pairing: alexia putellas x reader

summary: you were always second best but maybe this one time you'd be first.

warnings: like one swear word, angst, fluff & slight smut

words: 3646

a/n: i was watching friends whilst making this, hence your 'best friend' being called rachel.

You were used to being second best in everything. The league, the ballon d'or and now the world cup. But you had just transferred to Barcelona so you hoped that would all change.

Another English prospect joining Barcelona caused a lot of media to be focused on you throughout the world cup. Especially during the last game where you'd be playing against your future teammates.

But what the media didn't know was that you were quite close with their star player. Alexia Putellas. Although you used to play in the WSL, you had met one night in Ibiza and immediately hit it off.

There was a slight problem, however, you had fallen for her and so had your best friend.

Your best friend, Rachel, had met Alexia one day by coming over to yours unexpectedly.

You knew of her crush on Alexia and you did everything in your power to stop yourself from falling too, but it was pointless. You were already in too deep and you feared there was no way out.

What you also knew was how Alexia would never feel the same way about you. So you let your feelings be buried deep inside whilst you tried to put on your best brave face and be a wingwoman for your best friend.

It was currently the first training back from the world cup and you had just pulled your car into park. Rachel sat beside you, sporting the Barcelona gear, fiddling with the hem of her top.

"You're going to be fine, I promise." You smiled, giving her hand a squeeze before getting out of the car.

"But what if I make a fool of myself, I hardly know any Spanish." They replied, getting out themselves.

"Use google translate." You shrugged with a teasing grin, getting your kit back out of the boot before making your way into the building.

"You're an ass." Rachel muttered, jogging to catch up with you.

"I know, you love it though." You chuckled, nudging her with your elbow.

"I like someone else's." Rachel whispered, watching as Alexia walked a few paces ahead.

"Uh huh." You murmured, feeling jealousy begin to bubble in your stomach. "So I'll see you after training?"

"Wait what?" Rachel questioned, seeing as you skipped off in front and joined up with Alexia. "Y/n!"

She could hear your laugh bouncing off the walls as you turned a corner and left to the pitch with Alexia.

Although it was the first session back since the world cup, it was not an easy one. With the blistering heat beaming down on you it made the drills just a little bit more harder.

You caught yourself staring at Alexia throughout the day, going from little glances when she wasn't looking to blown out stares. You cursed yourself every time for looking at her that way but you just couldn't help it.

It had gotten to the end of the session when a mini game was formed, unfortunately, Alexia wasn't on your team. After half an hour of an intense game, your team came up short.

A lucky goal scored by Patri secured the win for the other team and although it was only a game for fun. You couldn't help but feel a little down, but this was what you were used to, being second best.

You took your bib off and made your way to get a drink. Sitting alone, you finally let yourself calm down. But that didn't last very long when a shadow appeared in front of you.

"There's my runner up." Alexia teased, squirting some water in her mouth as she looked down at you.

"Ha ha, very funny Ale." You huffed, a smile escaping your lips.

"I was hoping we would be paired up together today." Alexia sighed, sitting beside you, her leg bumping yours causing goosebumps to erupt all over your body.

"Oh really? You like me that much, do you?" You chuckled, leaning back on your arms and looking up at the sky.

"You have no idea." Alexia whispered but it fell deaf on your ears.

Someone else walked up to the two of you, causing you to look away from the sky. Rachel appeared in front of you both, an apologetic smile on her face.

"Oh, hey Rach." You smiled, standing up from your position.

"Hey, you two." Rachel replied, but she didn't look at you, so focused on Alexia, watching how the muscles in her arms tensed as she pushed herself up and off the floor - not that you noticed.

"How's the first day as a physio been?" You asked, hoping to gain her attention but it was futile.

"It's been great." Rachel grinned, still not looking at you.

"So what brings you over here?" You questioned, using the bottom of your top to wipe away the sweat on your face.

"I'm here for Alexia, actually." Rachel said, looking at the midfielder with a certain glint in her eye.

Whilst you wiped your face, you didn't notice how Alexia wasn't focused on Rachel at all but she was looking at you and more specifically, your abs that glistened in the sunlight.

"Huh, I'll leave you two to it then." You smiled, sending a wink to your best friend and walking away, trying to ignore how your heart panged with each step.

After you left the two there wasn't much else for you to do. So you headed for the showers to change out of your sweaty gear.

Some of the other girls were already in there but they soon left, leaving the showers to yourself. You didn't want to spend too long, not wanting to keep Rachel waiting after she had finished with Alexia.

Stepping out of the showers, your body wrapped in a towel, you quickly walked to your kit bag to get changed.

You were about to unravel your towel when you heard someone cough from behind you. Turning around in one quick motion, you nearly gave yourself whiplash at the speed, you were met by a certain midfielder.

"Jesus, Ale." You sighed, hand placed over your heart. "I thought you were with Rachel?"

"She just wanted to do a quick check up on my knee." Alexia shrugged, taking a step towards you.

"Right," you mumbled with a slow nod before turning back around to your bag. "We're uh, actually going out for some coffee, or something, tomorrow and you should come."

"For coffee or something?" Alexia teased, moving so she sat next to your bag.

"I mean, you don't have to come." You replied, raising an eyebrow.

"No, no, I didn't say that." Alexia rushed out, her hands finding your waist.

You didn't say anything, looking down at the midfielder, waiting to see if she realised what she had done. It took a few moments but she got there and removed her hands from your waist in record time.

"Lo siento. I didn't-"

"It's fine, Ale." You chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder and giving it a squeeze. "But I do need you to leave so I can get changed."

"Oh! Right, well, I'll see you tomorrow?" Alexia said, the tips of her ears burning.

"I'll send you the details. Now go you perv!" You smiled, chuckling as Alexia's eyes widened before she ran out.

You shook your head, a smile forming on your lips at the woman but it quickly disappeared, remembering that you shouldn't be feeling that way about her.

Scolding yourself, you quickly got changed, packed your bags and made your way back to your car where Rachel was waiting for you. She sent a smile your way but you ignored it, rushing to put your bags in the car.

"You okay?" Rachel asked, raising an eyebrow at your actions.

"What? Yeah, yeah I'm fine." You replied, getting into the driver's seat.

"You sure?" She questioned, getting into the car herself.

"Mhm." You hummed, starting the car and reversing out of your spot. "Oh, before I forget, I invited Alexia to our little coffee thing tomorrow."

"You what?!" Rachel exclaimed, making you turn your head to her for a split second before focusing back on driving.

"What? You like her, no?" You wondered, grip tightening a little on the steering wheel.

"Of course I do, I think the only person who doesnt is Alexia." Rachel huffed, playing with her fingers.

"See, I'm helping you out." You shrugged with a grin.

"And how are you helping me out exactly?"

"By being a wingwoman."

"Brilliant." Rachel muttered sarcastically causing you to lightly punch her arm.

"You'll thank me when you're married."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

The rest of the drive back to Rachel's apartment was in silence, a comfortable silence, but you could feel a little tension though you weren't sure what why. Pulling up in front of her place, she thanked you before walking into her building.

Sighing to yourself, you drove back to your house. Parking your car, you sat in your driveway, occasionally looking towards your phone before you decided to pick it up and message Alexia the address of the coffee shop.

Ale

Ah, so that's where I'm meeting you tomorrow. I thought you'd forgotten about me

You

Why's that? You know I could never

Ale

Took you an hour to message me the address

You

I had to take Rach home

Ale

Mhm, not second guessing inviting me were you?

You

Why would I do that?

Ale

No idea

You

Okay, good night Ale

Ale

Wait, what time do I have to be there for?

You

11?

Ale

Okay, I'll see you then

You

Buenas noches, ale

Ale

Sleep well, Y/n

Turning your phone off, you let out a breath you didn't know you were holding and resting your head on the headrest, staring out in front of you.

Finally deciding to move, you grabbed your bag from the backseat and made your way into your house. You left your kit bag by the front door and slumped your way upstairs and into your room.

Quickly changing into your pyjamas, you did your nightly routine and went straight to sleep, not bothering to charge your phone and as soon as your head hit the pillow, you were out like a light.

You woke up to the morning light beaming onto your face, mentally cursing yourself for not shutting the blinds the night before. You rolled over, checking your phone for the time only to realise it was dead.

Groaning you plugged your phone in and got ready for the day. Finally getting dressed, you checked your phone once again, nearly screaming into the air as you realised the time was 10:58am.

Running around your house to find your shoes, you slipped them on before tumbling through the front door and into your car.

Driving a little over the speed limit, you managed to get to the coffee shop in record time. Finding somewhere to park, however, was another story. By the time you made it into the shop it was 11:24.

"Look who's finally decided to show up." You heard from the side of you.

"I forgot to charge my phone." You muttered, rubbing the back of your neck as you turned to see Rachel and Alexia sitting at a table together.

"Of course you did." Alexia said, smiling behind her cup as she brought it to her lips to take a sip.

"Let me go order and I'll be right back." You said sheepishly, before walking off.

You could hear a chuckle from behind you but you paid no attention to it. Ordering your favourite, you were back at the table in record time, thankful that the line wasn't too long.

The three of you talked about anything and everything, you occasionally slipping out of the conversation to let Rachel talk to Alexia by herself.

Scrolling on your phone, you only looked up when a hand waved in front of your face. Seeing it was only you and Alexia at the table, you tilted your head confused.

"She went to the toilet." Alexia said, knowing what you were wondering.

"Ah," you said, nodding in understanding, "you okay?"

"I'm fine, you?" Alexia smiled.

"Good."

"Are you doing anything later?" Alexia asked, her fingers tapping on the table.

"No, nothing really." You replied, straightening your posture.

"Do you want to do something together?"

"Like what?" You wondered, resting your head on your hand.

"Not sure, maybe a movie?"

"Yeah, okay. Do you want to come round mine, or we could go out?"

"I'll come to yours, if that's okay. Then it could be just the two of us."

"That's fine." You smiled, internally beaming. "It's a date."

Unbeknownst to you, your words caused butterflies to erupt in Alexia's stomach. Although you meant nothing by what you said, Alexia couldn't help but feel a little hope.

"Hey, what have I missed?" Rachel questioned as she sat back down in her seat.

"Nothing, just talking about football." Alexia replied, sending a small yet discrete smile in your direction.

"Boring." Rachel huffed, leaning back on her chair. "I was hoping you'd be talking about me."

Before you could stop yourself, a cough made its way up your throat, quickly covering it up with a smile.

"What's so funny, y/n?" Rachel asked, tilting her head towards you.

"Wha- nothing. I promise."

"Mhm, I better get going anyway." Rachel smiled, standing up from her seat.

"Same here." Alexia said, standing up as well.

"I guess that means me too." You joked, getting up yourself.

"I'll see you both soon." Rachel said, giving the two of you hugs, Alexia's lasting a little longer than yours.

"See you." You smiled, fishing your car keys from your pocket.

After Rachel walked off to her car, you were left with Alexia. You stood beside the midfielder not knowing what to say, rocking backwards and forwards on your feet.

"What time do you want me to come over?" Alexia questioned, turning to face you.

"Any time, I don't mind. I've just got to clean up a few bits."

"Okay, how does six sound?"

"Good, yeah, I'll see you then."

"See you later." Alexia said, giving you a quick hug and a small kiss on your cheek before walking off.

Blushing profusely, you got to your car, quickly driving home. You went from cleaning the living room to cleaning the whole house, scared that even a miniscule thing could put Alexia off.

Going all out with the snacks, opting to place a variety on the coffee table as well as drinks, you felt that everything was okay, or at least, you hoped it was. Opening netflix on your tv you waited for Alexia.

You didn't have to wait long and before you knew it, the doorbell rang, indicating that Alexia was here. You felt your heart rate increase knowing that you'd finally be spending some time with her alone.

In a friendly way, of course. Right?

Shaking your head, you scrambled yourself off the sofa, remembering that Alexia was waiting outside your door.

Opening the door to the catalonian, you smiled, noticing that she had changed her outfit from earlier on, opting for something more comfortable.

You opened the door wider, ushering her in and closing it behind her. The midfielder waited for you in the hallway, letting you guide her into your living room.

The two of you sat down on your sofa, a small gap between you as you played a random movie that was recommended to you by one of the girls from barca.

"You really went all out with the snacks." Alexia chuckled, making herself comfortable, resting an arm over the back of the sofa.

"I couldn't choose." You mumbled with a shrug, leaning forward to pick up some crisps. "Want some?"

"These are my favourite, how'd you know?" Alexia questioned, taking a couple from the bowl.

"I had a hunch."

"Oh really? Okay then." Alexia said teasingly, moving a little closer to you, your thighs only mere inches apart from each other.

"Just watch the movie." You said, huffing out a laugh and taking one of the crisps from her hand before popping it into your mouth.

"Hey! You have a whole bowl." Alexia complained, slapping your arm and shaking her head at your antics.

"Sorry." You replied with a grin, turning your attention back to the movie playing.

Alexia, however, kept her gaze on you. Long forgetting the movie, she watched every little thing you did, the way your eyes would widen at something one of the actors said or how you'd smile at the jokes.

You hadn't noticed her gaze on you, completely focused on the movie and you were really enjoying it, until a sex scene came up. Shifting in your spot, Alexia noticed your discomfort.

She turned towards the tv and saw what was playing, lewd moans came from the speakers and it was as if the two of you were watching soft porn.

"You alright, y/n?" Alexia questioned, a small smirk displayed on her features.

"Mhm," you hummed, eyes widening at the screen, "they're really going at it, jesus."

"Jealous?" She teased.

"What? No!" You exclaimed, turning your body towards the midfielder.

Only then did you realise the close proximity of the two of you. You could feel Alexia's breath on your lips, her eyes staring into yours and your heart felt like it was going to beat out of your chest.

"You sure you're okay?" Alexia asked again, this time a little quieter.

"Yeah, I'm just-"

"Turned on?"

You paused, contemplating your next words.

"Yeah." You whispered, looking down at Alexia's lips before trailing them back up to her eyes.

"Lean back." Alexia ordered softly, pushing you gently against the sofa.

Your back hit the cushions, your head resting against the armrest. Alexia smiled, moving to hover over you. Her hair created curtains, blocking out the rest of the world as she looked deeply into your eyes.

"Is this okay?" She asked quietly, her lips hovering over yours. You nodded, not trusting your voice. "I need words, cariño."

"Yes," you whispered, "this is very much okay."

"Then can I kiss you?"

"Yes."

You barely got to finish the word before her lips were on yours. Desperate and hungry. A silent understanding of how long the two of you had been wanting this.

As much as you were loving every second, your mind couldn't help but wander back to Rachel. Kissing Alexia didn't feel wrong, it was perfect, but you had a deep nagging feeling that you were betraying your best friend.

"Ale, I- I can't-" You mumbled between kisses, but still pulled her in for more.

"Why not." Alexia questioned, swiping her tongue against your bottom lip.

"What about Rachel?"

"What about Rachel? I don't want her, I want you." Alexia said, pushing her knee between your thighs causing you to involuntary roll your body.

"Shit, I-"

"Y/n?" A voice called out and you immediately stopped what you were doing. "What- Wow, unbelievable."

"Wait no. Rach!" You said, pushing Alexia off your body.

"How'd she get in?" Alexia questioned, creating a little space between the two of you.

"I gave her a key, not important right now." You said, waving Alexia off.

"I can't believe you." Rachel muttered, throwing her hands up in the air.

"I-" You started but Aleia cut in.

"Why are you acting like this? It's not like you liked me?" Alexia questioned, confused at your best friend and ignoring you slap her arm in an attempt to get her to stop talking.

"You know what, you both deserve each other." Rachel shouted, scoffing before storming out of your house.

"Rachel!" You said, chasing after her, leaving Alexia alone and confused on the sofa.

"Save it, y/l/n, I don't want to hear what excuse you come up with!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't want you to see that."

"Real classy, Y/n." Rachel scoffed, shaking her head as she came to a stop on your driveway, finally turning to face you.

"No I didn't mean it like that-"

"How did you mean it then, huh? You knew how much I liked her! You knew, and you go behind my back and do that, what a friend you are."

"No, Rach. C'mon, please." You pleaded, desperately trying to get her to listen to you.

"No! You know what, we're done. Don't talk to me again." Rachel said, pointing a finger at you.

You watched as she shook with anger and sadness, before she let out a sob and turned to run away again. This time you didn't follow her, lowering your head in sorrow.

Walking back to your house, you stumbled into the living room, seeing Alexia still sitting on the sofa, looking down in her lap, fiddling with her hands.

"Hey! Y/n, what just happened?" Alexia questioned, standing up as she heard your footsteps get closer.

"I uh- I can't do this Alexia." You mumbled, tears brimming your eyes as you looked to the floor, folding your arms in front of your chest.

"Do what? Us? What do you mean?" Alexia wondered, walking closer to you, your bodies just inches away from each other.

She took your hands in hers, her fingers tracing delicate patterns. You felt yourself grow weak at the knees but suddenly pulled away from her hold.

"I just can't, I'm sorry." You said, ferociously wiping away a tear that fell before walking away.

"Y/n!" Alexia said, her voice breaking as she followed you through the house. Watching as you got in your car, seeing it pull off the driveway and disappear around the corner.

You were finally first, the girl shared the same feelings, yet you still managed to throw that away. Maybe you should stick to what you know. Being second best.