I Keep Hoping You'll Trip - Part 1 of 4
Title: I Keep Hoping You’ll Trip (and fall back in love)
Characters: Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly, Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher
Pairings: Torres/Gerrard, Agger/Kelly
Rating: 18A for later chapters
Summary: Steven left and even as Fernando tries to piece back his life he hopes it is not forever
Note: multi-chapter, AU. Title from 'Come Wake Me Up' by Rascal Flats
Prologue
Chapter 1
Fernando squeezed his eyes shut pulling the covers up over his head in an attempt to stifle the screeching that was coming from somewhere in his room. Neither effort awarded him any peace however and he ended up throwing the pillow in the general direction of the offensive noise. The screeching didn’t stop despite the clatter of knocked over items and he reluctantly pulled himself out of the clutches of sleep. His head was thick and foggy and he swallowed dryly as slowly the screeching turned into his phone ringing. Groaning and inwardly cursing the empty bottle of Jim Beam he spied on the floor he fumbled for his phone hitting the connect button.
“Ungh ‘lo?” he rasped.
“Fernando? Is that you?” Pepe Reina asked over the line.
The Spaniard’s usual cheery voice held tones of worry and uncertainty which irrationally irritated the younger man.
“Who else would be answering my phone?” He snapped.
There was a brief silence and Fernando knew they were both thinking of who used to answer the phone at Fernando’s flat. Despite his pounding headache and rolling stomach he suddenly wished the bottle of bourbon wasn’t empty.
“What do you want, Pepe?” he asked hoping to keep certain memories at bay.
“Yolanda just wanted me to remind you about dinner tonight.”
“I’ll be there. Need me to bring anything?”
Truth be told he had forgotten about the dinner and he would rather stay in but he knew neither Pepe nor his better half would allow him.
“No, Yolanda’s got everything covered. Fer, just...” Pepe trailed off for a moment before sighing, “Just show up sober please.”
“I will.” Fernando said softly feeling guilty about his earlier wish for bourbon.
“Alright, I’ll see you at seven, Niño.” Pepe said using his old nickname.
“See you.”
Fernando put the phone down and collapsed on the bed groaning as his stomach flipped. He could use a shower to wake him up and hopefully clear his head a bit. Fernando glanced at the clock noting idly that it was already noon and he really should be up; the problem was that these days he didn’t have a lot to get up for. There had been a time when he might have been up early on a Saturday so that he could kick a ball around with Steven and the guys before heading back to the flat for sex in the shower and a late breakfast. These days Saturday mornings were sleeping in and lonely hangovers. He picked himself up off the bed and headed for the shower hoping the hot water would chase away not only the hangover but the memories because they were worse.
“Fernando! You’re just in time, the others just got here.” A five-month pregnant Yolanda greeted Fernando at the door.
“You look gorgeous, Yolanda.” Fernando said with a smile, leaning closer to give her a hug and brush a kiss against her cheeks.
“Such a charmer, I’m huge. Come on in, the others are in the den with the kids.”
Fernando followed the pregnant woman into the house hanging up his jacket and heading for the den. He had offered to help her get things ready but she had just waved him off with an indulgent smile. Walking into the den he felt the first real smile in months pulling at his lips as he took in the scene. Pepe and Yolanda’s two young daughters had somehow coerced Martin Kelly into playing something akin to tea party from the looks of it. This involved the Brit squeezing his 6 foot 3 frame into a child-sized chair and using a plastic tea set. On the couch Martin’s desperate looks were being ignored by his boyfriend who was too busy playing FIFA with Pepe to partake in any rescue.
“Don’t eat too much Kels; you don’t want to spoil your dinner.” Fernando teased.
Martin glared at Fernando from his chair but was saved as both Alma and Grecia abandoned their game to run over to greet Fernando. Alma stopped in front of him more reserved in her actions while Grecia threw her small arms around his legs. They both greeted him as Tio Nando and Fernando's grin was genuine as he scooped Grecia up.
"Hola muñecas. Are you having fun with Martin?"
The Brit had taken advantage of the girls's distraction to pry himself out of the chair and was currently stretching his long frame. Fernando watched as he dropped himself onto the couch jostling Daniel before stealing the Dane's controller. There was some bitching from the older man but Martin just made some flip comment about Dan's skills before proceeding to score on Pepe. The Dane acquiesced and gave Martin a quick kiss both men ignoring Pepe's complaints. Fernando felt a pang at the easy affection and almost didn't hear Grecia's question. Scolding himself he answered the girl and let her distract him until dinner was ready.
Yolanda with her typical intuition sat Fernando between Alma and Dan so that he was both entertained during the meal and wouldn't have to watch his friends being all "coupley". It wasn't that he didn't want them to be happy it was just hard to witness when his own relationship was so recently over. He was grateful for Alma's easy affection that allowed him to feel less like a fifth wheel which had no doubt been Yolanda's goal. Dinner went well with the friends joking around and sharing stories and laughter. It wasn't until dessert that things started to take a turn for the worse. Daniel had been sharing a story about some teenagers that had been at his tattoo parlor earlier that week; a high school couple that had wanted each other's names tattooed on their chest.
"I tried telling them it was a bad idea but they naively assured me their love was true love and they would be together forever."
"Sounds familiar." Fernando said softly.
Once upon a time he had thought that Steven and him were forever but that hadn't been the case.
"Shit, sorry Fer, I didn't mean to..."
"It's okay Dan, I know you didn't. Stevie is gone I need to accept that. He's probably moved on by now happy in London and I'm sure you're all tired of this eggshell business around me by now."
He noticed a look pass between Dan and Pepe which immediately had his stomach clenching in anticipation and fear of what such a look could mean. The girls had left the table by then and he let a soft expletive slip past his lips.
"What is it guys? If you're worried about the drinking you don't need to. I know it's been bad and I'm stopping with the whole liquid therapy thing. It never really worked anyways."
"Niño, Steven isn't in London." Pepe said hesitantly.
"No, he told me was taking a job in London, he gave me a forwarding address for his stuff." Fernando argued in disbelief.
"London wasn't working out, he came back a few days ago."
Fernando’s stomach was in knots thinking about Stevie being back in town. The possibility of running into him at the market or out at the pub now a reality instead of just a drunken fantasy.
"Where is he staying? No, don't tell me. If he wanted me to know he would've told me. Just, he's okay right? He's not back because he got canned or anything?"
"He transferred back. The problem was London not Stevie." Dan reassured him.
Fernando tried to process what they were saying but it all seemed to blur in his head and get confused with his feelings as fear, hope and pain battled for dominance. He wanted a drink to help sort this out but he had just promised he was stopping and he meant it. He felt something hot being pushed into his hand and blinking out of his stupor - how long had he been gasping like a fish out of water? - he accepted the mug of tea from Yolanda.
"When I feel like I could use a drink this usually helps." she said softly.
Fernando took a sip gratefully while trying not to dwell on how tea had always been Steven's solution to problems. Well tea and sex but he really didn't need to be thinking about that either right now. The tea did help and he felt himself calming down. So Steven was back in Liverpool, that didn't change anything. If it had he would have told Fernando he was back. He was just going to have to continue with his plan of moving on alcohol-free.
Chapter 2
Plan 'Move On' was off to great start Fernando thought wryly. It had been a week since dinner at Pepe's. A week since he had found out Stevie was back in Liverpool. Instead of moving on he was at the market attempting to get a glimpse of his ex. He pulled out his phone and opened up his last text to reread the message.
'S heading 2 market ;)'
The message was from Martin Kelly, the younger man was determined to help Fernando fix his broken relationship. Martin had approached him at Pepe's before leaving with Dan much to Fernando’s surprise.
Fernando was rinsing out his mug when he heard someone come into the kitchen, when he turned around he was surprised to see Martin leaning nervously against the door frame. The Brit's hands were shoved into his pockets and he glanced over his shoulder before speaking.
"Dan doesn't think we should get involved but I think you and Stevie have a chance still. He didn't come out and say it but he came back because of you."
"Kels, he didn't even tell me he was back. I don't even know where he's staying."
"My flat." Martin answered quickly.
"What?"
"I'm almost always at Dan's so he's crashing there until he gets his own place."
"It doesn't change anything, Kels. I wish it did."
"Just don't give up yet."
That was all Martin had said before Dan and Pepe had showed up and they were all saying their goodbyes for the night. As Fernando lay in bed that night he couldn't get Martin’s words out of his head and he couldn't help but hope things weren't over for good.
So here he was almost stalking his ex-boyfriend at the market with the help of a guy who admitted he loved American Pie's Stifler. He could practically here Steven's voice in his head telling him he was being daft but since he only heard Steven as a voice in his head these days he ignored it and continued down the aisle. He was by a crate of watermelons when he caught a glimpse of grey eyes and he had to fight the urge to whip around and verify that they were indeed Steven's grey eyes - not that he would ever forget them - instead focusing on a watermelon. Suddenly Fernando felt incredibly foolish pretending to buy fruit just to run into his ex. He hadn't thought about what he would say if Steven saw him he had just wanted to see the other man. He had needed proof that the Scouser was indeed back in Liverpool.
"Fernando?" The unmistakably Scouse voice of Stevie asked.
Mierda he thought.
"Stevie, hi." He spoke his voice unnaturally high.
"Are ye alright, lad?"
It was the concern in the other man's voice that did him in. Here he was stalking him like a crazy ex and Steven was worried about him.
"I'm sorry..." Fernando squeezed out.
Before Steven could say anything he turned and ran off. He was stopped at the door by a flustered bag boy who awkwardly asked him to pay for the watermelon he was holding. Fernando flushed bright red and thrust the forgotten fruit at the boy spewing out more apologies. He was still pink with mortification when he got home. He pulled out his phone and tapped out a quick message to Martin before throwing himself onto the couch in dismay.
'I can't believe I let you talk me into that. Mortified.'
Fernando was still bemoaning the whole ordeal when there was a knock on the door putting an end to his pity party. Thinking it was probably Pepe checking up on him he dragged his feet on the way to the front of his flat. He opened his door without first checking the peephole and was surprised to see Steven Gerrard standing outside his flat holding a large watermelon. Fernando was so shocked that he just stood there holding the door open gaping at the other man.
"Hey Fer." Stevie said with a soft smile.
"Stevie, what are you doing here?" He asked finally finding his voice.
"Well ye left in such a hurry I didn't know if ye wanted the watermelon or not."
"So you bought me one and brought it over?"
"It sounds crazy but yeah."
"You're a great guy Stevie."
"Can I come in? This watermelon is getting a bit heavy."
"There's something I need to tell you, then you can decide if you still want to come in."
Or just chuck the melon at his head Fernando thought to himself. He didn't want to admit to the stalking but he owed the other man that much.
"What is it?"
"I knew you were going to be at the market which is why I was there."
Much to Fernando’s surprise Stevie didn't look at him with disgust or hit him with the watermelon instead he laughed. He was still laughing as he moved past Fernando into the flat heading for the kitchen. Fernando found him in the kitchen rearranging take out containers to fit the melon into the fridge.
"Was Martin yer partner in crime by any chance?"
Fernando could only nod sheepishly.
"That explains why he was so interested in where I was going."
"I'm so sorry, Steven." Fernando said sincerely.
"Don't worry about it, lad. Though next time just call me and we can meet up."
Fernando stared at the other man not able to believe that Steven didn’t mind and was actually willing to spend time with him.
"You're not mad?" He asked still uncertain.
"I could never be mad at ye, Fer." Stevie said softly.
Fernando couldn't help but think of a time when that hadn't been the case.
Fernando stared at the sight in front of him blinking furiously in hopes that the scene would disintegrate into something different. It didn’t and no matter how much he blinked Steven was still shoving things into his sports bag.
"You're just leaving? You're not even going to try and work it out?" Fernando half-shouted.
"I did try, I tried and instead ye just shut me out." Stevie answered without looking up.
"I shut you out? You're the one who came home with a new job in a different city with no warning, no talking."
"This is a great opportunity for me Fernando. I thought you'd be happy for me but I forgot ye are too selfish to put someone else first." Stevie spat out.
"I could've been happy for you but you didn't give me the chance."
"I just don't believe that anymore."
Steven sounded resigned and Fernando knew that he had lost the battle. It no longer mattered what he said, Steven was as good as gone. The realization made him angry; angry with himself for how he had reacted, angry at the Scouser for not giving him time, and in his anger he lashed out.
"Fine. Run away to London and hide behind this job. I don't want you here anymore. I don't need you so just get the hell out of my flat." He shouted getting up in Steven's face.
"I will because I can't deal with this childish behavior anymore. It's time to grow up, Niño."
Steven tossed out his parting comment with a sneer before shouldering his bag and pushing past Fernando. In less than a minute he was gone leaving Fernando shaking with anger in an empty flat. The adrenaline lasted for about five minutes and then it drained out of him along with his anger leaving him alone in his flat with his pain.
Fernando didn't know if the memory showed on his features but Steven reached out and placed a comforting - and oh so familiar - hand on his shoulder.
"I want to apologize too. When I left I was angry and said some really hurtful things. I just want ye to know I didn't mean them."
"Me too." Fernando said, happy to finally get a chance to apologize for his spiteful words.
Steven nodded in understanding giving Fernando’s shoulder a squeeze before dropping his hand.
"Would you like to stay for a bit? I'd like to hear about London if you want to share."
"That sounds great."
As he offered Stevie a drink he couldn't help but hope that Martin had been right and things weren't over just yet.
Characters: Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly, Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher
Pairings: Torres/Gerrard, Agger/Kelly
Rating: 18A for later chapters
Summary: Steven left and even as Fernando tries to piece back his life he hopes it is not forever
Note: multi-chapter, AU. Title from 'Come Wake Me Up' by Rascal Flats
Prologue
Chapter 1
Fernando squeezed his eyes shut pulling the covers up over his head in an attempt to stifle the screeching that was coming from somewhere in his room. Neither effort awarded him any peace however and he ended up throwing the pillow in the general direction of the offensive noise. The screeching didn’t stop despite the clatter of knocked over items and he reluctantly pulled himself out of the clutches of sleep. His head was thick and foggy and he swallowed dryly as slowly the screeching turned into his phone ringing. Groaning and inwardly cursing the empty bottle of Jim Beam he spied on the floor he fumbled for his phone hitting the connect button.
“Ungh ‘lo?” he rasped.
“Fernando? Is that you?” Pepe Reina asked over the line.
The Spaniard’s usual cheery voice held tones of worry and uncertainty which irrationally irritated the younger man.
“Who else would be answering my phone?” He snapped.
There was a brief silence and Fernando knew they were both thinking of who used to answer the phone at Fernando’s flat. Despite his pounding headache and rolling stomach he suddenly wished the bottle of bourbon wasn’t empty.
“What do you want, Pepe?” he asked hoping to keep certain memories at bay.
“Yolanda just wanted me to remind you about dinner tonight.”
“I’ll be there. Need me to bring anything?”
Truth be told he had forgotten about the dinner and he would rather stay in but he knew neither Pepe nor his better half would allow him.
“No, Yolanda’s got everything covered. Fer, just...” Pepe trailed off for a moment before sighing, “Just show up sober please.”
“I will.” Fernando said softly feeling guilty about his earlier wish for bourbon.
“Alright, I’ll see you at seven, Niño.” Pepe said using his old nickname.
“See you.”
Fernando put the phone down and collapsed on the bed groaning as his stomach flipped. He could use a shower to wake him up and hopefully clear his head a bit. Fernando glanced at the clock noting idly that it was already noon and he really should be up; the problem was that these days he didn’t have a lot to get up for. There had been a time when he might have been up early on a Saturday so that he could kick a ball around with Steven and the guys before heading back to the flat for sex in the shower and a late breakfast. These days Saturday mornings were sleeping in and lonely hangovers. He picked himself up off the bed and headed for the shower hoping the hot water would chase away not only the hangover but the memories because they were worse.
“Fernando! You’re just in time, the others just got here.” A five-month pregnant Yolanda greeted Fernando at the door.
“You look gorgeous, Yolanda.” Fernando said with a smile, leaning closer to give her a hug and brush a kiss against her cheeks.
“Such a charmer, I’m huge. Come on in, the others are in the den with the kids.”
Fernando followed the pregnant woman into the house hanging up his jacket and heading for the den. He had offered to help her get things ready but she had just waved him off with an indulgent smile. Walking into the den he felt the first real smile in months pulling at his lips as he took in the scene. Pepe and Yolanda’s two young daughters had somehow coerced Martin Kelly into playing something akin to tea party from the looks of it. This involved the Brit squeezing his 6 foot 3 frame into a child-sized chair and using a plastic tea set. On the couch Martin’s desperate looks were being ignored by his boyfriend who was too busy playing FIFA with Pepe to partake in any rescue.
“Don’t eat too much Kels; you don’t want to spoil your dinner.” Fernando teased.
Martin glared at Fernando from his chair but was saved as both Alma and Grecia abandoned their game to run over to greet Fernando. Alma stopped in front of him more reserved in her actions while Grecia threw her small arms around his legs. They both greeted him as Tio Nando and Fernando's grin was genuine as he scooped Grecia up.
"Hola muñecas. Are you having fun with Martin?"
The Brit had taken advantage of the girls's distraction to pry himself out of the chair and was currently stretching his long frame. Fernando watched as he dropped himself onto the couch jostling Daniel before stealing the Dane's controller. There was some bitching from the older man but Martin just made some flip comment about Dan's skills before proceeding to score on Pepe. The Dane acquiesced and gave Martin a quick kiss both men ignoring Pepe's complaints. Fernando felt a pang at the easy affection and almost didn't hear Grecia's question. Scolding himself he answered the girl and let her distract him until dinner was ready.
Yolanda with her typical intuition sat Fernando between Alma and Dan so that he was both entertained during the meal and wouldn't have to watch his friends being all "coupley". It wasn't that he didn't want them to be happy it was just hard to witness when his own relationship was so recently over. He was grateful for Alma's easy affection that allowed him to feel less like a fifth wheel which had no doubt been Yolanda's goal. Dinner went well with the friends joking around and sharing stories and laughter. It wasn't until dessert that things started to take a turn for the worse. Daniel had been sharing a story about some teenagers that had been at his tattoo parlor earlier that week; a high school couple that had wanted each other's names tattooed on their chest.
"I tried telling them it was a bad idea but they naively assured me their love was true love and they would be together forever."
"Sounds familiar." Fernando said softly.
Once upon a time he had thought that Steven and him were forever but that hadn't been the case.
"Shit, sorry Fer, I didn't mean to..."
"It's okay Dan, I know you didn't. Stevie is gone I need to accept that. He's probably moved on by now happy in London and I'm sure you're all tired of this eggshell business around me by now."
He noticed a look pass between Dan and Pepe which immediately had his stomach clenching in anticipation and fear of what such a look could mean. The girls had left the table by then and he let a soft expletive slip past his lips.
"What is it guys? If you're worried about the drinking you don't need to. I know it's been bad and I'm stopping with the whole liquid therapy thing. It never really worked anyways."
"Niño, Steven isn't in London." Pepe said hesitantly.
"No, he told me was taking a job in London, he gave me a forwarding address for his stuff." Fernando argued in disbelief.
"London wasn't working out, he came back a few days ago."
Fernando’s stomach was in knots thinking about Stevie being back in town. The possibility of running into him at the market or out at the pub now a reality instead of just a drunken fantasy.
"Where is he staying? No, don't tell me. If he wanted me to know he would've told me. Just, he's okay right? He's not back because he got canned or anything?"
"He transferred back. The problem was London not Stevie." Dan reassured him.
Fernando tried to process what they were saying but it all seemed to blur in his head and get confused with his feelings as fear, hope and pain battled for dominance. He wanted a drink to help sort this out but he had just promised he was stopping and he meant it. He felt something hot being pushed into his hand and blinking out of his stupor - how long had he been gasping like a fish out of water? - he accepted the mug of tea from Yolanda.
"When I feel like I could use a drink this usually helps." she said softly.
Fernando took a sip gratefully while trying not to dwell on how tea had always been Steven's solution to problems. Well tea and sex but he really didn't need to be thinking about that either right now. The tea did help and he felt himself calming down. So Steven was back in Liverpool, that didn't change anything. If it had he would have told Fernando he was back. He was just going to have to continue with his plan of moving on alcohol-free.
Chapter 2
Plan 'Move On' was off to great start Fernando thought wryly. It had been a week since dinner at Pepe's. A week since he had found out Stevie was back in Liverpool. Instead of moving on he was at the market attempting to get a glimpse of his ex. He pulled out his phone and opened up his last text to reread the message.
'S heading 2 market ;)'
The message was from Martin Kelly, the younger man was determined to help Fernando fix his broken relationship. Martin had approached him at Pepe's before leaving with Dan much to Fernando’s surprise.
Fernando was rinsing out his mug when he heard someone come into the kitchen, when he turned around he was surprised to see Martin leaning nervously against the door frame. The Brit's hands were shoved into his pockets and he glanced over his shoulder before speaking.
"Dan doesn't think we should get involved but I think you and Stevie have a chance still. He didn't come out and say it but he came back because of you."
"Kels, he didn't even tell me he was back. I don't even know where he's staying."
"My flat." Martin answered quickly.
"What?"
"I'm almost always at Dan's so he's crashing there until he gets his own place."
"It doesn't change anything, Kels. I wish it did."
"Just don't give up yet."
That was all Martin had said before Dan and Pepe had showed up and they were all saying their goodbyes for the night. As Fernando lay in bed that night he couldn't get Martin’s words out of his head and he couldn't help but hope things weren't over for good.
So here he was almost stalking his ex-boyfriend at the market with the help of a guy who admitted he loved American Pie's Stifler. He could practically here Steven's voice in his head telling him he was being daft but since he only heard Steven as a voice in his head these days he ignored it and continued down the aisle. He was by a crate of watermelons when he caught a glimpse of grey eyes and he had to fight the urge to whip around and verify that they were indeed Steven's grey eyes - not that he would ever forget them - instead focusing on a watermelon. Suddenly Fernando felt incredibly foolish pretending to buy fruit just to run into his ex. He hadn't thought about what he would say if Steven saw him he had just wanted to see the other man. He had needed proof that the Scouser was indeed back in Liverpool.
"Fernando?" The unmistakably Scouse voice of Stevie asked.
Mierda he thought.
"Stevie, hi." He spoke his voice unnaturally high.
"Are ye alright, lad?"
It was the concern in the other man's voice that did him in. Here he was stalking him like a crazy ex and Steven was worried about him.
"I'm sorry..." Fernando squeezed out.
Before Steven could say anything he turned and ran off. He was stopped at the door by a flustered bag boy who awkwardly asked him to pay for the watermelon he was holding. Fernando flushed bright red and thrust the forgotten fruit at the boy spewing out more apologies. He was still pink with mortification when he got home. He pulled out his phone and tapped out a quick message to Martin before throwing himself onto the couch in dismay.
'I can't believe I let you talk me into that. Mortified.'
Fernando was still bemoaning the whole ordeal when there was a knock on the door putting an end to his pity party. Thinking it was probably Pepe checking up on him he dragged his feet on the way to the front of his flat. He opened his door without first checking the peephole and was surprised to see Steven Gerrard standing outside his flat holding a large watermelon. Fernando was so shocked that he just stood there holding the door open gaping at the other man.
"Hey Fer." Stevie said with a soft smile.
"Stevie, what are you doing here?" He asked finally finding his voice.
"Well ye left in such a hurry I didn't know if ye wanted the watermelon or not."
"So you bought me one and brought it over?"
"It sounds crazy but yeah."
"You're a great guy Stevie."
"Can I come in? This watermelon is getting a bit heavy."
"There's something I need to tell you, then you can decide if you still want to come in."
Or just chuck the melon at his head Fernando thought to himself. He didn't want to admit to the stalking but he owed the other man that much.
"What is it?"
"I knew you were going to be at the market which is why I was there."
Much to Fernando’s surprise Stevie didn't look at him with disgust or hit him with the watermelon instead he laughed. He was still laughing as he moved past Fernando into the flat heading for the kitchen. Fernando found him in the kitchen rearranging take out containers to fit the melon into the fridge.
"Was Martin yer partner in crime by any chance?"
Fernando could only nod sheepishly.
"That explains why he was so interested in where I was going."
"I'm so sorry, Steven." Fernando said sincerely.
"Don't worry about it, lad. Though next time just call me and we can meet up."
Fernando stared at the other man not able to believe that Steven didn’t mind and was actually willing to spend time with him.
"You're not mad?" He asked still uncertain.
"I could never be mad at ye, Fer." Stevie said softly.
Fernando couldn't help but think of a time when that hadn't been the case.
Fernando stared at the sight in front of him blinking furiously in hopes that the scene would disintegrate into something different. It didn’t and no matter how much he blinked Steven was still shoving things into his sports bag.
"You're just leaving? You're not even going to try and work it out?" Fernando half-shouted.
"I did try, I tried and instead ye just shut me out." Stevie answered without looking up.
"I shut you out? You're the one who came home with a new job in a different city with no warning, no talking."
"This is a great opportunity for me Fernando. I thought you'd be happy for me but I forgot ye are too selfish to put someone else first." Stevie spat out.
"I could've been happy for you but you didn't give me the chance."
"I just don't believe that anymore."
Steven sounded resigned and Fernando knew that he had lost the battle. It no longer mattered what he said, Steven was as good as gone. The realization made him angry; angry with himself for how he had reacted, angry at the Scouser for not giving him time, and in his anger he lashed out.
"Fine. Run away to London and hide behind this job. I don't want you here anymore. I don't need you so just get the hell out of my flat." He shouted getting up in Steven's face.
"I will because I can't deal with this childish behavior anymore. It's time to grow up, Niño."
Steven tossed out his parting comment with a sneer before shouldering his bag and pushing past Fernando. In less than a minute he was gone leaving Fernando shaking with anger in an empty flat. The adrenaline lasted for about five minutes and then it drained out of him along with his anger leaving him alone in his flat with his pain.
Fernando didn't know if the memory showed on his features but Steven reached out and placed a comforting - and oh so familiar - hand on his shoulder.
"I want to apologize too. When I left I was angry and said some really hurtful things. I just want ye to know I didn't mean them."
"Me too." Fernando said, happy to finally get a chance to apologize for his spiteful words.
Steven nodded in understanding giving Fernando’s shoulder a squeeze before dropping his hand.
"Would you like to stay for a bit? I'd like to hear about London if you want to share."
"That sounds great."
As he offered Stevie a drink he couldn't help but hope that Martin had been right and things weren't over just yet.