Christmas fic: 2!

[fierylies]

Title: 7 Days of Christmas
Pairing: Xabi Alonso/Cesc Fabregas
Rating: PG 13
Genre: AU. Fluff. Angst. Hint at romance.  
Summary: AU. Xabi stumbles over a homeless person. And a Christmas story is born!
Wordcount: 6768
A/N: Ok, I didn't do it on purpose. This fic has got nothing to do with the 12 Days of Christmas song in ANY WAY. I was just lost and had to have something. Also, forgive the small peppering of pathetic Spanish in this. Anyways, a request from the amazing and wonderful not_a_rummba ! The story got a bit carried away, and it may not be what you wanted but I'm hoping you have enough Christmas spirit in you to be nice and forgiving! :)


Monday

The Basque hunched his shoulders, slightly shuddering against the cold breeze that brushed his pale neck. He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, trying to seek some warmth in the increasingly freezing atmosphere. It was mid-Winter, and as always, he was out doing some last minute Christmas shopping, or suffer a near death experience on the day under his mother’s hand. Women.

Half-listening to the usual Christmas playlist blaring softly over shops’ speakers, Xabi rifled through stacks, shelves and hangers trying to find the perfect presents. He felt his mind settle into the task and found that it soothe him; the winter was always the busiest part of the year at work, and he found shopping a welcome numbing to his soul. Retail therapy does exist.

Sighing in content relief, Xabi reshuffled the bags in his hands and walked down a dark street towards the parking complex. His gaze wandered, smiling at the decorated Christmas trees and lights that adorned the shops displays. There was a sudden flurry of cold wind that drew a gasp from him. Then he froze as little wisps of white started to flutter around him.

It's snowing!

Grinning from ear to ear now, Xabi continued to walk, eyes staring at the dark sky, staring at the snow flakes that fell. They looked like stars against the dramatic dark backdrop. Like falling stars.

He was so caught up with the snow that he tripped over something as he rounded the corner. Trying to gain his footing, he nearly missed the groan that came from behind him. He swivelled around, only to find no one. Eyes narrowed, Xabi took one more lingering look before turning on his way.

"Hey sir! Hey!"

Xabi turned, though wondering if the call was directed at him. Again he found no one. That is, until he saw a dark figure emerge from the shadows, an arm outstretched. Xabi backed away instinctively. "If you want my wallet, just take it."

The figure came toward him, revealing a rough-looking man holding a shopping bag. "You just dropped this." He said quietly, the shopping bag still held out.

"Oh." Xabi's face grew warm as he stared at the black paper bag. "Right. Erm."

"You dropped it when you tripped over my - when you tripped." The man shrugged, eyes widening as he stared back at him. "I wasn't stealing it, if that's what you're thinking."

Xabi shook his head. "No, no! I.. I'm sorry I thought -"

"Yeah I know." The man stepped closer to hand him the bag. Xabi could see him clearly now; though he still looked rough, he saw the sheepish smile on his face. But.. He's so young.

"Don't worry - you're not the first." The young man even looked apologetic. But I was the one..!

"Please, I'm sure you'd want to get home and wrap those presents." The stranger tucked the bag into a bigger one. "Merry Christmas!" He greeted before walking away.

"Merry Christmas." Xabi replied a beat later, but the man was long gone.

Tuesday

"Ok, what's on your mind? Not work I hope?" The feminine voice broke through his reverie. Xabi looked at the speaker and smiled. "No mom, far from it!"

His mom smiled brightly. "Good, I know you're just like your father, a workaholic to the bone, but this is Christmas, a time for thanking the Lord for all his given you. It's not time to ponder whether your stocks will fall during the Christmas break!"

Xabi rolled his eyes and went to sit beside her at his coffee table, grabbing a roll of Christmas wrapper. "Isn't giving thanks for thanksgiving?"

She frowned at him. "You should spend less time in America." His mother went back to wrapping up one of the presents he bought. "Besides, you can run the company from your office here. There's just no point on going over there for half the year!"

Xabi resisted a sigh - he's heard this lecture before. "Why don't you just say you miss me and be done with it?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Because you Alonso men never respond to emotions. Not when it's from a woman."

Xabi cocked a smile at her, conceding the point. She smiled softly back at him, patting his cheek affectionately. "You and your father are so alike it's eerie."

Xabi concentrated on wrapping, not wanting to let his mother see how uncomfortable he was. They love me but... Not yet.

His mother grabbed a Dior shopping bag and peeked inside. "Who's this for? Ooh!"

Xabi watched her warmly, laughing as she held the clutch bag to her chest. "Have I told you yet how much I love you?"

"Not yet." His mom winked at him, bumping her shoulder against his. Xabi grinned and wrapped an arm around her. "Te amo mama."

Wednesday

The Basque sipped his coffee, eyebrows marred into a frown. He couldn't shake the unsettled feeling in his chest. He was home. He saw his family recently - his mother helped him wrap Christmas presents just yesterday. Yet his chest still had this vice-like grip around it that freaked the hell out of him.

What's wrong with me?

Xabi stood, leaving the mug at the coffee table as he strode towards the windows. He watched as large snowflakes continued to fall. It'll build up soon. What if I get snowed in? Should I go to my parents now?

He looked up at the misty white expanse of the sky, contemplating his next move. Oh relax. This isn't work. Stop overanalysing everything.

Sighing, Xabi strode to the hallway, grabbing his keys and coat.

Xabi walked around the shops, aimlessly fluttering from one to another as shoppers buzzed past him with poorly-concealed panicked faces. He laughed quietly, strolling languidly. Christmas is the only occasion in the year where you can't screw a present up. Even birthdays don't generate this much panic-buying.

After stopping at a coffee-vending stall, Xabi went unto explore the town centre a bit more, sipping from his cup and avoiding the barging of crazed shoppers. An hour on and feeling his legs burn, he sought a bench at the little square that the shops surrounded. Letting his legs give out, he flopped down hard on the wooden bench, scattering the brave grey pigeons nearby to fly into the cold wind.

Shivering, Xabi flipped the collars of his coat up, fingers splayed around his cup. He could never stay in one place idly. His gaze, as usual, started wondering - up and around. He was never comfortable at watching people, though he was skilled at reading them. People revealed too much with their bodies alone. He knew that and didn't like to think he was one of them. Because.. Yes, because of that.

"Wow. I've never seen anyone stare at a tree so intensely." Xabi jumped, spilling coffee over his frozen fingers. He shook the excess off, before wiping them on his jeans. Well that warmed them up!

Someone chuckled beside him on the bench. "Sorry."

Recognising the voice, Xabi turned to the young man. "You..."

The man's grin disappeared quickly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh."

Xabi shook his head. "No, that's ok." He held out a hand automatically. "I'm Xabi."

The other just looked down at his pale hand. Xabi could see each individual eyelash flutter as the man blinked. Xabi withdrew his hand. "I.. Erm.." He started awkwardly.

The man gazed up at him. "I'm sorry. Again. I mean, I would have but.." He held out his hands. They were dirty and scuffed in places. Not to mention very pale. Xabi held out his drink, to which the man shook his head. Xabi insisted, "Take it."

When the man refused for the third time, Xabi grabbed his hand and placed the cup in it, wrapping his fingers along with the stranger's around it when the man threatened to let go. Relenting, the man lifted the cup to his lips. Xabi smiled when he saw the man wince. "I should have warned you, I take my coffee strong."

"Quiet strong." The young man rasped, but took another sip again. Xabi laughed, letting his hand fall to his lap, watching him lap up the coffee at the corner of his eye.

"Thanks." The man gratefully said a moment later. Xabi turned back to him, smiling gingerly. "There wasn't much left to it really."

"I don't mind."

"And it was cold."

"It's warm enough."

"Should I buy you another?"

"Nah." The man smiled softly. "Thanks though."

"I should really," Xabi motioned to the nearby stall that sold hot food and drink. "At least as an apology for the other night."

"Don't worry about it. You're not the first." The other laughed, waving it off. "I'd rather people thought I didn't exist rather than do and look down on me."

"They wouldn't if you didn't sit down where they can trip over you." Xabi bit his lip and looked away. "I'm sorry."

"What for? I thought that was funny." The man leaned back on his hands, spread on the bench beneath him. He crossed his legs out in front of him and grinned at Xabi. "Need to work on your delivery though."

Xabi pursed his lips. "Wait here."

The man said wrly as Xabi strode away, "Where would I go?"

Xabi came back five minutes later, relieved to see that the young man was still where he left him. Though he's made himself more comfortable now by lying on the bench. Tapping the bench with his foot, Xabi dropped the brown paper bag on the man's stomach. He waited until he moved to sit down, then held out the cup he's been holding.

"You didn't have to." The man eyed the things warily. He looked up at Xabi with a small smile. "I appreciate it though."

"Don't make me force-feed you." Xabi pointed to the bag. "Dig in. And I got you hot chocolate this time. I figured I can't go wrong with that."

Xabi looked away from the man's stare, intensely boring into him. He smiled when he heard the other say, "Nope, definitely not."

Xabi toed his boots off, shrugging his coat off as he walked deeper into the warm house. He should be exhausted, that was the whole point of wandering around town. The only way he dealt with unsettling feelings was to not deal with it at all.

The young man he met today certainly helped with that. Xabi marched into the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water as his mind wandered back to the afternoon.

The air was still bitterly cold, and the crowd of shoppers thickened by late afternoon. All the food Xabi bought were long gone by then, the man courteously excusing himself to throw it away. Xabi waited until the man returned and sat next to him again. He watched as the man patted his stomach, and felt a growing smile as he saw the satisfied look the young man tried to hide.

"They do make the best paninis in town." Xabi said offhandedly, turning away.

"The best hot chocolate too."

Xabi pursed his lips. "I don't think that stall down Queen Street would agree."

The man didn't miss a beat. "We should try it again, just to make sure."

Xabi chuckled, turning to him. "You think you've found a sucker in me haven't you?"

The man looked at him brightly. "Who am I to turn down such pretty eyes?"

"Oh flattery! That's classy." Xabi joked, shaking his head. The man smiled beside him. "Not flattery, but the truth."

Xabi's retort was cut short as a stocky man approached them. He stopped near Xabi, holding out a baton. The light blue shirt with an insignia on the left sleeve, along with the bulky bullet-proof vest was unmistakable. Nor was the pointed glare at his companion.

"Sir, is he bothering you?" The police officer asked coldly, eyes almost dagger-like in their scrutiny of the young man. Xabi started to reply but the police officer cut him off again. "We tell them to stay clear of the customers but they keep crawling back like rats -"

Xabi saw the man beside him still at the remark and stood. The Basque towered over the police officer at 6 foot, and was never intimidated by anyone anyway. Certainly not by authorities.

"We're fine." Xabi stared back at the police. "The only thing bothering us right now is you. Sir." He bit out the last, smiling coldly at the man. The police officer's mouth twitched, but must have decided to let it go when he walked away.

Xabi closed his eyes momentarily, before turning back to the young man. "Come on, let's see if that hot chocolate down Queen Street is as good as I remember."

The man only looked up at him. "My name's Cesc."

"Cesc.. Cesc." Xabi placed the glass down, letting the name roll over his tongue. The young man with the warm brown eyes, big smile and scuffed palms is called Cesc.

Thursday

Xabi jerked upright, breathe rasping quickly in and out as sweat rolled down his temple. He threw the covers aside and lumbered towards the bathroom. Switching the taps on, he stripped and entered the shower, lifting his face under the warm water spray. His tensed muscles relaxed under the strong flow. What was that?

He fought the nightmare away, staying under the water until it turned cold. He turned the shower off and slipped out, staring at his reflection as he dried himself.

I should tell them. Tell everyone. I can't... Not on my own.

Later, he sat in his living room, dark save for the thick falling snow that reflected the streetlights outside his window. He rubbed his eyes, feeling weariness pull them down bit by bit. The cold emanating from the windows seeped through his bare toes.

I don't remember it being so cold here.

Xabi's eyes flew open. What about Cesc?

He gazed at the snowstorm outside and shivered. He remembered the flimsy layers the man had on, and the cardboard he pulled out of a gap in the wall before they parted.

"What's that?" Xabi remembered asking, frowning at the wet cardboard box. He watched as Cesc laid it on the ground. The man smiled softly. "My bed."

Xabi shuddered, rubbing his face.

Compared to him, my life is heaven. He shouldn't have to suffer like that.

Why do you care?

Xabi paused, then rolled his eyes. The question is what do I do about it?

Xabi squinted into the distance. The snow was falling heavier now. Soon the ground would be covered ankle-deep in snow. Feeling apprehension rise in his throat, he briskly walked down the street to the corner where he left Cesc last.

He breathed a sigh in relief as he saw the Spaniard huddled down against the wall, using the cardboard box as a shield against the battering wind. Xabi quickly ran over to him, holding out a hand.

Cesc looked at his hand, much like the first time. Xabi held it closer to him, gently looking at him. "Get up, I'm taking you home."

Friday

"Oh!"

Xabi looked up to see Cesc wandering into his living room. He watched as Cesc slowly moved through his space, wonder clouding his eyes. He looked around his home. The living room was lined with the latest gadgets, the fireplace surrounded by a curved cream sofa. One wall was complete glass, affording him with a big view of his descending garden. The other light brown walls were adorned with photographs of his family. Mom must have put them there.

Black and white screens inserted into the wall separated the kitchen from the living room. It was smaller than the apartment he had in New York, but he guessed it was bigger and better than what Cesc was accustomed to.

He placed the plates of food unto the lowered part of the kitchen island, then turned to wait for the water to boil. His gaze floated back to the young man, who crouched down in front of the windows to look out at the snow.

"Hey, the food's ready." Cesc immediately bounded over, but stopped short of the table. Xabi poured the boiling water into two mugs, looking at him when he didn't move. "What's wrong?"

Cesc shuffled on his feet. "I... This looks great but I should really go."

Xabi spooned chocolate powder into the mugs, narrowing his eyes at Cesc as he did. "You should know something about me."

"What?" The man looked decidedly uncomfortable now.

"I don't just cook for anyone." Xabi said lightheartedly, before rounding the island and setting the mugs down. "Now sit before this grows cold."

As Xabi drove back to his house last night, his attention kept going to the shaking form beside him. Cesc had his eyes closed, huddling as much as he could on the seat. His face was half buried in the leather. "Whoa... h-heated s-seats."

"Shhh, we're nearly there." Xabi said soothingly, turning the last corner to his street. He could barely see through the snowfall, and was glad to reach his house a minute later. Switching the engine off, he turned to Cesc, who violently shivered as soon as the heating system turned off. Damn it!

Xabi shrugged out of his coat, helping the young man into it, who resisted weakly. "Come on, let's get you inside."

Once in, Xabi walked down the hall to his room, grabbed essentials and went back. Cesc was still stood on his doormat, tugging Xabi's coat close around him.

He placed the items on the sofa, and beckoned to Cesc. "Here's a towel and a change of clothes. The bathroom's two doors down on the right."

With that, he went to the kitchen to rummage through his cupboards. His mother always kept the cupboards full of food; never once did Xabi have to go grocery shopping. He found two cans of soup and started to heat them. His mind started to wander as he waited. What am I doing?

Helping someone in need.

Does he even want my help?

Xabi took a breathe. Doesn't matter. He needs it.

The food was laid out and waiting when Cesc walked in, holding his folded clothes in his arms. Xabi pointed to the table, his eyes clearly commanding - go eat.

Looking down, Cesc quietly sat and ate. Xabi watched him just as silently. He saw the boy's colouring come back to normal, his eyes widening as he savoured the hot soup. The boy obviously took the liberty of using his shower, as for the first time the grub that caked his skin wasn't there, though half of his face was still covered in facial hair.

Xabi's eyes hardened as he stared at him. "Cesc?"

The man looked up, startled to see the warm eyes that greeted him before to be so hard. "Yes?"

"You're staying here for Christmas." His decision, like always, was final.

Xabi laughed as Cesc wiped the last bit of his bread around his plate, catching the runny egg yolk that was still there. He saw the satisfied grin as he popped the piece into his mouth, laughing harder when Cesc nearly choked. The man glared at him, though smiled when Xabi rolled his eyes.

"I'm glad I amuse you so much."

Xabi wiped his eyes. "I've never seen anyone eat like that before."

Cesc shrugged. "You take what you can get."

Xabi's laughter died, and he looked at Cesc as he fidgeted in his seat. "How did you end up like that?"

Cesc froze, Xabi obviously hit a nerve. He must have realised that Xabi meant nothing wrong by it when he relaxed again and sipped from his mug. "Homeless and hopeless?"

Xabi raised an eyebrow. "Hopeless?"

Cesc grinned at him. "It rhymes." Xabi stayed silent, waiting for him to continue. With a sigh, Cesc bowed his head. "I ran away from home."

"I wasn't comfortable. Not in my old life anyway." Cesc smiled wryly. "Now doesn't look any better, but it is. I was unprepared for it though. I tried to get a job, but no one was willing to hire a 16 year old. I couldn't stay with friends. I thought if I just run away, everything would fix itself."

They both watched as Cesc's finger circled the rim of his mug over and over. Cesc took a deep breathe and laughed roughly. "That was 4 years ago. There was so much I wanted to do but now..."

Xabi let the silence fall, trying to imagine how living on the streets owning nothing but the clothes on your back felt like. He couldn't. He's lived with a golden spoon in his mouth since he was born. How he lived now was a lot more humble, but he preferred it that way.

Cesc's eyes roamed the room, fingers tapping on the table. "But I have to say, you're house is amazing."

"You should see my parents'." Xabi remarked, drinking the last of his mug. Cesc's eyebrows curved upward. "You close with your parents?"

"Yeah, can't imagine a life without them." Xabi smiled fondly, remembering all the family outings they took. He always thought that all families must be like that. Growing up opened his eyes to a lot of things. Feeling a heavy presence in the pit of his stomach, he pushed unsettling thoughts away and proceeded to recount family mishaps to Cesc, who laughed appreciatively.

"Your family's crazy!" Cesc remarked later. "In a good way." He added.

They were interrupted by the shrill ring of Xabi's phone. He fished the phone out of his pocket and pressing the answer button, placed it to his ear. "Yes?" A hint of annoyance filled his voice.

"Is that anyway to answer your phone?" His mom admonished. Xabi sat straighter in his chair, pressing the phone closer to his ear. "Sorry mom, force of habit."

"Well break out of it. Your dad was just saying how you should come here now, before the snow falls any harder and you get snowed in -"

Xabi's eyes came back to Cesc, before letting his head fall back. "I'm not coming over."

The silence over the line was defeaning. Xabi hurried to explain. "I mean, I can't. A friend of mine came over suddenly and -"

"Xabier?"

Xabi squeezed his eyes shut. The quiet tone his mother adopted when she was angry unnerved him like nothing else. He rushed his words out in a flutter. "I'll bring him over, even if I have to dig my way home. I promise."

"Xabi?"

Xabi winced. "We'll come over now."

"Alright, I love you mi corazon*. Take care ok?" Her voice tinkled into his ear before she hang up. Xabi dropped his phone on the table before leaning his elbows on it and hiding his face. Women!

The quiet giggle broke him out of his headache. Xabi glared at the other Spaniard, who looked away innocently.

Pursing his lips, Xabi stood and grabbed Cesc's arm. "Come. We'll see what fits you. Then shower, and shave your face. All of it."

Cesc stared at the back of Xabi's head as he was dragged down the hall. "Xabi -"

"You're coming to meet my family for Christmas." Xabi stopped and turned back. "You'll have fun, don't worry."

He raked his eyes over Cesc's head. "But maybe a haircut first."

Saturday

Xabi grinned, watching as his mother coddled Cesc. She was always affectionate with his friends, no matter how old they were. If he didn't wrought so much pleasure from watching Cesc's face change different levels of panic he'd be embarrassed. Nah I won't, I love my mom the way she is.

His father sat beside him, who he saw watched Cesc with a frown on his face. "So.. Cesc?"

The man looked up, his smile becoming fixed as the old man's stare bore into him.

"I don't think Xabi's mentioned you before." His dad added. Before either Cesc or Xabi could answer, Xabi's brother, Mikel interjected lightly. "Leave him alone dad."

His father looked at them innocently. His mom grinned, squeezing in between them. "It's not the first time Xabi brought a friend home."

"Mom." Xabi scowled at her, though the pat on his cheek soothe his annoyance. She only gave him a look akin to his dad's as a reply.

Xabi turned back to Cesc, who looked at them all with confusion. He felt a warmth expand in his chest. He adored his family, and always felt at ease when they were around. He hoped Cesc felt the same, even if just a little.

Cesc slipped around quietly, trying to remember the quick tour Xabi gave him earlier. Looking at the number of hallways and doors, Cesc was glad Xabi showed him around, though by the third time he walked into the same bathroom, he knew he was lost.

"Are you lost?"

Cesc twisted around. Xabi's mom smiled at him, then hooked her arm through his. "Come on, I'm up for a midnight snack, and I don't like to eat alone."

"I was - I er.." She pulled him down the hallway, and a couple of turns and a stairway later, they entered the empty kitchen, which automatically lit as she pushed him towards a small table.

Cesc's gaze followed her, eyebrows rising as she pushed the wall and a small section opened to reveal a fridge.There's rich, then there's Xabi's family.

She took a couple of things out, before pushing the section close. She grabbed a couple of glasses and cutlery; Cesc grabbed the platters and helped her back to the table.

"Thanks honey." She gave him an affectionate smile as she handed him a slice of fruit cake. Cesc realised a beat later that she was waiting for him to take a bite, after which she joined him.
Xabi wasn't kidding about her.

"You haven't really told us much about yourself Cesc." Cesc jerked, trying to swallow as she looked at him innocently. He didn't mention about his family's incessant curiosity though.

"So are you gonna start talking or do I have to get some kitchen tongs out?" Cesc swallowed visibly this time, despite the twinkle in her eye. Is she kidding? Because if she's trying to scare me, it's working.

Like the thought of meeting Xabi's family weren't enough to scare him to death, but spending Christmas with them just about pushed Cesc to the brink. He didn't exactly have a good record with family, nor any holidays with them.

“How did you and Xabi meet?“ She watched him, picking slowly at her cake. Mentally wincing, Cesc decided to tell her the truth. Xabi didn’t say he shouldn’t, though the man managed to throw attention off their ‘relationship’ throughout the day. Obviously his family isn’t thrown off easily. He planned the route to the bridge where the others usually were at this time of the year, as he answered her.

“He tripped over me.”

“Literally?”

Cesc grinned. “Yes, although I’m sure he didn’t mean it. I guess he didn’t see me.” Seeing her puzzled expression, Cesc looked away. “I’m homeless. I was sleeping on the street. That’s how he tripped over me.”

“I know how it sounds, but I’m not taking advantage of him.” Cesc insisted, after he retold the last few days. “I… He wouldn‘t let me go.”

Sunday

Silence fell between. Cesc glanced at the clock on the wall, ticking half an hour past midnight. “I should go, before I ruin your Christmas any more.”

“Cesc?” Cesc froze. He didn’t know why, but the quiet tone that called out his name made him nervous. He turned and sat back down. She stared at him for what seemed like an eternity, before a smile started growing on her lips. “Xabi said you can stay didn’t he?”

At Cesc’s nod, she pushed a glass of milk closer to him. “I don’t like to disappoint him. As do you, I think.” Cesc shook his head, rendered mute. How is she doing it? For some reason, he was afraid of her, yet her soft looks should have comforted him.

“You and Xabi… are exactly alike.” Cesc said quietly. She laughed, patting his hand. “Don’t tell him.”

“Mom didn’t scare you did she?” Xabi asked him quietly, stepping aside as his brother’s wife walked past, muttering about ‘Christmas’ and ‘hell‘. Everyone was busy preparing the Christmas dinner; that is all the women were busy shouting and cooking, and for some reason, Cesc was right in the middle of the Christmas chaos.

Cesc briefly looked up from stirring one of the pots. “Why would you think that?”

Xabi pointed towards the pots and pans in front of him. “How else would she have roped you in?”

“Oh I offered!”

“You didn’t.”

“He did.” Xabi’s mother pushed a bowl of potatoes and a knife in his arms. “So far he’s the only useful man in this house.”

Xabi glared at him. Cesc laughed as the Basque settled next to him and started peeling the potatoes in angry jerks. “You’re peeling it too thickly, you’re wasting it. Here. You stir.”

They swapped places; Xabi flinched as one of his cousins slapped his hands for stirring the wrong way. He threw Cesc another glare when the young man started chuckling again. “Since when did you become an expert cook?”

Cesc shrugged, a smile still lingering on his lips. “Doesn’t take a fool to know how to stir right Xabi.”

Xabi froze, gazing at Cesc’s lips.

“Xabi?“

He coughed and tore his gaze away when Cesc looked up. “So how do you stir this again?”

“Like this.” Shaking his head at Xabi, Cesc grabbed his hand and moved it in figure-eights. Listening to his instructions, Xabi let his eyes wander over him.

Cesc's hand was warm, his fingers pressing gently against his. His dark hair reached the collar of his short, small curls framing his temple. He remembered how they fussed over his hair; he insisted they cut it shorter, but Cesc only pouted against it. Xabi clamped down the urge to slide one of the curls behind his ear. His jaw curved strongly, his lips pursing now and then. Being taller, Xabi looked down and saw each long eyelash fan out to frame dark hazel eyes.

He wasn't usually as charitable as he'd been to Cesc; neither did he accept strangers so easily. But from the first moment he met the boy it all changed. He didn't know why or how yet.

He was surprised that Cesc accepted him just as easily. If you had nothing and someone came, gave you food and a room for a couple of days, would you even complain?

Xabi scowled, cursing himself. Cesc isn't like that.

Xabi knew one thing for sure.

Cesc was beautiful.

Xabi's hands clenched and unclenched, gripping the arms of his chair. He sat quietly in the dark room. Only the sound of the deep breathes of sleep broke the stillness.

Cesc was fast asleep, murmuring snippets of his dreams to Xabi now and then. His mother insisted that they share his old room, as his cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents filled all fifteen bedrooms. Cesc offered to sleep on the couch, which he and his mom refused. It took Cesc being physically dragged to the room before he conceded.

Xabi rolled his eyes in amusement now. Despite all his protests, Cesc liked being here. Xabi was happy to show him what his family's like. I bet he wants to run away from my family... Perhaps for a different reason.

He suddenly felt weak, his breathe becoming shallow and rasping against his dry throat. He blindly grabbed a pillow and masked the sounds of his pain-blinding coughs with it.

The bedside lamp switched on and he saw Cesc running to him. The man knelt beside him, rubbing his back helplessly as Xabi bent over in a coughing fit.

Not now.

Dizzy, Xabi tried to lift his head. Cesc supported the back of his neck, pressing a glass of water to his lips. He drank greedily, the cold water refreshing and soothing his head.

Cesc wrapped an arm under his as he coaxed him to go to bed. Xabi collapsed onto it, Cesc dragging the duvet from underneath to cover him. Xabi looked up as a warm hand pressed against his cheek.

"I'm here, don't worry." Xabi heard, before his vision blurred and darkness took over.

"You're alive then?" Something cool pressed against his forehead. Xabi moved closer to it, eyes slowly opening as he followed the voice. Cesc was sat beside him, pressing the wet cloth against his forehead for a minute before placing it in the bucket atop the nightstand.

Cesc pushed him gently back down when Xabi tried to sit up. Seeing the hard edge to the man's stare, Xabi decided it's best to try again when he didn't feel like his whole body turned into jelly.

"You've got your whole family worried." Cesc glanced quickly at the door and back. "Your mom woke the whole household, and she looked as pale as you. It took both your uncles examining you to calm her down a bit."

"She shouldn't have bothered them." Xabi said weakly. "When we were little she always use to call my uncles to have us checked over, even if it was just a small cough."

Cesc looked at him worriedly. Xabi pointed to his face. "She used to pull that face until both my uncles diagnosed us. Usually it was just the flu, and one time, uncle Roberto nearly gave her a heart attack when he teased that my chicken pox was fatal."

Xabi expected Cesc to laugh, and asked when he didn't. He saw Cesc's face contort into anger. "Last night wasn't just a small cough, or a flu or chicken pox."

"Why, what did my uncles say?"

"They're not sure. They're waiting for you to wake up." Cesc leaned down, his fingers brushing a lose strand on Xabi's forehead. "But you already know."

Xabi looked away. "Know what?"

"That you've got something." Cesc held his stare, refusing to let Xabi turn away again. "I saw the haunted look in your eyes, though you're quick to hide it. Tell me what it is."

Xabi pushed up and scowled at him. "What are you talking about?"

"Stop pretending."

"Cesc, leave me alone." Xabi hissed through gritted teeth. Cesc held his ground. "There was blood on the pillow you coughed into."

Dizziness rained over his vision; he slumped back on his pillows, bowing his head. He hadn't felt so tired in years. Yet a weight lifted from his chest that he couldn't explain. He was half-scared that Cesc knew now - the other half was relieved.

But how will I explain? He sighed, glancing back up at Cesc. "You can't tell anyone."

Cesc's eyes narrowed. He nodded, and Xabi felt gentle fingers slip around his fist. "You can trust me."

For the rest of the night, his mother fluttered around him, driving him mad. He knew she had every right to be worried, but his uncles agreed to tell her it was just a cold, in return to submitting to some tests at their clinic.

Xabi hadn't told them, but being doctors, they knew there was seriously something wrong with him. Cesc hadn't told anyone about the blood, but both of them knew it was only a matter of time. Cesc even insisted that he should tell them, but Xabi refused. Not yet.

Cesc frowned in consternation. "They should know."

Xabi spread his fingers and tightened them over Cesc's. "Just let me have the holidays."

He saw Cesc's eyes widen, saw how hard he tried to swallow.

"Is it that bad?" Cesc whispered, entwining their fingers together. Xabi only stared at him.

He knew it was unfair, could see the worried glances Cesc threw at him every time his mother wasn't looking. He reassured everyone that he was fine. He's not lying; he will be. For now, only Cesc knew and he wanted to keep it that way.

Now he realised why he let Cesc enter his life so easily. He needed him.

"You're not..." Cesc couldn't finish, feeling his throat close up at the thought. Xabi shook his head, a grin plastered on his pale lips. "Dying? No. It'd take more than this to get me."

Cesc had felt ill all night, his stomach tightening now as he gazed at his friend. Xabi looked serene now, the haunting look in his eyes less pronounced. Cesc felt some relief at that, but knew that he wasn't enough to completely melt it away.

I want to be enough.

Lifting his fingers to his cheeks, Cesc pulled them away and gasped at the wetness there. He furiously wiped at his face as Xabi looked up. The Basque's eyebrows furrowed. "What's wrong?"

"I... N-nothing." Cesc stammered, moving to leave the bed. Xabi tugged him back down. "Are you crying?"

"No."

Xabi's laugh, even at his expense, lifted his heart a little. My heart?

Xabi flicked his forehead. Cesc jerked and rubbed the spot, swearing at the man. "Xabi!"

"Stop being ridiculous. Now get off the bed, I'm reading." Xabi shoo-ed him away but Cesc remained next to him. Xabi blinked, his face blurred by the unshed tears in Cesc's eyes.

"You're not crying because of me are you?" Xabi reached out to touch his face but Cesc dodged. "I've been through worse, why would I cry over you?"

Xabi raised his eyebrow as if to say "Then why are you crying?"

Cesc rubbed his eyes, his tears washing over his fingers. "I.. I j-just want to be enough."

Xabi pulled him close and he burrowed his face into his shoulder. He heard Xabi mutter. "You are, you are."

Monday

It's only been a week since Xabi met Cesc, yet both were so comfortable together. Xabi found out that his parents knew about Cesc's background and as he expected, they didn't mind at all. In fact, they took half of Xabi's Christmas presents and gave it to him.

He didn't mind; he later gave Cesc the rest before the boy fell asleep. The smile that curved Cesc's lips then was back now, though he still caught him looking worried in passing.

They came back to his place a few minutes ago. Xabi thought it was better to be out from his mom's watchful eyes, as well as rescuing Cesc from his younger nieces. He knew Cesc would have attracted attention from his family, but hadn't anticipated how crazy women got around him. Even his grandmother made a pass at the Spaniard, to his grandad's entertainment.

Remembering the blush that coloured Cesc's cheek, Xabi chuckled.

"What are you giggling about?" Cesc sat beside him, handing him a mug. "It's strong and black." He informed before Xabi could ask.

"Your face when grandma pinched your butt." Xabi grinned, telling him as he thanked Cesc for the coffee. He saw him blush again. "I see she left quiet an impression."

Cesc blushed harder. "Does she usually pick on your friends?"

"Oh we're friends now are we?" Xabi teased, yelping when Cesc punched his shoulder. "No, it's just because you're gorgeous that she did so."

"Gorgeous?" Xabi scrunched his face as Cesc blinked at him. He winced when Cesc grinned. "You think I'm gorgeous?"

"Don't wiggle your eyebrows at me! And I'm only repeating what my nieces told me." Xabi cocked his head. "Something about 'wanting to squeeze your ass' to 'running my fingers through his hair'. Scared me half to death." He recounted, barely suppressing a laugh. Cesc threw his face down on the sofa and cursed Xabi.

"Fuck me? I think that was one of my nieces' remarks too. Teenagers, what can you do?" Xabi doubled over in laughter as Cesc wailed. "Like you've never had girls fall for you before."

Cesc sat up and growled at him. "I live on scraps Xabi, the only time they fall over me is when they trip over me like you did."

Xabi quietened, looking chastised. "Sorry..."

Cesc rolled his eyes, resting his head on the back of the sofa. "I've never really been interested in girls anyway." He deadpanned, tapping his fingers on his stomach.

Xabi froze. "Because of the way you live?"

Xabi nearly jumped out of his skin as Cesc leaned up and briefly pressed soft lips against his own.

He got his answer.

*
Mi corazon - my sweetheart