More than a match | Alexia Putellas

Gracie tied her boots a little slower than usual, half-listening to the chatter around her. Back in familiar rhythms, but everything felt... slightly shifted. Like the axis had tilted.

Maybe it was because Alexia had walked in three minutes after her and still managed to sit beside her without looking like she'd timed it.

Maybe it was the way their knees brushed. And neither of them moved away.

Across the room, Salma arched an eyebrow at Ona.

Gracie pretended not to see it.

Alexia leaned in, voice low. "You okay?"

Gracie nodded quickly, too aware of the proximity. "Yeah. Just... fine."

Alexia squeezed her knee under. Just once. Just long enough to ground her.

Later, post-training.

The team group chat was chaos, as usual.

Barca femeni

Salma:
yo who's in charge of music on Thursday because if I hear 'tusa' again I'm transfering to madrid

Ona:
relax it's a classic

Irene:
you know what else is a classic?
Alexia and Gracie pretending to be casual while sharing one protein shake

Kika:
STOPPPPPP
they did the eye contact thing again and don't forget the fact that Alexia tied Gracie's shoelace, I repeat SHE TIED HER LACES.

Jana:
i'm just here for the slow burn

Kika:
@Alexia @Gracie explain yourselves

Gracie read the messages while lying flat on her back in her apartment, phone resting on her stomach.

Then came the text from Alexia separate from the chat.

La Reina:
I swear I didn't mean to give you my bottle again
they're unhinged

Gracie:
you're the one who picked the strawberry one. you knew i'd want it

La Reina:
so predictable

Gracie didn't reply right away.

Instead, she clicked back into the group chat, fingers hovering.

Then, very slowly, she typed:

Gracie:
I think we just have excellent hydration habits. stay hydrated x

Kika:
THAT'S NOT A DENIAL

Ona:
oooooooh okayyy miss subtle flex

Jana:
hydrated queens

Gracie laughed, throwing her arm over her eyes.

Moments later, another ping.

Patri:
Y'all saw Alexia's story??

Mapi:
that bracelet looks familiar

Vicky:
LMFAO are you all seriously zooming in like this

Kika:
tell us the truth @gracie

Gracie blinked at the messages, the group chat lighting up like a Christmas tree. She could practically hear Kika's voice, full of chaotic glee, even through the screen.

She went back to the chat with just Alexia.

Gracie:
they're actually feral

La Reina:
and you're surprised?

Gracie:
I should've known when Salma gave me that look in the locker room

La Reina:
which one?
the "I'm watching you" look or the "I'm about to make this everyone's business" one?

Gracie:
the latter

Another ping lit up the group chat:

Kika:
just say you're dating omg we won't tell

Jana:
we will tell
but only like
after twenty minutes

Gracie:
I think the team needs more water and less drama x

Kika:
YOU'RE DEFLECTING

Vicky:
she didn't deny it again btw
just saying

Gracie's phone vibrated again. This time, it was a voice note.

From Alexia.

She tapped play, and her stomach did a slow, ridiculous flip at the sound of her voice, low, teasing.

"Do I need to come over and confiscate your phone before you cause a riot?"

Gracie grinned, fingers already typing.

Gracie:
kinda want you to tbh

The typing dots appeared instantly.

La Reina:
be there in 10

Gracie rolled over, already sitting up.

She didn't need to check the mirror, but she did anyway, just to fix her hair. Just in case.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock on her door.

When she opened it, Alexia was standing there, hoodie on, one brow raised and a grin tugging at her lips.

"We're not gonna give them the satisfaction of us admitting, are we?" Alexia said.

Gracie didn't answer.

She just tugged her inside by the hoodie and kissed her like the group chat didn't exist.