slut - Alexia Putellas

5.

i swear, i've never been more excited about my own story 😂😂 can't wait for you all to read those chapters. enjoy! ☕️✍🏼

Tuesday arrived sooner than Erin would've liked.

The weight of expectation lingered in the air as the blonde found herself once again in the familiar setting of Alexia's apartment-turned-therapy room.

The soft morning light filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow over the space as the therapist prepared her equipment, while the Ballon D'Or winner put her crutches aside, slowly settling onto the therapy bench.

"How's your knee feeling today?"

Erin's focus was unwavering as she delicately worked on mobilizing Alexia's knee, her skilled, cold hands guiding through gentle stretches and exercises.

The atmosphere between them was quiet, charged, even, the only sounds the occasional hum of traffic outside and the soft creak of the therapy bench under Alexia's shifting weight.

"Um, I suppose I'm feeling alright?" the midfielder responded cautiously, her gaze fixed intently on Erin's skilled hands as they guided her left leg through a series of circular motions to promote mobility.

"You're healing well," Erin remarked softly, breaking the silence as she assessed Alexia's progress. "You should start walking around the apartment without relying on the crutches now. It'll help strengthen the muscles around your knee."

Nodding slightly, Alexia's hazel eyes fixed on Erin's focused expression.

"Where are you staying, Erin?" the brunette asked suddenly, her tone casual yet tinged with curiosity.

The sudden address caused the blonde to pause in her movements, Erin meeting Alexia's gaze directly, a faint blush coloring her otherwise pale cheeks as she chuckled nervously.

"Um, why does that interest you?" she countered lightly, trying to deflect the question.

Furrowing an eyebrow, Alexia propped herself up on her elbows as she awaited Erin's response.

But the response that never came.

"In your application, you mentioned you're new to Barcelona," the Ballon D'Or winner chose to explain herself, her voice cold as she spoke. "I was just curious if you've found a place yet or if you're staying temporarily at where you're staying?"

The therapist's unsure laughter bubbled up again, though this time it held a touch of awkwardness.

And again, she didn't answer.

"Why are you laughing?" the athlete inquired sharply, her brow furrowing in confusion as she failed to see the humor in the situation.

Erin hesitated, withdrawing her hands from their task and turning to face the captain.

"Sorry," she giggled softly, stepping back to compose herself, taking a deep breath, her eyes momentarily glistening with amusement before she spoke again. "It's just... it's the most you've said since we started working together. Awkward, don't you think?"

Raising an eyebrow expectantly, Alexia's silence prompted Erin to elaborate on her sudden laughter.

The Ballon D'Or winner's expression was unreadable, a mixture of curiosity and guarded interest as she awaited her therapist's response.

Erin hesitated, unsure how to navigate this sudden personal inquiry.

"I, um... haven't found a permanent place yet," she admitted, her cheeks flushing brighter. "Just staying somewhere... temporary."