I Didn't Hear You Leave (IDHYL) : Chapter one
Title: I Didn’t Hear You Leave
Pairing: Sergio Ramos/ Fernando Torres
Fandom: RPF
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Real person fiction; Real person slash,Angst
Summary: The guys that received the email, all arrive at camp also on A03
*** Chapter One: Arrival ***
***
"That email was quite something"
The email was detailed and very professional; unlike the usual 3 minutes put together they receive every time something big comes up.
It even addressed them as Sir and actually had an opening, an official greeting with congratulations and commiserations to those it mattered to on the end of season's achievements in their various clubs.
"You are to be in Miami on or before Thursday, waiting at the camp where there would be an immediate scheduled meeting with Vincente del Bosque regarding vital information on your travel to Rio and a little about your stay in Miami." It read.
The last line was strange because they are sort of here to have a little bit of fun as they've done in the past and play a friendly against Ireland and Haiti before the confeds kick off, so why all the hassle?.
"Hope you enjoy your flight.
Kind regards
Spain NT"
*
It’s an hour before the said meeting time and a large amount of the team had arrived early. Some already knew where they were sleeping but no suitcase had made it to the hotel rooms so the guys had to drag their suitcases with them as they moved, while others kept them of chairs in the meeting room for safe keeping.
Most of the guys were now chatting in an attempt to rekindle old friendships. It’s been a long season and some of the guys hadn't seen each other in a while because hey play in different leagues that hardly crossed parts.
"When did they become all polite...”Kind regards” ... Really?" Iker pointed out, mocking the email that he received.
Pepe scoffed "I think the person at the front desk is trying to show their funny side"
"One would have thought they went soft" Sergio reassures with a smirk contributing to the conversation as he moved around everyone giving each of his friends a bro hug.
They all laugh loud thinking of previous emails.
"Remember the euro's email?"
Gerard choked out between crackles, mirroring the thoughts of his team mates. The group of friends all burst out laughing as he read a line from memory
"The Euro trials is in a few days, it wouldn't be a bad gesture if those of you that haven't broken your ankles and still have your knees do something nice like represent your country."
"Damn they are cruel" Navas chips in
"I swear Del bosque wrote that one"
Pepe chimes as the laughter roared drawing attention to their little corner.
"Wonder what the deal is that they are being so nice" Cesc throws the question out and got everyone thinking.
*
"Hello boys"
Del Bosque's voice filled the room, generating peace and quite causing the small groups that had formed in a different corner of the room to gradually came together to form a whole group.
"Grab a sit everyone"
They do as they are told. Grabbing the closest chair and sitting comfortably.
What they find so amazing about their meetings is the setting and scenario. its just the players, their coach and the other officials in charge of the national team.It is never formal or arranged to kiss their asses, It is rather simple and confined.
The arrangement makes them feel like a bunch of teenagers in high school preparing for state championships or some league cup. It keeps them grounded, brings them together and reduces the tension. And that's what's good about it.
As Del Bosque was about to start addressing his audience, the double doors at the entrance swung open revealing the London boys rushing in.
Everyone watched smug faced as the premier league boys walked in hurriedly. It is no longer an unexpected occurrence, as it has become more of a routine. They are always prepared for disturbance in any meeting that involves the boys coming from the UK.
They are always the last to arrive for anything; it’s like there is a curse on Heathrow or something.
*
The room was not particularly large and majority of the extra sits had been taken over by luggages so the boys that to look a little bit harder to fin an empty spot.
Fernando stood and scanned the room for empty chairs but as he was scanning the place, Caesar and Juan were already settling in the only empty sits left. Fernando was forced to stand there confused with frustration creeping into his face because everyone was watching him and he already feels like Del Bosque has an issue with him so distorting his meeting would be an easy excuse to send him home now.
Fernando's face turned a deep shade of red as he stood there while everyone sat, he hates being the centre of attention when it’s not necessary because it made people pick on him or make fun of him and he doest like that. With the tension growing on Fernando, his palms started sweating.
Some of the guys around Fernando started to snicker because they thought the situation was funny but Fernando was getting more uncomfortable. Juan noticed the stress that has started to creep on Fernando and gestured for Fernando to come over. When Fernando moved closer to Juan, he quickly pulled Fernando into his lap.
Fernando sat comfortably and whispered a thank you to Juan. Juan slapped the side of Fernando's butt in reply. Fernando chuckled and then everywhere fell silent as Del bosque commenced his meeting.
*
The meeting was short but packed with information as Del Bosque was precise and to the point. From now till they arrive in Rio the boys are getting national team wears that they are authorized to wear at all times.
No casual clothes allowed when they are in public, they would be put into rotations; division of groups that they would work with, sleep with, eat with and train with but would be shuffled when necessary and nobody is guaranteed a full ride through the tournament until they hear from him again in Rio.
Press conferences during the friendly matches should remain about the friendlies - he didn't want the press printing anything that might affect the team or distract focus.
"Okay boys... Enjoy your stay and be ready for the match"
Del bosque dismissed the meeting and walked away like he dint just download a lot on them.
The guys all move according to rotation to find out who their new best friends would be for a couple of days that they would be here till they get shuffled again.
"So this is the kind regards?”
Some of the guys expressed their frustration as they started to shuffle out of the room.
“It should have been called rules reading session rather than a meeting” the guys thought aloud to one another as they walked out of the room.
The list of things they shouldn't do was very long, it’s more like a do's and don't list but they all acknowledge that its protocol and equally vital.
After everyone had said their hello’s and collected their keys, the boys shuffle into groups and move to their assigned buses according to the number on their recently printed rotation list.
*
Fernando has been assigned a room with Juan again just like during the Euro Championship, Fate has a way of putting them together.
The day had been unpleasantly stressful, all they needed was a lot of rest to relax from the flight but Fernando feels vigilant from all the stress he’s just been put through and every other thing he’s thinking about that has put him on edge and Juan seems to be very vocal.
"So have you seen him?" Juan placed the words on the table while he arranged his foot wears.
Fernando didn't utter a word. He just shrugged showing no emotion still arranging his socks based on thickness and length, a habit he gained as one of his stress relief to stop other bad habits.
“Have you seen Sergio?”
Juan asked him again, sounding more agitated with the expressionless non replies because Fernando is not communicating. He’s been doing this since he received the email, shutting Juan out and Just shutting down.
Fernando ignores him this time handling the socks like he would hurt their feeling if placed in the wrong position.
"The socks doesn't fucking mind if a bigger one is placed on it. Answer my fucking question" he snapped at Fernando.
Juan should know, he's been to the socks drill of how the thinner ones need to be placed separately and the short ones on their own vertically. Juan thinks its stupid and almost crazy but because it’s important to Fernando and Juan knows Fernando does it to distract himself and calm down, he has to respect that because only the people close to him know about these things.
Some people tend to clean when they are stressed or having anxiety, others break stuff, some cook, some eat and some indulge in harmful habits. There is a bunch of things people do to deal but Juan understands that Fernando's might look weird to a stranger but he knows its just the same like every other persons and its way better than Fernando’s previous solutions which are more misguided and uncomfortable.
Juan feels terrible immediately the words are out of his mouth. The last thing he want to do is hurt Fernando some more, after all this months of him getting himself together.
"Off course I've not seen him. You've been with me all day did you see him?"
Fernando replied casually still expressionless but a little wounded and Juan finds it very worrying.
He always thought that it is better for an individual having issues to show emotion when they are hurt because keeping it inside does something terrible to you, especially when you are Fernando Torres.
"Actually I saw him" he answered a little nonchalantly with an attitude to his voice.
Fernando was startled but still trying to be in control of the situation
"When was this? because I could have swore he missed the meeting with Del Bosque. We were really late to socialize with the other guys but I scanned the room for a good two minutes"
Juan now done with unpacking moved his suitcases into the wardrobe
"I saw him during the meeting; he sat a few rows behind us to the left giving me the stink eye"
"Stink eye? ... What do you mean Juan?"
Fernando finally closed the drawer containing the precious socks moving to arrange the multiple Spain NT gears in the wardrobe and drawers for the shorts.
"He looked at me really funny, at first I thought it was typical Sergio, his normal jealous behaviour because you were in my lap but no, there was more to it the way he looked at me. I can feel it"
Juan flops on his bed still saying 'I can feel it" Fernando rolls his eyes trying to block out the mumble while arranging his kicks based on colour. Yes he is fucking colour co-ordination his shoes.
"Yeah right, jealous"
Fernando retort's unsure like he is mocking the idea. Basically saying there is no way Sergio is jealous because he was in Juan's lap because that is just sheer stupidity and.
"That's if he fucking cares any more"
He speaks exasperatedly capturing Juan's attention
"What do you mean? Sergio is jealous of anything that is close to you. Even a fucking fly"
Juan joked but the joke feels soar. He searched Fernando's face and that's what he's been looking for.
"Is plug still a thing?"
He looked at Fernando's weekend expression.
"I thought you guys sorted everything when you called him" Juan questioned from his pillow
Fernando shrugged again "can we not talk about this?"
Juan is even more surprised at Fernando now. He had taken his phone and had searched out Sergio's number that night, as he was about to hit the call button Fernando stopped him saying he'll take care of it in the morning. Then Fernando dint make the call and the day they got their emails, Juan had made a deal with him. But he couldn't believe that Fernando lied to his face by the end of the week that he took care of things.
"What! Are you saying you haven't fucking told him? You wouldn't let me confront him and you dint make the fucking call? You lied to me"
Juan is not happy and Fernando knows it.
"I did okay!" He breathes " I tried, I called but I just couldn't go through with it am sorry I made you believe I did all this while" Fernando sits on his bed with his face on his palm resting on his thigh.
“Am really sorry i lied to you, i just couldn't do it”
Juan moves to Fernando’s bed his bed; he sits by his team mate slinging an arm on Fernando’s shoulder. He can’t be mad at Fernando for more than two seconds be he knows he needs to learn to stay mad longer.
"Its okay, I dint mean to upset you Nando. I just thought it would be best if he knew because it would help him talk about it and stop avoiding you. Maybe it would be easier for you to handle PLUG and understand things better as I thought you already had... Now I know why you've been off this few weeks I really thought...Am sorry"
Fernando leans heavily into Juan. Juan kissed the side of his head holding his best mate closer to him.
"I just don't want you getting hurt again Nando, it’s been hard watching you struggle and that night messed you up. I mean it and am sorry if it’s too much to confront so soon but I have your best interest at heart... You need to talk to him"
Fernando knows there are no lies in Juan's words and he's just trying to help and do the right thing but he is still sort of hurt and scared and doesn't know if he can move on and get past it if he revisited "Plug" because it hurts too much, when ever he revisited it its like its happening again.
prologue
Pairing: Sergio Ramos/ Fernando Torres
Fandom: RPF
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Real person fiction; Real person slash,Angst
Summary: The guys that received the email, all arrive at camp also on A03
*** Chapter One: Arrival ***
***
"That email was quite something"
The email was detailed and very professional; unlike the usual 3 minutes put together they receive every time something big comes up.
It even addressed them as Sir and actually had an opening, an official greeting with congratulations and commiserations to those it mattered to on the end of season's achievements in their various clubs.
"You are to be in Miami on or before Thursday, waiting at the camp where there would be an immediate scheduled meeting with Vincente del Bosque regarding vital information on your travel to Rio and a little about your stay in Miami." It read.
The last line was strange because they are sort of here to have a little bit of fun as they've done in the past and play a friendly against Ireland and Haiti before the confeds kick off, so why all the hassle?.
"Hope you enjoy your flight.
Kind regards
Spain NT"
*
It’s an hour before the said meeting time and a large amount of the team had arrived early. Some already knew where they were sleeping but no suitcase had made it to the hotel rooms so the guys had to drag their suitcases with them as they moved, while others kept them of chairs in the meeting room for safe keeping.
Most of the guys were now chatting in an attempt to rekindle old friendships. It’s been a long season and some of the guys hadn't seen each other in a while because hey play in different leagues that hardly crossed parts.
"When did they become all polite...”Kind regards” ... Really?" Iker pointed out, mocking the email that he received.
Pepe scoffed "I think the person at the front desk is trying to show their funny side"
"One would have thought they went soft" Sergio reassures with a smirk contributing to the conversation as he moved around everyone giving each of his friends a bro hug.
They all laugh loud thinking of previous emails.
"Remember the euro's email?"
Gerard choked out between crackles, mirroring the thoughts of his team mates. The group of friends all burst out laughing as he read a line from memory
"The Euro trials is in a few days, it wouldn't be a bad gesture if those of you that haven't broken your ankles and still have your knees do something nice like represent your country."
"Damn they are cruel" Navas chips in
"I swear Del bosque wrote that one"
Pepe chimes as the laughter roared drawing attention to their little corner.
"Wonder what the deal is that they are being so nice" Cesc throws the question out and got everyone thinking.
*
"Hello boys"
Del Bosque's voice filled the room, generating peace and quite causing the small groups that had formed in a different corner of the room to gradually came together to form a whole group.
"Grab a sit everyone"
They do as they are told. Grabbing the closest chair and sitting comfortably.
What they find so amazing about their meetings is the setting and scenario. its just the players, their coach and the other officials in charge of the national team.It is never formal or arranged to kiss their asses, It is rather simple and confined.
The arrangement makes them feel like a bunch of teenagers in high school preparing for state championships or some league cup. It keeps them grounded, brings them together and reduces the tension. And that's what's good about it.
As Del Bosque was about to start addressing his audience, the double doors at the entrance swung open revealing the London boys rushing in.
Everyone watched smug faced as the premier league boys walked in hurriedly. It is no longer an unexpected occurrence, as it has become more of a routine. They are always prepared for disturbance in any meeting that involves the boys coming from the UK.
They are always the last to arrive for anything; it’s like there is a curse on Heathrow or something.
*
The room was not particularly large and majority of the extra sits had been taken over by luggages so the boys that to look a little bit harder to fin an empty spot.
Fernando stood and scanned the room for empty chairs but as he was scanning the place, Caesar and Juan were already settling in the only empty sits left. Fernando was forced to stand there confused with frustration creeping into his face because everyone was watching him and he already feels like Del Bosque has an issue with him so distorting his meeting would be an easy excuse to send him home now.
Fernando's face turned a deep shade of red as he stood there while everyone sat, he hates being the centre of attention when it’s not necessary because it made people pick on him or make fun of him and he doest like that. With the tension growing on Fernando, his palms started sweating.
Some of the guys around Fernando started to snicker because they thought the situation was funny but Fernando was getting more uncomfortable. Juan noticed the stress that has started to creep on Fernando and gestured for Fernando to come over. When Fernando moved closer to Juan, he quickly pulled Fernando into his lap.
Fernando sat comfortably and whispered a thank you to Juan. Juan slapped the side of Fernando's butt in reply. Fernando chuckled and then everywhere fell silent as Del bosque commenced his meeting.
*
The meeting was short but packed with information as Del Bosque was precise and to the point. From now till they arrive in Rio the boys are getting national team wears that they are authorized to wear at all times.
No casual clothes allowed when they are in public, they would be put into rotations; division of groups that they would work with, sleep with, eat with and train with but would be shuffled when necessary and nobody is guaranteed a full ride through the tournament until they hear from him again in Rio.
Press conferences during the friendly matches should remain about the friendlies - he didn't want the press printing anything that might affect the team or distract focus.
"Okay boys... Enjoy your stay and be ready for the match"
Del bosque dismissed the meeting and walked away like he dint just download a lot on them.
The guys all move according to rotation to find out who their new best friends would be for a couple of days that they would be here till they get shuffled again.
"So this is the kind regards?”
Some of the guys expressed their frustration as they started to shuffle out of the room.
“It should have been called rules reading session rather than a meeting” the guys thought aloud to one another as they walked out of the room.
The list of things they shouldn't do was very long, it’s more like a do's and don't list but they all acknowledge that its protocol and equally vital.
After everyone had said their hello’s and collected their keys, the boys shuffle into groups and move to their assigned buses according to the number on their recently printed rotation list.
*
Fernando has been assigned a room with Juan again just like during the Euro Championship, Fate has a way of putting them together.
The day had been unpleasantly stressful, all they needed was a lot of rest to relax from the flight but Fernando feels vigilant from all the stress he’s just been put through and every other thing he’s thinking about that has put him on edge and Juan seems to be very vocal.
"So have you seen him?" Juan placed the words on the table while he arranged his foot wears.
Fernando didn't utter a word. He just shrugged showing no emotion still arranging his socks based on thickness and length, a habit he gained as one of his stress relief to stop other bad habits.
“Have you seen Sergio?”
Juan asked him again, sounding more agitated with the expressionless non replies because Fernando is not communicating. He’s been doing this since he received the email, shutting Juan out and Just shutting down.
Fernando ignores him this time handling the socks like he would hurt their feeling if placed in the wrong position.
"The socks doesn't fucking mind if a bigger one is placed on it. Answer my fucking question" he snapped at Fernando.
Juan should know, he's been to the socks drill of how the thinner ones need to be placed separately and the short ones on their own vertically. Juan thinks its stupid and almost crazy but because it’s important to Fernando and Juan knows Fernando does it to distract himself and calm down, he has to respect that because only the people close to him know about these things.
Some people tend to clean when they are stressed or having anxiety, others break stuff, some cook, some eat and some indulge in harmful habits. There is a bunch of things people do to deal but Juan understands that Fernando's might look weird to a stranger but he knows its just the same like every other persons and its way better than Fernando’s previous solutions which are more misguided and uncomfortable.
Juan feels terrible immediately the words are out of his mouth. The last thing he want to do is hurt Fernando some more, after all this months of him getting himself together.
"Off course I've not seen him. You've been with me all day did you see him?"
Fernando replied casually still expressionless but a little wounded and Juan finds it very worrying.
He always thought that it is better for an individual having issues to show emotion when they are hurt because keeping it inside does something terrible to you, especially when you are Fernando Torres.
"Actually I saw him" he answered a little nonchalantly with an attitude to his voice.
Fernando was startled but still trying to be in control of the situation
"When was this? because I could have swore he missed the meeting with Del Bosque. We were really late to socialize with the other guys but I scanned the room for a good two minutes"
Juan now done with unpacking moved his suitcases into the wardrobe
"I saw him during the meeting; he sat a few rows behind us to the left giving me the stink eye"
"Stink eye? ... What do you mean Juan?"
Fernando finally closed the drawer containing the precious socks moving to arrange the multiple Spain NT gears in the wardrobe and drawers for the shorts.
"He looked at me really funny, at first I thought it was typical Sergio, his normal jealous behaviour because you were in my lap but no, there was more to it the way he looked at me. I can feel it"
Juan flops on his bed still saying 'I can feel it" Fernando rolls his eyes trying to block out the mumble while arranging his kicks based on colour. Yes he is fucking colour co-ordination his shoes.
"Yeah right, jealous"
Fernando retort's unsure like he is mocking the idea. Basically saying there is no way Sergio is jealous because he was in Juan's lap because that is just sheer stupidity and.
"That's if he fucking cares any more"
He speaks exasperatedly capturing Juan's attention
"What do you mean? Sergio is jealous of anything that is close to you. Even a fucking fly"
Juan joked but the joke feels soar. He searched Fernando's face and that's what he's been looking for.
"Is plug still a thing?"
He looked at Fernando's weekend expression.
"I thought you guys sorted everything when you called him" Juan questioned from his pillow
Fernando shrugged again "can we not talk about this?"
Juan is even more surprised at Fernando now. He had taken his phone and had searched out Sergio's number that night, as he was about to hit the call button Fernando stopped him saying he'll take care of it in the morning. Then Fernando dint make the call and the day they got their emails, Juan had made a deal with him. But he couldn't believe that Fernando lied to his face by the end of the week that he took care of things.
"What! Are you saying you haven't fucking told him? You wouldn't let me confront him and you dint make the fucking call? You lied to me"
Juan is not happy and Fernando knows it.
"I did okay!" He breathes " I tried, I called but I just couldn't go through with it am sorry I made you believe I did all this while" Fernando sits on his bed with his face on his palm resting on his thigh.
“Am really sorry i lied to you, i just couldn't do it”
Juan moves to Fernando’s bed his bed; he sits by his team mate slinging an arm on Fernando’s shoulder. He can’t be mad at Fernando for more than two seconds be he knows he needs to learn to stay mad longer.
"Its okay, I dint mean to upset you Nando. I just thought it would be best if he knew because it would help him talk about it and stop avoiding you. Maybe it would be easier for you to handle PLUG and understand things better as I thought you already had... Now I know why you've been off this few weeks I really thought...Am sorry"
Fernando leans heavily into Juan. Juan kissed the side of his head holding his best mate closer to him.
"I just don't want you getting hurt again Nando, it’s been hard watching you struggle and that night messed you up. I mean it and am sorry if it’s too much to confront so soon but I have your best interest at heart... You need to talk to him"
Fernando knows there are no lies in Juan's words and he's just trying to help and do the right thing but he is still sort of hurt and scared and doesn't know if he can move on and get past it if he revisited "Plug" because it hurts too much, when ever he revisited it its like its happening again.
prologue