Show Off - Mal/You

II

Your POV

All eyes were on me as heads began to turn toward me, all thanks to Kling's grand entrance and even grander introduction. I gave a pathetic excuse for a hand wave as some sort of response. "Oh shit." I thought to myself as I was dragged by the defender to a nearby row of seats. Sitting down as quickly as possible, I put my head into my hands as I let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding in. Meghan smiled brightly as she slapped my back, just adding to the attention already drawn to me.

"Oh my god, Kling. I haven't even been here for a full day and you already have managed to attack me and my confidence." I groaned, trying to shrink into the chair I was in. I saw the defender open her mouth to protest, or to embarrass me again, before another voice cut in.

"Meghan, leave the poor girl alone."

I turned to look next to me, realizing who the voice came from; Mallory Pugh.

I chuckled slightly, "Thanks, Mal." Mallory smiled brightly, "Always."

Jill began the team meeting shortly after the conversation with Mal, and Dawn asked me to introduce myself so the team would get to know me better. I stood up and rubbed the back of my neck as I looked around the room. Here goes nothing.

"Uh, Hi. I'm Y/N L/N. But you guys probably know that from the grand entrance Kling gave earlier." I let out a small chuckle before continuing. "I'm eighteen, I play forward, and I currently am attending Stanford." I spotted a proud Christen and a fist pumping Kelley O'Hara.

"What's your favorite NWSL team?" Tobin shouted from across the room. "Portland Thorns." I said confidently as Kling gave me a thumbs up. "Other than soccer, what else do you like to do? Like in your free time?" Sofia asked. I laughed for a moment before answering. "What free time? Anyways, I like to take naps. Naps are fun. But other than that, I like to work out and surf."

"Are you single?" Someone asked. I looked over from where the voice came from, and surprisingly it came from Mal.

"At the moment, my bisexual self is single." I said with a smile. "Alright, well we are all glad to have you here at this camp. Ladies, dinner will be served in two hours, and curfew tonight is 11:45." Jill said as I sat down.

The room filled with small chatter, but I simply leaned back in your chair and looked around the room. These people were my idols, and they all were here in one room together with me. "What if I don't fit in?" "What if no one talks to me?" "What if Jill sends me home early?" I thought to myself. I usually didn't get this pessimistic, but oh well.

I was brought out of my thoughts as I saw Alex Morgan and Allie Long approach me. They both gave me small smiles before Allie spoke up. "Welcome to camp, rookie." I smiled back and chuckled lightly, "Glad to be here." Alex looked over at Kling and Pinoe, who were engaged in some playful punching. "If you ever need a break from those two, just come to our room." The forward said with a small chuckle. I couldn't help but laugh as well, shaking my head a bit. "Good to know."

"STANFORD BABY!" Kelley screamed as she ran towards me. I fell out of my chair and onto the floor since the action startled me. Christen pulled me up gently, and I shot her a small smile as Kelley pulled us into a hug. "Stanford family!" She added as Christen laughed, and I couldn't help but smile.

Maybe I was wrong; I was going to fit in here.

———

After dinner ended, it was around 9:00. Sofia and Mal decided it would be a fun idea to have team movie night in their room, so that's why Kelley was dragging Christen and me across the hall and into Mal and Sofia's room. When we finally got to the door, Kelley immediately began rapidly knocking on the door. Christen put her head in her hands and let out a groan, "Jeez Kel, could you be any louder?" Press said as Kelley gave me a smirk.

I grinned and began knocking with Kelley, matching her speed as the sound echoed off the hallway ways and Christen let out a small chuckle. "You've possessed the Stanford baby. Look what you've done." Before Kelley could protest, the door opened with a very annoyed Sofia. I grinned, causing her to laugh and shake her head.

"Come on in, Rookie, Squirrel, and Press."

We entered the room and I smiled at Mal as she poked her head from around the corner. "Hello Mal." I said as she mirrored the smile. "Hey Y/N." We talked for a little bit as the rest of the team arrived. "Come on, let's find somewhere to sit." Mallory said as she grabbed my hand and lead me toward the living area, where the rest of the team was. I was thankful for the dimmed lighting that hid my blush from the other teammates, and importantly, from Mal.

"Ashlyn, we are not watching Sharknado."

"Alex, we are not watching the notebook."

I smiled at the small disputes the team had over which movie to watch. They really were one big family; a family I hope I can be a part of as well. Mallory had sat down in the corner, in front of one of the couches. Ashlyn and Ali sat above us, who sat next to Tobin and Christen.

The team finally decided on Dumb and Dumber, after a long five minutes of debating. The movie went on, and about 45 minuets into it, I felt myself getting tired, evidently finding myself leaning on Mal, my head on her shoulder. Mallory wrapped an arm around my lower waist. Thank goodness my face was in her shoulder and she couldn't see the blush creeping on my face. By the time the movie ended, we were all exhausted, but when Mal got up I immediately missed the contact.

"What is wrong with me? I just met this girl." I thought to myself as I shook my head and got up as well. Just as I was about to turn and leave, I felt a hand on my wrist. Looking up, I made eye contact with Mallory. "Leaving without saying goodbye?" She said playfully as I grinned. I pulled her in for a hug, "Goodnight Mal." The other forward chuckled, her chin resting on my shoulder. "Goodnight, sleeping beauty." The hug lasted a bit longer than it should have, because neither of us wanted to let go probably. But Christen appeared from the other room and looked ready to head back to our room, so I slowly let go of Mal.

I waved goodbye to the rest of the team as I followed Christen out. Tonight was pretty fun, but I couldn't stop thinking about Mal. Things were going to get interesting, I could feel it. But the only thing I could feel right now was fatigue. I'll figure it out in the morning, since my lack of sleep caused me to walk into a wall. Christen laughed lightly and pulled me to my bed before letting me hit the mattress, completely out of it. I blame the jet lag.

"Night, Christen." "Goodnight, newbie."