Chapter Text
Timing is a funny thing…when you want the time, you’re out of time and when you have the time, it’s always the wrong time - such was the story between Leah and Alessia. They’d always been friendly since meeting many years ago and more so since the Euros, growing closer over their shared experiences and celebrations, then even more so since Alessia had joined Arsenal last season through the ups and downs. There had been various times throughout their friendship where they’d shared moments of flirtation and felt a deeper connection than friendship, but nothing had ever happened…not that they didn’t want to…they’d been in and out of relationships. When Alessia was dating Noah, Leah was single. When Alessia and Noah broke up, Leah was dating Brooke. Leah finished things with Brooke as Alessia was starting to date Maisie. A few months later, Leah met Elle just as Alessia and Maisie had gone their separate ways. Typical!
Still, it was those lingering touches, intense gazes, extended hugs, signs of affection and sighs of frustration shared that they both couldn’t forget, kept them holding onto hope. Hope that one day, maybe the timing would be right between them. Maybe that time was closer than they both thought…
After the recent international camps, the team had decided to meet up for food and a karaoke night in London before heading back to their clubs for the last few weeks of the year. Most of the players were already at the restaurant taking up two long tables. Leah was currently sat with Georgia, Keira and Beth having arrived 15 minutes ago greeting everyone, they were just waiting on Alessia, Mary and Lotte to arrive to complete the group. Leah was currently holding her beer bottle and started to pick at the label.
“You know…they say that’s a sign of frustration…” Beth said, observing Leah’s movements.
“M’not frustrated, just y’know…thinking.” Leah replied, looking to Beth then her best friends.
“It’s ok, we get it…break ups are tough, it’s only been a few days Leah. You can be upset and frustrated about it.” Georgia offered.
“Seriously, I’m ok girls. I’ll be fine, it’s not my first break-up!” Leah replied, shaking her head.
Suddenly there was a cheer in the room and Leah looked up at the commotion – Lotte, Mary and Alessia had arrived…Leah felt like she’d been frozen in time, her eyes raking over Alessia head-to-toe. She was simply breathtaking in a stunning dark green jumpsuit that somehow made her bright blue eyes shine brighter, with a black leather jacket, silver heels and jewellery to compliment her outfit. Maybe it was coincidence but the only seats left for the three arrivals were opposite Leah, Keira and Beth so they walked over to take their seats, saying their hellos on the way past their teammates. Alessia noticed Leah’s gaze on her as she took a seat and smiled warmly at her.
“Hi all, sorry we’re a bit late, taxi went the longest way!” Alessia apologised.
“It’s all good Less, you’re here now, that’s the main thing!” Keira smiled at the striker.
“What are we all drinking then?” Mary asked, looking at everyone to see who had the best drink.
“Mine’s a double vodka, Keira and Beth are on cocktails and Leah is boring with a beer!” Georgia smiled.
“A beer that she’s destroying!” Beth commented.
“Everything ok?” Lotte asked, looking to Leah and sat next to Alessia. Leah looked across the table between the three quickly.
“Yeh, all good. These lot just doing my head in!” Leah smiled, gaze holding Alessia’s silently questioning eyes.
“Well you all look fabulous, Less that jumpsuit is insane!” Beth complimented the striker.
“Thanks Meado, you all look great too.” Alessia returned, noting in particular Leah’s outfit of tight black jeans, boots, and a loose rusty-orange blouse with the top buttons undone showing off more than a bit of skin, she felt her mouth going dry.
“Right, we need drinks!” Alessia stated and looked around to get their waiter’s attention, who practically ran over to them and took their orders.
“Great idea! Let’s get more and the first toast is to being single!” Beth interjected with confused looks from across the table.
“You’re single?! What happened to Viv?!” Mary asked concerned.
“Not me silly! I’m on about Leah!” Beth replied quickly, clearing up the confusion.
“Awhhh mate, what happened?” Lotte asked.
“Just wasn’t working with the distance, time difference and hectic schedules got in the way is all.” Leah said, shrugging her shoulders and zoning in on her beer bottle label once again to continue peeling it off. She could feel a gaze on her and knew it was coming from a certain striker but didn’t dare to look up at that moment.
Throughout the meal, Leah and Alessia would catch each other’s eye with shy smiles and as the drinks were flowing, people started moving around seats.
“Lessi Loo, switch with me, I want to speak with Mazza!” Beth announced whilst standing up and walking around to Alessia’s chair. Alessia agreed and walked over to sit next to Leah, who had turned on Alessia’s arrival, and blame it on the booze, but she couldn’t help but appreciate Alessia’s outfit once again.
“Wow” Leah exclaimed as Alessia sat down.
“Wow yourself!” Alessia returned, causing Leah to grin at her.
“You look gorgeous Less.” Leah said, focusing on Alessia’s eyes, which gleamed at the words.
“So do you, as always. Leah, how are you? Really?” Alessia asked, putting her hand on Leah’s jean-clad thigh. Leah picked up her fifth beer bottle, label fully ripped off, and took a drink then returned her eyes to Alessia and put her hand on top of the strikers.
“Like I keep saying to the others, I’m actually fine, seriously.” Leah replied truthfully, Alessia held Leah’s gaze and could see she was being genuine. She rubbed her thumb over Leah’s thigh and leant closer.
“Promise?” Alessia pushed, holding Leah’s gaze. Leah leant closer again, she could make out all the freckles across Alessia’s nose and cheeks and took a deep breath when she quickly dropped her gaze to Alessia’s very inviting lips and quickly back to those eyes that made her knees weak.
“I promise.” Leah whispered, Alessia gently squeezed Leah’s thigh and leant back, pulling her hand away. She had to look around the room to avoid being sucked in to Leah’s absorbing gaze.
“Good to hear…so you ready for karaoke?” Alessia asked.
“Coming to the bar? I need something a bit stronger than this beer, then I’ll be ready. What are you going to sing?” Leah asked in return, Alessia nodded and stood up to head to the bar area.
“Hmmm probably something Luke Combs or the usual Young Hearts Run Free.” Alessia replied, leaning on the bar.
“You do smash that one out of the park…either I’m sure you’ll be great.” Leah complimented, standing right next to Alessia at the bar, no distance between them. Leah signalled the bar tender and placed their order of two rum and limes.
“Still fine?” Alessia asked with a small smile, bumping her hip into Leah’s. Leah smirked back to Alessia and bumped her hip.
“Yes, still fine…what else can I do to reassure you I’m fine?” Leah asked softly, turning her body slightly to Alessia, whose eyes couldn’t help but drop down to the way Leah’s blouse opened slightly with the turn of her body and remained on her chest. Leah cleared her throat and Alessia’s eyes snapped up, biting her lower lip at being caught.
“Prove it with your song choice!” Alessia challenged with a smirk.
“Challenge accepted!” Leah replied, taking a sip of her rum then clinking her glass with Alessia’s, causing them both to let out little giggles.
They stayed at the bar to finish their drinks sharing laughs, hands brushing over arms or a gentle touch on the shoulder whilst giggling, at one point Leah’s hand gently ran down Alessia’s back causing the striker to shiver and catch her breath which Leah didn’t miss. Alessia had insisted on giving Leah a hug which the defender would never turn down, after all, Less was a fantastic hugger. Maybe it lasted a minute longer than it should have, maybe Leah couldn’t help but wrap her arms tightly around Alessia’s waist and inhale Alessia’s incredible scent during it and she couldn’t help but gently squeeze her hips when pulling apart as she felt Alessia place a soft kiss on her cheek. Before they could say anything else, they were being summoned on to the karaoke bar by Mary and Beth.
Georgia pulled Leah ahead whilst Keira dropped back with Alessia as they were walking to the bar.
“You and Less look very friendly tonight.” Georgia said to Leah.
“Is there a question in there somewhere?” Leah replied to her mate and a raised eyebrow.
“Just an observation…you two are finally single at the same time…be a shame if you missed out on admitting your feelings for her before you’re out of time again.” Georgia responded, Leah looked at her friend who looked back at her with a knowing look.
“We’ll see mate.” Leah replied with a nod. A few people behind them were Alessia and Keira, arms linked walking, slightly off-centre, and giggling.
“So you and Leah were looking cosy at the bar…what were you talking about?” Keira asked.
“Bit of everything really, I just wanted to check she was ok after her break up. She seemed a bit frustrated or something, but she assured me she’s fine. What do you think?” Alessia replied, looking to Keira.
“I think if she says she’s fine, she is. I don’t think her frustration is anything to do with that, but more to do with you and your outfit if I’m being completely honest.” Keira giggled, Alessia shot her eyes to Keira.
“What do you mean?” Alessia questioned.
“I see this connection between you two, Leah has mentioned it more than enough times for me and G to know…and we have eyes…but one of you is usually in a relationship, but right now, tonight, neither of you are in a relationship…just to put that out there.” Keira replied with a smirk, Alessia couldn’t help but smile back.
“Hmmm interesting observation…” Alessia mused and looked ahead to see Leah and Georgia looking back at them, waiting for them to catch up as they’d arrived at their destination. Leah and Alessia locked gazes for a few seconds, small smiles shared as Leah held her hand out which Alessia’s hand automatically found.
“Here we go!” Georgia said as they entered the karaoke bar.
After another round of drinks which saw Beth and Mary do a duet of Higher Love, Millie T did her version of Stargazing and Georgia produced a stellar rendition of Sweet Caroline, it was Leah’s turn.
“Next up it’s the Captain!” G announced to a round of applause. Leah stood up, drank the rest of her rum and leant in closer to Alessia’s ear.
“This is for you.” Leah whispered and headed up on stage, taking her place at the mic. She nodded her head as the chords to ‘Work’ started to play and looked in Alessia’s direction as she started to sing…
If you only once would let me
Only just one time
Then be happy with the consequence
With whatever's gonna happen tonight
Don't think we're not serious
When's it ever not?
The love we make is give and it's take
I'm game to play along
Keira nudged Alessia who was entranced by Leah’s voice, the song, the lyrics and that Leah said it was for her, her heartbeat increasing as Georgia and a few others cheered for the defender.
All I can say
I shouldn't say
Can we take a ride?
Get out of this place while we still have time
Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
Alessia clapped her hands in sync with the song and locked eyes with Leah who smiled back at her and continued to sing.
All the best DJs are saving
Their slowest song for last
When the dance is through, it's me and you
Come on, would it really be so bad?
The things we think might be the same
But I won't fight for more (I won't fight for more)
It's just not me to wear it on my sleeve
Count on that for sure
All I can say
I shouldn't say
Can we take a ride?
Get out of this place while we still have time
You wanna take a ride?
Get out of this place while we still have time
Yeah, we still have time
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Oh, oh
As the song approached the end, most of the team were on their feet dancing along to the song and joined in with the singing. Alessia’s cheeks had warmed up with the lyrics of the song…was Leah telling her what she thinks she’s telling her?! They locked gazes again as Leah belted out the last few lines.
I can't say I was never wrong
But some blame rests on you
Work and play, they're never okay
To mix the way we do
All I can say
I shouldn't say
Can we take a ride?
Get out of this place while we still have time
You wanna take a ride?
Get out of this place while we still have time
Yeah, we still have time
Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh, oh
“Thank you” Leah took a bow as her teams clapped and cheered for her, giving her high fives on the way down from the stage and back to her seat, where coincidently, Alessia was now on her own as Keira had taken to the stage for her turn. Leah sat back down and looked at Alessia.
“Believe me now that I’m fine?” Leah asked with a small smile. Alessia had to bite her bottom lip to stop her smile spreading and nodded.
“Yeh…I believe you. That was a good song choice.” Alessia replied and took a sip of her drink then looked to Leah, trying to read her expression, knowing they were both a bit more than tipsy but there was an intensity to their gazes.
“Thanks Less, glad you liked it…” Leah said and leaned in to place a soft kiss on Alessia’s cheek. Alessia’s cheek warmed at the contact, she looked down at the floor then locked eyes with the blonde defender, hardly any space between them. Alessia could see Leah’s breath hitch as the defender briefly dropped her eyes to Alessia’s lips for a few milliseconds…but the striker had noticed. Alessia raised her hand to brush some of Leah’s fringe away from her face and rested her palm against Leah’s cheek.
“Did you want to take a ride and get out of here then?” Alessia whispered, a glint of fire in her eyes. Leah put her hand over Alessia’s holding her cheek and nodded.
“More than anything.” Leah whispered, rubbing her thumb over Alessia’s hand.
“Yours or mine?” Alessia asked, standing up and grabbing her jacket.
“Yours is closer…” Leah grinned, getting her own coat and searching the bar, picking out Georgia’s amused grin who threw Leah a thumbs up knowingly, Leah chuckled to herself.
They went outside where an Uber was already waiting for them, Leah looked at Alessia confused causing Alessia to giggle.
“I ordered it towards the end of your song…in hope that you’d say yes.” Alessia smirked at the defender as she opened the door to the car.
“What if I’d said no?!” Leah questioned, getting in the back of the car.
“I would have just gone home alone…but I prefer this.” Alessia replied as she sat next to Leah, taking hold of her hand and interlocking their fingers. Leah rested her head back against the seat, looking at Alessia with an affectionate smile.
“Me too Less”. Alessia smiled back at Leah.
A quick journey back and they were entering Alessia’s house, kicking their shoes off as Alessia closed the front door behind them.
“Do you want anything to drink?” Alessia offered, suddenly very aware they were finally alone together.
“A water would be good thanks.” Leah replied and followed the striker to the kitchen, already knowing her way around having been here for many team nights.
Alessia got two bottles of water from the fridge and gave one to Leah, both took a much-needed intake of water, placing the bottles back on the kitchen counter and looking at each other knowingly. Alessia walked over to Leah, reaching for her hand and pulling her closer, Alessia had a slight height advantage on the defender, Leah looked up into Alessia’s eyes, getting lost in them.
“I’ve wanted to do this for such a long time.” Alessia whispered, running her hands up over Leah’s arms to rest on her shoulders, Leah’s hands moved to Alessia’s hips, dropping her gaze once again to the striker’s lips.
“I know, I’m so happy we’re finally alone…it’s taken a while…” Leah agreed with a smile and tugged gently, pulling Alessia closer to her body, tilting her head slightly until their lips met for the first time.
They’d both been waiting for this moment, at the first touch of their lips against the other’s, sparks erupted through their bodies, and they melted into the kiss. Alessia sighed pleasantly as she moved her hands from Leah’s shoulders to her neck, pulling her impossibly closer whilst Leah moved one arm around Alessia’s back. Their lips danced over each other’s softly, not in any rush to move things too quickly, both savouring this moment that felt like it had been coming for the best part of a few years and it was everything they’d imagined. They broke apart briefly and searched the depths of each other’s eyes finding comfort, excitement, affection and something a bit more special. Alessia ran her hands from Leah’s neck down to her waist whilst Leah did the opposite, bringing her hands up to cup Alessia’s jaw line, they shared another smile as Leah brushed her thumb over Alessia’s cheek as their lips met again. Leah let out a small noise this time as Alessia ran her tongue gently across Leah’s lower lip causing the defender to drop open her mouth slightly, giving Alessia the perfect opportunity to deepen the kiss. Their tongues met softly, both women moaned appreciatively at the contact and continued exploring each other’s mouths and lips in a passionate embrace. Leah was the first to move back this time and rested her forehead against the strikers whilst trying to catch her breath.
“Your lips are ridiculously soft” she whispered and rubbed her thumb across Alessia’s bottom lip, the striker smirked at Leah whilst regaining her normal breathing.
“You’re a ridiculously good kisser, that was worth the wait.” Alessia whispered back to which Leah nodded in agreement.
“Less…I don’t want to rush anything, we’ve spent more than enough time skirting around each other between relationships and we’ve both had a bit to drink this evening, I don’t want to take advantage of that and I don’t want to be inebriated the first time we’re together. Though I’d love nothing more right now than to rip that jumpsuit off you...I want to do this right because I have so much respect for you, you mean a lot to me.” Leah said, taking in all the finer details of the woman’s face in front of her, whose expression softened. Alessia pulled Leah closer into a warm embrace.
“That’s very thoughtful and thank you for being so considerate, though I agree with the ripping off of our clothes right now…I know what you’re saying. I’m not going to stop kissing you and maybe get a cheeky feel tonight.” Alessia replied, holding the defender close who let out a chuckle at the last statement.
“Alessia Russo! You’re naughty!” Leah giggled and placed a quick kiss on her lips.
“You can borrow some clothes to sleep in. Come on, let’s go to bed.” Alessia said, taking hold of Leah’s hand in hers and leading them to her bedroom.
“Shame…I usually sleep naked.” Leah commented, allowing herself to be dragged off by the striker who turned around and playfully smacked her arm.
“Now who’s the naughty one…I’m not going to get that out of my head now!” Alessia smirked, leading them to her bedroom and pushing Leah down on the mattress then straddling her.
Leah put her hands around Alessia’s neck and pulled her down crashing their lips together in a very heated make-out session that carried on a while before they both succumbed to tiredness, falling asleep (in Alessia’s spare clothes) with their arms holding each and small smiles on their faces.