Le's Soldier

Part 53

The stadium is still buzzing when Leah finally reaches her.

The kiss is breathless.

Uncontrolled.

Adrenaline still flooding through both of them.

Lilly's hands automatically grab Leah's waist to steady her.

"You're shaking," Lilly murmurs.

Leah laughs against her mouth.

"I just scored in the Euros."

"Yeah. You did."

Leah presses another quick kiss to her lips, then her jaw, then just rests her forehead against hers.

"You were watching."

"Always."

Leah exhales slowly.

That settles something in her.

Behind them, teammates begin filtering out.

Beth Mead jogs past, grinning.

"Captain scoring headers now? Show off."

Leah rolls her eyes.

"Shut up."

Vivianne Miedema follows behind her, calm as ever.

"She's unbearable when she scores."

Beth nudges her.

"You love me."

Leah laughs quietly, but her hand never leaves Lilly's hip.

Like she's anchoring herself.

⸻

The Tunnel

They slip into the tunnel together.

Noise fades slightly.

Concrete walls.

Echoing footsteps.

Leah suddenly grabs Lilly's hand and pulls her gently to the side.

Before she can react—

Leah presses her lightly against the wall.

Not rough.

Just close.

Really close.

"You have no idea what you do to me watching like that," Leah murmurs.

Lilly's breath catches slightly.

"You were playing."

"I was playing for you."

Lilly shakes her head slightly.

"You don't mean that."

Leah lifts her hand — the ring catching the fluorescent light — and places it against Lilly's chest.

"I absolutely do."

Lilly's hand comes up automatically, thumb brushing over the ring again.

Same habit.

Same softness.

Leah smiles.

"You're doing it again."

"Yeah."

"You nervous?"

"...no."

A beat.

"...maybe."

Leah leans in, kissing her slowly.

No rush.