Love On The Sidelines

sixteen

Sitting down on the edge of the pitch, Leah immediately brings her knees up towards her chest before leaning forward to rest her head in her hands.

'Leah... Leah, what's going on?' A voice asks causing her to glance up to see Lotte running towards her.

'I just need a minute.' Leah replies quietly.

'You've gone all pale... Can someone grab a bottle of water?' Lotte shouts over her shoulder as she bends down in front of the blonde.

'I'm on my period... It was bad yesterday, I could barely get off the sofa but I was okay this morning. I thought I'd be fine for training.' Leah admits as Lia rushes over with some water.

'I don't want everyone crowding round me, I'm fine.' Leah says as she sees the rest of the team gravitating towards her.

'Why don't we get you inside? A bit of privacy.' Lia suggests and Lotte nods her head.

'That sounds like a good idea. Think you can make it in with Wally and I'll go speak to Jonas?' Lotte asks.

'Mm-hmm...' Leah replies quietly. Both Lotte and Lia help her to her feet before Lotte makes her way over to Jonas and Lia wraps her arm around the blonde.

'Come on you... Let's get you some privacy away from prying eyes.' Lia says softly as they begin to make their way back towards the training centre. They're a couple minutes away when suddenly the blonde stops and shakes her head.

'Wally, I need- I need to stop.' Leah says bending forward to rest her hands on her knees.

'We're literally nearly there, Le. Do you think you could go a little further?' Lia asks and the blonde shakes her head.

'I feel so lightheaded.' Leah admits.

'Right let me just-' Lia begins.

'Everything okay?' A voice asks and Lia glances up to see Aaron Ramsdale just ahead of them.

'Uh- No, Leah's not well. I'm just trying to get her inside but she's dizzy.' Lia explains.

'Stay there for two.' Aaron says. He disappears only to return a few minutes later with Bukayo Saka by his side.

'Right, you go ahead and open the door. We've got her from here, Wally.' Aaron says. Together they manage to get Leah into the chill room and get her seated on a chair.

'Thanks guys...' Lia says.

'Do you need anything? Water? Have you ate this morning?' Aaron asks as he bends down in front of the blonde.

'Probably not enough.' Leah admits.

'I'll go grab food.' Bukayo says as Lia takes a seat next to the blonde.

'Here, take a drink.' Lia says softly as she offers the bottle of water to the blonde.

'I probably shouldn't have come in today but I just- I really thought I was fine.' Leah admits.

'Well let's just focus on now, okay? Let's get you feeling a bit better.' Aaron says smiling as Lia drapes her arm around the blonde. Sighing Leah drops her head to rest against Lia as she feels the Swiss-midfielder gently rubbing circles on her arm.

'Were you all alone and feeling shit? Why didn't you phone me? I would've come over to look after you?' Lia asks.

'I was at Courtney's...' Leah replies quietly as Bukayo returns with a sandwich which he holds out to the blonde.

'It's just ham.' He says causing her to smile.

'Cheers.' Leah replies softly.

'We better head to training but hopefully you're feeling a bit better soon, Leah. If you need anything we'll be in the gym.' Aaron says as he pushes himself into a standing position.

'Thanks you two... I really appreciate your help.' Leah replies.

'Anytime.' Bukayo says smiling.

****

'Right let's get you upstairs.' Lia says as she turns the car engine off and loosens her seatbelt.

'How are you feeling?' Lia asks glancing over  at the blonde.

'I'm okay now... I think I just hadn't ate enough yesterday or this morning to be doing proper intense training. I probably should've taken it easy today.' Leah admits.

'Mm... You should've. Do you need me to stay with you tonight?' Lia asks as they get out of the car.

'I'll be fine. I was supposed to be taking Courtney out on a proper date tonight.' Leah says shaking her head.

'What were your plans?' Lia asks as they begin to make their way up to Leah's apartment.

'She was only coming round here. I still don't want to inflict on her the possibility of getting pictured and then people trying to find out who she is.' Leah replies.

'You could still do that? If you're feeling better then I don't see why she can't still come around?' Lia says causing the blonde to sigh.

'I don't even know what I'd make her... It was a stupid idea. I can't even cook.' Leah replies shaking her head.

'What time is she supposed to be coming round at?' Lia asks.

'6-ish.' Leah replies and Lia glances down at her watch.

'Right we've got time. I'll help you get something together and then I'll go let you have your date.' Lia says.

'Really? Are you sure?' Leah asks.

'Mm-hmm...' Lia replies smiling.

'Thanks, Wally.' Leah says softly.

****

'I can't believe you've gone to all this effort for me.' Courtney says shaking her head as she rests her fork on top of the plate in front of her.

'It would've been better but I took a funny turn in training today.' Leah admits.

'It's perfect, Le... What do you mean a funny turn? Are you okay? We could've postponed tonight.' Courtney asks.

'Mm... I'm fine. I just went all lightheaded and stuff but I think I just hadn't ate enough to fuel my body.' Leah replies watching as Courtney stares at her intently.

'I promise I'm fine... Anyway, how long do I get to keep you tonight? How long is Elle comfortable keeping Bunny for and how long are you comfortable being away from her?' Leah asks watching a smile appear on the brunette's face.

'Well I'm under strict instructions from Elle not to return home until tomorrow... So all night I guess, if you'll have me.' Courtney replies biting her bottom lip. Pushing her chair out from the table, Leah smiles as she puts her arm out towards Courtney who immediately moves towards her.

'I'm so glad we both decided to go get pissed that night.' Leah mumbles as she pulls Courtney down to sit on her knee and buries her head in the crook of her neck.

'Me too.' Courtney says smiling.

****

'I need to be honest with about my life.' Leah says softly as Courtney's head rests on her chest.

'Hmm? What do you mean?' Courtney asks.

'Well it's just a bit crazy... People are constantly trying to pair me with other people and there's still a huge group of people who still want me and Jordan to be together.' Leah admits.

'Okay.' Courtney says softly.

'I just- Well I guess I'm giving you an out because the fans can be crazy. I mean I'll obviously do everything to protect both you and Bunny but I understand if it's all too much for you. I just- I'd rather if you think it's going to be too much for you that we just end this now because honestly I feel like I'm falling for you and I feel like I'm falling hard.' Leah admits.

'I'm all in, Lele... I've never felt this strongly for someone this quickly and I won't lie, that kind of terrifies me but I'm all in. I trust you, Le.' Courtney says tilting her head to glance up at the blonde who smiles.

'I'm all in as well.' Leah replies.