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(A/N: Don't forget to give those power stones to Skyrim everyone!)
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Francesco turned toward the house. Behind the window, he could already see movement of Leah and a very excited corgi running in circles as the long day was finally over.
For a moment he simply stood there in the quiet driveway of his mansion in Richmond, letting the cool night air settle around him.
The city noise of London felt far away here.
Inside the house, warm lights glowed through the windows, casting soft golden shapes across the garden.
It was the kind of sight that instantly made his shoulders relax.
Home.
Jorge stepped out of the car and stretched slightly.
"Go get some rest," he said.
Francesco nodded.
"That's the plan."
Jorge closed the car door and leaned against the roof for a moment.
"Tomorrow you're free," he added.
Francesco looked surprised.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure there's not secretly another interview hidden somewhere?"
Jorge smirked.
"No."
Francesco sighed with relief.
"Finally."
Jorge climbed back into the driver's seat.
"Enjoy it while it lasts."
Francesco laughed.
"I will."
The engine started again.
Jorge waved briefly through the window before driving away down the driveway and out through the gate.
Francesco turned toward the house.
Inside, the front door suddenly opened before he even reached it.
Leah stood there with a grin.
"You survived."
Francesco stepped inside and immediately felt the warmth of the house wrap around him.
"Barely."
Before he could say anything else, Cheddar came charging down the hallway like a furry rocket.
The corgi skidded slightly on the hardwood floor before jumping excitedly at Francesco's legs.
"Hey buddy," Francesco laughed, crouching down.
Cheddar wagged his tail so fast it looked like a tiny propeller.
Leah folded her arms and leaned against the doorframe.
"He's been waiting by the window for twenty minutes."
"Really?"
"Yes."
Francesco scratched behind Cheddar's ears.
"Good guard dog."
The corgi barked happily.
Leah stepped aside and closed the door.
"Dinner?"
Francesco smiled.
"I already ate."
"Fancy restaurant?"
"Very."
She nodded knowingly.
"That's the Jorge special."
Francesco walked into the living room and dropped onto the couch with a deep sigh.
"I talked for ten hours today."
Leah sat beside him.
"Welcome to fame."
He leaned his head back against the couch.
"I miss football."
"You'll survive."
Cheddar jumped up onto the couch and curled beside him like a fuzzy pillow.
Within minutes the exhaustion of the long day began catching up.
The house grew quiet again.
Outside, Richmond settled into another peaceful night.
The next few days passed quickly.
Very quickly.
Life returned to the strange rhythm of the off-season schedule.
Every morning another message from Jorge Mendes would arrive with new plans.
Another interview.
Another photoshoot.
Another brand event.
Another promotional appearance.
Francesco found himself moving between studios, offices, event halls, and sports facilities across London almost every day.
Sometimes he was in front of cameras discussing football.
Sometimes posing for advertising campaigns.
Sometimes attending corporate events where sponsors wanted photos and conversations.
It was a different type of work compared to playing for Arsenal F.C., but it was still part of the job.
The off-season rarely meant complete rest.
Leah often joked that the only person busier than Francesco during the summer was Jorge.
And she wasn't entirely wrong.
Still, despite the busy schedule, they always made time for the quiet moments at home.
Morning coffee.
Evening walks with Cheddar.
Late-night movies on the couch.
Small pockets of normal life in between the chaos.
Then finally, one afternoon, there was a rare gap in the schedule.
No interviews.
No photoshoots.
No brand meetings.
Just a free afternoon.
And Francesco intended to use every minute of it.
The afternoon sun hung high over Richmond.
Warm light spilled across the garden behind the mansion.
The air carried that perfect summer warmth that made the outdoors irresistible.
In the center of the garden, the large swimming pool shimmered under the sunlight.
Clear blue water reflecting the sky above.
Francesco surfaced from the water with a splash, pushing wet hair away from his face.
"Hey!"
A small orange tennis ball flew across the pool.
Splash.
Cheddar barked excitedly from the edge.
The corgi stood at the poolside, tail wagging furiously as he waited for the ball to reappear.
Francesco grabbed it and held it up.
"You want it?"
Cheddar barked again.
Francesco tossed the ball across the pool.
It bounced once on the water before floating.
Without hesitation, Cheddar jumped in.
Splash.
The corgi paddled furiously toward the ball, little legs working like tiny motors.
Francesco laughed.
"You're ridiculous."
Cheddar grabbed the ball and swam back proudly.
At the far side of the garden, the sliding glass doors leading to the kitchen were open.
Inside, Leah moved around the kitchen preparing something.
Every few moments she glanced outside toward the pool.
She smiled as she watched the two of them.
Francesco floating lazily in the water.
Cheddar swimming around like a determined little lifeguard.
Leah shook her head slightly.
"Boys," she muttered to herself.
On the kitchen counter she arranged a tray of snacks.
Fresh fruit.
Cold drinks.
A small bowl of chips.
And a couple of sandwiches she had just finished making.
The afternoon heat made swimming the perfect idea.
Leah grabbed the tray carefully and walked toward the garden.
Outside, the sunlight felt even warmer.
She placed the tray on a small table beside the pool chairs.
"Snack delivery," she announced.
Francesco turned toward her from the water.
"Perfect timing."
Cheddar climbed out of the pool, dripping water everywhere as he ran toward the table.
Leah laughed.
"Not for you."
Cheddar stopped and sat obediently.
Mostly obediently.
His eyes still stared at the food.
Francesco swam toward the edge of the pool and pulled himself out, water dripping from his hair and shoulders.
He grabbed a towel from one of the chairs.
"That water feels amazing."
Leah sat down in one of the lounge chairs.
"I can tell."
He picked up a drink from the tray and took a long sip.
Cold.
Refreshing.
Exactly what he needed.
Cheddar flopped down on the warm poolside tiles beside them.
Still slightly wet.
Still slightly hopeful about snacks.
Leah glanced toward the pool.
"You're going back in, right?"
Francesco smiled.
"Of course."
She stood up.
"Good."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Leah grinned and walked toward the edge of the pool.
"Because I'm joining."
Before he could react.
Splash.
She jumped straight into the water.
Francesco laughed loudly.
"Well that answers that."
Cheddar barked excitedly again.
The sound echoed lightly across the quiet backyard of the mansion in Richmond.
Water rippled across the pool where Leah had just jumped in.
For a moment the splash spread across the clear blue surface before settling again.
Francesco wiped a bit of water from his face and laughed.
"You didn't even warn me."
Leah surfaced a few feet away, pushing wet hair away from her eyes.
"That was the warning."
"You nearly drowned me."
"You were floating peacefully. You'll survive."
He shook his head with a grin and swam toward her.
The afternoon sun hung bright above them, reflecting off the water in shimmering patterns.
Around them the garden felt quiet and private.
Tall hedges surrounded the property.
Birds chirped somewhere in the trees beyond the fence.
From the house, the open kitchen doors allowed the faint sound of music drifting outside.
Cheddar stood at the pool edge, barking again like a tiny coach encouraging them.
Leah pointed at him.
"He wants to play."
"He always wants to play."
Francesco grabbed the floating tennis ball and lifted it above the water.
Cheddar's ears immediately perked up.
His body leaned forward in anticipation.
Francesco smirked.
"Ready?"
The corgi barked once.
Francesco tossed the ball again.
Splash.
Without hesitation Cheddar jumped into the pool again, paddling furiously across the surface.
Leah laughed loudly.
"I swear he has more energy than both of us combined."
"That's because he doesn't have interviews all week."
"Fair point."
Cheddar returned proudly with the ball in his mouth and climbed back onto the edge, shaking water everywhere.
Leah held up her hands.
"Hey! Watch the splash zone!"
Too late.
Water droplets sprayed across the tiles and onto the nearby lounge chairs.
Francesco floated on his back for a moment, letting the warmth of the afternoon sun hit his face.
For the first time in days, there was no schedule.
No calls.
No meetings.
No interviews organized by Jorge Mendes.
Just water, sunshine, and the peaceful backyard of home.
Leah swam slowly toward the deeper end of the pool.
"You know what we haven't done in a while?"
Francesco turned his head slightly.
"What?"
"Actual swimming."
"We are swimming."
"No," she said. "We're floating."
"Floating is still swimming."
She rolled her eyes.
"Race me."
Francesco laughed.
"You're serious?"
"Yes."
He glanced toward the opposite side of the pool.
"From here to the other side?"
"Yep."
"You're going to lose."
Leah smirked.
"We'll see."
Cheddar barked again from the edge as if volunteering to referee.
Francesco positioned himself beside her in the water.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
"One."
"Two."
"Three."
They both pushed off the pool wall at the same time.
Water splashed behind them as they swam across the pool.
Francesco's strokes were smooth and powerful from years of professional athletic training.
Leah kept pace surprisingly well.
By the time they reached the opposite edge, Francesco touched the wall first.
He turned with a grin.
"I win."
Leah grabbed the edge beside him, slightly out of breath.
"Barely."
"That wasn't even close."
"It was close enough."
Cheddar barked loudly again as if announcing the results.
Leah pointed at the dog.
"Your referee is biased."
"He's on my team."
The afternoon slowly drifted forward.
Minutes turned into hours without them really noticing.
They swam.
Floated.
Played with Cheddar.
Took breaks to drink cold lemonade from the snack tray.
At one point they laid back on floating pool cushions, drifting lazily across the water while clouds passed slowly overhead.
Francesco stared up at the sky.
"You know what I love about this?"
"What?" Leah asked.
"No cameras."
She nodded.
"No interviews."
"No reporters."
"Just us."
Cheddar barked softly from the edge again, chewing his tennis ball.
Leah smiled.
"And him."
Francesco laughed.
"Yes. And him."
The sunlight gradually began softening as the afternoon slowly approached evening.
Shadows stretched longer across the garden.
The bright blue sky shifted toward warmer golden tones.
Leah eventually climbed out of the pool and grabbed a towel from the lounge chair.
She wrapped it around herself and sat down.
Francesco followed a moment later, pulling himself out of the water and sitting beside her.
Both of them were slightly tired now.
The good kind of tired that comes after hours of swimming and sunshine.
Cheddar trotted over and sat between them, looking pleased with himself.
Leah glanced at the snack tray.
Most of the fruit was gone.
One sandwich remained.
She picked it up and took a bite.
Francesco looked over.
"You ate almost everything."
"You were busy floating."
He grabbed the last chips from the bowl.
"Still hungry."
"Same."
They both looked toward the setting sun for a moment.
The sky over Richmond had turned soft orange and pink.
Evening was coming.
Leah stood up and stretched her arms above her head.
"Alright."
Francesco glanced at her.
"What?"
"I'm getting cold."
"Fair."
She pointed toward the house.
"Shower time."
"Good idea."
Cheddar barked again and ran ahead toward the open doors like he already knew the plan.
They gathered the towels and snack tray before heading back inside.
The cool air of the house felt refreshing after the warm afternoon outside.
Cheddar immediately ran across the kitchen floor and jumped onto his dog bed.
Leah laughed.
"He's exhausted."
Francesco glanced down at the corgi.
"He swam like twenty laps."
"True."
They headed upstairs together.
The shower after a long afternoon of swimming felt incredible.
Hot water washed away the chlorine and sunshine.
Relaxing muscles that had been working for hours.
By the time Francesco stepped out of the bathroom, the sky outside the bedroom windows had turned deep evening blue.
Downstairs, Leah had already gone to the kitchen.
Francesco pulled on a comfortable t-shirt and shorts before heading down.
The smell hit him immediately.
Dinner.
Something warm and delicious cooking in the kitchen.
Leah stood at the stove again, moving around the kitchen with the kind of quiet efficiency she always had when cooking.
A pan sizzled softly.
The oven hummed in the background.
Francesco leaned against the doorway.
"That smells amazing."
She glanced over her shoulder.
"Good."
"I'm starving."
"You should be."
He walked into the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water.
"Swimming all afternoon makes you hungry."
"Exactly."
He looked at the counter.
"You already made snacks earlier."
Leah nodded.
"And you ate most of them."
"Still hungry."
She laughed.
"That's why I'm cooking dinner."
Cheddar wandered into the kitchen and sat down near the table again.
Francesco pointed at him.
"Look who's also hungry."
Leah shook her head.
"That dog is always hungry."
The house filled with the comforting sounds of evening again.
Cooking.
Soft music from the living room speakers.
Dinner continued to fill the kitchen with warmth.
The pan on the stove sizzled softly as Leah stirred the last part of the meal. Steam rose from the pot in thin twisting ribbons, carrying the rich scent of garlic, herbs, and roasted vegetables through the room. The oven gave a quiet ding, signaling that the dish inside was finally ready.
Francesco leaned against the counter, arms folded, watching her move around the kitchen.
There was something calming about seeing Leah cook.
She didn't rush.
She moved with quiet focus, almost like she had done it a thousand times before.
The sleeves of her loose shirt were rolled slightly above her elbows. Her damp hair from the shower had been tied loosely back, though a few strands had escaped and fell around her face.
Cheddar sat near the table, watching both of them carefully.
Mostly watching the food.
Francesco noticed and pointed at him.
"You've been staring at that pan for ten minutes."
Cheddar tilted his head.
Leah glanced down at the dog and laughed.
"He thinks dinner is for him."
"It should be."
"No," she said firmly. "You already spoiled him earlier."
Francesco grabbed two plates from the cabinet and placed them on the counter.
"What can I help with?"
"You can bring the plates to the table."
"Yes chef."
She smirked slightly.
"Don't get used to calling me that."
Francesco picked up the plates and carried them over to the dining table, placing them down carefully.
The dining area overlooked the garden through wide glass windows. Outside, the sky had darkened into deep blue evening, and soft outdoor lights along the hedges illuminated the backyard.
The pool water glowed faintly under its underwater lights.
Only a few hours ago they had been splashing around out there with Cheddar.
Now everything looked peaceful and still.
Leah joined him a moment later carrying a large dish from the oven.
Steam rose immediately when she placed it on the table.
Francesco leaned forward slightly.
"That smells incredible."
"It better be."
"What is it?"
"Roasted chicken, vegetables, and pasta."
"Perfect."
She returned to the kitchen briefly and brought two glasses and a pitcher of water before sitting down across from him.
Cheddar immediately got up and walked closer to the table.
Francesco looked down.
"No."
Cheddar sat.
Still staring.
Leah shook her head.
"He's not even subtle."
"He's hopeful."
Francesco served the food onto both plates.
The first bite made him pause.
He looked up at Leah.
"That's really good."
"Thank you."
"No seriously."
"I know."
He laughed.
"That confidence."
She shrugged slightly.
"I've cooked enough to know when something tastes good."
The two of them ate comfortably, the quiet evening wrapping around the house.
There was no rush.
No phone calls interrupting.
No buzzing notifications demanding attention.
Just dinner.
Occasionally Cheddar let out a soft whine, still hoping for a miracle piece of chicken.
Francesco eventually gave him a small piece under the table.
Leah noticed immediately.
"I saw that."
"You saw nothing."
"Francesco."
"He worked hard today."
"He swam twenty laps because you kept throwing the ball."
"Exactly. Athlete diet."
Cheddar happily chewed his prize.
Leah sighed but couldn't help smiling.
The meal continued with relaxed conversation.
They talked about small things.
The garden.
Plans for the week.
Francesco mentioned the upcoming interviews Jorge Mendes had been organizing.
Leah listened quietly.
"You nervous about those?" she asked.
"Not really."
"Media can be exhausting."
"It's part of the job."
He took another bite of food.
"But today was nice."
Leah nodded.
"Yeah."
"A day without cameras."
"Without headlines."
"Without people analyzing every move."
They shared a brief smile.
The kind that only comes from understanding exactly what the other person means.
Dinner lasted nearly an hour.
By the time they finished, most of the food had disappeared.
Francesco leaned back in his chair.
"I'm full."
"Good."
"You saved my life."
"That's dramatic."
"Swimming all afternoon requires recovery fuel."
Leah stood and began gathering the empty plates.
"I'll wash."
Francesco stood immediately.
"No, I'll help."
"You don't have to."
"I want to."
They carried the dishes to the kitchen together.
The sink filled with warm water and soap bubbles as Leah began washing.
Francesco dried the plates with a towel and placed them neatly back into the cabinets.
Cheddar moved between their feet, clearly hoping something else might drop.
"Careful," Leah said. "You're going to trip over him."
"He's supervising."
"He's begging."
Francesco laughed softly.
The kitchen slowly returned to its clean state.
Pots rinsed.
Plates stacked.
Counter wiped.
The calm rhythm of washing dishes made the house feel even more peaceful.
Then.
Ding.
A sound echoed faintly through the house.
Francesco paused.
Leah looked up from the sink.
"Doorbell?"
"Yeah."
At this hour it was unexpected.
Francesco walked over toward the wall screen connected to the house security cameras.
He tapped the display and the CCTV feed appeared.
The driveway camera showed headlights.
A familiar black car had stopped outside the gate.
Francesco squinted slightly.
Then he smiled.
"Oh."
Leah dried her hands and walked over.
"Who is it?"
"Sanchez."
She leaned closer to the screen.
Sure enough, the car was unmistakable.
Leah laughed quietly.
"Did he text you?"
"No."
The car outside idled calmly, headlights illuminating the tall gate.
Francesco tapped the gate control.
The metal gate slowly began sliding open.
Outside, the car rolled forward smoothly into the driveway.
The engine sound grew louder as it approached the house.
Leah crossed her arms slightly, curious.
"I wonder what he's doing here."
"Probably bored."
The car pulled up under the porch lights and came to a stop.
Francesco walked toward the front door.
Cheddar immediately followed.
"Stay," Francesco told the dog.
Cheddar ignored him and trotted behind anyway.
Francesco opened the door just as the driver's door of the car opened.
Sanchez stepped out, smiling.
"Evening!"
Francesco grinned and stepped forward.
"Sanchez!"
They greeted each other with a quick handshake and shoulder bump like teammates who had spent countless hours together on the field.
"You look relaxed," Sanchez said.
"I was."
He glanced back toward the house.
"We just finished dinner."
Sanchez looked toward the open doorway where warm light spilled onto the porch.
"Perfect timing then."
Francesco raised an eyebrow.
"What's going on?"
Sanchez leaned casually against the side of the car.
"A few of the boys are out tonight."
"Yeah?"
"Nightclub downtown."
Francesco crossed his arms.
"And?"
"And we thought you might want to join."
Francesco laughed slightly.
"You just showed up to recruit me?"
"Pretty much."
Inside the house, Leah appeared in the hallway behind the door.
She stayed a few steps back but could hear the conversation.
Sanchez noticed her and gave a friendly wave.
"Hey Leah!"
"Hi," she replied with a small smile.
Francesco glanced back toward her.
Sanchez continued.
"Nothing crazy. Just some of the guys relaxing. Music, drinks, catching up."
"Who's there?"
"A few of our teammates."
Francesco considered it.
It had been a while since he'd gone out with the team.
Most nights recently had been filled with interviews, training, and quiet evenings at home.
Sanchez added with a grin.
"You can't hide at home forever."
Francesco chuckled.
"I'm not hiding."
"Sure."
He then glanced toward Leah again.
Francesco followed his gaze.
For a moment he hesitated.
He didn't want to assume.
He always respected Leah's feelings.
He walked back inside a few steps and looked at her gently.
"You okay if I go?"
The question was simple, but sincere.
Leah stood there quietly for a second.
She already knew this moment would come sooner or later.
Francesco had teammates.
Friends.
A life beyond the quiet comfort of their home.
And she knew him well enough.
He was loyal.
He always came back.
Stopping him from seeing his teammates wouldn't feel right.
She gave a small, slightly tired smile and nodded.
"It's okay."
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
Her voice was soft but honest.
"You should go."
Francesco studied her expression for a moment.
"You don't mind?"
Leah shook her head lightly.
"I know you."
That made him smile faintly.
She added quietly,
"You're loyal."
The words carried quiet trust.
Francesco stepped closer and kissed her forehead gently.
"I won't be too late."
She shrugged softly.
"Just don't wake me if I'm asleep."
Sanchez leaned into the doorway again.
"So… is that a yes?"
Francesco turned back toward him with a grin.
"Looks like it."
Sanchez clapped his hands once.
"Let's go then!"
Cheddar barked loudly as if reacting to the sudden excitement.
Francesco pointed at the dog.
"You're not invited."
Cheddar tilted his head.
Leah laughed softly.
"Go have fun," she said.
Francesco grabbed his jacket from the hallway hook.
He slipped on a pair of sneakers quickly before heading back to the door.
Sanchez was already walking toward the car.
Francesco glanced back once more.
Leah stood in the hallway with the warm kitchen light behind her.
She lifted a hand in a small wave.
"Text me when you get there."
"I will."
Then Francesco stepped outside and closed the door behind him.
The night air felt cooler now compared to the warm house.
He walked over to the car and climbed into the passenger seat.
Sanchez started the engine again.
"So," Sanchez said, pulling away from the porch, "ready for a proper night out?"
Francesco leaned back in the seat.
"Let's see what the boys have planned."
The car rolled down the driveway.
Behind them, inside the quiet house, Leah watched through the window as the headlights moved toward the gate.
Cheddar walked over and sat beside Leah.
She sighed softly and scratched behind the dog's ears.
"Looks like it's just us tonight."
The gate opened again slowly, as the car disappeared onto the road beyond. Then the gate closed, as the house fell quiet again.
The car navigated through the winding streets of the city, the nightclub's neon lights growing brighter with each passing block. Francesco and Sanchez finally arrived, the club's bouncer, a towering figure with a stern expression, eyeing them up before giving a nod of recognition and stepping aside.
As they stepped inside, the pulsating music enveloped them, making it hard to hear anything else. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and expensive perfume. Francesco grinned, feeling a rush of excitement. It had been too long since he'd let loose.
Sanchez led the way, weaving through the crowd with ease, exchanging fist bumps and nods with various people. Francesco followed, feeling a sense of camaraderie wash over him. This was what he needed which is a night out with the boys, no expectations, no pressure.
They made their way to the VIP section, where the others were already holding court. Walker, Giroud, Walcott, Bellerin, Robertson, and Oxlade-Chamberlain were all there, laughing and joking with each other.
The group erupted into cheers and whistles as Francesco and Sanchez arrived. The music was turned down, and the conversation flowed easily, lubricated by the endless supply of drinks.
"Francesco! Sanchez!" Walker yelled, beckoning them over. "Get over here, mate!"
The night wore on, with stories being told and jokes being cracked. Francesco found himself relaxing, letting go of the stresses of his career and just enjoying the company of his teammates.
Giroud, ever the showman, was regaling the group with tales of his exploits on the pitch, exaggerating his goalscoring feats to comical effect. Walcott was laughing so hard he was almost crying, while Bellerin was shaking his head, a bemused expression on his face.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, meanwhile, was trying to one-up Giroud, claiming he'd scored more goals than anyone else in the team. Robertson was rolling his eyes good-naturedly, muttering something about Ox's inflated ego.
As the night wore on, the music got louder, and the dancing started. Francesco found himself on his feet, dancing with the others, feeling carefree and alive.
At one point, Sanchez leaned over and shouted in his ear, "You needed this, mate!"
Francesco grinned, nodding in agreement. "Definitely!"
The night wore on, with more drinks and laughter. Francesco lost track of time, but he knew he'd remember this night for a long time.
______________________________________________
Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 18 (2016)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal First Team
Championship History : 2014/2015 Premier League, 2014/2015 FA Cup, 2015/2016 Community Shield, 2016/2017 Premier League, 2015/2016 Champions League, Euro 2016, Premier League Champion 2016/2017, and 2016/2017 Champions League.
Season 16/17 stats:
Arsenal:
Match: 55
Goal: 87
Assist: 5
MOTM: 14
POTM: 1
England:
Match: 1
Goal: 1
Assist: 0
MOTM: 0
Season 15/16 stats:
Arsenal:
Match Played: 60
Goal: 82
Assist: 10
MOTM: 9
POTM: 1
England:
Match Played: 2
Goal: 4
Assist: 0
Euro 2016
Match Played: 6
Goal: 13
Assist: 4
MOTM: 6
Season 14/15 stats:
Match Played: 35
Goal: 45
Assist: 12
MOTM: 9