Together we make the perfect storm.
Title: In Time
Pairing: Daniel Agger/Fernando Torres, Stevie/Xabi (in some parts), Pepe Reina
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: It's all fiction
Author’s Note: AU
Word count: 3,283
Summary: University AU, football, boys and clubbing!
Hey guys, so this is my first ever fic! I've been meaning to post it for a while now, but I haven't had the time! It's all complete and edited now
(I hope!) so enjoy!
Feedback on it would be amazing, as it's my first attempt!
Thank you! :)
[A push in the right direction]
It was the start of the second year of University. Students were buzzing around campus, gathering in large groups discussing their summer break. Dan took a moment to look around and take everything in. He had actually missed this. Now 19 years old, his first year as a Sports Science student had gone pretty well. He was looking forward to catching up with his friends and slowly getting back into the routine of last semester. He wanted to hear about what stupidly embarrassing acts his friends had gotten up to this time, he wanted to see who he was rooming with in his new dorm, but most importantly, he wanted to be back out playing football.
“Hey Dan!” He heard a breathless Pepe approach him from behind.
“Heeeey Pepe, how was summer break?” Daniel asked as he pulled him in for a hug.
“Oh, you know the usual, a different bird a different night” He winked as he looked back up at Daniel. “What about you though, how was Denmark?”
Daniel had to chuckle. Years could go by and the whole world could change but Pepe would be Pepe. But Daniel wasn’t like that. He had been with a handful of people but none of them made Daniel want to be with them longer than a few months. “It was good” Daniel replied.
“I enjoyed spending some time with my family but you know I missed Liverpool. I missed you guys, missed playing footie and I believe it or not I actually missed lectures”
“Haha, okay Dan, you’re on your own there. Oh, by the way, speaking of football, my cousin is transferring from Spain to Liverpool. He’s a Geography student and I already asked Rafa, he said it’s fine for him to join our football team. He plays upfront so this may not be a big problem for you but to give you a heads up, his English isn’t that great so try to be patient with him” And with that, he flashed Daniel a trusting smile. He knew the Dane was a good guy, one of those who everyone got along with because he was friendly and easy to talk to.
“Okay, no problem” Dan returned Pepe’s smile. A new kid on the block, Daniel thought to himself. This should make the new academic year exciting.
*
Daniel met Pepe outside his dorm. It was the first training session back after summer break and he didn’t want to be late.
“Aw c’mon Pepe! What’s holding you uuuup!?” Dan whined.
“I’m coming, I’m coming! What’s with you anyway Daniel? It’s only practice and you’re acting so impatient like a little kid on Christmas waiting for his presents!” He gave Daniel a light smack round the head.
“Shut up, Pepe” was Daniel’s only retort and they finally set off in to a brisk walk to the changing rooms.
Before they entered Pepe pulled Dan aside. “Hey Dan, just to remind you about my cousin, remember to play nice!” Pepe giggled as he spoke the words but he made Daniel sound like a predator.
“Of course Pepe, you know me I just love to pounce on fresh meat” Daniel rolled his eyes with good humour and they both broke out into a short chuckle before stepping inside.
They all interacted with their teammates, Daniel was friends with everyone on the team but he mostly hung around with Pepe, Xabi and Stevie.
“DAAAAAAAN!” Xabi ran to him to give him a hug.
“I missed you buddy! How’s everything been?” He asked Daniel with Stevie hanging close by.
“Good mate, what about you? How was Italy with Stevie?” Everyone had known about Xabi and Stevie they were cute together and although they were young you knew what they had was the real deal.
“Was excellent, we had such a good time! Isn’t that right Stevie?” He looked over to his side where he saw Stevie lacing up his boots.
“Yes. It was, we had a lovely time, but I’m happy to be back home, we missed you guys” Stevie meant that. Although he loved Xabi he also loved spending time with his friends and he was glad to be back around all of them.
“Aw, well I missed you guys too! Don’t know about Pepe though. He told me he had a new girl every night of summer” There was a short pause where Xabi and Stevie looked at each other disbelievingly and then all three boys broke out into simultaneous laughter.
Daniel was in the process of getting changed. He was savouring the feeling of having the thin polyester shirt over his upper body, he was kneeling over to tie his boots up when he heard Pepe approaching.
“Hey Dan, this is my cousin Fernando. I thought I should introduce you guys” Pepe spoke, with Fernando fidgeting next to him. Daniel was still hunched over tying the final knot in his lace.
As he looked up he was breathless. In front of him stood a boy with blonde hair which was perfectly tousled looking like a halo cradling his face. His eyes were pretty, they were dark brown and warm, his nose sloped perfectly down to his lips which were full and red and framing his face were a dusting of freckles. Dan was in awe. He’d never seen something so beautiful.
“Fernando, this is Daniel my best friend” Pepe spoke up and Dan regained his senses.
“Er Si- I mean, I. He-Hello Daniel. I-I’m Fernando. Please to meet you.” The blonde finally spoke up and extended his hand whilst flashing a toothy grin.
It was the prettiest smile Daniel had ever seen and once again he had to pull himself together.
Shaking Fernando’s hand with his own Daniel replied “Hey, pleased to meet you too. I’m Daniel” And with that Daniel gave him a soft smile and Fernando returned it.
*
The year was flying by, in between football and studying, the team often got together for nights out. Daniel wasn’t a huge partier but nor was he anti social. The team were playing well and topped the University league table come the end of Christmas. Fernando had been a revelation. He was quick, agile and a great finisher. If it wasn’t for him they would probably be setting 6th or 7th Dan thought. But despite all his footballing ability, Fernando was a shy boy, he stuck by Pepe most of the time but Dan had also gotten to know him over the past few months and he was impressed. Not only was he gorgeous, but Fernando’s English coming along well, he was also a great listener and easy to talk to. He was polite and Daniel had yet to find a flaw in him.
Tonight was another gathering organised by Stevie. ‘Captains orders’ he said, which basically meant that everyone had to attend or risk having shaving foam put in their trainers or being made to do extra laps after training. Pretty stupid for just missing a party but Stevie and Xabi wanted the group to have a good ethos and spirit and if that meant hanging out at nightclubs, then so be it.
Daniel was sitting in a booth with Fernando and Pepe, all three discussing tactics for the next game whilst talking about their favourite food, drinks and other trivial matters.
“I’m just going to get a refill, anyone want anything?” Pepe asked the other two boys who were so engrossed in their own conversations they didn’t hear him.
Pepe just shrugged and walked off.
“Pepe, when was the last time Dan got laid?” Pepe’s eyes bulged out at Stevie’s question, they were standing by the bar, and Stevie was looking across at the booth the two boys were sat in.
“What? Stevie how on earth am I meant to know?”
“Come on Pepe, we’re all mates but I think Dan trusts you with these details more than he does me and Xabi, so spill”
“Um- well, I dunno, the last guy he was with was just a minor fling and that was at the start of last year so I’d say it’s been a year and a bit?” The way the two of them were talking so casually about their friend’s sex life was something to behold.
“JESUS. It’s been that long? I know Dan isn’t they one night stand type of guy, but damn, his hand must’ve been a great support during all this time”
“Okay, EW.” Pepe had an incredulous expression on his face.
“But y’know I’ve noticed that he spends a huge amount of time with Fernando and well maybe there’s something there?” Stevie was definitely inquisitive.
“Um. I dunno Stevie. I mean Fernando does talk about Dan a lot but I don’t think it’s in that way, you know? He’s always going about Dan but he’s never mentioned fancying him or liking him, he just rambles on tells me things I already know about my best friend!”
“Pepe you are an idiot” Stevie was amazed. Both boys clearly liked one another and Pepe who was their mutual friend and possibly the only one to push either of them in the right direction was oblivious to the whole thing.
“WHAT” The goalkeeper was confused.
“Yes, I’m talking about you, you big idiot” taking their drinks Stevie guided them to a corner of the club.
“Can you not see? It’s all unfolding right in front of you! Of course Fernando isn’t going to admit that he fancies Dan because he doesn’t know if Daniel feels the same way! And you know Dan, he’s friendly with everyone, it could easily be mistaken for something else! But listen to me, you’ve gotta ask Fernando how he feels about Dan and I’ll ask Dan about Fernando! And then if all goes to plan then the next time we have a team gathering we can try and get them to hook up!” Stevie was giddy with excitement at his ‘plan’ he was almost unashamed to be meddling.
“Fine. But if it all goes tits up, I’m blaming you!” Pepe was still dubious.
“It won’t! Now go on, you’ve got some questions to ask!”
*
Sharing a room with Pepe was a laugh Fernando thought, he was his cousin but he was also a great person to be around. If ever you were down, Pepe was the one who could lift your spirits up.
“Hey Fernando, come here for a sec” Fernando walked over and sat next to Pepe on the large couch in their room.
“So I was thinking, you’re a good looking lad and I’m sure you’re not short of suitors, there must be someone that you kinda like, I mean like a crush or someone you want to date?” Pepe was many things but discreet was none of them.
Fernando was slightly taken back. “Er, what?”
“Fernando, it isn’t rocket science, do, you, like, anyone?” Pepe spoke in a patronising tone, it made Fernando feel like a little child.
“W-Well, er, yes. But I don’t know if he sees me like that. I want to tell him but I don’t want to ruin our friendship if he says no”
“Pfft, as if anyone can say no to your ass.”
“Pepe! It’s not funny!” Fernando was pouting.
“Okay, I’m sorry, you know you’ll always have the upper hand with that pout of yours. So, who is it?”
Fernando paused; he didn’t know how to tell Pepe it was Daniel.
“Well, er, it’s someone you know” As Fernando spoke, Pepe was motioning with his hands to speed up the conversation.
“umokayit’sDaniel” and with that Fernando just blurted it out, well, Pepe did want him to hurry it up.
“DANIEL?! As in my best friend, Daniel Agger?! Pepe was truly gobsmacked. When Stevie sent him out to coax a name out of Fernando he was pretty sure it wouldn’t have been Daniel. Pepe didn’t know what was worse, his ability to read his friends or the fact that Stevie would be sporting a big ‘Itoldyouso’ smile the next time he saw him.
“Si” Fernando spoke up quietly, he didn’t look up, he could feel Pepe’s gaze lingering on him.
“What, okay, listen Fernando, you’ve got to go and tell him!! What’s wrong with you!” He said it as if it was the easiest task in the world.
“Pepe, I can’t. What if he doesn’t feel the same! I can’t just tell him” he looked crestfallen. Fernando may have been good looking but his confidence when it came to expressing himself was low.
“Of course you can tell him! Come on Niño, if you never try you’ll never know!” And with that Fernando laughed, because did Pepe just recite Coldplay to him?
“Okay, but if it’s a big mistake, I’m blaming you!” Fernando got up and walked to his room.
Pepe remembered when he said the same thing to Stevie and well, Stevie wasn’t wrong, “It won’t” Pepe shot back once the door was shut.
*
Stevie had organised a surprise party for Xabi and the whole team was invited. It would be the first time Fernando would see Daniel after he had told Pepe that he liked him.
“Tonight’s the night amigo, don’t be scared, go and tell Dan that you want to marry him and bear his children” Pepe giggled as he spoke in a hushed tone.
“Pepe!” Fernando was nervous as it was; Pepe’s silly remarks did nothing to calm him down.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, you’re too easy to wind up! But I’m only kidding, you look great so go and tell Dan, don’t be scared!”
Fernando really did look fabulous. He was wearing a simple white t-shirt with a ridiculous picture emblazoned upon it and his favourite pair of jeans which were slightly ripped along his thighs and accentuated his butt perfectly. His hair was tousled, his bangs falling just above his eyes. And sitting at the bar waiting for Dan made him think that what he was about to do was because he really did like Daniel. From the first day they had met, Fernando thought he was great. Daniel listened, he was patient when Fernando’s English was bad early on and he remembered the small unimportant details that Fernando had told him during conversations. It was the little things that made Fernando fall for Daniel, he remembered once when he felt homesick and Dan had brought him some churros after training, or when Dan managed to source one of Fernando’s favourite Spanish bands’ CD. It all gave him a fluttering feeling inside and he knew that he had to tell Dan. Even if he didn’t feel the same, Fernando couldn’t hold it in any longer.
*
“So, what’s the deal with Daniel, Stevie?” Pepe looked nervous, as Daniel walked in; it was the first time Stevie had seen the goalkeeper like this.
“You’ll find out, don’t worry” Stevie gave Pepe a slight smirk
“Ugh, c’mon Stevie, I just want to know, it turns out you were right. Fernando really does like Daniel and I don’t want to set him up to fall if Dan doesn’t feel the same!”
“Pepe, what did I tell you when you asked me if this whole plan would go tits up?”
“Er, you told me it wouldn’t” Pepe was still fidgety; he hadn’t got a straight answer.
“Exactly” He gave Pepe a pat on the back and walked off into the throng of bodies dancing in the crowd.
*
“Hey Fernando” Daniel approached him.
Fernando’s heart was beating so fast and so loud, he thought he might pass out.
“Hey Dan” He rose from his bar stool, wiped his clammy palms onto his jeans and gave Daniel a short hug before wishing he hadn’t. Not only did Daniel look great he smelt it too, all of this would make it even harder for Fernando to take if Daniel said no.
After a drink or two, they’d moved to a small sofa in the corner of the club. Fernando had also loosened up and the conversation with Daniel was its usual self- friendly and lively with a slight hint of flirtatiousness. It was normal like all their other conversations and Fernando wondered if losing all of this was worth the risk.
As Daniel excused himself to use the restroom, Fernando saw Pepe approach him.
“Well?” he asked.
“Well, what?” Fernando replied downing the remainder of his drink with one large gulp.
“Have you, you know… asked him?”
Fernando snorted. “No, it’s not as easy as you think”
“Well, I know if I really wanted someone that bad, I wouldn’t hesitate a moment longer” and with that Pepe got up to leave as Daniel was coming back.
Pepe and Dan exchanged pleasantries before Dan took his seat again.
Pepe’s words rang in Fernando’s mind, before he finally spoke up.
He shifted closer and laced his own fingers with Daniel’s. If Daniel was surprised, he didn’t show it.
“Danny, listen, please don’t be mad but, I-I really like you.” There he had said it. He couldn’t look up at Daniel and when he spoke again whatever he said, he said it whilst looking down.
“I’ve liked you for a long time and I haven’t told you in fear of losing our friendship in case you didn’t feel the same way but I can’t keep it in any longer so I had to tell you, I’m really sorry. Please don’t be mad” Dan didn’t say a word. And Fernando felt a pang of regret. He took Daniel’s silence as sign and swiftly broke apart their hands and got up to leave when he felt a soft hand on his wrist.
“Wait!” Dan gently guided Fernando back and lifted his chin with his finger so that they were finally looking at each other.
“Fernando, I’m not mad! Hell no, I’ve liked you since Pepe first introduced us. I’ve been falling hard ever since we first hung out. I- you don’t need to be sorr-”
Daniel was cut off before he could finish, Fernando’s lips were on his, kissing him softly, his soft tongue was prodding for entrance and who was Daniel to say no. Their tongues mingled together and they both thought after all that hesitation on both their parts, this was the sweetest kiss possible. It was slow and soft it felt like it lasted forever.
“Wow, all that waiting was definitely worth it” Fernando spoke as their foreheads touched.
“Yeah” Dan was breathless as he spoke, slowly placing chaste kisses on Fernando’s lips.
Dan didn’t know how to say it, he’d never liked someone this much. But as he spoke, he prayed he didn’t come across awkwardly.
“Um, Fernando, would you like to accompany me for dinner tomorrow night?” Dan mumbled. He was twiddling his fingers and looked like a shy schoolboy. Fernando thought that was adorable.
“Yes” was all the Spaniard could muster as he closed the distance between them again.
“Well then” Daniel smiled against Fernando’s lips “I guess, It’s a date” he said before capturing them with his own.
In the background Pepe and Stevie watched. Pepe was content; he could finally breathe easy knowing the two boys had worked it out. Next to him though was a rather smug Scouser and as he turned to face him he was met with Steven Gerrard’s ‘Itoldyouso’ smile.
“Alright, alright. Will I ever live this down?” Pepe huffed.
“No.” Came the answer accompanied by a cheeky smile.
“Oh, whatever. Now come on, let’s go see to them before one of them ends up pregnant!” Pepe guffawed, feeling proud of his own joke.
Stevie couldn’t help but burst out laughing, some things would never change.
Pairing: Daniel Agger/Fernando Torres, Stevie/Xabi (in some parts), Pepe Reina
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: It's all fiction
Author’s Note: AU
Word count: 3,283
Summary: University AU, football, boys and clubbing!
Hey guys, so this is my first ever fic! I've been meaning to post it for a while now, but I haven't had the time! It's all complete and edited now
(I hope!) so enjoy!
Feedback on it would be amazing, as it's my first attempt!
Thank you! :)
[A push in the right direction]
It was the start of the second year of University. Students were buzzing around campus, gathering in large groups discussing their summer break. Dan took a moment to look around and take everything in. He had actually missed this. Now 19 years old, his first year as a Sports Science student had gone pretty well. He was looking forward to catching up with his friends and slowly getting back into the routine of last semester. He wanted to hear about what stupidly embarrassing acts his friends had gotten up to this time, he wanted to see who he was rooming with in his new dorm, but most importantly, he wanted to be back out playing football.
“Hey Dan!” He heard a breathless Pepe approach him from behind.
“Heeeey Pepe, how was summer break?” Daniel asked as he pulled him in for a hug.
“Oh, you know the usual, a different bird a different night” He winked as he looked back up at Daniel. “What about you though, how was Denmark?”
Daniel had to chuckle. Years could go by and the whole world could change but Pepe would be Pepe. But Daniel wasn’t like that. He had been with a handful of people but none of them made Daniel want to be with them longer than a few months. “It was good” Daniel replied.
“I enjoyed spending some time with my family but you know I missed Liverpool. I missed you guys, missed playing footie and I believe it or not I actually missed lectures”
“Haha, okay Dan, you’re on your own there. Oh, by the way, speaking of football, my cousin is transferring from Spain to Liverpool. He’s a Geography student and I already asked Rafa, he said it’s fine for him to join our football team. He plays upfront so this may not be a big problem for you but to give you a heads up, his English isn’t that great so try to be patient with him” And with that, he flashed Daniel a trusting smile. He knew the Dane was a good guy, one of those who everyone got along with because he was friendly and easy to talk to.
“Okay, no problem” Dan returned Pepe’s smile. A new kid on the block, Daniel thought to himself. This should make the new academic year exciting.
*
Daniel met Pepe outside his dorm. It was the first training session back after summer break and he didn’t want to be late.
“Aw c’mon Pepe! What’s holding you uuuup!?” Dan whined.
“I’m coming, I’m coming! What’s with you anyway Daniel? It’s only practice and you’re acting so impatient like a little kid on Christmas waiting for his presents!” He gave Daniel a light smack round the head.
“Shut up, Pepe” was Daniel’s only retort and they finally set off in to a brisk walk to the changing rooms.
Before they entered Pepe pulled Dan aside. “Hey Dan, just to remind you about my cousin, remember to play nice!” Pepe giggled as he spoke the words but he made Daniel sound like a predator.
“Of course Pepe, you know me I just love to pounce on fresh meat” Daniel rolled his eyes with good humour and they both broke out into a short chuckle before stepping inside.
They all interacted with their teammates, Daniel was friends with everyone on the team but he mostly hung around with Pepe, Xabi and Stevie.
“DAAAAAAAN!” Xabi ran to him to give him a hug.
“I missed you buddy! How’s everything been?” He asked Daniel with Stevie hanging close by.
“Good mate, what about you? How was Italy with Stevie?” Everyone had known about Xabi and Stevie they were cute together and although they were young you knew what they had was the real deal.
“Was excellent, we had such a good time! Isn’t that right Stevie?” He looked over to his side where he saw Stevie lacing up his boots.
“Yes. It was, we had a lovely time, but I’m happy to be back home, we missed you guys” Stevie meant that. Although he loved Xabi he also loved spending time with his friends and he was glad to be back around all of them.
“Aw, well I missed you guys too! Don’t know about Pepe though. He told me he had a new girl every night of summer” There was a short pause where Xabi and Stevie looked at each other disbelievingly and then all three boys broke out into simultaneous laughter.
Daniel was in the process of getting changed. He was savouring the feeling of having the thin polyester shirt over his upper body, he was kneeling over to tie his boots up when he heard Pepe approaching.
“Hey Dan, this is my cousin Fernando. I thought I should introduce you guys” Pepe spoke, with Fernando fidgeting next to him. Daniel was still hunched over tying the final knot in his lace.
As he looked up he was breathless. In front of him stood a boy with blonde hair which was perfectly tousled looking like a halo cradling his face. His eyes were pretty, they were dark brown and warm, his nose sloped perfectly down to his lips which were full and red and framing his face were a dusting of freckles. Dan was in awe. He’d never seen something so beautiful.
“Fernando, this is Daniel my best friend” Pepe spoke up and Dan regained his senses.
“Er Si- I mean, I. He-Hello Daniel. I-I’m Fernando. Please to meet you.” The blonde finally spoke up and extended his hand whilst flashing a toothy grin.
It was the prettiest smile Daniel had ever seen and once again he had to pull himself together.
Shaking Fernando’s hand with his own Daniel replied “Hey, pleased to meet you too. I’m Daniel” And with that Daniel gave him a soft smile and Fernando returned it.
*
The year was flying by, in between football and studying, the team often got together for nights out. Daniel wasn’t a huge partier but nor was he anti social. The team were playing well and topped the University league table come the end of Christmas. Fernando had been a revelation. He was quick, agile and a great finisher. If it wasn’t for him they would probably be setting 6th or 7th Dan thought. But despite all his footballing ability, Fernando was a shy boy, he stuck by Pepe most of the time but Dan had also gotten to know him over the past few months and he was impressed. Not only was he gorgeous, but Fernando’s English coming along well, he was also a great listener and easy to talk to. He was polite and Daniel had yet to find a flaw in him.
Tonight was another gathering organised by Stevie. ‘Captains orders’ he said, which basically meant that everyone had to attend or risk having shaving foam put in their trainers or being made to do extra laps after training. Pretty stupid for just missing a party but Stevie and Xabi wanted the group to have a good ethos and spirit and if that meant hanging out at nightclubs, then so be it.
Daniel was sitting in a booth with Fernando and Pepe, all three discussing tactics for the next game whilst talking about their favourite food, drinks and other trivial matters.
“I’m just going to get a refill, anyone want anything?” Pepe asked the other two boys who were so engrossed in their own conversations they didn’t hear him.
Pepe just shrugged and walked off.
“Pepe, when was the last time Dan got laid?” Pepe’s eyes bulged out at Stevie’s question, they were standing by the bar, and Stevie was looking across at the booth the two boys were sat in.
“What? Stevie how on earth am I meant to know?”
“Come on Pepe, we’re all mates but I think Dan trusts you with these details more than he does me and Xabi, so spill”
“Um- well, I dunno, the last guy he was with was just a minor fling and that was at the start of last year so I’d say it’s been a year and a bit?” The way the two of them were talking so casually about their friend’s sex life was something to behold.
“JESUS. It’s been that long? I know Dan isn’t they one night stand type of guy, but damn, his hand must’ve been a great support during all this time”
“Okay, EW.” Pepe had an incredulous expression on his face.
“But y’know I’ve noticed that he spends a huge amount of time with Fernando and well maybe there’s something there?” Stevie was definitely inquisitive.
“Um. I dunno Stevie. I mean Fernando does talk about Dan a lot but I don’t think it’s in that way, you know? He’s always going about Dan but he’s never mentioned fancying him or liking him, he just rambles on tells me things I already know about my best friend!”
“Pepe you are an idiot” Stevie was amazed. Both boys clearly liked one another and Pepe who was their mutual friend and possibly the only one to push either of them in the right direction was oblivious to the whole thing.
“WHAT” The goalkeeper was confused.
“Yes, I’m talking about you, you big idiot” taking their drinks Stevie guided them to a corner of the club.
“Can you not see? It’s all unfolding right in front of you! Of course Fernando isn’t going to admit that he fancies Dan because he doesn’t know if Daniel feels the same way! And you know Dan, he’s friendly with everyone, it could easily be mistaken for something else! But listen to me, you’ve gotta ask Fernando how he feels about Dan and I’ll ask Dan about Fernando! And then if all goes to plan then the next time we have a team gathering we can try and get them to hook up!” Stevie was giddy with excitement at his ‘plan’ he was almost unashamed to be meddling.
“Fine. But if it all goes tits up, I’m blaming you!” Pepe was still dubious.
“It won’t! Now go on, you’ve got some questions to ask!”
*
Sharing a room with Pepe was a laugh Fernando thought, he was his cousin but he was also a great person to be around. If ever you were down, Pepe was the one who could lift your spirits up.
“Hey Fernando, come here for a sec” Fernando walked over and sat next to Pepe on the large couch in their room.
“So I was thinking, you’re a good looking lad and I’m sure you’re not short of suitors, there must be someone that you kinda like, I mean like a crush or someone you want to date?” Pepe was many things but discreet was none of them.
Fernando was slightly taken back. “Er, what?”
“Fernando, it isn’t rocket science, do, you, like, anyone?” Pepe spoke in a patronising tone, it made Fernando feel like a little child.
“W-Well, er, yes. But I don’t know if he sees me like that. I want to tell him but I don’t want to ruin our friendship if he says no”
“Pfft, as if anyone can say no to your ass.”
“Pepe! It’s not funny!” Fernando was pouting.
“Okay, I’m sorry, you know you’ll always have the upper hand with that pout of yours. So, who is it?”
Fernando paused; he didn’t know how to tell Pepe it was Daniel.
“Well, er, it’s someone you know” As Fernando spoke, Pepe was motioning with his hands to speed up the conversation.
“umokayit’sDaniel” and with that Fernando just blurted it out, well, Pepe did want him to hurry it up.
“DANIEL?! As in my best friend, Daniel Agger?! Pepe was truly gobsmacked. When Stevie sent him out to coax a name out of Fernando he was pretty sure it wouldn’t have been Daniel. Pepe didn’t know what was worse, his ability to read his friends or the fact that Stevie would be sporting a big ‘Itoldyouso’ smile the next time he saw him.
“Si” Fernando spoke up quietly, he didn’t look up, he could feel Pepe’s gaze lingering on him.
“What, okay, listen Fernando, you’ve got to go and tell him!! What’s wrong with you!” He said it as if it was the easiest task in the world.
“Pepe, I can’t. What if he doesn’t feel the same! I can’t just tell him” he looked crestfallen. Fernando may have been good looking but his confidence when it came to expressing himself was low.
“Of course you can tell him! Come on Niño, if you never try you’ll never know!” And with that Fernando laughed, because did Pepe just recite Coldplay to him?
“Okay, but if it’s a big mistake, I’m blaming you!” Fernando got up and walked to his room.
Pepe remembered when he said the same thing to Stevie and well, Stevie wasn’t wrong, “It won’t” Pepe shot back once the door was shut.
*
Stevie had organised a surprise party for Xabi and the whole team was invited. It would be the first time Fernando would see Daniel after he had told Pepe that he liked him.
“Tonight’s the night amigo, don’t be scared, go and tell Dan that you want to marry him and bear his children” Pepe giggled as he spoke in a hushed tone.
“Pepe!” Fernando was nervous as it was; Pepe’s silly remarks did nothing to calm him down.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, you’re too easy to wind up! But I’m only kidding, you look great so go and tell Dan, don’t be scared!”
Fernando really did look fabulous. He was wearing a simple white t-shirt with a ridiculous picture emblazoned upon it and his favourite pair of jeans which were slightly ripped along his thighs and accentuated his butt perfectly. His hair was tousled, his bangs falling just above his eyes. And sitting at the bar waiting for Dan made him think that what he was about to do was because he really did like Daniel. From the first day they had met, Fernando thought he was great. Daniel listened, he was patient when Fernando’s English was bad early on and he remembered the small unimportant details that Fernando had told him during conversations. It was the little things that made Fernando fall for Daniel, he remembered once when he felt homesick and Dan had brought him some churros after training, or when Dan managed to source one of Fernando’s favourite Spanish bands’ CD. It all gave him a fluttering feeling inside and he knew that he had to tell Dan. Even if he didn’t feel the same, Fernando couldn’t hold it in any longer.
*
“So, what’s the deal with Daniel, Stevie?” Pepe looked nervous, as Daniel walked in; it was the first time Stevie had seen the goalkeeper like this.
“You’ll find out, don’t worry” Stevie gave Pepe a slight smirk
“Ugh, c’mon Stevie, I just want to know, it turns out you were right. Fernando really does like Daniel and I don’t want to set him up to fall if Dan doesn’t feel the same!”
“Pepe, what did I tell you when you asked me if this whole plan would go tits up?”
“Er, you told me it wouldn’t” Pepe was still fidgety; he hadn’t got a straight answer.
“Exactly” He gave Pepe a pat on the back and walked off into the throng of bodies dancing in the crowd.
*
“Hey Fernando” Daniel approached him.
Fernando’s heart was beating so fast and so loud, he thought he might pass out.
“Hey Dan” He rose from his bar stool, wiped his clammy palms onto his jeans and gave Daniel a short hug before wishing he hadn’t. Not only did Daniel look great he smelt it too, all of this would make it even harder for Fernando to take if Daniel said no.
After a drink or two, they’d moved to a small sofa in the corner of the club. Fernando had also loosened up and the conversation with Daniel was its usual self- friendly and lively with a slight hint of flirtatiousness. It was normal like all their other conversations and Fernando wondered if losing all of this was worth the risk.
As Daniel excused himself to use the restroom, Fernando saw Pepe approach him.
“Well?” he asked.
“Well, what?” Fernando replied downing the remainder of his drink with one large gulp.
“Have you, you know… asked him?”
Fernando snorted. “No, it’s not as easy as you think”
“Well, I know if I really wanted someone that bad, I wouldn’t hesitate a moment longer” and with that Pepe got up to leave as Daniel was coming back.
Pepe and Dan exchanged pleasantries before Dan took his seat again.
Pepe’s words rang in Fernando’s mind, before he finally spoke up.
He shifted closer and laced his own fingers with Daniel’s. If Daniel was surprised, he didn’t show it.
“Danny, listen, please don’t be mad but, I-I really like you.” There he had said it. He couldn’t look up at Daniel and when he spoke again whatever he said, he said it whilst looking down.
“I’ve liked you for a long time and I haven’t told you in fear of losing our friendship in case you didn’t feel the same way but I can’t keep it in any longer so I had to tell you, I’m really sorry. Please don’t be mad” Dan didn’t say a word. And Fernando felt a pang of regret. He took Daniel’s silence as sign and swiftly broke apart their hands and got up to leave when he felt a soft hand on his wrist.
“Wait!” Dan gently guided Fernando back and lifted his chin with his finger so that they were finally looking at each other.
“Fernando, I’m not mad! Hell no, I’ve liked you since Pepe first introduced us. I’ve been falling hard ever since we first hung out. I- you don’t need to be sorr-”
Daniel was cut off before he could finish, Fernando’s lips were on his, kissing him softly, his soft tongue was prodding for entrance and who was Daniel to say no. Their tongues mingled together and they both thought after all that hesitation on both their parts, this was the sweetest kiss possible. It was slow and soft it felt like it lasted forever.
“Wow, all that waiting was definitely worth it” Fernando spoke as their foreheads touched.
“Yeah” Dan was breathless as he spoke, slowly placing chaste kisses on Fernando’s lips.
Dan didn’t know how to say it, he’d never liked someone this much. But as he spoke, he prayed he didn’t come across awkwardly.
“Um, Fernando, would you like to accompany me for dinner tomorrow night?” Dan mumbled. He was twiddling his fingers and looked like a shy schoolboy. Fernando thought that was adorable.
“Yes” was all the Spaniard could muster as he closed the distance between them again.
“Well then” Daniel smiled against Fernando’s lips “I guess, It’s a date” he said before capturing them with his own.
In the background Pepe and Stevie watched. Pepe was content; he could finally breathe easy knowing the two boys had worked it out. Next to him though was a rather smug Scouser and as he turned to face him he was met with Steven Gerrard’s ‘Itoldyouso’ smile.
“Alright, alright. Will I ever live this down?” Pepe huffed.
“No.” Came the answer accompanied by a cheeky smile.
“Oh, whatever. Now come on, let’s go see to them before one of them ends up pregnant!” Pepe guffawed, feeling proud of his own joke.
Stevie couldn’t help but burst out laughing, some things would never change.