Chapter Text
The England camp was always buzzing with energy. Players from all over the country, some Leah had known for years, others she’d only met on the pitch during club matches, were scattered across the training facility. She stepped into the locker room, the usual scent of fresh turf and lingering excitement filling the air.
Leah wasn’t exactly nervous, but there was a buzz that always came with the first day of camp, the mix of old faces and new, the pressure of representing your country. But today, there was something else, something she hadn’t expected.
As she glanced around, her eyes landed on Ava Hart, the Manchester United midfielder who had been a standout player in their recent matches. She was sitting alone on a bench, lacing up her boots, her blonde hair pulled back in a tight ponytail.
Leah’s breath caught in her throat for a second. There was a tension between them, an undeniable pull, but in a few moments they’d shared on the pitch, it had never been this … quiet.
Ava glanced up as Leah made her way over. Her expression was neutral, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes.
“Didn’t expect to see you here,” Leah said with a small grin, trying to sound casual.
Ava raised an eyebrow, the faintest of smiles tugging at her lips. “Well, guess we’re both stuck with each other now.”
The words hung in the air for a moment, heavier than they should have been. Neither of them said anything right away, but there was an energy in the space between them. The kind of energy Leah wasn’t used to feeling with someone she had only ever seen as a competitor.
Leah leaned against the bench, her fingers drumming nervously on the edge of her water bottle. There was a comfortable silence between them, but it felt there was a lot more left unsaid. The tension wasn’t awkward exactly, just… new.
“So,” Leah said, breaking the silence, “how’s camp been for you so far?” She tried to sound casual, but her voice was a little more strained than she intended.
Ava glanced up from her laces and smiled slightly. “Busy, but good. You know, same old. Just glad to be here, I guess.”
Leah nodded, but she couldn’t stop the flood of thoughts in her head. She knew they both here to do a job, to get focused on the upcoming tournament, but it was hard not to be aware of the strange, simmering feeling that had settled between them since the last few matches. Every time they've faced off, the rivalry had felt… more intense than it probably should have. But now, as teammates, it felt like they were dancing around something they hadn’t yet figured out.
“You’ve been playing really well lately,” Leah said before she could stop herself. She quickly added, “I mean, Manchester United’s been on fire, and you’re a big part of that.
Ava’s eyes lit up with that signature confidence, but there was a flicker of warmth in her gaze. "Thanks. But Arsenal’s not exactly slacking, are they?"
Leah grinned. "We do our best."
Another silence fell between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It felt like both of them were just... waiting, for something. Neither was ready to dive into the heavier stuff, the quiet moments that had lingered between them during their last match, the moments that didn’t feel like competition.
Then, without warning, someone called for everyone to gather for the briefing before their first training session.
"Looks like that’s us," Leah said with a soft laugh, standing up and stretching her legs. "You ready for the madness?" she asked, trying to keep the mood light.
Ava stood too, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Madness is kind of my thing."
Leah chuckled, falling into step beside her as they walked toward the meeting area. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Maybe it was just the camp. Or maybe it was the fact that, for the first time, they weren’t opponents.
The training session that followed was intense, as expected. With the tournament coming up, every player had their eyes on the prize. Leah could feel the pressure of wanting to prove herself to both her teammates and the coaching staff, but there was something else today — a strange awareness of Ava's presence.
They were paired together for a few drills, passing the ball back and forth with increasing speed, their footwork sharp. Every time Ava’s foot connected with the ball, Leah felt her heart race just a little faster. It wasn’t the competition she was used to; it was something quieter, something more personal.
Ava passed the ball to Leah with a slight smirk. "Come on, Williamson. Thought you were supposed to be the captain," she teased.
Leah shot her a playful glare, but there was a hint of something deeper in Ava’s eyes. Was it admiration? Or something more?
"Don’t get cocky," Leah said, trying to keep her voice steady, but her pulse quickened as she sent the ball back with just a little more force than necessary.
They continued, their interactions becoming smoother, more natural, and though there were still moments of competitive fire, there was also a newfound camaraderie. When the session wrapped up, Leah caught herself stealing glances at Ava, noticing how the usual sharpness in her eyes softened when she wasn’t under the pressure of a match.
The final whistle blew, signalling the end of training, and the players began to trickle off the pitch. The usual chaos of teammates grabbing water bottles, laughing, and chatting filled the air, but Leah’s mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t help but notice how the camp was starting to feel different.
As they walked off the pitch, Leah found herself falling into step beside Ava once again. This time, the silence between them was comfortable — like something unspoken had settled between them, yet it felt just right.
Ava slung her bag over her shoulder with a casual ease. "Madness is kind of my thing," she said with a grin, glancing sideways at Leah, the mischievous spark in her eyes never quite fading.
Leah chuckled, shaking her head. "I’m starting to see that."
Ava’s smile softened. "Hey, you’ll get used to it. I’ll teach you the ropes."
They walked side by side toward the meeting area. Every now and then, Leah stole a glance at Ava, noticing the way the sunlight caught in her hair, the way she seemed effortlessly in control of everything around her. Ava was intense, competitive, yet oddly... comforting. Leah felt an unfamiliar warmth settle in her chest.
They reached the meeting area, joining the rest of the team. The coach called them to attention, and Leah shifted into her captain role, keeping her focus. The meeting was quick but efficient, as usual. Tactics for the upcoming game were discussed, each player’s role clarified. As the coach wrapped up the briefing, Leah noticed the quiet buzz of conversation — the players still whispering excitedly about the upcoming tournament.
When the meeting ended, the team dispersed, and Leah was walking back to the locker room when Beth Mead caught her eye.
"Hey," Beth said, a teasing grin on her face. "Did you and Ava finally decide you’re not going to kill each other today?"
Leah shot her a playful glare. "We’re teammates now, Beth. No more rivalry."
Beth raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Right. That’s what they all say."
Leah rolled her eyes, but couldn’t suppress a smile. "Just wait until the next match. I’m definitely not letting her get the upper hand."
Before Beth could respond, Ava appeared beside them, a towel draped over her neck. She looked between the two of them, smirking. "What’s all this about, then?"
Beth threw an exaggerated look of mock surprise. "Oh, nothing. Just wondering when the romance begins."
Leah’s cheeks burned. "Beth, seriously?"
Ava laughed, nudging Leah playfully. "Romance, huh? This is news to me."
Beth held up her hands, feigning innocence. "I’m just saying, there’s definitely something there." She winked at Leah before walking off, still chuckling.
Leah couldn’t hide the flush creeping up her neck. "She’s ridiculous."
Ava chuckled, the warmth in her eyes softening. "Nah, she’s just curious. But let’s be real. We know it’s nothing, right?"
Leah hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. It wasn’t nothing. She wasn’t blind to the way she felt around Ava. But to admit it out loud…? That was another matter entirely.
"Right," Leah said, her voice steadier than she felt. "Just teammates."
Ava’s expression softened, her eyes locking onto Leah’s for a moment longer than necessary. "Exactly."
As they walked into the locker room together, the atmosphere lightened, but Leah couldn’t shake the tension that still lingered between them. The playful teasing from their teammates, especially Beth, made her acutely aware of the subtle shift in her feelings.
Later that evening, after a quick rest and dinner, the team gathered in the common area for a team-building session. The coaches had planned a series of lighthearted activities to help the players bond, but for Leah, the atmosphere was anything but casual.
Sitting down with her teammates, she noticed Ellie Roebuck and Georgia Stanway whispering excitedly to each other, casting glances over at Leah and Ava. It wasn’t even subtle anymore.
Ellie leaned over, grinning. "So, what’s the deal with you two?" she whispered loudly enough for Ava to hear.
Ava rolled her eyes, but there was a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Ellie, if I tell you, you’ll never let me live it down."
"Yeah, well," Ellie shot back, "that’s the fun part. Besides, it’s obvious something’s going on."
Leah could feel her face flush again. She shot a quick glance at Ava, but Ava just gave her a playful wink. "You really do love to stir things up, huh?"
Ellie laughed. "I’m just here for the drama."
Leah sighed, trying to regain some composure. She felt like she was under a microscope, every glance from her teammates pushing her further into a corner. Ava’s teasing smile didn’t help either — it only made Leah more aware of the tension growing between them.
As the evening wore on, the games began, starting with some light-hearted ice-breakers to help the new teammates loosen up. When it came time for the final game of the evening — a friendly mini match — Leah found herself on the same team as Ava, paired together yet again.
As they jogged onto the small, makeshift pitch, the coaches’ voices calling out instructions, Leah caught Ava glancing over at her with a sly smile.
"Ready to show them what we’ve got?" Ava asked, the familiar competitive edge creeping back into her voice.
Leah nodded, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in her stomach. "Let’s make it count."
Chapter 2: Unspoken Tension
Chapter Text
The locker room buzzed with energy after the mini-match, the hum of chatter and laughter filling the air as players swapped jokes and wiped the sweat from their brows. Leah sat quietly on the bench, tying her shoelaces and trying to catch her breath. Despite the match being more about fun than competition, she couldn’t shake the feeling of Ava’s presence. It wasn’t just the way they had worked together in the drills earlier, or the way she’d kept stealing glances during the game. It was everything.
Beside her, Ava was grinning, drying her face with a towel. The playful look in her eyes had softened somewhat, like she was letting down the mask she wore on the pitch.
"Not bad, huh?" Ava asked, tossing the towel aside as she slung her bag over her shoulder.
Leah looked up, meeting her gaze. "You were pretty good out there."
Ava smirked, the same competitive fire flickering in her eyes. "You weren't too bad yourself. Thought I was going to have to drag you along for a second there."
Leah rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at her lips. "You wish."
The moment stretched out for a second longer than Leah had expected. Ava’s look softened, but before Leah could really think about it, Georgia and Beth slid into the locker room, their voices loud and playful.
"Did I see something extra going on out there between you two?" Beth grinned, casting an exaggerated glance between Leah and Ava.
Leah’s cheeks flushed, and she immediately looked down, pretending to tie her laces with newfound focus. Ava, on the other hand, just laughed, shaking her head.
"Beth, you’re delusional," Ava said with a wink.
Leah couldn’t help but feel her pulse race at the exchange. It wasn’t the first time they’d been teased about their connection, but this felt different. More… real. Ava had a way of making it feel like they were in on the joke together.
Ellie Roebuck appeared next, adding to the chorus of teasing. "You two sure you don’t have a secret handshake or something? Should we be worried?"
Leah groaned, her face redder than ever. "You’re all ridiculous."
Ava chuckled, nudging Leah lightly. "Let them have their fun. It’s not like we’re about to start a romance or anything." Her tone was light, but there was something about the way she said it that made Leah’s heart flutter unexpectedly.
======================================================================
After the showers, the team gathered in the common area. The sofas were scattered with players in various states of relaxation, some still laughing over the match, others scrolling through their phones. But Beth, ever the instigator, wasn’t done yet.
"So, Leah," she said, sitting next to her with a teasing smile. "Do you think you’ve got enough game to keep up with Ava on the pitch? Or should we expect her to carry you through the next match?"
Leah shot her a pointed look. "I don’t need anyone to carry me."
"Oh, I know," Beth teased, raising an eyebrow. "But Ava’s got that extra spark, doesn’t she? The way she gets everyone fired up…"
"Beth," Leah warned, but it was too late. Ellie was already leaning in, her eyes wide with amusement.
"Come on, we all see it," Ellie said, grinning. "You two were practically finishing each other’s sentences out there."
Leah felt her face warm again. "We’re teammates. It’s called working together."
Georgia, overhearing the conversation, dropped into the seat beside her with a grin. "Teammates? You’re both clearly getting along just fine." She winked at Leah, making her blush even more.
Leah rolled her eyes, but her heart raced, suddenly feeling more self-conscious than ever. She didn’t know if it was the teasing or the fact that she had genuinely started to notice the way her feelings toward Ava were shifting. It was hard to ignore now. Even in this lighthearted moment, Leah couldn’t deny that there was something more between them, something she hadn’t expected.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later that evening, after the team had a quick rest and dinner, the coaches announced that there would be a brief one-on-one session to focus on individual skills. Leah and Ava were paired together, a combination that felt more natural than it had in their past matches against each other.
The pitch was quieter now, the sun dipping lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the grass.
"So, ready to show me how it’s done?" Ava said, her voice playful, but there was an edge to it, the competitive spark returning.
Leah felt the familiar surge of adrenaline at the sound of Ava’s challenge. "You sure you’re up for it?"
Ava raised an eyebrow. "I’ve got this. You just try to keep up."
As they began their passing drills, Leah noticed how effortless Ava made it look — the way her feet moved with precision, how her eyes tracked the ball with a concentration that was unmatched. But there was something else, something that made Leah’s heart beat just a little faster.
Every time their feet connected with the ball, Leah couldn’t help but feel the electricity between them. The rhythm was smooth, and with each pass, Leah felt more in sync with Ava, as if they were working in perfect harmony.
Ava tossed Leah the ball with a grin. "Come on, Williamson. Thought you were supposed to be the captain."
Leah’s pulse quickened. She wasn’t sure why, but the way Ava teased her — light and playful — made everything feel different. She shot Ava a playful glare, then sent the ball back with a little more force than necessary.
"Don’t get cocky," Leah said, but there was an unmistakable smile on her face, and her eyes lingered on Ava a moment longer than they should have.
As the drill continued, their movements became more fluid, more natural. The energy between them was undeniable. Leah tried to focus, but it was difficult to ignore the way Ava’s presence seemed to fill the space around her. Every pass, every glance, felt like it carried more meaning.
After the training session wrapped up, Leah and Ava found a spot on the side lines to cool down, leaning against the railing and watching the rest of the team finish up their drills.
"I know the team’s been messing with us," Ava said after a moment of silence, her voice quieter now. "But… I don’t mind it, you know? It’s good to have people around who actually get you."
Leah glanced at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her tone. "Yeah," she agreed, her voice soft. "It’s different. Being here… with this group."
Ava looked out at the field, her expression thoughtful. "It’s a lot, isn’t it? The pressure, the expectations. But when you’ve got good teammates, it makes it easier. Even if it gets weird sometimes."
Leah nodded, feeling a surge of warmth for the first time. It wasn’t just the football or the rivalry — it was the way Ava was slowly letting her guard down, the way she trusted Leah enough to share a piece of herself.
For a brief moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of them, standing side by side, watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Chapter 3: Breaking the Silence
Chapter Text
The morning light filtered through the windows of the training facility, casting a soft glow on the pitch outside. The team had gathered for another intense session, and despite the familiar faces and drills, Leah couldn’t shake the thoughts swirling in her mind. Every time she stepped onto the pitch, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of yesterday’s practice with Ava.
She had to admit, there was something about their connection that felt different now, it wasn’t just the smooth passes or the easy banter, though those certainly played a part. No, it was the little moments: the way their eyes lingered a second longer than necessary, the easy smiles, the subtle touches.
Ava was good at this. At keeping things light. But Leah wasn’t blind to the underlying tension between them. It wasn’t just the team’s teasing. It was in the way their passes seemed to flow better than with anyone else, the way the unspoken words lingered in the air every time their paths crossed on and off the pitch.
Leah tried to focus, shaking off the distraction as the coaches called the team to start. Her thoughts raced again as the drills began, her gaze darting towards Ava, who was warming up across the field.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The session kicked off with high intensity, the coaches setting up tactical drills that kept everyone on their toes. Leah found herself paired with Ava again, much to her internal dismay. The competitive edge between them had always been present, but today, there was something else simmering beneath the surface.
Ava flashed her usual playful smirk as they lined up for a passing drill. "Try not to slow me down," she said, her voice laced with teasing.
Leah rolled her eyes, keeping her face neutral. "You’ll be begging me to catch up in no time."
As they began the drill, Leah focused on her footwork, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest every time Ava’s foot met the ball. They moved with precision, each pass landing exactly where it needed to be. But it was in the moments when Ava’s eyes briefly met hers — the smile that wasn’t quite as teasing as usual, the way her gaze softened for a split second — that Leah felt something shift.
"Not bad," Ava said, tossing the ball to Leah with a smirk. "You’re getting the hang of it."
Leah shot her a look, raising an eyebrow. "Careful. You’ll make me think you’re impressed."
Ava’s grin widened, and there was a glint of something deeper in her eyes. "I wouldn’t go that far," she teased, but Leah caught the edge of sincerity in her voice.
The drill continued, the ball flying back and forth with increasing speed. The rhythm between them felt effortless, their footwork so in sync that it almost seemed choreographed. Leah could feel her heart racing, but she forced herself to stay focused. This was just a training session. Nothing more.
And yet, as they moved to the next drill, Ava stepped a little closer, their shoulders brushing as they passed the ball. The touch lingered, a spark that sent a jolt through Leah. She glanced at Ava, only to find her looking at her too, a hint of something unspoken in her eyes.
Before Leah could process it, Ellie called out from across the field. "Oi, are you two done flirting, or are we actually getting some work done here?"
Leah quickly broke eye contact with Ava, feeling her cheeks flush, but the teasing from their teammates didn’t stop. As much as it embarrassed her, she couldn’t deny that it was becoming harder to ignore what was happening between her and Ava.
Later, after the practice wrapped up, the team headed back to the locker room. The buzz of excitement from the session was still palpable, but Leah’s mind was elsewhere. She found herself glancing toward Ava, who was chatting with Beth near the showers.
Leah quickly changed, hoping to avoid further teasing, but as she grabbed her bag, she found Ava standing by the door, waiting for her.
"You heading out?" Ava asked casually, her tone light, but there was something deeper there.
Leah hesitated. "Yeah, just going to grab a bite. You?"
Ava smiled. "Same. Want to join me?"
The invitation, casual as it was, sent a strange flutter through Leah’s chest. She didn’t think she was ready for what might come next, but she couldn’t seem to say no.
"Sure," Leah replied, her voice steady even though her heart was racing. "Let’s go."
The two of them walked toward the common area in comfortable silence, the weight of the last few minutes hanging between them. Neither of them said much at first, but Leah couldn’t ignore the pull she felt to be near Ava, to just be with her.
Finally, Ava broke the silence. "So… do you ever feel like you can’t turn off your brain? Like, you’re always thinking about the game, or what everyone expects from you?"
Leah glanced at her, surprised by the sudden vulnerability in Ava’s voice. She thought about her own experiences, the pressure to always be on top of her game, to be the leader everyone expected her to be. It wasn’t easy, and she knew Ava understood that more than anyone.
"Yeah," Leah said softly. "It’s hard, sometimes. But… I think I’ve learned to let go of it, a little. I just focus on the moment. The game. Everything else falls away."
Ava nodded, her gaze far away. "I get that. It’s just… sometimes, I feel like I can’t do it on my own, you know? Like everything gets too heavy."
Leah felt her heart tighten. She wanted to say something to comfort her, but the words seemed to get stuck in her throat. Instead, she reached out, her hand brushing against Ava’s arm. "You don’t have to do it alone."
Ava looked at her, her expression unreadable for a moment, but then she gave a small smile. "Thanks. That means more than you know."
They fell into a comfortable silence again, walking side by side toward the dining hall. For the first time in a long while, Leah felt like she understood someone in a way that went beyond football. There was a connection between them — something deeper than either of them had acknowledged out loud.
The meal passed in a haze of laughter and casual chatter, but Leah’s mind kept drifting back to the quiet moments she’d shared with Ava. She couldn’t help but replay their conversation over and over in her head. Ava’s honesty about feeling the weight of everything, the vulnerability that had come through in the brief exchange, stayed with Leah long after the meal was over.
As they headed back to their rooms, Leah and Ava exchanged a few words about the next day’s training. Ava gave her a wink before disappearing into her room, and Leah found herself standing still for a moment longer than necessary, watching her go.
Later that evening, as Leah sat on the edge of her bed, she tried to focus on something else. She flipped through her phone, checking messages from her family, but the usual comfort of those conversations didn’t have the same effect as they usually did. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Ava — how easy it had been to talk to her, how natural it felt to be around her. But the moment Ava had shared about her struggles kept echoing in Leah’s mind.
Leah thought about how little she actually knew about Ava's personal life outside of football. She’d always admired her skills on the pitch, her fiery competitiveness, but there was more to her than that — a side that Leah hadn’t seen until now. That side was raw, unguarded. And it made Leah feel something… different.
She sighed, letting her head fall back against the pillow. "What is happening?" she muttered to herself.
The following morning, the intensity of the training session was only slightly more manageable than the day before. Leah was in the thick of it, pushing herself to her limits. She needed to focus on the game. But no matter how much she tried to concentrate, her eyes kept flickering over to Ava, who was skillfully navigating the drills.
The coaches had set up a series of tactical exercises, and Leah was paired with Ava once again. They were tasked with a new drill that required quick decision-making and fluid communication. It wasn’t just about passing the ball anymore; it was about reading each other’s movements, anticipating each other’s next steps.
"Just follow my lead," Ava said, giving Leah a confident glance as they prepared for the drill.
Leah nodded, feeling a surge of energy. She had to admit, she loved this — the challenge of pushing herself to be better, of anticipating the right moves at the right time. But with Ava by her side, the pressure was different. There was a subtle, unspoken rhythm between them that made everything feel smoother, more precise.
The ball zipped between them, and Leah found herself feeling more alive than she had in a while. But it wasn’t just the game; it was the way Ava’s eyes met hers after every successful pass, the way her lips twitched up into a half-smile. Leah knew Ava wasn’t making it easy for her to ignore how much she was beginning to care.
As the session wound down, Leah and Ava walked off the pitch together, chatting lightly about the drills.
"Not bad," Leah said, her voice teasing. "You’re almost good enough to keep up with me."
Ava raised an eyebrow, her lips curling in a playful challenge. "Careful, Williamson. You’re getting cocky."
Leah smirked, her heart still racing from the way their teamwork had clicked. They’d been almost in sync — almost too in sync.
As they reached the locker room, Georgia and Beth were waiting near the entrance, shooting them knowing looks.
"Okay, someone tell me if I’m seeing things, or are you two actually working together now?" Georgia asked with a smirk, folding her arms across her chest.
Leah rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t hide the faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "We were just doing the drill," she said quickly, her voice a little too defensive.
Beth grinned. "Just the drill, huh? Sure looked like something more. Don’t worry, Leah, we get it. You two are basically a power couple on the pitch now."
Ava laughed, a genuine sound that made Leah’s heart flutter again. "I’m just here to make sure she doesn’t get too cocky."
The teasing continued, but this time, Leah wasn’t bothered by it. Instead, she found herself laughing along, enjoying the light-hearted moment. There was something comforting about the way their teammates teased them, but it also made her realize how much more personal this connection with Ava was becoming.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That evening, after dinner, Leah found herself standing by the window of her room, staring out into the darkness. The camp felt quieter now, the bustle of the day slowly fading into silence. It was the perfect kind of stillness that allowed her to think.
Her thoughts drifted back to Ava, to the way she had opened up about her struggles. It wasn’t easy for Ava to let her guard down — Leah knew that. And yet, Ava had chosen to do it with her. Leah had always admired her strength, but now, there was a softness in Ava that Leah found herself drawn to.
A knock on her door broke her from her thoughts.
"Hey," came Ava’s voice, soft but clear.
Leah opened the door, surprised to see Ava standing there, her expression more serious than usual.
"Hey," Leah replied, her voice a little breathless, unsure of what this visit meant.
Ava stepped inside without hesitation, looking at Leah with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "I was thinking… you’re right. About not having to do everything alone."
Leah blinked, confused for a moment. "What do you mean?"
Ava took a deep breath, then stepped closer, her voice quieter now. "I meant that, maybe… I don’t have to push everyone away. Maybe I can let people in. Like you."
Leah’s heart skipped a beat. She looked at Ava, unsure of how to respond, but the connection between them was undeniable now. She could feel the pull, the magnetism that neither of them had dared to address until this moment.
"You’re not alone," Leah said softly, the words feeling truer than she expected. "I’m here."
Ava’s eyes softened, and for the first time, she looked at Leah not just as a teammate, but as something more. The moment stretched on, the silence between them thick with unspoken words.
And just like that, Leah knew — this was more than just friendship. It was something that neither of them could walk away from.
Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Chapter Text
Author Note;
This story is going to be a slow burn so just so you know its going to be like this for a while , I have the next few chapters already written so will try to publish one a day if possible
ps. thank you for reading so far
Leah felt the familiar weight of the Arsenal training ground air settle around her as she jogged out onto the pitch. The last few days at the England camp had felt like a brief escape from the pressure of club football, and now she was back in the thick of it. There was something about being back in her Arsenal kit, the red and white, that reignited the competitive fire within her. But even as she adjusted her shin guards and joined her teammates for warm-ups, her mind kept wandering—back to those quiet moments with Ava at camp, to the unspoken tension that had simmered between them.
"Oi, skip, you good?" Beth Mead called over to her, jogging up with a grin. "You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders."
Leah shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. "Yeah, just thinking about the next match."
"Right," Beth teased, arching an eyebrow. "Don’t tell me you’re missing those England training sessions already? Or, maybe... someone?"
Leah rolled her eyes, trying to laugh it off. "Focus on your own game, Mead."
Beth winked and jogged off, but Leah couldn’t ignore the flutter in her chest. It wasn’t just the game that had her distracted—it was the lingering thoughts of Ava. The chemistry they’d shared at camp felt different now. They weren’t rivals anymore. They were teammates—at least for the time being—but the distance between their two worlds still felt so far.
Across the country, Ava was also feeling the effects of the past week. The red of Manchester United felt different than her usual, more vibrant on game day, but today, it felt a little heavier. She laced her boots tightly as she sat on the bench, staring down at the polished surface of the locker room floor. She was back with her teammates, but something in her felt... out of place. Her thoughts kept drifting to the camp, to Leah’s quiet intensity, the way their passing drills had almost seemed effortless, and the tension they’d shared, unspoken yet so powerful.
"You okay, Ava?" Lucy Staniforth’s voice broke her out of her reverie. Ava looked up, trying to mask her unease with a smile.
"Yeah, just... thinking," Ava replied, her voice steady, but she could feel the shift in the air. Lucy eyed her knowingly, but Ava shrugged it off.
"You’re thinking about that England camp, aren’t you?" Lucy asked with a smirk.
Ava let out a small laugh, leaning back against her locker. "Maybe. It was... different."
"Different in a good way?" Lucy pressed, her tone light but teasing.
Ava hesitated for a moment before replying, trying to keep her voice neutral. "I think it was good... for the team. We were all in sync."
But in reality, Ava knew it wasn’t just the team she’d been in sync with. There had been something between her and Leah, something she couldn’t quite figure out yet.
The week leading up to the match between Arsenal and Manchester United was filled with media coverage, training sessions, and last-minute tactical adjustments. As the two teams prepared for the big game, Leah found herself more distracted than she cared to admit. She pushed harder in training, channeling all of her focus into the drills and match simulations, but there was always that nagging thought in the back of her mind: What if that connection with Ava wasn’t just a fleeting moment at camp?
She caught herself looking across the training pitch more than once, imagining Ava wearing her red kit, and the thought was enough to make her focus even more. This wasn’t the time to let personal feelings interfere. They were opponents now. Rivalries were meant to be fierce and unwavering.
But as Leah jogged through the drills, she couldn’t ignore the anticipation building in her chest. This game was important—not just for the three points, but for proving to herself and to her teammates that nothing would distract her. Not even Ava.
The day of the match arrived, and both teams were lined up in the tunnel, ready to take the field. The buzz of excitement and pressure from the crowd was palpable, but Leah’s eyes kept drifting over to the other side of the tunnel. There was Ava, standing tall, her focus sharp as always. The two exchanged a brief glance, a flicker of recognition that passed between them, but neither of them said a word. It was the kind of silence that spoke volumes, filled with memories from camp, from their time together as teammates, and yet, both were locked in the now—rivals on the pitch once again.
The whistle blew, and the game began.
The stadium roared as the ball was kicked into play. The sound of boots meeting the ball, the crowd’s cheers, and the sharp commands from the coaches all seemed to fade into the background as Leah and Ava took their positions. It was game time—no time for distractions, no time for feelings that didn’t belong here.
Leah immediately threw herself into the rhythm of the game. As Arsenal's captain, her every move was scrutinized by teammates and fans alike. She could feel the weight of their expectations, but there was something else too. Every time the ball came near Ava, Leah’s gaze would naturally follow, a strange magnetism pulling her eyes to the woman she had spent the last week with at camp.
Ava, on the other hand, was playing with the same intensity she always did. She didn’t let her thoughts wander, didn’t let her mind linger on the memory of their time together at England camp. She was the star of Manchester United, and nothing—not even Leah Williamson—was going to get in the way of that.
They faced off early in the match. Ava made a break down the right flank, using her speed to slip past Leah’s defensive line. Leah, her eyes narrowing, closed the gap quickly, positioning herself to make the tackle. For a moment, their bodies collided—a swift, powerful clash—and the ball was sent skittering away, out of bounds.
Ava stumbled slightly, meeting Leah’s gaze as they both caught their breath. A flicker of something passed between them, something that had nothing to do with the game.
“Nice try, Williamson,” Ava said, a teasing glint in her eyes. “But I’m faster than you think.”
Leah shot her a half-smile, her pulse quickening despite herself. “Don’t get cocky, Ava. I’ll be ready next time.”
The game continued at a fever pitch, both sides fighting tooth and nail. Leah’s focus remained sharp as ever, but Ava’s presence was like a steady undercurrent beneath everything. Every time Leah challenged her for the ball, every time they exchanged quick glances on the pitch, there was an undeniable energy between them that couldn’t be ignored.
The whistle blew, signaling the break. Both teams retreated to their dressing rooms, but Leah couldn’t quite shake the strange feeling hanging in the air. She sat down on the bench, towel in hand, and tried to catch her breath. Her mind kept replaying that moment when their bodies had collided, when the chemistry had felt too intense to ignore.
Beth Mead plopped down beside her, offering a knowing look. “You look distracted, Skip. Something on your mind?”
Leah glanced at her, trying to hide the flurry of emotions swirling inside. “Just focusing on the game. It’s tight out there.”
Beth raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You sure? Because every time you’re near Ava, you’re looking at her like you’re trying to figure out what makes her tick.”
Leah laughed it off, though it wasn’t entirely convincing. “Not true. It’s just... you know, the rivalry. I’ve always wanted to beat Manchester United.”
Beth grinned. “Sure. You keep telling yourself that.”
Leah turned her attention back to the field, pretending to focus on the other players warming up. But in her chest, something felt different. Ava wasn’t just an opponent anymore. She was someone who had crossed into a different space in Leah’s mind—and it was starting to become harder to ignore.
The second half of the game was even more brutal. Both teams were hungry for the win, each pushing with everything they had. The ball flew back and forth, with neither side willing to give an inch. Leah’s leadership was evident as she barked instructions to her teammates, keeping the defense tight and controlled. But in the back of her mind, she kept thinking about how Ava was always in the right place, always so determined, so unstoppable.
Ava was in full force, challenging every ball, closing down every space. She made an incredible run down the left wing, sending a perfect cross into the box. Leah was there, though, managing to clear it away just in time. They locked eyes again, both panting from the exertion, and for a moment, it was like everything outside of them disappeared.
"Nice save," Ava said, her voice softer this time. Leah could hear the respect behind her words.
Leah gave a tight smile. "You’re still a pain in my side, Ava."
Ava smirked, shaking her head. "You wouldn’t have it any other way."
The match came to a nail-biting end. Both teams had fought with all their might, but Arsenal came out on top with a last-minute goal from a corner. The stadium erupted in cheers as Leah’s teammates rushed to congratulate her.
Ava was on the other end of the pitch, hands on her hips, watching the celebrations. There was no denying it—today, Arsenal had won, but there was something deeper beneath the rivalry. Something unspoken between her and Leah.
As the players made their way off the field, Leah and Ava passed each other in the tunnel. They exchanged a quiet, lingering glance, both of them feeling the weight of what was happening between them, but neither ready to say anything. The world outside the stadium roared, but in that moment, it was just the two of them, caught in something they couldn’t quite name.