All are punished! - HITTER

[kitcountssouls]

Author:
kitcountssouls
Rating: R I’d say. [no explicit sex]
Category: tragedy
Characters: Dramatis Personae assembled in collaboration with lady_quark a long long time ago
Length: 8713 words
Warning: character death, duh!, and bloody violence.
Summary: Two households both alike in dignity, In fair Girona where we lay our scene. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life.
Disclaimer: free interpretation of Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, so it's all f.i.c.t.i.o.n.
Authors Notes: this was originally a collaboration project with lady_quark; last season's clasico madness interposed, so I ended up writing it by myself;
the story comes a whole season too late, as Bojan and Canales are no longer rivals, but if you fancy reading slash Romeo & Juliet antagonizing Barça and Madrid as a Clasico preview, have at it!

the City of Girona, Catalunya, Spain

Prologue

The house was packed, it was almost like every bimbo and party goer in the Girona was there. For someone celebrating his 18th birthday, Bojan was unexpectedly bored. The party was no better than any of the others he had attended, and as his big shot father's son, that was all he did all night long.

He sat on a couch, in the middle of the spacious living room, and gazed absentmindedly at the dancers around him, the red leather sofa a bubble casting him apart from the dazzling disco-ball lights and the chatter and the cheer.

His life felt barren, empty and he knew exactly what he missed. He wanted to be loved, and not by the hoards of boys and girls that flocked in equal measure to pleasure him at a snap of fingers. He was silently bemoaning that his status and his father's wealth and position in Girona could not grant him his heart's wish, which was the simple love story he badly needed.

For Bojan had done all the drugs in the world and had drank all the liquors and had done many a crazy things, always backed up by his family's terrifying name, but one thing he had not achieved.

He had not managed to conquer the one person he felt any sort of romantic feelings for. Jonathan preferred to be distant and had even proceeded to insult Bojan by not attending the would-be-magnificent birthday bash.

His heart yearned for the brunette, but in a calm manner. He knew he was not in love with Jonathan, for he had seen him only a few times in his life and spoken to him twice, but his heart had been certainly bewitched to a certain point where wanting took over.

“I will not allow my best friend to be miserable on his birthday!” Gerard sat down on the couch next to him with a loud clatter.

It was typical of Gerard to make a lot of noise and Bojan was sometimes grateful for it, as it took his mind off his pampered-but-oh-so-depressing life. Tonight, however, he was in a 'it's my party and I’ll cry if I want to' mood. And Gerard's cheerfulness was annoying.

“I want to be left alone, Gerard.”

“You're turning 18. you can legally drink now. And drive....”

“I've been drinking since I was 14 and driving for 3 years now. I don't care....”

“Why are you so upset?” Gerard’s tone turned serious.

“I don't know. There's like a void in me and nothing seems to work my way, I have never achieved anything in life because of my own merits, it's always the Guardiola name that makes way for me in the world and I’m beginning to feel it's a burden.”

Gerard shook his head. The spoiled little brat had the nerve to complain about being rich and having props...but he was benefiting from Bojan's status himself so he would not speak his mind. Not tonight, anyway.

“Well, I have something that should cheer you up. Come.” he got up and pulled Bojan up as well.

“What is it?” Bojan said, not with disinterest.

He had realised that moping by himself and letting bitter thoughts consume him was probably unwise. He was too young to be this depressed and unsure about his future.

“It's a surprise. My gift - the boys contributed too - for your big birthday!”

Patting him on the back almost knocking him over, as if Gerard didn't know his own strength, he guided Bojan towards the foyer and then down the stairs into the underground garage.

There were quite a few cars there, Bojan's Ford Shelby Cobra, his father's Aston Martin and Tito's Dodge Viper, together with the family cars, the Cadillac Escalade and the BMW X5. Gerard's car, a Chevrolet Impala, was parked nearest to the entrance, obviously the last one to make its way inside the spacious concrete basement room.

“Well?” Bojan looked at the line of cars and then at Gerard.

“It's in the car. The gift. In the trunk.” Gerard explained, unable to refrain a smirk.

They circled the car to reach its back and Gerard popped the trunk open. The lid lifted slowly.

Dirty blond hair in messy locks, gagged, green eyed and completely scared, a very young boy stared blinking repeatedly at the taller man that he remembered knocking him unconscious who sported a widening grin. He was positively terrifying and looked like he was about to hurt him again. His gaze switched to the shorter man, a boy in fact, not much older than he himself was, looking shocked and horrified, but whose intense gaze and o-rounded mouth did not put him at ease and their brief eye contact was severed before he could react in any way but whimper.

Bojan closed the lid quickly, barely suppressing a squeal, as if he were hoping the boy in the trunk would go away if he didn't see him anymore.

“What the actual fuck!” he looked at Gerard, squinting in the neon light of the garage.

“It's a little fairy, just for you. The guys and I thought you'd like something special for your eighteenth.” Gerard's tone grew apologetic with each word, having realised he had messed up.

“Jesus. Jesus, Gerard. Goddamn it. Goddamn it all to hell! Do you know who he is?” Bojan's fury was real, his fright overpowering.

He only needed one look to learn that the shaky bundle of angelic blond was none other than Raul Gonzales' 16 year old son, his only heir. The apple of the bitter man's eye and that...if word got out, and how could it not, there would be blood.

“Yes. Of course I do. I live in this City, I'm your best friend. It's my job to know....”

“Help me get him out.” he said, in a flurry of panic.

One

The boy looked unharmed, but still very shaken. Bojan wearily brought him a glass of water, as if merely approaching him might get him into trouble. He had calmed down and had sent Gerard back at the party, while he had remained behind, hoping to remedy the current problem.

He had been brought up hating the Gonzalez family, considering then heathens that should perish. It was more than a business rivalry, it was their very philosophy that he, as heir to the Guardiola family, could not abide.

And yet, never once had he felt any sort of ill fitted feeling for the youngest member of the despicable family. In fact, he had never seen him up close before, and had never known the boy would be so shy, so unobtrusive, so different in behaviour than he he himself was.

Sergio was quiet and seemed to not bear any grudge. Once he had been removed from the trunk, and whisked away in the central heating room, he had eased up, fear leaving his features. When he had understood nothing bad would be done to him, he had even managed to smile.

As Bojan watched Sergio drink the glass of water, he couldn't help himself from noticing the younger boy. He was dressed in a white t-shirt and dark blue jeans, with dark grey converse and no jacket. He had no other possessions on him and Sergio had even feared he had lost his wallet in the scuffle when he had been kidnapped.

However, Gerard had reassured them both that his bag was safe and he would bring it as soon as he could.

Under the mop of straw coloured hair, Sergio's eyes twinkled in shades of green, not unlike his very own. Once the fright was gone and the boy relaxed, his smile returned, so charmingly.

Bojan felt his mouth going dry, and a funny feeling swelled in his chest. As he stood, by the door, a good few feet away from Sergio, he felt like he was somehow suffocating, the air in the room suddenly growing too hot to breathe.

To say he was fascinated would be an understatement, as he could not tear his gaze from the boy. He knew he should keep his distance and allow Sergio some space, but all he wanted was to sit next to him and run his fingers through his hair. The urge was so strong, that almost on their own accord, his legs carried him closer to the bench Sergio was occupying.

“Can I..?” He wondered softly, eying the bench.

“Sure. It's your house.” Sergio replied averting his gaze from Bojan.

Bojan didn't want to sit because it was his house, but rather because Sergio didn't mind having him so close, but that was a good answer as any.

“I'm so sorry for all this. My friends didn't think things through. Gerard's a bit like that. Thoughtless.” He added seeing that Sergio was wide eyed.

The younger boy didn't say anything. Bojan felt the need to talk, to keep Sergio with him as long as possible, so he continued.

“You should know I had no clue of what they did. I would've stopped them if I knew. You must think the worst of me, but I can assure you I’m not a bad person. Apart from being connected with the Guardiola family, that is.”

“I don't think the worst of you because you're part of this family. I don't know you. Well, didn't. Now that I met you, I can decide if I want to hate you, like I should, or not.”

Sergio spoke quietly, his eyes fixated on the other boy.

“And judging by the circumstances of our encounter, you should hate me. You were kidnapped to satisfy a whim of mine....”

“You said it yourself you had nothing to do with this.”

“But my friends, knowing me, thought it would be a great birthday present. What does that say about me!”

“That you don't know how to choose your friends?”

It was then that Sergio cracked into a genuine smile and Bojan was able to release that long kept breath.

“So, you don't hate me, even if you should?” he dared.

“I haven't decided.” Sergio said playfully. “I did hear you're a bit of a daredevil and that you're always upto no good.”

Bojan felt ashamed. He was the talk of the town indeed, but this was the first time this fame was making him embarrassed, rather than proud. He wished Sergio didn't take him for a waster, even though he was one.

“But I don't see you like that.” Sergio continued, much to Bojan's surprise.

“Then how?” and there was the small push of hope in his chest.

“You're just a kid. Perhaps more experienced than me, but you're not jaded.”

Sergio smiled and Bojan all but reached to kiss him. He felt elated with the answer, even if he couldn't quite comprehend why he didn't feel insulted to be called a kid when he was a man.

“You are just as scared of me as I am of you.” Sergio then said. “This family feud is making us both uncomfortable and doesn't allow us to be just two teenagers, you know?”

“I am not afraid of you or of your family, but you're right about the last part. Had things been normal, we could've gone up and enjoyed the party. As it is, we're stuck in the boiler room, in hiding.”

But in reality, talking to his father's enemy's son was far more exhilarating and exciting than the best of parties.

Sergio remained quiet, seemingly pondering Bojan's last words. He felt a swelling in his chest and he had a hard time both in maintaining eye contact with the other and in looking away. He had never felt like that about anyone and it was making him dizzy. All he knew was that he had to leave his rival's place soon, before he said too much and revealed things he didn't yet understand himself.

That was when Gerard appeared in the doorway, dropping off Sergio's bag.

“I should go.” He said, getting up. “I don't want to get you in trouble” he added quickly, seeing Bojan's smile fade.

“I'll drive you.” Bojan said, also standing up, barring Sergio's way somehow.

Sergio fidgeted.

“Isn't that dangerous? What if someone from my family sees you? This could get ugly.”

“I told you, I do not fear your family. I cannot let you take a cab, it's risky. Besides, after all the trouble I got you in, it's the least I could do.”

Sergio shrugged and said nothing. He could spend some more time with Bojan and it seemed the other would not take no for an answer. He grabbed his bag and got in the the Cobra.

“I like your car. My father says I'm too young to have my own car, and that maybe I'll get one when I turn 18. But I doubt it'd be something as fancy as this, my father doesn't like sports cars, he says they're not safe.”

“This is the safest ride you'll ever take, Sergio. You're with me.” Bojan felt his cheeks burning as he realised what he has just said, but tried to play it cool.

Sergio chuckled and put his seat belt on. His life was too shielded and he never got to do things on his own, always had his guardian with him. Apart from this evening, when he had sneaked out to check the new comics at the nearby comicbook store, Iker was always with him. So now, next to Bojan of all people, driving like a maniac on the narrow streets of Girona, he could say he was breathing fresh air, for the first time in his 16 years.

It was certainly a feeling he had missed, even if he had never experienced it before and he knew he wanted to feel this free again.

“Are you sure you can climb back in safely?”

“Yes. I did climb out, didn't I? Now go, I don't want you to get in trouble.”

“I'll go. Don't worry about me.”

Bojan reached over Sergio to unlock the car door and for the few seconds it took him to do that, their faces were so close, and their eyes met and their hearts spoke. Feeling Bojan's breath on his neck made Sergio heat up, desire squirming inside him. Bojan was ridiculously satisfied with himself and the sensations he was feeling, taking in Sergio's face and his soul alike from such short range.

“Goodbye.” Sergio suddenly said, bolting out of the car, getting away from temptation.

Bojan remained behind, leaning against the car and watching Sergio make his way inside. He knew he had to leave as soon as possible, but something stopped him. Sergio was in there. Sergio who had stirred so much emotion in him, Sergio whose mere presence filled him with a peace he never felt before and yet with so much yearning.

Feeling all foolish and overwhelmed with sudden need to prove himself to Sergio, Bojan climbed over the high wall surrounding the Gonzalez mansion and soon found himself on the estate.

Two

Sergio felt restless, as he lay in his bed. His absence from the house had been noticed only by Iker, of course, who had covered for him, as he always did; but it wasn’t Iker's questioning and his lack of good answers what made Sergio toss and turn in the sheets.

What had started as an innocent trip to the comic-book store had turned out to be a life-altering experience. He had been afraid, when that oaf had kidnapped him and sure, he had been even more scared to find himself in his father's enemy's home.

But Bojan. Bojan wasn't as he had imagined, a good for nothing punk that thrived on cruelty and booze and drugs. Bojan was sweet and nervous and weary and so beautiful.

This new Bojan, the real Bojan had crawled into his heart and the unspeakable affection he felt for the boy his father's spouse, Guti, referred to as 'that maggot' was making him dream. Impossible dreams, but dreams too beautiful to cast away.

Iker was not only his guardian, the man his father hired to keep an eye on him, but also his best friend and confidant. He was the only person he trusted, since his father didn't have time for his teenage issues and Guti was catty and didn't exactly care. But Iker was also loyal to the family and he would not hesitate telling the tale, if he thought it was the right thing.

So he couldn't tell Iker, even if, for the first time in his life, he had an interesting story to tell and needed advice. Forgotten were all his dreams, all his pretend adventures of love he had previously imagined, discarded were the fantasies. This was the real thing and Sergio felt like choking on life's cruelty.

He threw the blanked off the bed and sprung to his feet. He felt cooped up in his bedroom and needed some air. Going on the balcony, into the sweet April night would make him feel a little more at ease.

The whirlwind of thoughts was relentless. He grabbed the balcony's rail and peered into the garden, the beautiful garden he loved so much, that now seemed so lifeless and pathetic. What need was there in the world for such perishing beauty if he was denied love?

“Oh Bojan.” He said aloud, not caring what that brought on.

“You called?”

She shrub of roses parted, to reveal his heart's desire, in the flesh. Sergio drew back, most startled.

“You're here.” he said, breathlessly, as if the wind had been knocked out of him suddenly.

“I couldn't leave. I had to see you again.”

“But what if you get caught? They'll slay you before you could get one word out!” Sergio trembled with anguish and worry.

“Then I would die a happy death, because I saw your face once more.”

Bojan himself felt intoxicated with the roses' perfume and Sergio's presence above him, illuminated as he was by the silvery moonshine. He had thought the boy looked like an angel even before, so now all he could do was stare in awe and hope for the best.

“You sound so silly. You don't even know me, Bojan!”

“Once you see a man locked in a trunk and then see his fear unveil, you know him. I know you Sergio, just like you know me.”

“Does knowledge mean something else to you?”

“It does. It does indeed.”

He could not tell what made him do it, but he needed to be closer to the sun Sergio represented, the new center of his universe. He climbed up the piping to the boy's balcony.

“Bojan.”

They stood face to face, both grinning widely, both barely breathing, needing to reach in the other's arms, but afraid to move. Holding their ground for their families were at war and this was not right. Not right at all.

“Sergio.”

“This cannot be. You are with them, your name strikes fear and anger in my family.”

“Then I shall stop being this name. This name, it is mine no more. I am only yours.”

They did not say the mundane words, but they floated in the spring air. Love flourished on their lips and in their hearts and minds, their souls communed as they stood, frozen in expectation.

“Then I shall take you, Bojan. Bojan no more, just mine.” Sergio whispered.

He flung himself in Bojan's embrace, who received him so tenderly, cupping his face and offering the blond boy his first ever kiss, filled with sweetness and abandon and desire.

“What shall we do?” Sergio spoke up, head still buried in Bojan's neck.

“We cannot let fate guide our love, Sergio. We must make our own destiny. Tonight I have become a man in more than one way. Thus, we shall do the right thing. We shall be wed. And our love, if strong, will end the feud.”

“You speak bold words, I am afraid still. I am afraid they'll kill you in this rose garden when you step down.”

“We shall seek help, Sergio, I know a man. A man who will be glad to know of our union. Do you not use the good services of Jose Manuel Reina?”

“We do. He is the best, Guti even says it makes no difference that he also cures your heathen family. His words.” Sergio blushed, trying to sweeten the insult he had uttered.

“Then he will be our saviour and guide. We will meet at his cabinet tomorrow and tie the knot. And worry not, your love is a shield now and I am untouchable.” Bojan smiled wickedly and kissed Sergio's cheek.

Parting, Bojan climbed down with ease and Sergio retreated inside. Of that, he had to tell Iker. And Iker being a just man, he too would accept Sergio's love as the one device to put an end to the families' conflict. Yes, Iker Casillas would help him the next day.

Three

“What sees you here, Bojan. Your kidneys finally requested the physician’s help?”

Jose Manuel Reina, best known as Pepe, greeted young Bojan with a hug. Joke aside, he hoped his friend was not ill.

“It is not my health that urges me to see you so early in the morning.” Bojan began to explain the nature of his visit.

That moment, Sergio burst though the door, shutting it with a bang.

“Ah Sergio. You will have to wait, I already have a patient.” Pepe smiled, a bit weirded out with the coincidence of these two mortal enemies making their way to his practice at the same time.

“We are here together, Pepe. To ask for your advice.” Bojan said quickly, pulling Sergio closer.

Pepe gawked. He could not believe his eyes, nor his ears, but indeed, the two young men were quite obviously holding hands.

“You are here together.” He let out slowly.

“Together.” Sergio said confidently.

Pepe sat back down in his office chair and rubbed his eyes for a few seconds. This was the most unexpected occurrence possible and it frightened him as much as it gave him hope. He had been caught in the middle of their families' war for over 20 years and he had always believed there could be room for reconciliation, if both parties stepped up to the plate.

And now there they were, the innocent offspring, with twinkling eyes and bravery etched in their faces, ready to do the right thing.

“You must wed. Now the conflict escalated again, and you will need to lay low for a few days. But I will make sure to get your fathers to a parley, and then I will reveal the happy event. All will be well.”

He then called his good friend Luis, who worked at the City Hall, and quickly arranged their civil ceremony.

“My children. Be at the City Hall entrance on Carrer Llobregat in 30 minutes and you will be married. You will need a witness each. I would accompany you, but I have patients. Keep me posted though, and soon we shall all rejoice.”

And then, aware that his cabinet was the only place where the two could have some privacy, Pepe stepped outside, where he found Iker sitting in the waiting room.

“Will it be done?” Iker asked right away.

“Hi Iker. Yes it will. I am glad Sergio trusted you. He will probably ask you to be his witness.”

“I am ready for it. I hope this ends well, I am still not sure I should trust a Guardiola.”

“Iker, you have my word. Bojan is a good person. And this is love we're dealing with. Love moves mountains.”

“This is what I'm afraid of. My Sergio is so young!”

It was then that Bojan emerged and saluting Iker briefly and patting Pepe on the back, made his way out.

He needed to be ready for the ceremony, but he didn't know who to call to serve as witness. Gerard was too much of a loudmouth, he would give the secret away. David was his beloved best friend, but David was a free spirit who didn't believe in unions blessed by men.

There was his mousy and quiet cousin, Lionel. Lionel wasn't even on speed dial, but he was the best choice and Bojan gave him a ring right away.

*

Dressed in plain clothes, Sergio walked into the City Hall accompanied by Lionel. The civil servant that would wed him and Bojan was in a great hurry and there was little time for cute smiles, for nervousness or for grand words.

Before he could even look twice back at Iker or notice Bojan's witness, they were married and Bojan's lips pressed to his in the prescribed fashion.

“Now. We must part ways until it's safe for you to meet again. Bojan, I am glad to know you.” Iker then had to pull Sergio away. “Act normally and soon this will no longer be a secret.”

So Bojan went to his usual pub to meet his friends, counting the hours and the minutes that separated him from being with Sergio again.

*

Alvaro knew what he had seen the previous night. There was only one person in Girona who owned a Shelby Cobra and that man should be dead for disturbing the peace of the Gonzalez house. Looking at the fine car, parked on the sidewalk, there was a glint of revenge in his eyes. Bojan would pay for whatever trick he was upto.

However, he had to play it right, because the Mayor had given both families an ultimatum after their last street brawl. He knew he had allowed things to escalate and the fire at the gas station he had started would not be so easily overlooked by the city's hard tried neutrals.

But as he lived for the Gonzalez family reputation and he could not allow dirty Guardiolas sneaking around without punishment, he needed to act up.

So damned be the Mayor and his reelection campaign, which was really what had urged him to issue threats against both families. The Mayor mattered so little in the City, ruled by the powerful Gonzalez and Guardiola families, and his decrees were taken to be jokes. So when Alvaro entered the cafe, he no longer had any qualms.

“Bojan! You are upto something, plotting against the Gonzalez family.” he shouted as soon as he spotted the youngster and his friends.

“Alvaro. What a pleasure to see you, my good man. How have you been lately?” Bojan replied as courteous as he could

He was now part of Alvaro's family and did not want to quarrel with him. As soon as the wedding band had been placed on his finger, all the hatred in his heart had lifted, and he felt truly cordial towards Sergio's cousin.

“Do not mock me, you bastard. I saw your car by the estate late last night. I cannot allow your plots to fall upon my family.”

“Alvaro, I can assure you that you are mistaken. I have no plot against your noble family. The past is just the past and all the squabbles can now end. Why don't you sit with us, we're having the finest lager in Girona.”

“Bojan, you aren't really asking Arbeloa to join us!” David commented.

“Why not. I am offering to bury the hatchet, with drinks on me!” Bojan sat up. “Drinks on me, everyone!” he announced and the pub patrons cheered.

Alvaro was dumbfounded. He had always heard only the worst of things about Guardiola's son, a scummy brat of a kid that wasted the family millions on the most depraved of thrills. He knew Bojan was hot tempered and had caused many fights. He always carried a gun also. So this sudden cease fire was suspect.

“You dog. I shall not drink with you. I'd rather spit in your face, you coward.”

Bojan's hand holding the pint trembled at the insult, but he controlled himself. With a sterner tone, he told Alvaro again that he was mistaken and turned back, considering the argument terminated.

“You are thus a coward, Bojan. All those fights you said you won? Did your friends hold your victims for you?” Alvaro concluded sarcastically.

“Are you going to stand for this?” David whispered, visibly annoyed with Alvaro's allegations.

“I made a promise today, David. Alvaro's words will not break my resolve.” Bojan said through gritted teeth.

“A boy, that's what you are, hiding behind your buddies all the time. The same as your father, simply not man enough!” Alvaro did not relent.

As far as he was concerned, getting a violent reaction from the normally volatile Bojan would've been the norm. This placid behaviour worried him.

“Bojan. I cannot hear this and do nothing about it!” David stood up.

“David, no. This is not your fight!” Bojan tried to stop him.

But David had already grabbed Alvaro by the throat and they were stumbling towards the exit engulfed in fistfight.

With Gerard returning from the bathroom just then, the two ran outside where Alvaro and David were fighting. It was obvious that David, younger and a pacifist, was not as good. Alvaro jumped on him and the two men began rolling on the ground.

Bojan realised both men were trying to reach for their weapons and end the conflict with someone's death, so he knew he had to stop the fight before it went too far.

“Stop it! David no! Don't fight on my behalf!”

Together with Gerard, they rushed to break the two apart, but they came too late. With a shocked grimace, Alvaro pushed David off him, retrieving his bloody blade from the man's stomach.

Getting up, Arbeloa remained frozen, rooted to the spot. He had not intended to kill this man, as annoying as he was.

“David!” Bojan screamed, feeling pain flooding his chest, his whole being.

Splayed on the ground, blood spilling out his wound, staining his shirt in shades of despicable crimson, David whirred in agony.

“I've been your closest friend, Bojan. I was by your side always. I thought you were the right side. Your side brought me death. Murdered by a Gonzalez for defending a Guardiola, I die an undeserved death!”

David's bloody hands reached for Bojan's teary face and the younger man could only accept the baptism in blood.

“My blood upon you, Bojan, my blood upon both your families.” he shouted, including his immovable criminal in his curse as well.

Then David blinked twice and died with despair and disbelief still locked in his eyes' extinguished light.

Alvaro had stayed enough, so he ran away, getting in his car and driving madly to an undeserved escape.

Bojan kept holding David's lifeless hands. He finally looked up at Gerard, who was the very statue of desperation. His sorrow was mirrored by his friend's blue eyes. There was one thing to do.

He got up and pulling his Beretta from its holster, got in his car and, with one thought only: Alvaro had to pay. The tumultuous roar of revenge was his only thought and any promises made earlier the day were long forgotten, belonging to another time, another era.

Losing his best friend ripped the cap he had put to his hatred and as he caught up with the other man in a far inferior car, he rammed into him and managed to take him off road.

Alvaro's car smashed with great speed into a building. Bojan stopped his car, exited and moving towards the wreckage, he aimed and pulled the trigger with no remorse or second thought, execution style.

Falling to his knees, blood, sweat and tears dripping down his temples, Bojan threw the gun away, finally realising what his deed meant.

Four

“Vicente! I beseech you! Alvaro was my sister's only child. This cannot go unpunished.” Guti yelled, his blond locks of hair shaking with fury.

“I am aware.” the Mayor sighed.

Mayor Vicente del Bosque knew he had to make a decision. He had given the families an ultimatum and by god, they have stepped over him only too many times. He was no longer able to keep them at peace with each other unless he took something from them.

“Bojan only acted as just punishment. Alvaro had murdered David de Gea!” Guardiola said as defence.

And there was also that, David de Gea being Vicente's nephew from his sister's husband's side. The old Mayor knew it was time to act.

“The law is the only punishment!” he roared. “I am the law in this city, regardless if you lot have the money. And I shall act accordingly.”

He looked at the grief-stricken Josep Guardiola, in many ways a son closer than his own. Then at Raul Gonzalez and Guti, both fuming and seeking just revenge for the last in the long line of deaths by the hand of a Guardiola.

“Bojan shall be exiled!” he said with finality.

There were gasps and Guti started sobbing.

“He will never return to Girona. For if he shall, he will go to jail. He will serve his time for Alvaro's death.”

Guardiola looked resigned. He was losing his son, but better to have him free, even if he would never see him again, than seeing him rot in prison.

The Gonzalez' were not happy with the result, but the Mayor had that look of determination on his face, that even they knew they had to respect his ruling this time.

*

“Pack your things. You must leave. If the dawn breaks and you're still in the city, the gaol will be your last chamber.”

Pep picked Bojan by his arm and dragged him out of the City Hall and to his car. Bojan did not say anything and he followed his father, his heart heavy with sufferance. He deserved worse, as he had gotten David killed and it felt like he had killed his best friend himself.

However, as he was getting in the car, he spotted the Gonzalez' leaving and Guti's blond locks reminded him of Sergio. His Sergio. The man to whom he belonged.

And he knew he must see Sergio before he left, if only to explain his acts and unburden himself.

*

He came by foot. It had been easier than he expected, with his father locking himself in his study and leaving Bojan by himself to prepare for his journey. Climbing on the piping again, this time with a heavy heart, Bojan knocked at the balcony's window.

Sergio opened the door to see his beloved there. He rushed to kiss him but then quickly parted.

“You killed Alvaro.”

Bojan bit his lip. He could feel the ground opening under him, soon to drag him under, into hell's hot cauldrons.

“But you are still mine. And I am still yours. And you shall have to leave tomorrow morning, so we must have tonight.”

“Our first night as lovers, and also our last.”

“Don't speak like this. Pepe will find a solution. He is very smart.”

Sergio went to sit on the bed. He felt anxious. He had never had sex with anyone and he was a bit afraid.

“Don't fret, my sweet Sergio.” Bojan settled next to him on the bed and began rubbing his shoulders.

Soon, Sergio was relaxed and Bojan took his his shirt off, followed by his own. He then pressed his naked chest to Sergio's back, kissing his neck followed by biting his earlobe slowly.

His hands caressed Sergio's torso and, stopping to play with his nipples, while his mouth attacked the sweet spot where blood pulsed harder on Sergio's neck again and again, making the youngster shiver and moan. I was soon that he helped Sergio out of his jeans and underwear.

Bojan had always loved to be rough with his sex partners, but with Sergio, he was as tender as could be, preparing his man with lots of care and kissing him throughout. And Sergio was happy and his chest heaved with the intense pleasure he had felt, falling asleep at ease and forgetting about the doom the next day would bring.

Five

Waking up like from a dream, Bojan wanted to hurry out of there as soon as possible. He slipped from the bed and began getting dressed, with the back at his still asleep lover.

Feeling his warm hands on his back shook his determination.

“Where are you going?”

“Away from here. Probably to the capital*.”

“Stay, stay a while. They won't be looking for you here.”

“But what if your kinsmen find me. It would be murder either way. I must go.”

“Will I see you again?”

“I promise you. With all my being, I promise you.”

But instead of leaving, Bojan started kissing Sergio again, his hands touching him in unmistakable ways. It was Iker coming in that restored Bojan' sense of urgency and he began getting dressed.

Leaving in a hurry, he disappeared out of sight just as Guti had made it into Sergio's room.

“Sergio, my dear. You have grown. I know you and I do not get along, but I decided it's time I changed that. I know you are upset over Alvaro and so am I. In order to make ourselves feel better, I decided to book us a day at the spa. They do wonders for your disposition you know.”

The last thing Sergio wanted when his heart was so filled with hurt was to spend a whole day with his father insufferable spouse. He was about to decline when Guti continued.

“And that's not all. You're a far too lonely boy, you only hang out with Casillas. That's not healthy. You need a lover, you need to get out and experience life's pleasures. So, after the spa, I have arranged a little rendezvous with one of the nicest, wealthiest and most dashing men in Girona, Sergio Ramos. I think you will hit it off and you ever share a name!”

Sergio felt trapped. He could barely breathe and as he gazed over Guti's shoulder at Iker, he begged for a solution to excuse himself.

“I feel too upset to be the joyful company a man Mr. Ramos surely deserves.” he uttered after a while.

“Nonsense. You need to leave the pain behind. Come on, you didn't even like Alvaro that much! So don't be shy, and get yourself ready!”

“I am telling you, I do not care for meeting anyone. I am only 16 and I want to find my own love interest, thank you very much!”

“What a spoiled brat you are. If you were my child! You think this I my idea? Your father suggested it, so pick your beef with him.” and Guti stormed out of the room.

Sergio knew his father was a just man. He would understand his only son didn't want to be part of arranged meetings, so he had hope it would all be solved soon. So he went to see his father right away.

“Father, I hear you want me to meet up with Sergio Ramos.”

“Yes. He is a fine gentleman and very suited to you, I think.”

“I do not want to meet him. Little less be with him, father. I know you just want me to have some fun, but I...”

“Listen Sergio. Guti tried to present it as something fun for you do to. But let me tell you the truth. We are in great financial trouble. Our business is in danger of going bankrupt. Ramos is very rich and happens to fancy you. I know how that sounds, and I know it's unfair. But this is our only choice, if we want to keep our current lifestyle. You will not only meet him tonight, but you will also marry him as soon as possible. We need his money. I promise you that once our financial situation improves, I will get you out of this, unless you've grown fond of him by then. He's not a bad looking fellow, so stop looking at me as if I'm selling you into slavery!”

Raul Gonzalez did not need to raise his voice to make himself heard and understood and Sergio knew he had no choice. All he could do was stall.

“Today is just the next day after my cousin's funeral. I will obey my father's wishes, but could I meet Ramos tomorrow? I feel it's inappropriate if we rush like this.”

“Fine. I will call Sergio and let him know he's having dinner with us tomorrow.”

With a day in hand, Sergio knew he still had very little. He remembered Bojan's words, that Pepe Reina would help them and so, as soon as he could, he was on his way to the man's practice.

*

“A desperate man a good planner does not make.” Pepe tried to calm Sergio down.

The boy had sunk onto the beanbag in the corner, sobbing violently.

“I might as well as take my life, Pepe. I don't see how I could convince my parents to not send me off with Ramos.”

“Perhaps death is the solution indeed.”

Sergio gave him a perplexed look.

“A fake death. There is this drug that almost stops the heart. Without a rigorous check, no doctor would discover the person appearing dead is actually still alive. I have this drug available, but you must be prepared for the worst.....”

“I will do whatever necessary.” Sergio said quickly.

“You will drink it tonight. Tomorrow, your family will find you dead. I will declare your death and they will prepare your funeral. Laid in the family crypt, you will sleep the sleep of death for 24 full hours. When you will wake, Bojan will be there with you. I will call him and tell him about this plan. And then you can run away, just for a little while. Once you're safe, I will announce your marriage and you can return. The feud will be extinguished. You two will live happily ever after.”

“I am already counting the hours until I am reunited with my love.”

As soon as Sergio left with the precious vial, Pepe called Bojan. His phone was switched off, so he had to leave a voice message.

*

The night was dark and Sergio felt it was time. Time to put an end to the madness that had surrounded him over the last few days. He made his own destiny. He sipped the blue liquid and succumbed to a deathlike slumber almost immediately.

Six

Lionel thought he had gained Bojan's trust when he had been asked to be his witness and best man for his union with Sergio. Ever since he became aware he was the only of Bojan's friends in whom he had trusted his heart's secret to, Lionel had been extremely eager to help out.

He was always on the lookout for any information about Sergio and more often than not, he was stalking Pepe Reina's practice, in hope the doctor would ask him to deliver some news to his exiled friend.

As he passed by the church on his way home, he noticed the funeral music and his curiosity was piqued. He peered in and tried to discern whose death were the mourners weeping.

With a painful stab-like pain in the chest, Lionel realised it was Sergio who was being prepared for the grave. He could not believe what he was seeing, nor Bojan's grief upon hearing this.

He ran out of the church barely suppressing tears and as soon as he was safely away from spying ears, he dialed Bojan's number.

It rang a few times, then it went to voicemail. Lionel could not believe that. He had to alert Bojan about this, he was sure his friend would be devastated to know he missed such a thing.

A widower, he thought, and his cousin had only been married for 3 days. He got in his car and decided to deliver the message in person.

*

Bojan was stationed in the the family's beach house. He hated it, the narrow beach, the humidity and the heat of the seaside City, the affluence of tourists. He hoped Pepe would work his magic on the stubborn families and reunite him with his beloved Sergio as soon as possible.

He spent most of his time on the strip of beach in front of the house, tossing rocks in the sea and watching the waves come and go. The car making its way down the main road startled him.

When it was Lionel coming out, he knew he was bringing news of Sergio and rushed to greet him.

“Lionel, tell me, how is the light of my life?”

“Bojan.” Lionel didn't know how to begin, nor how to end. “Bojan, I called you. I left a message.”

“I lost my phone in the sand the very first day I got here, and it was switched off so I couldn't find it anymore. But tell me, you bring news, right?”

“I do. I bring news. News you won't like, Bojan.”

“What happened?”

“Sergio, last I saw him was for his funeral.” he finally blurted it out, tears prickling down his face immediately.

Bojan closed his eyes and shook his head.

“No. No. this is impossible, it's not true!” he pushed Lionel, “Why you lie like this, I am on the edge of my life here, Lionel!”

“It is true, it is.” Lionel said through tears.

Bojan broke down, crumbling to his knees and bowing down, head in the sand. He wanted to die on the spot, to drown in the sea and be gone, for only death would remove such great pain from his soul. How was it fair, to fall so in love, to be loved in return, only for it all to be blown in the wind before he could even wrap his mind around it all?

He roared with unspeakable fury and knew what he had to do.

“We're going back to Girona, Lionel. I will be with Sergio tonight.”

On their way out of the city, Bojan asked Lionel to stop at Bojan's old dealer. Bojan had stopped taking hard drugs when Sandro had moved out of Girona (retiring with 20 years' of dealing worth savings) to the city by the beach, but now it was time for the strongest drug of all.

“Sandro. Open the door for fuck's sake. You know who I am.” he pounded on the door without stopping.

Finally, the old man opened and allowed Bojan in.

“I seek death, death in a bottle, Sandro.” He pleaded.

“Oh Bojan, I don't have what you're looking for. I never had such medicine.”

“You used to have anything, for the right price!” Bojan pulled out his wallet and drew out a bunch of 100 Euro bills.

“I cannot have my former best client's death on my conscience!”

“You didn't have such qualms when you were dealing me crack. I was 15.”

Sandro gave him a look and finally conceded; without a word, he left for the back room. When he returned, he gave Bojan a vial containing a colourless liquid.

“This is the quickest I have. You'll be dead before the vial drops from your fingers.”

Bojan nodded and stuffed all the bills in Sandro's robe pocket.

*

Sneaking into the city of Girona in the trunk of Lionel's car was not Bojan's ideal way of returning, but he had no other choice. Lionel didn't dare drive right up to the cemetery, so Bojan was left to find his own way around adjacent streets.

He advanced taking all precautions to not be spotted and finally reached the Gonzalez crypt. With the recent deaths, the door was not yet barred, so with one push, Bojan opened it; he then stepped inside, feeling suffocated with emotion and pain.

Sergio had been placed on a slab of stone in what seemed like an altar, filled with lit candles. He wasn't in a coffin, much to Bojan's relief. As he laid there, in a simple white suit, with his eyes closed and his beauty intact, Sergio merely seemed to be asleep.

“I had you and I lost you. But now I came to rest with you. Forever together, in death if not in life.”

He sat next to Sergio and caressed his cheeks, then kissed him once, then once again. Next to the sweet angel, he would welcome death like an old friend and embrace its emaciated body.

He pulled out the vial and prepared for his final toast. He kissed Sergio's lips once more, and lacing his fingers with his lovers' he gulped down the poison. He gently fell on his back, eyes gazing towards Sergio, death claiming him within 2 seconds.

In a haze, Sergio began to wake up. The bright lights startled him and he closed his eyes. It took him a couple of seconds to realise where he was. Then he remembered Pepe's instructions and the whole plan. Moving his head slightly, he opened his eyes to meet Bojan's.

The second of joy replaced by sheer horror of understanding Bojan was dead, Sergio let out a cry throwing himself over his dead lover's body. Tears streamed down his face, as his hand gripped the lifeless one even harder.

“Bad timing stalked our love from the start, and now dead I find you. God damn the fate and destiny alike.”

Finding the vial, he checked for any remnants, so he too could rest in death next to his love. But there was no drop left. Kissing Bojan he caressed his chest, just to feel him once more. He stumbled upon the gun and slowly pulled it out.

Upon his 16th birthday he too had received a gun, not much different from the one he was holding now, emblazoned however, with the Gonzalez coat of arms. He never carried it, as Iker's protection was more than enough and he never went anywhere remotely dangerous.

This would be his first and last time he used a gun. He had taken death's choice to be with Bojan once, he would take it again, this time a real, permanent death.

“My love. I die for you, may we rest together for eternity now.”

He kissed Bojan one last time, then he cocked the gun, put it to his temple and pulled the trigger.

The shot reverberated in the cavernous space of the Gonzalez crypt and Sergio's body collapsed next to Bojan's, blood tainting both their faces.

They would finally be left to their love.

*

Raul Gonzalez - Girona's feared prostitution ring boss and Josep Guardiola - the drugs lord - overlooked the wake of their children together, the two men standing side by side, enmity aside once and for all. As the priest chanted the prayers, the two men took out their guns and threw them in the open grave, big enough to hold the entwined lovers.

There were no hugs, no words exchanged, but now the old feud had been buried together with its innocent victims, Sergio and Bojan serving their parents the most painful lesson of all.

And with the boys' supreme sacrifice peace would finally bestow upon Girona.