Part Two For My Live Reactions To The Arsenal V Chelsea Match

Stargirl | matildas x original character fic [part thirteen]

Words; 1.8k

Pairings; matildas team x astrid taylor (OC)

Warnings; swearing

A/N; Hi all. Hope you're enjoying this story. Just wanted to apologise for such a late update and a really short chapter but I started a second job and I've got less time to write so updates may take a little longer sorry. But I will try to keep it within two weeks of each other and write when I can so you guys can keep reading. Love you all xx

masterlist

The next morning after breakfast the team assembled for their pre match meeting where they would do last minute reviews of their opponents style of play, and plan their own around the starting lineup Tony was going to reveal. 

Astrid’s prediction from the night before was proved right when Kyra’s name appeared in the midfield, a smile donning both of their faces as Astrid lightly punched Kyra’s shoulder. The rest of the line up was almost the same as it always was but with Cortnee replacing Sam’s usual position as the left forward and Charli staying in that back right in replace of Ellie who was still out with her ACL injury.

Although Astrid had yet to be named again in the starting XI since that Phillipines game, the plan involved her coming on later in the game and continuing her super sub reputation. 

Arriving at Kingsmeadow again the energy was high and the team were ready for what was to come. They got ready and headed onto the pitch for the warm up, Astrid, Charli and Kyra trailing at the back of the group. 

“Will you three hurry up? Otherwise you’re not part of the rondos.” Alanna turned around, yelling at the three of them who were still slowly walking out of the tunnel. 

“How dare you!” Astrid dropped her mouth in shock, separating from her friends as she ran to join the team, rather ditching her friends than missing out on the only fun part of warm up. 

“Rude.” Charli called out as Kyra scoffed beside her, watching the youngest player run out of the tunnel to the team on the pitch, jogging to catch up behind her. 

Training like always was full of laughter and fun, slightly distracting them before the tough match but still focused on the drills ahead of them. When it began time to partner up, Astrid began walking towards Charli but was pulled away before she could even process what was happening. 

“You’re with me today, chicken.” Steph finally spoke as she walked with Astrid further away from the younger of the Matildas. Astrid was confused but not complaining as she had begun to form a stronger bond with Steph through these camps and over long distance while at clubs. 

“Cool with me.” Astrid shrugged her shoulders as they began their partnered drills and passing skills. 

“So, how’s Hammarby?” Steph asked, looking over at the younger player. 

“It’s really good, I think I’ve finally settled back into the team and the rhythm again.” Astrid smiled as she talked about her club. 

“That’s good. You always want to feel good at your club and comfortable in that environment.” Steph nodded at her, happy she was content in her current club and team. “What about Sweden though? How’s living there treating you?” 

“It’s fine, I’m glad I have Kyra and Nevs with me, and Charli not far away.” Astrid drifted off slightly and looked back up at Steph instead of the ball they were sending between each other.

“But?” Steph quizzed, looking her softly in the eye, Astrid pausing to think before responding.

“I don’t know. Something’s missing or off, I think. It’s just not what I’ve been used to, you know. Especially with a whole different language and customs and lifestyle; it’s just different.” Astrid shrugged casually. “But I’ll get used to it, and the weather.” She laughed with Steph who also missed the Australian sun whilst living away.

“It’ll get better, that feeling of being misplaced sorta. I promise.” Steph pulled Astrid into her side as they began to walk back to the group who were finishing up their warm ups as well.

They all returned to the locker room, changing from their training gear to their game jerseys, Astrid donning her 31 proudly as the subs exited the room, hyping up the starting line up as they went past. 

Courtney and Astrid sat beside each other on the bench as they waited for the match to start. The whistle blew and the ball was taken into quick and easy possession by the Australian side, keeping it close to them and weaving through the South Africa defence. A few chances were made within early minutes, almost getting Astrid out of her seat ready to celebrate, but it wasn’t till Steph took a corner at the fifth minute that she was able to. 

Steph struck with her left foot and the ball headed straight to Mary who attempted to head it in but struck the post, Cortnee saw it and quickly knocked it into the net, scoring her first international goal on the senior team. 

“YES VINEY!” Astrid screamed from the bench, cheering loudly as the players on the field celebrated Cortnee’s goal; Tony also cheering loudly from his place in the tactical box. 

And it wasn’t long until they were celebrating again, Cortnee knocking the ball into the net just 10 minutes later, bringing the Matildas to an easy 2-0 and getting herself a brace. Polkinghorn further advanced their lead just before halftime with a header from another one of Steph’s corners, letting the Matildas leave halftime 3-0 as they retreated down the tunnel. 

While the starting XI were having their halftime meeting with Tony, Astrid took this time to practise her shots with Macca and Courtney for a few minutes before the two younger players were called over to the bench again. They discussed the tactics again for the second half and when they were both going to come on to make a difference in the game, not that there was anything wrong with how it was panning out so far. 

The second half began with the kick from Vine, the Matildas once again taking quick possession and earning corners as they stayed down near the box. Caitlin was the one to give them their next goal, taking a long ball from Aivi to Steph and dancing around the defenders to send it to the right side of the net. 

Astrid and Courtney got up not long after that to warm up once again, running up and down the sidelines as they watched the game progress.

At 70 minutes the Australian side made three substitutions, taking off Steph, Caitlin and Charli and bringing on Courtney, Astrid and Larissa as their replacements; the three of them quickly settled into the rhythm of the game and added to the dynamics of the players on the field. 

Astrid came into the left forward position, slightly further up to where Caitlin had been playing before but somewhere she was more comfortable and was now working with Hayley and Larissa up front. It didn’t take long for Astrid to get her feet on the ball, running ahead of Chidiac who delivered it to her in open space and she slotted it past the South African goalkeeper into the bottom right corner. 

The team were thrilled with her contribution so early after coming on, bringing them to 5-0 at 75 minutes in; but it’s not like they were surprised, it’s what she’s known to do. 

Only 3 minutes later and the ball had landed at her feet just outside the box, but she was surrounded by defenders, all eagerly watching her feet to see where she might go. Astrid paused, lifting her eyes up to the defender in front of her before shifting it in the direction of Hayley who was free to the right of her. 

She moved her left foot, indicating to go right where her eyeline was, the defender turning over her left shoulder but Astrid quickly rolled the ball under her foot and went around her other shoulder. She could hear the defender groan as she tricked her, running closer to the goal, jumping over an outstretched leg from South Africa and continuing the ball towards the goal. Striking with her right foot hard, she aimed for top bins as the keeper bent down to block a low shot, missing it completely. 6-0 to Australia. 

The small Australian crowd who had gathered cheered and so did the girls as they surrounded Astrid who made her way to Kyra first like always. As they parted Kyra pointed to her mouthing, “You owe me lunch.” with a smirk. She was right so far; but so was Astrid as Kyra didn’t seem to be coming off anytime soon and they were inching closer and closer to full time. 

Chloe and Sam joined the field with only 7 minutes of regulation time remaining and just minutes after South Africa scored their first goal of the match in the 87th minute after a terrific lob from Hilda Magaia. 

Three minutes of injury time were given and Astrid was not ready to finish up, neither were any of the Matildas subs who felt like they had just begun to play. 

And with only 40 seconds of time remaining, Courtney delivered the ball to Kyra who then shot it up the field in the direction of Astrid who had made her way into the box, watching as the ball flew in the air. There were a few defenders closing in on her but she had plenty of space, jumping into the air and joining her head with the ball, steering it hard to her left and hoping the keeper was just away from her. 

She landed and looked into the net, finding the ball rolling on the ground and the net still rippling from the impact; she scored another goal and earned herself a hattrick for the first time on the international stage. A wide smile donned her face as she spotted Sam, Hayley and the rest of the team running towards her, screaming and cheering for the youngest player. 

It’s a late goal and a hattrick from number 31 Astrid Taylor, the 18 year old in her 8th appearance for the Matildas. 

Play resumed but not for long as the whistle blew and the game ended 7-1 to Australia, both teams immediately shaking hands with one another and their own teammates. Charli ran over to Astrid when she was free, almost tackling her to the ground. 

“Just casually scores a hattrick within the last like 20 minutes of the game. Are you even human?” Charli squeezed Astrid who laughed at her. 

“Fuck off.” Astrid playfully pushed her away as they began their victory lap, clapping to the crowd that had gathered for the match and waving to the Matildas fans. 

“You just had to be the only one right huh?” Kyra had caught up to Astrid who walked behind everyone else taking in the post-match feeling. 

“I guess I did.” Astrid casually shrugged her shoulders as she turned to Kyra with a smile. 

“I’m proud of you.” Kyra unexpectedly pulled Astrid into a hug but she quickly reciprocated. 

“Thank you, I’m proud of you too.” Astrid spoke as they parted, both with blushed cheeks and large smiles. “So,” They began walking again. “When are you taking me out for my free lunch?” 

to be continued....

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safe to say i’m terrified for what’s about to come

i love being an arsenal supporter ❤️🤍

no seriously. cause how doesn’t hazel have a million girls hanging off her arm. i would be all over that woman

"Bottoms is unrealistic" well obviously, they called Ayo Edebiri, Rachel Sennott and Ruby Cruz ugly the whole movie

A life for a life |Derek Morgan x platonic!reader

Summary; while chasing down an unsub, reader has to make a haste decision on whether to take the kill shot, making it their first. 

Pairings; derek morgan x platonic!reader, bau team x platonic!reader (gender neutral, no direct pronouns used)

Warnings; guns used, blood, typical cm plot things, fluff, angst and sadness wrapped into one.

Words; 1.2k

Not my gif; @just-my-fandom​

Once the team had figured out who the unsub was, they split up between his home and work addresses, racing against the clock towards each. Morgan, Spencer and yourself were currently heading to his house with Garcia on the phone still spitting out random facts about him.

 The SUV pulled up outside the small house, the three of you jumping out straight away. 

“Reid, you take the back entrance.” Morgan instructed, Spencer running around the side of the house instantly. “You take the kitchen entrance and I’ll take the front.” You nodded at him, giving him a fist bump before taking off, it was your way of saying “be safe” without words. 

You stayed quiet and low as you travelled around the west side, looking through the windows for any sign of the unsub. 

“I got him. He’s in the living room with Carrie.” You whispered into your radio, spotting him and the missing girl through the side window. You continue until you get to the door. Derek’s loud voice can be heard throughout the whole house. 

“Samuel Rogers! Drop the weapon and let Carrie go!” 

You twist the handle of the door slowly, attempting not to make any noise as you open it easily, stepping inside the house quietly. You had your gun raised, checking each corner before you found yourself at the edge of the kitchen and the living room. Derek was directly in front of the unsub, gun trained at him as best as he could with the unsub moving back and forth, arms tight around Carrie’s neck. Spencer was only 2 feet away from you, standing between the dining and living room, doing the same as you, standing silently behind them in case things went south. 

Derek was talking to him, trying to calm him down and encouraging him to let her go but he wasn't budging. “Give it up man, let her go. Your plan didn’t work.” Morgan kept saying to him. Your gun was pointed directly at him from behind, Samuel being unaware of the two agents currently behind him. 

“SHUT UP!” Samuel yelled, squeezing Carrie tighter in his arms, pointing his gun directly at Derek’s chest. 

Adrenaline was pumping through your veins, heartbeat pounding in your ears as you stood closer to an unsub than you ever have before. Your finger was pressing on the trigger and within seconds a shot was fired, your arm jolting back as your own gun fired. Your eyes were squinted shut, not seeing directly where it was fired. 

You opened your eyes seconds later, spotting Spencer moving closer to Samuel’s body checking for a pulse, Derek reaching forward to move Carrie out of the way. Your eyes then travelled to the lifeless body on the ground, spotting the bloody hole in his forehead. Your breath left your chest, arms still raised with your gun in your hands.

This isn’t the first time you’ve shot someone while being in the FBI, normally opting for the shoulder or the thigh, pretty much just knocking them down. But this was your first kill. The first time your shot has killed someone else. You were frozen in your spot, watching the scene unfold before you as the rest of your team showed up, moving Carrie out to an ambulance and covering Samuel’s body with a white sheet.

A soft hand on your shoulder finally broke you from your trance, you blinked and the air finally returned to your lungs. 

“Y/N.” Derek called out softly from beside your ear. He reached out and placed his hand on your extended arms, lowering them and removing your gun from shaking hands. “It’s okay.” He whispered and your head dropped, playing back the same moment over and over again. He wrapped his arm around your shoulders and walked you out of your head, guiding you to stand next to one of the SUV’s. 

You were in a state of shock, staring down at the pavement while people walked past you, sirens rang and lights flashed in the street, neighbours coming out of their houses to look at the spectacle happening in their street. 

“Hey.” Derek appeared in front of you again. “You okay?” His voice was soft and calming. You kept your head down. 

“I- I’ve never killed anyone before. I didn’t want it to end like that.” You shook your head, eventually meeting his soft eyes with your sad ones. 

“I know. I know, kid.” He consoled you. “I also know that you saved my life.” He held your shoulder again, pulling you closer to him. 

“Well yeah but-” You looked down again, sighing deeply. 

“No buts. Look at me.” He instructed but you didn’t. He used his hand to grab your cheek softly, pulling you up to meet his eyes again. “You did what you had to. Okay?” He was telling the truth but there was part of you that knew it could’ve ended differently and he sensed this. “Okay?” He asked again. 

“Okay.” You sighed, nodding your head. 

“Come here.” He pulled you into a soft hug, holding your head against his chest as you wrapped your arms up under his shoulders. You didn’t care if people or your team saw you hugging in the field, they knew how close you guys were. He was like your big brother and your best friend rolled into one. He was close to Spencer in a similar way, everyone including yourself knew that. But he was the first to take you under his wing when you joined the team not that long ago, finding comfort in you and your presence; you felt the exact same. 

“Thank you Morgan.” You pulled back from the hug, smiling softly up at him. 

“Anytime Y/L/N.” He ruffled your hair like he always did. “Let’s go get a drink.” He laughed slightly, brightening the mood. You nodded, never passing up the chance to hang out with your team in a fun setting. 

You had all made your way back to the hotel you were staying at, taking some time to get yourselves ready before heading down to the hotel bar. You were the last to arrive, taking a little extra time in the shower to wash the day off. As you walked down the stairs into the bar, the whole team turned to look at you, cheering lightly as they said hello. Your face changed quickly from happy to confused. You walked closer to them, standing next to Derek. 

“What’s going on?” You looked at him, whispering through a smile. His own smile grew larger as he handed you your favourite drink. 

“To Y/N,” Everyone raised their glasses. “For saving my life today.” He continued and wrapped his empty arm around your shoulder. Everyone clinked their glasses together, making sure to smile and make eye contact with you. “Thank you, I’m proud of you.” Derek whispered in your ear, placing a kiss on your temple as the rest of your team talked amongst themselves again. 

The rest of the night was spent talking,laughing and drinking with your newfound family. It was a tough case, especially for you and tonight was exactly what you needed.  

Stargirl | matildas x original character fic [part fourteen]

Words; 2.6k

Pairings; matildas team x astrid taylor (OC)

Warnings; none

A/N; Putting up this fic again on here instead of just on wattpad so get ready for 5 chapters in a row uploaded. This story is so special to me and a real escape from the reality of juggling three jobs and I hope you all enjoy it. Love ya x

masterlist

A few hours later the team were boarding a plane and heading straight to Denmark ahead of their next game. A lot of the girls were tired from the match and the past few days of travelling, except those younger players like Astrid, Charli, Kyra and Courtney who were still somehow on a high. They sat in two rows with Charli and Courtney behind Astrid and Kyra so that they could talk to one another between the seats. 

The chatter between them didn’t last long though as exhaustion finally caught up to the main culprit, Astrid, as she found her head inching closer and closer to Kyra’s shoulder. Kyra was quick to welcome the action and soon found herself falling asleep alongside her for the remainder of the short flight. 

As the flight came to an end, Charli called upon the older girls who were slowly getting up from their seats to witness the sleeping pair. They of course were taking photos and videos of them, admiring their cute positioning, before Steph came forward and attempted to wake them up. Steph was gentle with her approach, tapping on both of their shoulders before calling out to them. 

“Kyra, Astrid, time to get up guys.” Steph spoke softly, letting out a giggle when Astrid only began to nuzzle herself further in Kyra and stayed asleep. Steph tried once more but no luck as the duo didn’t respond again. 

“Okay, my turn.” Mackenzie had gotten up from her seat and gently pushed Steph aside. She had a smirk on her face as she approached the duo, stepping into Charli and Courtney’s now empty row, placing both hands on the tops of their seats from behind.

“Wake up!” The goalkeeper almost screamed as she violently shook their seats, instantly scaring Kyra and Astrid awake at the intense motion. They both let out a small scream as they woke up, gripping onto their seats with racing hearts. The shaking stopped almost instantly as Macca doubled over in laughter at their reactions, the remaining team members also laughing as they watched on. 

Astrid panted while looking around for the culprit and when she spotted Mackenzie almost on the floor whilst laughing, it took everything for her to not jump straight over Kyra and tackle her. But Mackenzie was running for her life down the aisle, getting off the plane fast and avoiding Astrid’s rage. 

“I’m going to kill her.” Astrid muttered to herself while collecting her bags from under the seat, Kyra snickering at her and moving around in silence. 

“Maybe tomorrow after you’ve slept it off.” Steph’s voice came from just ahead, the last one waiting for them to get off the plane. “Let’s go, you two.” She began walking to the exit, Kyra and Astrid walking behind her while yawning. 

The high from winning was back at breakfast the next day after a night of rest, and Astrid was warmly welcomed into the dining room when she finally made her way down. She tried to just collect her breakfast and sit down at the table she normally did but was interrupted by multiple pats on her back or head and everyone continuing to congratulate her on her hat trick yesterday. She made her truce with Mackenzie but still pondered silently on ways to get her back when she least expects it. 

She finally made it to her seat between Charli and Kyra, immediately digging into the food she had been thinking about since she woke up. Astrid managed to eat her breakfast without interruptions, only talking occasionally with the girls at her table before cleaning up her spot and returning to her room. 

She was rummaging through her bags for her training kit when her phone began to vibrate. Reaching in her hoodie pocket to find her mum’s contact lighting up the screen. She moved to sit on her bed before answering the facetime.

“Hi mum!” Astrid smiled at her through the screen. 

“Oh hi my darling. Have I woken you? Is it still too early there?” Joanna asked, worrying she had yet again messed up the time zones. 

“No, I just got back from breakfast.” Astrid reassured her. 

“Oh good. I’m sorry I didn’t call last night after the game, but it was so late here and when we woke up it was the middle of the night for you and…” Joanna rambled. 

“Mum, it’s fine. I knew you would have called sometime today. Besides,we were on the plane within a few hours anyway.” Astrid sat up against the headboard, watching her mother’s face visibly soften at the sight of her daughter. “What did you think of the game?” Astrid always valued her parents' opinion of her performances, knowing their kind words would diminish any anxiety or worry in herself. 

“Oh Astrid!” Joanna exclaimed, Astrid giggling at her reaction. “We have never been so proud of you! You were absolutely incredible my darling.” Joanna beamed for her daughter and her accomplishments. “You should have seen your dad and I last night, on the edge of our seats and off our bums within seconds of all your goals!” They both laughed on either end of the phone.

“I can imagine.” Astrid laughed once more, imagining just what she had described. “Thanks mum.” Her voice fell quieter with a small smile on her face. 

“Dad at work?” She asked. 

“He is, but he promised he would call later when he gets home and hopefully you're not training or anything by then.” Joanna explained and Astrid nodded from her end. 

“Okay, I’ll let him know when I’m finished up for today.” Astrid smiled softly. “I-” She was cut off by the door opening, turning her head to see who it was. 

“Okay, it’s been more than 10 minutes since you said you were getting changed and-” Kyra stormed playfully into the room, stopping when she saw Astrid sitting on the bed, looking up at her and still not dressed in her training gear.

“Say hi to mum while I finish getting ready.” Astrid simply turned the phone in Kyra’s direction, Joanna waving with a smile through the screen. 

“Joanna! How are you?” Kyra snatched the phone and waved excitedly at the woman, Astrid finding her clothes behind her suitcase and heading off to the bathroom to change. 

Through the closed door, Astrid could hear Kyra and Joanna talking to one another about the game and other random things before she exited and silently watched from the doorway. Kyra and Joanna laughed with each other over the phone, Astrid’s heart warming at the interaction. She checked her watch and realised it really was time for them to get going.

“I thought you said I was going to be the one to make us late, now it looks like it’ll be you.” Astrid walked over to sit beside Kyra, falling back into the frame. 

“Well how could I deny a chat with the one and only Joanna Taylor.” Kyra scoffed, turning to smile at Astrid. “But if you insist we must go…” She shrugged her shoulders with a pout. 

“Well, although I don’t mind our reputation of being late,” Astrid raised her eyebrows at Kyra. “I’d rather not prove the girls right and let them go on about it all session for once.” She argued with Kyra who seemed to agree with a slight nod. “Sorry mum, but we do have to go now.” Astrid took her phone back from Kyra’s hands.

“I’ll talk to you later then darling. You girls have a good day and say hi to Charli and Courtney for me please?” Joanna smiled at her daughter and her best friend who now wrapped her arms around Astrid’s neck.

“We will. I love you.” Astrid blew a kiss through the screen, Joanna catching it and placing it on her cheek. 

“I love you too.” They all waved at each other before hanging up. 

“Get off me you monkey!” Astrid laughed as she tried to peel the arms off her but Kyra persisted, gripping tighter while laughing with her. “I’m serious!” Astrid tried to get up off the bed. 

“Carry me.” Kyra stood with Astrid who paused for a second before bending down and waiting for Kyra's legs. 

“You’re so annoying.” Astrid grunted as Kyra was now fully on her back, holding arms tight around her legs to hold her up. “At least open the doors for us then.” Astrid turned her head to look up at her, Kyra nodding in response, reaching forward to pull the front door open and making sure it fell shut as they left. 

They had successfully made it down to the lobby with Kyra still on Astrid’s back, meeting the team who were waiting for them like always. Charli laughed as she saw Astrid beginning to struggle under the weight of Kyra, snapping a quick photo for later purposes. 

“Okay Kyra, seriously get off me or we’re both going down together.” Astrid panted from underneath the older girl. 

“Fine.” Kyra huffed before jumping down and Astrid let out a sigh of relief as she stood up straight and cracked her back. 

“Thank you.” Astrid smiled at her before they both turned their head towards someone clapping their hands at them. 

“You two! Let’s go!” Katrina was the last one standing at the entrance, everyone else now outside waiting on the bus for them.

“Coming mum!” Kyra and Astrid sang out in sync, laughing as they ran to the older woman who was shaking her head and walking out the door. 

Successfully the team made it to their recovery session being held at the Viborg Stadium ahead of their next match, everyone piling inside their gym to complete their recovery individually. 

Astrid spent the whole session singing and dancing more than actually recovering, annoying everyone with her karaoke of Hannah Montana and Taylor Swift, before the coaches told her to get on with her workout or she was in trouble.

Recovery ended the way it always did, with the ice baths/pools. And of course like always Astrid was one of the first in there, teasing everyone who took their time and didn’t embrace the cold like she did. But it came to an end finally and they were all encouraged to go enjoy their free time before the next two days of training ahead of the match against Denmark.

“Who’s up for exploring the city?” Teagan posed the question to everyone once they had returned to the hotel and now congregated in the common room, most people nodding or humming in agreement. Astrid and Kyra looked at each other with the same thought on their minds. 

“Astrid? Kyra?” Charli caught the attention of the girls. “You guys coming?” She asked and they looked at each other once more, silently communicating and Charli stood there waiting. 

“I think we’re going to head off on our own.” Astrid finally spoke. “Kyra owes me lunch.” Kyra nodded at Astrid’s statement, watching Charli’s face fall even further into confusion. 

“I lost a bet, so now I buy her lunch.” Kyra simply stated and stood up waiting for Astrid to follow her. Astrid nodded and stood next to Kyra.

“Alright, guess I’ll see you two later then.” Charli shook herself back to reality and stared at the two people who were famous for bickering, waiting to willingly hang out with one another. “Be safe.” She added as they left. 

“We will.” They called out in sync as they left the hotel, everyone in the room watching on in slight confusion. 

“That was weird right?” Charli spoke into the room, looking at everyone’s faces. 

“Very.” “Yes.” “Let’s hope they don’t kill each other.” Different voices rang out before everyone began laughing and preparing to explore on their own accord as a team. 

The pair walked around the streets close to the hotel for a while, trying to spot a quiet yet decent looking restaurant. 

“How about this one?” Kyra pointed up at the sign, attempting to read the Danish but because she didn’t know any part of the language it didn’t really work. Astrid let out a small laugh and pushed Kyra closer to the entrance. “This one it is then.” She murmured as she pushed the door open for the both of them. 

“Oh thank god.” Astrid silently let out as they opened the menus once they found a table, grateful to find English translations underneath the Danish food listings. 

A server came over to the pair and once he realised they couldn’t understand him, he simply asked them to point out the items they wanted and he scribbled them down quickly. Astrid and Kyra were slightly embarrassed at the situation but quickly began laughing over it. 

They talked on and off while eating about random things that were going on and checking in on one another's families. But they were already around each other so much they didn’t need to constantly fill the silence. 

Kyra stuck to her promise and paid for the whole lunch, both of them thanking the staff before heading out of the restaurant and back onto the streets of Denmark. 

“Oh thank god!” A loud voice came from behind Kyra and Astrid, a familiar pair of arms wrapping around both of their shoulders and slotting themself between them. 

“Jesus Charli.” Astrid sighed, turning her head towards the blonde. “What are you going on about?” Astrid sent a quizzed look to Charli and paused the three of them on the street. 

“You guys spent over an hour together alone and didn’t kill each other.” Charli exaggerated, Kyra and Astrid both rolled their eyes at her comment. “It’s a miracle!” She laughed and removed herself from both girls. 

“Leave em alone Charli.” Mini’s voice piped up from behind them, all three turning to see Harper sitting on her hip and the rest of the team walking close behind them. 

“Harps!” Astrid took long strides to reach them, Harper’s little face lighting up at the sight of Astrid, almost jumping out of her mothers arms and into Astrid’s open ones. 

“Weeee!” Harper squealed and giggled as Astrid carefully swung her around in the air before placing her on her hip, Harper instantly snuggling up against the youngest Matilda. The team began their walk back to the hotel after finding Kyra and Astrid, all feeling a little tired after the late night flight and early morning recovery.

A lot of the team chose to hang out together in the main conference room of the hotel, now that it had become their designated hang out room during free time, either just chilling on their phones or playing games with each other. 

Though Astrid, kyra, Charli and Teagan had taken the task of entertaining Harper so that Mini could take a nap. It was a fun yet hard task to complete, Harper often had a lot of energy and an inability to stick with one activity for too long. 

So like always they started with physical games to tire her out, chasing her around and losing their own energy in the process. Then they moved onto any toys mini had left with them, spending their time playing barbies or dolls and then finally putting on a disney movie they would all enjoy. 

So that's how mini found them all after an hour, fast asleep on couches and bean bags with Inside Out playing over Charli’s laptop, and Harper laying over Astrid’s chest. She thought there was no harm done so she left them there, reminding herself to come back and retrieve them all before dinner. 

to be continued...

Stargirl | matildas x original character fic [part seven]

Words; 3.4k

Pairings; matildas team x astrid taylor (OC)

Warnings; swearing

A/N; she's a long one but hopefully it keeps ya entertained till i finish the next one. x

masterlist

The time had finally come and the 'Sweden Squad', as they started calling themselves, were headed to the airport, flying off to Spain together for the next Matildas camp.

"Can this girl hurry up please? The flight is going to leave without her." Charli looked between the bathrooms and the gate where the line of people was getting shorter. The three older girls heard loud footsteps running towards them and saw Astrid running with a bag falling off her shoulder.

"I'M HERE. I'm here!" Astrid panted as she reached the girls. Charli simply shook her head and began walking towards the line, Kyra laughing as she handed her boarding pass to her. Courtney patted Astrid on the back as they walked together.

On the flight Courtney and Kyra sat next to each other, Charli and Astrid sitting behind them, enjoying their time together as it had been awhile. Although they were in the same country, being at two clubs hours away from each other proved difficult to organise hang outs. That's why they loved national camp so much, spending days together and playing together rather than apart. They also loved being able to see all their other teammates, Astrid excited to see Cortnee again since moving away, missing her constant presence in her life.

The flight landed and they made their way through the Spanish airport, finding the car that was waiting for them outside to take them to the team hotel. Normally the team would hang out together once they were all there but these guys were some of the last to arrive and because it was so late they went straight to bed.

Astrid was rooming with Mackenzie this time, having to be quiet as she moved about getting ready for bed because she was already asleep. As soon as her head hit the pillow she was dead asleep, exhausted from her day of travel and their match the day before.

The next morning Macca's alarm went off and startled Astrid awake, grateful she had set one because she forgot.

"Oh shit, when'd you get here?" Mackenzie was startled when she saw Astrid in her bed.

"Last night." Astrid yawned while sitting up. "Tried not to disturb ya, you looked quite peaceful." She rubbed her eyes before looking at the other girl.

"Thanks. Um breakfast is in like 30 minutes by the way, I wanted as much sleep as I could." She mumbled while getting out of her bed.

"Cool." Astrid sent her a thumbs up. She got up and began to rummage through her bag for her training clothes while Mackenzie was in the bathroom, sitting back on her bed, scrolling through her phone while she waited.

"All yours." Mackenzie opened the bathroom door and Astrid nodded. She got changed, pulled her hair back into a low bun and began her skincare routine. If there was one this Astrid was going to do, it was her skincare. It may be a long process but it worked and her skin looked great so it was worth it.

"Okay, let's go." Astrid announced as she left the bathroom, throwing her pyjamas onto her suitcase.

"About time, the hell were you doing in there." Mackenzie looked at Astrid while putting her shoes on and grabbing the rest of her training gear, Astrid did the same.

"This isn't all natural, it takes time to be this beautiful." Astrid held a hand under her chin and smiled, the other girl just scoffed and pushed her towards the door.

The team ate breakfast together, catching up after a few months apart. A lot of the senior players were on a break, missing normal starters like Sam, Caitlin, Steph, Hayley, Alanna and Mary. And Ellie missing with her ACL injury from a few weeks ago, it was a very different looking team. But this also meant a chance for younger players to come in and experience camp for the first time, and giving opportunity to those with little playing time.

Training was full on, especially with the game being tomorrow and a lot of the players just joining yesterday or the day before. Normally there's a few days before the game to train together but with club seasons in full swing they didn't have that opportunity. So they had to take what they could get.

After a good warm up and stretch they moved into mini matches against one another. This was the time for Astrid to show the coaches how hard she had been working at her new club.

She had been put in the left forward position, her favourite one, and her side was doing so well. She was battling Charli, the defender trying to steal the ball back off her but Astrid had fast feet and a hunger to sink as many goals as she could.

She paused with the ball under her, Charli mirrored her, waiting for her next move. She faked a left, Charli moving that way and Astrid scooted around her on the right, running small strides with the ball. She shot it behind her to Kyra, Astrid running closer to the box as Kyra shot the ball to Astrid and although was about to be swarmed she knew the striker could get past them. The ball landed on her feet, and she stared at the bottom right corner of the goal, Teagan in goal watching her.

Astrid lifted her right leg, striking the ball hard, Teagan jumped to her left ready to block it, but Astrid had twisted her body, angling it to the left instead, Teagan groaning as Astrid and her team shouted in achievement. Astrid shot a fist in the air, turning to go hug Kyra, those in her team around her patting her on the back. The coaches watched on the sides, looking at each other before nodding in admiration at the young players' improvement since last camp.

Astrid's team had won the mini match 2-1, Cortnee equalised with the other team but Mini scored them a goal from distance and brought them ahead.

The day ended after recovery, dinner and an early night before the game tomorrow, all players wanting a decent night's rest before their tough opponent.

Everyone was in focus mode the next morning at breakfast, still having their normal chats but the energy was different to non match days. Astrid had a good feeling about her own skills for this game but was still unsure how it would pan out altogether. The bus ride was quiet as always, everyone playing their own pre match music and mentally preparing for the game ahead.

They arrived at the stadium and got off the bus, heading directly for the change rooms. Astrid spotted her jersey, 'Taylor' above her number. Although her official number was 31, she had begun donning the number 3 during matches and she felt good with it. They did a warm up on the pitch, getting a feel for the grass and noted the mass of Spanish fans in the stands. It intimidated Astrid for sure, having never played an away game for the Matildas before, but she did spot some green and gold scarves and shirts filtered through the crowd.

Astrid's pre-match ritual didn't consist of much but she always re-did her hair, tied her boots, the right foot first, and put her jersey on last, making sure to smooth it out before moving into the pre-match huddle.

"First of all, deep breath. Shoulders out, chest up." Tony began, looking around at the team. "We're ready for this, alright? Send some message about what you're about and what this team is about, and it starts there. 'Cause if you add up all the individual actions, as a team, we will perform well." Everyone nodded at his words. "You got this, let's go." Everyone clapped and cheered, bringing the energy for the match.

The starting line up stayed back in the room as the subs walked out, Astrid making sure to give Charli and Cortnee a big hug as she left them in the line, wishing them good luck. Astrid wasn't a part of the starting line up just yet but Tony wanted her to come on for at most 30 minutes towards the end of the game.

The first half was tough for the Australian side, many good shots at goal but couldn't seem to get it in. Their defence was strong though and Tegan was blocking shots strongly, denying the Spanish right up until that 43rd minute where Bonmatí managed to shoot one in. Going into halftime it was 1-0 to Spain and where the Matildas could have felt defeated, fight and power only grew in them to keep going and at least equalise.

At the 66th minute Astrid was finally running into the pitch, subbing for Larissa Crummer in the left forward position, Amy Sayer coming on for Tameka just behind her in the left midfield spot. By then Spain were already up 4-0 and Astrid was ready to put them on that score board.

For the past few minutes Australia had gained possession of the ball, Astrid trying for a goal twice but Paños and their defenders were good, stopping her shots before they could sink in. Astrid was getting frustrated, turning that anger into fuel and she was faster than ever when her boots touched that ball again. She weaved in and out of the Spanish defence, keeping the ball tight within her feet.

There were too many of them in the box ready to deny her, so she moved back with it. Her teammates were calling out for a pass further up and over the field where they had more space but she couldn't hear them. Her adrenaline was pumping, blocking out everything but her, the ball and the goal, So she kept running. She neared the penalty line, looking at the goal, trying to find space. She knew she was further than where she normally struck but she had to go for it, Batlle and Paredes closing in on her.

She stepped with her left foot, swinging her trusty right foot with all the power she had. The ball flew, literally, straight through the players, everyone watching as it went for the net. Paños saw it coming, preparing to jump and stop it. She went the right way but left just too early, the ball skimming by her right arm and into the net.

"LETS FUCKING GO!" Astrid shook her fist as she screamed and ran around the field, heading for her teammates who were also screaming. She jumped onto Charli, everyone else piling on top of them, patting her on the back and head.

GOOAALL for Australia by number 3 Astrid Taylor, bringing the score 4-1 to Spain. Shot from distance this time, normally she sneaks them in from the box but with limited space she went for it and a point on the board for the Matildas.

As they parted Astrid could hear Tony cheering her on from the sidelines, bringing a smile to her face as she walked back to her spot.

The game ended and Spain had beaten them 7-1, the only Aus goal coming from Astrid, all of the later shots blocked by their defenders and goalkeeper again.

The final whistle blew and the Spanish crowd went wild, the players celebrating together before going to shake hands with the Matildas. Astrid was politely shaking hands with the Spanish players, muttering 'good game' as they went past.

After shaking hands with most players, Astrid joined the huddle, slotting in the empty space between Mackenzie and Charli.

"The one thing I want to remind everyone about in here is we came here for a reason." Tony looked around at his team. "We came here to learn something and taking experience from it, alright? So, yes, we might have lost the game but we win in experience. And even if we win one player to be a better depth and roster going into the World Cup '23." He pointed around at the team. "It was worth it. Even though it feels really painful right now for every single one of you, I promise you it was worth it." The team tried to look positive to his words but their heads hung low.

"Good job everyone. That's it." The huddle parted and everyone looked defeated at how the game panned out, walking around the pitch to one another. Astrid just went to stand by herself on the pitch, looking around at the stadium and the crowd filtering out.

"Good game. That was a great goal, very impressive." Astrid had her head down when the voice spoke, lifting her head to meet the person's eyes.

"Thank...you." She immediately was starstruck when she saw the person in front of her. Ona Batlle was reaching her hand out to shake Astrids. Astrid tried not to let her jaw go slack and embarrass herself in front of the well-known player, bringing her hand up to shake Ona's.

"I've seen you over the internet, you may be young but you're very good." Ona placed her hands on her hips after they let go, Astrid doing the same to hide the shaking in her own.

"Oh wow, thank you so much." Astrid let out quickly.

"I think you'll be a very famous player, so I would love it if I could be the first to have your shirt." Ona nodded at the young girl who was speechless. "Only if you want?" She added when Astrid didn't respond.

"Yeah, yeah of course." Astrid snapped out of it and nodded, reaching to the hem of her shirt. The players removed their own jerseys and quickly exchanged, putting the opposite team colours on. As they pulled their heads through they noticed a camera man gesturing at them to stand together for a photo.

Ona wrapped her arm over Astrid's shoulder and pulled her close, smiles plastering both of their faces as he took the pictures, both holding a thumbs up pose. The players noticed their teams slowly disappearing down opposite tunnels, nodding at each other before Astrid walked over to where Charli was waiting for her.

"What the hell? You are wearing THE Ona Batlle's jersey right now. How are you not freaking out?!" Charli spoke from beside Astrid as they walked down the tunnel, the last Aussies to make their way in.

"I didn't dream that did I? Pinch me." Astrid held out her arm; Charli slapped her. "I said pinch not slap. My god." She rubbed her arm where she had hit her, giving the older girl a stare.

"What did she say to you?" Charli asked as she sat at her bench in the changing room to take her cleats off.

"She was impressed by my goal. And she said that I'll be famous one day so she wanted to be the first to have my jersey." Astrid smiled at the memory, everyone in the room listening in.

"Wow." Charli looked up at her. "I'm sure that boosted your ego even more." Charli teased and Astrid looked down at her.

"Shut up, you're just jealous aren't you?" Astrid pushed her shoulder and walked over to her own spot, shaking her head at Charli who scoffed in response.

After they all showered, the team finally left the stadium, piling onto a quiet bus to get back to the hotel. After having their team dinner, they all headed off to bed early, Mackenzie and Astrid heading into their shared room after bidding goodnight to the rest of the team.

The goalkeeper had noticed how quiet the young player was since they got back to the hotel, very unusual to her normal behaviour on camps, especially when with her friends. This was the first time they had roomed together so she wasn't sure if this was how she was normally before bed or something else was going on.

Mackenzie had just finished in the bathroom, walking out to see Astrid sitting on the edge of her own bed, staring into space and biting her nails.

"You alright?" Macca asked.

"Hmm?" Astrid hummed, still looking lost in thought.

"Are you alright? You're very quiet." She sat down on her bed, facing into Astrid's bed.

"Yeah. Sorry." Astrid removed her finger from her mouth, turning to face Mackenzie.

"Something on your mind?" She could tell she was thinking about something deeply, Astrid only shrugged in response. "Are you thinking about today?" Astrid tensed up at the mention of today's match. After a second of contemplation Astrid spoke.

"I should've gotten those other shots in, I always do." Astrid shook her head at herself, disappointed she couldn't help the team more.

"They had a good defence and Paños is a very good goalkeeper. It just didn't go our way today." Mackenzie tried to console the striker

"It's all my fault we lost." Astrid shook her head, Mackenzie got up and sat next to her.

"Look at me." Astrid's head lifted. "It's not your fault at all. It's not all up to you, just like it's not all up to Sam when she's in the front. When we play, we play as a team."

"I should've been better." She bit her lip, maintaining eye contact with her.

"You're already the best you've ever been. I mean come on, you've been on three times and scored a goal each time. Every game you play at your clubs you score at least once. That's literally fucking magic. And lets not forget that distance shot you fired and actually got in, I've never seen you take it from that far." Mackenzie shook Astrid's shoulders before pulling her in close, both letting out soft laughs.

"Thank you." Astrid pulled the taller girl in for a hug.

"Always." Mackenzie mumbled, holding the young girl in her arms. She couldn't believe she was beating herself up over it so much, she was already achieving so much at such a young age and the whole team was so proud and marvelled at her skills. They both eventually went to sleep, preparing to head to Portugal tomorrow for the next friendly after recovery.

Two days later and the game against Portugal was in full swing. Although Portugal might have had more possession, taking a few shots at goal, Lydia and the defenders were not letting them through. Half-time and they were 0-0 which was a lot more positive than where they were at the last game.

"You're killing it out there Char." Astrid patted the defender on the back, handing her a water and a sweat towel before she made her way down the tunnel, thanking Astrid as she went by.

The second half had begun and Princess Ibini had gone on for Remy in the left forward position, Astrid going on a few minutes later as the right forward in replace of Emily Gielnik.

Portugal still had strong possession of the ball and it was at 65 minutes when Charli got a yellow card within seconds of a tackle (that she didn't cause). Astrid watched her begin to argue as they gathered to line up for Portugal's free kick.

"How was it on me?" Charli argued with the ref and before anything else progressed Astrid quickly pulled her away after hearing Lydia call for her to move.

"Charli. Forget about it." Astrid led her to the line, not wanting her to get into more trouble, Charli still visibly confused and upset, as were the rest of her teammates. They ran and slotted in, creating a defensive line. The free kick went straight out and the game continued.

The ball had travelled to Gorry who sent it long for Larrissa, Astrid running fast up the right side, keeping an eye on it. She quickly sent the ball Astrid's way, receiving it but she was way too far out for the shot. She spotted Princess close to the goal, sending it long across to the pitch and she caught it sliding into the goal, the ball going in with her.

Astrid ran straight to the 22 year old who had just scored her first international goal, the rest of the team high fiving her as they ran back to position. Charli and Astrid gave her a hug before returning to their positions, proud of the striker.

10 minutes later and Portugal had equalised, making the score 1-1 at the end of the game and the Matildas coming away happier than their last game. That night they not only celebrated a better result, but also Lydia's 100 caps as a Matildas goalkeeper. Safe to say the camp ended on a high for all players. 

To be continued....

Stargirl | matildas x original character fic [part fifteen]

Words; 1.5k

Pairings; matildas team x astrid taylor (OC)

Warnings; mini panic attack

masterlist

After two days of training at the stadium, game day finally came and everyone was more than ready. Especially Astrid when it had been revealed during their pre match talk that she would be in the starting line up today. It was safe to say she did not expect that, gasping in shock when Tony revealed her name and the rest of the team cheered her on. But after her performance against South Africa and during training, the coaches were more than certain she deserved it. 

Astrid was very nervous once they headed to the changeroom after a warm up, feeling the pressure she was putting on herself start to bubble up. She hadn’t started for the national team since the game she got injured in, only coming on later in the games as fresh legs and she was very worried her performance wasn’t going to meet everyone's expectation. 

Her leg bounced up and down, hands shaking slightly as she sat on the bench, everyone around her finishing up getting ready for the game. Her heart was pounding and she tried to focus on taking deep breaths but it felt like she was suffocating in the room. 

Hastley, Astrid stood up and headed for the door, ignoring the calls of her teammates asking where she was going. She didn’t even know where she was going, just knew she needed to get away from everyone for a moment. An empty hallway away from the noise of the stadium was all she needed, stopping and leaning up against a wall finally being able to breathe properly. 

For a few minutes she basqued in the quiet, letting her thoughts go and emptying her mind of anything that would prevent her from having a good match. That was until she heard footsteps approaching and getting closer to her. She didn’t react, just kept her eyes closed and fell farther into the wall. 

“Hey.” A soft voice and instantly Astrid felt a wave of calm fall over her. Kyra. Astrid opened her eyes and met Kyra’s worried face. 

“Hi.” Astrid’s voice was barely a whisper. “Sorry.” She avoided Kyra’s eyes and looked down at their feet. 

“Don’t be. Just had us worried is all.” Kyra confessed and let out a soft smile. “You okay?” She asked softly, not pressuring her to respond fully. 

“Yeah. Just needed a second.” Astrid looked back up at Kyra and gave her a tight lipped smile. “Nervous.” She spoke again and Kyra just nodded. 

“You got this.” Kyra spoke into her eyes and Astrid nodded along with her, feeling her heart rate slow and more air coming back into her lungs. “Come on.” Kyra held her hand out for Astrid and waited for her. 

Astrid silently took her hand and they began walking back down the tunnels, the noise from the teams and the fans in the stands growing louder as they approached the line ups, slotting in behind Katrina. They dropped their hands quickly, Astrid sending a quick thumbs up to Charli further up the line who was looking at her with worry. 

Before she knew it, both teams were standing in position and ready to start the game, the anxiety from before now replaced with adrenaline. The whistle blew and immediately Astrid was focused on the game, running down to her position on the right side, sharing the front with Sam. 

Denmark took possession very quickly, leading the scoreline with a goal from Karen Holmgaard within 47 seconds. Astrid and Sam watched with disbelief from the other side of the pitch, knowing this would set them up for a long and hard game. 

The Matildas almost get a chance to equalise soon after, Steph sending a ball for Sam who knocked just too high over the goal and missing their chance. But Astrid is really making her mark early on with early touches and creating amazing chances for Sam in the centre. But still, nothing managed to make its way past the Denmark defence and into the back of the net. 

The half time whistle blew and the only thing the Australian could take from it was Mini’s yellow card. That didn’t stop them becoming even more motivated to turn the rest of the game over to their side. After Tony’s speech, a water break and some refocusing, the team was ready to get back out and win this match. 

The second half, Astrid was fueled with more energy than she’s ever had even though this was the longest she’s ever played for the national squad. But there was a hunger for her to equalise and overtake the Denmark side early on and take the lead. 

Astrid watched the pass from Tegan to Mini to Hayley and kept her eye on the ball, running closer to the ball and trying to keep her distance from the defenders. Hayley came close to the goal but there wasn’t enough of a clear shot for her, eyeing where Astrid was positioned near the goal and going for it. Hayley shot the ball low through the middle of two defenders and it ended at Astrid’s left foot, taking less than a second to tap it in gently past the keeper's legs and against the back of the net in the 53rd minute. 

As soon as it made it past the white line Astrid beelined it for Hayley, the two players jumping into one another over excitement for their shared goal. The rest of the girls came over screaming, piling on top of the pair and giving well deserved head pats for their fantastic footwork. 

The girls began to disperse, Charli and Kyra hanging back to give the 18 year old striker another hug before returning to their places and just like that Astrid had helped them equalise early on. 

It took another 10 minutes before Caitlin scored one of the most chill, easiest goals ever. After being thrown back in by Charli, Caitlin bounced it off her chest and passed to Mini and Hayley before the ball was sent back to her. She easily dribbled it through the defenders, basically a 5v1 at that point, before nutmegging Sørensen and letting it roll into the goal, deflecting off the fingertips of Christensen and hitting the net. 

The game ended in their favour, 4-1 to the Matildas after Mini and Caitlin scored within a minute of another and a full international game under Astrid’s belt. After congratulating each other and consolidating the other team, it was time for the post-match huddle, Astrid slipping in between the other two goal scorers of this match. 

“Sam, Steph,” Tony began. “This is your team, your talk tonight.” He smiled at the two captains who were side by side. 

“Um, me and steph were just saying the second half is what we’re about. Like, we're a pressing team and we live and die by it.” Everyone was nodding in agreement at Sam’s words.. “So it was really fucking cool to see us all going for it. And I think we’re gonna concede chances. Maybe we concede one, but the way we pressed and covered for each other.” Sam looked around the circle. “That’s what this team’s about. So we need to bring that for 90, but that second half was incredible,” Sam looked over at the goalscorers that were holding onto each other. “So well done girls.” She looked over at Steph to continue. 

“Yeah, the end was a really mature performance, as well.” Steph was moving her eyes to reach everyone in the circle. “Having five at the back defending how we did, how we organised, that’s how we’ve got to be major tournaments, that’s what it’s about. Sometimes we’ve just got to get the win and I thought we did that really well, so, good performance.” Steph concluded and everyone turned to Tony for the final words. 

“Freaking solid performance, fantastic night. Good job everyone.” The captains had said everything that was needed to, so he was more than happy to show his excitement and happiness, finishing up the huddle and leading everyone into celebration. 

The excitement over their win continued into the changerooms and eventually on the bus on the way back to the hotel. But it was safe to say Astrid was exhausted after playing a full 90 minutes for the first time in a while, beginning to fall asleep against Alanna’s shoulder. So as they arrived at the hotel, the blonde defender had the pleasant job of attempting to wake the teenager who seemed very happy against her in the seat. 

“Hey, Asteroid.” Alanna nudged her gently, Astrid groaning as she began to wake up. “We’re back at the hotel.” Astrid began to open her eyes more, seeing Alanna and a few of the other girls look down at her. 

“Coming.” She spoke softly, waving them off. They nodded and began walking off the bus, but there was someone still lurking, waiting for her. 

“Need a hand?” Kyra asked her, Astrid looking up as she retrieved her small bag, sending Kyra a tired smile.

“Thanks.” Astrid reached for Kyra’s hand and pulled herself up, bag and phone in her other hand. They began walking off the bus, always last but somehow always together.

to be continued...

Watch my shattered edges glisten| Leah Williamson x young!reader (platonic)

Summary; Being so good so young brings a lot of attention to you, especially when you make a simple mistake. Leah notices you struggling and helps you as you begin to crack under the pressure. Inspired by "Mirrorball" by my mother, Taylor Swift.

Pairings; Leah Williamson x young!reader (platonic), lionesses x reader (platonic)

Words; 2k

Warnings; sad, swearing, angst.

A/N; Is it too much to ask just to be comforted by Leah. Sorry about the sadness but it's so fun to write and play it out in my head. A little it rushed but I wanted to get something out and i'm off work sick so very clearly bored atm. Enjoy.

It was no secret that Leah felt a need to protect you and basically adopt you when you entered the senior team just a few months ago. You were quite young, like most of the other girls were when they got their first call ups, but there was a naivety and innocence to you that she felt the need to take you under her wing very quickly.

You had excelled very easily in the youth and U23 squads, becoming one of the best defenders for your age and following closely behind in the footsteps of the one and only Leah Williamson. So when you got that call from Sarina inviting you to your first senior camp, you were both excited and extremely nervous to be in the presence of your biggest inspirations.

There was a lot of press when your call up was publicly announced, people who had watched you in the younger squads cheering you on and other fans ready to see how you would fit within the senior team. A lot of the younger players in the squad were more than excited to hear of you finally moving up, most of you playing together and growing up together at national camps over the years. So there was no reason for you to worry about when arriving at St Georges park for the first time.

But the thought about being in an unfamiliar environment with new people and a new team still made you nervous. So it was understandable that you were quiet and reserved for the first day, still greeting everyone but unsure of where your place in the squad was just yet. The girls you had grown up with were lovely as always but it had been a few years since you were all together, so it was different. 

That's when Leah knew she had to make the effort and ensure your transition to the senior squad was smooth and easy, making you comfortable with the girls which would benefit your performance on the field.

"Hey, y/n!" A voice called out to you, making you turn your head to find the Leah Williamson waving you over to her table. You swallowed your nerves before walking over to her with your breakfast tray in your shaky hands. She shifted over to make a space for you between herself and Keira. That was the first and certainly not the last time Leah had made sure you felt welcome and  supported on the team. 

A few camps in and everyone was calling you a mini Leah, not that you minded. You and the older defender had a lot in common, making it easy to get along and create a sisterly bond quite easily. 

Despite being in a lower-ranked team of the WSL, many people already knew who you were and were ready to support you as you joined the senior squad. This helped with your nerves as you waited to sub on during your first national game, hearing the home crowd cheer as your number displayed beside Leah's.

"You've got this little one." Leah whispered as she hugged you, making your heart swell and your eyes roll at the nickname before you ran out and took her place on the field next to Millie and Lotte.

It's safe to say your run with the national team has been going quite well since your first game, finding yourself appearing in every match and even starting in the two in the previous camp.

Your impressive defensive skills and tactics had been noticed when you were on national duty and during regular matches, causing your agent to call you with many offers from many different clubs in the WSL and even other leagues. But there was one that stood out and would be a no-brainer to transfer during the January window, especially as a place to work on your skills ahead of the World Cup this summer.

So you officially left the club that started your professional career at 18 just three years ago and set off to North London, moving into Leah's flat; nice and close to the Colney.

It was in a friendly against Australia where you made a simple mistake that would impact you and your career so harshly, so quickly.

3 months out from the world cup and this one mistake almost cost you your spot in the World Cup squad... or so you were made to believe.

It was a simple mistake that plenty of players all over the world had made before; stepping out that little bit too much during a tackle and risking the player you were trying to mark, especially with the current weather conditions. That's all it took. But you knew the moment your studs hit Kyra's boot, your match was over.

The whistle was blown within seconds of her body hitting the floor and her grabbing onto her foot where your studs had accidently landed. You looked down to where her team was beginning to surround her, frozen in place until a hand on your shoulder shook you out of it and your head moved the ref who was reaching in her back pocket. The red card came into view and although you knew it was coming, your heart still sunk as she wrote your number on the back.

A few of the England girls began to start arguing with ref that it should have at least been a yellow, but you knew there was no point, anyone could see that it was a definite red and you were officially benched for the rest of the game and the next one coming. So with a hung head you walked off the field and over to the tunnel, the voices of your teammates and the disappointed home crowd blurring into the background, everything feeling as though it was in slow motion as the rain continued to fall.

"I'm sorry." You spoke to Sarina who silently nodded her head at you, both a sympathetic and disappointed look on her face as you passed by and walked down to the change room.

You sat down on the bench in front of your cubby and stared down at the boots that let down the team and left them a man down with 20 minutes still to go.

There was something bubbling in your chest that should have been anger at the situation but it was just bitter disappointment in yourself and that was ultimately worse. Water formed in your eyes and your throat began closing up as you bit back the tears that were trying to escape, but you couldn't let them.

You ended up showering and changing into your tracksuit as you waited for the match to end and what you presumed would be a lot of upset teammates ready to storm in and hurl their anger towards you. You curled up in your cubby, headphones on but no music playing, and closed your eyes as you waited.

You were so buried within yourself that you hadn't noticed all the girls coming in and spotting you making yourself so small, breaking all of their hearts as they could see how hard you were taking this.

It was Esme who eventually disturbed you, tapping your shoulder gently, silently nodding to the door of the once again empty changeroom after everyone began to leave for the bus.

She threw her arm around you, tucking you into her side as you walked out to the back and towards the bus where everyone was waiting. Once again you were left alone by the girls on the bus, they could see you were utterly disappointed and didn't want to accidentally make it worse. So although you were sat by yourself, you could feel 22 pairs of eyes on you every so often, but most intensely from a blonde captain further back on the bus.

It didn't take long for the press to have their say on the incident, immediately shaming you for your mistake and basically flushing your name and reputation down the toilet. So as you mindlessly scrolled through social media on the way back, your feed was filled with posts and comments about the incident. You knew better than to read what they wrote about you, but you couldn’t stop, obsessed with reading every article that featured your name. 

Most of the comments were the same, things like "how dangerous it really could have been" and that you were "young and reckless and irresponsible with your choices as a defender." Deep down you knew they were wrong about you but it was hard to fight through the voices saying they were right and that you were a bad footballer. 

Leah started to get worried when you were not only ignoring the other girls, but then you began distancing yourself upon returning home with her. You stayed in your room as much as you could and tried to stay away from Leah but it was hard when living in the same house. 

The night that you got back she barely heard from you, wanting to respect your privacy for as long as she could but when she heard your soft cries through the door she couldn’t ignore it any longer. 

“Y/N?” She knocked softly on the door, waiting for a response but you stayed quiet. “I’m coming in okay.” She gave a warning before opening the door softly, her eyes instantly finding you tucked into the covers facing away from the door. “Oh little one.” 

Her soft voice made a sob finally escape and you began properly breaking down for the first time. She hated seeing you like this, contrastingly different to the bubbly, mischievous person you were known to be. She crawled up under the covers, rolling you over and placing your head upon her chest.

“What can I do?” She began smoothing your hair with her fingers, she knew this is what came with becoming a footballer in the spotlight but she didn’t think it would get you this early in your career. 

“Just hold me please.” Your voice was soft and broken, trying to stop the images and words they were saying from spiralling in your mind. 

“None of what they say is true, I need you to know that.” Leah spoke again after a few minutes of silence, finally feeling your breathing slow and the tears stopping. “It was an accident and you know it, I know it, she knows it and they know it too.” She was referring to Kyra who you had already sent a message to, apologising for hurting her and the media who were riling up a story to fill their articles full of nonsense for more money.

“This does not change who you are as a person or a player, it happens to everyone and it will go away once they find something new to talk about. But you need to ignore them.” She continued, waiting for any kind of response. “Promise me you’ll ignore them.” Leah looked down at you, tapping your head as a signal to look up at her. 

“I promise.” You gave her a small smile while nodding. 

“Come on, let’s go eat some smileys.” She flung the covers off and pushed you up with a laugh, getting one out of you for the first time since it happened. 

“You have the pallet of a five year old.” You shook your head as you crawled out of your bed. 

“And what about it?” She wrapped an arm around your shoulder as you exited out to the kitchen, pressing a small kiss to your head as you walked together. 

It was at that moment you felt truly grateful for Leah and all she had given you since joining the Lionesses and Arsenal. She took you in and gave you an environment to thrive and be comfortable in a new place when she didn’t have any obligation to. But you would forever be in debt to her kindness and never reject anything she gave to you. 

Stargirl | matildas x original character fic [part eighteen]

Words; 2.7k

Pairings; matildas team x astrid taylor (OC)

Warnings; swearing,

masterlist

“Courtney come on, just tell us please?” Astrid whined as she sat on the edge of her couch with Kyra, Courtney pacing in front of them. 

“Okay fine.” Courtney sat down in the arm chair across from the couch. “I’m going on loan.” She mumbled but the other girls caught on. 

“Loan?”  Kyra questioned, letting the information process in her mind as she looked at Courtney. 

“Where? Who?” Astrid asked with furrowed brows. 

“Leicester City put in an offer before the break, they told me this morning and I accepted.” Courtney looked down at her hands as she waited for further reactions. 

“How long?” Kyra asked after a minute of silence. 

“Till the end of the WSL season.” Courtney slowly lifted her head. “And then they have the option to buy after that.” She looked between her two friends who were processing the news, both silent. 

“That’s amazing Nevvy, I’m so happy for you.” Astrid stood up and opened her arms, waiting for Courtney to join her. Courtney stood up with a smile, accepting the hug and holding onto Astrid. 

“Thank you.” Courtney spoke into Astrid’s shoulder where she placed her head, the younger girl running her hand up and down her back. The two girls almost jumped when another pair of arms wrapped around them and a small laugh came from Kyra as she joined the hug.

“When do you go?” Kyra asked softly as they pulled apart but still stood closely. 

“Well I’m still training here for the next week and a half and then I’ll leave to sign there on the 25th.” Courtney relayed what she was told this morning. 

“Shit. That’s soon.” Astrid’s smile faltered as she realised how little time they had together in Sweden.

“I know. But we’ll see each other at camp like every month.” Courtney pulled Astrid into her side. 

“Enough with the sadness.” Kyra spoke sternly while putting her finger straight up in the air, scaring Courtney and Astrid. “Just means we have to do everything together for the next week and a half until Nev leaves us to our own devices.” Kyra directed her last words to Astrid who laughed in return. 

“Oh no I didn’t think of that bit.” Courtney sighed and placed a hand on her forehead in distress, genuinely concerned with how they might actually survive without her as a middle man. 

Contrary to Cortnee’s advice from over a week ago, Astrid and Kyra had yet to speak about New Year’s, or anything that happened that night, but easily returned to their usual selves and like nothing had happened. 

Astrid was still thinking about it at least once a day, questioning whether it was something or not, whether Kyra actually remembered the kiss, and what could this mean for them? The right thing to do to resolve her constant thoughts would be to just talk to Kyra about it, or at least tell someone else. But with the return to football and the World Cup looming above them, she was choosing to ignore the reality of it and keep it hidden deep down. 

After spending as much time with Courtney before she left and eventually helping her move out, it was time for the first game back. Kyra and Astrid had both been selected for the starting 11, ready to make an impact early on in the game. It’s safe to say they did. 

During the first half the pair had linked up on the left side two times, securing two assists for Kyra and a brace for Astrid, which helped the team eventually to their 6-1 win over AIK and a terrific start to the new year. 

After Courtney had left, Kyra had the thought that maybe Astrid should move in and fill the space and so that neither of them were lonely outside of training. Astrid agreed and they began the process of moving her in and getting out of her old place. 

Even now with their closer quarters, neither had yet to mention new years eve or the Fiji trip at all, pushing those few days to the back of their minds and ignoring whatever it was that happened between them. Their relationship stayed as close to what it was before the kiss, but there seemed to be a few moments of distance between them at certain times. For the most part though, the pair had acted as they always did and caused mischief to their club teammates during training sessions and weekly team bonding activities. 

After another 4 matches with Hammarby and another 5 goals added to Astrid’s list, it was time for Astrid and Kyra to jet off home and join the Matilda’s for the first camp of the year. It felt weird going off to camp without Courtney this time, Charli also taking her own flight with Mini and Harper, leaving Kyra and Astrid on the long journey alone. And without anyone else to pester or intervene, they were getting at each other's throat every five seconds, resulting in them rocking up to camp exhausted and annoyed with one another. 

Astrid was always very happy to be back on home soil, especially when they got to play in her hometown and in front of her friends and family, it was always a special time. 

The car pulled up to the hotel and Astrid and Kyra jumped out, their social media team standing outside ready to catch them, forcing smiles onto both of their faces as if they weren’t just arguing five minutes ago about something stupid. 

They were met with the rest of the girls who had arrived from overseas standing in the lobby, all turning around as they heard Kyra and Astrid walking in the front doors. 

“Cha Cha!” Astrid dropped her baggage immediately, yelling as she ran directly towards the blonde defender, a look of fear in her eyes as she spotted the young forward racing towards her. 

“Oh no.” She whispered to herself, preparing for the impact she knew was coming. Astrid all but leaped into Charli’s arms, the girl grunting as she caught Astrid and tried to stabilise herself, stopping them from falling to the ground. 

“Oh thank god.” Astrid shook her head as she jumped down from Charli, gripping onto her shoulders with wide eyes. “It is so good to see you, I have been stuck alone with her for 2 months now!” The her she was referring to stood behind them with a dropped jaw. 

“And I have been stuck with her, it’s torture.” Kyra dramatically sighed as she moved closer to the group of girls. Astrid turned around slowly, meeting eyes with Kyra who had her arms crossed over her chest. 

“I thought you chose to move in with Kyra.” Steph spoke up, pointing her attention to Astrid. 

“Well it's cheaper and safer than living alone.” Astrid shrugged her shoulders, a smirk growing on her face as she awaited Kyra’s reaction. 

“Take that back, you love me.” Kyra ran forward, bringing her hands up to pinch Astrids cheeks causing the younger girl to swat her arms away. 

“Leave me alone!” Astrid squealed as they began fighting, laughs echoing through the lobby as the other girls watched on in confusion, no one ever understood their relationship. 

“Alright, enough you two. The rooms are ready.” Steph was the one who separated them with the help of Charli who pushed them both towards their bags and handed them their individual room keys. “Everyone has their own room this time.” Steph announced to the group who all seemed happy with that, enjoying having the space to themselves. 

After a night of rest and a fuelling breakfast where they took the time to catch up, the team were headed to the stadium for their first day of training with only 3 days until their match against Czechia. 

Training went smoothly like always, the team jumping back into their rhythm instantly and enjoying back together in the Australian sun. Kyra and Astrid paired up for drills, a disaster waiting to happen, and it clearly didn’t take long for chaos to ensue. Though they enjoy one another's company, they also have a way of getting under each other's skin quite quickly. So it wasn’t a surprise when the session was stopped because Kyra and Astrid were now on the ground practically wrestling after getting caught up in each other's feet and falling over. 

A few of the older, more responsible girls ran over and began separating them, putting them with different partners and on other sides of the pitch, in hopes of creating a more peaceful, quiet session. But they still managed to find themselves communicating, loudly, across the pitch whilst they were training and still disturbing everyone. 

“Oi, you two!” Sam’s voice caught the attention of the pair who sneakily made their way back to one another and were whispering at the back of the group before Sam spotted them. Their heads snapped up at their captain and immediately stopped the chatter, their quiet laughs drifting off. Everyone else watched with smirks as Sam began to scold them. “Stop being 5 years olds otherwise you’re not playing on Thursday.” Her threat made them both visibly swallow and start to inch further and further away from each other, avoiding eye contact to avoid laughter.

The 3 days of training had ensured the team could once again come back together like no time had passed and look like they played together each day. They had their meeting that morning, where they would have a final talk about strategies and finally reveal the starting line up, Astrid sitting up the back with her other three counterparts half listening to Tony. That was until something finally caught her attention.

“As our 10 we’re going to have Astrid,” Tony smiled when he saw the young girl's head lift up, jaw dropping slightly in surprise. “You are our central attack to help Sam as the 9.” Tony concluded and Astrid nodded, shock turning into a smile on her face. Her teammates were giving her head claps and shoulder shakes while she stared at the screen, her heart beaming at the fact she would be starting a game in her home town with all her friends and family there. 

During their pitch warm up, Kyra had pointed out Astrid’s family that were sitting by one of the corners, both girls giving them a wave when they passed during drills. Astrid couldn’t have felt better than she did right now. And unlike the last time she was set to start, there wasn’t an ounce of anxiety as redid her hair, tied her boots right to left and finally put on her jersey. 

Astrid was last in the line behind Charli and Kyra, as per the 31 painted under her last name, pushing out any nerves by talking with her mascot beside her. “What position do you play?” Astrid asked the girl beside her. 

“Forward, like you!” The girl pointed up and Astrid's eyes widened as she watched the girl realise who she was, getting even more excited to be standing next to Astrid. 

“Well that means you’re part of the cool kids club then.” Astrid smiled and put out her spare hand for a high five, the girl jumping up and to hit before jumping up and down in excitement. “Unlike Kyra and Charli.” Astrid bent down to whisper but kept it loud enough for the girls to hear her. 

“Hey!” They both exclaimed but they were cut off as the line started moving and the team began their walk out, Astrid and her mascot still giggling together. 

There was so much pride behind Astrid as she walked out on that pitch, seeing the almost full stands of Matildas supporters ready to watch what would be a very intense game. 

During the first half there were so many missed chances from both teams, right from that first touch. Just too high, too far over, a really good block. It seemed nothing was going to happen for either in the first half.

Time was almost up, 3 minutes left on the clock and Astrid was nowhere near giving up on this half. The ball had fallen to Charli who dribbled through the opposition before shooting it off to Kyra in the midfield. Kyra quickly became surrounded and needed to pass it off before she lost it. She found a gap and slipped to a more central position, eying off forwards to pass it too. Courtnee and Hayley were too far back and crowded to slip it in, Sam and Astrid being the only two with a chance of getting it in. Both strikers had their eye on the ball as Kyra kicked it into the air, ready for it no matter who it decided to fall to. It looked as if it was about to fall to Sam who was ready to head it in, so the defenders and goalie headed in her direction. 

But with a slight change of the breeze and an extra step from Kyra, the ball landed to Astrid at her chest, quickly rolling the ball down to her feet. Her proximity to the next assisted greatly as she used her right foot to tap the ball forward, slipping past the hands of Lukášová and bouncing in the back of the net. 

The crowd roared in her ears as Astrid found herself running along the edge of the pitch past the crowd, proudly taking a hold of her shirt, tapping her badge as she ran. The girls had begun to chase after Astrid who had just given them a leg up in the last 2 minutes of the game. She eventually stopped and turned around to find 9 other girls about to land on her and give her more head pats than she could have imagined. 

She was beaming as they finally returned to their positions to resume play, all still with adrenaline pumping and a final fight at the end of the half. And before she knew it, Cortnee was running towards the goal, defenders trying to catch up to her before Cortnee slid the ball towards Astrid so quickly that once again Astrid was shooting the ball into the back of the net. 

A brace within the last 3 minutes of the first half, who would have thought. To celebrate this time though Astrid ran to the corner where her family were sitting, blowing a kiss up to her parents at the edge, almost buckling forward as a whole heap of bodies piled up on her back. The girls were screaming in her ear, most prominently Kyra who was the first person on her back to no surprise, Astrid dropping her off with a bright smile before both Kyra and Charli wrap their arms around the young scorer. 

30 seconds into resuming play the ref called time and the Matildas were leaving the pitch 2-nil up and hungry for more. After time for a breath and a plan revision, the girls were back on the field, an immediate change was made with Aivi to Clare Hunt, marking her Matildas debut. 

Hayley was the one who kept the fire alive early in this half, also scoring herself a brace within the first 10 minutes, giving the crowd what they came to see. Astrid, Cortnee and Katrina played 25 minutes of this half before being subbed off for fresh legs, all happy with the impact they had made to the game. 

The game ended with 6-0 in favour of the Matildas after 2 more goals from Sam and Polks, the girls very happy with their result in front of the home crowd. After their rounds to the fans, saying hello to friends and family, and their group pitch huddle, it was time for the girls to head back to the hotel for a night of rest ahead of their prep for Spain in 3 days. 

to be continued...

You’re Gonna Go Far | Jessie Flemming x chelsea!reader

Summary; The news of Jessie leaving hits you hard but your bond is stronger.

Words; 2.2k

Pairing; Jessie Flemming x chelsea reader

Warnings; just sadness (soz)

A/N; I’m not even a Chelsea fan but when this news came out about her transfer I did start crying because I know how much that team means to her and then it led me to inspiration for this blurb. This may not be accurate as to how she’s leaving but it’s how I’m imagining it because I love making people cry (sorry y’all) This song is also my favourite Noah song and I thought it fit pretty well. I'm sorry for the pain you’re about to feel but hopefully you enjoy reading it.

After a long day of training in preparation for the match in two days, all you and Jessie wanted to do was lay down and enjoy the quiet together. So after a quick dinner and some TV, it was officially time for bed and you were both more than relieved as you headed to the bedroom of your shared apartment.

You had been living together for almost a year, being together for almost 3 years now since your arrival to Chelsea in 2020 alongside her. It didn’t take long for you and Jessie to drift towards each other during training and bonding nights, eventually evolving from friends into lovers, which didn’t take long at all.

Now here you both were, cuddled up in bed together and basking in the silence after a tough training day. But as you laid your head on Jessie’s chest you could tell something was on her mind, she had been preparing to say something for the last few minutes but stopped herself before she could.

“You okay?” You sat up slowly next to her, turning your head to look at her in the low light of the room, a sliver of moonlight shining through the curtains, reaching down and placing a loving squeeze on her thigh.

“Hmmm?” Jessie looked down at you, not fully catching your question as she was in her head.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” You brushed a small curling back behind her hair, watching her visibly relax at your touch, a soft smile donning her face.

She inhaled quickly, thinking about how she could say what she needed to say to you, knowing it would pain you as much, if not more than her.

“I-” She paused and finally looked into your eyes. “I’m leaving Chelsea.” It was just above a whisper, but as soon as the words came out your heart dropped.

“What?” You thought for a second she might be joking, but from her expression you knew it was real. “What do you mean?” You whispered again and she looked away, unable to look at you, a tear slipping down her face. She had gotten the call two days ago from her agent, and then Emma, saying that she was being transferred and that there was nothing else to be done. She was being sold and she had no choice.

It had been eating her alive for the last two days, trying to find the right time to tell you but realising there would never be a right time.

“Is it a loan?” You asked after she hadn’t spoken again. She sniffled and continued to break at your hopefulness.

“They sold me.” Jessie spoke, dragging her knees into her chest and letting more tears fall.

“They can’t do that.” You sat up on your knees, running your hands through your hair.

“They can.” Jessie rested her head on her knees, still refusing to look at you. “They did.” She sniffled and you shook your head in disbelief.

“Where are you going? Some other club in the league?” You stood up from the bed, pacing back and forth along the side, watching Jessie sit silently on her side. “Jessie?” You called out after no response.

“Portland Thorns.” She whispered and you stopped in your tracks, heart breaking further in your chest. The room once again became silent bar the sniffles from Jessie. Tears filled your eyes and you continued to stare at her frame that became smaller and smaller as she curled further into herself.

You bit the inside of your cheek as your thoughts began to spiral once again. She’s leaving the team, she’s leaving the country. She’s leaving me.

“Baby?” Jessie’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. Your head snapped up from its focus on the bed, finding her no longer sitting there, but now in front of you after watching you zone out and your breaths become shorter and quicker.

“They’re sending you to America?” Your voice was quiet, a sob threatening to escape as more tears brimmed your eyes.

“I fought hard to avoid it. I don’t want to leave you.” Her eyes looked similar to yours as she brought her hands to your face, her gentle touch breaking you even more. Your heads found their natural place against each other, tears falling down both of your faces and arms holding onto one another.

“It’ll be okay.” You finally spoke after a few minutes, finally pulling her into a hug, resting your head on top of hers with your slightly taller frame. “We’ll be okay.”

You stayed like that in the moonlight for a few minutes before crawling back into bed and returning to your original positioning, finally falling into sleep from exhaustion and sadness.

The next morning was quieter than normal as you prepared for training. You were still thinking about what you found out last night, Jessie letting you process while also preparing how she was going to tell the team today that she was leaving.

When the pair of you arrived to training, you immediately clung to one another's side, intertwining your hands as you walked in the doors and towards the locker room. A few people were confused at your entrance, normally you two were quite disruptive, loud and separating into your little groups. But you remained close to one another and only greeted your teammates politely before returning back to silence.

“Meeting room, 5 minutes.” Emma strolled by the room and yelled through the door before continuing. One by one everyone left to follow their manager to said room, you and Jessie hung behind before leaving together after everyone else.

Two spots were available in the front on the end so you and Jessie sat down, Niamh in the seat beside you squeezed your shoulder and you smiled back at her.

“Alright, match tomorrow against United…” Emma began her talk about the plan and her lineups for the game but you and Jessie were focused on something else, holding her hand and squeezing every once and a while.

“Finally, Jessie-” Emma looked over at her, Jessie nodding as she prepared to stand, letting go of your hand and walking to the front.

“Thanks.” Jessie stood in front of the whole team who were visibly confused. “Um.” She paused, looking over to you but you were looking down at your hands to prevent yourself from crying again. “Chelsea has been my home for the past three and a half years and you girls my family. I cannot express my love and gratitude for every single one of you enough. Which,” She looked up at the roof, trying to make the tears stop. “Which is why it’s so hard to say goodbye.” A few girls gasped and the rest were in shock, no one could have seen this coming at all.

“I’ve been transferred to Portland Thorns.” Jessie spoke with slight anger in her voice and wording, communicating that she’s not happy with this news at all and it wasn’t her choice to leave them. You finally looked up at her, tears brimming your eyes again at the thought of not playing with her for the first time in three years.

Jessie had been there with you through it all; injuries, coming back injuries, being benched by Emma when she thought you weren't good enough, when you scored your first of many goals, when you were having a bad day. She was always there with you and you there with her for every high and low of life.

The meeting ended and everyone began leaving for training after stopping by Jessie to give her a hug and wish her good luck. You were the last to reach her, silently taking her hand and leading you both out to the training pitches.

Almost everything was normal, everyone was training as they always did, but there was an atmosphere and all the girls felt it but pushed on and listened to Emma.

Emma didn’t put Jessie in the starting line up or on the bench as a sub, so instead of playing one last game in blue, she stood in the stands and supported as you started for the second time this year. Since Sam did her ACL, you had been Emma’s go to as the centre forward, which encouraged you but you had a feeling you were just a replacement and not as valued as the Matilda’s captain. But a start was a start and you would take what you could get.

The game was long and tiring but with a hat trick from LJ, Chelsea had retained their top spot in the WSL table and gained another three points in their defeat over Man United.

You were walking around the pitch trying to celebrate the win and points but it was hard. Not only was Jessie leaving but she wasn’t even part of the match squad for what should have been one of her last games.

But it wasn’t long till she made her way onto the pitch and over towards where you were walking with Guro. A tap on your shoulder removed your eyes from the crowd and towards your girlfriend who was standing behind you. Immediately you brought her into a hug and she held onto you tightly.

You hadn’t spoken about it properly since that first night, waiting until this match was done so you were focused on playing and not the fact that Jessie was moving away with very short notice. So when you returned back home that night, it was time to talk.

“When do you leave?” You asked her as you sat on the couch together, your legs laid over her lap with your head on the armrest and her sitting up against the backrest.

“Preseason starts on the 5th. I’m supposed to be signing on the 1st. My flight is the day before.” Jessie looked up at the roof while you calculated how many days you would have left together before she leaves.

“That’s 9 days Jessie.” You speak softly and your eyes gloss over as you stare at her.

“I know. I pushed it back as late as I could.” She looked down at you, tears falling down her face. “I’m sorry.” She spoke and you immediately sat up, crawling over to straddle her lap, holding her face in your hands.

“You don’t have any reason to be sorry Jessie.” You looked her directly in the eyes. “It’s just what's happening and even though it’s very, very shitty,” You wiped the tears under her eyes. “It could end up being the best thing for you and your career.”

“I don’t want to leave you.” Jessie’s main concern was you and your relationship, but she had nothing to worry about.

“We’ll make it work, I promise.” You rested your forehead against hers, closing your eyes and softly holding her neck, her hands resting gently on your hips.

For the next 9 days it seemed you and Jessie spent every waking moment you could together, savouring even the smallest of moments before you begin long distance. It hadn’t been publicly announced yet but rumours began flying around about the transfer and fans were beginning to investigate.

The rumours kept growing about her transfer every day that she wasn’t featured with Chelsea and not named in the next two matches against Real Madrid and Brighton. But nothing was said from Chelsea or Jessie until the last minute and you were driving her to the airport to say goodbye.

After Jessie posted her goodbye to the club she turned off her notifications and focused on spending every last second focused on you. But you didn’t say anything on the drive, you couldn’t without your throat closing up and tears leaving your eyes.

“Don’t forget about me.” Jessie laughed as you held each other in the departure terminal.

“How could I ever Jeff?” You pulled back to look in her eyes, brushing a curl off her head. She let out another laugh but this one held a little more pain behind it. “Promise me one more thing before you go?”

“Anything.” She pressed her forehead against yours.

“Marry me?” It was a whisper from your end but made her eyes light up with both shock and love.

“Yes.” It was a simple answer but it was the right one. And good thing it was because the ring you were holding in your pocket wasn’t one you could easily return.

“Good.” You leant in and kissed her, both of her hands moved to your face and yours to her waist. “I love you.”

“I love you.” You pulled her hand down and slipped the ring on as she admired it, pulling you in for one last kiss. “Forever.”

“Forever.” She pulled you into a hug one last time before looking at the clock; it was time to go.

“Go get em superstar.” You pulled away and pushed her further into the airport, watching her walk away as you wiped the tears from your eyes.

y/n.y/l/n. posted

liked by _jessflem, niamhcharles17 and 745,985 others

you’re the greatest thing we’ve lost

once a blue, always a blue my girl 💙

tagged @_jessflem

THE END