boys of summer - epilogue
Title: The Boys of Summer
Part: Epilogue
Rating: R (to be safe)
Words: 2,679
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and intends no harm towards people herein mentioned
Summary: Steven is off to University in the fall and so Fernando and Steven take advantage of the summer
AN: sequel to The Boys of Melrose
Fernando Torres walked out from the back of his shop to find a familiar face standing at the counter. He found himself breaking into a grin a habit that was hard to break around the other man.
“Pepe! Good to see you, hombre.” He greeted the former keeper.
“You too, Niño. How’s the business?”
“Pretty good; busy so I can’t complain.”
“You better not be too busy to come out with me tomorrow.” Pepe said with a grin.
“It depends, last time I went out with you I lost a couple hundred pounds.”
“I didn’t make you place that bet and there’s no gambling this time.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“It’s the ten year Academy reunion and I thought you might want to come. A lot of the old team will be there.”
“Are you asking me on a date, Pepe? I always knew the straight thing was a lie.”
“Very funny, Fer but no I am most certainly not asking you out. Yolanda’s having some weekend bonding thing with her mum before the baby comes so I thought I’d take pity on you. A bunch of the lads from other years that are around are meeting afterwards anyways.”
“Sure why not. It’ll be great to see the boys again.”
Fernando couldn’t help but think of one boy - man now - whom he would love to see again. He made plans with Pepe and then the other man was off and Fernando was left to think about the following day and what it would entail. There were a few of the boys he had kept in touch with but mostly it was just Pepe. The bald keeper wasn’t easy to shake and had been a constant friend in Fernando’s life. Lately they didn’t get together as much as they had in the past with Fernando being busier with the shop and Pepe having a very pregnant wife to deal with but they still made time for each other and regardless of other old friends a night out with Pepe would be fun.
_.o.0.o_
Fernando was standing in front of his closet wearing nothing but a towel when there was a barrage of knocks on his front door which could only be Pepe. Swearing softly he jogged down the hall a hand holding on to the towel to keep it from falling. Sure enough Pepe was standing on his doorstep wearing a pair of black slacks and a charcoal dress shirt with the top few buttons undone and the sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms.
“Niño, you can’t wear a towel. There is some sort of dress code.” The elder Spaniard joked.
“Sorry, Pepe. I was in the dark room and lost track of time and then I wasn’t sure what to wear.”
“Throw on anything as long as it includes pants.”
“Come on in, I’ll just be a few minutes.”
Pepe walked over to the couch and picked up the remote as Fernando returned to his room. It might have taken more than a few minutes but eventually Fernando was ready and they left for the reunion.
It felt strange to be pulling into the parking lot at Melrose Academy. Fernando hadn’t stepped foot in the building in nine years not that it had changed in that time from the looks of things.
“This place sure has some memories.” Pepe said almost reverently before turning to Fernando with a grin. “Time to party!”
Pepe was almost bouncing with energy and not for the first time Fernando wondered how he managed to sit behind a desk all week. Chuckling softly he followed him into the building following signs to a table set up with blank name tags. An older man was manning the table checking off people on a list as they came in. When the man looked up to ask Pepe’s name Fernando nearly choked. Looking a bit worse for wear but still healthy it was none other than Mr. Carter of the infamous failed bathroom seduction.
“Hey Mr. Carter! It’s Jose Reina.” Pepe said with a grin reaching out to shake the old man’s hand.
Carter accepted the handshake and scanned through the list for his name without glancing at Fernando. The Spaniard couldn’t believe Carter was still with the Academy. He had been old when Fernando was there nine years ago. Of course he had a different perspective of old at 27 as opposed to 17.
“And Fernando’s my guest tonight. Do you remember Fernando Torres? He’s a year younger.”
Carter’s head whipped up so fast Fernando feared he’d get whiplash. The man’s eyes were wide and Fernando had the distinct feeling that he was seeing him lounging on a radiator in his beat up leather jacket with a cigarette dangling from his fingers.
“Good evening, sir.” He said politely.
Carter just glared at him and handed over two nametags.
“There are markers over there.”
Pepe took the nametags and walked over to the markers choosing a red felt pen and writing ‘Pepe’ in big block letters before sticking it to his shirt with a smack.
“Going to put Niño on yours?”
“I think I’ll just go for Fernando actually.” He answered dryly.
“Suit yourself, let’s find some Reds.”
Fernando nodded and they entered the Great Hall where the gathering seemed to be happening scanning through gathered people for familiar faces. There were a couple over by the buffet table that he recognized from around the school but not from the team. Instinctively he looked towards the bar and sure enough found one of his old teammates.
“Carra’s at the bar.” He told Pepe.
Pepe smiled and cupped his hands around his mouth before shouting out across the room.
“We all dream of a team of Carraghers. A team of Carraghers. A team of Carraghers.”
“Pepe! Torres!” Carra called out raising his glass in a toast and waving them over.
A bunch of eyes had turned to them at Pepe’s shout and the result was a few more former players stepping forward. When Fernando and Pepe got to the bar Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez had gathered as well. The men exchanged greetings and Kuyt and Suarez introduced their wives who had come with them. Fernando had seen Glen in the years since the Academy getting together semi-annually for a match and drinks but it had been years since he had seen the others.
“How is it ye still look like ye could be sixteen, lad?” Carra asked shaking his head.
“Just lucky I guess.” Fernando answered wryly as he ordered a drink from the makeshift bar.
“Well I’m glad ye outgrew the mohawk, kid.”
“Aw Carra, and here I was thinking I’d have it make a return.” He teased.
The large Scouser just laughed heartily and clapped him on the shoulder nearly causing him to spill his drink.
“Are you boys all meeting up with the others after?” Pepe asked.
Kuyt declined because of young kids at home but the others all nodded.
“Where’s this meeting happening?” Fernando asked.
“Me pub.” Carra answered.
“Your pub? As in...”
“As in Carra owns a pub and is giving us the VIP room for the night.”
“That’s great. Where is it?”
They talked about the pub for awhile and who was supposed to be there from other years. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger were for sure coming as well as Martin Kelly, the young Scouser who had joined the team Fernando’s final year and who was currently seeing Dan. Raul Meireles now lived in London but was going to try and make it as well as a few others. It wasn’t going to be a huge gathering but Fernando was looking forward to it. He wished he had though to bring one of his cameras and wondered if Pepe would mind swinging by the house before going to the pub.
Suddenly something was different and unconsciously Fernando’s grip tightened on his glass. There hadn’t been a change in music or conversation but it was as if there had been a slight shift in the air and he looked up almost immediately locking eyes with Steven Gerrard.
Fernando’s first thought was that he looked good; the years had been kind and he looked better than ever. There was no denying the sexual attraction was still there and seeing him here Fernando was reminded of all the times they had snuck away to make out or more. Pepe seemed to notice the change in Fernando because he glanced at Stevie before squeezing his shoulder.
“Go on, have your reunion before he gets over here.” Pepe said quietly so the others didn’t here.
Fernando smiled gratefully and slipped away walking over to Steven. He shifted nervously from foot to foot unsure of his welcome and he briefly wondered where the cocky teen he had been had gone. Steven immediately put him at ease with a wide grin and open arms and as always Fernando couldn’t help smiling back and walking into his embrace.
“It’s good to see ye, lad.” Stevie said softly.
“You too, Stevie. I’m sorry I let us drift apart.”
Fernando hadn’t realized just how much he had missed the Scouser until that moment. They had broken up before Fernando’s second year of university for various reasons that had all been important at the time. They had tried remaining friends and it had worked for awhile but it had become hard as Steven finished university and Fernando had been faced with the reality of lingering feelings. So instead of dealing with them it had been easier to bury them and let the two of them go separate ways. Now realizing that he didn’t know the first thing about Steven’s life he knew it had been a mistake.
“How are ye? The shop still doing well?” Steven asked when they pulled apart.
“I’m good. Wait, you know about the shop?”
Fernando hadn’t even been studying photography when they split up. The Scouser smiled sheepishly as a faint blush stained his cheeks. Idly Fernando wondered if Steven blushing was still as rare as it used to be.
“I might ‘ave been bribing Pepe wit’ match tickets to keep me updated.” He admitted.
“Cabrón! He never told me he talked to you.”
“I wanted to know how ye were but didn’t want ye to feel obliged to keep in touch.”
“I’ve missed you, Stevie. I’ve never stopped...” Fernando spoke softly.
He didn’t know if Stevie understood that he meant he had never stopped loving him but he was too afraid to clarify. For all he knew Stevie had a wife and kids back home.
“Just like old times.” Carra announced having come over from the bar. “Ye two are still all wrapped up in each other oblivious to the rest of us.”
“Yer a riot, Jamie.” Stevie said affectionately with a roll of his eyes.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to hog him.” Fernando apologised.
Carra just laughed and handed Stevie a beer telling them to get back over to the others. When they got back to the others Pepe raised an eyebrow and mouthed sorry but Fernando just smiled and shrugged a bit, they’d talk more about it later no doubt but for now he wasn’t even sure how he felt. As the night progressed they mingled with various other alumni but Fernando kept finding his attention drawn to wherever Steven happened to be in the room and nine times out of ten Steven was looking back. The one thing he did know was that his feelings for the other boy -man - were long from gone or buried now.
It was almost ten when the guys decided it was time to head over to Carra’s pub and after saying goodbye to Kuyt Fernando went off to find Pepe who was his ride for the evening. He found the other Spaniard over by the coat check with Steven and Fernando found himself smiling upon seeing the Scouser again.
“Hey Pepe do you think you can swing by my place before the pub?”
“Yer not bailing on us are ye?” Stevie asked sounding slightly anxious.
“Of course not, I just want to grab my camera. I have a feeling I can get some great shots tonight.”
“I can take ye if Pepe wants to head straight to the pub.” Stevie offered.
Fernando didn’t even need to send Pepe any covert signals to agree to it as the former keeper thanked the Scouser gratefully citing some promise to help Carra set up the VIP room.
“If you don’t mind then?” Fernando said with a hopeful smile.
“Of course not, just direct me there and we’ll go.”
“You mean Pepe didn’t tell you my address.” He teased.
Stevie looked properly chastised but Pepe just laughed and walked off towards Carra. Fernando shook his head before following Steven out to the parking lot. They walked in a comfortable silence and Fernando knew that things were going to change, whether Stevie was married, seeing someone or single after today they weren’t going to go another 7 years without talking.
“Another thing Pepe never divulged was why you decided to go into photography.” Steven said after getting Fernando’s address.
Fernando was silent for a moment as he pondered the question. He knew what started him in it, in fact he knew the exact moment he decided to study photography he had just never shared it with anyone before. But if anyone deserved to hear it then it would have to be Steven. He shifted in the seat so that he could dig out his wallet pulling out a worn photograph that was hidden in the back. He smiled at it before handing it over to the Scouser who looked at it a smile of his own breaking out.
“This is from the trip to Spain. My shitty cell phone picture made ye want to study photography?”
“Kind of. It was about a year after we broke up and I was having a rough day and missing you so I was looking through some old pictures and came across this one. I remember looking at the picture and this one shot brought back so many memories and I couldn’t help thinking that if a shitty cell phone picture could do so much what kind of emotions could a professional photograph evoke.”
Steven was quiet as he thought about what Fernando had shared and the Spaniard put the photograph back into his wallet. Since that day he always carried it with him as a sort of reminder as to why he was doing this as well as a reminder of one of the happiest times of his life.
“I’ve seen yer work, ye have a skill with a camera, Nando. If I contributed to it in any way I’m honoured.”
“Thanks Stevie.”
“One of the things Pepe did mention was that ye aren’t seeing anyone right now.”
“Yeah.”
Fernando answered quietly his heart racing with what he hoped this was leading to. They had pulled up to Fernando’s place now and Stevie killed the engine before turning in his seat to face him.
“There’s a reason I’ve been bribing Pepe. Te amo, Fernando.”
Fernando’s body seemed to understand the words before they fully registered and even as what Steven was saying sunk in he was reaching across to yank Steven towards him his mouth finding his easily. They kissed hungrily sliding across the seat as far as they could in an attempt to get closer. When they pulled apart to breathe Steven kept his hand at the back of Fernando’s head his fingers carded through the honey blonde strands.
“I hope this means you’re not married with kids.” Fernando joked quietly.
“No, no.” Stevie said with a laugh. “I’m very much single though I’m more than willing to change that.” He continued his eyes shining with a love Fernando had only hoped to still exist.
“Good, because this time I’m not letting you go, Steven Gerrard.” Fernando answered quite seriously.
“Para siempre.”
Forever. Fernando liked the sound of that.
For those interested in my mental pictures of Fernando while writing this
this is how I pictured Fernando throughout the series;
and this is how I pictured him in the epilogue;
Part: Epilogue
Rating: R (to be safe)
Words: 2,679
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and intends no harm towards people herein mentioned
Summary: Steven is off to University in the fall and so Fernando and Steven take advantage of the summer
AN: sequel to The Boys of Melrose
Fernando Torres walked out from the back of his shop to find a familiar face standing at the counter. He found himself breaking into a grin a habit that was hard to break around the other man.
“Pepe! Good to see you, hombre.” He greeted the former keeper.
“You too, Niño. How’s the business?”
“Pretty good; busy so I can’t complain.”
“You better not be too busy to come out with me tomorrow.” Pepe said with a grin.
“It depends, last time I went out with you I lost a couple hundred pounds.”
“I didn’t make you place that bet and there’s no gambling this time.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“It’s the ten year Academy reunion and I thought you might want to come. A lot of the old team will be there.”
“Are you asking me on a date, Pepe? I always knew the straight thing was a lie.”
“Very funny, Fer but no I am most certainly not asking you out. Yolanda’s having some weekend bonding thing with her mum before the baby comes so I thought I’d take pity on you. A bunch of the lads from other years that are around are meeting afterwards anyways.”
“Sure why not. It’ll be great to see the boys again.”
Fernando couldn’t help but think of one boy - man now - whom he would love to see again. He made plans with Pepe and then the other man was off and Fernando was left to think about the following day and what it would entail. There were a few of the boys he had kept in touch with but mostly it was just Pepe. The bald keeper wasn’t easy to shake and had been a constant friend in Fernando’s life. Lately they didn’t get together as much as they had in the past with Fernando being busier with the shop and Pepe having a very pregnant wife to deal with but they still made time for each other and regardless of other old friends a night out with Pepe would be fun.
_.o.0.o_
Fernando was standing in front of his closet wearing nothing but a towel when there was a barrage of knocks on his front door which could only be Pepe. Swearing softly he jogged down the hall a hand holding on to the towel to keep it from falling. Sure enough Pepe was standing on his doorstep wearing a pair of black slacks and a charcoal dress shirt with the top few buttons undone and the sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms.
“Niño, you can’t wear a towel. There is some sort of dress code.” The elder Spaniard joked.
“Sorry, Pepe. I was in the dark room and lost track of time and then I wasn’t sure what to wear.”
“Throw on anything as long as it includes pants.”
“Come on in, I’ll just be a few minutes.”
Pepe walked over to the couch and picked up the remote as Fernando returned to his room. It might have taken more than a few minutes but eventually Fernando was ready and they left for the reunion.
It felt strange to be pulling into the parking lot at Melrose Academy. Fernando hadn’t stepped foot in the building in nine years not that it had changed in that time from the looks of things.
“This place sure has some memories.” Pepe said almost reverently before turning to Fernando with a grin. “Time to party!”
Pepe was almost bouncing with energy and not for the first time Fernando wondered how he managed to sit behind a desk all week. Chuckling softly he followed him into the building following signs to a table set up with blank name tags. An older man was manning the table checking off people on a list as they came in. When the man looked up to ask Pepe’s name Fernando nearly choked. Looking a bit worse for wear but still healthy it was none other than Mr. Carter of the infamous failed bathroom seduction.
“Hey Mr. Carter! It’s Jose Reina.” Pepe said with a grin reaching out to shake the old man’s hand.
Carter accepted the handshake and scanned through the list for his name without glancing at Fernando. The Spaniard couldn’t believe Carter was still with the Academy. He had been old when Fernando was there nine years ago. Of course he had a different perspective of old at 27 as opposed to 17.
“And Fernando’s my guest tonight. Do you remember Fernando Torres? He’s a year younger.”
Carter’s head whipped up so fast Fernando feared he’d get whiplash. The man’s eyes were wide and Fernando had the distinct feeling that he was seeing him lounging on a radiator in his beat up leather jacket with a cigarette dangling from his fingers.
“Good evening, sir.” He said politely.
Carter just glared at him and handed over two nametags.
“There are markers over there.”
Pepe took the nametags and walked over to the markers choosing a red felt pen and writing ‘Pepe’ in big block letters before sticking it to his shirt with a smack.
“Going to put Niño on yours?”
“I think I’ll just go for Fernando actually.” He answered dryly.
“Suit yourself, let’s find some Reds.”
Fernando nodded and they entered the Great Hall where the gathering seemed to be happening scanning through gathered people for familiar faces. There were a couple over by the buffet table that he recognized from around the school but not from the team. Instinctively he looked towards the bar and sure enough found one of his old teammates.
“Carra’s at the bar.” He told Pepe.
Pepe smiled and cupped his hands around his mouth before shouting out across the room.
“We all dream of a team of Carraghers. A team of Carraghers. A team of Carraghers.”
“Pepe! Torres!” Carra called out raising his glass in a toast and waving them over.
A bunch of eyes had turned to them at Pepe’s shout and the result was a few more former players stepping forward. When Fernando and Pepe got to the bar Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez had gathered as well. The men exchanged greetings and Kuyt and Suarez introduced their wives who had come with them. Fernando had seen Glen in the years since the Academy getting together semi-annually for a match and drinks but it had been years since he had seen the others.
“How is it ye still look like ye could be sixteen, lad?” Carra asked shaking his head.
“Just lucky I guess.” Fernando answered wryly as he ordered a drink from the makeshift bar.
“Well I’m glad ye outgrew the mohawk, kid.”
“Aw Carra, and here I was thinking I’d have it make a return.” He teased.
The large Scouser just laughed heartily and clapped him on the shoulder nearly causing him to spill his drink.
“Are you boys all meeting up with the others after?” Pepe asked.
Kuyt declined because of young kids at home but the others all nodded.
“Where’s this meeting happening?” Fernando asked.
“Me pub.” Carra answered.
“Your pub? As in...”
“As in Carra owns a pub and is giving us the VIP room for the night.”
“That’s great. Where is it?”
They talked about the pub for awhile and who was supposed to be there from other years. Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger were for sure coming as well as Martin Kelly, the young Scouser who had joined the team Fernando’s final year and who was currently seeing Dan. Raul Meireles now lived in London but was going to try and make it as well as a few others. It wasn’t going to be a huge gathering but Fernando was looking forward to it. He wished he had though to bring one of his cameras and wondered if Pepe would mind swinging by the house before going to the pub.
Suddenly something was different and unconsciously Fernando’s grip tightened on his glass. There hadn’t been a change in music or conversation but it was as if there had been a slight shift in the air and he looked up almost immediately locking eyes with Steven Gerrard.
Fernando’s first thought was that he looked good; the years had been kind and he looked better than ever. There was no denying the sexual attraction was still there and seeing him here Fernando was reminded of all the times they had snuck away to make out or more. Pepe seemed to notice the change in Fernando because he glanced at Stevie before squeezing his shoulder.
“Go on, have your reunion before he gets over here.” Pepe said quietly so the others didn’t here.
Fernando smiled gratefully and slipped away walking over to Steven. He shifted nervously from foot to foot unsure of his welcome and he briefly wondered where the cocky teen he had been had gone. Steven immediately put him at ease with a wide grin and open arms and as always Fernando couldn’t help smiling back and walking into his embrace.
“It’s good to see ye, lad.” Stevie said softly.
“You too, Stevie. I’m sorry I let us drift apart.”
Fernando hadn’t realized just how much he had missed the Scouser until that moment. They had broken up before Fernando’s second year of university for various reasons that had all been important at the time. They had tried remaining friends and it had worked for awhile but it had become hard as Steven finished university and Fernando had been faced with the reality of lingering feelings. So instead of dealing with them it had been easier to bury them and let the two of them go separate ways. Now realizing that he didn’t know the first thing about Steven’s life he knew it had been a mistake.
“How are ye? The shop still doing well?” Steven asked when they pulled apart.
“I’m good. Wait, you know about the shop?”
Fernando hadn’t even been studying photography when they split up. The Scouser smiled sheepishly as a faint blush stained his cheeks. Idly Fernando wondered if Steven blushing was still as rare as it used to be.
“I might ‘ave been bribing Pepe wit’ match tickets to keep me updated.” He admitted.
“Cabrón! He never told me he talked to you.”
“I wanted to know how ye were but didn’t want ye to feel obliged to keep in touch.”
“I’ve missed you, Stevie. I’ve never stopped...” Fernando spoke softly.
He didn’t know if Stevie understood that he meant he had never stopped loving him but he was too afraid to clarify. For all he knew Stevie had a wife and kids back home.
“Just like old times.” Carra announced having come over from the bar. “Ye two are still all wrapped up in each other oblivious to the rest of us.”
“Yer a riot, Jamie.” Stevie said affectionately with a roll of his eyes.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to hog him.” Fernando apologised.
Carra just laughed and handed Stevie a beer telling them to get back over to the others. When they got back to the others Pepe raised an eyebrow and mouthed sorry but Fernando just smiled and shrugged a bit, they’d talk more about it later no doubt but for now he wasn’t even sure how he felt. As the night progressed they mingled with various other alumni but Fernando kept finding his attention drawn to wherever Steven happened to be in the room and nine times out of ten Steven was looking back. The one thing he did know was that his feelings for the other boy -man - were long from gone or buried now.
It was almost ten when the guys decided it was time to head over to Carra’s pub and after saying goodbye to Kuyt Fernando went off to find Pepe who was his ride for the evening. He found the other Spaniard over by the coat check with Steven and Fernando found himself smiling upon seeing the Scouser again.
“Hey Pepe do you think you can swing by my place before the pub?”
“Yer not bailing on us are ye?” Stevie asked sounding slightly anxious.
“Of course not, I just want to grab my camera. I have a feeling I can get some great shots tonight.”
“I can take ye if Pepe wants to head straight to the pub.” Stevie offered.
Fernando didn’t even need to send Pepe any covert signals to agree to it as the former keeper thanked the Scouser gratefully citing some promise to help Carra set up the VIP room.
“If you don’t mind then?” Fernando said with a hopeful smile.
“Of course not, just direct me there and we’ll go.”
“You mean Pepe didn’t tell you my address.” He teased.
Stevie looked properly chastised but Pepe just laughed and walked off towards Carra. Fernando shook his head before following Steven out to the parking lot. They walked in a comfortable silence and Fernando knew that things were going to change, whether Stevie was married, seeing someone or single after today they weren’t going to go another 7 years without talking.
“Another thing Pepe never divulged was why you decided to go into photography.” Steven said after getting Fernando’s address.
Fernando was silent for a moment as he pondered the question. He knew what started him in it, in fact he knew the exact moment he decided to study photography he had just never shared it with anyone before. But if anyone deserved to hear it then it would have to be Steven. He shifted in the seat so that he could dig out his wallet pulling out a worn photograph that was hidden in the back. He smiled at it before handing it over to the Scouser who looked at it a smile of his own breaking out.
“This is from the trip to Spain. My shitty cell phone picture made ye want to study photography?”
“Kind of. It was about a year after we broke up and I was having a rough day and missing you so I was looking through some old pictures and came across this one. I remember looking at the picture and this one shot brought back so many memories and I couldn’t help thinking that if a shitty cell phone picture could do so much what kind of emotions could a professional photograph evoke.”
Steven was quiet as he thought about what Fernando had shared and the Spaniard put the photograph back into his wallet. Since that day he always carried it with him as a sort of reminder as to why he was doing this as well as a reminder of one of the happiest times of his life.
“I’ve seen yer work, ye have a skill with a camera, Nando. If I contributed to it in any way I’m honoured.”
“Thanks Stevie.”
“One of the things Pepe did mention was that ye aren’t seeing anyone right now.”
“Yeah.”
Fernando answered quietly his heart racing with what he hoped this was leading to. They had pulled up to Fernando’s place now and Stevie killed the engine before turning in his seat to face him.
“There’s a reason I’ve been bribing Pepe. Te amo, Fernando.”
Fernando’s body seemed to understand the words before they fully registered and even as what Steven was saying sunk in he was reaching across to yank Steven towards him his mouth finding his easily. They kissed hungrily sliding across the seat as far as they could in an attempt to get closer. When they pulled apart to breathe Steven kept his hand at the back of Fernando’s head his fingers carded through the honey blonde strands.
“I hope this means you’re not married with kids.” Fernando joked quietly.
“No, no.” Stevie said with a laugh. “I’m very much single though I’m more than willing to change that.” He continued his eyes shining with a love Fernando had only hoped to still exist.
“Good, because this time I’m not letting you go, Steven Gerrard.” Fernando answered quite seriously.
“Para siempre.”
Forever. Fernando liked the sound of that.
For those interested in my mental pictures of Fernando while writing this
this is how I pictured Fernando throughout the series;
and this is how I pictured him in the epilogue;