((**3.7k | All Alexia's POV | mentions of Jordan and Leah**))
Alexia had been wondering how she was on the plane. Why she was on the plane. Why she would possibly go to London. And then Ridley arrived and deep down Alexia didn't want to admit it was because of her.
Her, Alexia Putellas Segura, Captain of Spain and Barcelona. World Cup winner. Ballon d'Or winner. All of the awards and accolades you could think of. Known for her dominance, her resilience, her unbridled passion and need to prove that she is one of the best. To push herself.
Somehow undone by the woman whose eyes were locked on her own. None of it made sense.
None of it.
Except that it did.
Jordan's hand tightening around hers was the only thing that snapped her from her own mind.
"Is that Ridley?" Jordan asked, leaning over to see.
Ridley was talking to a flight attendant and out of politeness, turned her attention to him as they shared a hug and a short exchange. She really did know everybody.
When they were finished, she put her work bag on the ground and stepped forward to better see the foursome.
"I heard we had trouble in the front row."
Blau rolled her eyes. "Riddles, what did you do?"
"And here I was thinking you'd be happy to see me, baby." She squatted down and readjusted Blau's straight, braced leg on her reclined chair. "Job came in last minute. I don't need to fly, just a routine flight review so I thought, why not? Better?"
"Yeah, thanks. And how fortuitous."
"What can I say? I'm a lucky gal."
She stood in the aisle between them and that woody, spicy musk sent a warm, welcome shiver down Alexia's spine.
"You're lucky you made it in time." Lucy teased.
"Firstly, where's the excitement? Hi, Ridley! Nice to see you! Secondly, this assignment was last minute-"
"-you decide the assignments." Blau cut off.
"And thirdly, I am not late. We're waiting for our departure slot and I was using that time to get you all a surprise."
"Is the surprise supposed to be you?" Jordan asked and Ridley tutted at her.
"You're my next Voodoo doll, Nobbs."
Alexia enjoyed the sight of everybody ganging up on her.
"Where's Chiquito?"
"Making friends with Narla, I presume."
"Where's the surprise?" Lucy asked, earning her a slap but she persisted.
"Are we safe on this thing?" Jordan asked.
She looked over at Alexia and their eyes met before Ridley spotted her and Jordan holding hands. She raised an eyebrow, obviously amused.
"Yes, you are safe Nobbs. But I'm sure Alexia won't mind holding your hand all flight."
"I feel a lot safer with you here, actually." Alexia felt Jordan's hand ease its pressure on her own. "Can I try on your hat?"
Ridley audibly groaned. "No surprise for you all, then. The cabin crew can have them."
Lucy perked up. "Was it food?"
Blau and Alexia exchanged an eye roll of a look that Alexia enjoyed. Of course that would excite Lucy.
"Perhaps. Regardless, offer rescinded."
Lucy huffed and sat back in her seat with a pout, Blau lacing fingers with her with a grin.
"I'm off to see my victims for the day. Blue, call me if you need me."
"Yes, mum."
Ridley walked away and grabbed her bag, again talking to the flight attendant and handing him a few things. Both Alexia and Blau found themselves leaning into the aisle to try and see what, but Ridley spun and winked, knowing they'd be curious, and they didn't catch a glimpse.
She understood what Jordan meant. She also felt a lot safer knowing that Ridley was there.
It was only a few minutes later when another announcement came through.
"Ladies and Gentleman, this is your Captain speaking. We now have a departure slot, and our chief pilot onboard with us. We will be starting up and pushing back in just over five minutes time. Again, apologies for the delay and cabin crew arm doors and cross-check."
"Fucking ridiculous!" Alexia heard a man's voice grunt in Catalan. She turned to see him up out of his seat and complaining to one of the flight attendants.
"Sir, please sit back down. We're starting up soon."
"I've never had a problem with this company before until today when we have a female first officer flying."
"First officer Rivera is a very skilled pilo-"
"I don't care, I want the man to fly. Go tell him."
Alexia couldn't believe it. But she also could. She'd been around sexism her whole life.
The cabin crew were unable to calm the man down and eventually one sighed and made their way to the flight deck. The man pushed his way up into first class and huffed impatiently.
To Alexia's surprise, the female pilot came out instead of the Captain. She tried to reason with him in Catalan, but he seemed to just be offended by the fact that they'd sent a woman out.
"Just go get me that chief pilot of yours. The fighter pilot. He'll be able to fly the fucking thing."
Obviously the man hadn't seen that Ridley was in fact, a female. To her credit, the first officer persisted politely. Alexia was turned and watching the conversation, about to jump in when Ridley arrived and lightly tapped the woman's shoulder, encouraging her to go back to the flight deck. She looked relieved but a little nervous.
Ridley leant in with a supportive smile. "It's okay, this isn't a part of your flight review. Head back and run your checklists."
Ridley watched her go, and Alexia felt a little pang of jealousy as she did so. She turned back and stepped forward towards the man, her hip level with Alexia's seat. She held a strong stance, arms behind her straight back, feet spread, and Alexia couldn't help but notice the muscles through her white shirt. God, she looked good in a black tie. So good she could feel herself getting a little excit-
Jordan let go of her hand and spun as the man started attacking her in Catalan. Alexia knew she wasn't as confident in the language and her heart strings pulled as she also turned to watch.
Ridley put one hand up in a gesture.
"Sir, I admit my Catalan is not good as yours so please, slow down, or choose another language. Spanish perhaps?"
She was doing so well to keep up with his quick speech and Alexia had to bite her tongue to not get involved.
He scoffed and continued to speak in Catalan. "You're not even Spanish. Where is the chief pilot? Who are you?"
"I am the chief pilot. I'm not sure if you're aware but women have been flying planes for a very long time. We're as qualified and even more gentle on landings in my honest opinion."
"You? A fighter pilot?"
"That's correct."
"When?"
"2011 to 2019."
Over eight years...
"Where?"
"Australia."
"You're not even Spanish!"
"I will take the compliment that you didn't recognise my accent."
He grunted frustratedly. He was a man not getting his way. He could push and push but Ridley was a brick wall. Alexia saw her good hand bunching up tightly behind her back to nullify some of her anger.
"I don't want a woman flying the plane. Tell the Captain to."
"Unfortunately, her job is to fly. His is to monitor. Mine is to assess."
"Well fucking change it."
"That will not be happening today."
She'd never seen Ridley like this before. So... diplomatic. This was career Ridley.
The man let loose a jumble of Catalan at her that even Alexia struggled to understand. His hands flew up in anger, his voice attracting attention.
Alexia couldn't take it anymore. She moved to stand and felt Ridley's fingertips softly grip the flesh of her upper arm as if she were telling her to stop. As if she knew what she was about to do. It was her broken hand so only a few fingers were actually holding her, but it still calmed her. She relaxed into her seat and Ridley's grip remained on her.
She looked at the messages written on her cast, including the one from Alexia.
Some things can't be replaced, she'd written.
She'd been referring to her relationship with Blau, and Ridley had known that immediately. She'd said that to her the night in the bar when she returned her dad's bracelet to her. She'd also said it when she'd returned the teddy she'd received from a young fan. Both she'd retrieved with violence. And both times she'd given her belongings back with the utmost gentleness.
Alexia had also drawn two flowers on her cast to make it look pretty. Ridley had been patient and her little smile was approval enough that she liked them.
"Stop. Now. You have two options right now, and only two."
The man immediately shut up as he listened. Anybody would have with the command dominating her voice.
"You either sit back down and accept that a female will in fact be flying this planes, or you can do anything but, and I have you off-boarded, fined, and banned from this airline for lifetime, and from all aircraft for six months."
She could no longer see the man but she could hear his mouth open and close.
"You have five seconds to decide. Make your choice."
Alexia counted to five in her head and as soon as they were up, she spoke.
"Good choice. Now do not cause a disturbance again or you and I will have issue. My offer of ban you still stands until we land."
She heard the man skulk away and Ridley stood watching him as he went.
"Any more issues, notify me immediately," she murmured in Spanish one of the flight attendants. Ridley stepped back and only then did she release Alexia's arm and she immediately wanted her touch to return. She craved it. Even in the alleyway as she'd squeezed her throat with her broken hand; tight enough so she couldn't breathe but it had excited her more than any foreplay ever had. She'd not wanted her to let go then either, and yet she had.
Ridley squatted down near Alexia and gave her typical Ridley smirk.
"Did you plan on fighting him with words or fists, la Reina?" She asked in Spanish.
"I had a few things I wanted to say... besides, you're the fighter here."
"Perhaps you can tell me what those things are later. And I'd be more than happy to teach you..." She looked her up and down. "You're fit enough. And we can protect your knee."
We? Alexia felt hot all over. Teach her to fight? Thoughts of a sweaty, cocky Ridley were a turn on that made her have to collect herself before she spoke.
"Perhaps."
"You still have your favour."
"Something tells me you'd teach me without me using my favour."
"Oh?" Her eyes lit up. Alexia could be cocky too. She tilted her head to study her, more than aware that the trio were in hearing range though trying to give them space. The fact that they wouldn't understand the language made her want to keep flirting shamelessly. "Would you like to jump seat the take-off?"
"Jump seat?"
"In the flight deck with me."
She turned to Jordan and spoke English. "Are you okay alone for take off?"
She pulled her headphones down. "Alone?"
"Lucy can sit with her," Blau suggested.
"No, it's okay. Stay with YFN, Luce, she needs you." She turned back to Alexia. "I'll be okay now that I know who's up front."
"Okay..."
Ridley stood and before Alexia could move, she'd leant forward to unclip her seatbelt and give her a smile.
"Right this way, la Reina."
Blau gave her a wink as she went and Lucy looked disappointed that she'd missed out. Her attention quickly turned to Blau though as they leant their heads together, fingers tangled.
Alexia followed Ridley to the flight deck and couldn't help studying her strong back through her shirt. She was taller than Alexia but not by much, just a few centimetres. With her demeanour though, it felt like much more.
The cabin crew gave her a smile as they passed by and entered the flight deck. It was both larger than she imagined and also more cramped at the same time.
"Friends, we have a guest joining us for take-off."
They both turned and gave a hello, both grinning wide as they realised it was Alexia. She knew they'd ask for her autograph or photo but as of right now, they were being professional as they turned back to their checklists. Alexia and Ridley were standing so close due to there being not much room to stand in the doorway. Ridley smirked as she leant even closer, her musky, warm scent overwhelming Alexia and her eyes deep and the perfect proximity for her to fall into and just when she thought she'd kiss her... Ridley snapped the lock on the door beside them and pulled back. Cheeky.
Alexia mentally yelled to pull herself together. She was normally dominant. What was happening? It didn't last long as Ridley's hand found her hips and gently manoeuvred Alexia closer to the pilots as she folded down her jump seat and gestured to it.
Alexia sat and Ridley made quick work of her four-point harness, somehow easily even with her broken hand. Her dark, shaggy bob fell down and hid the cheek and sharp jawline Alexia was admiring as she leant over her. Ridley made sure to turn her head and catch her eye as she pulled it tight like it were bondage. Alexia gasped as the suddenness and Ridley enjoyed it.
The pilots were busy reading their checklists out loud when Ridley gently tucked Alexia's blonde hair behind each of her ears simultaneously. She was right in front of her. Concentrating on her hair and not undressing her with her eyes. Just being gentle and attentive like she always was. She was so close. Alexia felt herself leaning forwards... and then the four point harness stopped her.
Ridley noticed and caught her eye, tutting at her.
"Now, now, la Reina. Are you going to behave?"
Alexia was well aware her breathing was ragged and so she didn't speak, just nodded.
"Good girl."
Those words did something to her.
Ridley took the headset off its hook and placed it over her ears, adjusting it until it was perfect and then pushing the microphone so close it touched her lips. Ridley's thumb softly brushed over Alexia's bottom lip as she did so and Alexia could feel her nipples harden. Her body was already hers.
Ridley leant back and gave a thumbs up as a question. Alexia responded with a thumbs up and Ridley sat back in her own jump seat, strapping herself in the same way. She heard the engines starting up as the pilots ran through their next checklist. Ridley put her headphones on and did a radio check.
"Scale of one to five, how well can you hear me?" Ridley spoke in English.
"Five."
"Good. Same here. Now keep the microphone on your lips so we can hear you."
She took out a clipboard and opened it, starting to write. When the checklist was complete, she spoke.
"Time for introductions. Alexia, this is Jon, and Bella. Jon, Bella, this is Alexia. You may know her from being the greatest female footballer who ever lived."
"You know each other?" Bella asked.
"We do," Alexia admitted.
"Are you okay for a photo after we're cruising?" Jon asked.
Alexia agreed.
"Okay, quick run through from me, team, so we're all on the same page. English only in the flight deck to avoid confusion. Alexia will be jump seating the take-off but not the landing for flight review purposes of course. I've already debriefed you two on the requirements for today. Just fly as per normal, do your checklists and make your decisions as you usually would. This isn't a pass or fail, it's a standard I make sure we're meeting to ensure safety, conformity and if any improvements are needed." She grinned. "Which they always are. Nothing will be perfect, and that's okay."
She turned to Alexia. "Alexia we have what's known as a 'sterile flight deck' up to six thousand feet, which is our transition level. This means no unnecessary speaking unless it relates to the flight operations. For you and I, we won't be speaking at all. I'll let you know when it's over and you may speak but only in English to avoid confusion. Aviation is an English-based profession. Until then you will be able to hear everything, and if you need me, just give me a shove. Happy?"
Alexia nodded. In control, Ridley. She loved it. Melted for it. And she knew she'd dream about it, and perhaps... no... definitely touch herself over it.
Ridley turned to Jon and Bella.
"Everybody else happy?"
They agreed as they went back to another checklist.
Alexia was overwhelmed by the flight deck. The amount of switches and dials were completely unbelievable, even reaching up over their heads. The panels were backlit with a beautiful green and she couldn't help but watch everything they did. Everything they said. It was all in English, but she kept up well enough.
They established 'push-back approval' and a little tug came to push them backwards. She didn't understand all of what 'ATC' were saying because it was so quick, but she got the gist of it as they worked. They taxied as instructed via certain phonetic alphabet letters and Ridley was patiently watching, every so often noting something down.
She got excited as they entered and lined up on the runway. There was something about it just so... magical. Defiant of all physics, it seemed. Suddenly kicking a ball felt so simple.
They received their take-off clearance for 'OKABI ONE ROMEO' and Alexia gripped her seatbelt as they were about to set thrust.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
Bella was flying, but it was Jon who pushed up the thrust levers. He pushed them half way, paused and then almost fully to the top.
"TOGA."
"TOGA set."
The increased speed quickly as they barrelled down the runway. She glanced at Ridley who looked calm, as if she'd done this a thousand times.
"80."
"Checked."
"V1." He said as he removed his hand from the thrust levers. "Rotate."
Bella pulled back and they were suddenly climbing, all of the bumps from the runway disappearing to smooth air.
"Positive rate."
"Gear up."
"Gear up." He repeated and selected the gear lever up.
Their detailed take-off continued, Ridley occasionally writing but mostly watching. They set autopilot to follow their flight route and suddenly she realised that it was one of the most exciting things she'd ever seen. And Ridley got to do it whenever she pleased. She couldn't imagine the hard work it must have taken to get there.
As they passed their six-thousand feet 'transition level', Bella called "Transition" and Ridley finally spoke.
"Sterile flight deck ceased. Excellent departure, as always."
They gave their thanks. "Okabi one ROMEO, hey?" Jon flashed a smile at Ridley.
Ridley rolled her eyes and said sarcastically. "Oh, what a coincidence."
Still grinning, he turned back to fiddle around with a few more items.
"Romeo?" Alexia asked.
"My call sign from the air force."
"Because your name starts with R? Phonetic alphabet?"
"Cute that you know that... and sure... let's just say it's because of that."
Only then did Alexia realise it was probably because of her ability to chat people up. That twang of jealousy hit again as Ridley spoke. "Thoughts?"
She let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. "It was magical."
"I'll have to take you for a flight one day. Teach you how to fly a plane."
"Really?"
"Why not? You looked excited for the entire take-off sequence."
She didn't realise Ridley had been watching her. She'd been so focussed on the take-off. "Did I...?"
"Your expressions betray you, la Reina. Shall we take a selfie and get you back to your seat? Let's hope Nobbs is still okay."
Alexia and Ridley took a selfie with the crew and she signed autographs for them before they left. There was another close but not unwelcome moment as Ridley reached for the door, their bodies brushing together.
As she returned to her seat, Ridley made sure Jordan was okay, and that Blau was comfortable before she left them again, Alexia watching as she went. The food service was quick, but they'd all had a small breakfast already and had agreed to not eat as they planned on having lunch together in London. Lucy was grumbling, obviously hungry and Blau did well to distract her with affection and promises of a lot of food and... condiments if Alexia had heard right.
Regardless of them not eating food, something was brought around to each of them. They were all confused as the flight attendants put their tray tables down and placed the little bowl in front of them.
She smiled when she saw what it was. Crema catalana. Like the one she and Ridley had shared in Valencia. She stared at it with a smile on her face and just as she went to take her first bite she heard Lucy.
"Argh, that was amazing."
She looked over. She was already finished. Alexia shared a look with Blau and they chuckled.
"What am I going to do with you?" Blau asked.
"Are you done already?!" Jordan asked, shocked.
"This shouldn't be a shock to you, Dory. Her hunger is never satiated."
"Which hunger are you referring to, little one?" Lucy teased as she leant in for a small, soft kiss.
"Walking bruise, Luce."
"Oh, I'm not touching you until you're whole again."
"Would you like to bet on that?" Now it was Blau's turn to tease. "Because I'm very persuasive..."
Lucy groaned. Jordan made a sick sound.
"Keep it to yourselves, lovebirds."
Blau chuckled and turned to Jordan. "Soooo is she coming to lunch?"
"I think so..."
"I'd bet on it."
Alexia watched the conversation over her like a tennis match. "Who comes?"
"Leah."
"Williamson?"
"Yeah."
Ah, the England Captain. Alexia had met her before at events. She knew of her relationship history with Jordan and Lucy had filled her in on them trying to find a way to work towards each other again. It sounded cute. And their lunch seemed to be expanding.
"Is Ridley coming?" Jordan asked.
"Unsure... need to ask." Blau admitted.
Watching Jordan's face soften as she mentioned Leah, and also Blau and Lucy cuddling up as close as they could get without further injury, Alexia found that she was relaxing around this group of people. So much so, that she was ready to admit why she was on a plane to London. It was because of the little, warm group around her.
And also, it was because of Ridley.