Chapter Text
Leah couldn’t wait for this to be over. She went to plenty of gala’s and awards shows, and she usually didn’t mind them so much. But she was also usually with people she liked, friends or teammates, anyone. But tonight Mary was clearly busy. BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year was going to be stuck doing interviews all night. And there really weren’t many other people at this after party she felt terribly close with.
She knew Jill Scott, but they had never been what Leah would call close. No, Leah was on her own making small talk with the same acquaintances she saw at every other event she went to.
She was headed back to the bar for another drink when she caught the profile of someone who looked eerily similar to Alessia Russo. She couldn’t get a good eye on the person because some burley gentleman, most likely a rugby player, had stepped into her line of sight. No mind. It wasn’t Russo. Leah was sure of it. She would have known if Less was going to be here.
Once she had another drink in hand, she turned to start making another lap around the room because what else was she going to do, stand in a corner. At least if she was moving she didn’t look as pathetic. She had made it all of 3 steps when someone grabbed her arm.
“Scuse me captain, can I have a word?” Came a familiar voice.
Leah turned on her heel.
“What are you doing here Russo? I thought I saw you a bit ago, but was sure it wasn’t.” Leah said with a smile, glad to have someone here.
“Last minute thing. Avoided the red carpet. Just wanted to be here to support Mary.” Alessia shrugged and gave a crooked little smile.
Leah hated it when she did that. She may have had a little bit of a crush on the striker when they were just Lioness teammates, but it was starting to become something else now that there were club teammates as well.
“Well I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been bored out of my mind and I need to be here at least another hour before I can leave.” Leah complained.
Alessia laughed. “Same!”
They stood there talking about various things, the award winners, people they were trying to avoid, when Alessia stopped talking in the middle of telling Leah what she was going to be doing during the league break.
“Alessia? You were saying?” Leah said with a confused look.
“Oh, ah, just spending time with my gram as usual. I’ll probably be in the kitchen with her. . .” Alessia trailed off again, this time her eyes going wide.
“What is she doing here?” She said in almost a whisper.
“Who?” Leah asked, looking over her shoulder. No one stood out to her. When she turned back, Alessia’s face had paled. “Alessia? Who?”
“My, my ex.” Alessia finally got out.
“Who’s your ex?” Leah was really confused. She knew nothing about an ex. She didn’t even know Alessia had dated anyone. Ever.
“Hayley.” Was all Leah got out of her.
Leah turned around again and she saw her. Hayley Ladd. Alessia’s former teammate at Manchester United.
Leah stood there staring for a moment. When did they date? She was going to ask when she turned back around, but she was met by a visibly distressed Alessia.
“Hey, Alessia.” Leah placed a hand on the other woman’s shoulder. “Less, look at me.” Leah stepped into Alessia’s line of sight. Alessia’s breathing was getting shallow, and her eyes were losing focus. She was having a panic attack. She set her drink on the table next to them. “Hey, hey, Lessi, breathe for me babes.” Leah said softly and placed her other hand on Aleasia’s hip. That seemed to shock her teammate enough and her eyes started to focus on Leah’s face.
“Hey, there we go. Just look at me.” Leah used the hand that was on Alessia’s hip to pull her around so that Alessia’s back was now to Hayley. Leah slid the hand that had been on Alessia’s shoulder, down her arm until she could gently start rubbing her thumb back and forth on the inside of her wrist.
Alessia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Just like that. Slowly in and out. Take your time. Just focus on what you can feel for a moment.” Leah just stood there and waited, continuing to run Alessia’s wrist.
With her eyes still closed, Alessia started to talk. “Hardly anyone knew about us. We started dating shortly after I got to United and things ended in June Very, very badly.”
Alessia started playing for United when she came back from the States. That was the covid year. 2020. 3 years? They dated for 3 years? And they broke up 6 months?
“Wait?” Alessia started to nod before Leah could ask anything else.
“It was the final pen stroke on the contract so to speak.” Alesia still had her eyes closed.
“Oh Lessi.” Leah stepped in a wrapped her arms around Alessia’s shoulders. The striker slid her arms around Leah’s waist and just stood there.
“Things started going downhill after the Euros.” Alessia started without pulling out of the embrace. “After we won and all the attention the team was getting, all the extra media and sponsorships. She couldn’t stand that I was gone all the time. At least that’s what she said. She also hated that we kept getting better and I was getting playing time and Wales wasn’t improving.” Alessia finally stepped back.
“It was so fucking dumb. Being jealous of your girlfriend when you play for different international teams. We played for the same club and she was more than okay with my success there.” Alessia looked up at the ceiling.
Leah knew what it was like to have a girlfriend get jealous. However her and Jordan had played on the same team, club and country, and playing time was the root cause.
When Alessia brought her eyes back down, there was a fire in them. “She tried to control everything about my life off the field. She did. Said I needed to stay home with her because she missed me so much when I was gone. Told me that I didn’t love her if I hung out with Lioness teammates when we weren’t away. Constantly asking when I was going to be home if I stayed out too long. Made me feel guilty for doing anything on my own.”
Well that explains why she never got to know Alessia until she joined Arsenal.
Leah glanced at Hayley over Alessia’s shoulder. “Shit” she let out under her breathe.
“What?” Alessia started to turn around to see what Leah was looking at, but Leah grabbed her by the hips and stopped her.
“Don’t. She’s walking over this way.” Leah looked directly into Alessia’s eyes. “Do you want to leave? We can duck out over that way?” Leah tilted her head toward a door at the side of the room.
“No. Let her come over here.” Alessia sounded resolute on the decision.
“Less, you just had a panic attack. You sure?” Leah questioned.
“I know. I was caught off guard is all. I have to face her at some point. She won’t make a scene here at least.” Alessia took a deep breath.
“Okay.” Leah paused for a second. This was going to be incredibly awkward and considering Alessia’s state less than 2 minutes ago, Leah was going to have to do something to protect her.
Leah stepped closer Alessia, leaning in towards her ear. “Less, I’m going to need you to trust me on this and just go with it, okay?” Leah could see Hayley within 10 feet of them trying to get by a group of cricket players.
“Huh?” Alessia questioned.
“If it makes you uncomfortable just tell me I’ve had enough okay?” Leah slipped her hand into Alessia’s and intertwined their fingers just as,
“Hello Alessia.”
Alessia went ridged for a moment. Leah squeezed her hand “I’ve got you. You’re okay.” She whispered as she took a step back to give Alessia room to turn. She didn’t let go of her hand.
“Hayley.” Alessia said clipped.
“Ah, Leah Williamson. I thought that was you.” Hayley looked down at their joined hands and hummed.
“Hayley Ladd. You know, I don’t think we’ve ever had a proper introduction before. You here to support Mary as well?” Leah put on her best public appearance smile.
“Of course. She’s done us Red’s proud.” Hayley said with a rather smug look.
“I bet. We’re very fortunate to have her as our England number one. I can’t wait to have her yelling at me on the pitch again.” She rubbed her thumb over the back of Alessia’ hand. “ As her skipper, I was so proud of her World Cup performance.” Leah looked over at Alessia. “I was proud of all our Lionesses.” She gave Alessia’s hand a squeeze.
Alessia responded with a megawatt smile.
“But you weren’t her skipper.” Hayley interjected.
“Leah’s our captain.” Alessia said, still smiling at Leah before turning to Hayley. “Even if she isn’t with us, she’s our captain. And she is a major reason for our success.” Alessia released Leah’s hand and slipped her arm around her back, gently grabbing her hip and pulling Leah towards her.
Leah blushed. She dropped her head slightly to try and hide it.
“She is the lioness.” Leah heard Alessia say softly.
Leah lifted her head and turned. Alessia was looking at her with a look Leah had never seen before. It was admiration and something else. It made Leah feel giddy. Her blush deepened.
“One player doesn’t make a team good.” Hayley sounded rather annoyed.
“No. But a good leader can.” Alessia squeezed Leah’s hip gently. “We have a leader who believes in us, will do anything to protect us, and is always by our side. Even if she can’t play. And I get to play with her for club and country now.”
“How is the new club going? You’re off to a bit of a slow start it seems. Haven’t been finding the net so much lately.” Haley was obviously trying to push buttons.
“You’re right. But I don’t think I’ve been happier. We just got Beth and Viv back so I’m adjusting to a bit of a style change with those two on. And we have a few key players who are getting close to their return that I know will have a major impact on myself and the others upfront.” Alessia leaned into Leah a bit. “So although I haven’t found the net much, I’m not worried. Arsenal was absolutely the right move.” She finished resolutely.
Hayley didn’t seem to have anything to say to that and there was a bit of awkward silence.
“Did you come with anyone tonight?” Leah broke the awkward moment.
The smug look returned to Hayley’s face. “Irene came as my date. Irene Guerrero.”
Seeing the look Hayley was giving Alessia irked Leah to no end. So in response she slid her arm around Alessia’s back and made a show of slipping her hand onto her hip and pulling the striker even closer into her. Even if Hayley hadn’t been visibly agitated by the move, the way Alessia melted into Leah was well worth it.
“You came on the arm of a World Cup Champion. Nice catch.” Leah said in her public appearance voice. “I bet she’s been busy after all of Spain's success. I was a bit surprised when I heard she was leaving Liga to join United. Thought she might have some other offers out there.”
Leah could push buttons too.
“Yes, she is quite the footballer. We were fortunate she chose us over others. And fresh talent on the roster I think is the boost our club needed.” Hayley looked between the pair.
“Hopefully the drama off the pitch doesn’t affect things too much on the pitch for you all. I know some players don’t handle it as well as others. It takes a strong individual to not allow none football things to affect their play.” Leah rubbed her hand up and down Alessia’s side, hoping she got the underlying message.
The squeeze she got on her hip told her she did.
“I’m not sure I would call it drama. Just media fodder really. Bits to keep the people entertained.” Hayley didn’t really sound like she believed what she was saying.
“I hope so. Mary doesn’t need to be dealing with all that.” Alessia said with a sweet smile.
“Uh oh. Looks like your date is attracting some attention.” Alessia pointed over Hayley’s shoulder where she could see Irene across the room talking to a tennis player she couldn’t remember the name of.
Hayley glanced over her shoulder then turned back to the pair. “A striking woman like that draws a lot of attention.”
“Hmm, that they do.” Alessia said, looking over at Leah.
“Good to see you again, Alessia.”
Leah really didn’t like the way Hayley said Alessia’s name. “Good to finally get a chat, Ladd.” Leah said with all the politeness she could muster.
“Likewise Williamson.”
“Goodbye Hayley.” Was all Alessia said as the other woman turned and walked away.
Alessia exhaled loudly. “I need a drink.” She started to turn with her arm still wrapped around Leah.
“Hold up Less.” Leah pulled Alessia back round with the arm she had around the other woman. “Are you okay?”
Alessia stood silently for a moment before letting go of Leah and stepping directly in front of her. They looked at each other for a moment before Alessia stepped in and hugged Leah. “I am. Honest. Thanks to you.” She said softly into Leah’s ear.
Leah wrapped her arms around Alessia’s waist and pulled her in tighter. “Of course Lessi. I’ll always be there for you.”
Alessia leaned back slightly and placed a kiss on Leah's cheek. “Thank you Lee.”
Leah blushed immediately.
Alessia stepped out of the hug and grabbed Leah’s hand. “Come on. I was serious when I said I needed a drink.” Then she started to drag Leah back towards the bar.
“Shot of tequila please!” Alessia said to the bartender.
“Hey Less!”
“Lee, I really need” Alessia started to protest.
“How dare you not order me one.” Leah cut her off. “Please make that two.” Leah said to the bartender holding up two fingers.
Alessia laughed. “Oh. Sorry.” She said as she leaned into Leah. “Beers after?” She asked Leah as she put her head on Leah’s shoulder.
“Probably best.”
“Two Stella’s please.” Alessia told the bartender after he placed 2 shots and limes in front of them. She handed one shot to Leah before grabbing her own and slid the napkin with the limes between them on the bar.
“To the ones that always want the best for us. No matter the circumstance.” Alessia raised her shot.
“To the ones that will always encourage us, especially when we’re at our lowest.” Leah raised her shot.
Both women threw their heads back, shot glass to their lips. Alessia reached out and squeezed Leah’s forearm as she bit down on her lime.
“Bloody hell. Why did I order those?” Alessia said through a pained face.
Leah just shrugged as she slowly brought the lime to her mouth and bit lightly. Making a show of how little she was affected by the burning liquid.
“You even take shots like a badass. Can’t say I’m surprised. Nothing can shake you.” Alessia loosened her grip on Leah’s arm, but didn’t let go.
“I’ve just gotten good at hiding it, is all.” Leah said as she grabbed one of the beers that had just been placed on the bar top.
“I’ll start taking notes. Could use a bit of help keeping my composure at times.” Alessia said before taking a sip of her beer.
“I dunno. You not only hid a relationship for 3 years but managed to keep it together through a break up. I really had no idea Less. And I feel awful that I hadn’t noticed.” Leah looked at her softly.
“No bother. You weren’t around, how could you have noticed anything. I had Ella, she helped me through it. Coming to Arsenal made the biggest difference. But what you just did back there,” Alessia took a quick glance over her shoulder. “That really helped put an end to that part of my life. Playing against her is one thing, but having to actually talk to her, that was something I knew I wouldn’t be able to do alone.” She took another sip of her beer.
“There was a fair amount of mental and emotional abuse that I put up with and didn’t realize it. And she never said or didn’t anything in front of the team, it was always at home, so no one had any idea. But when Arsenal made the offer last January, I was struggling with the idea that I might leave United so I went to the sports psych. After a few months of talking through things it became very obvious how unhealthy our relationship was.” She started playing with the label on the bottle.
“No one had any idea?” Leah couldn’t imagine that no one had a clue.
“Ella started to notice some things. And she had started asking me questions about what she heard Hayley say to me, or why I wasn’t doing as much with the team or never extended my stays around England camps. But I was so oblivious to things myself that it was easy for me to just say I wanted to be home with her. I didn’t realize I wanted to be home so that I wouldn’t upset her and make her mad at me.” Alessia took another sip. She then caught the eye of the bartender and pointed at the shot glasses before lifting 1 finger in the air.
Leah placed her hand on Alessia’s lower back. “I’m sorry you had to go through that Less.” Alessia leaned slightly towards Leah. “That couldn’t have been easy, but I’m glad you were able to get yourself out of that situation.”
Alesia took a deep breath and exhaled before turning her head towards Leah. “I was young and had never been in a serious relationship before. It was a learning experience. A fucked up one, but learning experience none the less. I’m confident it won't happen again. Besides, my taste in women has changed a bit. The complete opposite of Hayley.”
The bartender placed the next round in front of them.
“Cheers.” They both said at the same time as they picked up their shots.
Alessia had the same reaction as the first shot, except this time she grabbed Leah’s hip. As Leah put her glass down and grabbed a lime, she slipped her hand around Alessia’s back and pulled her closer.
“Maybe no more of those.” She laughed.
“No. Two is my limit. I can be a bit touchy feelly when I have tequila and two makes me brave, three makes me drunk. I do not want to be drunk.” Alessia finished with a sly smile that disappeared behind her beer bottle.
Leah slowly brought her own bottle to her lips and took a slow sip, watching Alessia the whole time.
“How are you with tequila?” Alessia asked when she had lowered her bottle.
Leah shrugged. “Can’t really say, don’t have it often. But I will be sticking to beer the rest of the night.” She took another sip.
“Well then no need to stand here. Let’s go see what other surprises we can find.” Alessia said as she grabbed Leah’s hand and dragged her back out into the crowd.
They did find a few surprises in people they knew and didn’t mind talking to. Different girls from around the league or other professional athletes they both saw at various events. It ended up being far more fun than Leah had anticipated.
That might have been because of Alessia though. Leah could tell when the tequila had taken its full effect. If she didn’t have her arm looped through Leah’s, then Alessia had her arm around Leah’s back, or her hand resting gently on her hip. Or on a few occasions as they walked, holding hands with their fingers intertwined.
Leah certainly didn’t mind. And if she let the buzz of the alcohol loosen her up a bit and allow herself to be just as touchy, so be it.
“It’s getting a bit hot in here. I think I need to step out for a bit.” Alessia said, leaning in towards Leah’s ear.
“I’ll go with you.” Leah answered, letting Alessia lead the way.
They made their way out to a courtyard outside the party. It was the middle of December, so there weren’t many people outside. Alessia pulled Leah over to the railing.
“This has actually been fun.” Alessia said, leaning over to look at the street below.
“It has been. I was trying to figure out an escape plan when you found me.” Leah leaned into Alessia’s shoulder.
“And let that sexy suit go to waste. It needs to be seen. You need to be seen. You need to be seen in that suit.” She said enthusiastically.
Leah laughed. “Thank you. I have been waiting a while to wear this one. You and that jumpsuit deserve some attention as well.” Leah said as the corner up her mouth turned up into a smirk.
Alessia did look good in the silver jumpsuit she was wearing. Hair falling around her shoulders in loose waves, just a touch of smoky eye make-up. She didn’t need much to look amazing.
“You think so?” Alessia said smoothly as she turned towards Leah.
“You look amazing Less. You always do.” Maybe the tequila did have a little bit of an affect on her.
“I could say the same about you, Lee.” Alessia reached up and ran her hand over the lapel of Leah’s suit jacket. “You are always a stunner.”
Alessia’s bright blue eyes were looking directly into Leah’s slate blue ones as she took a step closer to Leah.
“I’ve always thought you were gorgeous.” She said looking between Leah’s eye for any sign.
“Tequila does make you brave.” Leah said, trying to not sound affected by the compliment. But even in the chilly night air she felt hot. No doubt she blushing.
“Yes. Brave enough to say the things I’ve been thinking for years.” Alessia laid her hand flat on Leah’s chest just below her shoulder.
“Years?”
“Yes Leah. Years. Ever since we first met actually. You probably don’t remember, but in 2017 we had camp at the same time, I was with the under 17’s and you were with the under 20’s.” Alessia told her.
“That, that was 7 years ago! You’ve had a crush on me that long?”
Alessia just nodded.
Leah chuckled. “You win.”
Alessia gave her a very confused look.
“I’ve only had a crush on you for 3 years.” Leah shrugged her shoulders.
Alessia’s eyebrows shot up.
“Yup.” Leah said with a nod.
“Well then.” Alessia leaned in towards Leah. “This won’t be unwelcomed.” She said before gently brushing her lips against Leah’s and pulling back.
“Not at all.” Leah answered before closing the small gap between them herself.
The second kiss was also light, for a moment, before Alessia opened her mouth slightly and Leah jumped on the invitation, deepening the kiss immediately.
The hand Alessia had on Leah’s chest moved up to cradle the side of her face. Leah grabbed both of Alessia’s hips and pulled her closer.
After several seconds, Leah broke the kiss. “We shouldn’t do this here.” She pressed her forehead to Alessia’s, slightly out of breath.
“You’re right. Want to get out of here? Go to mine?”
“No.” Leah shook her head as she pulled back from Alessia.
Alessia had a look of disappointment before Leah spoke again.
“Mine. It’s closer.” She said with a smirk as she pulled out her phone and ordered a car.