((**5k. Split between YFN and Alexia's POV. Gentle reminder that Alexia refers to YFN as Blau (Blue in Catalan)**)
Seeing Lucy crying cut Alexia to her core. Brave, confident, happy Lucy. She watched from the other side of the room near Ridley's own hospital bed. They'd tried to console her but they could only do so much. The rest would come when Blau woke.
The past day had been such a mix of emotions ranging from happiness when she and Lucy were up talking, to nerves when they'd gone to pick up Ridley, to complete and utter despair. Ridley was currently sitting in her hospital bed, still a little effected by the drugs after her surgery to realign the bones in her hand with screws and pins. She now wore a black cast though she didn't seem too bothered over it as her attention was also on Lucy who was sitting in a chair beside Blau's bed, holding her good hand, her forehead on it and her body shaking as she sobbed. She'd woken a few times but never for long, and never long enough that she'd remember it.
Alexia couldn't leave if she wanted to. She couldn't leave Lucy, not like that. Ridley must have sensed it because she didn't usher her away or suggest she be somewhere else. One look and she knew why she needed to stay.
A nurse came in then and hesitated when she saw Lucy before she walked over to Ridley and Alexia.
"We just need one more signature from you, please," she said softly in Catalan, holding a clipboard out for Ridley.
Alexia opened her mouth to answer but Ridley beat her to it. "Of course, thank you Paula." She responded in surprisingly great Catalan as she took the pen with her left hand and signed the paper. Alexia couldn't help but look. She was paying for all of the expenses for her and Blau.
"Again, if any other cost comes up for them, please come straight to me. Don't involve them."
Paula nodded with a sympathetic smile before she left. Ridley's head leant back against her propped up bed as her attention turned to her friend, still waiting for her to properly wake.
"You speak Catalan?" Alexia asked in the language, genuinely impressed.
"Only a bit. It's far from perfect," she murmured, as if admitting a flaw. But it wasn't. Alexia was always surprised by her. She didn't compliment her Catalan, because Ridley didn't need or want that. She knew how good she was. She turned her head towards Alexia, both looking for a distraction.
"Have you thought more on your favourite...favour?" Ah, there it was. Her limited vocabulary in Catalan. It was cute. Though, when she spoke, she only tended to speak what she was confident with which made her sound very fluent and natural. People would barely notice if it weren't a long, complex discussion.
She thought on it. After Alexia had helped take her anger and calm her down, Ridley had felt in her debt. A favour owed, according to her. She always liked to be on the side of owning favours, not owing one, Alexia realised. Though she also knew she'd rarely ever take someone up on her charity.
"Not as of yet."
"Ah, let me know when you do, please. Anything you want, just name it." She said it without a care in the world, and Alexia truly did wonder just how rich she was.
"You're going to stay by her side, aren't you?"
"Of course."
"So you're going to London?"
"It appears so."
Alexia wondered how long she'd be gone for this time. Jonatan and the Barca management had fully approved that Lucy had time off to look after her, and her plan had been to take her back to London and look after her there while she prepped for the Olympic qualifiers. "When?"
"Lucy plans to get her back to London as soon as she can as her family are there and a few of Blue's new friends. I was planning on going over at a similar time."
"Work won't be affected?"
Ridley gave her a smirk. "Not in most ways."
Alexia tilted her head, pondering what she'd meant.
"And you?" She looked down at her knee. "How long are you not play?"
Alexia smiled at the mistake and Ridley's return smile was serotonin straight to her heart. She loved hearing her speak her first language. It moved something in her so deeply.
"My knee is still painful. I won't be playing anytime soon."
"The rest of the year?"
She shook her head, unable to stop her own look of disappointment. Ridley watched those expressions cross her face as she tried to control them. She didn't know why she bothered, she knew she could see straight through all of them. Perhaps it was just habit of her to hide her feelings.
"Why not go to London?"
"I..." she looked over at Lucy and Blau. "I don't really know anyone in London."
Ridley shrugged as she grabbed a green jelly from the bedside table and opened it with her teeth.
"You know Lucy. You know Blue. You know me. That's all you need." She took a mouthful with her spoon in her left hand like it was her dominant hand. "Besides, I tend to worry you're too... confined... to Catalonia." She teased.
Alexia raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How so?"
"Everything you know is your home. Your family, friends, club, teammates, University, holidays."
Something about Ridley knowing all of that stirred something in her. "I holiday in Ibiza." She countered.
"Yes, which is a thirty-euro, one hour flight away." She rolled her eyes as she finished her jelly, tossing it into the garbage can like a Basketball player. "You're missing out on the world, la Reina."
Alexia knew she was right, but she liked her comfort. She looked over at the couple again. That was one of the reasons why she respected Lucy so much, because she loved to live in the uncomfortable. She picked her life up and moved to the US, moved to Lyon, moved to Barcelona, learned the languages, made knew friends. She wondered how much she missed out on learning by sticking to the same type of play and same clubs.
"Maybe you're right."
"Oh, I am." She said it more nonchalant, but her expression was the tiniest bit challenging. "I have an apartment in London that you could use, if you like. There may be another person there from time to time but it's large enough."
She was inviting her to stay in her apartment? "We don't know each other; you said it yourself."
"You care for others, and that's all I need to know about you. How you make others feel about themselves says a lot about you, Alexia."
Alexia felt herself staring at her mouth as those words rolled off her tongue in Catalan. There was no mistake there. Alexia looked up and her eyes met Ridley's. They were deep, calming, intelligent; their little dancing gold flecks teasing, even. She felt naked but not undressed, just appreciated. And seen. Like she didn't need to say what she was thinking. She'd never experienced that with someone before in her life. Ridley reached out and Alexia didn't move, she trusted her and already agreed with whatever would happen. Keeping their eye contact, Ridley used the fingertips of her good hand to ever so softly trace where her hand had been around Alexia's throat. She hadn't left marks, of course she hadn't. Alexia's eyes fluttered as she enjoyed the touch.
"I'd never hurt you," she murmured.
"I know you wouldn't," she murmured back and felt her fingers disappear, already missing their touch. She was so gentle. The duality of Ridley was so fascinating to her.
"How?"
"Because you're... soft."
Ridley tilted her head as she'd said that. Alexia had made sure to say the last word extra gently.
"I've never been described as that before except..." She looked over at Blau.
"Then I guess she's the only person who really knows you."
Ridley turned back at those words. "And now you, it seems."
They studied each other for a little longer when Ridley opened her mouth to speak but not before the door opened and a red faced, teary-eyed Jordan Nobbs entered the room.
YFN heard a low conversation in English from the other side of the room but her brain failed to comprehend it. It was more focussed on the sobbing coming from near YFN's right hand. She looked down to see Lucy with her cheek on the back on her palm as she held it.
"Luce?"
Lucy's head whipped up at the sound of her nickname and she stood, wiping her cheeks with the back of her free hand.
"Hey little one."
YFN wondered what the time was and looked around to see exactly where she was, a little confused.
"You're okay. We're in the hospital." Lucy explained as she leaned over her.
In the hospital? Ah, so that was what the pain and partial numbness was. She looked up as her view was completely taken by Lucy. God, she was pretty.
"Why are you crying, Luce?"
She shook head. "Because..." Lucy looked down her body, covered in a blanket though YFN understood. She could feel the pain. "Do you remember what happened?"
She did when she asked that. Kristie, the man, the kicking and the hitting and the yelling. Ridley almost killing him. She looked past Lucy to the other bed where Ridley was sitting and watching her, now silent. Alexia was behind her sitting next to Jordan who were also both watching, seeming relieved that she was awake. She looked back at Lucy.
"Is Narla okay?"
Lucy gave an unbelieving chuckle. "Out of all of the questions, that's your first?"
She gave a little smile and Lucy shook her head again. "Yes, she's fine. Just got a little scared. Keira has her at the moment."
"Good... and you're okay?" Although weak, she reached up with the arm not giving her pain and cupped her cheek, using her thumb to wipe the tears from under her glasses. Lucy leant into her palm.
"I am now, little one."
"How long...?"
"Just over a day."
She gasped and then winced at the pain in her ribs.
"Take it easy, love. What do you need?"
"Um... a shower and food and... something for the pain. A lot for the pain."
She nodded. "Okay, we'll get you that." She paused and she leant down. "I'm just so glad you're awake."
She kissed her gently and YFN melted into her warmth before she made a little groan and pulled away.
"I need to brush my teeth," she murmured, as if Lucy should have known.
Lucy chuckled and rolled her eyes. YFN enjoyed seeing her happy and squeezed her hand before she looked back at the trio who were giving them space. Lucy noticed and stepped aside as they made their way over. Ridley was there first.
"Hey baby."
"Hey Riddles."
Ridley bent down and gave her a soft hug with a kiss on the cheek. She leant back and YFN saw her black cast as she inspected her jaw closely between her fingertips.
"Broken?"
"No... no just displaced. It's back in now but pretty bruised. It'll be sore for a while."
"Like the rest of me." She touched her cast. "Did you have surgery?"
Ridley nodded. "Went well. A few pins and screws for alignment. Nothing too fancy."
She heard Lucy scoff and knew she was downplaying it. Typical Ridley.
"I'm going to get the doctor so we can get you checked before you shower."
She went to move away before she bent down again.
"Missed you, Blue."
"I have that effect on people."
Ridley smirked and rolled her eyes before she left.
Jordan was next, her doe eyes all teary. She looked around her body from her arm in the sling to her bruised face and bruised ribs, wondering where she could hug. YFN lifted her good arm and Jordan gently pressed herself against her.
"Welcome to Spain, Dory."
"I wished it were under better circumstances," she sobbed. "I was so scared."
"I'm sorry... I'm okay." YFN kissed her temple as they hugged. "Thanks for coming."
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
The door opened then and Ridley entered with a doctor.
"I want to hear all about your date after my shower, okay?"
Jordan nodded and stepped back.
Although she and Alexia weren't so close yet, the Spaniard stepped forward and placed a kiss on either cheek and gave her a soft hug also.
"It is good to see you awake."
"I heard you..." YFN whispered and watched Alexia wonder and then realise almost all at once. "Thank you for caring..."
Only they both knew she wasn't just talking about for her, but for Ridley also.
Alexia nodded and stood back as the doctor approached her.
He started by doing some testing on her and follow up checks before he listed all of the breaks and wounds, and went through the surgeries in great English. She was embarrassed when he had to remove the catheter, though the trio left the room so she could have her privacy for that. The doctor offered to take his time before she attempted to stand as she wouldn't be walking anyways. Her left knee was in a black brace that took up a the majority of her thigh and calf because of her patella fracture, and she couldn't use crutches because her left arm was in a sling due to her broken collarbone, her left forearm and wrist in a cast to protect her other fractures. Her only mode of transport for weeks would be a wheelchair, hopping, or Lucy carrying her which was also difficult with her broken ribs.
She sighed, frustrated but forced herself to stand and put weight on her one good leg. God, it felt good to stand. She didn't realise she'd become one with the bed, but after a few minutes, she just wanted to sit straight back down again.
He explained to her the rehabilitation process and what it would entail.
"We'll be in London," Lucy said to him.
YFN looked up at her. "We will?"
"I was thinking as soon as you can leave, we'll get straight on a plane to London so I can look after you there. And you'll have Jords and Katie and Caitlin and Kyra. Plus you'll be closer to work. Not that you'll be going, but it's better than being two hours away..."
"You have leave?"
She nodded. "Alexia talked to management. I have leave for a few weeks and can take more depending on if you need me. I'll be with you as long as you need, whether it's a few weeks, or a few months."
YFN couldn't help the smile creeping across her face and getting larger. She saw Lucy's eyes dart to her dimples as she grinned back. Finally, a silver lining. Now they had time to be together. Definitely not ideal, but she'd take it.
"I like the sound of that."
They turned back to the doctor.
"We'll be in London," Lucy repeated.
The doctor nodded and gave recommendations for rehabilitation facilities and doctors. He and Lucy spoke aftercare and all things treatment while she and Jordan were convincing Ridley to let them sign her cast. She eventually agreed.
"Okay, okay but nothing inappropriate for work, please."
"You're going to work?" Jordan asked.
"Most of the administration I can do with one hand." She held out a silver sharpie and YFN rolled her eyes.
"You bought this because you knew I'd insist."
"You know me, baby. Always prepared."
"We're not exactly talking contraception here, Riddles," she teased.
"You're almost as funny as me. Keep trying, though."
YFN groaned and signed her cast.
*Thanks for saving me again, Romeo. I love you. x *
Ridley couldn't help but grin at what she wrote. Jordan was next. And then Ridley extended the sharpie to Alexia who took it hesitantly.
She wrote something in Spanish or... possibly Catalan that YFN couldn't read but she saw Ridley approving, slowly nodding and then they shared a smile just meant for them.
The doctor left and Lucy returned.
"So, London?" YFN asked.
"Yeah, I think it's best, and my family want to see you too. They'll be overwhelmingly trying to support you and offer you anything and everything though, just warning you."
"Sounds perfect. Is Narla coming?"
She nodded. "Of course! Not going anywhere without my girl. And if I'm out at the shops or something, you'll have a friend."
Thoughtful Lucy, as always.
"Good thinking, Luce. You can't miss the qualifiers... have you spoken to Sarina?"
"Yep, right after Alexia helped Barca give me leave. She's happy for me to have the week and more off but I'll need to be in for training. I really don't like the idea of leaving you alone though."
"I'll have Dory."
She looked at Jordan who nodded.
"You were not... called to play?" Alexia asked, surprised.
Jordan shook her head. "Nah, Sarina doesn't like the way I play. It's okay, though. I'll take the break and it's good, now I can look after this one."
"What are you going to do, Alexia?" Lucy asked.
"You're not playing?" It was Jordan's turn to sound surprised.
"No, my knee is... giving me problem. I won't play for few weeks."
"Why don't you come over to London with us?" YFN asked and felt Lucy's thumb stroke her hand supportively. Of course she'd ask her to come, she was always thinking of other people.
Alexia looked at Ridley. "It was suggest to me..."
Ridley gave her a smile. "You should come."
"You're coming too?!" YFN asked.
"You kidding, baby? Of course I'm coming. I'll just work from London. If you need me, I'll be close. And I will be checking up on you."
YFN looked at the women around her and felt supported. "Thanks Riddles."
"Welcome. Now, the doctor said you can leave in a few days. I booked you all a flight on the 22nd in the morning. First class and they're aware of your... disability."
"Gee, thanks."
A cheeky Ridley grin. "Anytime. Just give me your email addresses and I'll email your flight details through."
"What do we owe you?" Lucy asked.
Ridley looked offended and Lucy dropped the subject.
She took their email addresses down before turning to Alexia. "And yours?"
"You... book me a ticket?"
"Of course."
Alexia gave her a look as if to say 'cocky' and gave her email address, then looking on her phone as it buzzed.
YFN looked around her and only saw other people's phones before she looked up at Lucy.
"My phone... is it still in the alleyway?"
"No, love. I have it. It broke so I bought you a new one."
She pulled the new phone from her pocket and gave it to her.
"Wow, you really are marriage material."
Lucy looked proud of herself.
"Don't give her a bigger head!" Jordan scoffed.
"You don't have ticket?" Alexia asked Ridley. "You said you bought 'us' ticket."
Ridley studied her face before she spoke. "No, I don't have a ticket. But I will see you there."
"When?"
"A similar time, perhaps. Depends on work. Don't worry, the apartment is big enough that you may not even see me there."
"Understatement of the century," YFN murmured. "You're staying with Ridley?"
"My place only has two rooms and Jordan will be staying..." Lucy said.
"I can sleep on the couch," Jordan suggested.
"Or we can all stop bickering and accept that I have the room and availability. Discussion over. Go shower, Blue, I can smell you from here."
YFN smacked her with her good hand.
Lucy helped her hop to the bathroom and remove her clothes. It was long and painful process that she did with such care. She found herself naked in Lucy's arms, just enjoying the feel of her as she leant into her clothed body. She went to turn around to the mirror and Lucy didn't let her.
"Luce... I want to see."
"I don't think you should, little one."
She pressed a kiss to her neck. "I need to see."
Lucy sighed and helped her to turn around and look at her naked body in the mirror. She gasped and then winced at the pain. She was only small and felt like most of her body was covered in bandages, from her knee brace to her sling and arm cast. Her ribs we not bandaged and sported dark purple splotches that looked aggressive and dangerous. She was surprised it wasn't bandaged. One of Lucy's hands moved from her hips and lightly traced over the area she was looking at.
"Compression bandages won't help, it'll hinder your breathing. They have a square bandage splint for it that they'll put on after the shower..."
She nodded as Lucy kissed her cheek.
Her eyes roamed further over the bruising and grazes that sported her knees, elbows, forearms and face. Her jaw was a similar shade of purple in the places she'd been hit, but at least it wasn't broken, just sore.
"Are you okay, love?" Lucy asked softly in her ear.
She nodded as she finished assessing herself. "At least I don't have a black eye."
"Your ability to see the positive in everything is one of the reasons why I adore you so much."
YFN smiled as Lucy's lips trailed soft kisses down her neck and across her good shoulder. She swayed on her foot and leant back into her. Lucy. She'd have Lucy for the next few weeks, all to herself. She gave a little, satisfied moan.
"No sex in the shower we share... unless the invite is open?!" Ridley yelled from the other side of the door.
They both laughed, YFN only stopping because of the pain in her ribs.
"Can we shower now, Luce? I feel like a flamingo."
The shower wasn't really a shower. She couldn't get the brace or cast wet so it was more like Lucy wetting a flannel and cleaning her down. It was better than nothing, though. Lucy was thorough and gentle and made sure she felt fresh and clean. She sat her on the sink while Lucy herself showered and YFN brushed her teeth while she watched, enjoying the view and not shy about showing it as she looked her up and down. Lucy winked at her and purposely went sexy with the body wash, she swore. As she got out and dried herself, Lucy came closer and YFN couldn't help but stroke her finger down her abs. They were standing out more than usual, which meant...
"Luce, when was the last time you ate?"
Lucy pouted. "Maybe a snack when Alexia and I were waiting to go pick you up from the airport..."
"Lucia!"
"I was upset... I still am."
"Ridley!"
"Already on it!"
"Will you eat now?"
"Now that you're awake and making jokes?" She leant forward, her hand going either side of YFN on the sink as her towel dropped to the floor. Her lips met YFN's teasingly. She couldn't nibble them, because her lip was split, but she teased the Australian with her tongue and by slowly brushing her lips over her own in such a tantalising way. "Starved." She whispered against her lips and YFN knew she wasn't just talking about food.
She kissed her, her tongue licking her lips and although YFN had to keep her movements small to avoid pain, somehow she managed and moaned into her mouth.
"Oh my god, the door is fucking hollow!" Ridley yelled and they heard Jordan laughing in the back. Lucy kissed her for a few more seconds before pulling away.
"Jealously doesn't suit you, Ridley."
"She's a walking bruise, Bronze. Put your dick away. Food is almost here."
Alexia was texting Alba when the pair re-joined the room in comfy clothes and settled into a freshly made bed which Blau made Lucy join her in. Somehow with the wincing and bruising, they managed the fit next to each other. Ridley showered somehow with her cast and re-joined her bed just in time for the food to arrive.
"Is this what I think it is?" Blau asked.
Ridley gave her a wink. "The pizza we didn't have? Yeah, baby."
At first Alexia thought she'd ordered too much and then realised just how hungry they all were, but mainly Lucy. She went through almost two pizzas herself.
It was Alexia's first time meeting Jordan and apparently Ridley's also, but as expected, Ridley won her over with ease. They all spoke for a bit longer while they enjoyed their pizza, talking about London and all things football. Jordan was the first to leave. Lucy handed over her house keys.
"I don't like the idea of you being alone... " Blau stressed.
"Keira's coming over with Narla for the night to keep me company."
"Oh! That's cute."
"Yeah, it's been a while since I've seen her so it'll be a nice little catch up."
With hugs and goodbyes, she left and Blau and Lucy settled down for sleeping, Lucy's arm around her carefully.
"Don't roll on me please."
"I'll be too nervous to. I don't think I'll get any sleep."
"No funny business, you two." Ridley warned the couple.
She saw Blau roll her eyes. "Yes, because we're going to fuck in front of company and when I have more broken bones than not."
Ridley chuckled as she turned to Alexia.
"Are you staying?" She asked in Spanish. Alexia wondered if she'd be overstepping if she did, even though most of her ached to stay.
"I need to see my family before I go..."
Ridley nodded with an unreadable expression as she handed her a black fob and card.
"I will be back tomorrow... " she assured her.
"Regardless. Here's the key to the London apartment. And the address and codes are on the card. You have a driver picking you up from the airport."
Alexia was surprised at her forwardness. She'd never had someone handling all of her issues before. It was relaxing and took some stress away of going to an English speaking country.
"Thank you."
Ridley leaned back into the bed and closed her eyes as if it were nothing. "You're welcome."
Alexia stopped by to see Blau's progress over the next two days. Ridley had been discharged the next day, though paid for the bed so no one would be in the room with them. Only Alexia knew that, though, because she'd seen the paperwork. She'd walked in on Lucy and Blau on a few video calls with family and friends, though Lucy always gave her time while Blau was busy ensuring everyone she was okay and that Lucy was looking after her.
It was difficult to tie things up in Spain because Ridley was right, she'd never really left and beyond that, she didn't know how long she'd be gone for.
She packed her suitcase, said goodbye to her family and as soon as they were discharged, they were all headed to the airport. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Blau blushing as she was wheeled around in a wheelchair, though she, Jordan and Lucy thought it was funny. She comforted her on the drive, still not sure how she'd been so mentally resistant to the event that had occurred.
Lucy checked in Narla and their bags and then they made their way through security with ease because they were with a wheelchair. That encouraged Blau to be even more embarrassed as Lucy wheeled her through hundreds of people.
"You should be wheeling me," Lucy comforted. "I'm the old one."
Also due to the wheelchair, they were boarded before anyone else. It was great, though the aircraft had already been delayed by thirty minutes. Aboard they settled into their seats. They took up most of the first class front row from Jordan at the window next to Alexia and then Blau and Lucy on the far side.
As they were still boarding, Alexia was scrolling through the movies on screen when it froze as the Captain made an announcement.
"Ladies and gentleman, thank you for joining us on our flight today. Apologies for the delay, there was a slight maintenance issue that is now resolved. We're just waiting on a departure slot and a few signatures, and we'll be underway. Again, apologies for the delay and thank you for flying with us."
He repeated the message in Spanish.
Alexia turned to Blau. "Do you know when Ridley comes?"
"Last I heard, she picked up a last minute job and knowing Ridley, that could be anywhere."
Alexia nodded and turned her attention back to the screen in front of her. She was looking forward to more time with Ridley but wouldn't be surprised if she didn't see her at all. It was Ridley, after all.
"Nervous flyer?" Jordan asked.
"No, it's okay. I just don't go to London unless for play really. How about you?"
"I get a little nervous. And then there's a maintenance issue..."
"Oh, they say that all the time, we are okay." Alexia gave her a reassuring smile. She turned back to her tv which froze again as another message came from the flight deck.
"Ladies and gentleman, thank you for your patience. My name is Jon Lopez and I'll be your Captain for the flight today. Joining me in the cockpit will be your first officer, Isabel Rivera and we are honoured to be joined by an incredible Chief Pilot, and former fighter jet pilot as they conduct a standard flight review, so I assure you that you are in very, very capable hands up here. We are now fully boarded with our required signatures, just waiting on our favourite Chief Pilot and our departure slot which we'll get in the next ten minutes."
Blau scoffed and Alexia looked at her. "What is it?"
"You'll see."
She was confused and blamed her lack of English. She did that often; pretended to understand and just nod when she didn't.
The Captain repeated in Spanish and Alexia saw Jordan shaking at the announcement. "Now they're doing a flight review?!"
Alexia extended her hand to the small, trembling woman who took it and gripped on.
Not five minutes later the Chief Pilot stepped on board and took their hat off. Being in the front row meant they had the perfect view.
Now she understood Blau.
She'd know that smirk anywhere.
It was Ridley.