Moth to a Flame

That Record...

"Hey!"

Leah heard the familiar voice behind her. She turned with a smile and was taken aback slightly by the sight.

"Hey Less!" she opened her arms offering a friendly embrace.

"Look at you" she broke away, looking at the strikers outfit. "You look gorgeous"

She couldn't help but admire the black fitted dress her teammate wore. Slightly bewildered at how she's managed to go from a full day of training to literal model in 2 hours flat.

"So do you! You always look great but you've really pulled it out the bag tonight" She returned the compliment. Leah couldn't help but stand a bit prouder in her tailored suit after it.

"Ready to go in?" She offered her arm to Alessia.

"Let's go" The striker took her arm gratefully.

———

The charity event was pleasant but by god was it boring. The same small talk with different groups of people. Leah's glad that Alessia was with her though.

She'd never noticed the strikers natural charisma. Charming her way through awkward conversations. She was quite literally a ray of sunshine, turning any potentially negative narrative to a positive.

The alcohol was also flowing, they had the day off tomorrow although Leah would prefer to dodge a hangover if she could. But the buzz felt nice so she continued to sip the champagne that was given to her.

Throughout the event, her eyes would often rest on Alessia, and whenever she looked across to the striker, her eyes were already on Leah. A soft chuckle escaping the other woman as she looked to the ground each time she was caught.

They had always had good banter with one another. Leah may be mistaken but their banter this evening seemed to have a much more flirtatious undertone. Their touches would linger that second longer and the defender enjoyed the newfound chemistry.

Eventually the night drew to a close. She and Alessia made their way outside. It was a cold but dry night, and at the sight of Alessia shivering slightly, Leah slung her coat around the strikers shoulders and was met by a warm smile.

Leah was happy the event was over but she didn't want to loose Alessia's company. She took in a deep breath to muster the courage to go out on a limb.

"Fancy coming back to mine for a bit?"

She knew she was putting herself out there. She knew it was probably ill advised, giving into her less innocent thoughts.

But with safety of the knowledge that nothing would happen between them, it was Alessia at the end of the day, Leah's pretty sure she's dating someone. Why wouldn't she offer to continue the night and enjoy her teammates company.

"Sure. Why not" The striker answered with an easy smile.

Leah was relieved of a heavy breath she didn't know she was holding.

———

Turning the keys in the lock, Leah opened the door and lead them into her apartment. She kicked her shoes off at the door and offered an arm for Alessia to step out of her heels. The defender having to remind herself that Alessia was a friend. Nothing more. Despite what her instinct was telling her.

"This is a nice apartment" Alessia whistled playfully as they walked out of the short hall and into the modern, open plan apartment.

"Thanks but I'm sure you've been here before?" The striker could hear the smirk on Leah's face as she walked to the kitchen.