a.c. 💫

Olga comes home from the airport in the late afternoon and finds a sight that makes her heart skip a beat. The TV playing softly in the background, two empty bowls on the coffee table, and you and Ale curled up on the sofa. She has grown so accustomed to it that she can vividly imagine the build-up to this scene.

You two coming home from your respective trainings, Alexia preparing a quick lunch (“too healthy” – you bantered) that you decided (insisted) in eating it in the living room while rewatching an old Barça game from when Ale was young (“you just wanna make fun of me”, “well yes, if you get to see me do teenage mistakes I should be able to do it too”). 

Ale has not yet mastered saying no to you.

Your head moving to her shoulder but fighting sleep (“i’m not a baby ale, I don’t need a nap”). You falling asleep either way, and Ale following you shortly after, with no option to move without disrupting you.

Her soft, sleepy girls.

She juggles her suitcase over to their room, careful of the noise, changes into comfy clothes after a quick shower, and joins you on the sofa. You rouse from your slumber when she settles on the other side of Ale.

“Hey Olgui.” You mumble, eyes still glazed from sleep. Your jostling wakes Ale up, too.

“Hey, amor.”

Yeah, Olga loves your sleepy smiles when you see her. Practically identical expressions that should not be possible with your lack of common genetics and the little time you’ve been in each other’s lives. 

Without a word, you tug on her arm so she stands up and switches seats, pushing her to sit on the other side of you this time. You grasp each of their hands by your sides, and move your head from Ale’s to Olga’s shoulder.

“Hey, vaya morro. She’s my girlfriend, you know?” Ale stares at you with an incredulous look.

“Quit the dramatics, Ale, you’ll get your cuddles at night, so I get her now.” You even stick your tongue out at her.

“Do I get a say in this?” jokes Olga.

“No” you say in unison, and it makes all three of you smile.

As the silence settles, Ale and Olga share a look over your head, knowing this is the perfect opportunity to have a pending conversation they have been preparing for.

“Hey, solet.” Ale starts. You respond with a hum.

“How do you usually spend the holidays?”

“Well, it’s always been just me and the avis. Not too different from any other day, just with carols on the TV and a very specific holiday menu.”

“Mmmh, and when do you get presents, bebè?” Olga starts playing with your hair as she asks, making your shoulders relax.

“The 6th, for Reyes. Nothing significant; they couldn’t afford much on their pensions. I would always ask for my football gear then.” you respond, lower, softer, self-conscious.

“So smart, solet.” mumbles Ale against your head, leaving a kiss at your hairline. You preen at the praise.

“What do you think about doing it here this year, huh? We’ll get everyone here, Ale’s family, my mami, your grandparents.”

“How, um, how would that work?”

“Well, my family has always celebrated on the 24th and Ale’s on the 25th. What we did last year was host here on the 24th, and then go down to Ale’s uncle house on the 25th with her extended family. As we didn’t do much for the 6th, just went down to Eli’s to exchange gifts, then to my mom’s for lunch. But we could do it here this year, get everyone over for lunch so it’s easier for your grandparents and you to be with us.”

“You’ve thought a lot about this, huh?”

“Yes, solet. However, we also wanted to discuss it with you. Our priority is for you to be comfortable and have a good time. So if any of it looks like too much, we don’t have to do it.”

“How big is your family thing, Ale, on the 25th?”

“A little over a dozen people usually. My grandma will be there, my aunts and uncles, and some cousins with their kids. They’re all excited to meet you. Mami has been bragging.” That makes you crack a smile.

“Yeah, I could do that.”

“It’s decided, then.” They’re both smiling at you so widely, all three of you relaxing.

“We’ve got a plan then. Now, dinner?” Olga uses your knee to get up from the couch, moving towards the kitchen.

“Pizza!” You yell, ready to cash in a reward.

“From the nice, new place by the plaza? Ale asks.

“Yes!”

“No.” She responds with a fake serious expression.

“But Ale!” you pout.

“Fine.” she rolls her eyes, but also hides a smile.

“You really need to learn how to say no to her.” Olga yells from the kitchen, once again amused at your banter.

It’s you and Ale this time who share a secret smile, practically reading each other’s minds, then proceed to run up to her and attack her with tickling. Giggling fills the room, and you can’t help but think that your new plans for the holidays are the best way to end a year filled with so much change.

“You’ve got everything you need, right?”

“Yes, Ale.”

“And you know you can call me anytime and I’ll come, right?”

“Yes, Ale.”

“And –” you cover her mouth with your hand,

“Can we knock, please? We’ve been at the door for like five minutes.”

Before she can answer you, the door opens from the other side.

“I thought I heard you two bickering.” Jana smirks from the doorframe. Ale rolls her eyes, and you smile shily at her.

Ale’s teammates, especially the younger ones, have been a growing presence in your life since that first team bonding night. Coming by the house, and in the past few weeks, even joining Ale at your games. It still came as a surprise to you, though, when Ale came back from training with an invitation for you. Jana had planned a Girls’ Night in her apartment to celebrate the end of classes and exams with her fellow teammates that were still suffering through university.

She had specifically requested Ale to ask you to join them, apparently eager to get to know you better, “considering we all know she’ll be in this team sooner rather than later”. You had blushed when hearing that part and had been equal parts nervous and excited to accept the invitation.

“I can’t believe I’m leaving you here with Jana as the oldest and most responsible one.”

“Yeah, I love you too Ale.” Jana responded, rolling her eyes.

“You know I do.” Ale left a quick kiss on her forehead. “But you better return her tomorrow just as I left her, all clear?”

“Yes, Capi. Now go, no fossils in my apartment tonight.”

“You’ll laugh less when the fossil makes you run laps next training.” Then she turned to you.

“Have fun, yeah? And call me if you need anything at all.” She wraps you in a tight hug and kisses your head softly.

“Yes, Ale.” you mumble into her shoulder. Before you realise it, though, Jana has circled her arm around your shoulders and pulled you to her side.

“She’s ours now. Fuig!”

Jana closes the door on her.

“Be good!” You two hear from across the wood.

Then, Jana turns to face you, a wide smile on her face.

“The rest will be here soon. Let me show you around.” She pulls you into the apartment. “You can drop your bag off anywhere.”

You two move into the living room.

“We’ll be hanging here tonight.” You can tell, the room looks nice and cozy, although a bit crowded right now with the mattresses covering the floor.

“The bathroom is a the end of the hallway, past the two rooms. And the kitchen is —.” She realises she’s lost your attention. Your eyes are fixed on the glass to the right of the TV. Medals, trophies, and pictures of finals with cups bigger than herself.

You don’t notice Jana moving close to your side, both of you now facing the cabinet. 

“You’ll be there with us soon. I know so.” You blush at her words, unsure how to respond. She continues, though, sensing your hesitation. “I joined the first team when I was really young. I know how unbelievable it feels to even consider it a possibility. But trust me, you will.”

She holds your shoulders again, like she did when she pulled you into the apartment.

“And I, for one, am really excited about you joining us.”

You look up at her now, surprised at her words.

“It’s always amazing to get more players coming up from La Masia. You’ll do great.” Yeah, you’re definitely blushing now.

“Besides, I’ve always wanted to have a little sister. Vicky doesn’t count, she’s more of a… feral pet.” She’s smirking now.

“I heard you!” comes from the door, where Vicky and Salma are coming in.

“You could’ve knocked.” She yells, sharing an amused smile with you.

“You gave me the key.” Vicky sing-songs as she enters the room and jumps on her back.

“And I can take it away.” Jana pushes her off her back, but passes her arm through her shoulders like she had done to you, leaving a kiss on the side of her head.

“Yeah, yeah.” They’re both smiling now, and it makes you crave that same easiness and camaraderie.

Vicky then turns to you, and she and Salma move closer to where you two are standing.

“Jana’s a tad intense, but she’s right. And being the youngest in the team is a lot, but we’re super excited for you. And I’ll finally stop being the little kid.” Vicky rambles, pulling you into a hug, the action and words leaving you without words.

Salma lets out a breathy laugh after shaking your hand, more hesitant to invade your personal space than the other two had been.

“Someone save Alexia, with you three, who knows how she’ll say no to any of your shenanigans.”

Before you can respond to her, more voices come from the door.

“Hello!” Kika and Esmee enter, this time actually knocking beforehand.

“Come in! We’re plotting against Alexia.” Jana responds, again smiling mischievously and winking at you, like you’re already partners-in-crime.

“So I came in right at the perfect moment.” Kika hugs everyone in the room, leaving you for last. She envelops you completely in a tight hug, one that you know conveys a similar sentiment to Vicky’s and Jana’s words earlier.

Behind her is Esmee, who comes in more relaxed, but doesn’t hesitate to also pull you into a short one-armed hug like she’s done to the other girls. She’s quick to jump into teasing her teammates, though.

“Are they being too much?” 

“Hey! We’re just being proper older sisters.” Vicky protests.

“Yeah, by annoying her.” Esmee responds, 

“No no, they’re being nice. I promise.” You rebut quickly, feeling the need to defend the others, even if you know she’s teasing.

“Sssh, you don’t have to lie to me.” She continues.

You laugh properly now, amused at the whole scene, happy at the ease with which they’re pulling you into their bubble.

“Ona?” Salma asks when Jana closes the door, surprised they’re not also waiting for their other teammate.

“Nu’uh, she’s abandoned us for London this weekend.” Jana answers, rolling her eyes but with a smile.

“Booo!” respond Vicky and Kika.

“I know. I am sure she’s disgustingly happy without us.” Jana continues. You know you’re missing some context right now. It heightens your feeling as an outsider, but there is no time for you to get nervous before they’re pulling you back in.

“Come on, bebita, you’re choosing take out, and then we’re giving you the full scoop about the team gossip.” Vicky addresses you now as she pulls your arm to the sofa, quick to realize your moment of hesitation.

“I’m only two years younger than you.” you protest, in a whiny voice that actually makes you sound younger.

“Exactly, a baby.” she teases, but her hand is still holding your arm, and her smile is warm, not mocking.

“Oh, please. You’re both babies. But Vicky is right, petita, and you’re not escaping interrogation. We need to know all about you.” Jana ends your short squabble, once again smiling warmly at you.

At some point, Ale’s car should stop being witness to your anxious habits. Your leg bounces incessantly. One of your hands taps a random pattern on the door, the other raised to your mouth, biting your nails. When Ale realises, she grabs the hand at your mouth and brings it down to your thigh, where she holds it.

“Relax, solet. Everyone’s excited to have you there, and you’ll do great.” She smiles over at you as you stop for a red light.

“But –”

“No buts, just… trust me, okay? Nothing is going to happen to you with me there.”

You nod at her as the car moves, and she pulls her focus back on the road. Your leg still bounces, but your hands are calmer, both now holding the hand that Ale has not moved from your thigh as the Ciutat Esportiva comes into sight.

Christmas felt like the confirmation of your new life, like celebrating a milestone. Even Ale’s family celebration, although slightly overwhelming, solidified your space in their life. Everyone had been so excited to meet you, to see Ale’s new role, and you had ended up fitting right in –plotting with Alba to annoy Alexia, playing with the younger kids, blushing when their grandma called you ‘the prettiest girl’. 

Now a new year has begun, one that you have no idea what it will bring. And for the first time in your life, that is an exciting thought instead of an anxious one. Mainly because of this right here, everyone reunited at Olga and Ale’s house, which is starting to feel more and more like yours, too.

“Here, solet. I have one more thing for you.” Alexia says as she hands you one more box. You’ve already opened too many, really. New gear, nice clothes, some trinkets you’d just wanted but never asked for.

“I thought we were done?” you mutter.

“Just one more.” she pleads, and she’s pouting at you like she’s the teenager from the two of you.

“You have to understand her, she’s actually limited herself on how much she could have gotten you.” Alba teases her sister.

“Oh, please, you almost got her the whole store!” Ale responds to her.

“Yeah, yeah, you are both shopaholics, especially if it’s for other people. Now, let solet open it.” Olga finishes the argument for them.

You finally open it, following her guidance. You’re confused, though, when it’s finally unwrapped.

“Ale, I already have my training kit.”

“Yeah, but this one is, technically, different. It's a family thing, getting a new kit for a big milestone” Her eyes are shining, and she’s biting her lip not to smile too wide. But you’re still so confused, so she only receives a frown back.

“I received a call a few days ago. That, is a first-team training kit.”

Your ears ring, and your heart doesn’t know how to hold a normal rhythm anymore. But you need to hear her say the whole thing, need to confirm properly what you’ve fought so long for.

“You’re joining us after the holiday break, you’re one of the B team kids in dynamic for the remainder of the season.” She’s smiling so wide now, a full reflection of your own joy.

You launch yourself at her, hide your face against her shoulder like you’ve grown so accustomed to. One of your newest happy places. Around you, all of your family –yes, family– is congratulating you, screaming and squealing in delight. Your grandparents are hugging Eli, and Olga and Alba are already plotting about supporting you both in matches, as you can see from Ale’s shoulder.

But you and Ale hold onto each other. A sentiment shared with the only other person who fully understands how you’re feeling right now. A reflection of who Alexia was one day. A promise of the future, of what is to come for you together.

The year has just begun, and it is already so different from what it once was.

Training is intense. Everyone is faster than you, more skilled, more ready, attuned to the sets and each other. And even if you had met everyone already, they were still so intimidating. All focused, all doing their best. Especially Ale, who was footballer Alexia, Ballon d’Or Alexia, Captain Alexia. Not, well, your Ale. By the time all is over, you’re more exhausted than ever. And for the first time in a while, you doubt. 

You sit alone for a moment outside in the hall, needing the silence to organize your thoughts. Because what if it’s always this hard, if you’re not exactly made for this, if it’s too soon, if–

Before your head can continue to spiral, someone slides to the floor in front of you. You’re not sure who you expected, but definitely not her. Irene is sitting across from you, and she’s looking at you with an expression that she knows exactly what you’re thinking about.

“It’s a lot, huh?”

You nod, unsure if you can trust yourself to speak without crying.

“It was a lot for all of us, too.” You want to believe her, knowing she’s probably right, but it’s so hard. So she continues when you don’t answer.

“You don’t have to believe me. You just have to let yourself experience it all. Just trust one thing: we want you here. Your team wants you here. And that will be enough.” You nod and smile at her words. Less closed off, more calm.

“Thank you.” You speak clearly, grateful.

“Of course. You’re good, for the team, for her.” That brings a smile to your face, and you reply with warmth. “She’s good for me.” 

“I know that, too. Now, let’s go to the locker room so we can all leave.” She gestures to the end of the hall, and you follow her like a duckling.

All the noise hits you at once when you reach it. The first to intercept you are Jana and Vicky, one on each side of you. They congratulate you on the good work and tease you and each other about funny mistakes you’ve all made in the past couple of hours. Irene’s words have helped so much that you take it all in stride and even jump in with your own jokes and teasing.

Once you’ve changed, a hand taps your shoulder. You turn around.

“Home?” Ale asks, eyes soft.

“Home.” You nod, as if that word is simple and not an evolving concept that grows every day since you met her.

N/A

I'm following a timeline so you get christmas in june :))

don't fully know how i feel about it which is why it took me longer to publish it but i think im sufficiently satisfied now. it's definitely my fluffiest long piece, but i hope it's not too much.

next part should come out soon, it's already half-written and it's been on my drafts the longest.

as always, I love asks and requests in my inbox, feel free to leave your thoughts there!

“Hey, Ale! Anything you need us to bring over to yours for tonight?” asks Irene as they move to the locker room after their gym session.

“Huh, for what?” Alexia is only half-listening. She had opened her phone to find your usual daily update in the new family group chat.

At first, you had insisted on having a group chat with Ale and your grandparents so you wouldn’t have to worry about making sure you shared everything necessary with them one by one. Over time, you started using it just to send daily compilations to your grandparents on weekdays and to Ale on weekends when you switched houses.

When Olga found out, she had pouted at Ale and sheepishly asked if she could be in it too, especially for the weeks in which she had to be out travelling. You added her happily, not having thought that she’d want to be in it, still a bit unsure of your dynamic. You had felt warmth at her insistence on being involved in your life. Ale was the happiest about it. Then, during your second or third dinner with Ale’s family, Eli and Alba find out about it and demand to be included. You couldn’t believe how much your circle had expanded in just a few weeks.

[pictures of you with friends and teammates] good day over here! classes were fine and the math exam went well (i think, i hope). lunch was… okay. they could do better :( and training was great! and now i’m getting a snack with the girls before getting the train to ale’s and napping because i’m sooooo tired. hope everyone had a good day too!

Alexia loves these updates and instinctively smiles while looking at the pictures and reading the paragraph with your high-pitched teen voice.

“Ale!” Irene snaps her fingers in front of her face. “For team bonding, it’s at yours tonight.”

Alexia blanches. Right. Tema bonding. At her house. She had agreed to it weeks ago, a weekend in which both Olga and Alba were out of town feeling like the best time to host the craziness of her teammates on a Thursday night.

But that was before. Before a teenager moved into her house. Before her days began to be filled with school notes, teenage drama, and syncing schedules to as much as possible be present for your games and events. Team bonding was not in that schedule.

Most importantly, the team didn’t exactly know yet. She hadn’t meant to keep it a secret. But she wanted things to be calm at the beginning, and not face any input from outside your families about the situation. She wanted you to get comfortable without external judgment. So while the team knew who you were by now, after relentless teasing from the younger players who you were closer to, they didn’t know all of the new developments.

”Um, so… I completely forgot about it. Could we, um, reschedule?”

”No, Ale. C’mon. We have a full schedule for the next four weeks starting this weekend. We need this now for team morale before the upcoming crucial games.”

Irene is right, but Alexia is still reluctant to let go of the protective bubble your life had become.

”Besides, I know you don’t have anything better to do because both your girlfriend and your sister are out of town.”

“Hey! I could have other plans, I have friends, you know.”

”You could, but you don’t. You can’t just back out because you’re tired and the kids are a handful. It’s your turn to suffer through their destructive tendencies while playing videogames.”

“Hey, we aren’t that bad!” Vicky responds to the teasing.

”You scared Bagheera with your yelling so much he did not come out from under the couch until the next day.”

“Slander! Exaggeration!” Jana, Vicky, and Pina continue to defend themselves.

“Okay, okay. Let's get back on track.” Irene exclaims to quiet the locker room. “So in a couple of hours, at your house. Yes, Ale?”

Alexia is distracted again by a new message in the group chat.

[picture of you in comfy sweats, eyes half closed, resting on your bed] home safe. nap time She is only half-aware of her answer.

“Mmmh, Yes, of course.”

”Great! See you soon Capi!”

Alexia only realizes too late that she has ended up agreeing to hosting the team bonding night. Now she has to prepare for an interrogation, great.

By the time Alexia gets home, you are still napping in your new room. You look so peaceful, and Alexia knows you have been very busy and tired this week with training and exams. She can’t wake you up now, just to potentially make you more anxious, so she decides to let you sleep and rest. There are still a couple of hours before they come around, either way. There’s time.

She’s wrong. Before she realizes how much time has gone by, her teammates are already knocking at her door. You are still asleep, and now it’s too late to warn you about it. She sends you a text, hoping that it is enough and that you will see it when you wake up from your nap.

She’s wrong again. You don’t look at your phone when you wake up. Instead, you come out sluggishly, rubbing your eyes, and walk towards Ale, who is leaning in the doorframe of the hallway that hosts your bedrooms. Your half-asleep brain is ignorant of everything and everyone around the house. On autopilot, you lean completely against Ale and hide your face from the light by smushing it against her shoulder. She rights herself and slides her arms around you into a hug, pulling you more firmly against her chest. This motion is still so new, but is slowly becoming second-nature for you both.

“Hey, solet, good nap?”

“Mmmh.” You press your face harder against her shoulder, not really ready to talk yet, with sleep still clouding your mind.

Ale lowers her arms to let you go, but you whine discontentedly.

“Okay, okay.” She hugs you again, presses her smile and a kiss to your head.

As you slowly come to lucidity,  you realise the context that you have walked into. You turn your head and see over twenty faces staring at you, in shock. And then the team’s questions start, all at the same time. You shriek, wide-eyed and definitely awake now, and run back to your room.

You can hear Ale quieting her teammates and then walking to your room, even though you’ve flopped face-down into your bed with a pillow over your head.

“Hey, solet. All good?” You just grunt in response.

“I’m sorry. I should have told you beforehand. I texted you, hoping you’d see it when you woke up.” You don’t have to glance at her to know she’s wincing. You still don’t uncover your face.

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to let you sleep, you’ve been so busy and tired this week.” You peek a bit from your hiding place. Ale still has a sheepish smile.

“It’s okay. It’s your house.” You mumble against the comforter, still not willing to fully come out, but looking at Ale from the side. “Hey, no, that is not what I meant.” Ale frowns. “This is also your space, and it wasn’t right for me to not give you proper notice before they came in. I’m so sorry, solet.”

You remove the pillow from your head entirely now. You really don’t wanna make her feel guilty. Yes, she should have told you, but it wasn’t that bad. There’s still something nagging at the back of your mind, though.

“Are you mad?” You whisper it, scared of the answer. “That they know about this?”

This, you living there, Ale’s increasingly important role in your life, your newfound dependency on her, well, maternal comfort and involvement.

“No. No, solet.” She looks so sad at your question, at your hesitation and evident insecurity. “I did want you not to have to deal with too many people during such a change, but I am happy that they know now. This is special to me, and I’m so excited for them to get to know you more like I have.” Her smile is back to that open, soft expression she tends to have with you. It reassures you just as much as her words.

“Okay. Thank you for apologizing.” You mirror her smile. “Hug?” You turn around and throw your hands out towards her. She doesn’t hesitate to comply.

“So, what’s going on and why’s everyone here?” You ask without pulling away, Ale is playing with your hair, and nothing calms you more than this action.

“It’s team bonding night. I forgot I had volunteered for it a while ago, before you moved in, so it had completely skipped my mind until Irene reminded me at training. I couldn’t say no then. It’s very relaxed, though. We’re just chatting, and the younger ones are setting up their video games on our TV as we speak. You can join us if and when you want. Or I can wrap it up entirely now, I don’t think they’d push against it much now, considering the situation. And if you do join us, I’ll make sure they don’t accost you with an interrogation. It’s all on your terms, yeah?”

You pull back a bit from the hug.

“Don’t call it off, it’s okay. I will join you. I mean, they’re your teammates and our friends, right? They should get used to this.” Ale beams at your smirk and new confidence.

“Perfect! Take your time, solet.”

“Yeah, thanks Ale.”

“Oh, and pizza will be here soon.”

You jump out of bed excitedly.

“Pizza! You should have led with that. Come on, let’s go Ale! Let’s go!”

“I should have known the promise of pizza would immediately change your mood.” Ale laughs at your eagerness.

“Pizza is life, Ale.”

“Pizza is pizza, solet.”

Ale also gets up from your bed.

“I’m gonna go and answer some of their questions, and then I’ll make sure they don’t bother you. Don’t feel pressured to come out immediately. You can also just grab pizza and watch a movie in your room or something. Whatever you need, yeah?”

“Yes, Ale. But I promise I’m good now; it was a bit of a shock, but I’m okay. I’ll be right behind you; just let me put something on that is a bit more presentable.”

“Okay, good. I want them to get to know you better.” There it is again, the soft smile that warms you.

She takes her leave, but you stop her one last time as she’s crossing the threshold of your room.

“Oh, and Ale?”

“Yeah?”

“I might have texted Eli and Olga when I was upset right after running into my room.”

Ale groans; she knows her phone must be exploding with another interrogation.

When you come out about fifteen minutes later, there is no dramatic shock. The girls don’t question Ale’s squeeze of your arm as you pass by her and grab a couple of slices from the kitchen. Or her smile and head-shaking as you wolf the slices down before making your way to the couch, where the younger players have finished setting up the console. You’re sheepish as you approach, unsure if they’ll be upset at being left in the dark, especially the ones that still share a locker room with you in the B team.

You have nothing to worry about, though.

Sydney and Vicky just pat the spot between them on the floor that has been covered by pillows, and Jana pushes your shoulders back, making you rest your back on her legs as she sits behind you on the couch. Vicky, Pina, Esmee and Cata are all playing right now, and you join easily in their trash-talking and play-fighting. The controllers are passed around round after round, and you even manage to win a couple of games, which makes you grin and gloat as they tease you. Eventually, the older players join you in the chairs and seats around the couch, and you switch the video games to the men’s game.

You rest more firmly against Jana, who has also started to play with your hair and massage your scalp. The calming motion, the light commentary, and the warm, familiar atmosphere lull you to sleep again, as the taxing week has made you need to catch up on your sleep.

Alexia notices as the game enters overtime. The older players around her grin at how she melts and smiles softly as she sees you so relaxed. Despite her constant public pushback at being deemed maternal to younger players, their friend has truly assumed the role in your life, even if both of you are still hesitant to speak it out loud.

She gently shakes you awake as the rest of the players slightly clean up the living room from the mess it has become.

“Come on, solet, bedtime for you.”

You should feel self-conscious about the older girls seeing you like this, but sleepiness is once again preventing your awkwardness from jumping out.

“Mmmh, yes, Ale. Night.” You close your eyes again while resting against the couch.

“No, silly, to your room.”

“Too far.”

“Solet you can’t sleep on the floor.”

“Yes, I can, I was just doing so.” You can faintly hear snickering in the back, but you’re not awake enough to care.

Ale doesn’t refute you this time. Instead, you just feel her grab your back and legs to lift you. Your head drops to her shoulder, and your body relaxes further in her hold. She carries you to your bed and tucks you in. Tomorrow, you’ll blush bright red at being told about this scene from Sydney, but today you are too tired and content to do anything but burrow further into your bed and sleepily thank Ale.

You’re also too asleep to hear the scene on the other side of your bedroom door.

Ale softly closes your door and turns around to finish tidying and making sure everyone has a safe way home. But when she reenters the living room, all her teammates are just staring at her with the broadest smirks. She should have seen this coming. She’s ushering them out of the door as they hound her with cheeky questions.

“So… we have an official little sister?

“No.”

“Will you be carrying me like that, too, if I fall asleep on the plane?”

“You’re all adults.”

“Can we call you mom now?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Can we call her our baby?”

“She’ll decide that.”

Irene lingers by the door and waits for everyone else to leave ahead. Before closing the door behind her, she turns around to Alexia one last time. 

“You know, it suits you. And you’ll do well, you’ll be good for her, don’t doubt it.”

Alexia really appreciates her words, as a friend and as a mother. She’s probably the person she’s had a more challenging time not discussing her new life with. She just nods, and knows that’s enough for them to understand each other. But Irene doesn’t leave without one last dig.

“Can’t believe you have a kid that’s older than mine, though.”

Alexia doesn’t correct her; there are no false pretenses with Irene, she knows.

N/A

and last re-upload! new story before the end of the week, so excited to make solet's world bigger :)

as always, I love asks and requests in my inbox, feel free to leave your thoughts there!

Everything felt wrong. You had tossed and turned half the night, barely getting a few hours of sleep before your alarm went off. Your performance in the game the day before had tormented you. The team still had won, but you could not get over the feeling of letting everyone down on such an important match as a semifinal was. Your thoughts over and over again ran through everything you had done wrong, and how disappointed your loved ones must be.

When you opened your eyes, the light through your window was too bright. The noise from the road was too loud. Your coffee was too bitter. Your usually comfy training clothes itched all over. Your sports bra felt constricting over your chest.

None of the songs on your car felt right, just adding to the noise around you. Your leg bounced, and your hand tapped on the wheel nonsensically. The day was barely starting, and you already wanted it to end. You didn’t want anyone to worry, though, to have to take care of you when they should be mad at you. To feel bad because you’re younger when you’re grown enough to work things out yourself. So you put a smile on your face before going into the training grounds.

You try to act normal. Try to pay attention to the conversations you’re pulled into, try to answer at the right times, and ignore the way you feel physically off.

But they still notice something is wrong because they know you. Because you don’t come in talking excitedly about your latest obsession, you don’t hum or whistle any songs stuck in your head, you don’t seek physical contact. It all screams that something is wrong to them. They think you’re just a bit sad, though. Just some cheering up will do. So the younger ones, the ones you’re slowly becoming friends with, even being less than a season in, think all you need is some fun.

You don’t see it coming. You’re too in your head to notice their barely concealed smirks, their incriminating looks at each other, their not-so-subtle scheming.

You enter the locker room after training, ready to go home and not interact with the world until the next day. You go through your usual motions, but when you open your locker to get your towel to have a quick shower, a picture with a note falls out. It’s you at the game, after the player you had been defending skipped past you and you slipped to the ground.

You know it’s not malicious, you’re usually the first one to share silly stickers of you and your teammates over text, and to send them funny fan-made jokes. But today your head is not being kind, so instead of seeing any fun in it, it sees confirmation of all your worst thoughts. Of not being enough, of your teammates being disappointed, of your friends not really liking you. So instead of laughing and joking back, as they expect you to, you go silent, curl yourself up into the bench with your legs pulled to your chest, your face tucked into your knees, your hands over your ears.

And then it gets worse, because the noise around you gets louder and the one in your head too. You’re making a scene, making it worse; they will not like having to pity you, take care of you. You should go, leave, but you can’t. Can’t get your head up and face them, can’t confirm the hurtful thoughts in your head. You don’t think your legs would hold you up either way.

“Everybody out. Now.”

Alexia’s voice cuts through the clutter. 

After a couple of seconds, the room is entirely silent. The lack of noise lightly relaxes the tension on your shoulders. Then, you feel her hands on your wrists, gently pulling them down. You let her.

“Hey, carinyo. It’s okay, you’re okay. It’s just you and me now. Can you look at me?”

It takes you a few minutes to move your head, but she doesn’t press you or ask again, letting you take your time. She’s not screaming, not berating you for making a scene, not laughing at your performance on the game, you rationalize. Ultimately, she’s Ale. She’s safe, you know, even in this state. She’s proven it to you, to your teammates, she’s reliable and kind and caring. That gives you enough confidence to do as she asks.

When you look into her eyes, they’re soft, warm.

“Hey, thank you, carinyo.” The affectionate nickname soothes you further.

“Wanna come with me? I’d feel better if I could make sure you’re okay.”

You think about it. You really don’t want to burden her. But you don’t think you could drive yourself home right now. And you’re not gonna lie to yourself, you want the comfort even if you don’t fully feel like you deserve it. You nod.

You let her help you stand up, gather your things, and guide you to her car with an arm over your shoulders—warm and protective. You stay silent in the car, but the music is pleasant and soothing, and her presence is, too. 

She drives you home. You barely have to verbalize anything. You nod to the bathroom, and she understands you’re going to shower. You come out much more relaxed, finally in soft, comfortable clothes. You sit with her on the sofa, where she had settled herself, waiting for you. Once again, you don’t need to speak. She opens her arms and you respond to the hug, tuck yourself close. Finally seeking that physical closeness you’ve needed all day. You try to speak, think she deserves for you to explain yourself, but all that comes out is a whisper of a “sorry”.

She shushes you.

“No, carinyo. No sorry. It’s okay for today. You know they didn’t mean to upset you right?”

You nod.

“And that it’s okay to need help if it’s a bad day, that we all have them.”

You hesitate this time. You do know, but it doesn’t fully feel like it right now. You try to rationalize again, though, that she’s right. That you know she is. But that even if you didn’t, you’d trust that she does. Because even in the short time she’s been your captain, you’ve learnt she usually does. You’ve seen her take care, in one way or another, of most of your teammates and friends. So you nod again. The silence stretches for a while. You finally feel strong enough to articulate something more.

“Thank you.”

“Of course, carinyo, of course. Now, we’ll speak tomorrow, yeah? Let’s give you tonight to feel better.”

“Yes, that sounds perfect.”

“Great. Now, what do you want to watch? Please, no trashy reality like Jana or criminal show like Vicky.”

That makes you smile.

Tomorrow, when you wake up much better, you will talk. You’ll tell her what happened, the thoughts that plagued your mind, even if you blush, stammer, and sigh through it. You’ll say to her that this happens sometimes, not often now, it was worse when you were younger. Now you have mechanisms that allow you to deal with it better. She listens attentively, wants to learn how this works for you, wants to be able to look for the signs. She’ll share about her own struggles after her injuries, about how tough it was for her to ask for help. Then she’ll ask about how you’d prefer to go about it if she notices, if she thinks it’s affecting you over what you should take.

The conversation is far from perfect. You are unable to articulate some stuff and still feel a bit wrong for burdening her. But it helps.

Ale had driven you to the grounds this morning, as she tends to do now if she has a free day when you have a game. You were so excited for this game. Your grandpa had recuperated well from his surgery, even if he now needed some extra care, and Ale’s presence in your life had become a constant. You couldn’t believe this was your life now.

You went into the game eager to win, to score, to lead. By halftime, you had scored once and provided an assist. You were on fire, but everything changed when you stepped into the tunnel, and Ale was waiting for you, a worried frown on her face.

“Solet, I need you to stay calm while I tell you this, okay?.” She said. “Your neighbor called, they've had to take your grandma into the hospital because she fainted. They firmly believe she’s going to be okay. I will drive you to the hospital right now if that’s what you want.” You can’t believe she’s even doubting it. There is no way you’re making it back out into the pitch now.

“Please Ale, let’s go.” You rush to the locker room to get your things and run all the way to Ale’s car, impatient.

“It’s all gonna be okay, I promise.” Alexia says as she lays her free hand on your arm, the other on the steering wheel.

You really want to believe her, but you don’t really think she has the ability to fulfill this one. You don’t respond. You just lay your head against the window and let its coldness ground you to reality.

As soon as you get to the waiting room you make a beeline for your grandfather, who sits in a corner. He’s recuperated from his surgery, but he still can’t stand for long periods of time and needs help remembering to take his meds.  You break down as soon as you’re in his arms.

”Oh, mi niña, everything’s gonna be okay. She was awake when they got her into the ambulance. It was just a big scare, but she’s going to be okay.”

You nod against his chest but don’t detach from his hold. You won’t believe it until you see her with your own eyes and doctors confirm it, but you appreciate the comfort of his words. You turn a bit to look to your left. Ale is talking with your neighbor. She has her capitana face on. That relaxes you further.

You hate how unhelpful you’re being. You should be more composed, asking questions, making sure your grandpa is also okay, planning for any contingencies that might come from this incident. But you can only cling, and cry, like a child. So you’re happy to see that Ale has taken control of the situation, because at least somebody has. You’ve been trusting her with more of yourself and your life over the past months, and you’re so, so glad about it now. She looks over at you, and you know she understands what it means to you. The guilt of your impotence stays, but the pressure eases, and you let yourself just fall.

Alexia is looking at you and seeing a kid. A strong, resilient kid. But a kid. So she takes charge, and she accepts that caring for you is coming more naturally to her every day. And as she waits with you for news about your grandma, she gradually also accepts the role she wants to play in your life. More than she’d let herself in the past, more than she’s ever said out loud.

“So… Why are the kids talking about you adopting another kid?” Marta approached Alexia with a massive smirk at the end of training.

“Yeah Ale, I thought you’d at least talk to me before you got a kid outside of this team.” Oh, Irene was having too much fun with this conversation.

“First of all, there is no another, I don’t have any kids, period.” A chorus of ‘hey’ and ‘rude’ was heard from the other side of the room, most notably (and loudest) by Vicky and Jana. Alexia just rolled her eyes. Apparently, the whole team was a part of the conversation now. “And secondly, I have not adopted a kid. I’m just… mentoring.”

“Mentoring? Is that what they call it now? Mentoring is driving a kid to and from practice?” Jana continued teasing her.

Alexia had gotten into the habit of driving you when she could especially to and from late night practices, thinking thaat it was much too late for you to be out taking public transportation.

“Or staying to watch those practices?” followed Sydney, who’s joking character was coming more and more out as she became more comfortable with the first team.

Now, Alexia knew how to perfectly justify this one.

“I am captain of this team, I have a duty to check in with the B team and source for talent.” she answered, feeling smug.

“Oh, and is having Sunday lunch with her and her family a form of recruitment?” added Vicky, who had become closer with the teen and had taken to chatting with her on occasion.

Alexia actually didn't know how to respond to this one. She had taken your grandmother’s invitation a couple of time when you had Sunday morning games and she had a free weekend. She loved getting to know you more by spending time with you and your grandparents. And although she thought you pressured yourself too much, she saw herself reflected in your protectiveness, diligence and sense of responsibility toward your family and team.

“Better yet. Why did your girlfriend text me asking if I could give her more information about the kid because she wants to make a good impression when you bring her over for Sunday dinner at your mom’s this weekend?” added Ingrid.

Alexia muttered “traitor” as the locking room erupted in chaos. Everyone knows how much it means for their protective and family-oriented captain to introduce people to her family.

“Okay, enough. I care about her, yes. And she doesn’t have too many people on her corner, so I decided to become one.”

Everyone softened at that, understanding the importance and vulnerability of the statement.

“Now, no more social chit-chat about my life or you’re all running three times as much before practice.”

The soft expressions were replaced with groans, complaints and the occasional soft object thrown at her. Oh how she loves her fútbol family.

Your neighbor has had to leave; she has her own family to care for. So it’s just you, your grandpa, and Ale. Each sitting on a seat to your side. The doctor comes out after a half hour of waiting. The good news is that she’s okay, she’s awake, and there is nothing life-threatening. It feels like a toll has been lifted off your shoulders. But then he continues: it was a big fall, a symptom of an underlying heart condition. It means more medication and the possibility for this to happen again or other bad things. You feel dizzy again. You only hear bits and pieces of the rest: needs more monitorization, will need more constant care for a couple of weeks, she’s gonna stay overnight, you’ll be able to see her soon. You cling to the last part to stay in touch with reality.

Ale sees you drowning, so she asks, “Do you trust me to help, to take over now and help you through this? Let me do this for you?”

You nod. You need her to. You don’t even have any space in your worrying to overthink what this means or why she’s willing to do all this for you. You need her now, and the rest will come when everything’s more calm.

“I’m gonna make a few calls, okay? Can I tell a couple of people what is going on? The girls, mami and Olga are all worried. I won’t say much, just a quick update, okay?”

You nod again. You haven’t uttered a word since you got into Ale’s car. You can’t. So when she nods back, you hide your face in your grandpa’s chest again. You try to distract yourself with happier memories until you can see your grandma again. Thinking of her still hurts, so you focus on your team, your friends, and the people in Ale’s life you’ve met in the past weeks.

You felt dizzy from anticipation. You kept bouncing your leg in the passenger seat, and checking your outfit on the rear-view mirror. Ale noticed your fidgeting and laid her free hand on your shoulder.

“Are you nervous?” her eyes didn’t stray from the road but you noticed her half-grimace. Ale is not the best at not asking obvious questions, but you know it’s because she doesn’t know how to start the conversation otherwise.

“Yeah, I just…” you also grimaced, feeling like a little kid. “I want them to like me.” you mumble, embarrassed.

“Oh, solet. They will. Mami is a natural caretaker, she’ll take you under her wing immediately. And Alba and Olga will just love having one more person to team up with against me.” Ale rolled her eyes, fondly.

She exudes a different type of softness when she talks about the women in her life, even when she fakes being annoyed at their antics. Her response calmed you, though.

Ale was absolutely right, of course.

As soon as you entered Ale’s home, her mom was giving you a massive hug and when she pulled away, she told you how beautiful you are and that she was really excited to meet you. You were blushing again. She hugged her daughter next, and then motioned for you both to go to the living room while she finished cooking. You offered to help, and you were rewarded with a wide smile and a pinch to your cheek. Ale got a quip that “she ought to keep her instead of her daughters if she keeps this helpfulness up”.

You’re still flushed when you reached the living room with Ale to find her sister and girlfriend sitting at the table in conversation. They stood up when you entered the room. Her sister moved to you, hugged you and introduced herself. You opened your mouth to do the same but she interrupted before you could utter a word.

“Oh, I know who you are. Ale won’t shut up about you.” You both turned to her, but she was too busy kissing her girlfriend to notice. Alba covered your eyes and yelled. “Women, not in front of the kid!”

You smiled as Alba moved away her hand and smiled at you, all nerves forgotten by now, replaced by warmth. Ale and Olga were walking towards you both, Ale’s hand on the small of her back. Olga hugged you, and her smile was just as warm and soft as Ale’s. 

“Yeah, Ale hasn’t shut up about you. We’re all really excited to meet her mini-me.” And there you are, blushing again. Had Ale really referred to you like that? Before you could ask, Ale’s mom called the four of you to finishing setting up as dinner was ready.

Conversation during dinner flowed. Ale was right, you had nothing to worry about and the night went perfectly. They all asked about you, eager to get to know you better. Alba and Olga did use your presence to rile Ale up, sharing embarrassing stories as she blushed and covered her face.

“I’ll lose my tough captain facade, stop.”

“You never had it to begin with, Ale.”

By the time dinner ends, you couldn’t even believe you had been so nervous to meet them.

When the night ended, and Ale and Olga offered to drive you home. As you and Olga waited for Ale to finalize some arrangement with her mom, she put her arm around you, the night had unexpectedly cooled and neither of you had come prepared for it. You basked in the comfort of her warmth and touch.

“I’m so glad Ale brough you over.” You looked up to the older woman, her smile exactly like Ale’s. “She is right, you know? You’re such a solet. I’m so glad you have each other.” Before you could respond, Ale was ushering you both inside the car and the fullness from dinner lulled you to sleep. They smile at your sleeping form, and their unspoken understanding of their care for you.

By the time Alexia finishes texting and calling, she has a plan. Alexia does well with plans, likes to prepare for things. But she has to talk to your grandparents first, and she doesn’t know how that conversation is going to go. Alexia is also good on her feet, though, and works with what’s given. Knows how to fight for what she thinks is right.

It doesn't take long for a nurse to come by and lead the three of you to your grandma’s room. You cry again when you see she’s okay. You can’t cling to her like you did with your grandpa, so you’re content to sit by her side and hold her hand while she asks questions about the game, and you do your best to respond to her. Your words are stilted, but Ale and your grandpa smile because it’s the most you’ve spoken in hours.

After some more assurances, your grandma convinces you to go down to the cafeteria with your grandpa to have dinner. You’re hesitant to comply, but both her and Ale reassure you and don’t accept no for an answer. You give them one last glance to reassure yourself everything is okay before you leave the room.

Alexia is nervous to be left alone with your grandma. She needs to start the conversation she knows is coming and despite the encouragement from her family, she isn’t sure to be ready for it. She doesn’t have to be, though, because your grandma beats her to it.

“She needs you.” There’s a heavy silence that follows, Alexia doesn’t know how to respond.

“She needs you because she’s a kid but doesn’t accept it. We both know that this incident means that both I and my husband need more help than she should be burdened by. She’s stretched thin enough, she already does too much. We want her to have fun, be a kid, a student, a footballer. Not a nurse, or a caretaker. She can’t do that if she’s constantly worried about us. And I know you know all this.”

Alexia stands seriously and silently and measures her words before speaking. She knows what’s next, but this is not her family, she doesn’t want to overstep. But if directly asked for her input, she’ll do it. She’ll take care of everything. For you. 

“I do, yeah.”

“We need that kind of help but it can’t come from her. So will you help? I’ve seen you grow closer to her, she admires you so much, relishes your attention and care. If we ask you for it, if she agrees, are you ready for this?”

Alexia doesn’t hesitate.

“Yes.”

She can see the tension leave your grandma.

“Good. Now we can talk specifics. What’s your plan? Tell me and then we can tell her together.”

In the morning after you, Ale and your grandpa went home to sleep –Ale taking the couch even if you insisted on her taking the bed–, it’s Ale also who drives back to the hospital and brings your grandma home when she’s released. All four of you sit in the living room and when you try to fuss over your grandma, all three of them reassure you she’s okay.

“Mi vida, we have something to discuss.” Your grandma starts, and you squirm, uncomfortable at being out of loop.

“Alexia and us have a proposal for you, mi niña. We’ll do only what you want us to, but we think this is the best for all of us, and especially you.” You don’t respond to your grandpa, just nod, the anticipation driving you crazy. Your grandma takes over the conversation again.

“We love you so much, mi vida. We love how kind you are, how responsible, and how much you care for us. But your grandpa and I need more help, and we want you to not be burdened by it.” You’re about to protest –they’re not a burden, would never be, you love them and you’ll always care for them–but Ale stops you.

“Ssh, solet, listen to what we have to say first, okay?” You nod again instead of responding.

“So remember when I made a few calls yesterday at the hospital? I set up a couple of things. First, there is a home-care medical team that will be taking care of your grandparents from now on. They’re the best, but we still get to pick who’s going to be coming to stay with them for continued care. You’ll be part of that decision too.”

You exhale, thankful that Ale took over arranging this service. Deep down, you know that even if you would have tried your hardest, your grandparents need specialized care you wouldn’t be able to provide.

“And we also thought something else, but we’ll only do this if you want to and completely at your pace.” You become uneasy again at their own nervous expressions.

“Mi vida, we’ve thought that you spend so much time moving from here to the city, and it’s not benefitting you in your studies, or your football career, so Alexia kindly offered an arrangement that we think will work for all of us.”

“Solet, I’d like it if you moved in with me.” There is nothing but shock in your expression now. You have no idea how to respond, this being the last thing you expected from this conversation.

“We were thinking you could stay with me over the week, so you can go to a school that is more understanding of your football career, like many of your teammates, and be closer to the training grounds. You’ll come back to stay over weekends with your grandparents, so you’ll still see them a lot. And you can obviously tell me anytime you wanna be with them, and we’ll make it work so you never feel detached.”

You stop her nervous rambling with an obvious question, still in shock.

“You really want me to move in with you? Are you sure?”

Her smile is so, so soft again. Her eyes so kind, but also somewhat exasperated, she can’t believe you don’t understand how much she cares for you yet.

“Yes, solet.And before you ask. Yes, I’ve talked to Olga, she also thinks this is good. She’s in and out of the house these days because of work in Madrid so she thinks this is actually good for us both. Apparently, I don’t struck her as someone who lives well alone.” She rolls her eyes when she shares that part, but she’s still smiling.

“And, avis, you think this is best for all of us? Because I’ll still miss you a lot, but you’re right that I’ve been struggling these days.”–you finally admit–“And I guess if there’s a professional caring for you here and I can call you anytime and come often, then, I guess, it seems like a good solution to me too.”

All three of them smile widely at you, glad that you see the same things they do.

“Yes, mi niña, we do. And this is always your home, you can be here as much as you want to.”

“Okay” You say, and it feels definitive, the start of something.

N/A:

second part re-uploaded! one more soon and then a new story of the solet universe next and hopefully a few more to come over the next few weeks <3

When Alexia finishes training, she’s looking forward to quickly showering and rushing home, where her newly-arrived-from-a-work-trip girlfriend and leftovers from dinner at her mami’s house the night before are waiting for her. Her plans are quickly derailed when she enters the locker room. In a corner, a group of the youngest members of the team are huddled, rapidly speaking over each other with concerned expressions. Yeah, she’d definitely have to do damage control before making it home.

Surprisingly, she does not even have to force one of them to confess to whatever mess they had got themselves into this time. Vicky, Jana, Kika and Sydney approach her themselves before she can move to their side.

“Hey Capi, do you have a minute?” Okay, now she really is worried. If Vicky is approaching her so bashfully, something must be really wrong.

“Always. What have you all done now?”

“Nothing! Honestly Ale, so rude to make that assumption.” Jana responds, exasperatedly.

“Okay, let’s focus here, please” redirects Kika quickly.

Alexia waits for one of them to continue, but they all seem suddenly nervous and out of words.

Unexpectedly, it is Sydney, the youngest and shiest of the group, who breaks the silence.

“Do you remember the 15-year-old girl from the B team? She was in the group that joined training on Saturday.” Alexia nods. Of course she does. After their first big win against Hammarby at Johan Cruyff, the staff had decided to have a joint training with the B team, looking to source for up-and-coming talents. Only recently having turned 15, you had amazed her. You had a great eye for plays, reading the game perfect and providing key pass after key pass. A perfect midfielder, only still slightly too young to transition into the first team. She does not understand why her teammates are bringing you up now, though.

“Well, the girls got worried because she wasn’t there when they came to see our game this weekend.” Sydney continues. “And I told them that she has been more distracted lately and showing up late to training. Our coaching team is more angry than concerned and we all think something is going on but we have no idea what to do.”

“So, um, we were thinking you could use your position as captain to try to find out more from the club? Please, Ale?” Jana finishes Sydney’s speech.

Alexia loves to see that you had already made a mark on the other players, and she felt so proud that they are looking after a younger player like she did for them.

“Okay.” Alexia sighs. “I’m not sure how much I can do, but I’ll keep an eye on it and ask some questions. Now, all of you a la ducha. C’mon kids, you stink!” The younger players roll their eyes at Alexia’s remark, but smile at her promise. They know she means it.

When Saturday comes along, you are surprised to find so many first team players at your match, including all four captains. It makes you even more nervous for today’s game. You had left your home after making sure your grandparents were set for the day and the neighbor was staying around to keep an eye on them. You do not wanna disappoint your team for a second week straight. And you know that another absence would get you benched. You had fought hard for your starting spot during the past year, having to prove yourself twice as much due to your age. You couldn’t give it up now.

You stretch with your team try to ignore the presence of the older players. Once the game starts, though, it is just you and the game. You tune out the yelling from the stands, your worry for your grandparents and your exhaustion after your abuelo’s surgery last week had meant a couple nights of sleeping in uncomfortable hospital chairs and getting up extra early to go to school.

It is a great match, especially for you. Two goals and an assistance later, you are beaming as they declare you player of the game. You are so relieved that such a good performance would quiet the concerns over your commitment to the club in the last couple of weeks.

You rush to the locker room, wanting to make it home as soon as possible and help your grandparents with their evening routine. But before you can run out the grounds to catch the train, you felt a hand tapping you from behind. Sydney, one of the kindest members of your team, is smiling at you. You also really admire her and the work she had been doing with the first team.

”Hey, congrats on the goals and thanks for the assist! The girls from the first team were telling me to bring you over. You made a mark during the joint training and they wanna congratulate you too. Wanna come?” You cannot believe what you are hearing. You forget all about the train you’re supposed to catch and nod enthusiastically. “Ye-yeah, let’s go!”

She smiles at you and pushes you towards the exit. The girls are waiting around in the parking lot. Vicky and Jana are the first to approach you, as you had attached yourself more to them during the training due to your closer ages. The rest come behind them, and you try not to blush when the older players congratulate you. You probably fail. The conversation moves from talking about your game to their future duels.

By the time you realise, an hour has gone by and the chances of you making it on time for dinner are slim. Your realization must have shown in your face, as Alexia touches your arm and frowns at your expression. “All good?”

“Yeah, I just…” You are unsure whether to share your concern, why would she care? But something in the kindness she has shown during the conversation, asking for your input and making sure you felt integrated, and the openness in her expression when she asks, moves you to respond. “I was supposed to be home already, and I’m not sure when the next train that reaches my town passes.” You worry at your lip.

“Would it be okay if I drive you then? It’ll be faster.” You’re shocked at her offer.

“Ye-yeah, that would be great.”

“Good, I wouldn’t want your parents to worry.” You’re both too busy saying your goodbyes to realize your smile has faltered and the pointed glances that Alexia is receiving.

The drive to your home is mostly silent after you give Alexia your address. She is shocked at how far away from the city it is, and you’re uncomfortable at her realization of how much time you spend commuting to training using public transport. The silence is not necessarily awkward though. The soft radio music and the constant thrum of the car settle you into a warm comfort. You feel cared for by an adult, instead of being worried about them, for the first team in a while. Alexia breaks the silence mid-way though.

“What happened last weekend? You weren’t there.” She flinches at her own tactlessness, but isn’t willing to let it go.

You squirm, not sure how much you’re comfortable sharing. 

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry like this, you barely know me. The girls were worried though, so I asked your coaching team and they also didn’t know. Is everything okay?” It takes you a bit to take in her words. You feel warm at the girls’ concern, but uncomfortable at the idea of people talking about you and trying to pry about your life. You’re used to doing everything yourself, and having other people involved is weird. Still, the kindness and concern are obvious in her voice and expression, so you decide to give a bit of information in the hopes that she will understand and leave it behind.

“Just some family things. All good though, it’s solved and I’m 110% committed to the team.”

“I never thought you weren’t. Just wanted to make sure you’ve got the support you need.” That leaves you silent again. You do, right? You don’t want to worry anyone because you don’t need it. You’ve got everything under control and things are okay.

“I do! Yeah.”

“Good, good.”

You return to silence for the rest of the drive, but both of you are stuck in the other's words.

When the car comes to a stop outside your home, you’re turning around to thank Alexia for the ride but she’s opening her own door and walking towards your door. The sight spurs you o, and you run to the door to reach her before she has a chance to ring the bell.

“You don’t have to come in!” Alexia raises an eyebrow.

“Thank you for driving me, it was so nice of you but I’m all good to go from here.” You quikcly add. She frowns, and looks ready to contradict you but your conversation is interrupted by the door opening.

“Good, you’re here! I heard the car coming and was unsure but I’m glad you got someone to drive you instead of catching the train so late, mi vida.” Your grandma is smiling at you from the door, and you forget about your conversation with Alexia in favor of hugging her. When you, after a few seconds, come out of the hug, Alexia’s eyes are back to a soft expression.

“Both of you, in you go! Dinner is at the table ready.”

“Uh… Grandma, this is…”

“Oh, mi vida. I know perfectly well who she is considering how much you talk about her and her career.”

You’ve already blushed a lot today, but now surely you must be the reddest so far. Alexia practically coos at the statement, proud to be a good role model for young players like you, but she’s reluctant to take your grandma’s offer.

“Thank you for the invitation but I would not want to impose on your dinner.”

“Nonsense. It’ll take too long for you to get back to the city. Stay. Dinner is with your team’s rules on diet for my mi nieta so I’m sure it’s suitable for you too.”

Alexia seems to be weighing her options. She doesn’t want to impose but she does want to get a better understanding of your situation so she can give a calming response to the girls.

“Okay, I’ll stay.”

As you all walk toward the living room, your grandma must notice your inquisitive looks and reluctance to ask.

“He’s all good mi vida. We both had dinner an hour ago, and the neighbor came by to help me get him ready for bed. He’s sleeping now, don’t you worry.” You still felt guilty. You should have been there to help make dinner and make sure they took their meds and get them ready for bed.

“Now sit, both of you. I set another plate when I saw you came accompanied by car and I am gonna go to bed myself now. You both have a good night. And a safe trip back home for you Alexia.”

As she takes her leave up the stairs, the room is left silent until Alexia breaks it.

“Alright kid, let’s have dinner then.”

You’re on auto-pilot as you sit down at the table and start to eat, your mind still stuck on all the you weren’t here for.

“So, are your parents out of town for the night?” You swallow audibly. You don’t like to talk about this, but you know she won’t let it go.

“No, um, no. It’s just us three.” You avoid her gaze, not wanting to see the usual look of pity you receive.

“Oh, I’m sorry, that sucks.” You can tell she’s flinching.

“It’s always been the three of us. I was a baby when they passed.” You shrug.

You dare look at her, and her expression surprises you. There’s still the pity you hate, but there’s also an understanding. Right, her dad. Your circumstances might be different, but she does know loss.

“So, um, you help around a lot then?”

“Ye-yeah.” You don’t want her to doubt your commitment to the club though. “But I make it work! I have a good grasp on my schedule and great discipline.”

“I don’t doubt it, you’re such a solet.” (good kid, but also literally little sun)

She smiles so kindly at you it overwhelms you. The conversation shifts to lighter topics, about your play style, both of your future games and even sharing small glimpses of each other’s lives. When you were done, she helped you clean up the table and dishes. She turns to you after you’re done.

“I’m gonna go home now, I don’t want my girlfriend to wait until late for me. Please tell your grandma thank you for the meal, it was delicious, and that you have a beautiful home.”

“Yeah, of course.” You smile easily now.

“And you…, you’re doing well. Believe it. But please also let yourself seek help when you need it. You’re not alone. Rely on your team and your coaches. You’re just a kid, let adults take care of you, yeah?”

“Yeah. Yes, thank you again for driving me home.” You weren’t sure how much you could let go of the tight control you held in your life, but it felt nice to be told that you weren’t alone.

“Of course, my pleasure. I am happy to help. I’ll see you soon, yeah, solet?” 

And as you watch her drive out of your driveway, you cannot imagine how true that is.

A/N:

first re-upload, please give it love. <3

new solet adventures coming soon!

asks and requests are open, feel free to leave me a message there.

Alexia had planned a nice, relaxing night in with her girlfriend. They’d been so occupied lately, with Alexia having games every three days, and Olga’s constant trips to the capital. They had blocked this day off their calendars, set to enjoy it together, with no external inputs.

But maybe they should have made sure to let other people know.

Alexia is glad, really, that her younger teammates have bonded this year, even when they confuse her with stupid internet vocabulary and force her to film stupid internet dances. She’s happy that they’re helping each other through, that the dynamics reflect on the pitch, and that training is lively and full of warmth. But she also wanted just one night with her girlfriend and nothing or no one else.

She trusts the older kids in the group, the twenty-threes and twenty-fives, to care for the youngest, who are still in their teens. So she didn’t worry when she heard them after the game, planning a night out at a new bar.

Okay, didn’t worry after a pointed look at you and Vicky, the Wonder Twins, who are both still seventeen and rooming together at La Masia. You can do as you think best, of course, but she needs you both to be safe and sound for training the day after tomorrow. She doesn’t worry about it after your nods, even if you roll your eyes at the same time.

She doesn’t think about it when she has a slow morning in bed with her girl, a nice lunch, and a soft afternoon at the pool. But after a home-made dinner, when they’re lounging on the sofa with the warm glow and soft sound of the TV, not really paying attention to anything but their intertwined limbs, they’re startled by loud knocking on their door.

Alexia is annoyed at having to leave the warmth of her girlfriend’s arms, answering the door with a massive scowl at the disruption of her night. Her scowl softens at the sight, though.

You, Vicky, and Jana are all holding each other upright at her door, and your faces illuminate when she answers. You all step towards her, and talk all over each other to explain your odyssey to her home. Your limbs are everywhere, your voices are too loud, and you don’t let Alexia get a word in.

“The bar was fun!” You start, grasping Alexia’s arm.

“So fun!” Jana jumps from behind and lets her weight fall on the doorframe.

“And the drinks had funny names!” Vicky’s hanging off your neck.

“So we shared with the Wonder Twins, because they deserve it, they’ve been so good lately!”

“And we’re usually so good about this, too, really serious, not drunk!” Vicky is doing puppy eyes at Alexia now, and you follow suit.

“Yeah, we don’t get drunk like that, or well, this!”

Jana has her eyes half-closed, struggling to remain standing.

“But then they did, because we didn’t really know how strong the drinks were!”

“Yeah, this, this happened quick, like, poof!” 

“Yeah, poof!”

They all move closer to Alexia, grasping at different points of her arms, surprisingly synchronized.

“And then, we were sad because the rest all kept leaving.” You continued.

“Yeah, sad, because we didn’t wanna get in trouble at La Masia.” Vicky replied.

“And me, sad, because I didn’t wanna go home to the apartment all alone.” Jana looking more awake now and giving Alexia the same puppy eyes as the other two girls.

“So Jana told us we should go somewhere nice.” Vicky gives a small smile.

“And we thought of here, yeah.” Jana circles Alexia’s torso into a side hug from the left.

“So we ordered a taxi, to be safe. See, Ale, safe, here.” You tuck your face into her neck from the right.

Alexia hasn’t uttered a single word, and she’s not really sure how to respond. She’s still a bit annoyed at the interruption, amused at your antics, relieved that you're okay, and happy that you sought her out like this, that you three consider her a safe place. She doesn’t have time to reply, though, as a voice from inside comes first.

“Ale, get them through the door and inside, please, love. It’s freezing.”

The girls all react to her girlfriend’s voice, and they move decisively into the house to the couch.

By the time Alexia closes and bolts the door, you’ve all made yourselves comfortable around Olga. She has you on her right, completely attached, Jana on the left in a parallel position, and Vicky spread along the sofa with her head on Olga’s thighs.

Ale stops at the sight and smiles, amused but exasperated, as her girlfriend switches the TV into a movie that you have convinced her to put on.

Yeah, her loving day in with her girlfriend is over.

She joins you all on the sofa, and you detach yourself from Olga to lie attached to both, between them, as Vicky puts her legs over Alexia’s lap and Jana throws her arm around Olga’s waist to reach Alexia’s arm. It’s all a chaos of limbs, again. But none of you mind.

“You’ll cook lunch and help us spring clean tomorrow, is that clear?”

“Yes, mum.” They answer oddly in sync again, and Jana even cheekily salutes.

Alexia's eyes catch Olga’s, and they share a private look with warm smiles.

Team bonding night is sacred. It’s even part of their work calendar, a necessary part of their training plan, even though they spend every other day together anyway. What happens in them, however, is anything but constant. It depends on the time of the year, on the mood set by their games, but especially on the host. So, when Jana’s turn to host falls right before Halloween, it is time for Barça femení’s first-ever Horror Movie Night.

Some teammates grumble a little bit. Because Barcelona has its own different tradition, because horror movies are dumb either way, or because there is not much bonding going on if everyone is screaming at a fake monster. But Jana doesn’t change her mind because she has a plan. A really good one.

She holds a meeting at her apartment three days before. Kika is new to the team, and Esmee is just coming out of her shell, so ‘the kids’ are gonna have their own kind of bonding. She gets everyone under twenty-two into her living room and pulls out a board.

MISSION: PRANK DURING MOVIE NIGHT

Vicky is immediately on board, yelling out ideas. Other teammates take a bit longer to join in, but by the end of the night, they have a solid plan, and everyone is excited.

On team bonding night, the team trickles into Jana’s apartment at dusk. They chat first, share some pizza, and settle for the movie around her living room right when night falls. There are teammates on the couch, on the floor, on chairs pulled from her kitchen, scattered all over. 

They’ve chosen the perfect movie, one full of jump scares, where the biggest enemy is darkness. Twenty minutes in, she shares a quick look with Kika, on the other side of the room, then nods. Time to get the show started.

As the characters on the screen enter the house they definitely should not have, hunted by something they cannot see, the kids start to move. Salma gets a hold of the remote. Kika announces that she wants someone to go into the hallway with her to go to the bathroom because ‘she’s too scared’. She is joined by Vicky while their teammates tease them by mocking them as ´little scared children’. Esmee helps Jana hide the brightness of her screen with subtle positioning and a pillow on their side of the couch so she can access the app on her phone that controls all the electronics in her house.

All ready.

The characters on screen have gone from all over different rooms to together in a living room that is not too different from the one the players sit in. As the tense music rises, the characters realize they’ve been played, but it’s too late. And just as the characters on screen yell from the dark specter that gets in through the balcony, everything is set into motion. The lights and TV all go off at the same time as loud yelling, banging, and then the abrupt opening of the balcony doors of Jana’s apartment.

The older players, caught off guard, scream and jump from their places. Even calm, collected Captain Alexia Putellas lets out an undignified shriek and a visible flinch on the sofa. The kids, though? They're howling, rolling over the floor, laughing at their teammates. Of who are the little scared children now, huh?.

Vicky and Kika, protagonists of the prank, are breathless with their snickering.

Then, the yelling. Lights are turned back on, and they’re being yelled at about being nice to teammates, and keeping everyone’s cardiac conditions stable. But not much is getting through their giggles.

Jana feels a light knock on the head from Alexia, two people to her right, and a hard stare with a never again. She’s still catching her breath, though, and is smiling ear to ear with her partners-in-crime.