her temple.

Looks are exchanged between your team mates. They had never seen you so domestic but with Leila it looked like it came so naturally.

As you stood outside Mapi’s door you contemplated walking away and saving the conversation for another day but by now it was already long overdue. Throughout your entire life things had never gotten this bad between the two of you so you had no game plan, no way to know what is the right thing or wrong thing to say.

Mapi opened the door before you knock, almost like she sensed your presence from the other side of the threshold.

“I hate this” she admitted.

It brought you momentary peace knowing that you agreed on at least one thing.

“Are you dating?” The question was simple and you knew the answer but for some reason you hesitated. It was as if you didn’t want to speak in fear of saying the wrong thing so instead you nod your head.

A few days ago Mapi had planned on apologising to you but now she felt you were way past apologies. If only she knew the power the word sorry had and how badly you wanted, no needed, to hear it.

“You’ve never done this before” her words confuse you. Mapi knew that you had never been in a relationship so why was she bringing it up.

“I haven’t but I want to try with her. I really like her Mapi”

“No” Mapi shook her head and once again you feel the negative energy flood the room “you like having sex with Leila and you feel like the only to carry on doing that is to get into a relationship with her”

“That’s not true” you found it hard believing the words you were saying. Earlier on you had no doubt that this is what you wanted but your sister knew you better than you knew yourself so did she know this too.

“It is. Maybe you do want a relationship but you are using Leila as an experiment and I won’t allow it. Do you not see how much this is hurting me, to choose between my sister and my best friend.”

The rage that grows within you is incontrollable. How, after everything that has happened, did Mapi still think she had the right to dictate your love life.

“I did nothing wrong” this you were sure of “Maria I’m not here for you forgiveness and I sure as shit am not here for your permission”

Your voice remains at a reasonable level but inside you are screaming. You are determined not to let your emotions or your sister get the better of you so you leave without saying another word. As you walk down the corridor doubt begins creeping in. Mapi had planted seeds of doubt and it has you questioning whether you were doing the right thing or if you were being selfish.

The pace in which you walked back to you room gave you time to think about your relationship. It was barely 4 hours old and already you were questioning whether or not you made the right decision.

When you enter your room you expect to find Lola but instead you find Leila buried under the duvet scrolling on her phone. You had missed spending the night with her but you know you needed space from her whilst you made sense of the thoughts in your head. You mumble something about getting a quick shower all whilst avoiding eye contact with her but despite your greatest efforts, Leila learned how to see through whatever mask you choose to wear.

As the close to boiling water cleansed your skin you felt your shoulders relaxing and it brought you a brief moment of peace. You cleared your mind of all thoughts and it allowed you to go numb, it was a feeling that you knew would vanish the moment you re entered your bedroom.

"How did it go?" Leila pulls back the corner of the duvet letting you know she wanted you to join her in bed.

With Leila in your arms things felt right which made things that much harder. Why did you have to fall for her?

"I don't know if there's any coming back from this" your heart broke as you admitted the outcome of your conversation.

Again, doubt plagued your mind. Whilst you knew that Leila was special you didn't want to spend your relationship resenting her for the destruction of your bond with Mapi. The fear you felt was real because you knew what you wanted to do and the woman in your arms wouldn't like it and you would be proving your sister right. That been said you saw it as the only option, it was the right thing to do in order to fix your family.

"I love you Y/N but for the next couple minutes I want to pretend that I don't. Speak to me like you would have 6 months ago"

"I have to make a decision between two very important people in my life and no matter which I choose, I will lose. I have you" Leila playfully nudges your side "I mean this girl, she is amazing and has awoken this side of me than I never knew existed. I think I have a real shot of happiness with her"

You could write a list pages long, full of reasons why you wanted to be with Leila and each one gave you the urge to fight for and protect your relationship.

"Then there's Mapi who has been my best friend since the day we were born. She is my sister who, for some reason, sees me as this bad guy that has tainted her friend. In her mind I have already hurt you which if you ask me will happen because I am bound to mess this up at some point but a little faith wouldn't hurt. I am trying to be a good person but it's hard to do that when the person who knows you most in this the world makes you think it's impossible. I'm not asking her to trust me on this but she could at least give me a chance to prove that I am worth your love"

Leila didn't know what to say. Since the day she met the Leon's it was clear that the bond you had was unbreakable yet now it was broken, smashed into pieces, and she didn't know what to do to fix things. It is clear you are torn between her and Mapi but what was she suppose to say, leave me and chose her, no that wasn't going to happen.

"Y/N" Leila looks up but you don't move. It is only when she cups your face and forces you to look at her does she the pain that floods your eyes "you are saying you want her to see you as a good person but you don't believe that yourself but you know what, that's ok because I know it"

It's as if she knows her words aren't enough to persuade so you does the thing that will, she shows you just how much faith she has in you.

"It has been quite the day and I think we've done enough talking" Leila knew a guaranteed way to ease your mind and you wasn't going to stop her, in fact you had been craving her touch since the moment she walked in Los Rojas.

The weeks that followed were exciting and everyday you felt like you did something new. Everybody knew you and Leila were dating so there was no more hiding, you could hold her hand as you walked the streets of Barcelona and take her out on a date which has become one of your favourite things.

Mapi still wasn't talking to you which hurt but there wasn't anything you could do about it. She had made her mind up and you knew better than to fight her on it, the Leon's were known for their stubbornness. Everybody saw the divide between you yet for some reason it didn't affect the team. From what they saw, Mapi was speaking to Leila and Leila was speaking to you so the tension wasn't thick unless you two were in a room together which didn't happen unless it was necessary.

Your mood was great when you were with Leila or your friends but they saw the way you were when you thought nobody was looking. Your look would linger on your sister hoping and praying that she will give you a sign which means you will be ok but it never comes.

Leila tries her hardest to be there for you but the hole left by your sister was too big to fill and with every day that passes she saw the light in your eyes dimmer.

Your birthday got brought up at training and given that you were twins, Mapi's got brought up too. Every year you spent it together no matter what is going on or where you are in the world but Mapi made it clear this year would be different.

"Me and Ingrid are going to Mallorca for a couple of days"

She said it so nonchalantly you wondered if she realised her words felt like knives getting plunged into your heart.

"But we spend every birthday together Maria" It was the first time you had spoken properly since the national time camp.

"I'm going to spend it with my girlfriend. You should do the same, that's if you are still serious about her" Even months later she still questioned your relationship and the level of commitment you were giving Leila.

"Technically I have spent every birthday with Leila for the last 7 years only this she year won't be there as my friend"

"Well I won't be there. Like I said, I have plans" Mapi's voice held no emotion and whilst you think it's because she doesn't care, the truth is it's because once she lets herself feel one emotion then she will feel them all and she isn't ready for that.

"Ok. I hope you have a nice birthday" it was difficult to walk away from her but that's all you seemed to be doing recently.

Alexia follows you out to the training pitch whereas the rest of the girls stay in the canteen. They couldn't believe what they were hearing.

"Do you know what you're doing to her? What you not talking to her is doing? She thinks I don't notice but she isn't sleeping, she hasn't slept through the night since I don't know when. You are her best friend, you broke her heart and no matter how hard I try, only you can put it back together again"

"She slept with you, my best friend and now you're dating even though she doesn't know how to do relationships"

"What if I break up with her?" Leila stands so that she is looking down at your sister.

This catches not just Mapi but the whole room off guard. If one thing has been made clear over the past few weeks its that both of you truly care about each other yet here Leila stands ready to sacrifice her relationship so that you can get the one with your sister back.

"Leila" Patri pulls her arm.

"No. You don't see it or maybe you do but your sister is broken. I like to think I make her happy, no, I know I make her happy. She likes me, loves me, wants me but she needs you so if the only way to make her whole is to let her go then i'll do it"

Leila leaves the room speechless by the extremes she was willing to go to in order to fix Mapi and your's relationship.

You on the other had shot ball after ball into the back of the net. You had no strategy in mind other than to get rid of yourself of the pain Mapi had caused yet again.

"You're losing your power" Alexia teased in attempt to lighten the mood.

"You wasn't saying then when I put three past Atletico at the weekend"

Alexia kicks the ball away from you feet, it was her way of saying extra training is over and you didn't argue with her.

"I did nothing wrong Ale but i'm still getting punished" You sit down. The training session, gym workout and the extra shooting practice is enough to make your legs feel like lead.

Alexia felt your pain. She's would consider herself one of your best friends but she refrained from taking sides on this due to the role she played with in the team but if you were to ask her she would say she's on your side.

"Are you happy with Leila?" Alexia asks even though your actions have already given her the answer.

"I love her Alexia. At first I wasn't sure but i've found it, the thing that everyone talks about and it's her. I have tried to talk myself out of being with her so many times—“

"Don't do that"

"I'm not. I spoke with Leila about how i'm feeling and she told me to trust her decision to be with me so that's what I'm doing"

It was weird hearing you say you've talked about your feelings when for years you kept them bottled up. Alexia was proud and she wished Mapi took the time to see this side of you, the one that is the complete opposite of who you were a year ago.

"I told Leila that I didn't know if there was any coming back from this. Now I know there isn't and I think it's time I move on. Who knows, maybe in a few months or a year she will be ready for us to be sisters again"

"And Leila is worth it?"

"She is. Speaking of Leila I really should go, I’m cooking tonight"

You spent two hours slaving over the stove making the perfect pasta with spicy tomato sauce. It may not have been much but you enjoyed it and you knew Leila did too. It also gave you chance to think, maybe spending your birthday apart from your sister wasn't the worse thing in the world. In fact you planned on doing something similar to her but instead of Mallorca you had your sights set on Ibiza.

When you hear a knock at the door you have an extra pep in your step as you go to answer it. You are so caught up in the night that was only just beginning and the possibility of spending a few days just you and Leila that you don't see the look of devastation on her face. Leila tried to find the right moment to bring it up but it never came. You wouldn't stop talking over dinner and it seemed cruel to do it when you held her tightly in your arms. You had provided her a safe space and she was about to wreck it with a bulldozer.

"I can't wait. You, me, sun, sea, sand and se—“

"I think we should break up"

"What, no, why would we do that?"

Leila lifts her weight off of you and puts as much space between you and her as possible. Tears fall down her face but she makes no effort to wipe them away, she knows it will a waste of time as other will fall in their place.

"I told you I would hurt you" you are adamant that it is your fault, why wouldn't it be, Leila was perfect.

It killed Leila to know you blamed yourself for this when you did nothing wrong. You treated her like a princess, loved her like she was the only woman in the world and made her happier than ever before.

"It's for the best" Leila couldn't tell you the real reason why because then it will ruin any chance of reconciliation you and Mapi have.

"No it's not. I love you Leila and I know that I may not have been the best girlfriend but I am trying my best here just give me a chance, please" you beg for a second chance.

In her eyes Leila was doing the right thing but seeing you so open and vulnerable, it makes her want to take everything back, tell you she made mistake and hold you until both you and her stop crying.

"I wish I could be with you"

"You can be with me Leila"

"I can't bec—“

"Because what!" you didn't mean to raise your voice but you had started to panic. You didn't want to lose Leila and you would do anything to save your relationship.

"Because you need her"

You couldn't believe what you were hearing.

“Who?”

“Mapi”

“I don't understand what I did wrong. If she chose you and you're choosing her, who chooses me?"

"I'm sorry Y/N" Leila kisses your cheek before walking towards your door.

"Don't leave me"

If Leila were to turn around she would see a shell of a woman that greeted her a few hours ago. You wondered if she realised she was making your nightmare, the one that kept you for up for night after night, a reality.

The next day at training something was wrong and the whole team could tell. Leila kept her distance from you and you barely talked the entire session. You didn't stick around afterwards as the team got a coffee and you declined an invite to go out for tea later in the evening. The following morning the team has been called in to go over some game film. You arrived late and the redness of your eyes were unmistakeable, you had been crying. Mapi grew concerned rather quickly and it didn't take long to figure out the cause of your pain. 

“You need to talk to her. Something is wrong” Mapi whispers to Alexia. 

It fuelled the captain with annoyance. Mapi was being so stubborn and it caused her to distance herself from you even though she obviously still scared. 

“You know what is wrong. I hate to say it but this is your fault. She turned up at my apartment two nights ago in tears because Leila broke up with her”

Mapi truly thought Leila was being dramatic and that she was trying to prove a point. Never did she think the defender would go through with it. 

“What am I suppose to do?” Mapi asks. 

“I don’t know Mapi. I think you need to apologise and hope that she is in a forgiving mood” 

Your sister knew that she had messed up but in her eyes she was doing to the right thing. She had never seen you in a relationship before and she hated that the first person you took that step with is a team mate and her best friend. 

The game footage played in the background but your focus was elsewhere. You couldn’t believe Leila had called things off for the sake of your sister and you knew you had every right to be mad at her but you wasn’t, you just wanted your girl back.

When Leila did look at you it only lasted a few seconds, she mouthed I’m sorry then turned her to attention to anything or anyone that wasn’t you. When the first session is over you are the first one to leave. You hated been able to see her, even touch her if you wanted to, yet you couldn’t and it was torture. You take a few seconds to yourself in the hallway as you try to gather your thoughts.

“Whats wrong?” You stoped pacing for only a second when you heard your sister’s voice.

“Nothing. Go away”

You knew that out of everyone Mapi was the one person you couldn’t hide from. It didn’t matter if you were talking or not. In that moment you just wanted a hug from your sister and for her to tell you everything will be ok. If you stopped for a moment to let yourself feel then you wouldn’t be able to control your emotions and the training ground wasn’t the right place for another breakdown. 

“You pace back and forth when you’re thinking and circles when something is wrong. So talk to me?” Mapi stood in front of you, forcing you to stop and look at her although part of her regrets it. As she looks into your eyes she see’s the pain and suffering. It causes guilt to grow in her gut because she knows that even though she didn’t ask for Leila to break up with you, she was the reason it happened.

“Now you want to talk after you’ve ruined everything. You once told me that you can’t wait for me to experience what you have with Ingrid. Well guess what maps, I found it and then it got taken away because instead of being happy for me you were hellbent on making me miserable. So no I won’t talk to you. You ruined the best thing to happen to me”

“I didn’t mean for this to happen”

“What did you expect? You made Leila feel like she was to blame for us not talking when that’s all on you. I tried to be a good person, to be the person Leila deserves and for what? I lost her Mapi” 

Your sister saw, for the first time, just how wrong she had been. You didn’t see Leila as a temporary fix or a trial run at what you thought was happiness. You truly cared for her and there Mapi stands, the reason for your heartbreak.

“Y/N” 

“I can’t do this with you Mapi. I miss you so much but I need space”

“Ok. I’ll go back in and tell them you need ten minutes?” 

It was the first time in long while where you felt your sister on your side.

“5” you correct her.

For the next few days you remained comfortably numb. It was a worrying sight for those around you as it wasn’t just your sadness you hid, you refused to show any emotion whatsoever. Alexia suggested that you take a few days to get your head straight but you refused and given your performance in training, Jona didn’t back the captain on her suggestion. With the El Classico only a few days away he needed you on the pitch and even though he was worried about you, he hoped you carry over whatever you are feeling into the game because he knows there’s nothing worse than when you’re pissed off, it made you untouchable.

So when game day came you stayed to yourself. You put your headphones on when you left the hotel and they didn’t come off until the warms up. It was a different mood to what you normally felt but it was a welcomed feeling. 

“Y/N” you feel someone remove your headphones and you expect to see Alexia standing in front of you.

“Leila” you couldn’t control the smile on your face. She hadn’t uttered a word to you since that night in your apartment.

“Don’t do anything stupid out there” 

You stood up so you are at her level. You glance down at her lips, it was an automatic reflex whenever you were this close to her.

“When have I ever done something stupid?”

“I can name a few but now that I think about it most of them include me” Jenni shouts from across the locker room. You laugh slightly but stop when you realise most of the team are watching you and Leila. It made you feel awkward but given the past couple of days you couldn’t really blame them.

“Y/N. I mean it, no hulking out on the pitch” 

“No code green, got it”

Mapi watched the interaction in awe. You had been miserable for days yet a 30 second conversation with Leila had you smiling and joking. It made her think if her pride had stopped her from seeing this all long. 

“You see it now don’t you?” Alexia question made it sound like everyone knew that the connection you and Leila shared was real, well everyone but Mapi. She simple nods in response.

“It took you long enough” Alexia pats her on the back when she finished getting ready.

Within the first 15 minutes of the game it was like Real Madrid had one mission and it was to rile you up. Every time you had the ball they fouled you and when you played it to Jenni they did the same to her. It caused your already short fuse to trip and you knew it was only a matter of time before you retaliate. Much to your surprise you last almost the entire first half before getting your payback. You foul Sofia Svava which results in you getting a yellow card. Misa who was the closest to you comes to argue with the ref but it’s pointless you got your card, no way was it a red, but that didn’t stop her from trying to get a rise out of you. 

It seems like both teams have been told to be on their best behaviour when the second half starts or at least much friendlier. No cards are given out for 30 minutes but it’s as if everyone was waiting for what was to happen next. Caro makes a run down the right hand side and sends a ball into the box. It goes over yours and Jenni’s head which you thought was strange but you turn around just in time to see Caro’s target get taken down to the floor after Misa makes a high clearance which should never have happen.

Leila laid on the on the grass holding her head. You were blinded by rage and you only had you eyes on one person. Misa could have serious hurt Leila, she still might have and you needed the goalkeeper to know that she wasn’t go to get away with it. You barge your way through the white shirts, pushing and shoving them aside like they were nothing. Misa knows she has done wrong because she starts taking steps back but it doesn’t stop you. You shove her one, twice, three times and your hand gets higher with every push, the fourth one sends her to the floor. Her mistake is that she gets up because if gives the chance to do it all over again.

“Mapi! Get Y/N!” Alexia shouts from Leila’s side.

Mapi comes running over but she isn’t strong enough to hold you back. The adrenaline coursing through your veins makes you unstoppable but Mapi doesn’t give up. Just before she is sent to the floor Misa pushes you back. It gave your team mates the chance to stop you but Misa doesn’t realise what she had done until it’s too late.

“You don’t touch her ever again” Mapi shoves Misa back and with one shove she is on the floor. Mapi’s protectiveness is finally used in the right way, to protect you.

You know that going after Misa is no longer an option so you go to Leila’s side but you can tell she is out of it. The sight fills you with a sense of fear you have never felt before, there was nothing to do to help her so you stood beside her hoping that your presence helps in whichever way it could.

“Y/L/Ns” the referee shouts you and Mapi over and you know what is coming. 

She hold a yellow card out to Mapi, then points it at you followed a red. In your eyes it was worth it, nobody touches the woman you love and gets away with it. You accept the cards then go back to Leila but once again the referee shouts of your and says that you have to leave the pitch. That wasn’t going to happen. The medics are still looking at Leila and you didn’t plan on leaving her side until you knew she was ok. In the end Irene and Sandra escort you off the pitch much to your annoyance. 

Once in the locker room you truly let out your frustrations. If you can grab it then it is thrown against the wall, boots, bottles, shirts, nothing was safe. You punch the wall in blind range and instantly regret it but the release of anger was needed. You were angry at Misa, the Madrid player and the referee but most of all you were worried. You sink into your locker clutching your chest when your breathing becomes staggered. It wasn’t an unknown feeling, not recently, but it’s a lot more intense than the other times it’s happen. Your hands start shaking and tears start flowing.

“Y/N look at me” your sisters voice bring you very little comfort but it does help.

“I can’t breathe. Leila”

“They’re taking her to the hospital” Mapi meant to reassure you but it only made things worse “take a deep breathe and let me look at your hand. Jesus, I thought you were out of your punching walls phase”

“I couldn’t help it. They hurt her Mapi, they hurt Leila and I couldn’t do anything to help her” as ridiculous as it sounds, Mapi has never heard you so concerned for anyone.

“You really do love her” it took Leila been injured and you almost taking on the entire Real Madrid team for her to see what you had been trying to tell her all this time.

“I do”

“Then let’s go see your girl” 

“They won’t let me see her. We aren’t family, she isn’t even my girlfriend anymore” 

“Leave that to me” you and mapi are less than a meter away from the door when she stops you “we need to sort your hand out”

“We are going to a hospital. They will do a much better job than us two” you remind your sister.

“that’s a good point”

The hospital was like a maze and between you and Mapi, it was like the blind leading the blind. You had no idea where Leila was, the main reception was no help as they couldn't legally tell you anything. You looked at the department board and narrowed down a few options where she could be. After the first two departments refused to give you any information you realised the best plan was to act like you knew where she was. You roamed the halls of the hospital on the verge of giving up that is until Mapi took things into her own hands.

"Hola!" Mapi had her charming voice on and you dreaded what was was to come next "We're looking for Ouahabi, Leila Ouahabi"

"She isn't James Bond" you roll your eyes at Mapi's dramatics.

Mapi waves you away as she turns her attention back to the nurse.

"You can help us, can't you?" Mapi asks only for the nurse to say unless you are family then there's nothing she can do.

"Listen to me. This here is my sister Y/N" you wave awkwardly "she is madly in love with the girl we are trying to find. They were dating but Leila broke up Y/N because she thought it would help me forgive this one but truth is I was scared that she wouldn't forgive me because I have been a terrible big sister and it cost my little sister the best thing to ever happen to her"

"7 minutes, just saying" you practically say to yourself.

"I'm sure your sister does love her but I cannot tell you anything, it's the law" the nurse apologies more to you then Mapi.

"What if they are married? What if I were to tell you that she is Leila Ouahabi's wife then will you tell us where she is"

"But you just told me they broke up"

You pull Mapi away making sure to thank the nurse for her troubles.

"Leave it mapi, we'll go back to the hotel and wait to hear from her"

"No!" Mapi marches over to the nurse's station but you don't have the energy to go after her.

"Where the hell have you been?" Patri all but runs to where you are. Clearly Mapi's raised voice worked, just not in the way she planned "Why aren't you answering your phone"

You had never been so happy to see your team mate. She ushered you both towards a room at the end of the corridor. Leila laid on the bed as she answered the doctor’s questions the best she could. Mapi enters first but you stay in the doorway and watch her for a few seconds. You definitely weren't seeing each other anymore but were you still friends? Did the small interaction in the locker mean you could enter her room?

Your sister talks to the team medics who leave and then pulls patri out of the room too.

"What are you doing?" you pull her arm back "She's your best friend, you can stay too"

"She is but she's your girlfriend or at least she should be" Mapi pats you on the shoulder as she walks past you.

You look back and forth between Leila and Mapi until the latter is no longer in the room. Then all your focus is on your ex. You could just make out the lump that is forming on her head but what you didn't expect to see was a small cut. You couldn't believe you didn't see it before.

"You were bleeding? How did I not notice?" Your head tilts slightly as you inspect her further.

"From what i've been told you were busy" Leila chuckles slightly but it didn't change your expression, which had worry written all over it.

"Misa deserved worse" you growled.

You knew violence was never the answer and that a punishment was sure to come but you didn't care, not when it came to Leila.

"You punched someone" she points towards your hand.

"Yes. Well no, it was a wall" you hid you hand so Leila couldn't see it.

"You shouldn't have gone after her Y/N. You could have got in trouble."

"What did you expect me to do? What part of you thinks I would stand to the side whilst my girl— whilst you get taken out. There was nothing legal about that tackle, the referee had been in Madrid's favour all game, I had no choice"

"I'm fine"

"You're in the hospital Leila, nothing about that is fine"  

You couldn't believe Leila was downplaying the seriousness of what happened. You try to take a deep breathe trying not to let your emotions start making decisions, not that they hadn't already. In all the time she knew you, Leila had never seen you this angry. She didn't know what to do or say to you. Truth is she was fine and she would get discharged first thing in the morning but you didn't want to hear that.

"You hulked out. What happened to no code green?"She needed to change the heaviness of the conversation but her attempt at doing so seemed to have the opposite.

"You think this is funny" you raise your voice slightly "Why does nobody take me seriously!"

"Y/N that's not—“

"No! First my sister didn't take our relationship seriously. You clearly didn't because you broke up with me like it was nothing. I thought I was doing the right thing today. I will always protect the people I love and I will not apologise for that"

The tension in the room thickened. Your break up hadn't been discussed up until now and even so it probably wasn't the best time. You were overwhelmed and it's as if every emotion that you have ignored over the past few days have come back and attacked you. It was too much, a huge part of you wanted to leave so that Leila didn't see your weakness but you didn't want to leave her alone. Instead of leaving, you put as much distance between the two of you and refused to look her way, meanwhile Leila couldn't look at anything but you.

"It was a mistake"

Your head snaps in her direction. You couldn't believe what you were hearing. Those 4 words had the power to break whatever was left of your heart.

"Our relationship wasn't a mistake. How could you say that?"

"Not our relationship. Me breaking up with you"

"Then why do it? You told me that nobody would get in the way of what we want but that's exactly what you let happen"

It was hard to explain and Leila knew you wouldn't see if from her point of view no matter how hard she tried. You had the right outlook, you loved her and that's all that mattered but it was the love she had for you that made her break up with you despite what it cost her.

"Because I saw that you missed your sister and I didn't want you to look back and hate me for getting the way"

"I could never hate you Leila. Trust me I have tried but the anger that I feel towards you fails in comparison to the love I have for you"

You thought you were been sweet with your words but by Leila's reaction you must have said something wrong. Her bottom lip begins to tremble as tears brim her eyes but it is only when tears fall do you go to her. Sitting on the edge of her bed you use your thumbs you wipe the tears that have already fallen, preparing to the same if new ones fall.

"Did I say something wrong?" Leila shakes her head "then why are you crying?"

"I ruined us"

You agreed with was she was saying but it sounded permanent, like your relationship was beyond fixable. It wasn't though, you knew this and Leila needed to know it too. What you had with Leila was rare and when she broke up with you she didn't give you a chance to fight for her, that wouldn't happen this time.

"We're not ruined Leila. I never wanted this to happen. I was very happy spending my nights with you—“

"Sure you were" a small chuckle escapes her lips.

"Not like that, well kind of like that but in other ways too. I loved the side you brought out in me, for the first time in a very long while I felt true happiness and I'm not ready to give up on us. Are you?"

The silence is deafening and you can't tell if Leila is trying to talk herself into it or if she is overthinking what happens if you do give things another try. It is only when Leila looks towards the door do her thoughts become clear.

“Please don’t think about her” 

“I can’t not think about her Y/N”

Little did you know that Mapi & Patri had been eavesdropping on the conversation from the other side of the door and when she’s hears you talking about her, Mapi makes her presence know. 

“Y/n’s right Leila” Mapi pops her head through the door “don’t think about me. I got in the way once and it cost me both on you. I promise you it won’t happen again”

You never needed your sister’s blessing but knowing you have it makes things a lot easier. You only hoped she would keep her word or at least give you and Leila a chance to show her what you have isn’t a fling. Ultimately Leila had all the power, you told her you wanted her and Mapi made her promise, now it was up to her. 

The smirk that tugs at her lips gives you all you need to know and you couldn’t be happier. You didn’t care that your sister was in the room, you kiss Leila. It is short and sweet but just as you pull away Leila leans forward making it clear that she wasn’t done.

“Not in front of me please” Mapi uses her hand to cover her face.

“Then leave because I’m not done kissing my girlfriend” Leila didn’t have to tell her twice. She might have been on board with your relationship but she wasn’t going to stick around to see her little sister make out with her best friend.

[pitchsidestories]

antidote II Leila Ouahabi x Reader

a/n: dear readers, enjoy reading this little oneshot and thank you @taysappho for sending us the request. 🤍🤍

masterlist I word count: 1446

“Amor, have you seen?”, Leila asked, her face brightly smiling at you through the phone screen.

Of course, you had seen it. You had been sitting in front of your phone to watch the UWCL draw and had prayed to whoever might have listened that Barcelona and Manchester City would face each other. There was nothing you wanted more than to play against your girlfriend on the biggest stage of European club football.

“The results of the UWCL draw? Yes!”, you yelled back at her through the video call.

“We’ll be playing against each other.“, Leila summarized the obvious, seemingly still unable to believe it.

You nodded: “I can’t wait for it.“

“Me neither.“

“The first game is in October already.“, you said, checking the schedule on your phone again.

Leilas face grinned at you from the small square in the corner of your screen: “I can’t wait to have you in Manchester.“

“And in December you’ll be playing in Barcelona.“, you added.

“Only in December?”, Leila asked suddenly.

You frowned, turning your attention back to your video call: “Uhm, what do you mean by that?“

Pausing, you watched the background of Leilas video passing by behind her as she kept walking with her front camera focused on herself. You knew where she was.

“Wait, are you at an airport?”

She beamed at you proudly: “Just landed. Do you want a flat white or a cappuccino?“

“No way…“, you said incredulously and then added: “Cappuccino please.“

“Will be delivered soon.“, Leila winked into the camera.

You shook your head, still in awe about the surprise: “I love you.“

“I know. Love you too.“

With that she ended the call. Silence filled your Barcelona apartment with the exception of your heart beating loudly against your chest. You still couldn’t believe that she would be here soon.

You had been together for a few years now and long-distance worked surprisingly well for the two of you but you couldn’t deny that you often found yourself missing her. You both had tight schedules so visiting each other was a rare luxury usually reserved for the winter and summer breaks.

A ringing on your doorbell announced what you hoped would be the arrival of Leila a little later. You opened the door with a grin, making space to let her in: “Come on in, gentlewoman.“

“Thank you. Here’s your coffee.“, she laughed, while balancing two steaming to-go cups and her duffle bag.

You gratefully took the cup she offered you and took a sip. “Oh, it’s still hot.“, you remarked with surprise.

Leila dropped her bag to the floor and gave you an “Oh please“ - look.

“Of course, I know what I’m doing.“, she laughed before pulling you in for an embrace.

You could feel yourself melt into her, breathing in her scent. You had missed her more than you had realized.

“For how long you will stay?”, the question passed your lips without thinking.

“A few days.”, Leila replied smiling.

Relief flooded you in an instant, a few days was more than you were used to getting since the defender made her move to Manchester.

“That’s amazing.”, you muttered happily.

“The club gave me a couple of days off because of the injury.”, she explained more seriously.

Your heart sank at your girlfriends mentioning the reason why the dark-haired woman was able to be in your arms in this exact moment.

“How are you, Leila?”, you asked her concerned.

“I’m okay, really.”, Leila answered, lifting your chin so you could see the truth reflected in her beautiful brown eyes.

“Can I do anything?”

“Well, you can spend some time with me.”, the defender suggested. For a second, she paused. With a mischievous smile playing on her lips your girlfriend continued. “I heard that should help.”

“Does that help?”, you questioned innocently after kissing the only slightly taller woman gently.

“I think it does.”, Leila admitted grinning amused.

“Good.”, you nodded satisfied with her answer.

“Come here, amor. I missed you.”, she demanded softly.

“I missed you too.”, you whispered a quiet confession.

“Yes, I know.”, the fellow footballer responded cheekily.

“Bienvenida a casa.”

“Nice place.”, Leila observed, really taking in your new flat this time.

“It’s, huh? You can see the sea from the balcony.”, you rambled on excitedly, eager to show her everything of your appartement which your lover normally only saw through the small screen during your video calls.

“Show me.”, she requested. No more assurance was needed afterwards.

“Isn’t the view gorgeous?”, you beamed at her once the two of you have stepped on to the balcony.

It was decorated with a few green plants, a small table accompanied by two chairs, but the most thrilling part of it was indeed the fantastic scenery. The sounds of the buzzing city were audible, but underneath all of that you could hear the waves crashing to the shore. While the sight of the sea always mesmerized you.

“Very.”, Leila giggled, she was unable to take her eyes off you. After all those years together, the dark-haired woman was still enchanted by you.

“You’re not even looking at it.”, you protested weakly.

“I see something better.”, the defender countered in a flirty tone.

“You do?”, you raised an eyebrow teasingly.

“I do.”, your girlfriend confirmed, she cupped your face with her long and delicate hands and left hungry kisses all over your face it gave you fuel to your own desires too. Oh, how you’ve missed her presence and her touches. It’s been too long without it, you thought to yourself.

With innocent eyes you blinked at her: “It’s getting kind of chilly, don’t you agree? Maybe we should go back inside.“

“I agree.“, Leila smiled knowingly like she could read your mind.

As you walked back inside, followed closely by your girlfriend, you grinned: “I need to show you the bedroom next.“

“Oh please do.“, she laughed while her hand slid down towards your butt, her finger hooking into the waistband of your jeans.

“Follow me.“, you laughed and led her to your bedroom.

You spend the night between the sheets but wide awake. It was a blur of lingering touches and soft kisses on tender skin. You only fell asleep in Leilas arms when the sun started to rise again.

You decided to let Leila sleep when you had to get up for training the next morning.

Yawning you sat in the dressing room while you got dressed for training. You were basically still half asleep when Alexia appeared next to you, pulling on your training shirt.

“Looks like boyfriend Leila is back in town.“, she smirked.

You blinked at her against the tiredness: “How… Oh.“

Your hand shot up to your neck, covering up the visible hickie that you had forgotten to cover up. You could feel the blood rush into your cheeks and cursed yourself for being so inattentive this morning.

“Show us!”, Patri demanded while pulling on your arm.

Sighing, you let go. She whistled impressed once she took a look at the bruise: “Wow, looks like she missed you a lot.“

“Yeah, no make up could conceal that.“, Mapi agreed, teasing.

You groaned, wishing you could just disappear from the face of the world: “Chicas, please.“

“Is she still in Barcelona?”, Alexia asked curiously.

“Yes, Leila is here for a few more days… She obviously wants to see you all too.“

Mapi laughed: “Do you think you can make her leave the bed for us?”

“Yes, if we’re going to her favourite restaurant.“, you shrugged.

Alexia nodded once: “We can arrange that.“

Before you knew it, your captain whipped out her phone and made a reservation for the whole team the following night.

With relief you left the pitch one and a half hours later and were surprised by Leila waiting for you at the exit. She was in an oversized hoodie that you knew too well with the hood up, hiding her face.

She scooped you up into a tight hug and whispered: “Did they notice…?”

“Of course they did!”, you replied, hitting her playfully on her arm.

“Sorry.“, she laughed.

You grimaced at her: “You don’t look sorry though.“

“I’m not. Next time I will leave it somewhere more inconspicuous.“, she promised with a grin that verged on dirty.

You bumped her shoulder with yours: “We’ll have dinner with the team tomorrow, I hope you can behave for that.“

“We’ll see about that.“, she shrugged.

“Leila!“

“Sorry.“, she laughed.

Shaking your head, you took her hand in yours and started walking.

This girl really couldn’t behave, not even in public. Maybe going back to your bedroom was the better idea.

[pitchsidestories]

never judge a book by it's cover II Beth Mead x Vivianne Miedema x Reader

masterlist I word count: 1321

a/n: dear readers, this pairing was quite a requested one, so we hope we've met your expectations. 💗💗

warning: mentions of injuries, but despite that topic a whole lot of wholesomeness and fluff. <3

“Beth, Viv tried to call us.”, you noticed concerned after you looked at your phone. A few minutes ago, Renee ended the training, and the Arsenal team felt more optimistic than it had in recent times.

“She did? Weird, she knows we had training. And she hates calls.”, Beth frowned.

“Yes, it must be important.”, you replied before playing the voice mail your other girlfriend had left. Viviannes frustrated and sad voice filled the changing room. It was in stark contrast to the current joyful and happy atmosphere.

“Hi girls. I know you’re busy. Just wanted to let you know that the team doctor checked on my knee again and it doesn’t seem to get better. I’m off to do some more scans now but he said another surgery might be inevitable. They want to operate as soon as possible. No big deal, just wanted to let you know. Enjoy your training.”

“Oh no, poor Vivi. Love, you know what that means, right?”, the blonde sighed heavily.  

“Yes, of course.”, you told her. Clearing your throat, you turned around to face one of your Australian teammates. “Uhm Steph, sorry, we can’t go on our usual coffee walk with the dogs later. Beth and I need to drive to Manchester because Viv needs us right now.”

“Sure. Everything, okay?”, Steph asked alarmed.

“No, Viv puts her brave face on, but she likely has to go through a surgery again.”, you explained with a heavy heart.

“Tell her we’re all thinking of her.”, she responded empathetically.

“Okay, we’ll.”, you promised her.

“See you soon, Steph.”, Beth waved at one of her best friends.

“Bye girls, take care.”, Steph replied.

Your girlfriend and you didn’t waste time, you quickly got everything you needed for your lover and when drove all the way up to the North in a bit over four hours.

Both your hearts pounded hard against your chests, once you rang at Vivianne’s appartement door in Manchester and waited for her to open it. You couldn’t know in which state you’d find her.

“What are you two doing here?!”, the Dutch woman exclaimed surprised while kneeing down despite the pain to hug the dog who wiggled her tail excitedly, clearly thrilled to see her again.

“Looking after you!”, you answered patiently.

“I can handle that I did it before.”, Vivianne clarified as the brunette slowly stood up again.

“Yes, but you don’t have to handle it alone.”, Beth reminded her softly, wrapping her arms around the taller forward.

“Exactly, we’ll be there for you if you like it or not.”, you added, joining their hug, turning the Dutch’s footballer’s cheeks into a soft pink.

“You didn’t have to come.”, Vivianne stated seriously.

“But we wanted to, you stubborn woman.“, Beth huffed with annoyance but her eyes softened at the sight of her girlfriend.

Vivs eyebrows knotted together: “Who are you calling stubborn? You didn’t even call back to ask how the scans went. You just packed your stuff and drove here!“

You shrugged, trying to calm the situation with an innocent smile: “We just knew that we had to be here.“

With that, you marched past her into her living room that you had helped decorate a few months ago.

Vivianne shook her head: “You’re two idiots.“

“Yeah but we’re your idiots.“, Beth smiled and gently bumped shoulders with her as they followed you.

“Yeah, you are.“, Vivianne confirmed with the hint of a laugh in her voice.

You stopped in front of the sofa and started to unpack the bags you and Beth had packed earlier.

“Plus, we got Myle, your favourite snacks and the new book from that author you love. So basically everything you need to start your recovery.“, you told her.

A bit overwhelmed, Vivianne took in the pile of sweets you created on the coffee table. It took a few seconds until she spoke again: “That’s sweet of you.“

“You’re welcome, Viv. So, what’s next for you?“, you asked, sitting down on her sofa.

“For one, it’s surgery and then rehab again.“, she sighed as she sat down next to you.

Beth calmingly laid a hand on Vivs thigh: “When is the date for the surgery?“

“In a few days so you can’t stay here for that.“

As soon as she had finished, Beth and you looked at each other with silent understanding.

You frowned: “You don’t want us to be here for the surgery?“

“You have training.“, the dutch player replied like the answer should have been obvious. And maybe it should have been. But not when Beth and you were determined to be there for your girlfriend.

“Yes but Renee would understand if we would skip one.“, Beth argued which was met with a determined shake of Vivs head. “But I don’t want you to pause your lives for me.“

You barely stopped yourself from rolling your eyes at her typical stubbornness: “It’s not on pause because you are an important part of our lives.“

She considered you for a moment, silently.

“Yes, everyone would understand.“, Beth nodded to emphasize your point.

Another short break until Vivianne finally admitted: “To be honest, girls, I’m a little scared…“

Taken aback, you bit your lip. It wasn’t often that your girlfriend was open about her emotions.

Beths hand slipped into Vivs, her gaze softening: “You don’t have to be. We’ll be here for you and support you every step of the way.“

“What if I’m not coming back from this?“

“You’ll. You’re a fighter.”, the blonde said in a tone which left no room for doubt and was full of certainty.

“And you two will be there? I know I can get.”, the Dutch woman started.

Before she could add anything, you interrupted her gently. “Of course we’ll be.”

“Promise.”, Beth continued solemnly.

“Okay, thanks.”, Viv let out a relived sigh.

“Cuddles.”, you offered.

“Okay.”, she agreed with a half-crooked smile and opened her arms for you both to cuddle into one of her sides each.

“Do you feel better?”, the English player wanted to know.

“A lot. But still you shouldn’t have come.”, the Manchester city football player mumbled.

“We’re not starting with that again.”, you groaned.

“Yes, shut up and be happy!”, Beth demanded laughing.

“Let’s read out to each other with Viv’s new book. Beth could you..?”, you suggested.

“Make some special Meado hot chocolate? Absolutely.”, your girlfriend exclaimed thrilled.

“You guys know I hate the attention.”, the Dutch forward pouted.

“We do that’s why we’ll focus on fictional characters now. Can you already smell the hot drink?”, you tried your best to distract her.

“I hope Beth doesn’t burn the milk again.”, Viv looked worried into the direction where the scent of hot chocolate came from.

“Have a little faith in me!”, Beth yelled.

“I do. Usually.”, the forward assured the other striker quickly who returned with three cups of warm beverages.

“Okay, fine. I won’t argue with you.”, Viv laughed.

“The cover is really awful though.”, you commented while flipping through the pages of the newly acquired novel.

“You’re not supposed to read the cover.”, the dark-haired woman clicked her tongue.

“And not judge it by it’s looks?”, you raised an eyebrow at your lover, you knew exactly to what she was alluding to.

From the outside you looked very tough with your tattoos and muscular built. Because of your outward appearance people were quite intimidated by you until they got to know the human behind the looks. There was a soft and gentle side to you other persons were surprised to find.

“Of all people you must know that looks can be misleading.”, Beth reminded you with a wink.

“Can we read now?”, Viv threw in impatiently.

“Sure.”, you chuckled and began to read the first lines of the new book.  While you were aware that the best love story lay right next to you, listening to every word you said.

[pitchsidestories]

It only hurts this much right now II Hayley Raso x Reader

Word count: 872

Disclaimer: English is not our first language

As the final whistle blow and you knew you were going to the final but to the cost of your girlfriend’s team loosing, your eyes immediately started looking for Hayley and her signature piece the bow in the colour of her jersey. Before you could find her, you were hold back by two strong arms which belonged to Alanna Kennedy. The tall blonde defender whispered in your ear: “Let Hayley be alone for a moment; she just gave everything on this pitch.” “Okay but tell her I’d like to see her when she’s ready for me.”, you nodded understandingly. In a reassuring tone Alanna answered: “I promise, I will do that.” Quickly she added: “oh, congrats by the way for entering the final of the world cup.”  A sad smile appeared on your lips as you thanked her for her congratulation before you could stop yourself you thought out loud: “ I really wish this was the endgame. Even though I know the hurt would probably be even stronger but you Matildas would have deserved this.” Empathetically the Australian player padded your shoulders: “But it’s the semi. I’ll go see where Hayley is.”

Meanwhile Hayley felt the loss settling into her bones, her back was aching, all what she wanted to do right now was getting back into the hotel, covering herself in a blanket and shutting the world out. Despite that the midfielder still needed to do one thing, so with a hopeful glance in her eyes she turned to Alanna: “Lani, hi.. is she still here?” “Yes, waiting for you.”, the taller woman nodded to the direction Hayleys girlfriend was standing between her very cheerful teammates Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze.

With a bright smile on her lips, Keira took your hand in hers, “Come on, time to celebrate.“ You stalled, looking over at the Matildas crowding around the coaching bench, „Go on. I’ll join you in a minute…“ Keira and Lucy shared a surprised look. “Fine then. But we won’t wait for you.“, Lucy shrugged. You shook your head, laughing, “I’ll catch up with you anyway. Sarina said you’re not allowed to jump or run.“ While you were still joking with your teammates, you didn’t notice Hayley walking up to you.

Her sad smile made your features soften immediately. “Hi, love.“ “Hi.“, she whispered. You lowered your gaze towards your toes and cleared your throat, “Sorry for kicking you out…“ “It’s not your fault. You were the better team. Do you still want to swap jerseys?“ Hayley was already pulling her shirt over her head. You nodded while following suit, “Of course I still want to.“ You took her shirt and pulled it over your head, “You can be so proud of yourself and your team. You have been amazing.“ Hayley took you in, standing in front of her in your sports bra and the sad smile tugged on the corners of her mouth again, “ Thank you. It just doesn’t feel like it at the moment.“ “I know.“

While answering you realized that Hayleys yellow bow had fallen to the ground. With a swift move, you picked it up and held in front of her face, “Your bow fell out.“ Wordlessly, your girlfriend turned around, so you could put it back into her ponytail like you have done a million times before. “Thank you.“ You couldn’t help but smile as you read your own name on your jersey that Hayley was now wearing, “You look really good with my name on your back.“ Finally, Hayley turned around with a real smile on her lips and let her gaze drift over you, “I like the Matildas shirt on you too.“

Impatiently Keira with a huge grin on her face shouted at you: “We gotta go now, it’s time for you to say goodbye to your girlfriend!”  You chose to ignore the shout of your teammate to ask in a hopeful voice: “See you later or tomorrow for a video call?” “Yes, see you. Oh and..”, Hayley stopped mid-sentence as you were about to leave.  Quickly you turned your head around to look at her: “Yes?” The Australian player swallowed hard before continuing: “ You were amazing tonight.” Your thanks came out in a whisper.

Quietly the brunette confessed: “I really hate losing. But there is no one I’d rather lose to than you.” “Trust me I love winning but winning against you felt terrible, so I think we’re equal upon this matter.”, you replied with a sad smile. Mumbling she agreed: “Looks like we are.” “Love you, Hayley.”, you said with a painful ache in your chest because these words might never felt as true and deep as they did in this Australian night. The love was mirrored in your girlfriends’ eyes: “I love you too. No one deserves to go to the final more than you so go celebrate with your girls.”

Hayley was still sad but there was something else pumping through her veins now a sense of excitement about what the future hold for you two in Madrid and all the adventures which lay ahead of you.

We hoped you enjoyed our first short imagine. Feel free to write us if you liked it.

[pitchsidestories]

Manchester City Women Masterlist (platonic)

ball of the undead

It's Australian's Reader's first birthday in Manchester, far away from home, so the team decides to surprise her with a Halloween Party.

Arsenal Women Masterlist (platonic) I Barcelona Femení Masterlist (platonic) I

[outsideratheart]

True Loves Kiss (Leila Ouahabi x reader)

A/N: Pure fluff! I hope you like it.

The beginning on the season was always the same, games were played on either a Saturday or Sunday with mid week games not coming until a few months in.

“First Saturday off in over two months, What’s everyone’s plans?” Jenni asks the team who had finished their last training session before having the weekend off.

Her question earns several responses but you stay quiet hoping to limit to teasing that you are sure to receive.

“What Y/N, you haven’t got any plans? I find that hard to believe” Jenni asks you.

You hear Mapi snicker from beside you.

“Jenni if you want to know Y/N’s plans you are better off asking Leila seen as they spend every day off together”

Whilst this was true you didn’t enjoy the fun the team had at you expense. You liked Leila, you heart was safe with her. She couldn’t break it because she didn’t know it belonged to her. 

“I don’t spend every day off with her. If you must know, I plan on going to the new vegan cafe in L’Eixample then I have” you take a moment to think, what could you say that would keep them quiet “I have an event in the afternoon”

“You don’t have the day off?” Alexia asks rather surprised. Lately the two of you had attended most events together but she didn’t know anything about this one.

“I’m a busy girl” you tell the team. 

When a new conversation gets started about the possibility of them going out for drinks on the night you breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you have dodged a bullet, or so you thought.

“Y/N” Leila sings as she waltzes into the changing room already fully dressed “I’ll see you tomorrow at Nora’s birthday”

The locker room stifles back laughter. They were right to assume you had plans with the defender but was amused them more was the fact you would be spending you first Saturday off at a 2 year old’s birthday party.

“Actually I’ll see you before that. What’s the address of that cafe?”

At this point they cannot hold it any longer, the locker room is filled with laughter. Leila looks around the room in confusion, wondering what she had said that was so funny.

“Que¿” She asks.

“I’ll text you later” you say and with that she leaves the locker room.

You can tell Mapi is dying to say something but you can’t take the teasing.

“Don’t. Say. Anything” you warn her before leaving yourself.

Whilst the team found it funny you got invited to Nora’s birthday, you loved it. The little girl asked you after the the home game 2 weeks ago. You loved Nora like she was family and with the amount of time you spend with Leila and the little girl, she practically was.

******************

The next morning, as planned, you and Leila go out for breakfast before going to the party.

“So I may have accidentally on purpose forgot to tell you something” Leila says with a sheepish look as you pull up to her brother’s house.

“The last time you said this I ended up at a wedding and not a family dinner” 

“Technically I was telling the truth. My family was there and there was food”

“Leila” you grab her hand just as she is about to walk in.

“It’s a princess party” you look at her, clearly unamused by the theme “don’t worry, Nora picked you out a crown, she said you could be princess charming because you don’t like dresses”

You wanted to be mad but you how could you.

When you entered the house you are greeted by several members of Leila’s family, the girl of the hour amongst them. Just as Leila said, she had a crown for you, which she placed over you head. Luckily you opted to have your hair down today so it was placed upon your head with ease. 

Leila choose to play with Nora and some of her friends whilst you took refuge at the adults table.

“Nice crown” her brother jokes.

“Suits me don’t you think” you pose as if he is taking a photograph.

“It came in matching set with Leila's” 

You look to where he is pointing and just as he said Leila has a tiara on which matches yours.

“Are you ever going to tell her how you feel?” 

You had told him your feelings for his sister last time you went out. It came easy to you to confide in him and you knew he wouldn’t run and tell Leila.

“One day, I’m not ready yet” you reply honestly.

He brother pushes no further as you both begin talking about the team and how you have been playing recently. 

“Y/N” Nora comes running up to you “Y/N you got to come” she pulls your hand towards the garden where Leila is laying on the floor. 

“What happened?” You ask.

At first you were slightly worried but then you saw Leila give you a subtle thumbs up so you decided to go with it.

“She cursed” Nora tells you.

You bend down so are at the toddlers level. The little one’s arm wraps around your shoulders.

“Oh no!” You do your best to act shocked “How do we save Leila”

“Princess Leila” the birthday girls corrects you.

“I’m sorry. How do we save Princess Leila?”

Nora looks at you with a mischievous grin on her face.

“True loves kiss”

When you hear laughter you turn to see that several of Leila’s family have joined you clearly wanting to see what you will do.

“I don’t know Nora” you feel the butterflies multiplying in your stomach.

“But you love Leila” the toddler shown no signs on backing down.

Was this really how your first kiss would happen? At a two year old’s birthday party in front of her entire family?

“If you don’t kiss her she will be asleep forever” Nora continues to argue her case.

“We all know Leila loves her sleep, maybe we let her sleep for a little bit then she might wake up” 

“No Y/N” the little girl stamps her foot and it takes everything in you not to laugh “She is cursed. You have to kiss her or she will never wake up”

You were caught between a rock and a hard place. Either kiss Leila and open up a floodgate of emotions or you upset a two year old on her birthday.

You realise that the latter is the worse option.

With you down on your knees, a hand on either side of Leila’s face, you lean down but stop at her lips. You can feel her breathe against yours. In an attempt to buy you more time you tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“You don’t have to” Leila voice is barely a whisper as she doesn’t want her niece to hear her.

“True loves kiss will save the princess” you can feel you cheeks burn up upon realising that you, in a way, just confessed you love for your best friend.

You place your lips on hers. The kiss is gentle but holds more emotion that any other kiss you have before. You can feel Leila smile against your lips and you cannot help but smile back. You pull away slowly because you don’t want the moment to end. Leila clearly has the same thoughts because she reaches up and pulls you back in for another kiss, this one a little bit deeper.

“Alright, remember we are at a kid’s birthday party” her brother says after clearing his throat.

You stand to your feet and holding out your hand to help Leila up.

“What do we do now?” Leila asks.

“You've seen the movies. Now we live happily ever after”

[outsideratheart]

Only a Blue For You (Leila Ouahabi x reader)

A/N: Technically this is a continuation of Never Go To Bed Angry but I feel like it can be read as a stand alone fic. Also, I am not a huge fan of the name but i couldn’t think of anything else.

This summer has been the best of your life so far. Winning the Euros in your home country is something that you only ever dreamt off. You remember when the final whistle blew, you were overwhelmed with emotions but you were able to keep it together that was until you saw Leila in the crowd wearing an England shirt with Y/L/N and 7 on the back, you had swapped it with her after the Spain game. 

You both attended the after party together and it was nice to see Leila mingle with her new team mates. You would never admit it to her but you spoke to a couple of the players, Keira, Alex and of course Vicky and asked if they would keep an eye on her for you. Truth is, you never wanted the tournament to end, one of the reasons being because it was like euphoria, the fans supported you every game and it made you feel unstoppable. The main reason though, it meant that Leila would officially move to Manchester and one half of your bed would remain cold until she returned.

After the Arnold cup the two of you spoke in detail about her move. She kept you in the loop with every decision she made and in the end she did sign with Manchester City.

Throughout preseason it was obvious that you missed Leila, you were a little off at training and the smile that only she could bring to your face never appeared. That is until Lucy came then you slowly began to open up and soon the old Y/N came back.

You had just returned from Toulouse. The players were walking to their cars when Lucy first brought up the idea about going to Madrid to watch City play Real Madrid. Just how you missed Leila, she missed Keira. You looked at your schedule and saw that you had a morning training session which meant you had the afternoon off.

“We will have to leave straight after training and come back the same night as will have MD-1 training the day after” you explained to the defender. You were more than happy to make the trip but as one of the captains you had to make sure she knew that there were rules.

“Deal. It’s just so hard, you know? What am I talking about, of course you know. In fact it must be harder for you, Leila is your wife” 

You give Lucy a look, one of the few looks which tells her to stop talking.

“Sorry” she apologies.

“It’s ok. I knew the first couple of weeks would be the hardest but I didn’t expect this” you dip your head “you have made it better though. I have swapped my actual wife for my England wife”

“Technically I am your Barcelona wife now too” 

You laugh at Lucy’s remark.

“It was are being technical” You mock Lucy’s words “Alexia is my work wife as we have a lot of commitments together off the pitch”

“So I am your Barcelona side piece”

“Is that really want you me to call you?” You ask not liking that way it sounded.

Lucy’s expression let’s you know she feels the same way “No, I don’t like it” 

“That’s what I though. I will pick you up for training in the morning then will can go straight to the airport”

*******************

You arrive at the stadium just before kick off. Lucy decided she wanted to keep her visit a secret so that she could surprise her girlfriend. You jumped on the band wagon but knew it would be difficult, especially because you were joining some of the Atleti girls in a box they had bought.

You cannot remember the last time you ever watched Leila play for a club and you wasn’t either on the pitch with her or watching from the bench.

When the starting line up came over the speakers you couldn’t help but cheer when Leila’s name was called.

“I thought you said you were keeping things quiet?” Lola teases.

“Me, quiet, never? Truth is I’m surprised I have got this far without her finding out. Me and Lucy met some fans on our way in, they asked for pictures but I asked them to wait until after the game, I can’t believe they actually have”

“What do you expect? We are in Madrid, the people are nice here” Lola makes a subtle dig which doesn’t go unnoticed.

“First of all I never said I didn’t like people from Madrid, I’m friends with you aren’t I?” You joke “I said that the fans are a little hostile at our games and secondly we are at a Madrid game, you feel the same as I do about their fans”

Lola hums in agreement before she turns her attention to the pitch where the players have lined up.

Leila ends up getting subbed off at half time. When she is on the bench she looks up the the big screen, seeing some of her national team mates. What she doesn’t expect to see though is to see you sitting with them.

“So much for a surprise?” Lucy nudges you.

“Keira is still playing. With her tunnel vision, she won’t have noticed the screen”

“I hope so” 

You loved how smitten one of your best friends was. 

The full time whistle blows and you feel bad for the blues, the loss meaning that their champions league dreams were over.

Shortly after you receive a text from your wife.

I can’t believe you came. Meet me pitch side

Then another one came through.

Keira said to bring Lucy

“We are been summoned” you show Lucy the text you received from Leila.

The two of you say goodbye to your friends, letting them know that you would catch up with them soon.

Once down near the pitch you and Lucy rest against the railings waiting for your better half’s to come out.

You are so caught up in the conversation that you are having with your team mate that you don’t realise Leila standing beside you on the pitch.

“I remember you saying that you would wear a Spain shirt when you come to watch me?” Leila says.

Your eyes meet hers. Both of you standing there taking each other in.

“I’m just going to wait over there” Lucy says awkwardly as she leaves the two of you alone.

You look around, making sure that security aren’t looking at you before you hop over the barrier not wanting to apart from your wife a second longer.

“You’re crazy” Leila giggles as you wrap your arms around her, holding her tighter than you ever have before.

“Only for you my love” you place a kiss on her temple.

As you close your eyes you inhale deeply, Leila’s scent reminding you of home, more so than your actually home does. 

“How’s Manchester?” You ask.

Her face drops at your question. You know that she had been struggling, Vicky told you this much when you called to check in on your wife. After one of your daily facetimes you could tell something was wrong but Leila being Leila kept it to herself.

“I miss home” She answers honestly.

“If it makes you feel any better, it isn’t home without you. Everything is off, I spent the first week after you left sleeping on the couch because the bed felt empty without you. Then I got in trouble from the physio because my back started hurting. I have somehow de scented all of the clothes you left, well mainly the hoodies, t-shirts and joggers”

“You want this one?” She asks as she holds out her Nike hoodie, you nod eagerly.

She teasingly holds out the hoodie before retracting it.

“Hey!” You groan.

Leila laughs at your childish response.

“I need something in return” she pulls at the t-shirt you are wearing.

“But I don’t have anything underneath” you explain.

The Spanish woman’s facial expression let’s you know that she already knew that.

“I see your game Ouahabi. Let me guess, you wouldn’t happen to have a blue shirt for me to wear” she nods her head before pulling out the shirt that she had tucked into the back of her shorts.

“No. I love you but I would rather walk around in my bra then wear that shirt. I love you but you know I could never cheat on my gunners like that”

Leila calls your bluff. She holds her hands out waiting for your shirt, knowing full well that you can’t say no to her.

Two can play this game.

You pull your shirt over your head, only your Calvin Klein bralette covering your upper half.

“I feel like this is a win win situation for me. I either see you wear my city shirt or no shirt at all” Leila has a Cheshire cat grin on her face.

You give her a disapproving stare.

“I have just thought of 6 more reasons why I miss you” She whispers as she steps closer, running her fingers over your abs.

Her touch gives you goosebumps. You have been counting down the days until you could hold her, touch her, just have her close. Now you didn’t think that it would happen at Alfredo Di Stéfano  but beggars can’t be choosers.

“Whatcha thinking about?” 

Leila question bring your back to the present.

“You. This” you say you wrap your arms around her neck. Hers still resting comfortable on your torso.

Her facial expression changes to match yours.

“It a lot harder than I thought” Leila admits.

“I know but that is because we are so used to spending everyday together. There are plenty of couples who play for different teams. We just have to find our new normal” you hope to reassure her.

Your wife hums in agreement, her focus not on what you are saying but more so on the lips that are saying them. She lifts her hand to your face, her thumb softly strokes your lower lip. You close your eyes as you savour her touch.

The feeling of her thumb is soon replaced by the feeling of her lips on yours. Over the years you have shared many kisses with Leila but this one was different, the hunger you both had for one another is evident. Much to your surprise Leila takes control as she pushes you back against the railing as she deepens the kiss. It is when you feel her tongue graze against your lips that you decide to take back control, in a quick move you turn her around. 

The two of your are so caught up in the moment that you don’t hear your England team mates shouting of you. It is only when you hear someone clear their throat that you pull away, feeling like two kids that have been caught making out on the playground.

“5 more minutes?” You whine.

“What are you a child?” Lucy says.

You stick you tongue out which only aids the defender’s point.

“Leave my wife alone” Leila warns playfully “Barcelona side piece” 

You burst of laughing at the mention of the short lived nickname.

“How do you know about that?” Lucy asks slightly embarrassed.

“I have my ways” your wife replies coyly.

“Mapi?” You ask knowing that she had been giving Leila updates on you, Leila nods her head.

Meanwhile Keira is watching the three of you with a confused look on her face.

“Trust me Ke, you don’t want to know” 

You hold you hand out which Leila happily takes as the four of you walk through the tunnel and to the exit where the majority of the team is.

Keira stops walking, making to go into the back of her. When she turns around she just looks at you, not saying a word.

“Not that I am complaining but you really need to put a shirt on” Leila tells you.

Deep down you know she is right but your stubbornness causes to to hesitate. You look down at the blue shirt, then up at your wife, then back down at the shirt. Still not wanting to put it on. 

“Cariño, put on the shirt” 

“Fine” you growl.

Placing the Manchester City shirt over your head feels wrong, almost dirty. Playing for Barca as long as you have and being raised an arsenal makes wearing any shirts, other than the aforementioned, makes your feel traitorous.

“Oh, I gotta take a photo this” Lucy teases.

You snatch the phone out of her hands.

“Absolutely not” you say without a change a breath, letting your friend know that you are serious.

Lucy simply raises her hands in defeat.

A few minutes later and you are at the player entrance/exit of the stadium.

Lucy burst into laughter as she reaches the door first, earning an elbow to her side from Keira.

Once the door opens, you find out what was funny. There are fans and photographers outside waiting for the players. Leila turns to you, an apologetic look on her face.

“Y/N—“ 

“Give me my t-shirt back, please” you beg your wife.

Your reaction causes her to laugh and when Keira opens the door you hear the fans, you eyes going wide. 

She gives your hand a squeeze before leading you outside.

You and Lucy stand to the side whilst your partners take photos with the people who have travelled to Spain to watch them play.

“Y/N, come here” Leila shouts of you.

You do as you’re told but stand behind her, you arms wrapping around her waist. The fan who Leila is talking to awe’s at the two of you. 

“Hiding the shirt?” Leila whispers in your hear.

“Mmhm” you reply to which she places a sweet kiss on your cheek.

The two of you talk to her for a couple of minutes before she asks for a photo with the two of you.

“Si,claro” Leila replies before looking at you, mentally asking if you are going to hide behind her the entire time.

Fuck it

After taking the photo with the fan, you ask her if she would take a photo of you and Leila.

When Leila asks to see it you shake your head as you quickly put your phone in your pocket.

Soon enough the time comes to say goodbye, something that you had been dreading the entire night. Luckily for you Security told the fans that they hand to move to outside the stadium giving you and Leila some privacy.

“Come home with me?” you ask as you hold her in your arms knowing that it cannot happen.

“I can’t, I have to go back to Manchester” She replies.

“Worth a try” you admit.

Leila buries herself in the crook of your neck as your chin rests on her head. You wish you could stay in this moment forever but the world isn’t easy that way.

She tries to wriggle from your grasp earning a groan in response. Her action causes the opposite reaction as to what she was hoping as you tighten your hold on her.

When Leila looks at you she sees the sadness in your eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that” Leila pleads.

Your try you best to smile, to show her that you are ok but when it doesn’t reach your eyes she realises just how much you are struggling. You look down as you play with your wedding ring.

“Baby” Leila reaches for you hands as she intertwines your fingers with her own, you look up at her “It’s only a month, we can do this”

A genuine smile tugs at your lips. You remember when you told Leila about your game against the US at Wembley, you were so excited but not as much as when she asked if you could get her a ticket so that she could come and watch.

“I think I can handle one month” you admit.

When Lauren draws the short straw, it is her who has to come and tell the two of you that it is time to go. You pull Leila into for a short kiss, not wanting to embarrass her in front of her new team.

“See you in London” you steal one more kiss before you watch her leave.

Later on that night you post the photo of you and Leila outside Alfredo Di Stéfano with the caption It’s not about the badge on the front, it’s about the name on the back.