Chapter Text
The sound was deafening. When a ball hit the post on a well struck shot, it was a deep thud. Hollow almost. When it was something else that hit the post, like someone’s head, it was sharp, like a crack. That’s what Leah heard. A crack.
The sound itself was worrying enough. Seeing it was terrifying.
She had been making the far post run on the corner kick. Placing herself on the keeper’s back side in case the ball got through. The ball had been played perfectly to the near post. Beth had made a decoy run to try and pull a defender out of the box when Katie had dropped her hand. However, the defender didn’t bite. They stopped at the post.
Alessia had made her run through the 18 with just a defender on her back getting to the 6 just as the ball came flying in. She left her feet for a leaping, almost dive, to try and get her head on it, but Beth’s defender was there. The Liverpool player left her position to try and beat Alessia to the ball, but tripped, stumbling forward and clipping Alessia’s legs as she was in the air. As the Arsenal player started to go heels over head, the keeper collided with her as she punched out the ball, sending #23 into a tailspin.
It all seemed to be in slow motion as Leah watched from a few steps away.
If the collision had happened a few steps in any direction, to the left, right, whichever, it would have just been a rough landing on the pitch. As it was though, Leah had to watch as the side of Alessia’s head and face went slamming into the goalpost.
Leah didn’t stop her run, her heart was in her throat. She was the first one to get to Alessia, sliding next to the striker on her knees. There was no groaning coming from the younger player, no sounds of pain. Leah leaned over her, seeing a streak of red running down her cheek where her head was still pressed against the white metal.
“Alessia. Alessia!” Leah’s voice was full of panic.
That got the attention of all the other players. Beth was there in an instant. Taking one look at the player on the ground and immediately screaming for the med team.
Leah could vaguely hear several people yelling around her, but her head was in a fog. There were no blue eyes looking up at her, no hand trying to swat her away. There was no movement at all.
“Alessia, baby, I need you to open your eyes. Baby please.” Leah pleaded.
They had been dating for a few months, officially. No one knew though. If Leah was thinking clearly she may have thought a bit about how she was reacting. Treated Alessia more like she would any other teammate. But she wasn’t and Less was far more important than anyone else on the pitch.
“Leah, you need to step back so the meds can help her.” Beth said, leaning into Leah’s ear while trying to pull the defender back with an arm around her waist.
Leah did stand up and allow herself to be pulled away by Beth because she wanted Alessia to be helped, and she couldn’t do anything. As they stepped to the side, Katie, Viv and Lott, gathered around Leah. Beth spun her til Leah was looking her in the eye.
“She’s going to be alright. And before you say anything, we all know. So take a deep breath.” Beth started. “The meds have her, and we have you. Katie.” Beth was looking ovr Leah’s shoulder. “Probably should make the change early, yeah?”
“I’ll go talk to Jonas.”
Leah turned to see Kaite head off towards the sideline. Fox and the rest of the team that was on the field started joining their group.
Beth turned Leah back towards her. “You were going off at the 75th anyway, we’ll just have him make the change now.”
Leah just nodded her head. She wasn’t really listening to Beth anymore. She could hear Lott behind her, telling someone the state Alessia was in, getting a gasp in response. It must have been Fox. The pair were close with Alessia, being teammates at University.
Leah felt a hand on her shoulder before someone spoke in her ear.
“She’s going to be alright.” It was Fox. “And whatever it is she has to deal with, she’ll have you by her side. So I know she is going to be okay.” She gave Leah’s shoulder a squeeze before telling the others she was heading to the sideline.
Leah looked over towards the goal. Alessia was now on her back and one of her knees was bent in the air. Her heart leapt. Was Less awake? One of the trainers looked over their way and gave a thumbs up.
“See, good signs already.” Katie said behind them. “Changes are being made, so need everyone to the sideline except Le.”
Leah couldn’t take her eyes off Alessia. She could see one of her hands moving between the crowd that was around her. It was such a small thing, but Leah’s eyes started to burn in relief. There was a conversation going on around her, but she didn’t know between who or what about and she didn’t care. Alessia was conscious.
Leah’s attention was pulled back when Beth pulled her into a hug. “Text us if you need anything. Either one of you. Viv and I will be right there, okay? And just keep us updated as best you can please? Love you Le.” Beth gave her a soft smile as she stepped away.
“Come on.” Katie said as she threw her arm around Leah’s shoulders and started pulling her away from Beth and the others. “I’m gonna need the armband.” She tapped Leah’s bicep.
“Huh? Oh, yeah.” Leah started pulling it off.
“Jake.” Katie called out.
Leah had been brought back to the goal. Several trainers and medical staff huddled around her girlfriend. Jake, their head trainer, turned after Katie had said his name. “Oh, thank you. Maybe now she’ll answer my questions.”
“Is she not talking?!” Leah panicked.
“Oh, no, she's talking alright. Just won’t answer my questions until she’s talked to you apparently. Something about telling you she’s alright so you don’t freak out.” Jake answered with a smile, shuffling back a bit from his position on the ground. “Don’t mind the little oxygen mask, it’s a precaution more than anything. The gash is pretty deep and will definitely need stitches. But she’s alert and talking, as I said.”
There were bright blue eyes looking up at Leah.
“I’ll take that.” Katie plucked the captain's armband out of Leah’s hand. “I’ll take care of everything here. You take care of her.” She gave Leah a squeeze around the shoulders and walked away.
As she knelt down, Leah grabbed Alessia’s hand. “You need to answer their questions, stubborn girl.” Leah was still worried, but a small smile slipped across her face.
“I knew you would be worried. But see, I’m fine. Now what do you need me to tell you Jake?” Alessia said through the mask.
“Seriously? I just had to get your girlfriend over here?”
Two pairs of wide blue eyes shot over to the trainer.
“What? How did you?” Leah stammered.
“We all know. And you’re both acting the exact same way Viv and Beth do when one of them gets hurt, or Katie and Caitlin. So if I wasn’t sure before, I am now.”
Jake then went through a series of questions with Alessia that ultimately brought him to the conclusion that she was okay to be put on a stretcher, a neck brace was needed, and even in the off chance she didn’t need stitches, going to the hospital was non negotiable. Leah’s presence dampened any arguments the striker would have made.
Leah walked alongside the stretcher as Alessia was taken into the tunnel. When she was being questioned and examined on the pitch, Leah had listened intently to what Alessia was asked and what responses she gave, trying to gauge if the younger woman was down playing anything. It was clear that she was really in pain, and very likely had a concussion. But now Leah could see swelling around Alessia’s eye even with the bandage that had been hastily applied to the gash. Almost looking like an MMA fighter post fight.
It hurt Leah’s heart to see her love like this.
Before they made their way to the waiting ambulance, they went over Alessia’s vitals and did a few more checks. The girl’s headache was getting worse and Leah thought Less might break her hand with how hard she squeezed it when they shined a torch in her eyes.
“Leeeee!”
Leah turned to see Laura running down the hall.
“Here!” The Austrian international handed Leah her trainers from her cubby. “Put these on and I’ll take your boots. Grace used her key and got both your phones and wallets, and I grabbed your trackies from Julian. Your parka is in the bag too.” She finished, putting a duffle down next to Leah. “And one of us will drive your car over after the game.”
“Lifesaver.” Leah said as she switched her shoes. “I hadn’t even thought about those things.”
“None of us ever do in the moment. Our team is well experienced with it now though.”
“Thank you.” Leah leaned in and hugged her former rehab partner.
“Well you know the drill. Anything you need, just say the word. No matter when or what. We take care of our own.” Laura stepped around Leah and over to the stretcher. “Take it easy Less, and listen to Leah. Let your girl take care of you and we’ll help any way we can.”
“Does everyone know about us?” Alessia mumbled through the oxygen mask.
“Yes, apparently they do.” Leah smiled softly at her.
“Alright. We can load her up and head out. I’ll be going with you both and Alex will follow in her car.” Jake informed them.
Leah sat down on the bench in the back of the ambulance after they had secured Alessia inside. She reached over and grabbed the strikers hand, rubbing her thumbs over the other woman’s knuckles. “How are you feeling love?”
“Honestly. Not great. I think I really did myself good. The side of my face is really starting to throb and light and noise isn’t helping my headache any.” Alessia told Leah quietly with her eyes squeezed shut.
“I’m sorry Less. Hospital isn’t far, so it won’t be long before they can give you something to help.” Leah tried to put her at ease.
“Jake said I’m going to need stitches. Where exactly?” Alessia questioned.
“I’m not exactly sure. Somewhere on the side of your face, near your eye. I only saw the blood, but I couldn’t see where it was coming from.” Leah’s eyes began to sting thinking about it.
Alessia must have heard it in Leah’s voice because she gave her hand a squeeze. “I’m sorry you had to see that Le.”
“Hazard of dating a striker who’s always looking to score. Even when we’re up 3 nil.” Leah chuckled softly.
“It’s kind of my job to score. No matter how much we’re up by.” Alessia replied.
“I know. And you’re good at it. Would have been 4 if the defender hadn’t tripped leaving the post.”
“Is that what happened? I just remember jumping for the ball.” Alessia still had her eyes closed as she asked.
“Yeah. She took out your legs. And then the keeper hit you as she punched the ball. Kind of sent you spinning, twisting through the air.” She explained to Alessia.
“Can’t wait to see the film on that. The ball Katie sent in was perfect.” The striker had a slight grin on her face.
“It was a perfect ball. And you can watch that all you want without me. Seeing it once live is more than enough for me thanks.”
Alessia brought Leah’s hand to her lips and kissed her knuckles.
“Alright. Just a short 5 minute ride. Sorry about the noise.” Jake said.
“What noi-“ Alessia winced as the ambulance doors slammed.
When they arrived at the hospital, Jake gave the doctor a run down of the accident and all the information they would need as Leah stayed by Alessia’s side.
“Right. Sorry Leah, now we start the worst of it. We wait. I’ll stay with you until they’re done running Alessia through all the tests. But we’re being kicked to the waiting area.” Jake said with a meager smile.
Leah looked down at Alessia. “Do as they say. Answer their questions honestly. Putting on a brave face or trying to be tough will do you no good. Understood?” She tried to give Alessia a stern look before bending down close to her girlfriend. “Really Lessi. Please. If it hurts, say so. I want to know that you’re okay.” She kissed the top of her forehead.
“I will Le. Promise.”
“Thank you. I love you, Lessi.” Leah said softly into Alessia’s ear.
“I love you, Le. See you in a bit.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
The wait was two very anxious hours long. Leah tried to find peace in knowing Alessia was awake and talking when they got here, but head injuries were tricky. And she didn’t know where exactly the gash on her girlfriend’s beautiful face was, or the extent of the damage. Less would always be the most beautiful woman in her life, no matter what. She really just didn’t want her to be hurt any worse than Leah could see.
When a woman in a white coat entered the waiting area and called Leah’s name, she was flooded with relief to finally have any kind of information about Alessia.
“Ms. Williamson, I’m Dr. Sands.”
“Hello. How is she?” Leah asked in a rush.
The doctor chuckled. “More worried about you than anything. I was sent out here with explicit instructions, and I quote, “tell my girlfriend anything that will stop her worrying.” And don’t worry, patient privacy laws, no one will know I treated her outside of this hospital. Not even my own wife.” The doctor said with a soft smile.
Leah returned the gesture. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” The doctor then turned to the trainer. “Are you Jake?”
“Yes. I’m with Arsenal's training staff.” Jake answered.
“Perfect. Well, starting with the worst of it. She has what I’m classifying as a grade 2 concussion. She remembers what happened, which is a very positive sign. However, during testing she was having some trouble with short term imagining memory. Considering she lost consciousness and hit hard enough to do the damage she did, I’m not all too surprised it’s a grade 2.” The doctor informed them.
“So how long do I have to argue with her about not training?” Jake asked.
“Well, I’m going to recommend 3 weeks. Minimum. She also has an orbital fracture. Which, she could technically play with that as long as she wears some kind of hard protective mask, but because it is right in the corner of her eye, where the cut is, I would prefer that gets a chance to heal a bit before she does any full contact.” The doctor was looking between the two.
“She’s going to be a bloody nightmare.” Jake huffed out.
“Says you. You’ll only have to deal with her at work. Someone is going to have to keep her in check at home and I’ve drawn the short stick.” Leah glared at Jake.
“So what about the cut? How bad is it?” Leah asked.
“It was to the bone. The skin in that area is so thin and there’s not a lot of flesh. It was a clean cut though, and the resident plastic surgeon was free so she’s with Alessia now. I’d say that eventually it will hardly be noticeable.” Dr. Sands was sporting a satisfied smile before turning to the trainer. “Right now, the most important bit is managing the concussion. I assume you have protocols and are rather familiar with these things Jake?”
“Yes of course. Leah also has a fair share of first hand experience.”
“Okay, then I won’t go over all that with you. But again, 3 week minimum. Alessia signed the release forms to allow us to send you the neurology test and results we did. So you can use that for her follow ups. Any other questions?” Dr. Sands directed at Jake.
The man just shook his head.
“How are you with needles Ms. Williamson?” The woman said as she turned to Leah. “Because I can take you back now. They just might still be stitching her up.”
“Fine. Yes. And you can call me Leah, please.” The blonde rushed out.
The pair left Jake behind in the waiting room to fill out some forms and make phone calls.
“She really is going to be alright Leah. Though I’m rather impressed with the number she did on herself in a football match and there wasn’t another player's boot involved.” The doctor said as they walked the halls.
“Yeah, well, strikers will do just about anything to score.” The defender answered off handedly as they stopped in front of a door.
Dr. Sands knocked lightly and opened it without waiting for a response.
Stepping in, Leah saw Alessia laying on her side with another doctor hovering over her. There was a sheet draped over the striker's head with a hole cut where the doctor was putting in the stitches. Leah made her way to the side of the bed Alessia was facing, crouching down next to her. She glanced at the doctor to make sure she wasn’t in the middle of a stitch before she grabbed the other woman’s hand.
“Hey stubborn girl.” She spoke softly, knowing anything too loud would only cause her girlfriend pain.
“Le?!” Alessia’s voice was soft but excited. “Le, I did do myself good. Out at least 3 weeks. Ella’s going to catch me for sure.”
“Love, let’s worry about getting you fixed. Not the bet between the 2 of you.”
“3 more sutures and you’ll have the first step completed.” The plastic surgeon, a dark haired, bright green eyed woman said as she gave Leah a smile. “Can’t have someone in the wrong shade of red getting ahead of a gunner.”
“Dr. Hampton here is the best! Ow.” Alessia said a little too excitedly.
Leah turned to Dr. Sanders. “Has she been given anything for pain?”
“She has. We have kept the dose low because of the concussion. We did give her something for nausea though too. Just in case.” Dr. Sanders answered. “We’ll send her home with medication and clear instructions for them, so you won’t have to worry.”
“My Le’s a worrier. It’s one of the things I love about her though. She cares so much about others. She cares about me the most though.”
“Try not to move Ms. Russo.” Dr. Hampton scolded lightly.
“I told you to call me Alessia. We’re friends now. Oh, Le. We have to give our friends tickets. Did you know that Dr. Sanders here is gay? She has a wife! Ow.” Alessia winced after she got a little too excited again.
“She did mention her wife, yes. And I think that’s a wonderful idea. Assuming they’re Gunner’s fans.” Leah was starting to find this rather amusing and Alessia’s suggestion was a good one.
“Babe, she called United the wrong shade of red. Hampton’s a Gunner.” The tone of Alessia’s voice was rather serious.
“I have to come clean, I’m a Gunner by marriage. I’m more or, well was, more of a cricket fan. Turns out though I’m just not a fan of the men’s game so much. They can be even more dramatic than my 5 year old daughter.” Dr. Sanders chuckled.
“You have a little! OW.” Alessia started, winced, and then lowered her voice. “Then we definitely have to get you tickets. Le, don’t let me forget. Well, remind me, because I will forget. Doc says my memory is crap right now.”
“It will get better. It’s just temporary, Alessia.” Dr. Sanders reminded her.
“Done. I’d say that will be a work of art when it’s healed.” Dr. Hampton congratulated herself.
Dr. Sanders leaned over the seated woman. “It might disappear entirely. That is some very clean work Hamps.”
“I wanna see. And how can you call it art if you can’t see it.” The confusion in Alessia’s voice caused Leah to laugh out loud. “What?”
“That’s the point, love. A plastic surgeon's goal is to do such a good job that it looks like nothing was done at all.” Leah explained.
“Hamps work should be in the Louvre. She truly is one of the best. Anyways, I think we can start the discharge paperwork. Leah, I assume you’ll be staying with Alessia, or she’ll be staying with you?” Dr. Sanders had gone a bit more serious.
“Correct. I’ll be with her.”
“Jake said you were experienced with concussions, but just a reminder. No electronics, that means phones, TV, computers for the next week. She doesn’t need to stay in the dark, but low lighting would be best. And avoid loud noises. That will all help avoid nausea and minimize headaches. Any questions?” She looked between the two footballers.
Leah shook her head for the both of them.
“Alright. I’ll get going on the paperwork. Will probably be about 30 minutes. So sit tight.” Dr. Sanders finished.
“It was wonderful to meet you both.” Dr. Hampton said as she made her way to the door.
“Thanks Docs. And we’ll have some tickets sent over for you.” Alessia said in a much more subdued voice than she had earlier.
“Thank you both. And yes, we’ll get some sent here, if that’s okay.” Leah gave the doctors a soft smile.
“That would be lovely. Thank you. When I have the paperwork finished, a nurse will help you out. Take care.” Dr. Sanders then exited out the door, followed by Dr. Hampton’s who just gave a wave.
“Do we really have to wait 30 minutes to leave? I wanna go home now.” Alessia pouted.
“Yes. But it won’t be that long. Not compared to the 2 hours I was sitting out in the waiting room.” Leah’s phone buzzed in her pocket. “Beth and Viv just got here with our car. Do you want to see them?” Leah gently asked Alessia.
“Is it bad if I say no. I’m getting really tired.”
Alessia was starting to sound a bit groggy. Leah was honestly a bit surprised she hadn’t fallen asleep yet. Leah herself was starting to feel exhausted. “No love. They’ll understand. I’ll ask them to give the keys to Jake.”
While they waited for Alessia to be released, Leah started sending off 101 texts to Alessia’s family, the team, and various other friends that had been texting Alessia in worry. The striker had fallen asleep when it was just the 2 of them in the quiet room and Leah was grateful for the distraction.
When a nurse came in to help them out, it took the both of them to get Alessia out of the bed and into the wheelchair. The combination of medication and exhaustion turning the poor girl into a life size rag doll. When they made it to the waiting area, Jake was kind enough to retrieve their car.
After they had finally gotten Alessia into the car, Jake gave Leah the run down on protocol that she already knew and instructions to call if anything happened or she had questions. In times like these, Leah was immensely grateful for the football family both she and Alessia had around them. She gave Jake a parting hug and thanks, and started the drive home.
When they arrived at Leah’s house (where they both had been staying 90 percent of the time) it took several minutes to get Alessia out of the car and inside. Viv had sent a text saying that all their items that were left at the stadium were in the boot, and for now, that was where it all would stay. Leah wasn’t about to leave Alessia alone any longer that she absolutely had to. Getting Alessia upstairs to “their“ bed wasn't likely to happen, so Leah resigned to staying in the guest room downstairs. It was almost 8 by the time she had gotten Alessia undressed and into bed, and they both needed to eat. Especially Less if she was going to be taking medication.
Once she had gotten the wounded settled, she ran to the kitchen to fix some ham sandwiches and fill water bottles. Alessia was absolutely going to have a fit about eating a “boring ol’ ham sandwich”, but that was all Leah had in her. That and she loved her ham sandwiches.
When she returned to the room, Alessia was sitting up more than when Leah had left.
“Everything alright Lessi?” She set the food and drinks down, sitting on the edge of the bed to look over the woman.
“I haven’t had a kiss in hours.” There was a sincere pout on Alessia’s face.
“Oh, I’m sorry, beautiful. Let me fix that.” Lean said as she leaned in. She kept the kiss soft, butpressing her lips to Alessia’s sent a wave of relief through the defender.
“I’m sorry I scared you.” Alessia said quietly into the space between them as Leah pulled back. “I know you were probably in knots.”
“Oh Lessi. I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t, because I was. I was absolutely terrified. But, we’re footballers. And there is always the chance that something can go horribly wrong. Like today. You’re okay though. And you are going to heal. And that is all I care about.” Leah caressed the side of Alessia’s face that wasn’t injured.
Alessia exhaled loudly. “3 weeks.”
“Minimum.” Leah reminded her.
“Well, if I’m going to be out of service for 3 weeks, at least I have a beautiful nurse looking after me.” Alessia grabbed Leah’s hand, brining it to her lips and kissing her knuckles. “Thank you Leah.”
Leah knit her brow in confusion. “For what? I haven’t done anything.”
“For caring so much to worry about me. I love that about you. I love you.” Alessia said in a soft but serious tone.
“I love you too, Less.”