Work Text:
Epilogue 1
Back on Matchday
That familiar feeling of nerves and anticipation is flowing through Leah. She hasn't been able to sit down for the last ten minutes and has been pacing up and down the changing room. All her teammates have been grinning at her as they can see the big bright smile on Leah's face as she walks around. The new football season is minutes away from starting and Leah is more than ready to kick off. Arsenal's new manager has already been in and given the girls a calm pre match message and that has got Leah really excited. She does have to give her first captain's speech but she isn't too nervous. Leah had taken some great advice from Kim Little the night before and she had texted Steph Houghton too. Her speech as England captain was easy as all she wanted the girls to do was play calm and confidently, remember the shirts they are wearing and to enjoy the massive crowd there for them.
Leah is slightly annoyed that she really can't reuse that speech for this game but she supposes she will get the chance next week when Arsenal play at the Emirates. The pre-match nerves are still as bad as they were for her debut game but the captain's armband adds an extra layer of nerves to Leah. She clenches her hands a few times but a hand touches her hand making her stop pacing. Leah looks down at a tracksuit-clad Jordan who gives her a big smile and moves to the side of the bench allowing Leah to sit down. No sooner has Leah sat down that the same hand rests on her leg instantly calming her. Leah sees Jordan staring at her before giving Leah a huge beaming grin which makes Leah feel so very loved.
"You look great in your kit," The smaller woman says softly.
Leah can't help but giggle as she looks down at the brand new Arsenal kit she has on. It was only a few years ago that Arsenal would get hand down kits from the men so having a kit designed for a woman to wear feels amazing.
"You'll look even better in yours," Leah smiles back.
"If I get a chance to wear it," Jordan shrugs looking down at her bright red tracksuit.
Leah can't help but frown but she feels a lot of sympathy for Jordan. If she was in charge Jordan would be the first game on her Arsenal team sheet. Jonas clearly had reasons to leave Jordan on the bench but that doesn't mean Jordan has to be happy about it. Leah knows how hard her girlfriend has worked on her fitness lately and it sucks to see her being pushed onto the edges of the squad.
"Hey you'll get games baby, you're too good to be ignored," Leah says supportively.
Her hand moves down and squeezes Jordan's clothed leg making Jordan chuckle.
"Thanks Captain," Jordan says with a small pretty smile.
Leah frowns wishing she could do more to make her clearly frustrated girlfriend feel better. She looks up and glances round the locker room seeing that most of the team are going through their pre match routines. Carefully Leah leans forward half covering Jordan from view and close enough to whisper in her ear.
"Certainly won't ignore you tonight baby, think maybe you need to be tied up and vibed at my feet," Leah whispers in the naughtiest tone she can manage.
Leah is proud of the instant effect she has on her girlfriend as Jordan's eyes glaze over. She watches her girlfriend shudder then Jordan shoots a hand out slapping Leah in the shoulder.
"Lee! Not at work," The tiny midfielder gasps in pretend shock before that big smile breaks out across her face again.
Leah giggles at getting Jordan flustered mostly because she is making Jordan smile again.
"Sorry baby just wanted to give you something to look forward to post match," Leah smiles sweetly.
Jordan half blushes and half smiles at Leah which makes her feel on top of the world. Her girlfriend is the only person in the world who makes her butterflies die down. She loves making Jordan happy and talking dirty to her especially in public never fails to make her happy. Still leaning over Leah decides to treat her girl to a bit of extra teasing.
"If you are really good then I'll let you play with my match worn thong as well," Leah teases.
Jordan whimpers and puts on her saddest puppy dog face expression.
"Stop teasing me, it's mean," Jordan wails softly, making Leah smile.
"Though you liked me playing in thongs now?" Leah asks, forcing a smile out of her girlfriend.
"It is really hot," Jordan admits bashfully, looking down at the ground.
"Wanna sneak peak?" Leah asks cheekily, making sure her private kinky chat isn't being watched by their teammates.
"Leah!" Jordan gasps in shock again.
Grinning Leah makes sure her girlfriend's eyes are directly on her before she arches her hips up. She takes hold of the waistband of her shorts and pulls them down a few inches. Jordan is staring hard now and holding her breath which makes Leah feel so sexy. Her shorts go down past her hips leaving the string of her thong exposed.
"Red?" Jordan whispers with a gasp.
"Yeah," Leah grins happily, pulling her shorts back up.
"Fuck that's so hot baby," Jordan purrs softly.
Her eyes stay on Leah's hips like she can still see the thong under Leah's white shorts.
"Feeling better now baby?" Leah asks softly, moving closer to her girlfriend.
Jordan nods but lets Leah move closer to give her a one armed hug.
"Love ya," Leah mutters, squeezing the embrace tighter.
Jordan lets out a happy little purr then stiffens up. Frowning, Leah follows Jordan's eyeline to see one of the coaches nearby. Reluctantly Leah lets go of the hug and slides a little away from her girlfriend. Jordan pouts a little then puts a more neutral professional face on which somehow makes Leah sadder.
"Don't worry baby gonna give you all the cuddles tonight," Leah promises.
Jordan's face breaks into a small smile as she nods at Leah. She gets up suddenly which surprises Leah making her look up at Jordan.
"Go do your captain thing, I'll be fine," Jordan says with a soft smile.
Leah knows her girl is lying but respects Jordan trying to put a brave face on it. Cheekily she holds her clenched palm out for a fist bump which makes her pretty Jordan giggle. She wraps her warm hand over Leah's palm giving it a supportive squeeze before she moves away. Leah tries not to let her emotions get the better of her as Jordan wanders away. The worry about her benched girlfriend clouds Leah's thoughts for a few seconds before letting it go. She needs to focus and prove she is a worthy captain of Arsenal. Getting up off her seat Leah decides to do a quick wander around the locker room. She is checking if anyone looks nervous or has doubts about the start of the new season but from an early look the whole room seems calm and relaxed.
"Hey Skip," A happy bright voice exclaims, snapping Leah's attention.
She turns round right into the big wide smile of Lia Walti.
"Can't believe you get to boss me around now," The Swiss girl teases, poking a finger into Leah's armband.
"Funny," Leah smirks back, "I feel like I've been bossing you around ever since you got here."
Lia giggles loudly before playfully pushing Leah's shoulder. Leah lets the taller Swiss girl push her a few more times before she leans in.
"This won't change anything will it?" Leah asks cautiously.
She knows Lia is quite laid back but still she is the captain of her international side and a few years older than her. Leah could easily see the taller brunette dislike her slightly for seemingly jumping the queue to be captain.
"Course not Leah, you are perfect for the role," Lia says with an extra bright smile.
Leah can't help but blush slightly with the praise. She tries to smile brightly at Lia to show her thanks but Lia responds with a shoulder bump to the blonde.
"Don't forget to still defend though and not stare at my bum all game," Lia teases making Leah laugh.
"Well I promise not to but you gotta keep your eyes on the game too, no more flirting with other hot girls mid match" Leah fires back
“That was like one time, years ago,” Lia pouts while blushing as brightly as her shirt.
“Still she’s at City this year, bet she will remember when we play then and flirt her way right past you,” Leah teases, making Lia pout even harder.
“Don’t have a crush on Jill anymore,” Lia whines like an upset kid.
“Good girl you deserve someone who is with you 24/7 to deal with all your hot craziness,” Leah teases supportively.
“Oh good you not only a captain but you gonna Daddy boss any girl I might like?” Lia questions
Leah can’t help but blush a little even though Lia didn’t mean it like that. She hopes Lia is as innocent as she looks and doesn’t read anything else into her blushing cheeks. She gives the Swiss midfielder a supportive tap on the shoulder and starts to move away before she gives more away to a teammate than she should. Leah is looking down at the floor to hide her blushing cheeks when she sees a pair of long familiar looking legs moving towards her. She looks up to say hi to Viv then lets out a loud gasp upon seeing her appearance.
"Hi Captain," Viv says with a shy giggle.
Leah just nods in reply, still staring at one part of Vivianne which has all her attention.
"Why did you do that?" Leah hisses sharply.
"What?" Viv asks, looking confused.
Leah feels like pouting and folding her arms to show she isn't buying Viv's innocent act. Instead she lifts her hand up and flicks the Dutch girl's unfamiliar looking ponytail.
"Oh that," Viv half blushes at Leah.
"See if I was a mean captain I'd say you are trying to rile me up," Leah smirks batting Viv's long ponytail to the side.
Leah now notices the light blue hair tie holding up Viv's ponytail, the hair tie that Viv borrowed from Leah during their play session. Her hand reaches out and brushes through it, getting a noticeable shiver from Viv.
"Very pretty Vivianne," Leah whispers firmly.
"Thank you Captain," Viv replies only slightly blushing.
"You know if you score loads of goals today you'll have to keep that hairstyle?" Leah teases, flicking the ponytail to one side.
"Don't score goals cause of my hair," Viv moodily grumbles, making Leah smile.
"That's right you score goals for me cause you are a good girl," Leah smirks as Viv blushes.
It's good for Leah to see Viv being so happy and playful after the rough preseason she had. Leah wishes she had the words to properly comfort her friend. Instead of feeling bad about it Leah just leans in and offers Viv a hug. To her slight surprise Viv takes it and wraps her long arms around Leah's back.
"Love ya," Leah whispers softly into Viv's ear, "Every girl here loves you and supports you."
Viv shudders a little but Leah feels the striker squeeze her harder before letting go.
"Thanks," Viv says shyly before she grins.
"No worries mate," Leah smiles and resists the urge to pet Viv's ponytail again.
"Won't let you down Daddy," Viv whispers with a rare little smirk on her face.
Leah gasps and has to bite her lip to stop herself from giggling loudly. A coach starts walking over to talk to Viv so Leah shares a last smile with Viv before she moves away. Leah wanders back around the changing room giving a nod to Lotte who is still sitting down on the bench. Lotte nods back at Leah who smiles at her centre back partner. She knows Lotte isn't a big talker before games and goes to move past and let her be. Lotte however nods her head and looks over at Viv making Leah shrug in reply. She always finds it tricky sometimes to follow Lotte's non verbal lines of questioning but Lotte responds with a smile and goes back to tightening her laces. Leah smiles and moves across the room till there is a loud banging on the door.
"5 mins," Another coach shouts and Leah can't help but panic.
This is it, a brand new season and she is leading the club she supports out as captain. Questions about if she is good enough or mature enough to lead England's most successful female team as captain race around Leah's head. She will be leading the team out in the tunnel and Leah's stomach clenches like her pre match meal is about to come shooting back up. Part of Leah wants to run out the locker room and find Jordan sitting on the bench. She needs her girl if she is on the brink of having a full blown panic attack. Leah stops walking and focuses on nothing but her breathing letting it go in and out in an effort to calm her unbalanced mind. Thinking about Jordan is helpful and Leah reminds herself that this is just the first game. All her fears and worries can't overwhelm her if she is surrounded by friends that all love and support her.
"Looking awesome babe," A strong Irish voice yells behind Leah.
Turning round Leah isn't surprised to see the very loud Katie McCabe standing behind her.
"All ready?" Leah asks, giving the full back her best determined look to hide her own building nerves.
"Oh wow, you've been practising your mean face?" Katie asks in a half teasing tone.
Leah shrugs and tries to relax away the intense look in her eyes when Katie gasps. The brunette leans into Leah with an expression more befitting a giggling schoolgirl rather than a pro footballer.
"Have you been using that look on Jordan to make her obey you," Katie whispers in a cheeky tone.
"Nooo," Leah whines, feeling all her calming composure leave her as Katie teases her.
"Only kidding skip," Katie smirks, giving Leah a shoulder bump.
"No it's not, it's really embarrassing," Leah pouts at Katie making her laugh harder.
"Girl I wish you could see yourself how the rest of the squad see you," Katie says almost wistfully.
"Rather the rest of the squad didn't know about my sex life thanks," Leah scowls mentally trying not to think about how at least one girl in the squad knows the intimate details but Katie keeps smiling anyway.
"Well no I just meant about the fact you are a total girl boss and a true leader and most of these girls would follow you anywhere," Katie says firmly.
Leah's cheeks blush slightly at the praise before she looks down at the smaller left back.
"Even you?" Leah whispers softly.
"Of course me too," Katie grins happily, "You're my captain and my mate, I'm behind you a thousand percent."
Leah can't help but smile at Katie's genuine heartfelt pep talk. She can be such an annoying little tease at times that Leah forgets she captains her country.
"Thanks mate," Leah says softly, leaning in and hugging Katie.
She can feel Katie smile and return the hug making Leah even more pleased. The nerves and worries she's been having on and off all day have sunk away to the back of her head now. She's found the same kind of happy calmness that she does when she's on the pitch.
"Now we are done getting all soppy, does that mean you and Jordan got over your little thing?" Katie asks in a teasing tone.
Breaking the hug Leah is tempted to slap her cheeky friend on the back of the head. The truth however is that Leah knows her kinky sessions with Jordan have helped her. She has found that same feeling of calmness in her that she has when her and Jordan play are useless for her real life worries. Now and over the past few months as her career has grown she has found herself needing that calm mental toughness that dominating Jordan gives her.
"Yeah we have," Leah says softly as Katie's eyes light up.
"Oh my God really? Since when?" Katies asks excitedly.
"Since after having chats with people like you," Leah explains, feeling the need to give the Irish woman some credit.
Katie's eyes somehow get even wider and she lets out a squeal of delight. A few players nearby look around at Katie and Leah confused by Katie's excited reaction. Feeling her cheeks start to glow red again Leah leads Katie by the arm to a quiet corner of the dressing room.
"So you are now all super dom and shit?" An overly excited Katie asks.
"Keep it down will you?" Leah hisses looking over her shoulder.
"Still kinda embarrassed about it huh?" Katie asks, seeing the nervous expression on Leah's face.
"Rather the whole dressing room didn't know Katie," Leah half scowls in frustration.
"Why cause they all be jealous of Jordan?" Katie teases, making Leah roll her eyes.
"No just I'm their new captain," Leah points out, "Not meant to be having sex chats right before the match."
"What? Like you and Jordan were having before?" Katie asks and Leah feels her cheeks glow red
"Oh my God you were weren't you?" A surprised Katie adds seeing the embarrassed look on Leah's face.
"Shut up," Leah squeaks as her face glows as red as her kit.
"Hey there's nowt wrong with it," Karie says encouragingly.
Her hand reaches out and rubs Leah on the arm which relaxes the blonde slightly.
"We all love you silly girl even if you are a kinky bitch now," Katie teases making Leah blush even more.
"You're the worst," Leah replies jokingly, giving Katie a small shove.
"Hey if you and Jordan are happy with what you are doing that's all that matters," Katie says supportingly.
The embarrassed look starts to melt off Leah's face as she looks seriously at the Irish woman.
"You are enjoying having Jordan wrapped around your little finger right?" Katie teases her captain.
"Pretty sure it's the other way round," Leah replies, making Katie raise an eyebrow.
"Funny thought you were the dom one?" Katie asks, confused.
"I am but Jords has a way of coming in all puppy dog eyes and whining to get the play she wants," Leah admits with a happy smile.
"Fuck," Katie moans under her breath looking at Leah in a strange way.
Leah pouts wondering what Katie is thinking under that mask of emotion that Leah just can't read.
"Um you know when we talked last time I asked about maybe joining in one day?" Katie asks, sounding suddenly and surprisingly nervous for once..
Leah feels her breath hitch but controls herself and just nods at her teammate.
"Well do I have to do puppy dog eyes to get it or can we arrange it properly?" Katie asks with a giggle.
That teasing joke earns the Irish woman another half shove from Leah before Katie starts laughing.
"I mean it though," Katie says suddenly seriously, "I wanna try it please."
Leah frowns and can't help but let a worried expression grow across her face. Katie reaches out and grabs Leah's hand squeezing it firmly.
"Stop freaking out Williamson," Katie reminds her captain.
"So you wanna be...?" Leah stutters thinking of a way to word it.
"Get dommed the fuck out of by my awesome new skipper?" Katie offers with a cheeky grin.
Leah frowns but can't hold back her giggle at how blunt Katie is. Typical Katie just dropping some big news on her without any warning. She wonders if other girl doms have to deal with girls just begging them to be dommed at short notice. This really feels like something Jordan should be arranging and planning. Leah knows she is meant to be the one in charge and making choices but this still feels like something she needs her girlfriend for.
"I'll ask Jordan tonight," Leah says, proud that she didn't stutter over her words this time.
Katie's eyebrows raise and Leah half expects a snappy comeback from the defender.
.
"Ok fine," Katie says with a deep exhale, "Knew I should have asked you both together anyway."
"Jordan would have said yes right away," Leah giggles, bringing a smile to Katie's face.
"Yeah alright next time I'll remember to ask the boss of your relationship first," Katie teases.
"Good," Leah replies calmly, happy to show off how little she cares about being the boss in her own relationship.
Katie beams, "See that's why you are the perfect choice for skipper."
Leah frowns and tries to work out what Katie might mean by that.
"Cause you'd happily take being bossed around or yelled at just to make others happy around you," Katie adds with an extra large smile.
Leah feels like blushing but instead gives Katie a shy smile.
"Flattering me won't get you a session any faster," Leah jokes as Katie's eyebrows raise.
"A session huh? AThat what we calling it?" Katie asks with a giggle.
Leah bites back another blush and chooses just to roll her eyes at the mouthy defender.
"Whatever, I'll talk to Jordan about it," Leah says quickly.
Katie nods then leans forward and surprises Leah with a proper hug. Leah smiles and accepts the hug wrapping her own arms around the smaller girl.
"You are awesome, you know that right?" Katie half whispers but Leah hears her clearly.
"Not too bad yourself McCabe," Leah chuckles softly, "Way too loud and kinky for me but still boss."
Katie grins and breaks the hug just as another coach calls out that it's the final minute before they need to get in the tunnel. Leah and Katie both nod at each other and get their game faces on. Walking through the changing room Leah taps a few teammates on her back in reassurance as she moves towards the front of the room. Any worries about making a speech or not being ready to be captain have gone from Leah's mind. She also chooses to worry about what she is going to have to do in order to play with Katie. Jordan will know what to do Leah is sure of that so now all she can focus on is her job. She gets to the dressing room door and turns around to address her other 10 teammates. Leah grins as they are all fully kitted out and staring at her with their own eager looks of anticipation.
"Let's start this season with a win, yeah girls?" Leah says firmly and the whole dressing room cheers.
Leah can't think of anything else to say but short and sweet seems perfect in the moment so Leah decides to go with it. She nods at her team then claps her hands loudly together to get the room motivated and noisy. Fixing the armband on her shirt Leah walks out the door and walks into the corridor to line up. Everyone believes in her and the people that really matter in her life will do nothing but support her no matter how her first game as captain goes. Taking a deep breath Leah lets all her nerves and worries drift into the background as doing her job and helping the team is all that matters now as the season is about to start.
END