Le's Soldier

Part 47

The cold air at the training ground bites harder than Lilly expected.

It smells like wet grass and winter.

Real football weather.

She pulls Leah's Arsenal hoodie tighter around herself as she walks beside her toward the pitch. Her knee still feels stiff from yesterday's attempt at running, but it's manageable.

Not perfect.

But manageable.

Leah glances sideways at her.

"You sure you're okay standing this long?"

"I'm not made of glass," Lilly mutters.

"You say that every time you ignore medical advice."

"Occupational habit."

Leah laughs quietly.

They reach the edge of the pitch where the rest of the Arsenal squad is already warming up.

The field is alive with movement.

Players jogging.

Passing drills starting.

A coach shouting instructions across the grass.

Katie McCabe jogs past them, slowing when she notices Lilly.

"Well look who decided to leave the house."

Lilly rolls her eyes.

"Good morning to you too, boof."

Katie grins at the nickname.

"You watching us embarrass ourselves today?"

"I came to judge your tackles."

Katie puffs her chest slightly.

"My tackles are art."

"Your tackles are assault."

Leah snorts.

Katie points at Lilly. "She gets it."

"You broke someone's shin last season," Lilly adds calmly.

"Accidentally."

"You celebrated after."

Katie shrugs unapologetically. "Momentum."

Leah shakes her head.

"Don't encourage her."

Too late.

Katie jogs backwards toward the team.

"Watch closely, Lil! I'm about to commit violence!"

Lilly smirks.

"She's unhinged."

Leah nods proudly.

"She's Irish."

⸻

Training

Leah jogs out to the pitch.

Instantly she shifts.

The playful girlfriend disappears.

The captain shows up.

Her posture straightens. Her voice sharpens.

"Lines up! Passing grid!"

The players move quickly.

Lilly watches from the sideline, arms folded loosely across her chest.

She hasn't seen Leah like this in months.

Focused.

Commanding.