Together?

**Chapter 12: Healing and Trust**

**Y/N's POV:**

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Despite the brightness, I couldn't shake the heaviness in my heart. Today was my birthday, but I hadn't told anyone. Birthdays had always been a painful reminder of my past, and I preferred to keep them to myself.

As I quietly went about preparing breakfast, my mind wandered to the conversation I had with Alexia last night. Opening up about my past had been both terrifying and liberating. I couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability, even in the safety of our shared apartment.

**Alexia's POV:**

I woke up to the sound of movement in the kitchen and the comforting smell of coffee. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I made my way to the kitchen, where Y/N was already busy cooking. There was a solemnity to her demeanor that caught my attention.

"Morning," I greeted softly, wrapping my arms around her from behind. She tensed slightly at my touch, and I felt a pang of concern.

"Morning," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "Breakfast will be ready soon."

I wanted to ask her what was wrong, to offer her comfort, but I hesitated. Our relationship was still new, fragile in its own way, and I didn't want to overstep.

**Y/N's POV:**

As we ate breakfast in silence, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The weight of my past hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyful occasion. I knew I was being distant, but I couldn't bring myself to open up, not yet.

As we made our way to training, the heaviness in my chest only grew. Birthdays were always difficult for me, a painful reminder of the years of neglect and abuse I had endured. I didn't want anyone to make a fuss, didn't want to draw attention to myself.

During a break in training, Lucy approached me, her expression filled with concern. "Hey, Y/N," she said gently. "Is everything okay?"

I forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just not feeling myself today, I guess."

But Lucy wasn't fooled. She had always been perceptive, attuned to the subtle shifts in mood. "It's your birthday today, isn't it?" she asked softly, her eyes filled with understanding.

I froze, caught off guard by her insight. How did she know? I had kept my birthday a secret from everyone, even Alexia.

**Alexia's POV:**

As I watched Lucy and Y/N talking, a knot formed in my stomach. I hadn't realized it was Y/N's birthday, hadn't even thought to ask. Guilt gnawed at me as I realized how little I knew about her past, about the pain she had endured.

But as I listened to their conversation, I saw a side of Y/N I hadn't seen before. She was vulnerable, raw, and my heart ached for her. I wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but I didn't know how.

**Y/N's POV:**

As Lucy wished me a happy birthday, I felt a lump form in my throat. I had tried so hard to keep it a secret, to pretend like it didn't matter, but hearing those words brought everything to the surface.

"I didn't want anyone to know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "Birthdays have never been... easy for me."

Lucy nodded, her expression filled with sympathy. "I understand," she said softly. "But you don't have to go through this alone, Y/N. We're here for you."

**Alexia's POV:**

Watching Y/N open up to Lucy, I felt a surge of emotion. She was so strong, so resilient, and yet she carried so much pain inside her. I wanted to wrap her in my arms, to shield her from the world, but I knew it wasn't that simple.

As training came to an end, I approached Y/N, determined to make things right. "Hey," I said softly, reaching out to touch her arm. "Can we talk?"

She looked up at me, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Sure, Alexia."

And as we walked off the field together, I knew that no matter what happened, I would always be there for her. Because that's what love is—being there for each other, no matter what.

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Authors note:
To your information Lucy played for Lyon so Y/n knows her also before her transfer to Barcelona.