#matildas

You and Steph have been together for years, but no one ever really knew, only your families. And after being together for four years, you decided to propose to her, which you still believe that to this day was the best decision that you had ever made. Neither of you really meant to hide it, you just never knew how to tell any team mates and so it just kind of turned into your little secret, and five years later and still no one knows. You have both got into a habit of when you're at training or just with any of your team mates in general that you both put your wedding rings onto matching necklaces, so that you both still have them always with you.

It helped that all of your team mates and friends knew that you and Steph have always been best friends and so no one questioned the fact that the pair of you turn up to and leave training together or that you live together. You and Steph also always shared a room on camp, like now, giving you some alone time amongst the mental schedule that national camp demands of them, which is how you got to where you both are now.

"Babe we need to go down, Sam will kill us if we're late for breakfast again," you shout through the bathroom door, where Steph was still getting ready.

"I'm coming, calm down." Steph replies, finally opening the door and moving past you to slip her sliders on. "Come on then, let's go down"

In the haste to get downstairs, neither of you notice that Steph still has her ring very much on her finger. When you get downstairs you both go and get some breakfast before sitting down on a table with Caitlin, Kyra and Sam, which looking back was probably the next mistake you both made. They don't notice the ring straight away, well if any of them do then they don't say anything to begin with, it's after you've all finished eating and are just finishing coffee's when they notice, Caitlin reaches to grab her cup at the same time Steph is, causing them to look in the same direction and Caitlin just gasps.

"Oh my God, Steph!" Caitlin practically shouts. "Is that what I think it is on your finger?"

"Uh well, uhm" Steph fumbles, looking right to you for help.

"Steph you're married? Who to? Why have you never told us? Actually more importantly why were none of us invited?" Caitlin asks frantically before Steph can even try and get a response out. "Y/n did you know?" She continues, turning the full attention towards you.

"You could say that, I suppose I knew," you replied, subtly placing your arm around the back of Steph's chair, sensing your wife's discomfort.

"Woah Steph, I'm a bit offended, I know you and Y/n/n are best friends but how could you not tell any of us?"

At that comment, Steph winces slightly again, clearly feeling bad that this is how the secret is going to come out, seeing this, Y/n reaches up to the back of her neck to unclasp the necklace which now felt so heavy beneath her shirt, once she has, she slips the ring off and puts it back on her finger, not trying to draw too much attention to it until you have got it onto your finger and you take your wife's hand in your own, making sure your ring is obvious to your friends.

"Caitlin, calm down, I think we know why only Y/n/n knew," Sam joins in, gesturing towards your hand.

"Wait oh my god guys really? How long have you been hiding this from us?" Caitlin asks, lowering her voice a tiny bit from the shout it was at before.

"Well we have been married for nearly seven years now, and before that we were together for four years I think, so about eleven years if I've got my times right." You reply, not letting go of Steph's hand, who was definitely still panicking about this whole situation. "You alright babe?" you ask, turning your attention to Steph.

"Yeah, I'm sorry because we woke up late I was in such a rush that I completely forgot to take my ring off," Steph says, her voice dropping slightly, making this part of the conversation just for the pair of you.

"It's okay, don't apologise, personally I think it was the best way to find out, low-key, very us."

"Wow, why have you kept it a secret this long?" Sam asks, not in an intrusive way, instead just being insanely curious.

"I mean when we first got together we were both young and just starting our proper careers, I guess we wanted it to be something we had for ourselves, and then I guess we just never found a good way to say it and so we kept it to ourselves and our families." Steph answers this time.

"Kyra? You okay? I think this is the longest I have ever heard you be quiet for," You joke, laughing playfully.

Kyra just looks between you and Steph silently for about another minute before a few tears come to her eyes. Since she joined Arsenal and when she first came up to the senior team for the national team, Kyra had kind of in a way been adopted by you and Steph, the pair of you both being very protective over the younger athlete. So when you see her crying, your instincts kick in and you stand up, rounding the table to bring Kyra in for a hug, making sure she is okay.

"Hey, what's up?" You ask her, concern lacing your voice.

"I can't believe it, you two are like my older sisters, especially in London, and you're married, I'm so happy for you." Kyra replies, trying not to let any other tears escape her eyes.

"Oh Kyra, you big softie, you had me worried there I thought you were upset." Steph comments.

"Right as cute as this whole thing is, we need to start making our way down to the bus so we can get to training," Sam says, getting up and clearly going back into captain mode.

"You heard captain Sammy, come on let's go," you reply, standing too.

After the team has all got on the bus, you and Steph finally get a bit of time almost alone together, you turn to your wife, smiling.

"Well our secret is out, are you alright? You got a bit flustered back there,"

"Yeah, I just didn't really know how to react when they found out, I mean I think we always knew that they would eventually but that was not how I thought it would happen, I guess it was just a bit of a shock," Steph replies.

"Yeah that's understandable, but at least it's out now, now we don't have to hide away in our room when one of us wants a hug"

and you had, for a bit. long enough for it to soak in, long enough to feel it.

but the moment things started to wind down, when the noise dipped just slightly and people began talking about 'a few more days' and 'making the most of it'

you had already been checking flights, earliest one out. not because you didn't want to celebrate. but because you were missing home. your home. your home that had never been a place.

⸻

heathrow at 4:47am feels like a world that doesn't quite exist. too quiet. too bright. too early for real life.

you stepped through the sliding doors with your backpack slung tiredly over your shoulder, your hoodie slightly creased from the slightly. your hair shoved under a cap like you gave up trying somewhere half way through the flight.

your body clock completely gone. half australia, half nowhere. every step you took felt a little delayed like you were moving through water.

five weeks. maybe a little longer.

tournament finished, celebrations, media and team commitments... you'd stopped counting days properly somewhere in the middle. instead just hoping the next day you'd be a little bit closer to being in her arms.

all you knew now is: you were back. london air hitting differently. a hell of a lot colder but familiar.

you paused just outside the arrival doors, your suitcase stopping by your feet as your backpack fell down your arm as you fished for your phone.

the screen lights up - no new messages. not surprising really. it was nearly 5am. alessia would be long in a deep sleep.

you exhaled, opening uber your thumbs moving slowly like even they were jet lagged as you searched for the address as you wondered slowly towards the outside pickup spot.

pickup location: heathrow... terminal 3....

you glanced up briefly, eyes scanning the near to empty pickup area. a couple of london taxis'. a few tired travellers. someone arguing quietly on the phone.

normal.

you thumb hovered over the button at the bottom of the screen as you double checked the addresses 'confirm ride' —

"bit rude, that."

you froze. you knew that voice all to well. like muscle memory. your head snaps up and there she is.

alessia stood just to the side of the pickup area like it isn't insane. like showing up unannounced at five in the morning is a completely normal thing to do. a (your) hoodie, joggers and her hair tied up in the messiest bun you'd ever seen and god, she never looked better.

you just... stared. and for a second you genuinely think you migbt be imagining it. your jet legged brain playing trick on you.

"thought you might at least pretend you were a little excited to see me," alessia adds, moving closer to you as a small grin tugs lightly at her lips.

that's when it hits. you drop your bag and cross the distance in about three strides.

"are you serious?" you left out a breath and then your there. your hands on alessia's face, like you need to check the blonde is real before anything else.

alessias stood with the same loving smile that you fell in love with but before she can get her words out you pull her in.

the kiss lands a little off at first. too eager, too fast. but neither of you care enough to fix it properly. it's all urgency and relief, lips pressing hard like they're making up for every missed one over the past five weeks.

you exhale against your girlfriend, a soft, almost shaky sound, like something in your chest had finally loosened

alessia responds instantly, one hand gripping the front of your hoodie, the other sliding up to the back of your neck, keeping you there. close, anchored, real.

"hi to you too," she murmurs, but the words barely make it out before your kissing her again. this time slower. still desperate but softer around the edges.

you tilt your head, easing into it properly, like your relearning something you already know by heart. your thumb brushing along alessia's cheekbone, lingering there, grounding yourself in the feeling of her.

because she here. actually here. and not through a screen. not frozen mid-laugh because of bad signal. not falling asleep halfway through a sentence.

here.

alessia hums quietly into the kiss, the sound small but full, her grip tightening slightly like she's had the exact same thought. her fingers curl into the fabric at your chest, pulling you just that little bit closer, like even now it's not close enough.

you smiled faintly against her lips. soft, fond and a little bit wrecked. "missed that," you whispered, barely pulling away before pressing another kiss just to prove that you can.

alessia lets out a quiet laugh, breath warm between the two of you, forehead resting against yours just for a second.

"yeah," she murmurs. "me too." but she doesn't move far. neither of you do.

you both linger there. close enough that every breath brushes the other's lips, noses nudging slightly, eyes half-lidded and soft. your hands are still framing her face, like you haven't quite trusted yourself to let go yet.

so you don't.

instead, you lean in again slower this time, almost careful like your stretching the moment out on purpose now, making it last.

no rush anymore. just the two of you. and for a few quiet seconds in the middle of a near-empty airport, nothing else exists.

but the world comes rushing back slowly.

a car passes somewhere behind them. a suitcase wheel rattles over uneven pavement. the automatic doors hiss open and shut in a steady rhythm.

but you don't move straight away. neither does alessia.

"alright," she says softly, though her hands don't drop from your hoodie. "as much as i'd love to continue this reunion in the heathrow drop-off lane..."

you huff a quiet laugh, still a little dazed. "yeah. probably not ideal."

alessia smiles, properly this time, like it's finally sinking in "you're actually here." you nod, eyes flicking over her face again like your checking for changes you might've missed in five weeks.

"yep," you mumble. "i'm here. home" there's a beat, your mind going to the conversation you had while you were waiting for your connecting flight "aren't you supposed to have a shoot at ten?"

"yeah, well, pulled a few strings” alessia shrugs lightly, like it's nothing. "you're supposed to still be in australia."

you let out a quiet laugh, shaking your head. "you drove here. at 5am."

"left at 4, actually," alessia corrects you, a hint of pride in her voice. you just looks at her. really looks at her this time.

the tired eyes. the effort. the fact she's clearly been waiting. "for how long?" you asks softly.

alessia hesitates, then mumbles, "like... twenty minutes."

you huff, pulling her back in, you know it's not the full truth and the fact is she's probably been there longer. but as you pull her in, slower this time wrapping your arms around her properly, tucking her face into the side of her neck.

"you're insane."

"mhm maybe," alessia hums. "but you love me."

"unfortunately i'm utterly obsessed with you." there's a beat. then— "i've missed you," you admit, quieter now. "so much. you have no idea"

alessia's grip tightens slightly. "i have an idea."

you both stay like that for a moment longer, just... holding onto each other in the middle of a half-empty airport pickup lane like it's the most normal thing in the world.

eventually, alessia pulls back slightly, looking you over knowing the two of you eventually need to actually get moving out of the airport.

"you look rough."

you scoff. "twenty something-hour flight, lessi."

"still," alessia tilts her head, teasing. "i expected better."

you roll your eyes, but there's no bite to it. "you got a mirror in that car, or are you just guessing?"

alessia gasps, offended. "hey, i look great."

"mhm debatable."

"get in the car before i let you get that uber home"

you laugh, grabbing your bag and tossing it into the back before sliding into the passenger seat. alessia follows, starting the engine, the low hum filling the quiet space between the two of you.

for a second, neither of you speaks. it was different now. not the forced conversation over a screen. not the slight delay in audio, the glitching video, the missing pieces.

just... the two of you. together.

alessia glances over as she pulls out of the airport car park, the sun starting to light up the sky just that little bit. "you hungry"

you shrug, sinking back into the seat your eyes feeling heavy. "always."

"mcdonald's breakfast?" you turn your head slowly, a small smile creeping in.

"i'd marry you on the spot for one."

alessia snorts. "bit soon love, you've only just got back." you hum, reaching over and lacing your fingers together across the centre console. "don't care."

alessia squeezes your hand. and as the car disappears into the quiet outskirts of london streets, early morning light just starting to creep over the horizon—

you finally, properly, feel it.

Previous football students had included Lucy Bronze, Izzy Christensen and Nikita Parris came by still from time to time. Lucy Bronze was the most successful student you had. She could do interviews and have fluid conversations without much difficulty towards the end of her career at Lyon.

Ellie was terrified at the thought of her first lesson. She was heading in to see a French person who was going to laugh that all she could say was bonjour and croissant. She arrived at the language school and checked in at the main reception desk. You had your own language school were you worked exclusively through in person and zoom lessons with top sports clubs and actors on improving French and English.

“Bonjour, Ellie. S'il vous plaît, entrez et asseyez-vous” Hello, Ellie. Please come in and sit down you said to the young defender, staring back at you with a confused look in her eyes.

“You’ve lost me” she replied, chuckling anxiously.

“Take a seat” you said, your non French accent filling the air as she was taken aback.

“Vous jouez à Lyon, n'est-ce pas?” You play for Lyon, don’t you? You asked, taking a seat opposite her.

“Lyon, yes, or oui, I play for Lyon” she replied.

“Bien. Comment trouvez-vous la France?” Good. How do you find France? You asked another basic question.

“France is good. France is bien” you could tell the Australian was struggling.

You noticed she could understand you well, she just didn’t really know how to reply. The lesson went on for about an hour and she had become a little bit more comfortable with trying and failing as it went on. Professionals that you’ve worked with are always afraid of failing, and you know this is why they can struggle with learning.

“Le temps est écoulé pour aujourd'hui. Bon travail Ellie” Time is up for today. Good job Ellie you said, your accent slipping through again with the non French name.

“Merci” thank you she replied before standing up. “How is your English?” She asked as she packed up her notepad and pens.

“My English is better than your French” you replied, making her laugh.

“You sound, not French. Like when you speak French you’re French, but when you speak English you sound English” she looked confused again, trying to figure you out.

“Well, if you must know, I’m from London originally. I moved to France when I was 18 to study French and drama” you replied.

“So you just learned a whole new language?” Ellie asked.

“See, it’s not impossible” you said, referring to her mumbles under her breath during the lesson.

“Could I maybe book in some more private lessons with you? Outside of the club mandatory ones” she asked and you nodded.

“Sure, speak to Chloé at reception.” You said, pointing towards your receptionist.

“Does Chloé speak good English?” Ellie laughed.

You rolled your eyes and pulled out a sticky note from your laptop bag. You wrote your personal phone number on it, instead of your work one, absentmindedly, and handed it to her.

“Call me when you have some days and times in mind” you said, heading out the door.

Ellie watched you leave and while she didn’t know the French word yet of how she wanted to describe you, she would figure it out.

-

You’d done a few more lessons with her and she was improving. She hadn’t called to do any private lessons, much to your disappointment, because she was probably your favourite lesson every week. She always brought you something small, a coffee or a croissant mostly, claiming she had only bought it to practice ordering in a café, and you were content with that reason.

You missed the longing looks the Aussie gave you as you explained things to her in French and English, snapping out of her trance only when you’d make eye contact. It was just surprising that she was taking anything in at the lessons at all.

-

You had just got back to your apartment after a long day. You had been back to back with appointments throughout the day, and were so tired. You took a shower and sat on the couch with a mug of tea and some left over pasta from the night before. Just as you went to switch on a series you had been putting off for months, after several recommendations, your phone rang. You rolled your eyes but answered anyway, knowing it wasn’t work related due to your work phone being firmly switched off at 6pm.

“Bonjour?” You sounded tired, also not even noticing until you answered that you didn’t recognise the number.

“Bonjour Y/n, uh, how are- no wait, comment-” the voice replied, stumbling over the words.

“Ellie” you stopped her. “How can I help?” You asked.

“I’m very sorry to bother you, but I just got told I have to do an interview tomorrow in French and as you can probably tell, my French has not drastically improved since our last lesson” she laughed but you could sense the fear in her voice.

“Okay, but my WiFi is not the best from my home office so I wouldn’t be free for a zoom call right now and I don’t usually do phone call lessons” you began, as you heard the Australian girl sigh.

“Sorry, it was stupid of me to ask this late” she huffed, annoyed at herself.

“I will text you my address, feel free to come over and we can do a lesson” you said as you hung up.

While you weren’t French, you were direct and Ellie was a fan. She didn’t get a chance to reply but was left stunned at the offer. You’d texted her your address and she immediately responded that she was on the way. She stopped to get some pizza and a bottle of wine as she landed on your doorstep.

“Hi” you smiled as you greeted her and stepped aside to let her come in.

“Bonjour” she replied, stepping in. “I, uh, brought pizza” she began waving the box and then the bottle “And this is for you”

“I prefer cash payments for lessons” you winked, causing her to laugh.

“Of course, I brought that too” she laughed. You gestured her towards the couch, the show you hadn’t started still paused at the 0.1 second mark.

“I love that show. I’ve been meaning to rewatch it again” Ellie said, slumping onto the couch and placing the pizza and bottle of wine on the table. She proceeded to take a slice just as you had returned to the room with two wine glasses.

“J'adore ce spectacle” I love that show you punched her arm as you sat, reminding her she was here to speak French.

“Peut-être que j'aurais aimé le spectacle si un certain Australien ne m'avait pas interrompu” Maybe I would have enjoyed the show if a certain Australian hadn't interrupted me you mumbled.

“Mais l'Australien a apporté de la pizza” But the Australian brought pizza she replied nonchalantly. You raised an eyebrow at her understanding and fantastic ability to reply.

“So, I think we will do a mimic interview to prepare you for tomorrow. Do you have the list of questions they gave you?” You asked, taking a slice of pizza and pouring a glass of wine for you both.

She nodded and handed you the note, so you had a quick skim and began asking her the questions. You had to correct her pronunciation and give her a word a handful of times, but overall you were impressed.

“C'est super. That’s great I think that’s enough for tonight. You will do great tomorrow” you handed her back her note and smiled. Your hands met and you both held the touch, while both of you also stared at where your hands met. Ellie pulled away eventually, fumbling at her pocket and pulled out her purse.

“No, no. Don’t worry. The pizza and wine were payment enough” you smiled at her.

“Are you sure?” She replied and you nodded. “Okay then, I will leave you to start the best show of all time” she added, about to stand up.

“You can stay to watch an episode?” You asked as she cocked her head quickly to look at you. “Just you mentioned you were going to restart it” you hinted and she nodded.

“Okay then” she placed her hands on her knees and got comfy again on the couch, while you both tried to hide the smirks on your face.

The next morning, you woke with Ellie beside you on the couch. Your head on her shoulder and hers resting on your head, Netflix asking if you wanted to continue watching.

“Ellie, wake up” you said, shoving the defender who startled awake.

“What? Why am I here?” She asked, jumping up off the couch.

“We obviously fell asleep, but come on, I need to go to work” you ran up the stairs to take a quick shower and change. When you came back down, Ellie was stood in your kitchen, looking out the window with coffee, cereal and toast waiting for you on the table.

“Thank you, but I need to get going” you grabbed a slice of toast and put it to your mouth.

“Relax, I can drive you to work. I know you take the train but it’ll save time if I drive” she sipped from her coffee again, gesturing to the food. You slumped on the chair and began eating and sipping coffee, mumbling a thank you to her. You were not used to people doing things for you often.

“I don’t understand, you work for yourself yet decide your working hours are at this ungodly time” Ellie laughed.

“Early bird gets the worm, as they say” you reciprocated her laugh. “What time is your interview?” You asked the Aussie girl.

“Noon. I will send you the stream” she fumbled with her hands as you stood to put your dishes in the sink, vowing to do them later.

“You’ll do great” you smiled and took her hands into yours and the two of you melted into the touch for a moment.

You immediately dropped her hands when you realised what you’d done. The drive to your office was silent, no last minute conversation practice to be had. You thanked Ellie for the lift and hopped out and wished her good luck again.

You had clients from 9am - 12pm so you tuned into the interview. You told yourself it was for professional reasons, but you were lying.

You were impressed with her, as usual, however, you were a little taken aback by how the interview finished.

“Votre français est formidable. Avez-vous pris des cours?” Your French is fantastic. Have you taken any lessons? The interviewer asked the unfazed defender.

“Oui. Mon tuteur, Y/N, est incroyable.” Yes. My tutor, Y/N, is incredible Ellie answered.

“Oh le célèbre, Y/n Y/L/N, tuteur des stars. Tu dois bien payer” Oh the famous, Y/n Y/L/N, tutor to the stars. You have to pay well the interviewer joked.

“Surtout dans le café ou la pizza. En fait, je dois y aller maintenant la chercher pour le déjeuner” Especially in coffee or pizza. In fact, I have to go now to pick her up for lunch Ellie laughed.

“Profitez de votre rendez-vous” Enjoy your date the interviewer winked and Ellie laughed and handed her back the microphone. A few minutes later, Ellie had called your phone.

“Hey, would you be-” she began but your cut across.

“Yeah, I’m free for lunch” you replied, smirking as she blushed.

“You saw then?” She asked and you nodded.

“Come by my office” you smiled and she nodded this time and hung up. When Ellie arrived, you got in the car and went off to lunch.

“So, was she right then?” You asked as you slid into a booth when you arrived at the restaurant.

“About?” Ellie answered, scanning the menu.

“This being a date?” You replied, still not having picked up the menu.

“Peut être. Maybe Do you want this to be a date?” She replied. You were still taken aback by how she could naturally flow between French and English.

“I’d like this to be the first of many” you replied, taking her hands in yours.

“C'est un rendez-vous alors” it’s a date then she smiled and you smiled back.

-----

You enter your home to already find a familiar pair of shoes standing in the hallway, your mood instantly shifts to a happier state. “You’re here!” Rushing into your living room to give your best friend a hug. She had used the spare key to surprise you from coming back during your appointment at the club.

Kyra had been in Australia for international break. You were supposed to also go on international break with England, but a minor muscle injury had kept you home this time around.

“Here with all the snacks for a movie night.” She said proudly looking down at the collection of snacks she had gathered, including a few of your favourites she brought back from Australia. “You are the best.” You say as you rip open one of the bags, “See, now this is why I need you in my life.”

Kyra chuckles, “Damn, and here I thought you loved me.” You freeze for a second before snapping back to reality and tossing the bag her way. “Yes, you and your snack sharing.” 

After a quick catch up, you started the movie on Netflix. But the moment Kyra let her head fall onto your shoulder, you stopped paying attention to the movie. If someone were to ask you what happened during it, you had no clue. Kyra fell asleep on your shoulder and you didn’t dare to move.

You let your mind drift to earlier. And here I thought you loved me. If only she knew. She knew you loved her, but definitely not the extent in which you did. You loved her as a friend since, but for a while now you’ve loved her as more, but telling her was not an option. Not only was she your best friend, but she had called you her sister so many times, nothing was ever going to happen. She did not see you the way you saw her, and that was okay. It was just taking longer to get over her than you cared to admit.

The next day you plop down on Steph and Beth’s sofa, “I thought you said this crush would be over soon.” You say with a deep sigh. “Not working out how you imagined?” You roll your eyes at Beth’s question like it wasn’t already obvious it wasn’t working out the way you wanted. “No, she fell asleep on my shoulder, and I kinda just froze and my mind wandered to all the things that I love about her.” 

Steph and Beth share a look before Steph gets up to make a cup of tea. “Oh kid, you’re in deep.” Beth says as she sits down with you. “Listen, there are two ways this can go. Either you tell her how you feel and see where that takes you, or you get over your crush and move on.” 

You sink fully back into the couch, “I know she will never feel the same way, and I don’t want to ruin our friendship by telling her that I feel this way towards her. I will have to get over her eventually, right?” Your fellow Lioness smiles sympathetically, “Yeah.”

The rest of the week is mostly focussed on training for the team. During international break you had stayed at the club, and worked towards being fit again. Luckily it wasn’t a major injury, and you were already able to join the girls out for training with all of them back.

Back in the locker room you overheard Alessia teasing Kyra, you tried to focus on the conversation that was held on the other side of the space, and then when you heard what the teasing was about, your heart broke a little. Kyra was going on a date tonight. You quickly packed your stuff and excused yourself, leaving the training ground as soon as you could.

The next week you mostly just saw Kyra at training, making yourself busy outside of football, so you had excuses to stay away for a bit. But even at training you couldn’t really escape the topic. Some of the girls asked Kyra how her date went, and teased her when her cheeks flushed red after saying the date went amazing. 

Beth nudged your shoulder, “You alright?” She looks over to Kyra short enough for you to know what she’s referring to. “Yeah, I’m okay. It sucks, but it’s not like I thought I had a chance anyways.” Even after saying you were fine, you noticed Beth was keeping an eye on you during the rest of the training session.

Since you didn’t want to lose your friendship with Kyra, but only your crush, you still went to her apartment for your weekly movie night. You took the key to her apartment out of your pocket and opened the door like usual before entering the apartment. What you saw there made you freeze and drop the keys to the floor.

Kyra was sitting on the couch making out with a girl, presumably the one she went on a date with. Both their heads shoot your way, as you quickly pick up the keys and speed walk back to the door, as you apologise under your breath. 

You’re out of the door before Kyra can even reach you. In your car just as fast and out of the street faster than you have ever driven. You keep driving until you arrive at Beth’s and Steph’s again. It didn’t feel like you had driven that far, but your mind had taken you here, and it might be exactly what you needed.

After getting out of the car, you ring their doorbell, and hear the dogs barking on the other side. You were absentmindedly staring at the door, not even realising Steph had opened it until she clapped her hands in front of your face. “Everything alright?” She asks you as she pulls you into the home, not wanting the dogs to get out.

The answer to her question was simply letting your tears run freely. You tell her what happened. “And I know it’s unfair to her, but still it feels the same as heartbreak.” Steph wraps her arms around you, “I know it does, and it’s allowed to hurt.”

Both Myle and Calvin seemed to know something was up. Myle crawled onto your lap, and Calvin laid down at your feet, both wanting to bring you some comfort. 

Your phone buzzed a couple times, all messages from Kyra asking if you were okay since you ran out so quickly. You quickly message her back saying you were sorry for interrupting, before turning your notifications off and closing your phone. She did nothing wrong, you were just going to have to deal with this. Maybe walking in on them would be the best way to get over Kyra.

-----

"Uhh Less? Have you seen this picture of Caitlin from a couple of days ago?" Beth asks turning her phone so Alessia can see the image Beth is talking about on her screen. Alessia sets down her boots before leaning towards Beth to look at her phone. A gasp escaping her when she sees the image.

"Oh my god!" She yells drawing the attention of those in the locker room. She gives a sheepish smile before turning to Beth. "That's fake right?" Alessia whispers. Beth gives her a sad look shaking her head.

"No, there's more pictures…" Beth trails off swiping through the images on her phone.

The images in question showing Caitlin sitting at a table at an outdoor café in Manchester lip locked with who was thought to be her best friend Alanna Kennedy. Multiple images from different angles of the two looking less like best friends and more like lovers.

"How could she do this to Katie?" Beth whispers staring at the image in disbelief. Alessia shrugs trying to think of some explanation for the pictures.

"This can't be true. Caitlin would never do this to Katie." Alessia whispers, Beth nodding in agreement.

"Caitlin would never do what to Katie?" a voice asks popping up behind the duo. Beth and Alessia jump in surprise turning to find Leah and Emily standing there looking at the two in confusion. Beth and Alessia share a look before turning Beth's phone so Leah and Emily see the photo of Caitlin and Alanna sitting closer than friends. The two stare at the photo in confusion.

"Uhh, what's wrong with that…" Emily trails off as Beth swipes to the next photo showing Caitlin and Alanna in the middle of a kiss. "Never mind" Emily mumbles. The group of four now stand staring at the image not sure what to do next.

"Do-Do we tell Katie?" Alessia whispers, hating the thought of having to tell her friend and teammate that her girlfriend is cheating on her.

"I mean we have to…don't we? We can't let Caitlin lead Katie on when she's clearly seeing Alanna. Katie deserves better than that." Leah sighs, frustrated with Caitlin for even doing something like this to Katie.

The group looks up when they hear Katie's booming voice enter the locker room followed by the sound of Kyra and Steph. The three stop when they see the saddened look on Beth, Alessia, Leah and Emily's faces.

"Geeze, what's wrong with you guys? You look like someone died…wait did someone die?" Katie asks quickly growing concerned when she realizes they are looking at her. Steph and Kyra share a concerned look between them before turning to the four.

"Have you seen Caitlin the past couple of days?" Leah speaks up when none of the others do.

"No, she stayed back in Manchester when we played them two days ago. Mackenzie is visiting from the states since her season ended. Her, Caitlin and Alanna are spending time together before Mackenzie goes back to the states. She'll be here in a few minutes for training. Why?" Katie explains growing more concerned when the four share a look at the mention of Alanna.

"Umm…well you see…um…" Leah stutters. Beth sighs before holding out her phone with the photo of Alanna and Caitlin kissing.

Katie's eyes widen in shock at the image. She slowly takes Beth's phone and zooms in on Caitlin before letting out a breath of relief.

"Guys it's nothing to worry about," She shrugs handing Beth her phone before walking to her locker to get ready for training. The group stare at her in shock, not including Kyra and Steph who had seen the image over Katie's shoulder, as to why she is so calm to see her girlfriend kissing said girlfriends best friend. Steph and Kyra walk to their own lockers as well not paying the situation any mind.

"Wait, why are you so okay with Caitlin kissing Alanna?" Alessia asks confused by the reaction of the three. Katie shrugs moving around to get ready for training.

"Not my place to say," is all she supplies. The four continue to stare at her in confusion, but jump when the locker room door is slammed open. Caitlin and Caitlin(?) walking into the room, seemingly in a argument.

"That's not the point! You should have known better!" One of the Caitlin's say moving further into the room, the other close behind. Everyone in the room besides Steph, Kyra and Katie look at the two Caitlin's in a mix of shock and confusion.

"I told you I was sorry! Lana and I have been to that place a thousand times and have never been caught before. I truly didn't know that anyone had seen us! Cait you know I'd never do anything to hurt you!" The other Caitlin pleads.

"Uhh what's going on?" Leah asks. The two Caitlin's stop arguing and look around the room at the mixed faces of shock, confusion and amusement. The last one being from Katie, Kyra and Steph.

"Uhhh…hi?" One of the Caitlin's waves sheepishly. The other rolling her eyes and shoving her.

"Since when are you shy? Guys this is my identical twin sister Y/n," who the team now realizes is Caitlin says gesturing to her sister who stands slightly behind her, a soft smile on her face.

The team continue to stare at the two in shock. Katie moves towards the two pressing a kiss to her Caitlin's lips before moving to hug Y/n.

"Hey Y/n/n. A little more careful next time yeah? If it weren't for your tattoo I'd have thought my girlfriend was stealing your wife." Katie jokes gesturing to the tattoo on Y/n's hand. Y/n rolls her eyes slapping the girl on her shoulder.

"You know Caitlin and Alanna would never do that to us. They know how much trouble we can be," Y/n chuckles stepping back from Katie and moving to stand with Steph and Kyra as Katie and Caitlin hug again.

"Hold on!" Alessia yells, causing everyone to turn and look at her. "So it wasn't Caitlin kissing Alanna in the photo?" she asks. Caitlin and Y/n chuckle but shake their heads.

"That would have been me," Y/n says, "Alanna and I have been together for six years, married for two. It was our anniversary that night so we went to our favorite place for dinner. Caitlin was at the apartment with Mackenzie while we went out." Y/n explains.

"Why did we never know Caitlin had a twin?" Beth speaks up. Some of the others nod in agreement.

"That was also me. I asked Cait to keep me in the dark. I don’t like a lot of attention plus I'm a private person. Although recently that has changed. Alanna and I have a post planned for tonight to announce our relationship and reveal that Cait has a twin." Y/n explains. Caitlin looks at her sister in shock.

"But you said-" Y/n cuts Caitlin off.

"I know what I said but I've seen the comments about you since those pictures came out so Alanna and I talked about it. I've had my privacy. I'm ready for the world to know. Besides I can't tell you how many kids have come up to me thinking I'm you asking for a picture. I can't imagine their disappointment when they realize it was me and not you." Y/n laughs out others joining.

"Those poor kids," Katie laughs.

"Anyway, I'll let you guys get to training. Alanna is waiting in the car." Y/n moves to leave.

"Bye Y/n/n, you and Alanna are still coming over for dinner right?" Caitlin asks. Y/n nods.

"Yea, we are picking up something on our way. Think of it as our apology for all the trouble we've caused." Y/n says, waving before disappearing behind the door, a muffled 'bye' being heard from the other side of the door.

"Wow…not how I thought today was going," Kyra says breaking the silence that fell over the room after Y/n left. Caitlin nods in agreement.