#swisswnt

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The final whistle blew, signalling the end of the match. You looked up at the sky, trying to keep your tears in. The defeat of the match hung heavy on your shoulders. You had two good chances late in the second half, but you managed to fumble both.

The frustrations had built up ever since you had gotten behind, but those two chances cut deep. The game could have been yours again if only you hadn’t messed them up.

The moment of that last shot kept playing in your head on a loop. You could have tied the game. The ball at your feet, the perfect opening, and the shot that sailed just wide. 

Your chest felt tight thinking back on your mistake. It wasn’t just yourself that you had disappointed, you could still hear the way the crowd reacted to the missed opportunity. The collective noise of disappointment from the crowd made you sick to your stomach. You wanted to make them proud, but instead you fucked up.

After the game, a few of your teammates came over giving you a quick pat on the back, most of them moving on to the next player and not noticing, but not Lia. Lia noticed right away, she wrapped her arms around you, and held you close for a moment.

The two of you had been dating for a couple of months now, but with years of friendship under your belts, she knew exactly what you were doing to yourself right now.

“It’s okay.” She whispered into your ear. In her arms, you could no longer keep the tears at bay. “It’s my fault we lost.” You said between soft sobs. “That’s not true. We win as a team and we lose as a team. In my eyes you were the one working the hardest to get us back.”

You wiped away your tears and took a deep breath before walking with Lia. It took a moment to compose yourself, but once you did, you joined the rest of the team in thanking the fans.

Once you got back into the dressing rooms, you dropped your facade again. You had put one on for the fans, even when you knew they had most likely seen you crying, but with your teammates you knew you didn’t even need to hide it, they were each feeling the loss in their own ways.

Lia sat down next to you and gently nudged her leg against yours, “Wanna come over?” You nodded, agreeing without saying a word. She drove the both of you over to her place, both immediately settling on the couch. She pulled you into her side, “If you want to talk about it, I am here.”

You shook your head, “I’d really rather not think about it right now.” Lia placed a kiss onto your forehead. “That’s okay too. How about a movie?” She turned on the tv when you nodded. 

She scrolled through a few movies, asking if you wanted to watch the ones she suggested, but you really didn’t mind. Any distraction from your current thoughts was welcomed, so you let her choose.

Lia started the movie, and you cuddled up into her side. Laying in Lia’s comfort helped a lot with your mood. One of her arms around you to hold you close, and the other drawing soft patterns on your arm.

When the movie was done, Lia ordered some food. Once it arrived you started another movie. Not needing to talk or focus on anything besides the movie while laying in Lia’s arms. The comfortable silence was exactly what you needed.

Then when the second movie was finished, you took a look at the clock. “Oh it’s getting late. I should head home.” You said, but not yet making an effort to actually get up.

Lia moved a strand of hair out of your face, “You could stay.”

Her suggestion took you off guard, and you tested slightly as your brain immediately jumped to conclusions. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to stay over, but you and Lia hadn’t spent the night together yet. Was it too soon? Would Lia expect that spending the night would include sleeping together?

But then her hand found yours, grounding you. “Hey,” She said softly as she squeezed your hand. “No expectations. I just don’t want you going home alone when you’re already feeling like this.” And just like that, the tension in your shoulders eased.

You thought for a moment, she sounded genuine, and you would really rather not leave the comfort of her presence. “Okay,” You let your shoulders fully relax, “I’ll stay.”

Since staying over wasn’t planned, Lia handed you a pair of her shorts and her hoodie for you to wear, along with whatever toiletries you needed. You got ready and changed while Lia cleaned up the room.

When you got back into the living room, now wearing Lia’s clothes that were slightly too big for you, you felt her eyes on you. “What?” You said nervously. “Nothing, I just like the way you look in my clothes.” She smiled and stepped towards you. With a peck to your lips, she went to get ready herself.

The night was exactly what you needed, soft moments with Lia, lots of cuddles, and the quiet reassurance that you weren’t alone. You had fallen asleep in her arms, but when you woke up she was no longer there. It took a moment for you to recall your evening, but then you remembered that Lia had an early online class.

You softly made your way over to her, careful not to interrupt her studies. When she noticed you she looked up with a warm smile. “Morning love, I’m almost done. There’s coffee in the kitchen.”

After grabbing a mug, you settled on the couch. You watched Lia study while sipping your drink. Lia didn’t even notice you were watching her, she was fully in her element. She was writing down notes while the class continued. 

You were glad you stayed the night. Not just because of the comfort it has brought you, but also taking small steps forward in your relationship. Watching her focus on her studies as well as she was, was something you deeply admired about her. Managing that besides football was no small task.

Then she closed her laptop, signalling that her class was over, and locked her eyes with your instantly. Her smile grew as she watched you watch her behind the coffee mug. She stood up and quickly made her way over to you.

“Sorry we couldn’t cuddle in bed this morning, but I hope some cuddles now can make up for it?” She let herself fall into you after taking your mug and placing it on the table. You wrap your arms around her and pull her in closer. “Hm, maybe you need to add a few kisses for it to even out with morning cuddles.” Lia chuckled lightly, but obliged and gave you pecks all over your face. “Better?” 

“Better.” You said between giggles, as she continued to press kisses all over your face.

The two of you continued to cuddle on the couch until it was time for you to head home. After stretching, you realised you were still wearing Lia’s clothes. “I should probably change before I go.” You said looking down at her clothes.

Lia grabbed your hand before you could walk away, “Keep it. It looks better on you anyway.” Her face lights up when she looks at you. Your cheeks flush lightly, as you lean down to kiss her. “You just like seeing me in your clothes.” Lia’s smile grew, “Yeah I do.”

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