everybody's watching her, but she's looking at you (Leah Williamson au)

Seeing Red

"Fuck." I breathe out, shocked. "That's a quick turn around."

"The team want it over and done with as soon as possible." She says as her leg starts to bounce. "It'll be on neutral grounds, he's not coming here that's for sure."

"And it's just you and him?"

"Marco will be outside incase it gets heated." Protectiveness flares in me at the thought of that. She shrugs casually. "But yeah, just me and him."

I lace our fingers together and clear my throat, unsure of where I stand. "Do you need me with you?" I ask quietly.

"I would never ask that of you, Leah." She agonises and I can see her eyes start to glisten. "He's a piece of work." She adds with a bit of venom.

"You're not asking it of me." I assure as I put my arm around her shoulder and pull her into my side. "I want to be there for you." I encourage. "Even if it's ugly."

She turns her head and leans in to kiss me softly.

"I do need you." She says after a beat, quietly into the small space between our lips.

"Then i'll be there." I punctuate with another kiss.  "Always."

~

I've heard stories of Michael Stones from Izzy. Selfish, conniving and nasty. To top it all off an absent father and an addict. I'm trying not to let my thoughts of him show as we wait for him to arrive. I've seen a rare picture from when Izzy was a kid, but nothing could prepare me for the initial shock of seeing him in real life. Marco escorts him through the door of a rented apartment, a meeting ground that's supposed to be low-key and quiet. I can see straight away Izzy has his eyes, but his lack that spark. Other than that there's no resemblance.

There's a small silence as Marco gives us a nod and leaves, stating he'll just be right outside.

Michael stares at us for a second, before a proud smile breaks on his face. "Alright, kiddo." He directs to the woman stood next to me with her arms folded. Izzy gives him a blank stare and the room is filled with awkward silence. He looks like a creep. I can see up closer he's dishevelled and has aged badly.

He turns to me and tries it. "And you're Leah Williamson!" The man shoots me the fakest smile. "I've seen lots of your games—"

"Cut the shit, Michael." Izzy cuts in with a harsh tone. "Why are you here?"

She doesn't play about.

"You're still so rude, Izzy." Michael retorts, a flash of anger in his eyes. He tries to school his features as that fake smile appears on his lips. "Can't a father want to see his only daughter?" He holds his arms out as if wanting her to come in for a hug. "It's been years."

Izzy ignores this gesture and shoots him her own fake smile. "Excellent way to see me by the way." She sarcastically states. "Threatening to sell stories to the press."

"I had to get your attention somehow." He remarks with annoyance. "Meanwhile you've been off galavanting the world." He puts his hands on his hips and shakes his head disapprovingly. "Awful how the only updates I get from your life are what I read online."

I narrow my eyes at him, my dislike for him increasing by the seconds.

Izzy remains unchallenged. "You lost the right to be in my life many, many years ago." She claps her hands together once and levels with him.  "Now, I'll ask you again." Michael swallows, clearly annoyed his mind games aren't working. "Why are you here?" She questions.

"I want to have a proper relationship—"

"Money?" She chimes in.

"— I want to be in your life—"