For Each And Every Heartbeat - 3
Title: For Each And Every Heartbeat
Chapter: 3/?
Rating: PG13 (possibly 14A <--- for language)
Word Count: 1,470
Disclaimer: completely, and tragically untrue. (blurb for full disclaimer)
Summary: I'll live for you now. "Help me learn to live and love life again."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I like this one better :] HAPPY READING ♥
------------------------------------------------------------
It was the man from the airport, Fernando realized. The one that made him feel alive for the first time in years. The one person he thought about all the time. He was Fernando's angel.
-----------------------------
They didn't say anything to each other. They didn't need to. Understanding dwelled, thick in the air. But it wasn't suffocating. It was the opposite of that. It was calming, soothing, relaxing.
Sergio saw the pain in Fernando's eyes. He heard Fernando’s entire plea to God. He saw the man's desperation. Sergio could literally taste all the pain, all the despair. He despised it.
"I'll live for you now," Sergio whispered, trying to imagine countless years of desolation and despondency. Just imagining a minute of that agonizing purgatory was enough to kill him a little inside. Tears were flowing. They weren't only Fernando's. Sergio walked to the withering and emotionally-crippled man. He lightly cupped his hand on his shoulder. And he saw the agony and desperation in Fernando's chocolate eyes fade away. In its place was a look of awe. Like a child that witnessed the wonders of a superhero. It reminded Sergio of gloomy clouds slowly being overpowered by the magnificent and imperial rays of the sun. With such sheer brilliancy, the clouds would be compelled to leave, moving outward, until they were completely out of sight. Sergio breathed heavily. He felt a sudden pang of delight as he realized something: Fernando was his responsibility now. And he promised to take care of him. This time, God Himself was Sergio's witness.
---------------------------------
Neither of them spoke. They stared at each other in utter silence for what felt like eternity. Finally, Sergio decided to break it. "Hi," he breathed. Fernando simply stared. What could he say? He was completely overwhelmed with the whole situation; with the power of God. He felt sort of ecstatic as he realized that, maybe; finally, he had someone to tell his deepest secrets, his worries, his problems to. But, Sergio didn't give up. He hoisted the man up, and helped him walk four blocks east from the church, where Sergio's car was waiting patiently. He helped the fragile Fernando into the car. He noticed the no-eye contact game Fernando seemed to be playing. I'd kill to know what he's thinking. Is he still in anguish? Is he embarrassed? God, if only I knew! Sergio thought, worriedly.
"I wanna take you to this place... I'm not sure if it's somewhere you know... I just discovered it yesterday on my little adventure of exploration. But, I found it really easy to just sit and think there. I'd like to show you that place... If, you know, that's okay with you." He looked over at Fernando. He was still looking down at his shoes, even in the front seat of the car. But, he nodded weakly. It was such a fast and frail movement, that if Sergio had blinked, he wouldn't have seen it.
Sergio continued driving in silence. He looked at Fernando occasionally, but his position stayed the same. After driving for 7 minutes, they reached a park. It was a different kind of park, though. Not the usual playground, basketball hoop, and benches. This one was right beside a vast, running river.
The park was unique from the rest in their part of the city. Behind it was a barrier of giant, round boulders, that created a barrier, separating earth from water. A wide sidewalk was established for walking or even biking along the river, and countless wooden benches sat on the other side of the cemented ground. Behind the benches was a small hill of lush green grass, with various scattered flower beds sitting on it. Finally, where the hill met more leveled land, was a petite forest of walnut trees, split down the middle with a curving cement road, surrounded by a never-ending flower bed. It was an alluring and exquisite area. There was no sound except for the constant low rasping of wind, an occasional child's laughter, the bliss humming sound coming from a motor of a boat, and the waves crashing violently, against the brilliant stone barrier. It was, simply stating: heaven on earth.
Sergio took off his seat belt and announced their arrival. He opened the door, got out, and walked to the other side of the Altima, where Fernando was sitting. Slowly, the other man got out and followed him to a bench across the river. There they sat, for Heaven knows how long, simply watching the water, and listening to the wind. You could see the west side of the giant city, at the other side of the river.
----------------------------------
The sun was starting to set. Fernando fidgeted, nervously. He was contemplating on whether or not to trust the long haired man beside him. He did help him this much already; more than anyone else had ever. But what if he hurt him as much as everyone else did? What if he left after this, with Fernando's story? What if he left Fernando to wither here in pain, all alone again? Was he really ready to trust this man enough?
Finally, the freckled man spoke. "I never wanted to be like this. I wanted to be a nice person. Really. Honestly. I guess... As a child, I messed up. I never had opportunities like other kids did. My parents were control freaks, I guess you could say. If, on the rare occasion, I went to the house of one of the few friends I had, they would call, literally call or have one of their nasty friends come to where I was every half hour to see what I was up to. Mama and Papi had countless affairs. They both drank. They both took in substances only idiots would take in. If I asked them for something, like a bicycle, they'd yell, and cuss me out, telling me how dependent I was for an eight year old. Then one day, while high, my father struck me. And not just once, he struck me seven times. Crying, I looked at Mama. She was standing in the corner, laughing with a cigarette in her hand. From that night on, I promised myself wouldn't love anyone. Because, it was that day when I realized; whoever I love either ends up hurting me deeply, or leaving me."
Fernando took a deep breath, and laughed a small, shaky laugh. "And so I moved out at 17. Got a business degree. But I was never happy. You see, I didn't feel loved, still. So I started drinking, and hating nice people, like Cesc Fabregas, my co-worker. I treated women as toys, and if you asked me to share, I'd probably beat you blue. I had a high ego, low self-esteem, high expectation of everyone and everything, and low tolerance. I... I was a monster. And I was okay with that. But reality caught up with me and... Well, this was the result." Fernando raised his hands as if he was saying, "Look, this is it." He finally looked up, at the unknown man beside him. Sergio gazed intently at Fernando.
"And now?" he asked the disturbed man. Fernando just nodded his head in shame. But then he looked at Sergio, shocked. "I've just realized... I don't know your name..." Sergio chuckled. "My name is Sergio Ramos Garcia. But I use just Sergio Ramos. I'm the guy that called you awkward, that day in the airport...." He grinned.
"Yeah, I remember that." How could he forget? This guy's wink and smile caused a tsunami within him. It was a new feeling he'd never experienced before. But, God, it was a magnificent one. "Sorry about my attitude then... That was before reality caught up with me." He clicked his tongue and let a pout play on his lips. But he extended his hand forward. "I'm Fernando. Fernando José Torres Sanz. But I just use Fernando Torres."
Sergio had a look of contemplating on his face. But, he took Fernando's hand into his own, and shook it hard. Suddenly, he pulled that hand, causing it's owner to slide closer to him. He then let go of that hand and wrapped his arms around the man's shoulders; he was giving one of his signature big bear hugs.
Finally, Sergio pulled back, and grinned at Fernando. Fernando stared back at Sergio. A warm buzzing sensation was moving from the places Sergio touched, to the rest of his body. Suddenly, he felt that touch in his very core, very blood. He felt it circulate with the rest of the blood his heart was pumping to the rest of his body. He felt like he was healing miraculously from a life-threatening disease.
That was when Fernando realized... This was the first time he'd been hugged. Ever.
Chapter: 3/?
Rating: PG13 (possibly 14A <--- for language)
Word Count: 1,470
Disclaimer: completely, and tragically untrue. (blurb for full disclaimer)
Summary: I'll live for you now. "Help me learn to live and love life again."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I like this one better :] HAPPY READING ♥
------------------------------------------------------------
It was the man from the airport, Fernando realized. The one that made him feel alive for the first time in years. The one person he thought about all the time. He was Fernando's angel.
-----------------------------
They didn't say anything to each other. They didn't need to. Understanding dwelled, thick in the air. But it wasn't suffocating. It was the opposite of that. It was calming, soothing, relaxing.
Sergio saw the pain in Fernando's eyes. He heard Fernando’s entire plea to God. He saw the man's desperation. Sergio could literally taste all the pain, all the despair. He despised it.
"I'll live for you now," Sergio whispered, trying to imagine countless years of desolation and despondency. Just imagining a minute of that agonizing purgatory was enough to kill him a little inside. Tears were flowing. They weren't only Fernando's. Sergio walked to the withering and emotionally-crippled man. He lightly cupped his hand on his shoulder. And he saw the agony and desperation in Fernando's chocolate eyes fade away. In its place was a look of awe. Like a child that witnessed the wonders of a superhero. It reminded Sergio of gloomy clouds slowly being overpowered by the magnificent and imperial rays of the sun. With such sheer brilliancy, the clouds would be compelled to leave, moving outward, until they were completely out of sight. Sergio breathed heavily. He felt a sudden pang of delight as he realized something: Fernando was his responsibility now. And he promised to take care of him. This time, God Himself was Sergio's witness.
---------------------------------
Neither of them spoke. They stared at each other in utter silence for what felt like eternity. Finally, Sergio decided to break it. "Hi," he breathed. Fernando simply stared. What could he say? He was completely overwhelmed with the whole situation; with the power of God. He felt sort of ecstatic as he realized that, maybe; finally, he had someone to tell his deepest secrets, his worries, his problems to. But, Sergio didn't give up. He hoisted the man up, and helped him walk four blocks east from the church, where Sergio's car was waiting patiently. He helped the fragile Fernando into the car. He noticed the no-eye contact game Fernando seemed to be playing. I'd kill to know what he's thinking. Is he still in anguish? Is he embarrassed? God, if only I knew! Sergio thought, worriedly.
"I wanna take you to this place... I'm not sure if it's somewhere you know... I just discovered it yesterday on my little adventure of exploration. But, I found it really easy to just sit and think there. I'd like to show you that place... If, you know, that's okay with you." He looked over at Fernando. He was still looking down at his shoes, even in the front seat of the car. But, he nodded weakly. It was such a fast and frail movement, that if Sergio had blinked, he wouldn't have seen it.
Sergio continued driving in silence. He looked at Fernando occasionally, but his position stayed the same. After driving for 7 minutes, they reached a park. It was a different kind of park, though. Not the usual playground, basketball hoop, and benches. This one was right beside a vast, running river.
The park was unique from the rest in their part of the city. Behind it was a barrier of giant, round boulders, that created a barrier, separating earth from water. A wide sidewalk was established for walking or even biking along the river, and countless wooden benches sat on the other side of the cemented ground. Behind the benches was a small hill of lush green grass, with various scattered flower beds sitting on it. Finally, where the hill met more leveled land, was a petite forest of walnut trees, split down the middle with a curving cement road, surrounded by a never-ending flower bed. It was an alluring and exquisite area. There was no sound except for the constant low rasping of wind, an occasional child's laughter, the bliss humming sound coming from a motor of a boat, and the waves crashing violently, against the brilliant stone barrier. It was, simply stating: heaven on earth.
Sergio took off his seat belt and announced their arrival. He opened the door, got out, and walked to the other side of the Altima, where Fernando was sitting. Slowly, the other man got out and followed him to a bench across the river. There they sat, for Heaven knows how long, simply watching the water, and listening to the wind. You could see the west side of the giant city, at the other side of the river.
----------------------------------
The sun was starting to set. Fernando fidgeted, nervously. He was contemplating on whether or not to trust the long haired man beside him. He did help him this much already; more than anyone else had ever. But what if he hurt him as much as everyone else did? What if he left after this, with Fernando's story? What if he left Fernando to wither here in pain, all alone again? Was he really ready to trust this man enough?
Finally, the freckled man spoke. "I never wanted to be like this. I wanted to be a nice person. Really. Honestly. I guess... As a child, I messed up. I never had opportunities like other kids did. My parents were control freaks, I guess you could say. If, on the rare occasion, I went to the house of one of the few friends I had, they would call, literally call or have one of their nasty friends come to where I was every half hour to see what I was up to. Mama and Papi had countless affairs. They both drank. They both took in substances only idiots would take in. If I asked them for something, like a bicycle, they'd yell, and cuss me out, telling me how dependent I was for an eight year old. Then one day, while high, my father struck me. And not just once, he struck me seven times. Crying, I looked at Mama. She was standing in the corner, laughing with a cigarette in her hand. From that night on, I promised myself wouldn't love anyone. Because, it was that day when I realized; whoever I love either ends up hurting me deeply, or leaving me."
Fernando took a deep breath, and laughed a small, shaky laugh. "And so I moved out at 17. Got a business degree. But I was never happy. You see, I didn't feel loved, still. So I started drinking, and hating nice people, like Cesc Fabregas, my co-worker. I treated women as toys, and if you asked me to share, I'd probably beat you blue. I had a high ego, low self-esteem, high expectation of everyone and everything, and low tolerance. I... I was a monster. And I was okay with that. But reality caught up with me and... Well, this was the result." Fernando raised his hands as if he was saying, "Look, this is it." He finally looked up, at the unknown man beside him. Sergio gazed intently at Fernando.
"And now?" he asked the disturbed man. Fernando just nodded his head in shame. But then he looked at Sergio, shocked. "I've just realized... I don't know your name..." Sergio chuckled. "My name is Sergio Ramos Garcia. But I use just Sergio Ramos. I'm the guy that called you awkward, that day in the airport...." He grinned.
"Yeah, I remember that." How could he forget? This guy's wink and smile caused a tsunami within him. It was a new feeling he'd never experienced before. But, God, it was a magnificent one. "Sorry about my attitude then... That was before reality caught up with me." He clicked his tongue and let a pout play on his lips. But he extended his hand forward. "I'm Fernando. Fernando José Torres Sanz. But I just use Fernando Torres."
Sergio had a look of contemplating on his face. But, he took Fernando's hand into his own, and shook it hard. Suddenly, he pulled that hand, causing it's owner to slide closer to him. He then let go of that hand and wrapped his arms around the man's shoulders; he was giving one of his signature big bear hugs.
Finally, Sergio pulled back, and grinned at Fernando. Fernando stared back at Sergio. A warm buzzing sensation was moving from the places Sergio touched, to the rest of his body. Suddenly, he felt that touch in his very core, very blood. He felt it circulate with the rest of the blood his heart was pumping to the rest of his body. He felt like he was healing miraculously from a life-threatening disease.
That was when Fernando realized... This was the first time he'd been hugged. Ever.