Le's Soldier

Part 54

The Maldives doesn't feel real.

Even stepping off the boat, Lilly isn't convinced it's not some kind of dream. The water is impossibly clear, shallow turquoise fading into deep sapphire further out. The villa sits on stilts above the ocean, white wood and soft linen curtains moving gently in the warm breeze.

Leah steps onto the decking first.

"...what the hell," she breathes.

Lilly watches her reaction, arms folded, trying not to smile too much.

"You like it?"

Leah turns slowly.

"Like it?"

She laughs softly, almost disbelieving.

"This is insane."

Lilly shrugs.

"You needed a break."

Leah walks toward her slowly.

"You booked this?"

"Yeah."

"When?"

"A while ago."

Leah studies her.

"You planned this whole thing."

"Maybe."

Leah steps closer and wraps her arms around Lilly's waist, pressing her face into her neck.

"You're unbelievable."

Lilly's hand slides automatically to the back of her head, holding her there.

"You've been non-stop. Training. Matches. Media. Captain stuff."

Leah exhales slowly.

"Yeah..."

Her body relaxes into Lilly.

"Thank you."

⸻

Scene 1 — First Swim

They barely unpack before Leah drags Lilly straight toward the water.

"Come on," she insists, already pulling her shirt off.

"You're impatient."

"You booked paradise and expect me to sit inside?"

Lilly laughs quietly.

"Fair."

The water is warm.

Clear enough to see their feet even when it deepens. Leah dives first, resurfacing with a grin, slick hair pushed back.

"Lil, it's perfect."

Lilly steps in slower, careful with her knee, but once she's in the water her body loosens. Swimming has always been easier. Less pressure.

Leah swims toward her, wrapping her arms around her shoulders.

"You look relaxed."

"Feels good."

They float together, waves rocking gently.

Leah rests her chin on Lilly's shoulder.

"I missed this."

"This?"

"Just us."

Lilly hums quietly.

"Yeah."

Leah suddenly goes quiet.

Her grip tightens slightly.

"You okay?" Lilly asks.