Cesc's Christmas Party 2008, PG
Ahahahaha I wrote bad fic for you guys. It's not overly cheerful but eh. Idk, I feel a bit old writing this.
Title: Cesc's Christmas Party 2008
Rating: PG
Pairings: Robin/Cesc, Robin/Samir
Warnings: This is really really really bad. I just wanted to write something for you guys as per normal writing-fic-at-Christmas. But it's pretty horrible. Haha. I think my writing skills peaked ages ago.
Summary: What happens to the party once Cesc is injured? Features old friends and msn conversations, presents of the un-materialistic kind, stupid stuff and a bit of angst. Robin's POV.
"It's over then, isn't it?"
You look up and see Samir, his eyebrows crinkling together slightly. Behind him are a bunch of people (you see Manuel and the Ramsey boy among them), obviously listening but pretending not to listen.
You don't really have any clue what he's talking about.
"What is?"
"The Christmas Party at Cesc's house. C'mon, it's all Cesc's talked about for the past week other than...well, other than the game."
Oh, that.
"It's still on..."
The other boys are listening openly now.
"Really?" Samir asks, "cos Cesc seemed pretty down about the injury and stuff."
"Comeon you guys, you think a little injury would get Cesc away from his Christmas party?"
The boys considered it for a moment, and then nodded almost simultaneously in agreement, and then the slightly tense atmosphere fell apart and everyone started packing their bags again, looking forward to going home. It could almost be comical.
You shake your head and decide to pop over to the hospital, just to make sure Cesc is alright.
**
Xabi's there when you arrive, waiting on chairs outside a closed door. You inwardly wonder what he's doing there, because it's starting to get late.
The Spaniard greets you with a handshake and seems to be able to read your mind. He shrugs. "I was worried about him," he explains calmly, gesturing with his hand to the closed door in front of them, "I just asked to miss the bus home."
"That's good of you."
Xabi smiles a little. "Robin, I really didn't mean it...it was an accident, really."
You nod, "Yeah, it's fine. Happens all the time. Don't worry about it."
The two of you lapse into silence.
**
You're surprised when Arsene is the first to come out of the door, looking tired and older. You cringe inwardly because you recognise it - he looks like that every time a big player is injured.
Like yourself, for example.
Arsene looks between the two of you, nods at Xabi. "You can go in, if you like." The Spaniard goes in without another thought.
"Boss?"
He takes a seat beside you, hands clutching knees.
"We'll be fine. Three, four months maybe. Get some rest." He pats you on the back and walks away slowly.
You do some quick calculations in your head. Four months from December is April.
Might as well be May. Might as well be the end of the season. (Look at Tomas, hasn't returned for practically a year, oh God.)
Football matches without the Prodigal Son, too many matches to count.
You wonder how the Boss can think it could possibly be fine.
**
When you see him, Cesc is about to drift off to sleep.
"Hey," he says, trying to be cheerful. You echo him.
"Hey." You can't really think of much to say.
"Well I've got this brace for a while. Might not need surgery. Fingers crossed."
You nod.
"Hey," Cesc reaches for your hand, links fingers with yours. "I'll be fine. We'll be fine."
"Arsenal-"
"-will be fine."
"...How can you be so sure?"
"They've got you. And Samir, and Eduardo's coming back, and Manu's a stellar keeper, and Gael and Bacary are incredible, Aaron Ramsey and Jack are incredible, and Arsene will buy in January. WE'LL BE FINE."
"Okay. Okay." You manage to smile at him.
"Good. Now I'm sick of being the optimistic one, I'm meant to be the Poor Sad Injured Person, I always had to cheer you up when you were injured, so please like, talk, or something?"
"Okay...well, are we changing the Christmas Party plans?"
"Of course not! I've been wanting this for yonks!"
You grin then. "That's what I told the rest of them."
"Good. Besides I'm getting out of here first thing tomorrow. I'm just...sleepy." He closes his eyes.
You keep your hand in his until he falls asleep, and then you head off home.
**
You get a TXT the next day; it reads: "Xabi here. Heard about your party. Need help? I'm good with parties." You look at it, confused, but decide to keep it for good measure.
Your Poor Sad Injured Person is actually quite chirpy in the morning, pressing the buttons on your car radio more often than he usually does; he keeps muttering "Next, Boring, Stupid Music, Oh Not That Song Again," before you decide to tell him to stop fiddling with the radio and press play on the CD player instead.
He sighs in satisfaction and sits back as El Canto De Loco's Volvera starts playing. (Cesc left the CD in there the last time he was in the car.) You let him hum along because he's surprisingly in-tune.
When you drop him off at his house you're slightly shocked to realise that you know the tunes yourself.
**
Theo4Mel says: Robin!
you say: ...Theo! Sup?
GaelClichy has been added to the conversation
FrenchFry has been added to the conversation
KoloKola has been added to the conversation
you say: ...
KoloKola says: Hey Robin
FrenchFry says: Hi!
Theo4Mel says: Okay so Robin
Theo4Mel says: The rest of us were thinking....
you say: wow, okay. :PPPP
GaelClichy says: Robin!
Theo4Mel says: we were THINKING :P that we should surprise Cesc.
you say: what? why?
Theo4Mel says: because he's INJUREDDDD
FrenchFry says: for FOUR MONTHSSSSS
GaelClichy says: lol!
KoloKola says: got any ideas?
you say: no. !?! You guys just give me the suggestion 2 seconds ago and now you want me to come up with brilliant ideas, man, I'm not Cesc, I'm not that clever!
XabiAlonso14 has been added to the conversation
Theo4Mel says: err hello
GaelClichy says: ~hola!
FrenchFry says: Hey.
KoloKola says: hello Xabi.
XabiAlonso14 says: um. hi?
you say: Xabi! You said you were good at parties! HELP.
XabiAlonso14 says: Oh okay. What seems to be the problem?
you say: We want to surprise him for Christmas apparently...
Theo4Mel says: *nods*
XabiAlonso14 says: er
XabiAlonso14 says: Cesc is REALLY hard to surprise, he usually finds out beforehand...
you say: er, no?
Theo4Mel says: What, it's easy!!
XabiAlonso14 says: really? I don't know, the Spanish team never manages...
FrenchFry says: LOL
GaelClichy says: Samir, ce n'est pas si drôle
FrenchFry says: Sorry.
Theo4Mel says: ...right.
KoloKola says: Okay so assuming we can, on the count of we have multiple languages to our advantage...
XabiAlonso14 says: Well then I've got an idea...
**
"So, what are you getting me for Christmas?"
You wedge the phone between your ear and your shoulder.
"It's a surprise, Cesc."
He actually whines. You're amazed at the similarities between him and Shaqueel.
"But you knoooowwww I hatttteeee surprises."
"If I tollllld you it wouldn't beeeee a surprise."
"Which is the way I like it?"
"No."
You can basically hear him pouting over the phone.
"Have to get off the phone now. Take care of that leg okay?"
You hang up before you hear him mumbling in Spanish.
**
"I need to be blindfolded?"
"Yes."
"Oh my gosh Robin what did you get me???"
"You'll see."
You guide him with one hand encircled around his hip and the other gripping his hand. Cesc is grinning from ear to ear like an excited puppy.
"You know you guys should really have let me help out with the party decorations and stuff, I mean it's my house, it's not like-"
"It's not like you're injured and out for four months or anything."
"If I didn't have a blindfold on I'd be glaring at you, you know that?"
"Comeon, you know that blindfold is incredibly sexy on you."
Cesc's cheeks are slightly pink.
**
"Okay. You're standing in the middle of the room and everybody is here around you."
"Oh, nice. Hi guys."
A chorus of hellos and laughter runs through the room.
"So what am I supposed to do? Play Marco Polo or something? I can't really move you know, bad leg."
"No, Cesc," Gael says, "We're just going to stand in a ring around you, and you're going to try and find the present, and we'll tell you if you're hot or cold until you find the present okay? That way you won't crash into anything but us."
"But I can't. Movvve. Can't you guys just give it to me?"
"Humour us, Cesc," says Theo, wearing a Santa hat with a blinking pom pom at the end.
"Yeah, hobble," says Manu, to which Cesc says "Manu, you're mean."
"Love you too, kid."
Cesc sighs.
"Okay, okay."
He sticks out his hands.
"Cold."
"Cold." "Freezing." "Do you know how to play this game, Cesc?" "Shut up!"
"Cold."
"Bit Warmer." "Defrosting."
"Warm now." "Warm!"
"Very warm." "Warm warm warm"
"Hot." "Hot!" "ooh you're about to Boil!"
Cesc bumps into someone and arms have to stable him from falling. "Sorry!"
"Dude you just got burnt!"
"Er," Cesc stops moving. "What?"
"Boiling, Cesc."
"But I just crashed into-" he pauses suddenly, like a lightbulb has just lit up above his head. "My present is a person?"
Cesc grabs wrists, grabs arms, touches shoulders, touches hair.
"Okay. I have no idea. I give upppp you guyssss. Can I please please open my eyes now?"
"Oh, fine. Go ahead."
Cesc tears off the blindfold, only to find himself enveloped in a bear hug by one Aleks Hleb, one Philippe Senderos and one Mathieu Flamini.
Cesc lets out a squeal and finds he can barely stand up even on his good leg.
**
You're drinking champagne on the couch when Cesc decides to hobble over and fall into your lap.
"How'd you guys...?"
You shrug. "Xabi figured the other boys were having Christmas break, and thought you might enjoy having them over?"
Cesc has that adorable confused look on his face again. "Xabi?"
"Alonso. Your Spanish friend?"
"Oh. Huh. Why didn't you tell me that earlier?" Cesc asks, pulling out his phone and shuffling next to you on the sofa, fingers flying over the touchpad.
"You know, Robin..."
"Yeah?"
"This is a greatttt present and all but..."
"but?"
"it means I have lots of catching up to do?"
You shrug. "Go and do it. It's your party and your present and your house. I'll be here waiting when the party's over."
Cesc smiles gratefully and you think that the effort is worth it. Cesc kisses you in front of everyone; there's a cheer and you can't help smiling against his lips.
You must remember to text Xabi to thank him.
**
"Hey."
You look up to see Samir looking at you, hands in his pockets, a wreath of green and gold tinsel halo-ing his hair.
"Oh hey Samir." You pat the seat on the couch next to you and he grins and shuffles into the spot, knees bumping knees and elbows bumping elbows.
"Good party, yeah?"
"Yeah."
"You don't seem to party much."
You shrug. "I never do. I usually hang around on the side and soak up the atmosphere and get drunk enough for me to be dragged by Cesc to dance on a table with him to the sound of 'Jingle Bell Rock' or something."
He laughs. "I can't wait to see it."
"Yeah, well," you shrug again, taking another swig of champagne, "think Cesc is distracted enough this year."
"But you know," Samir says, turning to face you, "Cesc seems to be having the most fun he has had in ages, and same with the others...you guys must have really missed those three?"
You nod. "Tomas," you say, swinging your champagne glass in the direction of the Czech, "may be innocently flirting with Lukasz of late (Samir smiles at that, rolling his eyes) but he's been dating Aleks for the better part of the two years he's been here. And everyone gets along with Phil really easily - he's hardly ever held a grudge or gotten angry with anybody; and Matty, you know Matty, he's like, Cesc's brother or something, they're the life of the party."
"Mathieu's like that on the French team, too," Samir says absentmindedly, and you catch him with a vacant look in his eyes.
"Hey, Samir, don't you think you're not welcome here, okay? I mean these people are old friends and I know you're new and all that, but we really like you too, okay? We just haven't seen them in ages."
Samir doesn't say anything.
"You've been great. Really really great. Everyone likes you."
Samir smiles at that. "Okay. You better stop gushing about me."
"But you're wonderful!"
"Yes, yes, I know, but I think you've had a little too much champagne."
"What? No! You're saying I'm saying this because I'm drunk?"
"Partially."
"But-"
"But Robin, you're holding my hand."
You look down suddenly and see his hand caught in yours.
"Oh um. Sorry, I-"
"It's okay." Samir's voice is tight.
"We're friends right?"
Samir looks at you strangely. "Of course."
"I'm not stupid, Samir. I know you like me -"
"-Robin," Samir says quickly-
"-but I can't. I like-"
"-Cesc, and you're in love with Bouchra and Shaqueel and there's no more room for one more. I get it."
"...no you don't. I care about you. I just think there's someone out there for you that will be better for you than me. And when that time comes I'll be your best friend."
Samir rolls his eyes, smiles. "Okay."
You give him a kiss on the forehead. "Now, Samir, I think you need to get drunk."
**
The night ends with Samir dancing on the table with Cesc to the tune of "The Jingle Bell Rock."
Cesc decides Samir can crash in the guest room for the night.
**
"So."
"So," you say, helping Cesc to clean up.
"Did you even manage to talk to Aleks and Matty and Phil?"
"Of course."
"Oh. I thought you were on the couch all night."
You laugh. "The party finds me, Cesc."
"Yeah, yeah, you're fabulous, I know, I know."
You shake your head, grinning.
"Thanks for it."
You shrug again, realise you've done a lot of that tonight. "Xabi's idea, not mine."
"He said you did most of the calling and the paying for airfares and arranging hotels and stuff though. So, thanks."
"Well it makes you happy."
"You happy too?"
"Of course. Why?"
"You and Samir were talking rather intensely and then you were trying to get Samir drunk."
"Wow, jealous are we?"
"No. I know you love me."
You laugh.
"Really. Everything fine there?"
"Yeah, it's fine."
"Okay. You're lucky I make a killer hangover tonic, Samir will need it tomorrow."
**
You manage to get Samir tucked up when Cesc yawns enormously, blinking furiously.
"Are you getting tired, Cesc?"
"A little."
"Comeon, let's get you to bed." You grab his hand and help him down the hall to his bedroom.
"Wait are we having sex?"
You roll your eyes at him.
"You need rest."
"But-"
"Cesc."
He pouts at you prettily and you can't resist the urge to kiss him, pulling back quickly.
"You have a guest in the guest room."
"There's a reason I put it on the other end of the hallway," Cesc mumbles, but he's fallen on the bed now and his eyes are slipping closed quickly.
He falls asleep before you can even change him into his pyjamas.
You shake your head as you strip him down to his underwear and tuck him into the bed.
You watch him sleeping for a while before kissing him on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Cesc."
You pause momentarily before doing the same in Samir's room, pulling loose bits of tinsel out of his hair.
"Merry Christmas, Samir."
Lights out, and you settle yourself on the couch. From there you can look out the window and see the stars.
**FIN!**
Title: Cesc's Christmas Party 2008
Rating: PG
Pairings: Robin/Cesc, Robin/Samir
Warnings: This is really really really bad. I just wanted to write something for you guys as per normal writing-fic-at-Christmas. But it's pretty horrible. Haha. I think my writing skills peaked ages ago.
Summary: What happens to the party once Cesc is injured? Features old friends and msn conversations, presents of the un-materialistic kind, stupid stuff and a bit of angst. Robin's POV.
"It's over then, isn't it?"
You look up and see Samir, his eyebrows crinkling together slightly. Behind him are a bunch of people (you see Manuel and the Ramsey boy among them), obviously listening but pretending not to listen.
You don't really have any clue what he's talking about.
"What is?"
"The Christmas Party at Cesc's house. C'mon, it's all Cesc's talked about for the past week other than...well, other than the game."
Oh, that.
"It's still on..."
The other boys are listening openly now.
"Really?" Samir asks, "cos Cesc seemed pretty down about the injury and stuff."
"Comeon you guys, you think a little injury would get Cesc away from his Christmas party?"
The boys considered it for a moment, and then nodded almost simultaneously in agreement, and then the slightly tense atmosphere fell apart and everyone started packing their bags again, looking forward to going home. It could almost be comical.
You shake your head and decide to pop over to the hospital, just to make sure Cesc is alright.
**
Xabi's there when you arrive, waiting on chairs outside a closed door. You inwardly wonder what he's doing there, because it's starting to get late.
The Spaniard greets you with a handshake and seems to be able to read your mind. He shrugs. "I was worried about him," he explains calmly, gesturing with his hand to the closed door in front of them, "I just asked to miss the bus home."
"That's good of you."
Xabi smiles a little. "Robin, I really didn't mean it...it was an accident, really."
You nod, "Yeah, it's fine. Happens all the time. Don't worry about it."
The two of you lapse into silence.
**
You're surprised when Arsene is the first to come out of the door, looking tired and older. You cringe inwardly because you recognise it - he looks like that every time a big player is injured.
Like yourself, for example.
Arsene looks between the two of you, nods at Xabi. "You can go in, if you like." The Spaniard goes in without another thought.
"Boss?"
He takes a seat beside you, hands clutching knees.
"We'll be fine. Three, four months maybe. Get some rest." He pats you on the back and walks away slowly.
You do some quick calculations in your head. Four months from December is April.
Might as well be May. Might as well be the end of the season. (Look at Tomas, hasn't returned for practically a year, oh God.)
Football matches without the Prodigal Son, too many matches to count.
You wonder how the Boss can think it could possibly be fine.
**
When you see him, Cesc is about to drift off to sleep.
"Hey," he says, trying to be cheerful. You echo him.
"Hey." You can't really think of much to say.
"Well I've got this brace for a while. Might not need surgery. Fingers crossed."
You nod.
"Hey," Cesc reaches for your hand, links fingers with yours. "I'll be fine. We'll be fine."
"Arsenal-"
"-will be fine."
"...How can you be so sure?"
"They've got you. And Samir, and Eduardo's coming back, and Manu's a stellar keeper, and Gael and Bacary are incredible, Aaron Ramsey and Jack are incredible, and Arsene will buy in January. WE'LL BE FINE."
"Okay. Okay." You manage to smile at him.
"Good. Now I'm sick of being the optimistic one, I'm meant to be the Poor Sad Injured Person, I always had to cheer you up when you were injured, so please like, talk, or something?"
"Okay...well, are we changing the Christmas Party plans?"
"Of course not! I've been wanting this for yonks!"
You grin then. "That's what I told the rest of them."
"Good. Besides I'm getting out of here first thing tomorrow. I'm just...sleepy." He closes his eyes.
You keep your hand in his until he falls asleep, and then you head off home.
**
You get a TXT the next day; it reads: "Xabi here. Heard about your party. Need help? I'm good with parties." You look at it, confused, but decide to keep it for good measure.
Your Poor Sad Injured Person is actually quite chirpy in the morning, pressing the buttons on your car radio more often than he usually does; he keeps muttering "Next, Boring, Stupid Music, Oh Not That Song Again," before you decide to tell him to stop fiddling with the radio and press play on the CD player instead.
He sighs in satisfaction and sits back as El Canto De Loco's Volvera starts playing. (Cesc left the CD in there the last time he was in the car.) You let him hum along because he's surprisingly in-tune.
When you drop him off at his house you're slightly shocked to realise that you know the tunes yourself.
**
Theo4Mel says: Robin!
you say: ...Theo! Sup?
GaelClichy has been added to the conversation
FrenchFry has been added to the conversation
KoloKola has been added to the conversation
you say: ...
KoloKola says: Hey Robin
FrenchFry says: Hi!
Theo4Mel says: Okay so Robin
Theo4Mel says: The rest of us were thinking....
you say: wow, okay. :PPPP
GaelClichy says: Robin!
Theo4Mel says: we were THINKING :P that we should surprise Cesc.
you say: what? why?
Theo4Mel says: because he's INJUREDDDD
FrenchFry says: for FOUR MONTHSSSSS
GaelClichy says: lol!
KoloKola says: got any ideas?
you say: no. !?! You guys just give me the suggestion 2 seconds ago and now you want me to come up with brilliant ideas, man, I'm not Cesc, I'm not that clever!
XabiAlonso14 has been added to the conversation
Theo4Mel says: err hello
GaelClichy says: ~hola!
FrenchFry says: Hey.
KoloKola says: hello Xabi.
XabiAlonso14 says: um. hi?
you say: Xabi! You said you were good at parties! HELP.
XabiAlonso14 says: Oh okay. What seems to be the problem?
you say: We want to surprise him for Christmas apparently...
Theo4Mel says: *nods*
XabiAlonso14 says: er
XabiAlonso14 says: Cesc is REALLY hard to surprise, he usually finds out beforehand...
you say: er, no?
Theo4Mel says: What, it's easy!!
XabiAlonso14 says: really? I don't know, the Spanish team never manages...
FrenchFry says: LOL
GaelClichy says: Samir, ce n'est pas si drôle
FrenchFry says: Sorry.
Theo4Mel says: ...right.
KoloKola says: Okay so assuming we can, on the count of we have multiple languages to our advantage...
XabiAlonso14 says: Well then I've got an idea...
**
"So, what are you getting me for Christmas?"
You wedge the phone between your ear and your shoulder.
"It's a surprise, Cesc."
He actually whines. You're amazed at the similarities between him and Shaqueel.
"But you knoooowwww I hatttteeee surprises."
"If I tollllld you it wouldn't beeeee a surprise."
"Which is the way I like it?"
"No."
You can basically hear him pouting over the phone.
"Have to get off the phone now. Take care of that leg okay?"
You hang up before you hear him mumbling in Spanish.
**
"I need to be blindfolded?"
"Yes."
"Oh my gosh Robin what did you get me???"
"You'll see."
You guide him with one hand encircled around his hip and the other gripping his hand. Cesc is grinning from ear to ear like an excited puppy.
"You know you guys should really have let me help out with the party decorations and stuff, I mean it's my house, it's not like-"
"It's not like you're injured and out for four months or anything."
"If I didn't have a blindfold on I'd be glaring at you, you know that?"
"Comeon, you know that blindfold is incredibly sexy on you."
Cesc's cheeks are slightly pink.
**
"Okay. You're standing in the middle of the room and everybody is here around you."
"Oh, nice. Hi guys."
A chorus of hellos and laughter runs through the room.
"So what am I supposed to do? Play Marco Polo or something? I can't really move you know, bad leg."
"No, Cesc," Gael says, "We're just going to stand in a ring around you, and you're going to try and find the present, and we'll tell you if you're hot or cold until you find the present okay? That way you won't crash into anything but us."
"But I can't. Movvve. Can't you guys just give it to me?"
"Humour us, Cesc," says Theo, wearing a Santa hat with a blinking pom pom at the end.
"Yeah, hobble," says Manu, to which Cesc says "Manu, you're mean."
"Love you too, kid."
Cesc sighs.
"Okay, okay."
He sticks out his hands.
"Cold."
"Cold." "Freezing." "Do you know how to play this game, Cesc?" "Shut up!"
"Cold."
"Bit Warmer." "Defrosting."
"Warm now." "Warm!"
"Very warm." "Warm warm warm"
"Hot." "Hot!" "ooh you're about to Boil!"
Cesc bumps into someone and arms have to stable him from falling. "Sorry!"
"Dude you just got burnt!"
"Er," Cesc stops moving. "What?"
"Boiling, Cesc."
"But I just crashed into-" he pauses suddenly, like a lightbulb has just lit up above his head. "My present is a person?"
Cesc grabs wrists, grabs arms, touches shoulders, touches hair.
"Okay. I have no idea. I give upppp you guyssss. Can I please please open my eyes now?"
"Oh, fine. Go ahead."
Cesc tears off the blindfold, only to find himself enveloped in a bear hug by one Aleks Hleb, one Philippe Senderos and one Mathieu Flamini.
Cesc lets out a squeal and finds he can barely stand up even on his good leg.
**
You're drinking champagne on the couch when Cesc decides to hobble over and fall into your lap.
"How'd you guys...?"
You shrug. "Xabi figured the other boys were having Christmas break, and thought you might enjoy having them over?"
Cesc has that adorable confused look on his face again. "Xabi?"
"Alonso. Your Spanish friend?"
"Oh. Huh. Why didn't you tell me that earlier?" Cesc asks, pulling out his phone and shuffling next to you on the sofa, fingers flying over the touchpad.
"You know, Robin..."
"Yeah?"
"This is a greatttt present and all but..."
"but?"
"it means I have lots of catching up to do?"
You shrug. "Go and do it. It's your party and your present and your house. I'll be here waiting when the party's over."
Cesc smiles gratefully and you think that the effort is worth it. Cesc kisses you in front of everyone; there's a cheer and you can't help smiling against his lips.
You must remember to text Xabi to thank him.
**
"Hey."
You look up to see Samir looking at you, hands in his pockets, a wreath of green and gold tinsel halo-ing his hair.
"Oh hey Samir." You pat the seat on the couch next to you and he grins and shuffles into the spot, knees bumping knees and elbows bumping elbows.
"Good party, yeah?"
"Yeah."
"You don't seem to party much."
You shrug. "I never do. I usually hang around on the side and soak up the atmosphere and get drunk enough for me to be dragged by Cesc to dance on a table with him to the sound of 'Jingle Bell Rock' or something."
He laughs. "I can't wait to see it."
"Yeah, well," you shrug again, taking another swig of champagne, "think Cesc is distracted enough this year."
"But you know," Samir says, turning to face you, "Cesc seems to be having the most fun he has had in ages, and same with the others...you guys must have really missed those three?"
You nod. "Tomas," you say, swinging your champagne glass in the direction of the Czech, "may be innocently flirting with Lukasz of late (Samir smiles at that, rolling his eyes) but he's been dating Aleks for the better part of the two years he's been here. And everyone gets along with Phil really easily - he's hardly ever held a grudge or gotten angry with anybody; and Matty, you know Matty, he's like, Cesc's brother or something, they're the life of the party."
"Mathieu's like that on the French team, too," Samir says absentmindedly, and you catch him with a vacant look in his eyes.
"Hey, Samir, don't you think you're not welcome here, okay? I mean these people are old friends and I know you're new and all that, but we really like you too, okay? We just haven't seen them in ages."
Samir doesn't say anything.
"You've been great. Really really great. Everyone likes you."
Samir smiles at that. "Okay. You better stop gushing about me."
"But you're wonderful!"
"Yes, yes, I know, but I think you've had a little too much champagne."
"What? No! You're saying I'm saying this because I'm drunk?"
"Partially."
"But-"
"But Robin, you're holding my hand."
You look down suddenly and see his hand caught in yours.
"Oh um. Sorry, I-"
"It's okay." Samir's voice is tight.
"We're friends right?"
Samir looks at you strangely. "Of course."
"I'm not stupid, Samir. I know you like me -"
"-Robin," Samir says quickly-
"-but I can't. I like-"
"-Cesc, and you're in love with Bouchra and Shaqueel and there's no more room for one more. I get it."
"...no you don't. I care about you. I just think there's someone out there for you that will be better for you than me. And when that time comes I'll be your best friend."
Samir rolls his eyes, smiles. "Okay."
You give him a kiss on the forehead. "Now, Samir, I think you need to get drunk."
**
The night ends with Samir dancing on the table with Cesc to the tune of "The Jingle Bell Rock."
Cesc decides Samir can crash in the guest room for the night.
**
"So."
"So," you say, helping Cesc to clean up.
"Did you even manage to talk to Aleks and Matty and Phil?"
"Of course."
"Oh. I thought you were on the couch all night."
You laugh. "The party finds me, Cesc."
"Yeah, yeah, you're fabulous, I know, I know."
You shake your head, grinning.
"Thanks for it."
You shrug again, realise you've done a lot of that tonight. "Xabi's idea, not mine."
"He said you did most of the calling and the paying for airfares and arranging hotels and stuff though. So, thanks."
"Well it makes you happy."
"You happy too?"
"Of course. Why?"
"You and Samir were talking rather intensely and then you were trying to get Samir drunk."
"Wow, jealous are we?"
"No. I know you love me."
You laugh.
"Really. Everything fine there?"
"Yeah, it's fine."
"Okay. You're lucky I make a killer hangover tonic, Samir will need it tomorrow."
**
You manage to get Samir tucked up when Cesc yawns enormously, blinking furiously.
"Are you getting tired, Cesc?"
"A little."
"Comeon, let's get you to bed." You grab his hand and help him down the hall to his bedroom.
"Wait are we having sex?"
You roll your eyes at him.
"You need rest."
"But-"
"Cesc."
He pouts at you prettily and you can't resist the urge to kiss him, pulling back quickly.
"You have a guest in the guest room."
"There's a reason I put it on the other end of the hallway," Cesc mumbles, but he's fallen on the bed now and his eyes are slipping closed quickly.
He falls asleep before you can even change him into his pyjamas.
You shake your head as you strip him down to his underwear and tuck him into the bed.
You watch him sleeping for a while before kissing him on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Cesc."
You pause momentarily before doing the same in Samir's room, pulling loose bits of tinsel out of his hair.
"Merry Christmas, Samir."
Lights out, and you settle yourself on the couch. From there you can look out the window and see the stars.
**FIN!**