The Weight of Expectations

Skye's second day at Arsenal felt heavier. Maybe it was the lingering adrenaline from proving herself on day one. Maybe it was the weight of expectations now that the squad had seen what she could do. Either way, she felt it in her bones when she stepped into the training facility.

As she laced up her cleats, a presence entered the locker room that immediately commanded attention.

Renée Slagges.

Arsenal's new head coach. A tactical mastermind, known for her intense coaching style and unwavering demand for excellence. She wasn't the kind to ease players into the squad, she threw them in the deep end and expected them to swim.

"Good morning," Renée said, her voice sharp but calm. Her gaze swept across the team before landing directly on Skye.

"Yesterday was your first session. Today, we start to see how you really fit into my team."

Skye straightened, meeting her gaze. "I'm ready, Coach."

Renée smirked slightly. "Let's find out."

Katie McCabe leaned in, whispering, "Better hope you actually are, kid."

Skye just grinned. She thrived off challenges.

Training: Breaking Point

Renée's session was brutal. Small-sided games, high-intensity pressing, quick attacking transitions. Skye was paired up front with Alessia Russo, while Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy controlled the defense.

The goal? Break them down.

Easier said than done.

The first time Skye slipped a through ball to Alessia, it should've been a clear shot on goal. Instead, Alessia hesitated, just for a second, and the ball rolled harmlessly into Manuela Zinsberger's hands.

"Come on, Less!" Skye groaned.

Alessia whipped her head around, frustration flashing in her eyes. "You ever think maybe your pass wasn't as perfect as you think?"

Before Skye could snap back, Renée's whistle cut through the air.

"Stop!"

The team froze as the coach stalked onto the field.

"You two need to figure it out," Renée said coolly, looking between them. "Skye, you're used to teammates who read you instinctively. That's not going to happen overnight."

She turned to Alessia. "And you.. if you're given a pass in a dangerous position, you don't hesitate. You trust your striker."

Alessia exhaled, nodding. Skye clenched her jaw but kept quiet.

"Again," Renée ordered. "And this time, get it right."

Skye adjusted. Instead of expecting Alessia to play exactly at her pace, she held the ball a second longer.

This time, Alessia read it perfectly. One touch. Shot.

Goal.

A small smirk tugged at Alessia's lips. "There we go."

Skye smirked back. "Finally."

Renée clapped once. "Better. Now, keep that up."

Locker Room Tension

After training, Skye was still buzzing, but not in a good way.

She threw her jersey into her locker with more force than necessary when a voice behind her made her pause.

"You always this hard on your teammates?"

She turned. Alessia.

Arms crossed. Expression unreadable.

"Only when they're capable of being better," Skye shot back.

Alessia raised an eyebrow. "So, you've already decided I can be better?"

"Obviously."

Alessia let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. "You're something else."

Skye folded her arms. "Look, I just.. when I see a pass, I expect it to work. You hesitated."

Alessia held her gaze. "Maybe I did. Or maybe you expected me to play like I already know exactly how you move."

Skye opened her mouth, then closed it.

Because.. she was right.

They had barely played together, yet Skye had assumed they'd click instantly. The chemistry was there, but it needed time.

Alessia softened. "We'll figure it out. Just... don't overthink it, alright?"

Skye nodded slowly. "Yeah. Alright."

The air between them shifted, just for a moment. Alessia's eyes flickered down, maybe to Skye's lips, maybe not but before Skye could think too much about it, Katie McCabe's voice rang through the room.

"Less, Skye! We're getting coffee, move your asses!"

Alessia gave a small smile before walking off.

Skye exhaled. Complicated.

Surprise Visitors

When Skye got back to her apartment that evening, all she wanted was sleep.

Instead, she opened the door to chaos.

"LITTLE SIS!"

Before she could react, Paige tackled her in a hug, nearly knocking her over.

"What the..... PAIGE?!" Skye yelped, stunned.

Behind Paige, standing casually with a knowing smirk, was Nika Mühl.

Skye's stomach dropped.

"Oh my God, what the hell are you doing here?" she asked, looking between them.

Paige grinned. "What, I can't come visit my favorite sister?"

"You're my only sister," Skye muttered. "And that doesn't answer my question."

"We had some time off, figured we'd come see you," Paige said, throwing an arm around her. "And you didn't think I'd come alone, did you?"

Skye's eyes flickered to Nika, who was still watching her closely.

This was bad.

"So, where's the best place for drinks around here?" Paige asked.

"Uh, actually.."

Nika interrupted, voice smooth. "Yeah, Skye. Where do you usually go?"

Skye shot her a look, but Nika just smirked. Playing with fire.

Paige, oblivious, just laughed. "Come on, I'm starving. Let's go."

Skye exhaled. She was so screwed.

Late-Night Distractions

Hours later, after dinner and drinks with Paige, Skye found herself standing outside her apartment alone with Nika.

Paige had already gone inside, but Nika? She lingered.

"Missed me?" Nika asked, tilting her head.

Skye swallowed hard. "You shouldn't have come."

Nika stepped closer. "Why not?"

Skye's heartbeat picked up.

"Because," she whispered. "This is messy."

Nika smirked. "I don't mind a little mess."

Her hand brushed against Skye's