Alessia Russo Oneshot

A Match Made by Williamson- Williamson!Reader

Arsenal had always been a second home to you, a place where you'd grown as a player and as a person. You'd been at the club for three years now, steadily rising through the ranks and making your mark on the pitch. But this season felt different. Ever since Alessia Russo had joined the team after the World Cup, things had changed. It wasn't just the way her presence lifted the squad, nor was it how well she fit into the team's dynamic. It was something much more personal—something that made your heart race every time she walked into the room.

You noticed it during the World Cup. Little moments between you and Alessia had started to mean more than they should. A laugh that lasted too long, a lingering touch on the shoulder, stolen glances that spoke of something unspoken. But neither of you had ever acknowledged it, too caught up in the game and the chaos of the world stage. Now, with her at Arsenal, those feelings had only intensified, and you couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same.

Your older sister Leah, of course, had noticed. She knew you better than anyone, and it hadn't taken her long to see through your carefully guarded feelings. But instead of confronting you directly, she had decided to take matters into her own hands.

"I think we need a team bonding night," Leah announced one evening after training, her tone casual but her eyes gleaming with mischief. "It's been a while since we've had one, and what better way to welcome Alessia properly?"

The idea was met with enthusiasm from the rest of the squad. A night of relaxation and fun was just what everyone needed after the intense start to the season. And when Alessia offered to host it at her new place, Leah's plan began to fall into place.

The night arrived, and you found yourself feeling unusually nervous as you made your way to Alessia's. Leah had insisted on coming over to your flat beforehand, helping you pick out an outfit that was "casual but cute," as she put it. You'd rolled your eyes at her but went along with it anyway, too distracted by thoughts of the night ahead to argue.

When you arrived at Alessia's, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The other girls were already there, laughing and chatting in the living room. Alessia greeted you at the door with a smile that made your heart skip a beat, and you couldn't help but smile back.

As the night went on, the squad settled into a comfortable rhythm. Games were played, drinks were shared, and the team's camaraderie was on full display. But you couldn't help but notice that Alessia seemed to be paying you extra attention. She remembered your favourite snacks, made sure you always had a drink in hand, and even sat next to you during the movie Leah had put on.

Leah, ever the orchestrator, had subtly guided the evening to create opportunities for you and Alessia to be close. She made sure you were paired up for games, arranged for you to sit together during dinner, and even managed to disappear at just the right moments, leaving you and Alessia alone together.

By the time the night was winding down, you and Alessia were sitting on the couch, a comfortable silence between you as the rest of the team started to gather their things to leave. Leah caught your eye from across the room, giving you a knowing look before nodding towards Alessia.

Taking a deep breath, you turned to Alessia, who was already looking at you with an expression that made your heart race. "I had a really great time tonight," you said, your voice soft but steady.

"Me too," Alessia replied, her eyes searching for yours. "It was nice to just... relax and hang out with everyone."

"Yeah," you agreed, feeling the words stick in your throat as you tried to find the courage to say what you really wanted to say. But before you could, Alessia spoke again.

"I'm glad Leah suggested this," she said, her tone a little more serious now. "It's been nice... getting to know you better."

You felt a blush creep up your cheeks as her words sank in. "Yeah, it has," you admitted, your heart pounding in your chest. "I've been wanting to say something, but... I didn't know if it was just me."

Alessia's eyes softened, and she reached out to take your hand, her touch sending a jolt of electricity through you. "It's not just you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I've felt it too. For a while now."

Relief and joy flooded through you, and you couldn't help the smile that spread across your face. "I guess we've both been a bit blind, huh?" you teased, trying to lighten the mood even as your heart raced with excitement.

"Yeah, I guess so," Alessia laughed, her smile mirroring yours. "But I'm glad we're finally on the same page."

Before you could respond, Leah appeared beside you, her grin wide and unapologetic. "Well, it's about time!" she declared, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

The rest of the team, who had clearly been in on Leah's plan, erupted into cheers and applause, making you and Alessia laugh in embarrassment. But as you looked at Alessia, still holding your hand, you couldn't bring yourself to care about anything other than the fact that you'd finally found the courage to be honest with each other.

"Thank you," you whispered to Leah as she hugged you tightly, her smile full of pride.

"Anytime, sis," Leah replied, her voice full of warmth. "Now go make the most of it."

As the team slowly started to leave, you and Alessia lingered, neither of you wanting the night to end. And as you sat there, hand in hand, you knew that this was just the beginning of something special—something that had been a long time coming, but was worth every moment of waiting.