5 things meme... - 5 Times Stevie and Xabi Almost Got Caught
5 times Stevie and Xabi *almost* got caught
Pairing: Xabi Alonso/Stevie Gerrard, short cameo by Iker Casillas/David Beckham ::snicker::
Rating: PG13 (possibly very tame R if you’ve got tender nerves)
Warnings: Slash, fluff, alcohol, swear words
Disclaimer: None of this ever happened. Period.
Feedback: is very much appreciated!
Author’s Note: liverlass and I had a lot of fun with all the “5 reasons/times/whatever” things we came up with, challenging each other, and both have been writing like crazy XD And here’s my result. It’s 3800 something words, so not really a drabble after all, but meh! I got carried away XD
This is the first time I’ve tried my hands on a thing like this, but it’s surely not the last, because this was fun!
Oh, and the Spanish words here and there may not be entirely corect. Forgive me.
1. Liverpool teammates
They are sitting at the edge of the field, silently watching Peter and John Arne practicing penalties with Jerzy and Pepe by the goal post on the other side.
Leaning back on his hands, Xabi silently wonders why they are still sitting there, especially since the others left ages ago. He wonders why they haven't taken the obligatory shower, said good bye to the others, driven down the drive way only to have to stop there for a few minutes to sign a good couple of autographs and get pictures taken though they really don't feel like it right now. He wonders why they haven't gone home to either one of them, or each to their own place, to rest, to get some food, to see a movie.
It is probably because if they remain here, at the edge of the green field, they won't have to face the world and its obligations. They won't have to do anything that is expected of them; to be good players, good idols, good boyfriends, good people. If they remain here they can be themselves for a little longer. Not having to put up façades. Because both of them know everything there is to know about the other. No secrets, no hiding, no lies, no pretending things are different than they are.
He smiles as Stevie's hand covers his behind their backs, silently thanking whoever is up there that the other guys are far away.
"What are ye thinkin' about?" Stevie asks, his voice low even though nobody is around. Old habit.
Xabi looks at him for a few moments, then scoots a bit closer so their legs touch slightly.
"Us," he answers truthfully, warm brown never leaving intense blue.
Stevie casts a quick glance to where the others are, careful that nobody is watching, and then runs a hand gently up Xabi's arm before coming to rest at the nape of his neck. Xabi's eyes shines in the warm orange glow from the autumn sunset and Stevie is certain he has never seen anything so entrancing in his life. He pulls him close and for a moment nothing matters but tentative lips against each other, small sounds of contentment leaving them both, soft rustling of grass against their legs and hands and the sounds of a football being kicked before it hits the back of the net that is so unbelievably far away.
The moment is just way too short.
Xabi's lips feel cold and lost as the sudden sharp October air flows against them. The hand at his neck slowly disappears and he knows that this is the backside of the medal; leave emotions at the door when you leave home together. Don't show the World what you want to show it, because the World is not yet ready to see. He closes his eyes and exhales slowly, raking a hand through his dark hair. It is not the first time that thoughts like these threaten to over take him.
"Stevie!"
They both look up sharply, just in time to see the ball zooming towards them. Stevie grabs it expertly before gesturing rudely towards John.
"Are ye fuckin' insane?! What if I hadn't heard ye?!" Stevie lets John pull him to his feet and pat his back before he reaches for Xabi's hand, pulling him up as well.
"Would've served you right, seeing how far away you guys were." John peers curiously over at Xabi who merely rolls his eyes. But as John turns to go back to the others, he can't help but look down at the grass and smile, knowing that Stevie didn't freak out because of almost being hit, but because of almost being caught.
2. Alex
He is visiting Stevie one afternoon and to his surprise, Alex opens the door.
"¡Hola, Xabi!" she grins and he is taken slightly aback, not knowing that she would be home. He is suddenly very glad he didn't bring that bottle of wine after all he thinks as he kisses her cheek.
"Hola, Alex. ¿Cómo estas?" he smiles, hanging his coat at the coat hanger she holds out to him. In opposition to Stevie, Alex can speak Spanish without fretting.
"Bien," she says as they walk into the kitchen. "¿Y tú?"
"Cansado pero bien," he sits down by the table, a bit awkward, as she pours him a cup of coffee. "¿Está Stevie?" he asks, careful to not sound overly interested.
"Sí, sólo un momento," she says and goes back out to the hallway, making him silently wonder if she brought him in here for the soul purpose of practicing her Spanish a little. He smiles at the thought, knowing that Stevie certainly isn't any use when it comes to stuff like that.
He looks around the cosy kitchen, the darkness outside the window making it even warmer and more comforting than usual. The clock on the wall is ticking loudly in the silent house and he barely makes out the sounds of someone walking across the carpet-covered floors upstairs. A door being slammed shut. Someone walking down the stairs, steps heavy. He gets up from the chair as he recognises the sound of feet dragging across the floor before they turn the corner.
Xabi can't help but snort at the sight of the man who walks into the kitchen. Hair tousled, eyes sleepy, wearing an old Chelsea shirt (no doubt given to him by Frank or John as a joke) and a pair of khaki shorts.
"I'm sorry," he chuckles sarcastically, "did I wake you up?"
Stevie yawns as he walks over to give Xabi a short kiss.
"No, Alex did," he says with a smile as he looks at his reflection in the window. "Oh God. Didn't know it was this bad. I'll be right back down. Make yerself at home," Stevie says before hurrying back upstairs and Xabi has to laugh at the exasperated look on his face as he exits the kitchen.
He brings his coffee with him into the living room and sits down in the huge cream coloured comfy chair, resting his tired feet on the footrest. He really wants one of these chairs, he muses, but it wouldn't go with his black couch. He could get a new couch though, but the cream fluffiness still wouldn't go with the sharp style of his apartment. He would have to re-furnish the whole place, and really, that isn't worth it. He would rather have to come here more often to enjoy the chair.
He sighs happily, sinking even further into it, the dimmed light and crackling sounds from the fireplace making him light-headed and drowsy.
When Stevie enters the living room, looking a bit more awake than earlier, he stops in his tracks, a soft smile gracing his face at the sight that meets him.
Xabi is in his favourite chair, his eyes closed, lips curved into a relaxed smile, head leaning slightly to the right against the head rest, dark strands of hair contrasting sharply against the cream fabric. His calm breath makes his chest rise and fall slowly and Stevie is sure that he has never seen anyone more at peace than this, save perhaps for Lexie and Lily.
He closes the wooden door silently behind him, careful not to wake Xabi up, before sneaking over and kneeling on the floor next to the chair. He takes the hand that hangs limply over the edge of the armrest in his, placing a light kiss to the back of it.
As Stevie looks back up, his eyes meet familiar dark brown ones and he smiles.
"Hey," he whispers, reaching up to stroke Xabi's cheek softly.
"Hola," Xabi whispers back before trying to stifle a yawn and failing miserably at that.
"Ye're knackered. I'll give ye a ride home," Stevie says as he starts to get to his feet, stoping half way as their faces are level. Xabi looks at him, his hand locking over Stevie's as he runs his thumb in gentle circles across Xabi's smoothly shaved chin. His intense eyes makes Stevie freeze to the spot, forgetting that he is supposed to get up. Before he knows what he is doing, forgetting that he is in his own house and that Alex could come in any second, he pulls Xabi closer and brushes his lips against his, shivering slightly. Xabi holds him in place with his free hand, nibbling softly, before muttering against him,
"Stay with me. At my place," and Stevie can't do anything but nod in agreement. He pulls away slightly, squeezing both Xabi's hands in his before getting up.
"I'll just tell Alex," he says and is about to turn around when the door swings open. They both start as Alex pops her head in.
"There ye are," she says as she sees the two of them. "Everythin' okay?" she continues curiously at Stevie's surprised look. Stevie merely nods and walks past her into the hallway, leaving Xabi to himself. Xabi exhales slowly, thanking God that the Gerrards don't have glass doors between the hall and the living room.
"Yeah, yeah, ye just gave us a heart attack as ye opened the door, 's all," he grabs his phone from the top of the drawer and puts it in his pocket. "Listen, Xabi is this far from passin' out so I'll give 'im a lift home," he says as Xabi stops next to him and pulls on his jacket.
"Okay. Ye look pretty out of it," Alex smiles at him and he smiles back politely, tying the scarf around his neck. "I guess ye'll have to stay over then, or he won't have any car tomorrow mornin'," she continues and leans against the doorframe. Xabi looks away slightly and smiles inwardly as Stevie leans in to give her a chaste kiss before he opens the heavy front door.
" I'm afraid so. Come on, Sleepy. Let's get ye home," Stevie chuckles and Xabi snorts before turning to Alex, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Sorry, missus, I really didn't mean to steal him," he says mock seriously but Alex just laughs and waves them away.
3. Rafa
Searing pain charges through his ankle as he hits the grass with a nasty 'thud' and he is sure he sees stars for a few moments as the back of his head hits the ground nano seconds later.
The next thing he knows is the numbing sensation keeping his leg still at the ground, his breath heavy and fast after being knocked out of him.
Seconds later, Luis and Stevie are kneeling next to him, looking very worried.
"¡Xabi! ¿Tú bien?" Luis asks, forgetting his English for a moment, and Xabi nods slightly as he feels his foot coming slowly back to life. He sits up and groans at the sharp pain in his head, but he doesn't feel as bad as the others definitely suspects he might be.
"Ye sure, mate? That wasn't pretty." Stevie helps him to his feet and he just nods again, not putting any weight on the injured leg. "Come on, I'll get ye downstairs to Waller's," he continues, referring to the club doctor. He places his arm around Xabi's waist and motions for him to put his arm around his neck for support.
"Okay," Xabi says faintly, seeing Rafa hurry towards them from the sideline.
"What happened here?" he asks quickly as he closes in on the two men, the others having gone back to practicing, some of them sending Xabi concerned looks.
"I got hooked," Xabi grimaces, happy for the support Stevie is giving him, his ankle feeling worse than he first thought. Rafa frowns slightly.
"Yes, I could see that. Off to Waller with you, I'll come down later," he says before turning to Stevie, eyeing him questioningly.
"I'll help him down, Sir," he answers quickly and Rafa merely nods before turning his attention to the practice again, knowing that Xabi is in good hands.
An hour later, Stevie walks back into the doctor's office, just in time to see Xabi squishing his shirt into a tight ball. He looks up at the sound of the door being closed, and Stevie realizes that Mark Waller isn't there.
"What's the verdict?" he asks quietly, the expression on Xabi's face not doing anything to calm him and neither is the cold pack around his ankle.
"Ankle sprain. Out for at least six weeks," he mutters, throwing the balled shirt down at the examination bench in frustration, looking more than morose. Stevie sighs and walks over, putting a hand on Xabi's bare shoulder as he sits down next to him. It's not the first time Xabi’s been out with a sprain and Stevie knows how much he wants to play against Chelsea in a couple of weeks. He doesn't really know what to say, isn't very good with words and all that.
Xabi sighs and rubs absentmindedly at his temple, really not wanting to believe this.
"How's the head?" Stevie asks, remembering how hard he hit the ground earlier.
"It's okay. Just feels like cotton," Xabi answers and Stevie chuckles before leaning in to place a kiss in his slightly damp hair. He hears Xabi sigh heavily again and Stevie takes his hand in his before he rips the t-shirt into shreds, the other coming to rest at Xabi's neck.
Xabi turns towards him, a defeated look in his eyes, and Stevie understands more than anyone how he feels. He wishes he could say something, but he doesn't know what, so instead he settles for a kiss on his forehead.
As their eyes meet again, Xabi's lips move into a small smile. He knows that Stevie is just trying to cheer him up and God knows he appreciates it. Stevie smiles back, then nudges Xabi closer and brushes his lips lightly against his, feeling him relax in his arms.
"Ye'll be good as new in no time. Meanwhile, I'll do my best to keep ye happy," he mutters as he pulls away. Xabi nods and opens his mouth to say something when they hear voices right outside the door. Two seconds later, Stevie has jumped to his feet and Xabi is back to looking moody when Rafa opens the door and enters together with Mark Waller.
"I'm sorry, Xabi, real shame that," he says and Xabi merely nods.
4. Mikel
Stevie is sure he has never been anywhere as relaxing as this place. The warm sand between his toes, the sizzling hot sun on his back, the sharp yet calming sound of waves upon the white beach. Not to mention the sight of Xabi waddling through those waves, water to a little above his knees, soaking the edge of his shorts. A content smile on his face, a healthy colour to his cheeks, t-shirt slung casually over his shoulder, Xabi looks the epitome of happiness.
There is no one else on the beach that evening in San Sebastian as they are walking back towards Xabi's house from a nice meal in town. Stevie has no idea what time it is. He deliberately left is watch back at Xabi's place and he knows Xabi did the same. But he guesses it is probably around nine-ish since the sun is setting far away and the gulls have quietened down a bit.
Stevie notices the playful look on Xabi's face and he reaches for the t-shirt, pulling it off his shoulder.
"Go on, get in," he nods towards the endless turquoise sea and Xabi follows his gaze.
"Only if you're coming with me," he says and looks intently at Stevie who is standing a few feet away. Stevie ponders for a second, then nods.
"After ye," he motions for Xabi to move along as he unbuttons his pale green shirt and throws both that and Xabi's t-shirt in a heap on the white sand. When he looks up, Xabi is already far away, diving through the waves like a seal and Stevie can't help but marvel at how at home he seems to be here. No wonder really, but still. He smiles as he makes his way out, the water pleasant and cool against his dry, hot skin. Getting a bit further out, he throws himself headfirst into a huge wave and all sounds disappear into a blur. It is like a different world down here; the sound of bubbles passing his ears and splashing noises far away, the soft colours, the slow movements of everything.
Time ceases to pass until he has to come up to breath and he breaks the surface with a gasp, the fresh breeze and sharp sounds of the real world almost knocking him over.
He looks around to locate Xabi, water reaching his chest, but he doesn't get time to look far before he feels his feet being knocked away from under him and he is under water again in no time. Stevie quickly comes back up, spluttering and gasping as he whipes the water away from his face, hearing Xabi laugh at him.
"Not funny!" he coughs and opens his eyes just to look straight into Xabi's, who grabs his hands under water, fingers entwining.
"It's a little funny," Xabi mutters, the playfully smile never leaving his face as he leans in to kiss Stevie passionately, hands trailing around his waist and holding him close. Stevie can't help but run his hands up and down Xabi's smooth, trained back and Xabi shivers against him. Stevie's hand combs through his dark hair, holding him in place as he explores his mouth thoroughly, their tongues stroking softly against the other in a slow little dance of emotions. It is like being under water again; every noise is muffled, every colour soft and calm behind his eyelids.
Stevie pulls away after a few moments, attacking Xabi's neck with his lips, pulling a soft moan from the back of his throat.
"Stevie.. Not here," he mutters, clinging desperatley to his body.
Stevie nods slightly, knowing that he is probably right. He pulls back after having placed a light kiss on Xabi's lips and as he sees the content look on his flushed face, he is sure he is the luckiest man alive, being the one to experience this man up close and getting to know him as he really is, not the man he chooses to show to the rest of the world.
"I love you," he mutters, eyes never leaving each other as he takes Xabi's hands in his again.
"Te amo también." Xabi's voice is soft around the edges and he squeezes Stevie's hands.
"Xabi! ¿Está eso tú?" Stevie turns around to see someone waving at the shore and recognises it as Mikel.
"Si!" Xabi shouts back, lifting a hand in hello as his brother starts swimming towards them.
5. Squad members
"Let's go outside, the heat is killing me!" Stevie shouts, trying to get his message across but Xabi just frowns at him, the music in the room way too loud.
"What?" he shouts back and Stevie just rolls his eyes, making his way towards the large terrace that circle the house, glass of red wine in his hand.
They're at David's place in Madrid, the two National teams having a sort of get-together. It is around 3am and certain people are starting to take off a bit. Xabi is, for once, not totally wasted, Stevie muses and smiles as he exits the front room.
The quiet on the terrace is almost overwhelming, but he can get used to it. He snorts as he sees Luis wave at him from the other side of the window and Xabi, following his gaze, chuckles before taking another sip of wine.
"Man, it's packed in there," Stevie exclaims and walks around the corner to the back of the house before he leans against the wall, looking out over the garden.
"Yes, but it is fun!" Xabi grins at him, taking another slow sip before setting the glass down at the banister, his slightly narrowed eyes never leaving Stevie's.
Stevie swallows, a light shiver running through him in anticipation at the heated look. He reaches around Xabi's waist and pulls him closer.
"C'm here," he mutters and the next moment, Xabi is pressing him against the wall, faces close, eyes fluttered shut, breaths hot and heavy, noses nudging at each other. Stevie quickly captures Xabi's lips in an urgent kiss, pulling him even closer. He is glad they are shielded from view by the huge, ivy-covered pillars on the terrace, else this could get awkward.
Xabi sighs happily into his mouth as Stevie parts his lips, feeling a tongue tracing them before sliding in to play a friendly game of wrestling. He runs his hands over the back of Xabi's shirt, revelling in the feel of firm muscles working under his palms.
At the sharp sound of a door being opened, sounds of laughter and music coming from the front room, Xabi jumps back in surprise and turns, leaving Stevie standing flushed against the wall for a second before he cottons on.
They didn't really know whom they expected to walk around the corner of the terrace, but it sure as hell wasn't Iker and David.
Arms around each other, laughing at some stupid joke, Iker ruffling David's neatly done blonde hair, David trying to duck away but fails and the next thing he knows Iker has pushed him up against a pillar, ivy falling into the aforementioned blonde hair.
Xabi has to cover his mouth with his hand to refrain from snorting out loud and Stevie merely stares in shock. He sees the triumphant look on Xabi's face and his eyebrows raises in surprise. He pulls Xabi silently towards him, lips close to his ear as he whispers,
"What the hell is goin’ on?!"
"I knew it! I knew they were up to something! Iker will never hear the end of this," Xabi whispers back excitedly, careful not to move.
"What?! Ye knew..?!” Stevie whispers before looking up. “God, this is just strange," he continues as Iker leans in to press his lips against David's, apparently not aware of the two of them standing less than thirty feet away. Xabi merely turns his head to wink at him before leaning close again.
"Did I tell you that I had a slight crush on Iker when I first came to the National team?" he whispers hotly into Stevie's ear and the words, the husky tone in his voice and the absolutely nerve wracking situation makes Stevie feel awkwardly aroused.
"Really?" he whispers back, feigning lack of interest, but for a moment he can picture Xabi being pushed up against the pillar instead of David. He regrets it a moment later when he feels that familiar flare through the pit of his stomach.
"Really," Xabi whispers with a smile, clearly seeing what effect his words has on Stevie. He leans back against him and Stevie can't help but moan silently at the pressure. He doesn’t know how the hell he got into this plain weird situation, but right now he isn’t about to complain.
Pairing: Xabi Alonso/Stevie Gerrard, short cameo by Iker Casillas/David Beckham ::snicker::
Rating: PG13 (possibly very tame R if you’ve got tender nerves)
Warnings: Slash, fluff, alcohol, swear words
Disclaimer: None of this ever happened. Period.
Feedback: is very much appreciated!
Author’s Note: liverlass and I had a lot of fun with all the “5 reasons/times/whatever” things we came up with, challenging each other, and both have been writing like crazy XD And here’s my result. It’s 3800 something words, so not really a drabble after all, but meh! I got carried away XD
This is the first time I’ve tried my hands on a thing like this, but it’s surely not the last, because this was fun!
Oh, and the Spanish words here and there may not be entirely corect. Forgive me.
1. Liverpool teammates
They are sitting at the edge of the field, silently watching Peter and John Arne practicing penalties with Jerzy and Pepe by the goal post on the other side.
Leaning back on his hands, Xabi silently wonders why they are still sitting there, especially since the others left ages ago. He wonders why they haven't taken the obligatory shower, said good bye to the others, driven down the drive way only to have to stop there for a few minutes to sign a good couple of autographs and get pictures taken though they really don't feel like it right now. He wonders why they haven't gone home to either one of them, or each to their own place, to rest, to get some food, to see a movie.
It is probably because if they remain here, at the edge of the green field, they won't have to face the world and its obligations. They won't have to do anything that is expected of them; to be good players, good idols, good boyfriends, good people. If they remain here they can be themselves for a little longer. Not having to put up façades. Because both of them know everything there is to know about the other. No secrets, no hiding, no lies, no pretending things are different than they are.
He smiles as Stevie's hand covers his behind their backs, silently thanking whoever is up there that the other guys are far away.
"What are ye thinkin' about?" Stevie asks, his voice low even though nobody is around. Old habit.
Xabi looks at him for a few moments, then scoots a bit closer so their legs touch slightly.
"Us," he answers truthfully, warm brown never leaving intense blue.
Stevie casts a quick glance to where the others are, careful that nobody is watching, and then runs a hand gently up Xabi's arm before coming to rest at the nape of his neck. Xabi's eyes shines in the warm orange glow from the autumn sunset and Stevie is certain he has never seen anything so entrancing in his life. He pulls him close and for a moment nothing matters but tentative lips against each other, small sounds of contentment leaving them both, soft rustling of grass against their legs and hands and the sounds of a football being kicked before it hits the back of the net that is so unbelievably far away.
The moment is just way too short.
Xabi's lips feel cold and lost as the sudden sharp October air flows against them. The hand at his neck slowly disappears and he knows that this is the backside of the medal; leave emotions at the door when you leave home together. Don't show the World what you want to show it, because the World is not yet ready to see. He closes his eyes and exhales slowly, raking a hand through his dark hair. It is not the first time that thoughts like these threaten to over take him.
"Stevie!"
They both look up sharply, just in time to see the ball zooming towards them. Stevie grabs it expertly before gesturing rudely towards John.
"Are ye fuckin' insane?! What if I hadn't heard ye?!" Stevie lets John pull him to his feet and pat his back before he reaches for Xabi's hand, pulling him up as well.
"Would've served you right, seeing how far away you guys were." John peers curiously over at Xabi who merely rolls his eyes. But as John turns to go back to the others, he can't help but look down at the grass and smile, knowing that Stevie didn't freak out because of almost being hit, but because of almost being caught.
2. Alex
He is visiting Stevie one afternoon and to his surprise, Alex opens the door.
"¡Hola, Xabi!" she grins and he is taken slightly aback, not knowing that she would be home. He is suddenly very glad he didn't bring that bottle of wine after all he thinks as he kisses her cheek.
"Hola, Alex. ¿Cómo estas?" he smiles, hanging his coat at the coat hanger she holds out to him. In opposition to Stevie, Alex can speak Spanish without fretting.
"Bien," she says as they walk into the kitchen. "¿Y tú?"
"Cansado pero bien," he sits down by the table, a bit awkward, as she pours him a cup of coffee. "¿Está Stevie?" he asks, careful to not sound overly interested.
"Sí, sólo un momento," she says and goes back out to the hallway, making him silently wonder if she brought him in here for the soul purpose of practicing her Spanish a little. He smiles at the thought, knowing that Stevie certainly isn't any use when it comes to stuff like that.
He looks around the cosy kitchen, the darkness outside the window making it even warmer and more comforting than usual. The clock on the wall is ticking loudly in the silent house and he barely makes out the sounds of someone walking across the carpet-covered floors upstairs. A door being slammed shut. Someone walking down the stairs, steps heavy. He gets up from the chair as he recognises the sound of feet dragging across the floor before they turn the corner.
Xabi can't help but snort at the sight of the man who walks into the kitchen. Hair tousled, eyes sleepy, wearing an old Chelsea shirt (no doubt given to him by Frank or John as a joke) and a pair of khaki shorts.
"I'm sorry," he chuckles sarcastically, "did I wake you up?"
Stevie yawns as he walks over to give Xabi a short kiss.
"No, Alex did," he says with a smile as he looks at his reflection in the window. "Oh God. Didn't know it was this bad. I'll be right back down. Make yerself at home," Stevie says before hurrying back upstairs and Xabi has to laugh at the exasperated look on his face as he exits the kitchen.
He brings his coffee with him into the living room and sits down in the huge cream coloured comfy chair, resting his tired feet on the footrest. He really wants one of these chairs, he muses, but it wouldn't go with his black couch. He could get a new couch though, but the cream fluffiness still wouldn't go with the sharp style of his apartment. He would have to re-furnish the whole place, and really, that isn't worth it. He would rather have to come here more often to enjoy the chair.
He sighs happily, sinking even further into it, the dimmed light and crackling sounds from the fireplace making him light-headed and drowsy.
When Stevie enters the living room, looking a bit more awake than earlier, he stops in his tracks, a soft smile gracing his face at the sight that meets him.
Xabi is in his favourite chair, his eyes closed, lips curved into a relaxed smile, head leaning slightly to the right against the head rest, dark strands of hair contrasting sharply against the cream fabric. His calm breath makes his chest rise and fall slowly and Stevie is sure that he has never seen anyone more at peace than this, save perhaps for Lexie and Lily.
He closes the wooden door silently behind him, careful not to wake Xabi up, before sneaking over and kneeling on the floor next to the chair. He takes the hand that hangs limply over the edge of the armrest in his, placing a light kiss to the back of it.
As Stevie looks back up, his eyes meet familiar dark brown ones and he smiles.
"Hey," he whispers, reaching up to stroke Xabi's cheek softly.
"Hola," Xabi whispers back before trying to stifle a yawn and failing miserably at that.
"Ye're knackered. I'll give ye a ride home," Stevie says as he starts to get to his feet, stoping half way as their faces are level. Xabi looks at him, his hand locking over Stevie's as he runs his thumb in gentle circles across Xabi's smoothly shaved chin. His intense eyes makes Stevie freeze to the spot, forgetting that he is supposed to get up. Before he knows what he is doing, forgetting that he is in his own house and that Alex could come in any second, he pulls Xabi closer and brushes his lips against his, shivering slightly. Xabi holds him in place with his free hand, nibbling softly, before muttering against him,
"Stay with me. At my place," and Stevie can't do anything but nod in agreement. He pulls away slightly, squeezing both Xabi's hands in his before getting up.
"I'll just tell Alex," he says and is about to turn around when the door swings open. They both start as Alex pops her head in.
"There ye are," she says as she sees the two of them. "Everythin' okay?" she continues curiously at Stevie's surprised look. Stevie merely nods and walks past her into the hallway, leaving Xabi to himself. Xabi exhales slowly, thanking God that the Gerrards don't have glass doors between the hall and the living room.
"Yeah, yeah, ye just gave us a heart attack as ye opened the door, 's all," he grabs his phone from the top of the drawer and puts it in his pocket. "Listen, Xabi is this far from passin' out so I'll give 'im a lift home," he says as Xabi stops next to him and pulls on his jacket.
"Okay. Ye look pretty out of it," Alex smiles at him and he smiles back politely, tying the scarf around his neck. "I guess ye'll have to stay over then, or he won't have any car tomorrow mornin'," she continues and leans against the doorframe. Xabi looks away slightly and smiles inwardly as Stevie leans in to give her a chaste kiss before he opens the heavy front door.
" I'm afraid so. Come on, Sleepy. Let's get ye home," Stevie chuckles and Xabi snorts before turning to Alex, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Sorry, missus, I really didn't mean to steal him," he says mock seriously but Alex just laughs and waves them away.
3. Rafa
Searing pain charges through his ankle as he hits the grass with a nasty 'thud' and he is sure he sees stars for a few moments as the back of his head hits the ground nano seconds later.
The next thing he knows is the numbing sensation keeping his leg still at the ground, his breath heavy and fast after being knocked out of him.
Seconds later, Luis and Stevie are kneeling next to him, looking very worried.
"¡Xabi! ¿Tú bien?" Luis asks, forgetting his English for a moment, and Xabi nods slightly as he feels his foot coming slowly back to life. He sits up and groans at the sharp pain in his head, but he doesn't feel as bad as the others definitely suspects he might be.
"Ye sure, mate? That wasn't pretty." Stevie helps him to his feet and he just nods again, not putting any weight on the injured leg. "Come on, I'll get ye downstairs to Waller's," he continues, referring to the club doctor. He places his arm around Xabi's waist and motions for him to put his arm around his neck for support.
"Okay," Xabi says faintly, seeing Rafa hurry towards them from the sideline.
"What happened here?" he asks quickly as he closes in on the two men, the others having gone back to practicing, some of them sending Xabi concerned looks.
"I got hooked," Xabi grimaces, happy for the support Stevie is giving him, his ankle feeling worse than he first thought. Rafa frowns slightly.
"Yes, I could see that. Off to Waller with you, I'll come down later," he says before turning to Stevie, eyeing him questioningly.
"I'll help him down, Sir," he answers quickly and Rafa merely nods before turning his attention to the practice again, knowing that Xabi is in good hands.
An hour later, Stevie walks back into the doctor's office, just in time to see Xabi squishing his shirt into a tight ball. He looks up at the sound of the door being closed, and Stevie realizes that Mark Waller isn't there.
"What's the verdict?" he asks quietly, the expression on Xabi's face not doing anything to calm him and neither is the cold pack around his ankle.
"Ankle sprain. Out for at least six weeks," he mutters, throwing the balled shirt down at the examination bench in frustration, looking more than morose. Stevie sighs and walks over, putting a hand on Xabi's bare shoulder as he sits down next to him. It's not the first time Xabi’s been out with a sprain and Stevie knows how much he wants to play against Chelsea in a couple of weeks. He doesn't really know what to say, isn't very good with words and all that.
Xabi sighs and rubs absentmindedly at his temple, really not wanting to believe this.
"How's the head?" Stevie asks, remembering how hard he hit the ground earlier.
"It's okay. Just feels like cotton," Xabi answers and Stevie chuckles before leaning in to place a kiss in his slightly damp hair. He hears Xabi sigh heavily again and Stevie takes his hand in his before he rips the t-shirt into shreds, the other coming to rest at Xabi's neck.
Xabi turns towards him, a defeated look in his eyes, and Stevie understands more than anyone how he feels. He wishes he could say something, but he doesn't know what, so instead he settles for a kiss on his forehead.
As their eyes meet again, Xabi's lips move into a small smile. He knows that Stevie is just trying to cheer him up and God knows he appreciates it. Stevie smiles back, then nudges Xabi closer and brushes his lips lightly against his, feeling him relax in his arms.
"Ye'll be good as new in no time. Meanwhile, I'll do my best to keep ye happy," he mutters as he pulls away. Xabi nods and opens his mouth to say something when they hear voices right outside the door. Two seconds later, Stevie has jumped to his feet and Xabi is back to looking moody when Rafa opens the door and enters together with Mark Waller.
"I'm sorry, Xabi, real shame that," he says and Xabi merely nods.
4. Mikel
Stevie is sure he has never been anywhere as relaxing as this place. The warm sand between his toes, the sizzling hot sun on his back, the sharp yet calming sound of waves upon the white beach. Not to mention the sight of Xabi waddling through those waves, water to a little above his knees, soaking the edge of his shorts. A content smile on his face, a healthy colour to his cheeks, t-shirt slung casually over his shoulder, Xabi looks the epitome of happiness.
There is no one else on the beach that evening in San Sebastian as they are walking back towards Xabi's house from a nice meal in town. Stevie has no idea what time it is. He deliberately left is watch back at Xabi's place and he knows Xabi did the same. But he guesses it is probably around nine-ish since the sun is setting far away and the gulls have quietened down a bit.
Stevie notices the playful look on Xabi's face and he reaches for the t-shirt, pulling it off his shoulder.
"Go on, get in," he nods towards the endless turquoise sea and Xabi follows his gaze.
"Only if you're coming with me," he says and looks intently at Stevie who is standing a few feet away. Stevie ponders for a second, then nods.
"After ye," he motions for Xabi to move along as he unbuttons his pale green shirt and throws both that and Xabi's t-shirt in a heap on the white sand. When he looks up, Xabi is already far away, diving through the waves like a seal and Stevie can't help but marvel at how at home he seems to be here. No wonder really, but still. He smiles as he makes his way out, the water pleasant and cool against his dry, hot skin. Getting a bit further out, he throws himself headfirst into a huge wave and all sounds disappear into a blur. It is like a different world down here; the sound of bubbles passing his ears and splashing noises far away, the soft colours, the slow movements of everything.
Time ceases to pass until he has to come up to breath and he breaks the surface with a gasp, the fresh breeze and sharp sounds of the real world almost knocking him over.
He looks around to locate Xabi, water reaching his chest, but he doesn't get time to look far before he feels his feet being knocked away from under him and he is under water again in no time. Stevie quickly comes back up, spluttering and gasping as he whipes the water away from his face, hearing Xabi laugh at him.
"Not funny!" he coughs and opens his eyes just to look straight into Xabi's, who grabs his hands under water, fingers entwining.
"It's a little funny," Xabi mutters, the playfully smile never leaving his face as he leans in to kiss Stevie passionately, hands trailing around his waist and holding him close. Stevie can't help but run his hands up and down Xabi's smooth, trained back and Xabi shivers against him. Stevie's hand combs through his dark hair, holding him in place as he explores his mouth thoroughly, their tongues stroking softly against the other in a slow little dance of emotions. It is like being under water again; every noise is muffled, every colour soft and calm behind his eyelids.
Stevie pulls away after a few moments, attacking Xabi's neck with his lips, pulling a soft moan from the back of his throat.
"Stevie.. Not here," he mutters, clinging desperatley to his body.
Stevie nods slightly, knowing that he is probably right. He pulls back after having placed a light kiss on Xabi's lips and as he sees the content look on his flushed face, he is sure he is the luckiest man alive, being the one to experience this man up close and getting to know him as he really is, not the man he chooses to show to the rest of the world.
"I love you," he mutters, eyes never leaving each other as he takes Xabi's hands in his again.
"Te amo también." Xabi's voice is soft around the edges and he squeezes Stevie's hands.
"Xabi! ¿Está eso tú?" Stevie turns around to see someone waving at the shore and recognises it as Mikel.
"Si!" Xabi shouts back, lifting a hand in hello as his brother starts swimming towards them.
5. Squad members
"Let's go outside, the heat is killing me!" Stevie shouts, trying to get his message across but Xabi just frowns at him, the music in the room way too loud.
"What?" he shouts back and Stevie just rolls his eyes, making his way towards the large terrace that circle the house, glass of red wine in his hand.
They're at David's place in Madrid, the two National teams having a sort of get-together. It is around 3am and certain people are starting to take off a bit. Xabi is, for once, not totally wasted, Stevie muses and smiles as he exits the front room.
The quiet on the terrace is almost overwhelming, but he can get used to it. He snorts as he sees Luis wave at him from the other side of the window and Xabi, following his gaze, chuckles before taking another sip of wine.
"Man, it's packed in there," Stevie exclaims and walks around the corner to the back of the house before he leans against the wall, looking out over the garden.
"Yes, but it is fun!" Xabi grins at him, taking another slow sip before setting the glass down at the banister, his slightly narrowed eyes never leaving Stevie's.
Stevie swallows, a light shiver running through him in anticipation at the heated look. He reaches around Xabi's waist and pulls him closer.
"C'm here," he mutters and the next moment, Xabi is pressing him against the wall, faces close, eyes fluttered shut, breaths hot and heavy, noses nudging at each other. Stevie quickly captures Xabi's lips in an urgent kiss, pulling him even closer. He is glad they are shielded from view by the huge, ivy-covered pillars on the terrace, else this could get awkward.
Xabi sighs happily into his mouth as Stevie parts his lips, feeling a tongue tracing them before sliding in to play a friendly game of wrestling. He runs his hands over the back of Xabi's shirt, revelling in the feel of firm muscles working under his palms.
At the sharp sound of a door being opened, sounds of laughter and music coming from the front room, Xabi jumps back in surprise and turns, leaving Stevie standing flushed against the wall for a second before he cottons on.
They didn't really know whom they expected to walk around the corner of the terrace, but it sure as hell wasn't Iker and David.
Arms around each other, laughing at some stupid joke, Iker ruffling David's neatly done blonde hair, David trying to duck away but fails and the next thing he knows Iker has pushed him up against a pillar, ivy falling into the aforementioned blonde hair.
Xabi has to cover his mouth with his hand to refrain from snorting out loud and Stevie merely stares in shock. He sees the triumphant look on Xabi's face and his eyebrows raises in surprise. He pulls Xabi silently towards him, lips close to his ear as he whispers,
"What the hell is goin’ on?!"
"I knew it! I knew they were up to something! Iker will never hear the end of this," Xabi whispers back excitedly, careful not to move.
"What?! Ye knew..?!” Stevie whispers before looking up. “God, this is just strange," he continues as Iker leans in to press his lips against David's, apparently not aware of the two of them standing less than thirty feet away. Xabi merely turns his head to wink at him before leaning close again.
"Did I tell you that I had a slight crush on Iker when I first came to the National team?" he whispers hotly into Stevie's ear and the words, the husky tone in his voice and the absolutely nerve wracking situation makes Stevie feel awkwardly aroused.
"Really?" he whispers back, feigning lack of interest, but for a moment he can picture Xabi being pushed up against the pillar instead of David. He regrets it a moment later when he feels that familiar flare through the pit of his stomach.
"Really," Xabi whispers with a smile, clearly seeing what effect his words has on Stevie. He leans back against him and Stevie can't help but moan silently at the pressure. He doesn’t know how the hell he got into this plain weird situation, but right now he isn’t about to complain.